DAVID, THE MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART

PART ONE

By Charles E. Wigg, Tasmania

David is one of the most beautiful characters of the Old Testament. He was a man like ourselves, full of failure, but it seems that these failures were all forgiven, (at his request as he humbled himself in repentance), and God imputed to him the value and merit of the death of Christ. (Rom. 3:25). The Spirit of God makes this gracious comment on his life, (1 Kings 15:5 ) Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

Perhaps his brightest days were those of his youth, when as a pure lad, untarnished by the sins of the flesh or of society, he spent much of his time in the open air, in the countryside caring for the sheep of his father. It is there that he probably became skilled in many things, that were to stand him in good stead in his later life.

Amongst these things, was his ability to play the harp. While his sheep quietly grazed on the pastures of the wilderness, no doubt he spent much of his time playing that harp. It’s haunting, soothing music, brought comfort and healing to his spirit. It is probable that the valleys must have echoed to those beautiful relaxing notes. Later he was to use this to soothe the troubled mind of the moody king Saul. Later still, he was to introduce it into the service of God’s praise, and as well he wrote many songs, (Psalms), that gave expression to the feelings of his heart. It is possible that he sang some of these while watching the sheep.

I recall visiting an isolated village in Punjab, (India), and in the evenings was thrilled and comforted by the music of an old shepherd who played his flute as he relaxed in the cool of the evening. I was thrilled to listen to those sweet haunting sounds that wafted around the valley, on whose side his house was built, while walking with friends to a small meeting house, further up the valley. My thoughts often wandered to Israel, and to the shepherd boy David.

During those days, he also learned to use the sling with great accuracy. This was to stand him in good stead in the battle with Goliath. But what was perhaps the most important, he learned to trust God, and to prove Him when alone, and confronted by danger. He developed courage, stamina, and good health in the healthy atmosphere of the outdoors.

God became very real to him. He sensed His protection and nearness daily. He communed with God continually. It became a habit with him, and was one of the greatest assets of his life. He saw the Greatness and glory of God in everything, from the tiniest insect and flower, to the great heavenly bodies that orbited in the heavens above him. This appreciation of God he was able to weave into his Psalms, ie. Psalm 19. He saw the insignificance of man, yet man’s importance in God’s great scheme of things. Psalm. 8. He saw the beauty of order in the universe, how that all was held in its place by an immutable law. This was to fit him for the time when he would ascend the throne of Israel. Thus we see how that God was fitting him, (even in the days and circumstances of his youth), for the future place and responsibilities that God would entrust to him.

He was content with the lowest place in his family, in fact in everything. It no doubt was as great a surprise to him, as it was to his father and brothers, when he was called from the field, and for Samuel to pour the horn of oil on his head, anointing him as the king of Israel. In spite of this great event, he returned to the life of a lowly shepherd, without any complaints.

No doubt when he played his harp in the great outdoors, he never thought of entertaining others. He just delighted to express the emotions of his simple soul, in the vibrations and melody of that beautiful instrument. He did not realize that others were secretly listening. That they too gained both refreshment and healing from listening to the beautiful tunes that he played. So no doubt it was a great surprise to him when in the ordering of God, he was summoned to play his harp in the presence of the very king that he was to replace, and surpass.

A great misfortune had befallen king Saul. His position and power had gone to his head. He ceased to be little in his own eyes. He thought God would accept partial obedience that He would not mind if he spared the best, of what God hated, and would accept it as a sacrifice, would permit it to be used in His service. As the result of his presumption, he forfeited divine support, God’s Spirit was taken from him. God then allowed an evil spirit to trouble him, and that spirit made him sullen, depressed, moody, irrational, and subject to sudden fits of uncontrollable anger.

Saul’s servants suffered because of this, and recalling the soothing effect that David’s music had on them, they spoke of him to the king. They also had noticed the other qualities of David. His courage valor, and his prudence. All resulting from the fact that the LORD was with him. So they spoke of him to the king, with the result that David was called to the palace He was given the opportunity to use the gifts God had given him, to minister to his irritable master. Thus as he played the harp, and its soothing healing strains of its music brought refreshment and healing to the troubled king.

His songs and psalms have brought comfort and healing to troubled souls through the millenniums that have elapsed since that time. There was more than natural gift in his compositions. The Holy Spirit moved him to write what he did. It is most likely that he never understood the real significance of the things that he wrote. To him it was probably just beautiful poetry or prose, but God had in His mind the millions of those, that in succeeding generations, even in far off ages, who would benefit from his lovely words. His music was not inspired, that was not preserved for the generations to follow. But his words were inspired by the Holy Spirit God would use other musical souls, in other generations to compose the music, and adapt the lyrics to suit, so that today some of our sweetest hymns have flowed from the pen of David.

David’s musical ministry to Saul, must not have been continuous, even though it is said that ‘Saul made him his armour bearer". This must have been at a later date, because we find that when the events recorded in 1 Sam. 17 were recorded, David had returned to his lowly service as a shepherd, verse 17. He was quite willing to take of his father’s bounty to his brothers who were in the army, fighting the Philistines, and also provisions to the captain of their thousand. He was also to take their pledge of loyalty and devotion. Little did he know what the outcome of that visit would be.

He left the goods, and excitedly ran into the ranks to greet his older brothers, only to be rebuked by them, and accused of pride and naughtiness of heart, because he was disgusted by the cowardice of the men of Israel’s army. Though untrained as a soldier, yet he had proved God’s protecting power that had enabled him to overcome and to kill wild animals that dared to attack his flock. Though doubtless saddened by the attitude, and criticism of his older brothers, yet he was incensed at the audacity of the Philistine giant, who dared to defy the armies of the Living God. He determined with the help of God, to remove this slur on his people, by slaying the giant. So one again he was brought before the one to whom he had ministered previously.

Saul reminded David of his inability, his youth, his inexperience, but David was only too aware of these things. He had something that neither Saul nor the army of Israel possessed, he had knowledge of God, and a simple trust in that God, based on experience. Saul then tried to clothe David in his own armour. The coat of mail was meant for Saul’s protection of himself, but David put it off. He had no desire for self-protection. His faith was in God, He would protect him. So armed with nothing more than his staff, a shepherd’s bag and a sling, he went down into that valley, the valley of Elah. Through the valley there flowed a brook, and from it David selected five smooth stones. It has been suggested by some, that David intended the other four stones for the brothers of Goliath, but it is extremely doubtful whether David knew anything about the giant or his family. But the number five in the Old Testament, suggests the idea of human weakness, and David was certainly conscious of his own weakness.

