2 Samuel 3:7-11 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner… 1. The union of wicked men rests only upon regard for their own interests. It is not founded on mutual esteem, and does not constitute true friendship (1 Samuel 18:1-4). "The friendships of the world are oft Confederacies in vice, or leagues in pleasure." (Addison.) 2. When their interests come into collision, their dissensions begin. And occasions of such collision are sure to arise. "Let us mark the inherent weakness of a bad cause. Godless men banded together for selfish ends have no firm bond of union. The very passions which they are united to gratify may begin to rage against one another. They fall into the pit which they have dug for others" (Blaikie). 3. Wicked men, engaged in a common enterprise against God, are not indifferent to their reputation in the sight of one another. "Am I a dog's head," etc. (ver. 8)? Their conscience, though perverted, is not dead; their self-esteem and love of approbation are fully alive; and they estimate to the full their claims upon the gratitude of others.. They would even have their crimes connived at for the sake of the benefits which they confer. 4. Nothing more surely tests and manifests the character of the wicked than being reproved by each other for their faults. "Proud men will not bear to be reproved, especially by those to whom they have been obliged" (M. Henry). It is otherwise with the good (Psalm 141:5). 5. The strong despise the weak, and passionately resent their complaints, however reasonable and just. 6. The weak suspect the strong, and, although they may feel justified in speaking, are put to silence by their fears. "And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him," 7. The dissensions of the wicked are the most effectual means of their common overthrow, usually turn out to the advantage of the righteous, and promote the extension of the kingdom of God. - D. Parallel Verses KJV: And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine? |
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