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8 And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab 'repaired the rest of the city.

9 So David 7 waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him.

10 ¶ These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

11 And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, 'an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him

at one time.

12 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties.

13 He was with David at 10Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.

14 And they "set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great "deliverance.

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15 ¶ Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

16 And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.

17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, that is at the gate!

18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

19 And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men 14that have put their lives in jeopardy for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.

20 And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.

21 Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.

22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, "who had done

many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.

23 And he slew an Egyptian, 16 a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

24 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three mighties.

25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.

26 Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Beth-lehem,

27 Shammoth the 18 Harorite, Helez the 19 Pelonite,

28 Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,

29 20 Sibbecai the Hushathite, "Ilai the Ahohite, 30 Maharai the Netophathite, 2 Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite,

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31 Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,

32 23 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, "Abiel the Arbathite,

33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

34 The sons of "Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite,

26

35 Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, 27 Eliphal the son of 28 Ur,

36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,

37 29 Hezro the Carmelite, "Naarai the son of Ezbai,

38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,

39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,

40 Irah the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,

41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,

42 Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,

43 Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,

44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the Aroerite,

45 Jediael the 32 son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,

46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and

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Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

47 Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.

(1) Heb. both yesterday and the (15) Heb. great of deeds.

third day.

(2) Or, rule.

(3) Heb. by the hand of.

(4) Heb. head.

(5) That is, Zion, 2 Sam. v. 7. (6) Heb. revived.

(7) Heb. went in going and increasing.

(8) Or, held strongly with him. (9) Or, son of Hachmoni.

(10) Or, Ephes-dammim, 1 Sam. xvii. 1.

(11) Or, stood.

(12) Or, salvation.

(16) Heb. a man of measure. (17) Or, Shammah.

(18) Or, Harodite, 2 Sam. xxiii. 25. (19) Or, Paltite, 2 Sam. xxiii. 26. (20) Or, Mebunnai. (21) Or, Zalmon. (22) Or, Heleb. (23) Or, Hiddai.

(24) Or, Abi-albon.

(25) Or, Jashen, See 2 Sam. xxiii. 32, 33.

(26) Or, Sharar.
(27) Or, Eliphelet.
(28) Or, Ahasbai.

(13) Or, three captains over the (29) Or, Hezrai.

thirty.

(14) Heb. with their lives?

(30) Or, Paarai the Arbite. (81) Or, the Haggerite.

(32) Or, Shimrite.

THE last chapter informed us of Saul's miserable end, and the cause which led to his final ruin. It also informed us, at the same time, that the removal of Saul was to make way for the son of Jesse. In this chapter we have a relation of the manner in which David was unanimously anointed king at Hebron; together with some other exploits and events narrated to the end of the chapter.

When the Lord's time comes, all things will concur to fulfil his sovereign will. During Saul's lifetime, David had many trials to endure, and many things united to prevent his possessing the throne; among which a sense of duty to the reigning prince was not the least. Saul's death obviated all these difficulties; and made the way plain before him. Are you placed in difficult circumstances; and are you sometimes perplexed what to do, or what course you should take? Pray and wait. Take no hasty step. Adopt no hasty measure. In due time the Lord will make your way plain before you; and shew you the path in which you ought to go.

In thus investing David with the throne of Israel, as events made way in the providence of God for effecting that design; so were the minds of men disposed to accomplish it. All Israel gathered together for this purpose (v. 1). A feeling of loyalty and attachment sprung upon their hearts. They said, "Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh." This feeling was increased by the timely recollection of past events. And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou

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wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel." The remembrance of the divine purpose concerning him added to this fervour. And the Lord thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel" (v. 2). The result of all this was, "Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord by Samuel." (v. 3; 1 Sam. xvi. 1, 12, 13.)

Let us behold a greater than David, and a greater achievement than this anointing. Is not the despised and persecuted Jesus anointed by the Father to be the King of righteousness and the Prince of peace? When the time of his exaltation drew nigh, did not all opposition prove to be vain? Is he not cordially received as their gracious Saviour and glorious king, by all his willing subjects? Are you of that number? Are you joyful in Jesus as your king?

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Farther on you have some of David's exploits, and a list of his worthies. The taking of Zion, and the water of Beth-lehem are mentioned. But what are these, when contrasted with the far more magnificent works of Jesus? Behold his miracles. What thousands did he feed! What multitudes did he heal! What numbers did he bless! Listen to his discourses. What gracious words dropped from his lips! What multitudes hung upon his tongue, and eagerly caught the words of life and peace as he poured forth his heavenly eloquence! man ever spake like that man. Survey the sufferings of the cross. sufferings of the cross. Whilst he was living, the wind, the waves, the devils, sickness, disease and death in their various forms, were obedient to his command. When he died, how magnificently grand is the whole procedure! The sun darkened; saints weeping; the rocks rending; the graves opening; and they who surveyed the scene, crying out, "Truly this was the Son of God!" And what was the design of all these marvellous works? To redeem us from death and destruction; and to crown us with loving kindness and tender mercies! Let us often survey this scene. Let us never forget this design. Let us

frequently ponder this amazing love, till the fire kindle within; and we are led to love him who thus loved and gave himself for us.

CHAPTER XII.

1 The companies that came to David at Ziklag. 23 The armies that came to him at Hebron.

NOW
Now Ziklag, while he yet kept himself

OW these are they that came to David

close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war.

2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,

4 And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,

5 Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,

6 Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,

7 And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

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8 And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains;

9 Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,

10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,

11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, 12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, 13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh.

14 These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.

15 These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had 'overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.

16 And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David.

17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart

shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.

