2 Samuel 9:4 And the king said to him, Where is he? And Ziba said to the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar. One of the obscure characters of Scripture. He dwelt at Lo-debar, among the mountains of Gilead, "a favourite asylum for refugees;" was, probably, a descendant of Machir the son of Manasseh; and "the principal man of Gilead" (Josephus). Of his generosity two notable instances are recorded (ch. 4:4; 17:27). From these it may be inferred that he was rich in earthly possessions, and (what is of much greater importance) in: 1. Grateful memories. Like the men of Jabesh-Gilead, he remembered the heroic enterprise of Saul on behalf of his people (1 Samuel 11:9; 1 Samuel 31:11; ch. 2:4-7). ¥REM:Check this "But, O Saul, do not fail us. Saul. Fail ye? Let the morn fail to break; I will not break My word. Haste, or I'm there before you. Fail? Let the morn fail in the east; I'll not fail you; But swift and silent as the streaming wind, Unseen approach, then gathering up my force At dawning, sweep on Amnon, as night's blast Sweeps down from Carmel on the dusky sea." (C. Heavysege, 'Saul: a Drama.') Hence he afforded ready shelter and hospitality to his grandson, and may have assisted the revival of his house at Mahanaim (2 Samuel 2:8); and when, subsequently, David was in exile at the same place, remembering his kindness to Mephibosheth, rendered him generous aid. 2. Tender compassion toward the orphan, unfortunate add friendless. The sight of human distress drew forth his sympathy; and (like the good Samaritan) he suffered no other considerations to hinder its practical expression. 3. Constant friendship. During many years (ver. 12), with all their changes, he provided, apparently "without fee or reward," a peaceful home for the crippled prince, and continued his steadfast protector. 4. Active benevolence. He was "rich in good works" (2 Timothy 6:18). Sensibility, as the word is generally used, is a mere animal instinct, useless when it does not immediately lead to active benevolence; and in such cases not only useless, but pernicious, because it has a tendency to produce a resting satisfied with the emotion and a neglect of the action" (W. Cooke Taylor). 5. Beneficent influence. His conduct could not but produce a good effect on the rude, warlike tribe of which he was chief; and possibly incited others (Shobi and Barzillai) to the like. "Great deeds cannot die: They with the sun and moon renew their light Forever, blessing those that look on them." (Tennyson.) 6. Noble recompense. "The blessing of him that was ready to perish" (Job 29:13), the approval of his own conscience, the enduring memorial of a good name. Although (like that of Abou Ben-Adhem) his name has not been written in the sacred record among "the names of those who love the Lord," but only "as one that loves his fellow men," it could not fail of being divinely honoured. "The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night It came again, with a great wakening light, And show'd the names whom love of God had bless'd, And lo! Ben-Adhem's name led all the rest." (Leigh Hunt.) D. Parallel Verses KJV: And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar. |
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