1 Samuel 22:23 Abide you with me, fear not: for he that seeks my life seeks your life: but with me you shall be in safeguard. As David afforded protection to Abiathar, so Christ affords protection to those who betake themselves to him. This is not a mere resemblance, but is directly involved in that (his royal office) wherein David was a type or Divine foreshadowing of "the King of kings." They - I. ENDURE PERSECUTION FOR HIS SAKE. "He that seeketh my life seeketh thy life." They do so - 1. Because of their union with him, and partaking of his life and righteousness, to which "this present evil world" is opposed. 2. Because of their love to him, which will not suffer them to leave him, or be unfaithful to him for the sake of gaining the favour of the world. 3. Because it has been thus ordained. "Unto you it is given," etc. (Philippians 1:29). "With persecutions" (Mark 10:30), which are an occasion of spiritual blessing (Matthew 5:10). II. MUST ABIDE IN HIS FELLOWSHIP. "Abide thou with me." 1. By unwavering reliance upon him (John 15:4-7; 1 John 2:28). 2. By intimate intercourse with him. 3. By constant obedience to him. III. FIND SAFETY UNDER HIS PROTECTION. "Fear not; with me thou art in safe guard." "David spoke thus in the firm belief that the Lord would deliver him from his foe and give him the kingdom" (Keil). Christ has "all power in heaven and in earth," and he will assuredly be "a hiding place from the wind and a covert from the tempest." 1. Because of his love to them. 2. Because of his regard for his kingdom, to which they belong, and which they represent. 3. Because of his express and faithful promise. "Fear not." If the worst that can befall them should happen, even then "Thou, Saviour, art their charmed Bower, Their magic Ring, their Rock, their Tower." = - D. Parallel Verses KJV: Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard. |
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