But he did not lack courage, a courage based on faith in God’s ability to enable him to slay the giant. So it was that he ran to meet the giant. He was unperturbed by the Giant’s curses, and testified to his own faith in the very God whom Goliath had cursed. He selected a stone from amongst the five he had chosen, put it in his sling, and with a deadly accuracy, born of experience, and helped by the God in whom he trusted, he slung that stone into the exposed forehead of Goliath, who crashed to the earth. David then cut off the giant’s head, with his own sword. He thereby removed the reproach from cowardly Israel, and laid the basis for a mighty victory. Israel challenged by David’s courage, then attacked and routed the Philistine army who fled, and many fell down slain.

David could not have known, that his simple faith, and his bravery, and the victory it gained, caused him to rise to become a type of Christ, ‘great David’s Greater Son’. Because centuries later the Mighty God, became incarnate, and was born of David’s line. At the age of thirty three and a half years, he went down into the valley of death, and when he was crucified in weakness, nailed to a tree, (Elah means Oak), he met and destroyed the enemy of God and man. Th poet has written, "The strong man in his armour,

Thou mettest in thy grace,

Didst spoil the mighty charmer

Of our unhappy race!

At the place called the ‘place of the skull’ The Lord Jesus there bore our sins in His own body on the tree, and in being slain, "Through death He destroyed him who had the power of death, that is, the devil". Heb. 2:14.

His be the victor’s name,

Who fought the fight alone,

Triumphant saints no honour claim,

His conquest was their own.

Through weakness and defeat

He won the mead and crown:

Trod all our foes beneath His feet,

In being trodden down.

He Satan’s power laid low:

Made sin, sin’s reign o’erthrew;

Bowed to the grave, destroyed it so,

And death by dying slew.

Bless bless the conqueror slain,

Slain in His victory:

Who lived, who died, who lives again

In glorious majesty.

When David had ended speaking with Saul, standing there with the head of the giant in his hand, he gained a life long friend. The soul of Jonathan was knit to David’s soul. Jonathan is said on more than one occasion, to love David ‘as his own soul’. His love, though appreciated by David, was a selfish love, he was always thinking of himself and the place that he would have in David’s kingdom, if he became king. His words were, "You will be king, and I will be next" Jonathan’s commitment was very impressive, he gave to David all that he had, except his sandals. It seems from this that he still reserved the right to go his own way.

David’s conquest of Goliath brought an end to his work as a shepherd, because Saul took him, and would not let him go to his father’s house again. He was now a full time soldier, and he was used of God to gain many victories over the Philistines. However he was still able to make use of his musical skills. Saul went from bad to worse, and added to his former maladies was the festering of jealousy in his heart. David as before, played his harp to soothe his troubled king, but Saul cast a javelin at him on two occasions. However such ill use did not change David’s attitude, he did not return the unmerited jealousy. His place in the hearts of the people grew constantly, but Saul’s jealousy also increased.

Saul thought that he would get rid of David, by catering for both his pride, and his lust. He offered David his elder daughter to David at a price. To secure the dowry would surely minister to his pride, & the possibility of having such a beauty as his wife, would surely feed the fires of his lust. But David was incorruptible at this point. His humility is to be admired, he shrunk from the honour of being son in law to the king. However Saul did not keep his word and Satan’s plans were thwarted for the time. But not for long, because Michal, Saul’s younger daughter fell in love with David. Again David’s humility shone, but being persuaded by his fellow soldiers, he showed his courage once more, and gave Saul twice the dowry that he asked. Saul thought that Michal would corrupt David, but it was not to be so, David retained his simplicity and his honesty. Saul’s jealousy increased, and he could see that god was with David, while God had forsaken him. He could not conceal his jealousy, and tried to get his servants to kill David. Thus it was that David began to experience the bitterness of being hated , without a cause, by the very one that he loved and served. This prepared him to write the Psalms that would express the very feelings of the One of whom he was a type.

As a result of Saul’s unjust hatred and jealousy, David had to flee for his life. He was to be disappointed with Jonathan. His professed love was not equal to the test, he was not prepared to stand for righteousness and justice, he was not willing to share David’s rejection. From then on to the end of his life, he was to be torn apart, torn between two loyalties. His love for Saul his father, and his love for David. This is a warning to us because it is If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him", 2Tim. 2:12.

We are called to share the reproaches and the rejection of Christ. We are not to marvel if the world hates us John15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

1 John 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. How often like Jonathan we prefer the comfort and security the friendship with the world offers, to the danger, the risk of sharing the Lord’s rejection by this world. Let us be warned, lest we too be denied a place in the coming kingdom of our rejected Master. The reward of faithfulness is not a place in heaven, we could never earn or deserve such a place. But it is a place of prominence in the Millennial kingdom of Christ.

As he fled from Saul, David first fled to Naioth in Ramah to Samuel. It is obvious that he could not understand Saul’s actions, or why things had turned out like this. So he consulted the wisdom and counsel of the Man of God. God intervened, when it seemed that Saul would take David, and put an end to his life. The Spirit of God came upon Saul, and he prophesied. Under this compulsion he removed his clothes and laid down all night. Such behavior was grossly improper for the King of Israel. We are not to think that this action of the Spirit of God was normal. It was to prevent Saul from succeeding in his murderous intent.

This intervention of God, made the opportunity for David to escape so he went to Jonathan.

He could not understand Saul’s actions, there was no cause for him to be seized with jealousy. He was hated without a cause. Finally it was made clear beyond any doubt, what Saul’s intentions were. If Jonathan was not willing to share David’s rejection, then they must part. Their parting was so sad, they wept on each other, but David exceeded, because his love was the greater. Jonathan went back into the city, and David went away into rejection.

