And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the Lord.
Strength and weakness
David's sense of dependence upon God!
1. His passive patience is exquisitely touching, and presents such a contrast to his recent unsettled haste of spirit. We shall find this quiet restfulness characterising his triumphant hours. Not inertness and supineness--active dependence. Not sloth--that marked his faithless hours--but a calm restfulness, betokening living faith. He makes no effort to secure the throne, and yet every hope concerning it he has ever nourished is moving toward fruition. Had his eye rested upon the human side, he was well able to make the forward movement. By nature a man of quick decision and quicker action, his valiant men would urge him to move towards Jerusalem. Instead of any such movement, he stays “to inquire of the Lord” (2Sa_2:1).
2. Additional emphasis is given to this view of David's state of heart in the tone of his prayer: “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” not selecting the city. Being of the tribe of Judah, it rises to his lips to ask if he may be among his own people. Do we not often ask advice, with deepest emphasis when we see not our way? It is strong faith, genuine humility, which submits our choice to Divine over-ruling.
3. How simple the record I “So David went up thither.” How much the record covers! Prompt obedience and unfaltering trust. This is the wayto move towards the consummation of Divine purposes--to obey Divine commands unhesitatingly. “I made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy commandments” (Psa_119:60).
4. The consequences of sin remain long after the sin itself is forgiven. David's sojourn among the Philistines bore fruit after many days--fruit that was bitter to the taste. For David to ally himself with the Philistines could bring only pain and weakness. To-day the believer marries the worldling, the child of God takes into partnership the child of the world. Ziklag experiences are repeated all too surely around us. Prompted to the deed by personal jealousy or fear of losing his position, Abner sets up as king Ishbosheth, Saul's son (2Sa_2:8). To this thewestern tribes agree;--their fear lest David's compact with Philistia be yet undissolved largely minister.
