1 Samuel 22:3, 4. (MOAB.) To honour parents is the earliest obligation of life, the foundation of human duties and a stepping stone to Divine. It applies to children not only when they dwell at home and depend on their parents, but also when they leave home and become independent of them. The manner in which it should be shown in the latter case differs in some respects from that in the former; but such kindness as David exhibited towards his aged father and mother ought never to be neglected. It was - I. NEEDFUL. In early life we need the care of parents, in old age that of children. 1. Bodily weakness and failing health often render parents dependent for physical comforts and even necessaries (Genesis 47:12). 2. Increasing loneliness makes them desirous of the cheering presence and intercourse of their children; and much pain is naturally given by lack of respect, affection, confidence, and gentle ministrations. 3. Special emergencies, like those here alluded to, sometimes demand unusual efforts for their safety and happiness. Their condition appeals to the tenderest and best feelings of the heart, though, alas, it sometimes appeals in vain. II. OBLIGATORY. 1. Arising out of natural relationship, the duties of which on the part of children, however imperfectly they may have been fulfilled on the part of parents, cannot be cancelled. 2. Required by the claims of gratitude for innumerable benefits received. 3. Enjoined by the Divine word in many precepts to which great promises are annexed. "The fifth commandment is the centre of all the others; for upwards it is the point of departure for Divine, and downwards for human duties" (Ephesians 6:1). "Despise not thy mother when she is old" (Proverbs 23:22). "God commanded, saying, Honour thy father," etc. (Matthew 15:4-9). "Let them learn first to show (filial) reverence to their own household, and to requite their parents," etc. (1 Timothy 5:4). 4. Commended by the example of the good. "Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, etc. (Jeremiah 35:18, 19). Jesus Christ himself (John 19:26). III. EXEMPLARY an the way in which it was displayed. 1. Thoughtful, affectionate, and tender. 2. Self-denying and self-sacrificing, with much effort and risk, and as was best suited to the circumstances of the case. 3. Religious: "Till I know what God will do to me;" where there is a recognition of his will as supreme, faith in his wise and gracious disposal (Psalm 27:10), and hope of his enabling him to see again his parents, from whom he parted with regret, and provide for their permanent welfare. Exhortation: - 1. To children. Be kind to your parents, though you no longer need their care, if you would not have your children be unkind to you. 2. To parents. Seek to gain the respect and affection of your children, and teach them to honour God, if you would have them to honour you. 3. To all. Be not like those of whom the heavenly Father said of old, "I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me" (Isaiah 1:2). - D.
And everyone that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him. At the period of which the text speaks, David was leading the life of an outcast and an outlaw. Being expelled from Israel and Philistia, nothing remained for him to do but to gather around him a band of equally unfortunate men and defend himself with his sword. Cannot we see in David collecting around him all who were in distress, in debt, or for any reason discontented, a foreshadow of the Friend of publicans and sinners, of Him who said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Again a man's religion may be concealed in his heart, and may not do the good it ought to do as an example till distress come upon him and cause it to be seen in all its power. In many a true believer piety is like a drum, which nobody hears of unless it be beaten. The cave of Adullam was a refuge for debtors, and so is the Church of Christ. The third class of people who came to David at the cave of Adullam were those who were discontented. So, too, there is a "Divine discontent" which brings people to Christ. Are you dissatisfied? Then go to Christ and fill up the hollowness of your soul with Him. This is the truth which is contained in the common saying, that when people become disappointed with the world, it is the last resource to turn saint. The last thing we note about the miserable men who came for refuge to David is that they were taught by him to live good lives. They were a rough, lawless set of men, yet they could be kept in check by the influence of their beloved captain, David. So useful and helpful to their neighbours did these soldiers become, that the servants of Nabal could not help acknowledging as much. "But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we anything, as long as we were conversant with them." Now surely if men's lives were made good by coming to David, the effect which coming to Christ should have upon our characters is infinitely more beneficial.(E. J. Hardy, M. A.) People Abiathar, Ahimelech, Ahitub, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, David, Doeg, Gad, Goliath, Jesse, SaulPlaces Adullam, Gibeah, Hereth, Mizpeh, Moab, NobTopics Amongst, Clear, David, Forth, Learn, Living-place, Mizpah, Mizpeh, Moab, Please, Stay, Thence, TillOutline 1. Companies resort unto David at Adullam3. At Mizpeh he commends his parents unto the king of Moab 5. Admonished by Gad, he comes to Hareth, 6. Saul going to pursue him, complains of his servants' unfaithfulness 9. Doeg accuses Ahimelech 11. Saul commands to kill the priests 17. The footmen refusing, Doeg executes it 20. Abiathar escaping, brings David the news Dictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 22:3 5061 sanctity of life Library Covenanting Confers Obligation. As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties … John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Exile Continued. The Exile --Continued. Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah. And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 22:3 NIV1 Samuel 22:3 NLT 1 Samuel 22:3 ESV 1 Samuel 22:3 NASB 1 Samuel 22:3 KJV 1 Samuel 22:3 Bible Apps 1 Samuel 22:3 Parallel 1 Samuel 22:3 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 22:3 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 22:3 French Bible 1 Samuel 22:3 German Bible 1 Samuel 22:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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