1 Samuel 15:5, 6 And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.… The Kenites were descendants of Abraham (Genesis 25:2; Numbers 10:29; Judges 1:16) like the Amalekites, but they were unlike the latter in character and conduct. Many of them were incorporated with Israel; others, whilst standing in friendly relationship to them, lived in close contact with "the sinners the Amalekites." They may be regarded as representing those who are "not far from the kingdom of God," but imperil their salvation by evil companionship. In this message (sent by Saul, perhaps, according to the direction of Samuel) we notice - I. THE PERIL OF UNGODLY ASSOCIATION. It is not every association with irreligious persons indeed that is to be deprecated (1 Corinthians 5:10), but only such as is unnecessary, voluntary, very intimate, and formed with a view to personal convenience, profit, or pleasure rather than to their improvement (Genesis 13:12). This - 1. Destroys the good which is possessed. 2. Conforms to the evil which prevails (Psalm 1:1; Revelation 18:4). 3. Involves in the doom which is predicted - certain, terrible, and imminent. The ban has been pronounced (1 Corinthians 16:22; 2 Thessalonians 1:9), and it will ere long be executed. "A companion of fools shall be destroyed" (Proverbs 13:20). II. THE OPPORTUNITY OF EFFECTUAL ESCAPE, which - 1. Is afforded by the mercy of God, of which the message spoken by man is the expression. 2. Shows the value which he sets upon even the least measure of kindness and piety. "Ye showed kindness," etc. (ver. 6). Moral goodness, like moral evil (ver. 2), tends to perpetuate itself. God honours it by the blessing which he causes to follow in its track, he desires its preservation and perfection, and hence he says, "Destroy it not" (Isaiah 65:8). 3. Offers a certain, great, and immediate benefit. "Come out from among them and be separate, saith the Lord, and I will receive you" (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). III. THE NECESSITY OF IMMEDIATE SEPARATION. 1. This requires decision, self-denial, sacrifice, and effort. 2. Nothing else can avail (Ephesians 5:11). 3. And every moment's delay increases danger. Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain (Genesis 19:17). "Be wise today, 'tis madness to defer." - D. Parallel Verses KJV: And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.WEB: Saul came to the city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley. |
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