Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-17

CONTEXT-With cheerfulness David
submitted to the will OF God as made
known by the faithful Nathan. and dis
missed all thought of building the temple.
Deeply moved by the promises concerning
his son. he entered into the tabernacle to
mediate in the presence of God. His
PRAYER on that occasion (ch. vii:1S-cN, is
a model of humility faith and resignation
After these purely personal matters the
historian returns to the public life OF
David. and records a series of splendld
victories. The armies of the Phihstines.
Of the Moabites and Of the Syrians were
defeated in succession (viii:1-S). thereby
extending the borders OF Israel southwark
and eastward increasing the fame OF the
already famous king. Garrisons were
placed at strategic points in the subjugat-
ed countries. which were thereafter re-
quired to pay tribute. David's govern
ment was thoroughly organized under
competent officers. the departments being
similar to those that have been formed In
the modern state (viii:16-lO-
INQUIRY-Prosper ruins some
people 1t awakens their vanity and
causes them to forget those who befriend-
ed them. 1t was not so with David
Whenever any good came to him ms
grateful heart turned first to God, the
giver psalm. ciii:9, and then toward all
who as Gods agents had ministered TO
him. psalm, v:1D. In this hour of his
exaltation. ruler over Israel and adjacent
nations. David remembered Jonathan. the
friend OF his early years. to whom ne was
greatly indebted. Il Sam. xviii:p- AT
time when his life was in extreme peril
he had made a covenant with Jonathan
~
now it all comes up to his memory. and
he desires to keep the pledge which he
made, recognizing the fact that ne hao
the power Hence he inquiries of those
about him whether any OF the mouse OF
Saul can be found. He proposes to broaden
his kindness. to include the family OF
Jonathan's father, and that out of regard
for Jonathan.
SERVANT.-Those who were ques-
toned replied that there was at court an
old servant of Saul named Ziba. This
man had doubtless been an official or
much dignity under the former reign
Gen. xxxix:6 and had been retained be
cause of his ability. When brought into
the presence of David Ziba was ques-
toned. as before. with the comment that
it was desired to show kindness OF God
unto any surviving member of Sauls fam
ily. This remark displayed the spirit or
King David and must have assured the
servant. Ziba replied that son OF JON
in Lo-debar. east of the Jordan. and that
he was lame in his feet. This fact called
up a tender history. When Jonathan was
slain in battle this son was but five years
old His nurse, on learning of the disas-
ter III Sam. iv:D. seized the child In her
arms and fled. But in her haste the boy
fell and was injured for life On that &C
count he was called Mephibosheth. After
all the years of retirement he is made
known to David through this old stew
ard. The unfortunate cripple, both by
his name and person, published the sad
death of his father.
REVERENCE-David did not fail to
carry out his good purpose. He sent
trusty officers and brought Mephiboshe
out Of his obscure home to Jerusalem
The young man must have been surprised
at the splendor of the capital, surprising
ANYTHING which he had seen before. on
appearing before David he MANIFESTED tee
reverence by prostrating himself on his
face. This act was common in the pres
ence of superiors Gen. xlviii:1O. In this
instance there were other grounds for
reverence David was at that time the
most exalted parsonage on the globe. MS
whole career displaying his ability and en-
titIing him to honor. Mephibosheth, al