18 Then 10 the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

19 And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul "to the jeopardy of our heads.

20 As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.

21 And they helped David "against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host.

22 For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.

23 ¶ And these are the numbers of the 13 14 bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.

24 The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready "armed to the war.

25 Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war, seven thousand and one hundred.

26 Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred.

27 And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred:

28 And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains.

29 And of the children of Benjamin, the 16 kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto "the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.

30 And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valour, 18 famous throughout the house of their fathers.

31 And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

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35 And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.

36 And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, "expert in war, forty thousand.

37 And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand.

38 All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.

39 And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them.

40 Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and 23 meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly for there was joy in Israel.

(1) Heb. being yet shut up.

(2) Or, Hasmaah.

(3) Heb. of the host.

(4) Heb. as the roes upon the mountains to make haste.

(5) Or, one that was least could resist an hundred, and the greatest a thousand.

(6) Heb. filled over.

(7) Heb. before them. (8) Heb. be one.

(9) Or, violence. (10) Heb. the spirit clothed Amasai. So Judg. vi. 34.

(11) Heb. on our heads.
(12) Or, with a band.
(13) Or, captains, or, men.
(14) Heb. heads.
(15) Or, prepared.
(16) Heb. brethren.

(17) Heb. a multitude of them.
(18) Heb. men of names.
(19) Or, rangers of battle, or,
ranged in battle.

(20) Or, set the battle in array. (21) Heb. without a heart and a heart. (22) Or, keeping their rank. (23) Or, victual of meal.

We have here a very pleasing account of the companies that came to David at Ziklag, and the armies that came to him at Hebron. Some things stated about these people may suggest some practical reflections.

Was David the anointed king over Israel? So is Christ the anointed prince and king of God's redeemed church and people; yea, he is made head over all things for their sakes. Was David's a very prosperous reign? So shall the pleasure of the Lord prosper in the

hand of Jesus. All kings shall bow before him. All nations shall do him service. The glorious conquests of his grace shall spread far and near. The heathen shall become his inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth his possession. Was the number of David's subjects very great? Who can reckon up the happy subjects of Christ? Multitudes which no man can number, of all kindreds, nations, tongues, and people, shall stand before his throne, clothed with white robes and palms in their hands: all rejoicing in their king! all glorying in his salvation! David, though a type, becomes but a very feeble type of the glorious person of Christ. Great, indeed, was his honour as the mighty prince of Israel; but small was that honour when contrasted with Christ. Indeed, all resemblances and all comparisons must fail here, by reason of the glory that excelleth. Just as all the beautiful stars of heaven are utterly lost to the eye amidst the glorious splendour of the noonday sun; so does the glory of Christ exceed the utmost stretch of our most active thoughts and sublimest conceptions.

But, let us examine these matters more closely. These men came to him while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish (v. 1). How many, then, must have been his friends and helpers throughout the land! May not this teach you a word of encouragement? May there not be many more favourers of the cause of Christ and his truth, than you may sometimes be led to expect? And will not time and occasion bring them to light, perhaps to your agreeable surprise? Some of these men had the "faces of lions, and were swift as the roe upon the mountains" (v. 8). And should we not be valiant for the truth, and earnest with alacrity to run our appointed course? Others had "understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do" (v. 32). And is not this a most desirable acquisition, for all Christians to know the duties of their station as time and occasion may call them forth? Some of these men were expert in war, which could keep rank; they were not of double heart" (v. 33). And ought not all Christians to know how to wield the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left?

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Ought not all to be rightminded in the faith, and free from a double heart? For is not a double-minded man unstable in all his ways? All who thus came to him, came "with a perfect heart;" and "all the rest of Israel," who did not come, were all of one heart to make him king" (v. 38). And ought not this to be the feeling of all who come to Christ for life and salvation? Should not all believers be of one heart and of one soul? How lovely is the sight when unity pervades the different ranks of all the armies of the living God!

Amidst all these gatherings to David, there is one especially to be noticed, namely, the children of Benjamin and Judah. "If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it" (v. 16-18). The answer to this is delightful. "Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee." If such were the cordial welcome between David and these men, how much more ought it to be so between Christ and your soul! Happy are they who can say, Lord, thine we are; and on thy side we desire to be for ever! And, again, what cordiality ought there to exist among all the followers of the Lamb, in ranging themselves under his banner, and in seeking to extend the grace and blessings of his royal kingdom!

CHAPTER XIII.

1 David fetcheth the ark with great solemnity from Kirjathjearim. 9 Uzza being smitten, the ark is left at the house of Obed-edom.

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ND David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.

2 And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and that it be of the LORD our God, 'let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are 'in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us:

3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.

4 And all the congregation said that they would do so for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

5 So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjath-jearim.

6 And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjath-jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it.

7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

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8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

ingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand 9 ¶ And when they came unto the threshto hold the ark; for the oxen 'stumbled.

10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

11 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perez-uzza to this day.

12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

13 So David 'brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had.

(1) Heb. let us break forth and send.

(2) Heb. in the cities of their suburbs.

(3) Heb. bring about.

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(4) Heb. made the ark to ride. (5) Heb. songs.

(6) Called Nachon, 2 Sam. vi. 6. (7) Heb. shook it.

(8) That is, The breach of Uzza.

(9) Heb. removed.

WHOEVER reads the history of David with care and attention must observe two things. He was a great king, and he was a great saint. These excellences are seldom found in any human being; especially among those who are the reputed princes and kings of the earth. Would it not be well if all those who wear the crown, and fill the throne, were to set David before them; and, forgetting the various blots and blemishes of his career, imitate him in this respect? Nor let it be forgotten, that it is not the civil condition of

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