The Tupelo journal., 1903-11-06
NOTES AND


q Sam, 15:13-17, 29.) David might
have attempted to defend Jerusalem
against Absalom, but was unprepared,
and unsuccessful resistance would have
meant the sacking of the city and the
horrors that invariably accompany a
sack. Notice throughout the account
that David was thoughtful for others.
No part of the history throws more light
on his real character than does this story
OF his flight, and at no time was his heart
more kingly and his spirit more admir-
able than in this time of his extremity.
Note (1) his thought for Jerusalem
(15:14); C2) his generous treatment OF
Ittai, captain of a detachment of his IA
mou foreign bodyguard 1~5:19-22); 60
the sending back of the ark Q5:25, 26);
contrasting David's reasonable view
of the situation with the superstitious
ideas of former generations; (4) the
kings treatment of Shimei (16:9-13;
elderly man, and had of late retired
nor and more from active public life,
his old energy and diplomatic skill re-
turned to him at this time. He himself
planned every detail of the campaign.
(Ch. 1S:1-23.) Before the decisive bat
tie was fought Absalom reigned three
months at Jerusalem. David had forti-
fed himself at Mahanaim, across the
Jordan from Jerusalem. During this
time both were making preparations for
the struggle, but the delay strengthened
David far more than 1t did Absalom.
the army of the usurper was probably
the larger, it lacked discipline. With
David were the famous generals Joab,
Abishai and Ittai, with the no less ia
mous"Old Guard" of 600 mighty men.
Tvs. 24-27.) One thing is very clear
1t was the loving father and not the out
ragged king that was supreme in David as
he sat by the gate that day ~breathlessly
waiting for news of the battle. "If he be
alone there Is tidings;" if he were fee
ing there would be others with him. "a
good man good tidings." Ahi-
maaz was David's friend, and his eager
ness to be the bearer Of the news was
considered a good sign by the king.
(Vs. 2S-33.) "All Is we'll" David
knew that could not be, for to his father
ly heart victory would be almost as Bit
ter as defeat. David's only reply to what
was good news to others was the ques-
ton: "Is it well with the young man
Absalom?" Went up to the chamber
over the gate" To be alone. Comment
upon the pathetic passage that follows
would be superfiuous. Our cherished
idea of David the king is of the serene
psalmist, with harp in hand, praising
God. What must David's idea of himself
have been as he bowed his head, alone in
the chamber over the gate that day-th\
head whose gray hairs told the tale of
the heart-breaking sorrows of these last
years? What had his life been? What
kind of a father had he been? What ex-
ample had ne set his sons? They had
inherited lis own weaknesses and pas
sions wi o. his virtues. What could
he expect OF he children of the harem?
For 1t he had neglected his kingly duties,
and he had been indulgent and weak in
the government of his children. There
is no more tremendous sermon or the
i~nexorableness of Gods law of cause and
effect than the simple story Of the tragedy
of David's life. Penitent and forgiven,
and the friend of God though he was,
he knew that he was reaping what he
had sowed.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS.
I'll deeds. whether sOwn by saint or
sinner, produce q large crop of evil re-
suits.
The end Of wickedness is destruction
and infamy.
AS David felt toward Absalom, so does
the Heavenly Father feel toward each
one of His rebellious sons.
A vacant mind Is open to all sugges-
tions. as the hollow mountain returns