06 - The Outgrowth of Exposition
Chapter 6 THE OUTGROWTH OF EXPOSITION A. PRACTICAL CLINIC
I HAVE MADE arrangements to visit the expositor’s study without his knowledge. I feel that we may be able to learn more of how actually to go about the preparation of an expository sermon that way than in any other. The expositor tries to stay away from his books on Monday, so we shall slip into the study on Tuesday morning and be there when he comes in. We can just keep out of sight and peep over his shoulder when he goes to work. He is at present engaged in a series of messages on the Gospel of Matthew. He is not sticking to any particular theme, but taking each chapter separately as he comes to it. The first two chapters have already been covered so he will be working on the third chapter for the next Lord’s Day. He has already read it though and feels impressed to treat it from a biographical standpoint. Something of the greatness of this man known as John has gripped his own heart, and he feels that his people will be inspired and edified by a pictorial exposition of this outstanding character. Three topics come to his mind in quick order so he jots them down. “John the Baptist,” “A New Testament Prophet,” “The Forerunner.” Now we follow the expositor as he goes through the chapter, studiously, verse by verse, putting down such thoughts as come to his mind as he goes along.
1. “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea.”
Humility―nothing pretentious about his pulpit. No publicity or notoriety.
2.“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” An unpopular message but greatly needed. Not enough of it today. Same message as Jesus preached. Both suffered for it.
3. “For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
Divine appointment―predicted by Isaiah. Real authority. (Check Malachi.)
4. “And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.”
Humility again―unpretentious garb and meager fare. Contrast to Pharisees and religious leaders who were capitalizing and living luxuriously.
5. “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan.”
Strangely enough they flocked to hear him. Sincerity and a real message always attract. If we are faithful, God will see that we get a hearing.
6. “And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.”
Real results follow. Confessing―not denying or excusing their sins.
7. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”
Scorching denunciation. Vituperative preaching of the first order.
8.“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” No false professions for him. Outward evidence of heart repentance is vital.
9. “And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”
Human ancestry and relationships have no significance in the spiritual realm. Experience with God is a matter of heart.
10. “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Warning. Axe, trees, fire, etc.,―?
11. “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”
12. “Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Just two destinations.
13. “Than cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” Unexpected procedure.
14. “But John forbad him. Saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?”
More humility. John’s reticence understandable. Jesus had no sin of which to repent.
15. “And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.” _______?
16.“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.” The approval of the Spirit upon the Son, John, and the ordinance.
17. “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Approval of the Father. Trinity revealed. Deity of Jesus established.
Now the expositor goes back to start his analysis. He considers the three topics and decides to use “The Forerunner,” It is more unique than the others and may have a tendency to arouse curiosity. Now then, what has he discovered about the forerunner? What shall be said about him? What sort of man is he? Ah, his person. What seem to be some of his chief characteristics? He is a man of courage. This is seen in the fact that he disregarded conventionalities (Matthew 3:1, Matthew 1:1). He defied and condemned false religion (Matthew 3:7-10). He defied all human authority in his demand for genuine repentance. Courage is an outstanding virtue of the forerunner. He is also a humble man. His pulpit (Matthew 1:1). Just a voice, not the head (Matthew 3:2). His attire and fare (Matthew 3:4). Self-deprecation (Matthew 3:11). Reticence concerning the administering of the ordinance (Matthew 3:13-14). Humility is another very outstanding virtue of the forerunner. It was these two characteristics which Jesus pointed out in His commendation of the forerunner (Matthew 11).
Since he was a divinely appointed prophet of God we must consider his preaching. That was his main business. First of all the content of his message. “Repent ye,.” Just one consuming, burning passion―to provoke genuine, evident repentance as the prerequisite for baptism. Then, the character of his preaching. (1) it is a message with a biblical foundation and authority. John postulated his utterances upon the predictions of the prophet Isaiah (Matthew 3:3). (2) His preaching was pointed, pungent, and personal, and it got the desired results, though it also caused offense (Matthew 3:6). The forerunner (as the name implies) had one main objective and purpose―the introduction and exaltation of Another, greater than he in every respect. He was constantly magnifying the Christ and minimizing himself. He points out that his is a divinely appointed office (Matthew 3:3), and has the approval of Christ Himself (Matthew 3:13). At the same time John was always exemplifying Christ. The forerunner was even mistaken for the Christ (John 1:20). He compares most favorably with Jesus in his message, his firmness, his humility, and his utter unselfishness. The expositor debates the advisability of using a proposition. After some considerable thought he devises one, which he may or may not use. It was because of his intense devotion, his indomitable spirit, his unswerving loyalty, and his similitude to the Son of God that Jesus was constrained to pronounce John the Baptist the most exemplary man of the hour.