David called on the High Priest at the tabernacle, which was then at Nob. Though David resorted to untruths, yet God provided for him and his great immediate need. The High Priest gave him two things. The show-bread, which spoke of the saints as God saw them in their beauty and divine order. What better food could there be than this for a desperate man who was unjustly driven out from his inheritance? Perhaps this view of God’s people would keep him from entertaining feelings of bitterness towards them. The second thing Ahimelech gave him was the sword of Goliath. David said of that sword "There is none like it". He had used it once before, to remove the head of Goliath. It would remind him of God’s enabling and protection, in answer to David’s simple faith. God had not changed, David could safely trust Him still, whatever lay before him.

Because of his inexperience David lost sight for the moment of what God had done, and hence promised to him in anointing king over Israel. He went down to the Philistines, to Achish king of Gath, to the very place that Goliath had come from. He had walked into a trap, and his action was madness. However he was humble enough to realise this, and acted like a madman, this was to mean salvation to him, and he was able to escape. As the result of this experience he wrote Psalm 34, which has been a comfort to the people of God in trying circumstances, for about three millenniums. He realised that he had made a great mistake, and must cast himself on the mercy of God.

He escaped from there to the cave of Adullam, the place of rejection. The first to come to him were his brethren and all his father’s house. Because of their relationship to David, their lives were under threat also. David took them to Moab, and God inclined the heart of the king to give them shelter.

The news of David’s rejection, and the murderous intentions of Saul, must have spread amongst the people. As the result David became a centre of attraction, four hundred men gathered to him. These were willing to share his rejection, but they were a strange company, and are a clear picture of those who come to Christ today, that are willing to share His rejection.

Those in distress: there are many such today, but deliverance from distress, comes to all who commit their lives to Jesus Christ. He gives comfort to the distressed, rest to those that are weary and heavy laden. Those in debt: We gladly admit that we were all bankrupt sinners. We owed a great debt to God, a debt which we were unable to pay. But when we admitted our debt and our guilt, the Lord Jesus freely forgave us our debt. Luke, 7:41-42. Blessed be His holy name!

He became a captain over them: he became their leader and their lord. David was able to unite that rag tag bunch of malcontents into mighty fighting force. Our blessed Lord Jesus has accepted us from all kinds of backgrounds, and united His people together, so that they have been able to cover the world with the message of the gospel. Daily there are many who repent of their sins, put their faith in Christ, and are then added to the band of those who own the Lordship of Christ, and become soldiers in His band.

David loved Saul, and never lost his respect for him, ever mindful that he was the Lord’s anointed. But Saul hated David, and was petulant and full of self-pity. It is sad to read of the things that he did to this servant of his, who loved him, and was faithful amongst SauIl’s servants. It was this experience that led him to write later, "They thathate me without a cause", Psalms 69:4 For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.Psalms 109:5 And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love", and "for my love they are my adversaries". Psalms 109:4. These words reveal how much David felt the undeserved hatred of Saul and those who followed him!

Like the One of whom he became a type, David was a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief’. He was despised and rejected of men. But this was not the only sorrow that he experienced. When the Philistines attacked his people, David inquired of the Lord, went and smote the Philistines, and saved the people of Keilah, gaining much spoil. We might have thought that the inhabitants of that town would have felt some gratitude for the one who had saved them, but they proved to be false brethren. David learned a very important lesson through all this. He learned to seek the will of God, to inquire of God. He did not rely upon his own judgement, nor trust those he loved and saved. He called for the ephod, and sought answers and direction from the One who could be trusted absolutely. A valuable lesson to us all!

This treachery and ingratitude might have easily discouraged David. But God used a most unlikely person to bring him encouragement. Poor Jonathan, though unwilling to share David’s rejection, yet came to him in the wood, and strengthened his hand in God. He assured him that Saul would never find him. That one day David would surely be king, and he would be next, but it was not to be. David did become king, but Jonathan died with his father on Mount Gilboa. This is a solemn warning to us, that if we are not willing to share the reproach and rejection of Christ, we will not share His kingdom. If we deny Him now, He will deny us then.

Saul continued his mindless hatred towards David, and pursued him like a partridge on the mountains. He threw caution to the winds, and put himself into David’s hands, in a cave. David’s men bade him destroy his enemy, but he was unwilling to repay evil with evil. However he cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe, but his tender heart smote him, and he followed Saul when he left the cave. He cried after the king, asked him why he was pursuing him. Why he listened to the words of evil men when he held in his hand the skirt of Saul’s robe? This spirit of grace on David’s part was too much for the king, it reduced the hardened murderer to tears. One would almost think that David was living in New Testament times. We are instructed in Rom. 12:19-20, to treat our enemies with kindness, and in so doing we will heap coals of fire on their head. But David lived in other times, under a law that entitled him to exact revenge, to take eye for eye and tooth for tooth. David preferred to leave vengeance in the hands of God.

David repeated this same attitude on a later occasion, with similar results. David’s kindness on this occasion led to Saul confessing his sin, the unrighteousness of his actions, and his foolishness. and the greatness of his error. This all goes to demonstrate the power of grace. Let us learn this lesson! It is so sad, when Christian believers, who have been forgiven so much, find it so hard to forgive their fellow believers that have injured , or offended them in some way.

David’s marriage to Michal, Saul’s daughter was short lived, because Saul gave her to another man as his wife. (1Sam. 25:44.) This meant that humanly speaking his life was very lonely, but God provided for the need of His servant. During his exile, David and his men had been a force for good, protecting shepherds etc. One group that benefited from this kindness were the shepherds of Nabal. These men felt safe and secure, while ever David and his men were nearby. When it came time to shear the sheep, ( a time of rejoicing and feasting), David sought to share the festivities. However Nabal was a churlish man, and he insulted the servants of David.

David was incensed by the insult, and determined to take vengeance on Nabal and his house. However as he prepared for the escapade, God was working in the heart of Nabal’s wife Abigail. Nabal also was drinking to excess, and when his much wiser wife, warned him of the disaster that was about to descend on them. Without her husbands knowledge she prepared a gift of generous proportions for the enraged David. When they met, Abigail took a humble place, and sought to show David the wrong of what he was about to do. She warned him of the repercussions of his act, when he did ascend Israel’s throne.

David listened to her reasoning and her plea. He saw the wrong of what he was about to do, in taking up his own cause, in acting hastily. He turned back from his disastrous errand, and praised Abigail for her advice, and her wisdom. He acknowledged that God had sent her, and used her to keep him back from making this great mistake; from avenging himself with his own hand.

