was to condemn the world, yet he gave full assurance that he came peaceably, for he came to
sacrifice, and he brought his offering with him; A body hast thou prepared me. Let us sanctify
ourselves, and depend upon His sacrifice.
Verses 6–13
It was strange that Samuel, who had been so disappointed in Saul, whose countenance and
stature recommended him, should judge of another man by that rule. We can tell how men look,
but God can tell what they are. He judges of men by the heart. We often form a mistaken judgment
of characters; but the Lord values only the faith, fear, and love, which are planted in the heart,
beyond human discernment. And God does not favour our children according to our fond partiality,
but often most honours and blesses those who have been least regarded. David at length was pitched
upon. He was the youngest of the sons of Jesse; his name signifies Beloved; he was a type of God's
beloved Son. It should seem, David was least set by of all the sons of Jesse. But the Spirit of the
Lord came upon David from that day forward. His anointing was not an empty ceremony, a Divine
power went with that instituted sign; he found himself advanced in wisdom and courage, with all
the qualifications of a prince, though not advanced in his outward circumstances. This would satisfy
him that his election was of God. The best evidence of our being predestinated to the kingdom of
glory, is, our being sealed with the Spirit of promise, and experience of a work of grace in our
hearts.
Verses 14–23
Saul is made a terror to himself. The Spirit of the Lord departed from him. If God and his grace
do not rule us, sin and Satan will have possession of us. The devil, by the Divine permission,
troubled and terrified Saul, by the corrupt humours of his body, and passions of his mind. He grew
fretful, peevish, and discontented, and at times a madman. It is a pity that music, which may be
serviceable to the good temper of the mind, should ever be abused, to support vanity and luxury,
and made an occasion of drawing the heart from God and serious things. That is driving away the
good Spirit, not the evil spirit. Music, diversions, company, or business, have for a time often been
employed to quiet the wounded conscience; but nothing can effect a real cure but the blood of
Christ, applied in faith, and the sanctifying Spirit sealing the pardon, by his holy comforts. All other
plans to dispel religious melancholy are sure to add to distress, either in this world or the next.
Chapter 17
Chapter Outline
Goliath's challenge. (1–11)
David comes to the camp. (12–30)
David undertakes to fight Goliath. (31–39)