2 Samuel 3:38 And the king said to his servants, Know you not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? Abner had great qualities, filled a high position, seemed likely to be of great service to David, who sincerely lamented his untimely end, and the wicked treachery and violence by which he fell. I. GREAT MEN SHOULD BE HIGHLY VALUED. Great generals and naval commanders. If war must be, it is of vast importance that it should be conducted by able captains. But not only these, men great in the arts of peace, - great statesmen, philosophers, historians, scientists, poets, artists, preachers, etc. Especially when distinguished ability is combined with unselfish devotion to the good of the nation or the race. For selfish ambition belittles the great, and moral corruption renders them powerful for evil instead of good. Abner's greatness was marred by his unscrupulous ambition, and Joab was worse than he. The multitude are very dependent on great leaders, whether in war or peace, and can do little without them. "Thou art worth ten thousand of us" (2 Samuel 18:3). Leading and inspiring the many, they make them partners in their own greatness. The influence of their deeds, or (in the case of intellectual leaders) their thoughts, raises others towards their own level. The character as well as the progress of a people depends a good deal on its great men. II. GREAT MEN MUST DIE. In some conditions of society their lives are more exposed to peril than the lives of others - whether from the assassin, or from fickle monarchs or ambitious rivals, using the forms of law to put them out of their way; or the cares incident to greatness may shorten their days. "I have said, Ye are gods... but ye shall die like men" (Psalm 82:6, 7) - a truth they should bear in mind to keep them sober and humble, to stimulate their diligence, and preserve in them a sense of responsibility to God; a truth which others should remember, that they may not idolize the great, nor unduly confide in them (see Psalm 146:3, 4) or dread their anger (Isaiah 51:12), nor, to secure their favour, sin against him who lives forever; and that they may be themselves the more content to die. III. GREAT MEN SHOULD BE HONOURED AFTER DEATH. By general mourning; by honourable burial; by commemoration of their virtues and services, in elegies (as here), or biographies, or monuments to their memory; by carrying out their unaccomplished purposes for the public good; and withal by praise to God for them and their services. Such honour is due to the men themselves, and tends to the good of society by exciting emulation, etc. In conclusion: 1. Let Britons bless God for the large number and long succession of great men who have adorned and served their country in all departments; and pray that the succession may be maintained to the latest times. Not only are such men invaluable while they live; their works and memories survive them as a perpetual treasure. The truly great do not die altogether. "But strew his ashes to the wind Whose sword or voice has served mankind - And is he dead whose glorious mind Lifts thine on high? To live in hearts we leave behind, Is not to die." (Campbell.) 2. Let us be thankful that it is not necessary to be great in order to be either happy or useful. Goodness is the essential thing. A comfort to the many who can never be distinguished. 3. Yet real greatness is possible to all. Through faith in Christ we become children of God, "heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ," to be "glorified together" with him (Romans 8:17). In the kingdom of heaven greatness is secured by conscientious obedience to the Divine commandments (Matthew 5:19), humility (Matthew 18:4; Luke 9:48), and self abasing, self-denying service of others (Mark 10:42-45). Such greatness is substantial and immortal (1 John 2:17). 4. Let us rejoice that the great "Captain of our salvation" lives forever, in fulness of power to save and bless all who trust in him. - G.W. Parallel Verses KJV: And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? |
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