Now the expositor turns to other books in his library. Versions and translations yield a helpful sidelight here and there. Volumes of Greek word studies are also helpful. It was noticed that some verses in the chapter did not yield any choice thoughts for preaching. Verses ten and fifteen are still not at all clear in his mind, even after consulting other translations. As the expositor makes thorough research in the commentaries and expositions of the scholars, he finds that there is evidently a question in the minds of the interpreters as to the exact meaning of those statements, and quite a variation of opinion among the scholars. Some new light has come, but he wisely concludes to pass over those matters in this biographical sermon. There will be another time for that, when he has had time to let it sink in and has gleaned more knowledge and a better understanding of that portion of truth. Verses eleven and twelve also present difficulties and involve some rather intricate exegesis, so he decides to omit those also, with perhaps brief reference to the fact that the Holy Spirit is the agent of regeneration. Some other time he will preach a sermon on repentance or regeneration and go into that in detail. This is a biographical sermon, he has plenty of material, and he is particularly concerned with the forerunner himself.
After considering the passage in Mark 6, he decides not to introduce that either. It will serve better as a separate treatment of contrasted personalities at another time. However, the passage in Matthew 11 seems fitting for inclusion this time.
Now the expositor must arrange his material analytically and in a condensed manner for use in the pulpit, so he ends up with this: THE FORERUNNER (Introduction and proposition) 1.His person a. Humility
Matthew 3:1. Pulpit. Matthew 3:3. Voice, not head.Matthew 3:4. Garb and diet. Matthew 3:11. self-deprecation and exaltation of Jesus. Matthew 3:13-14. Reticence re baptism. b. Courage Defied religionists and ecclesiastical authority. Denounced sin and demanded renunciation.
2.His preaching a. Content Repentance. Not just a doctrine, but a demand.
Fruits must be seen as evidence of reality of it. It must have a practical reaction. b. Character Source-the Old Testament Scriptures. Result- Confession and baptism (Matthew 3:5-6).
3.His purpose a. Magnifying Christ Office predicted-Matthew 3:3. Malachi 3. Office approved-Matthew 3:13 b. Exemplifying Christ Mistaken for the Messiah. John 1:20. Compares favorably with Jesus in message, firmness, humility, Unselfishness, devotion. Matthew 11. (Illustration) From what point will the expositor make his application? Certainly we are not overburdened with humility today, so that needs to be emphasized. We are living in trying times which test the souls of men. We need to be courageous in the conflict with sin. That suggests a great challenge. The world is floundering in the quagmire of human reasoning and homophilosophy, so we need a Biblical foundation for our faith and testimony. That would not be inappropriate. Any one of these would be well fitted for a final conclusion and application. However, there is one thing that particularly appeals to the expositor at this time and seems to more or less incorporate the others. That is the similitude of the forerunner to Jesus Himself. We are His followers; we should be like Him; the world expects us to be like Him; yet how unlike Him we are. John was so like Him as to be mistaken for him. Yes, that will be the final application.
We have been peering over the expositor’s shoulder all week. This is a Saturday morning, and he has just condensed his notes for pulpit use. Now he turns to his files for a good closing illustration concerning this Christlikeness. He recalls a clipping which tells of a white trader going to a village in Africa in search of ivory. This layman was a genuine Christian and, finding that the people had an understanding of the English language, he began to tell them about a Man who could help them in their need. Without mentioning a name he began to describe Jesus to them. Soon their faces lighted up and one of them said, “I know whom you are talking about-our missionary.”
Tears well up in the eyes of the expositor and he drops to his knees. It is time for us to leave the expositor alone-with his God.
It is time for us to get to our own desks; hungry hearts are waiting to be fed, and we must not, we dare not, disappoint them on Sunday morning.
* * * * * * * *
Notice that all the various parts of the sermon are included in the brief analysis. The expositor will state his topic, go right on with his few words of introduction, tying it to the previous chapter and message, and pointing out the necessity of the place of the forerunner at this point, and then set forth his proposition. From that he will go straight to his first main heading, to show what kind of man the forerunner was, and thence right through the main body of discussion to the conclusion. The conclusion and application will be merged into one in this case.
B. ANALYTICAL EXHIBIT
Probably the best way to try to portray to the reader, in a practical and understandable manner, the principles previously stated is to offer some specimens of skeleton outlines and expository analysis. These are not chosen because of their literary excellence, or because they are superior in this realm, but rather because of their simplicity and adaptability. Nevertheless, they are representative and exemplary, each one according to its use and purpose. They are practical in that they have been tried and tested and have been used with satisfactory results. Where not otherwise indicated they are my own product, devised over a period of years. We shall consider first of all single expositions of Scripture portions. A two-point exposition. Scripture: Genesis 35:1-15.
