Worldly sorrow, mortified pride, and an affrighted conscience, sometimes end the joys of the
sensualist, and separate the covetous man from his wealth; but, whatever the weapon, the Lord
smites men with death when it pleases him.
Verses 39–44
Abigail believed that David would be king over Israel, and greatly esteemed his pious and
excellent character. She deemed his proposal of marriage honourable, and advantageous to her,
notwithstanding his present difficulties. With great humility, and doubtless agreeably to the customs
of those times, she consented, being willing to share his trails. Thus those who join themselves to
Christ, must be willing now to suffer with him, believing that hereafter they shall reign with him.
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
Saul goes after David, who again spares (1–12)
Saul's life.
David exhorts Saul. (13–20)
Saul acknowledges his sin. (21–25)Verses 1–12
How soon do unholy hearts lose the good impressions convictions have made upon them! How
helpless were Saul and all his men! All as though disarmed and chained, yet nothing is done to
them; they are only asleep. How easily can God weaken the strongest, befool the wisest, and baffle
the most watchful! David still resolved to wait till God thought fit to avenge him on Saul. He will
by no means force his way to the promised crown by any wrong methods. The temptation was very
strong; but if he yielded, he would sin against God, therefore he resisted the temptation, and trusted
God with the event.
Verses 13–20
David reasoned seriously and affectionately with Saul. Those who forbid our attendance on
God's ordinances, do what they can to estrange us from God, and to make us heathens. We are to
reckon that which exposes us to sin the greatest injury that can be done us. If the Lord stirred thee
up against me, either in displeasure to me, taking this way to punish me for my sins against him,
or in displeasure to thee, if it be the effect of that evil spirit from the Lord which troubles thee; let
Him accept an offering from us both. Let us join in seeking peace, and to be reconciled with God
by sacrifice.