The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1903-11-06
NOTES AND COMMENTS.

NOTES AND COMMENTS.
q Sam. 15:lS-17. 29) David might
have attempted to defend Jerusalem
against Absalom. but was unprepared.
and unsuccessful resistance would havs
meant the sacking of the city and the
horrors that invariably accompany 9
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 fight. and at no time was his heart
more kingly and his spirit more admir-
able than in this time OF his extremity.
Note Cd his thought for Jerusalem
n5:1D: (2) his generous treatment OF
Ittai. captain Of a detachment Of his ia
nous foreign bodyguard 15:19-22); CD
the sending back of the ark n5:2 26);
contrasting Davids reasonable view
Of the situation with the superstitious
ideas OF former generations: az the
kings treatment OF Shimei (16:s-13:
ls:16-23). Though David was now an
elderly man. and had OF late retired
more 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 vas 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 Absalor,.
The account OF the battle Is clear. While
the army OF the usurper was probably
the larger. 1t lacked discipline. With
David were the famous generals Joab.
Abishai and Ittai. with the no less IA
nous "Old Guard OF GOO mighty men.
Tvs. 2i-27D One thing is very clear
II was the loving father and not the out
ragged king that was supreme in David ns
be sat by the gate that day breathlessly
waiting for news OF the battle. IF he be
alone there is tidings:" II he were flee
Ing there would be Others with him. "A
good man good tidings." Ahi
maaz was David's friend. and his eager
ness 10 be the bearer OF the news was
considered good sign by the king.
tvs. 2s-33.) "All is well" David
knew that could not be. for to his father
~ heart victory would be almost as BIT
ter as defeat David's only reply TO what
was good news to others was the ques-
don: rs II we'll with the young man
Absalomr" Went up 10 the chamber
over the gate" To be alone. Comment
upon the pathetic passage that follows
would be superfuous 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--the
head whose gray Hairs told the tale or
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 he set his sons? They had
! inherited his own weaknesses and pas
sions without his virtues What could
he expect OF the children OF the harem,
| For Il he had neglected his kirrly duties.
and he had been indulgent and weak IN
the government Of his children. There
Il no more tremendous sermon on the
lnexorableness Of Gods law Of cause and
fleet 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
III deeds, whether sown by saint or
sinner. produce large crop Of evil re.
suits.
The end OF wickedness is destruction
and infamy.
As David felt toward Absalom. 70 does