SEVERE EXERCISES OF MIND. 283 Nor did this strange conduct arise from apathy, or any want of a just appreciation of the full extent of the evils he was called on to suffer. He felt the ingratitude and power of "an ungodly nation." He bitterly lamented the treason and malignity of "the deceitful and unjust man." Lying on the ground, with the noise of the rapids of the Jordan sounding in his ears, he recognised in their tumultuous uproar a striking representation of the calamities he had to undergo; and exclaimed, "Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of Thy waterspouts. All Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over me." Yet in all this he saw no reason why his confidence in God should be shaken, or even his peace of mind disturbed; so he quietly inquires, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." It is true that he pines under a deep sense of want : he keenly feels the pressure of an urgent and absolute necessity. But this is not for his restoration to kingly glory, nor to the possession of royal ease, honour, or wealth. It was a want the worldling feels not, and which men in general lightly esteem; it was for a restoration to the hallowed privilege of sacred worship, to his usual means of communion with God and union with His people in the sanctuary. "As the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God! My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? The ruling element of David's religion, his strong faith. in God, is conspicuous in this, as in many other seasons of deep sorrow and trial. The issue of this calamitous rebellion never seemed doubtful to his mind. He knew not the means or manner of his deliverance; he could not see through the dark gloom that sur rounded the present, and enveloped the future; but he knew God's covenant of mercy with him, and he believed, and, although his soul was cast down, yet he so fully realized the certainty of his restoration, that looking over the valley of the Jordan, and casting his eyes on the lofty peaks of Mount Hermon, and the little hill which rose behind him, he held fast his confidence in God; and although so far removed from the sanctuary that he loved, he was determined not to be wholly separated from God; and hence he exclaimed, "I will remember Thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar." * But David not only realized the Divine presence in his distress, but felt assured of deliverance: "Hope thou in God: I shall yet praise Him." And this language is repeated as often as his spirit sinks; and though his mind is crushed, his faith rears its mighty power, and reiterates, "I shall yet praise Him; He is the health of my countenance, and my God." The night passed, the morning dawned. The whole of the company had crossed the river, and no hostile force was in sight, not even on the western hills. David returned his thanksgiving to God, for the protection and rest which he had experienced, in his own peculiar manner :— PSALM III. "Lord, how are they increased that trouble me ! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; * Or, "the little hill." ARRIVAL AT MAHANAIM. My glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, That have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: 285 For Thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: Thy blessing is upon Thy people." After such rest as the soldiers and the crowd of friendly adherents could obtain, the whole body proceeded towards Mahanaim, which city they reached after a most wearisome march of about thirty miles. It is needless to dwell on the state of exhaustion and suffering by which the king and the people were oppressed at the close of this journey. Such a harassing journey, with scarcely any rest at night, would be sufficient to break down the strength of hardy soldiers: what amount of suffering must it then have inflicted on persons unaccustomed to violent or long-continued exertion, and especially on women and children? When arrived at this city, however, their wants were supplied; and in a fortified town they were safe from any sudden surprise from the enemy. Here the spirits of the king were revived by the appearance and proffered good offices of devoted and powerful friends. Shobi, the son of Nahash, king of Ammon, waited on him with presents. The aid afforded to a sovereign in such an emergency by a tributary so powerful in resources as the king of Ammon, must be taken as sufficient evidence of the generosity with which he had been treated, and of the gratitude which these benefits had called forth. Machir, also, the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, whom Josephus calls "chief of the country of Gilead,” and who had generously provided for Mephibosheth from the time of his father's death until he was invited to court by David; (2 Sam. ix. 4, 5;) and Barzillai, the noble and wealthy Gileadite of Rogelim;—these princely individuals waited upon the king, and supplied all his wants. The list of articles with which they furnished the exhausted travellers form no inconsiderable commissariat for such an army, with all its attendants. Arrived in this place of comparative security, and provided with provisions for himself and his people, David betook himself to rest, after having in his usual manner acknowledged the Divine goodness, and implored further protection and blessing. PSALM IV. "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto Him. Stand in awe, and sin not: Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still, PSALMS OF PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING. 287 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say, Who will show us any good? Lord, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; PSALM LXI. "Hear my cry, O God! Attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, When my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. And a strong tower from the enemy. For Thou, O God, hast heard my vows; Thy name. Thou wilt prolong the king's life: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. So will I sing praise unto Thy name for ever, |