When he returned, and left all in the hands of the Lord, Jehovah intervened on his behalf. Nabal’s merriment came to a sudden end. When told of the disaster that had been narrowly averted, it is said that his heart died within him. On hearing of what God had done, in removing the one that had insulted him, David then sent some of his men to talk with Abigail, to ask her to become his wife. Abigail quickly accepted the proposal, with characteristic humility, and went to become David’s wife.

Here then we have a type of Christ and the Church. We who were sinners of the Gentiles, have all had a past history, but God has justified us from all those things. When we were born again, we became new creatures in Christ. All our past history was forever finished, cleansed away, and through the work of justification, God looks at us now, just as if we had never sinned. We now are baptised into one body, and form the Church, the Bride of Christ.

Let us learn from David’s near failure. How often we seek revenge on those who have spoken against us, and as a result bring great sorrow and shame on ourselves, on the testimony, and worst of all, on the precious name of our Lord Jesus. Let us follow the example of our Master, who "When He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not: but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously". 1Pet. 2:23.

Saul continued his murderous ways, and found ready support from those who sought a place of prominence, or reward for themselves. Let us be warned by this! If we seek to do what is wrong, we will always find those who will support us. They are often driven by ulterior motives, and will profit from our wrongdoing. The Ziphites must have later been shamed by what they sought to do, in inciting king Saul to hunt for David, when he ascended Israel’s.throne.

However Saul’s lapse into hunting David again after he had sworn that he would never do so any more, was too much for David’s faith, he lapsed into unbelief. He said in his heart, it was deeper than his mind. It is perhaps an example of the "wicked heart of unbelief", spoken of in Hebrews chapter three. "I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul". Before this could happen, God had to prove Himself to be a liar. It would show that though God had revealed His will, yet He was unable to fulfil what He had promised. Such thinking David learned earlier, was madness. Yet he showed his human weakness, by entertaining such thoughts in his heart. So he fell away to the Philistines, he made friends with the enemies of God.

Those were sad months that he spent in the territory of the Philistines. He was given a town to dwell in, and he used his military skills to attack others of the enemies of God, yet he had to lie about what he had done. He even offered to go with the armies of the Philistines against his own people, but God intervened, and did not permit him to do this sad thing. He was sent home in disgrace, only to find that the Amalekites had attacked his own town, plundered and burned it, and taken their wives and children captives.

What a scene of desolation must have met his gaze! It brought forth the tears, they wept until they could weep no more.It seemed that all was lost. To make matters worse, his men rebelled, and even spoke of stoning him. He had lost his authority and control. What was he to do? It was God’s way of teaching him the folly of doing his own will, going his own way. He did what he should have done before coming into the land of the Philistines. He called for the ephod; once again he was going to inquire of God, as to what he should do. God told him to pursue the enemy, assuring him that he would overtake them, that in spite of the impossibility, the hopelessness of the situation, he would recover all. God is the God of the impossible

One third of his army were so exhausted that they could not cross the brook Besor. It is interesting to note that Besor, means ‘cheerful’, there seemed nothing to be cheerful about. However faith lifts the drooping spirit up, and with the remaining four hundred men David pursued the troop. An Egyptian who was at the point of death, once revived by the kindness of David, was able to become guide to his army, and brought them down to the troop of the Amalekites. The enemy was celebrating their victor, rejoicing over all the spoil that they had taken, but their merriment was short lived. David and his men seemed to get new strength and energy. They smote the enemy until the evening of the next day. That seems to mean that they were in constant attack for twenty-four hours. What a battle it was! But it resulted in total victory, only four hundred men escaped who rode on camels.

"And David recovered all", what a miracle, but in addition they gained much spoil. What a testimony this is to the faithfulness of God. There is a lovely verse in 2Tim.2:13, "If we are unfaithful, He abides faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.) (J.N.D. Trans.)

While all this was taking place, Saul was reaching the end of his reign and his life. He had sinned away his opportunity to draw near to the God who had shown him such favour. So he turned to witchcraft. What a warning! Once we turn away from God, who can tell to what depths we will sink? Saul was desperate, so he sought the aid of a woman who was possessed by an evil, a familiar spirit. He wished to contact Samuel, who was long dead, and God allowed the familiar spirit to impersonate Samuel, and used that demon to convey His message to Saul.

That was a message of doom, and the demon told Saul that Jehovah would deliver the host & people of Israel into the hands of the Philistines, and that on that day Saul and his sons would be with him. This could mean that Saul and his sons would die, or it could mean that they would be with the demon in the abode of Satan, Hell.

Some think that the apparition was actually Samuel, but no medium has the power to disturb the eternal rest of the righteous. Familiar spirits, are spirits that are familiar with the departed, and are able to impersonate them. They appear in the same clothes, and speak with the same voice, even have scars or warts that the deceased had on their person during the lifetime. This explains the so-called appearances of what is claimed to be the "Virgin Mary". It is not that person at all but a spirit that is familiar with her during her lifetime.

While David was seeking to restore the ruins of Ziklag, God was executing His judgement on Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa. The story of Saul’s end is very sad, because he was slain by the sword of an Amalekite, the very people that he had spared. Let this be a warning to us! Amalek represents the principle of sin in the flesh. This principle seeks to lay its hand on the throne of God, (the believer’s heart). God will never share that throne with another, but declared through Mose, "The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Ex. 17:16. Saul spared the best, to offer as a sacrifice to Jehovah, and he even spared the king of Amalek, Agag. But Amalek did not spare Saul, as the story reveals. There is nothing else for it, either we side with God in judging the flesh, or it will destroy us and our testimony here.

When the Amalekite brought the sad news to David, he thought that he would receive some reward. But instead he came under judgement too. In this instance David shines as an example for us. He did not rejoice in the slaughter of one who had sought to murder him on several occasions. Instead he mourned that one who had such potential, should come to so ignominious end. On this occasion he wrote a beautiful song of lamentation, a song that expressed the feelings of his heart. He praised all that he could in the lives of Saul and Jonathan, and desired that the matter of their death, and its shame be kept in as small a circle as possible. "Tell it not in Gath". This proves to us how completely David had been restored after his fall. This was the very place to which he had resorted for shelter. These were the very people on whom he relied for safety and succour. However though in a backslidden condition, during his time in that very place, he won the hearts of Ittai and his band of six hundred. He also won the hearts of the Cherethites and the Pelethites, all of whom were Philistines, and he chose them to be his bodyguard. Even while in such a state, they saw the beauty of his character were drawn to him, and became his loyal followers.

