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Now advise [know], and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me. The intercourse of the prophet with the king, especially his language at the close of the first interview, is suggestive of -

I. THE VOCATION OF THE PREACHER of the gospel.

1. Every true preacher is sent forth by God.

2. He is put in trust with the Word of God, and is sent to proclaim it to others, as his messenger and ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20); not to teach his own speculations.

3. The purpose of the proclamation is their spiritual welfare - their instruction, edification, salvation. "They watch on behalf of your souls" (Hebrews 13:17). But, too often, The aim of all

Is how to shine: e'en they whose office is
To preach the gospel, let the gospel sleep,
And pass their own inventions off instead.
The sheep, meanwhile, poor witless ones, return
From pasture, fed with wind: and what avails
For their excuse, they do not see their harm?
Christ said not to his first conventicle,
Go forth and preach impostures to the world,'
But gave them truth to build on.

(Dante, 'Par.,' 29.)

4. The fulfilment of his calling demands the highest qualities - wisdom, sincerity, sympathy, disinterestedness, self-denial, fidelity, courage, zeal, assiduity.

5. The manner of his reception varies (Acts 17:34), and tests the character of those to whom he is sent (Matthew 10:11-13; 2 Corinthians 2:16).

6. He must return to him who sent him, and give account, not only of his own conduct, but also of the manner in which they have treated him and his message (Ezekiel 33:30-33), and the effect produced in their lives. His return takes place in private communion with God on earth, and at "the end of his life" (Hebrews 13:7). "What answer," etc.?

II. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HEARER of the Word.

1. He receives through the preacher a message from God of unspeakable importance; not, indeed, an announcement of judgment, but a revelation of mercy and of his will concerning him; repentance, faith, and obedience; "all the words of this life" (Acts 5:20).

2. He has the power of considering and understanding it, and of accepting or rejecting it.

3. He is under the strongest obligation to accept and not reject it.

4. He cannot avoid doing the one or the other; indifference, inattention, or procrastination being itself an "answer" little short of positive rejection.

5. Whatever may be his treatment thereof, it is fully known to God.

6. According to the manner in which he treats the message of God, is he justly treated by God, both here and hereafter. "The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48). "Now therefore advise thyself." "Consider" (1 Samuel 12:24). "Take heed. therefore how ye hear" (Luke 8:1-18).

III. THE MUTUAL DEPENDENCE OF PREACHER AND HEARER.

1. On the preacher, his character, adaptation, diligence (as well as on himself), depend the hearer's acceptance of the message and his spiritual benefit.

2. On the hearer, his attention, acceptance, obedience (as well as himself), depend the preacher's efficiency, success, and present joy. "That they may do this [watch, etc.] with joy, and not with grief; for this were unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17).

3. The relation in which they stand to each other will fully appear in the light of the great day; when the salvation of the hearer will be clearly seen to have been connected with the faithful labours of the preacher (Daniel 12:3), and the reward of the preacher will be proportioned to his success (and not merely to his fidelity). "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?" etc. (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20; 1 John 2:28).

4. For his own benefit, therefore (as well as that of the hearer), the preacher should seek that the hearer may be believing, obedient, and fruitful in good works (1 Thessalonians 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13).

5. For his own benefit, also, the hearer should seek that the preacher may be faithful and successful.

6. Each should pray for the blessing of God upon the other, so that the proper end of preaching and hearing may be accomplished. - D.

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KJV: So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.

WEB: So Gad came to David, and told him, and said to him, "Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days' pestilence in your land? Now answer, and consider what answer I shall return to him who sent me."