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consequence of their advice, resolved to withdraw from the kingdom, and retire into the land of the Philistines; by this step David exposed himself to a variety of temptations.

It seems that some revolution had happened amongst this people, for formerly there were five sovereign princes, and at this time Achish appears to have been king over all Philistia. This prince thought it would be greatly to his advantage to detach so valiant a general as David, and his brave troops, from the interest of their own country, especially as the Philistines were then meditating an invasion on the land of Israel, supposing that he should by this mean confirm an irreconcileable hatred between David and Saul and their adherents; so that, in all probability, Achish did not act in this matter from motives of real kindness, but policy: however, he was, notwithstanding, intitled to David's assistance on all lawful occasions, as he treated him and his followers with great respect, and, at David's request, gave him a city to dwell in. Whilst David abode at Zilkag, he made some attacks upon the nations that were devoted by GoD to be destroyed by the Israelites, particularly the Gazarites and Geshurites, whom as branches of the Amalekites it was his duty to destroy, because the LORD had said, He would have war with Amalek from generation to generation; so that David, as captain of the LORD's inheritance, was justified in putting them all to the sword. David concealed what he had done, lest Achish should suspect that he would proceed to hostilities against his people and their allies, which might occasion his being expelled from those coasts; and, with an equivocation ill becoming his character, he told the king of Gath, that he had fought against some of the inhabitants of Judah; which induced Achish to place entire confi

dence

dence in him, from a persuasion that he was firmly attached to his interest; and knowing David's great valour, he rejoiced in having such an ally. Now was David called to a severe trial, for a war broke out with Israel, and Achish (depending on David's animosity to Saul, and those who had joined with him to drive David from his native country) proposed that he should take the command of those guards which attended his royal person; to this proposal * David replied, Surely thou shalt know what thý servant can do.

We must not think so hardly of David, as to suppose that he really intended to fight against his own people: it is probable that he went with Achish in hopes that some opportunity might offer of preventing an engagement: or in case it was not to be avoided, that he might at least shew his gratitude to this monarch, by giving him protection, and saving the lives of some of his people. Happily for David, the Philistines were jealous of him, and insisted that Achish should send him back to Ziklag.

All things are known beforehand to the SUPREME BEING, therefore he might permit David to take this step, in order that he should learn what perplexities are the consequences of mistrusting GOD, and placing too great reliance on human councils. Though David consented to attend Achish, we may suppose that he gladly returned to Ziklag, for he must have been greatly distressed to know how to proceed. The king dismissed him with the highest encomiums on his merit, which proves, that David had hitherto conducted himself honourably. During his short absence, a dreadful event happened: for some of the Amalekites that remained, invaded and set fire to Ziklag, and carried all the inha

*See Chandler's Life of David.
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bitants,

bitants, which consisted chiefly of women and children, into captivity.

This was a most afflicting stroke to David, intended perhaps to punish him for exposing himself to the necessity of appearing willing to engage in a bad cause; for had he and his followers gone with Achish to the camp, their families and all their property would have been inevitably lost. David's soldiers were so enraged, that they were going to stone him; but he implored the assistance of the LORD, and calling to Abiathar to fetch the ephod, he had the comfort of receiving com mand to pursue the Amalekites, with a promise of victory. David, therefore, with his army, set out on the pursuit, and found the enemy revelling and feasting in their camp; so David smote them, and gained a complete conquest, by which he restored the captives to liberty, and recovered all their goods, with the addition of much spoil, part of which consisted of a great num. ber of flocks and herds: these the army gratefully allotted to David for his own share. Two hundred soldiers had been obliged to stop by the way, for they were so overcome with faintness and fatigue, that they had not power to proceed; those who had taken an active part in the battle, refused to grant them any share of the prey; but David, agreeably to the rules of justice, insisted that they should have their share, as they were willing to have gone, though not able, and they had been useful in guarding the baggage.

When David came back to Ziklag, he disposed of his own portion, by sending presents to all those from whom he had formerly received favours, whilst he was driven from place to place; which proves that he had a very munificent mind.

SECTION

SECTION LXXXV.

SAUL CONSULTETH A WITCH AT ENDOR-SAMUEL APPEARETH TO HIM.

From 1 Samuel, Chap. xxviii.

Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented for him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city; and Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.

And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night. And he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up whom I shall name unto thee.

And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.

Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? and he said, Bring me up Samucl.

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And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.

And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? and the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.

And he said unto her, What form is he of? and she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed for the Philistines make war against me, and GOD is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.

Then said Samuel, Wherefore, then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? And the LORD hath done to him as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David.

Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day.

Moreover, the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid because of the words of Samuel:

and

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