First David inquired of the Lord as to what he should do, he had learned that he could trust himself no longer. Though he needed the Lord, His help and guidance while in exile, he would need Him all the more now, that he was about to become king. He then obeyed God’s direction, and went up and settled in the villages of Hebron. Next he sent messages commending the men of Jabesh-Gilead, for their courage, and kindness. They had risked their lives in rescuing the remains of the fallen king and his sons, from shameful exposure, and had given them an honourable burial. At the same time, he informed them that Judah had anointed him to be their king.

David was accepted readily by his own tribe, but seven and one half years were to elapse before he was anointed king over all Israel. These were years of sorrow for him, yet he was a type of Him that is called the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" Satan sought to continue the dynasty of Saul, and incited the rest of Israel to anoint Ishbosheth as king of Israel. It is interesting to discover that the meaning of his name is ‘Man of shame’. Often the meaning of a person’s name in the Old Testament, sheds light on that person’s character, or their importance in typical teaching.

Abner the son of Ner, was his General, and a man that David regarded as a prince. However this is a warning to us, and shows that even good men can be misguided, and support the wrong person, or the wrong cause. David’s General, was Joab, his own nephew, and he was a very clever soldier, a gifted man, but a very hard man. Several times David had to say, "You sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me". (Zeruiah was David’s sister). In chapter 3 of 2Sam. we see a confrontation, and a test of strength between David’s army, and that of Ishbosheth. It is sad to see how that those of the same nation regarded slaughter as a matter of sport. Thus begun a war that was to last for years, and result in the needless death of many of the people of God. All tis came about, because of supporting the wrong man.

In the history of Christianity, we have witnessed many sad conflicts, and these also have come about because of men, (often good men), who have supported those who are rival to Christ. God has decreed " that in all things He might, (must) have the pre-eminence". Col. 1:18.

At last after the needless death of Asahel, Joab’s brother, and 360 of Abner’s men, and 20 of David’s men including Asahel. His death is a warning to us. He was a fast runner and ran ahead of his brethren, pursuing Abner, even though he was unarmed. Abner told him to turn aside, to arm himself, so that the fight might be equal, but Asahel refused, and paid for his folly with his life. Let this also be a warning to us, lest any of us think that we are ahead of our brethren. We need patience and humility, and we are warned Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

It was Abner who at last drew attention to the hopelessness of the conflict. His words, "Shall the sword devour forever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the end?" called an end to the conflict. These are words that many of our brethren would well to take heed to. How often conflicts are carried on between brethren. Often the cause of the division was caused by men who have long since died, yet still it is kept alive. To their shame, and the injury of the testimony.

At last after more than seven years of bitterness and conflict, and the needless loss of many valuable lives, (including that of Abner, who was slain by Joab, in revenge for his foolish brother’s death), David was anointed king over all Israel. God had sent Samuel to anoint David king many years before, and it reminds us of what is said of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:25) For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

The Lord Jesus, Great David’s greater son, sits at the right hand of the majesty on high, waiting until His enemies are made the footstool of His feet. What a wonderful day that will be, when the proclamation will be fulfilled, "The kingdoms of this world, are become the Kingdoms of the Lord and of His Christ"!. Rev. 11:15.

After experiencing great military successes, Davids thoughts turned towards the Ark of the covenant. To achieve such success, David just humbly sought directions from the Lord, and obeyed what God told him to do. However in bringing up thr Ark, he sought no such directions, neither did he inquire og God as to His will. He treated this also as a military matter, and assembled his army; "the chosen men of Israel." He also employed Philistine ideas and means to achieve this.. It was the Philistines who many years earlier had put the ark on a new cart. The Ark was the symbol of the presence of the God of Israel, "that dwelleth between the cherubim".

However though his intentions were good, his methods were not. As he discovered later God had said in His word how the Ark was to be transported; it was to be carried on the shoulders of the Kohathites. It all ended in disaster, when one of those who drove the cart put out his hand to steady the Ark when the oxen stumbled. This action implied that the Mighty God, was not able to take care of that which was the symbol of His presence. God was angered by the audacity of Uzzah, and took his life away. This displeased David, but also made him to fear God all the more.

Later he must have consulted the word of God, and there he learned that God had decreed that it was only the Kohathites, the sons of Levi that were to carry the Ark. He did not consult with the military men as he had done in the first instance, but called the priests and the Levites to sanctify themselves for the task of bringing up the Ark to Jerusalem, to the tent that he had erected for it. There is a lesson for us to learn from this. When we seek to glorify God, and to serve Him, we must do it God’s way. There are so many today, who seek to glorify God, by adapting the music of the world, and the things of the world to use for this purpose. The result is spiritual death, disaster. The world may approve and lend its support, may patronize the meetings or concerts where this is done, but God is angry when we depart from His word and its clear instructions.

It seems that David’s conduct, when the Ark was brought up, was a mixture of both good and bad. To get the whole picture, we must read both 2Sam. 6, and 1Chron. 13-17. In Chronicles we are told that David wore a robe of fine linen, but in 2Sam. we are told that he wore a linen ephod. The robe of fine linen would be correct, but the linen ephod was the garment of the priests. And it was to be worn only by them. However it seems that in his excessive joy and excitement even these were removed by him, and he danced "before the Lord", in a shameful way, as one of the lewd fellows. It is rather sad that some use this to justify their own carnal excesses. It seems to me that Michal had greater discernment than David at this point, but she paid dearly for daring to rebuke her husband, as she was put away, and lived the rest of her life in widowhood. Yet David wrote a lovely Psalm as the result of this experience, and also introduced singing, and music into the worship of God, neither of which were commanded under the law. Much of this lovely Psalm is included in Psalm 105.

He also institued the continual service of praise, and commanded the priests to minister before the Ark continually.

