IT would wrong the early chapters of this book to pass them over hastily as chapters of genealogies, of repetitions, and of names.
Among many valuable subjects of instruction from the beginning, which might seem to come in incidentally, this chapter arrests the mind.
David is the great subject, the gathering together unto him; his kingdom, his honor, and his glory; a type surely of Christ, the Son of David, and the greater than he.
At Ziklag, he was probably in his greatest weakness and rejection; but there (vs. 1), chosen, valiant, and skillful ones came unto him. There were “even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.”
Verse 8. Into the hold in the wilderness, men of might separated themselves to him, and men of war fit for the battle; and to them, as they came, whether from Gad or Judah, or even Benjamin, David’s heart was knit.
One and another discerned that God was with David, and that the place of honor and of blessing was there too (vs. 18), and even at times of the greatest danger (vs. 19), some were found willing to hazard their lives for this anointed, though rejected king.
And those that came were not followers of David only, they defended his name and person. (vss. 20,21.) By and bye these made up a great multitude, “a great host, like the host of God.” (vs. 22.)
Still further on in David’s history, when he dwelt at Hebron, armed bands came to him, “to turn the kingdom of Saul to him according to the word of the Lord.”
These came to him out of every tribe, but each company had its own character, its own place.
Some were ready armed for the war; some were mighty men of valor; some famous in their father’s house; while some “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do;” to such their brethren submitted. (vs. 32.) All need not be leaders; it was the business of some to keep rank, and not to be of double heart. (vs. 33.)
And they made David king; they were of one heart to do this; yet each one could find a service to do, and if nothing else, they could bring bread on asses, and camels, and mules: ―and there was joy in Israel.
Spiritually, we may here read of our blessed Lord Jesus Christ, God’s anointed King, whom it is our privilege to join, and our honor to serve. Each has his distinct place and service, but only so long as His glory and His person are acknowledged and cared for, as the chiefest things, shall we have blessing and joy.
The meanest service, as well as the most honored, will be accepted and noticed.
What we want, then, is the single heart, the single eye, to exalt and to glorify our Lord, God’s well-beloved Son, who, though rejected of men, is now seated “on the right hand of the Majesty on high”!