David was tuly blessed of God, and even his northern neighbor was moved by God to offer his support, to show his appreciation of David by sending men to build a palace for him. However David realized that this was not deserved, nor was it gained by his own effort. He realized that it was the goodness of the God that he loved and sought to serve

Thus while Nathan the Prophet was with him in his house, he asked the question, "Why should I dwell in a house of cedar, while the Ark of God is housed in a tent?" Nathan could see what David desired, that was to build a house, or temple as a resting place for the Ark. Nathan then encouraged him to do all that was in his heart thinking that this idea came from God. But God did not permit David to do what he desired, but promised to give him a son, who would be a man of peace, and he would build the house. God made promises to David, which would finally be fulfilled only when his Greater Son, (the Lord Jesus), would come.

David was deeply touched by the message of God, sent to him through Nathan. Though he did not know, as we do the greatness and glory of the plan of God. Thank God for the One who calls Himself, "The Root and Offspring of David the bright Morning Star". How we long for the moment of His coming for us, then His later coming with us.

This moved David to enter the presence of God, (where the Ark was), and there while seated, h.e prayed a lovely prayer of thanksgiving and of praise. He was truly ‘Lost in wonder, love and praise’ This was perhaps one of the greatest moments of his adult life. It was followed by further victories. Like the One of whom he was a type, he reigned until all his enemies were under his feet. The great people of God were now free to enjoy the rich inheritance that God gave them.

God had showed so much kindness to David, and now he wanted to show that kindness to others. I doing so, he would manifest the deep feelings of the heart of God. To whim would he show that kindness? No doubt there were many that we would regard as cantidates, but he wished to show his love to his enemies, and so he inquired "Is there yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show them kindness for Jonathan’s sake?"

Jonathan had one son, Mephibosheth, but he was lame on both his feet. His nurse, in her panic, accidentally did him a life long injury when he was a child. No doubt she thought that the slaughter of Saul and Jonathan was the greatest possible disaster, when it proved to be the greatest blessing. The wonderful thoughts that this subject brings to mind, deserve a paper by itself. So we will leave that until a latter time.

David excelled in the way that he showed such kindness to one so unworthy, and so unlikely a candidate for his kindness. The chapter stands alone in Holy writ, for it’s sheer beauty, and for the outshining of the very heart and nature of God, in the actions of David. But the Son of David has shown you and I much greater kindness. He has bestowed on us much greater blessings. In this chapter, (2Sam. 9), we see a beautiful picture of what God has done for us, poor sinners of the Gentiles. Mephibosheth could ask, "WHY should my Lord the King look on such a dead dog as I am?" We may well ask, "Why should God set his love on such as I am?" The answer to that question we will never know or understand, but praise the Lord, we don’t have to be able to understand it. All we need to do is to believe it, to rejoice in it, to glorify God for it.

Mephibosheth was rescued from his isolation and his poverty, made as one of the Kings sons, and became a millionaire, all because of the kindness of David. We too have been rescued from the distance that sin had brought between God and ourselves. We have heard the King of Kings say, "Fear not". All our sins have been forgiven. We have become heirs of God and "joint heirs with Jesus Christ, heirs of His unsearchable riches, and we have the privilege of dining daily on the rich dainties of the Lord’s table, through reading His word, and communing with Him. Not only this, but our Lord Jesus has gone away to His Father’s house to prepare a special place for us. Soon he will come again and receive us to Himself, then we shall revel in His presence for eternity. This is so much more than David could do for Mephibosheth.

PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL

Victory and success are wonderful, but being human we can be exposed to danger through these very things. 2Sam. 10, is a record of success after success in David’s experience. It seems that it lulled him into a false sense of security. He did not realise that the worst enemy that any of us can face is not external. In David’s case it was not the armies on the battle fields, but his own lust that conquered him.

We read in chapter 11:1, one short phrase, which told of David’s complacency, and resulted in endless sorrow. "But David tarried still at Jerusalem". While others went to war, while kings fought, David retired in the luxury of his palace. In the cool of the evening he rose from his bed, and then he was attacked by the lust of the eyes. The pride of life, glorying in his position, he gave way to the lust of the flesh. The result was that he fell into adultery, and later had the husband of the woman he used for his pleasure, murdered by strategy in battle. What a sad and sordid story it all is. The fault was not all his, as the woman should never have been seen bathing in public. Such a thing in the eastern culture was very wrong. Satan will see to it, that when our lust awakes, there will always be one to encourage and assist us in gratifying that lust, in leading us into temptation and sin.

Though it seems that there was only one night’s sexual encounter, yet the woman conceived, and David’s sin was about to be discovered. Moses said, "Be sure your sin will find you out", Num. 32:23. David tried to cover his sin, and sent for Bath Sheba’s husband, (one of his most loyal soldiers), Uriah. David doubtless thought that having been away from his wife for some time, that (like most soldiers), he would be thinking of enjoying the normal pleasures of married life. However it was not to be. Uriah proved to be a man of more noble principles than his king. He thought of the Ark of Jehovah dwelling in a tent, and is fellow soldiers, engaged in warfare, enduring hardships, and he refused the pleasures offered by David. So David arranged to sacrifice the life of his faithful and loyal servant, in a vain attempt to cover his sin. After the death of Uriah, David then sent and took his widow to be his wife.

However what David had done was witnessed by God. He being a righteous God, would not pass over the sin of His servant. God sent His servant Nathan to David with a message. It would not be an easy message to deliver, however Nathan was faithful and fearless. He delivered the message in the form of a parable. The word of God is like this, it often does not point the finger of condemnation directly, but is like a mirror, in which we see ourselves. As Nathan unfolded the story, David was made angry by the injustice of what was done to the poor man. In righteous indignation, he burst out, "As the Lord liveth, the man that has done this thing shall surely die". He was stunned when Nathan replied, "Thou art the man". However the word of God went right home to his heart, he bowed his head in humility and cried, "I have sinned against the Lord". Because he humbled himself in repentance, he received a message of forgiveness. "The Lord also hath put away thy sin, thou shalt not die." Nathan could only say this, because another, the sinless Son of David, was to die in David’s stead. Thus it was that David’s guilt and iniquity was forgiven, removed. However the effect of his sin was to remain, he was to reap what he had sown.

We should remember this at all times. It is gloriously true that the blood of Jesus Christ His cleanses from all sin, yet the effect of our sin remains. The solemn things that God said would happen to David did take place. God drew David’s attention to all that He had done for him. His kindness was beyond contention, and God told him that if all that had not been enough, God would have given him more. Yet in spite of all that God had done. In spite of all that He had given him, yet David through his sin and his subsequent actions had despised both God’s law, and even despised God Himself. The time would come when an evil adversary would arise from amongst his own sons. This man, (Absalom), would rape David’s wives openly, in the sight of the sun. The life of David’s unborn child would also be snuffed out.

There were other awful events that would bring sorrow to David’s heart. His own daughter would be raped by her own brother. He in turn would be murdered by his own brother. David would be driven from his throne into exile, by his own son, and that son would be slain in battle.

David could never have dreamed that such would be the consequences of a night’s illicit pleasure. Let us heed the warning! Sin does give pleasure, but it is only temporary, the pleasure soon passed, but the guilt, the blame, the consequences remain; often for generations to come.

There are lessons for us to learn from Nathan’s parable. "There came a traveller to the rich man," that traveller is still around, let us never invite him in. Let us put him on the road, that is what he deserves. That traveller is temptation and lust, we are never to cater for him. We are warned to "Make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lust thereof." Rom. 13:14. We are never to "give place to the devil", Eph. 4:27. If we are so foolish to indulge our lust, who knows what the sorrow and the consequences may be?

The following eight chapters in 2 Samuel, unfold the tragedy that resulted form David’s sin. Yet we also have a beautiful Psalm in our Bible, (Psalm, 51), as a direct result. How many a fallen Christian has gained comfort and assurance from that Psalm! Perhaps it is best to draw the veil over many of the details that those sad chapters reveal. So we will keep our focus on David himself, because there are many beautiful things that come to light in him, as well as some sad failures.

At the end of his life David said, "Th ruler over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." 2Sam. 23:3. However, he did not always obey his own words. He was a man of great affections, he really loved his own children, but on occasions allowed that human love to becloud his vision, and to cause him to go beyond the law, and the principles of righteousness. We do well to learn from these failures. When David heard of the vile actions of his son Ammon, though he was angry, yet he did nothing about it. Had he been just, and had he ruled in the fear of God, he would surely have carried out the sentence of the law of God. It was his natural love that kept him from acting in righteousness.

David must have been greatly humbled, when he saw the same sin come to light in his son, as had blighted his life. Ammon’s sin caused the spirit of revenge, and of murder to fester in the heart of Absalom, the full brother of the girl who had been raped. He waited for the right opportunity to come, and then took revenge. Ammon was murdered, and Absalom had to go into exile, thus David was bereaved of two sons in one day. This broke his tender heart, and he mourned for his son every day. However he had forgiven Absalom, and he longed to bring him home again, but one thing stood in the way, and that was the principle of righteousness. It is true that David had been forgiven by God for his sins of adultery and murder, but this forgiveness was based on his genuine repentance. There was no evidence of repentance with Absalom.

Joab, (a very hard man himself), discerned the kings longings, and contrived to make use of a wise woman, to concoct a story that would enable David to understand the thoughts of his General. This led David to act contrary to justice, and Absalom was brought back to Jerusalem. Though back home again, yet Absalom was not permitted to enter the king’s presence, and he resented this. To keep the story short, Absalom was brought into David’s presence, David stooped to kiss his rebellious son, and in so doing (as another has said), overturned his throne. He had sacrificed the principles of righteousness, being swayed by his own natural affections. He was to reap much sorrow because of this.

Absalom used his own natural beauty, (in which he gloried), and flattery, to steal away the hearts of the men of Israel. Let this be a warning to us all. Beware of men who seek to use their own personal charm and personality, as well as flattery to gain a following. At length the history of the Church will reveal that there have been many such, down through the ages.

The result of Absalom’s flattery and conspiracy, was that David was driven into exile. His head covered in shame, barefoot, and weeping as he went. Little did he know that all this would happen, when he indulged his lust with his neighbour’s wife. His humility is to be admired, because he accepted it all from the hand of the God whom he had despised. However though his character was soiled, yet some of the lovely things of his character remained. He did not seek sympathy, as did Saul before him. He even encouraged some to return to Jerusalem, and to profess loyalty to the usurper. He was touched by the loyalty and faithfulness of Ittai, and the six hundred men that he commanded. The wholehearted commitment of that Philistine, is one of the gems of scripture.

The challenge comes to us, are we willing to share the rejection of our King, our blessed Lord Jesus? Too often we would rather have the world’s acclaim and praise, than to share our Lord’s rejection and reproach. But if we suffer with Him we shall reign with Him. 2Tim. 2:12. David excels in his grace, refuses the offer of Abishai to kill the wretched Shimei who cursed him. His words are beautiful, "Let him alone, let him curse, because the Lord hath bidden him".

However David failed to discern the treachery and lies of Ziba, who slandered, and lied about his crippled master, but hastily, foolishly rewarded the lies and slander of this evil man. David’s rejection brought out the love and loyalty of some unlikely men. One an Ammonite, another was Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar. This was the man with whom Mephibosheth stayed during the years of loneliness and fear. Perhaps Machir’s heart was touched by the love that David showed to that poor cripple. Barzillai was the third, who was obviously a rich man, and these brought provisions of different kinds for David and those with him.

David now rises again to his height as a military strategist, and takes control of the army. He was also desiring to go out with the army but the people persuaded him not to. Nevertheless hin human affection once more beclouded his judgement. He instructed all and Joab in particular, to "Deal gently for my sake, with the young man, with Absalom". However God was now in control, and He saw that justice was done. Absalom’s hair was the means of bringing an end to his life. He used to shave his head at the end of each year, and to weigh the hair. He was one who "Gloried in his shame". Phil. 3:19. David’s obvious grief caused the people to slink away in shame, and turned the victory into mourning. However the firm words of Joab, brought him to realise the wrong of his attitude, so he arose and sat in the gate. Thus he showed his appreciation of the bravery and faithfulness of the people that had risked their lives for their king.

David’s return was marked by some lovely things, and some not so lovely. It is said that he "Bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, as the heart of one man". Such was the loveliness of his character. It can be said of the Lord Jesus alone, that He bows the hearts of all those who are His, as the heart of one man. Such is the charm and beauty of His character, his actions, His majesty, there is not another like him. David wished to reward those who showed kindness to him during his time of rejection and trial. The Lord Jesus will reward all those who are loyal and faithful to Him now, during the time of His rejection. Those rewards will be handed out, when we stand before His judgement seat. Such rewards do not relate to heaven, but rather to His coming millennial kingdom. Our place in heaven is not determined by our actions here, whether good or bad. Our place there depends alone on the Lord Jesus, and what He has done for us. Heaven is no reward for faithfulness, but our place there, is the gift of infinite grace alone. When we reach that place, not one of us will but gladly acknowledge that we have no right to be there.

Shimei the son of Gera, came down accompanied by Ziba the slanderer, and 1 thousand men of Benjamin, to "welcome" the king back. Shimei had cursed David as he went out, and it is probable that all of them had fought in the armies of Absalom. But now out of fear, they come cringing. Professing a love and loyalty to David that they did not really mean. Righteousness demanded the one who had cursed the Lord’s anointed, should die, but David extended mercy and forgiveness to the miserable sinner. However the public and shameful nature of Shimei’s sin, was not forgotten, and justice was done in the early part of the reign of Solomon.

Mephibosheth also came down, his very deportment and condition showed how much he missed his king and benefactor. Since the day that David left, though he was unable to go with him, yet he had remained in a state of mourning. For him to do this, exposed him to the wrath and jealousy of the usurper, and could have cost him his life. But whatever it might cost him, he would not conceal his grief at what had been done to his king, David did not take sufficient notice of this, and made irrational demands of Mephibosheth, and rewarded the traitor and slanderer, Ziba. Here David fails as a type of Christ, who is the righteous Judge. He will not be swayed by slander or flattery, but will judge righteously, and reward those that are truly faithful. Poor Mephibosheth showed that he had learned much. He was not interested in the things that David had given Him, but rather his love was centred in the person, who had shown the kindness of God to him.

The smouldering embers of jealousy began to be fanned into a flame, as the other tribes of Israel came to conduct the king over the Jordan. They accused the men of Judah of selfishness, of ‘stealing the king away’. These men must have followed Absalom, but it seems that they had no regret or repentance for their actions. There was an evil man there, who saw an opportunity to profit personally, from this sad state of affairs, so Sheba the son of Bichri blew a trumpet, disowned any loyalty to David, secured a following, and began another rebellion. This rebellion was quickly suppressed, when the head of Sheba was thrown over the wall of the walled city into which the rebel had fled. We read of the Lord Jesus, that "He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet." ICor. 15:25.

There remained yet two more crises for David to face. The first was the three years of amine, that resulted from Saul’s breaking the covenant that Joshua had made with the Gibeonites. While it is true that Joshua had been deceived, yet he did not inquire of the Lord in that matter. But after giving his word in Jehovah’s name, God would not tolerate that promise being broken. David’s mistake stems from the fact, that though he inquired of Jehovah as to the cause of the famine; yet he did not inquire as to what the righteousness of Jehovah required as a remedy. He asked the Gibeonites what they required. They required vengeance, and as a result seven men lost their lives. Though David spared Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, because Jehovah’s oath was between them, yet he delivered up the sons of his wife Michal, and the two sons of Rizpah. There were probably others that he could have surrendered, but perhaps he sacrificed the five sons of Michal to settle an old score? From this sad incident we learn that when we make a vow or a promise, God expects us to keep it. We are told that our word must be yea, or nay, God expects us to be true to our word. James 5:12.

This finally resulted in the winding up of Saul’s system. The bones of Saul and Jonathan, together with the bones of those seven men that were sacrificed to the demands of the Gibeonites were buried in the sepulchre of Kish the father of Saul. Thus justice was done, and God opened the windows of heaven once again in answer to the prayers of His people.

Chapter twenty four of 2 Samuel, is an example of God’s ways being past finding out. Rom. 11:33. It seems that the nation of Israel was in such a state that they made God angry. Through the many wars and victories of David, they had enjoyed both rest, and the blessing of God. Because of this they had become complacent. This has been repeated many times during the history of the Church also. The Church at Laodicea is a clear New Testament example.. That Church was materially rich, self-satisfied etc. but in spite of this, they were spiritually, both poor, wretched, blind and naked. What was worst was the fact that the Lord Jesus was outside, and they were content to leave Him there. David too was in a similar state, so that when God moved him to number Israel, he was happy to agree. David wanted to know the number of his troops and their families, so that he may have something more to glory in. As well God had commanded in the Law, that when the people were numbered, each one was to pay the atonement money, which was half a shekel. This was to remind them of the price that had been paid for their redemption.

Even Joab, though guilty of jealousy that had led to murder on two occasions. Yet he had greater discernment that his king, and tried to turn him from his intention. However David had his own way, with disastrous results. Once the task was completed, David’s heart smote him, and he realised that he had sinned greatly. His was a sin of presumption, the very sin which in Psalm 19 he had asked to be kept from.

God sent the prophet Gad to him with a message, and David was given a choice. He made a wise choice, preferring to fall into the hands of God, whom he knew to be abundant in mercy. As a result God sent a pestilence, (outbreak of disease), upon His people. David’s army was reduced by seventy thousand men. David pleaded for the people, and he was willing to suffer and to die in the place of the people. God heard his supplication, witnessed his brokenness, and though the angel’s sword was stretched out over Jerusalem to destroy it, yet God commanded that angel to withdraw its sword. The city was saved, and at the same time, God revealed to David the very place where later the temple, God’s house was to be built. This was the very place where centuries before Abraham had offered Isaac, (or the ram, in Isaac’s place). Araunah wanted to give the threshing floor to David, but he refused saying that he would not offer to the Lord that which cost him nothing. From this we learn that worship is meant to cost us something. So many today have the wrong idea, that worship is meant to give me something. So entertainment and similar things are substituted in its place.

The final record of David’s last days is given in the beautiful Psalms of 2Sam. 22, and the first seven verses of chapter 23. What a beautiful way to end such a useful life as that which he had lived. The challenge to you and I is, "How will our lives end"? The Galatian saints began well, but they stopped. Paul had to say of Demas that he "Has forsaken me, having loved this present world". He said of those Churches in Asia that he had laboured to establish, "All they which are in Asia have turned away from me", 2Tim. 1:15.May the Lord keep us faithful to the end. May He enable us through the power of the Holy Spirit ans His enabling, to bring glory to His great and holy name!