"UNDER THE OAK"
1. The oak of compromise (Genesis 35:4.) 2. The oak of consecration (Genesis 35:8.)
Two trees seem to figure prominently in this passage. The first seven verses set forth a picture of compromise. The preceding chapter relates the vile and disastrous results of this compromise. Then comes the call back to Bethel and the decision to go. Bethel was where Jacob had left God. God never leaves us, He just declines to go when we leave, so we must go back to the point where we left Him. The symbols of carnality and backsliding are buried in a conspicuous place, where they could be easily recovered, in case they did not go through with it. “Make no provision for the flesh.” The last eight verses speak of consecration. They return to Bethel. It is well to commemorate and mark clearly the resting place of a godly and devout person, such as Deborah. No subheadings are suggested, but anywhere from two to five under each main heading would be appropriate if so desired. A three-point exposition. Scripture: John 21:1-25.
LEADERSHIP 1. Human leadership (John 21:1-5) a. The frailty of it b. The fruitlessness of it 2. Divine leadership (John 21:6-11) a. Demands obedience b. Procures abundance 3. Spirit-filled leadership (John 21:12-25) a. Humble b. Sacrificial This one from the pen of Dr. Griffith Thomas is very clear. Scripture: Psalms 16:1-11 THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER 1. Its commencement (Psalms 16:1-4) 2. Its course (Psalms 16:5-8) 3. Its culmination (vv. 9-11) A four-point exposition. Scripture: Ezekiel 2:1-10 - Ezekiel 3:1-5 and Ezekiel 24:15-27 (Biographical). THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHRISTIAN 1. Filled with the Spirit of God a. All activities useless without this fullness b. All success may be attributed to this fullness 2. Filled with a knowledge of His will a. Direct from God b. Indirectly through the Word of God 3. Filled with holy boldness a. To meet rebellion against himself b. To meet rebellion against God 4. Filled with a spirit of understanding a. To meet the people in their need b. To make the sacrifice of loyalty The last point in the message is based on the passage in chapter 24. It also serves as a conclusion from which the final application is made. There is not a clean-cut division of the verses as in other cases, so we have made no effort to specify.
Here is another similar example. Scripture: 1 Chronicles 21:1-30 (Cf. 2 Samuel 24) THE PRIDE OF LIFE 1. The transgression of pride (1 Chronicles 21:1-7) a. Inflated by success b. Impervious to counsel 2. The confession of pride (1 Chronicles 21:8-13) a. The sincerity of his confession b. the wisdom of his confession 3. The retribution of pride (1 Chronicles 21:14-17) a. Inevitable b. Indispensable 4. The abolition of pride (1 Chronicles 21:18-27) a. Worship b. Sacrifice
Dr. J. O. Williams, who is excellent in analysis, has a message on one of the Psalms which is suggestive. Scripture: Psalms 111:1-10 PRAISE FOR THE WORKS OF GOD 1. God’s works are great (v. 2.) 2. God’s works are glorious (v. 3.) 3. God’s works are genuine (v. 7.) 4. God’s works are gracious (v. 9.) A five-point exposition. (This arrangement is adapted from a sermon by Dr. Vance Havner entitled “Where Are You at Calvary?”) Scripture: Matthew 27:35-56 WERE YOU THERE?
1. The executioners 2. The head-waggers 3. The religionists
4. The people 5. The penitents A three-point exposition with a pivot verse. Verse 10 is the pivot verse: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” The whole Psalm is developed around that statement. Scripture: Psalms 51:1-19 THE REVIVAL PRAYER 1. The burden of his prayer (Psalms 51:1-9) 2. The wisdom of his prayer (Psalms 51:11-12) 3. The purpose of his prayer (Psalms 51:13-19) A four-point exposition with a pivot verse. Verse 6 is the pivot verse, and the whole passage is developed around the question, “Shall Your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?” Scripture: Numbers 32:1-32 THE BURNING QUESTION 1. The occasion for it a. Lethargy b. Selfishness 2. The reason for it a. Discouragement b. Detriment 3. The Sacrifice involved in it a. No compromise b. No reservation 4. The challenge contained in it a. Inescapable b. Irresistible A whole book of the Bible as a single exposition. One may wish to cover, in a comprehensive manner, a whole book of the bible. This of course would have to be confined pretty largely to the shorter books, to be proficient. Take for example the Book of Jonah. It might be treated like this: A MAN ON THE RUN 1. Running away from God (Chap. 1) 2. Running to God (Chap. 2) 3. Running with God (Chap. 3) 4. Running ahead of God (Chap. 4) ―Origin unknown The Book of Philippians lends itself to a similar treatment.
1. Joy in captivity (Chap. 1) 2. Joy in humility (Chap. 2) 3. Joy in adversity (Chap. 3) 4. Joy in anxiety (Chap. 4) The author has preached a series of four expositions on Philippians, using this arrangement. It would be a lot of ground to cover in one message, but it could be done. The Book of Ruth would not be so difficult, being chiefly narrative rather than so much doctrine.
Finally we move into the realm of consecutive exposition. This is the crown jewel of expositional excellence. Sometimes the expositor will wish to treat a book of the Bible under a definite and specific theme, with a continuity of thought all the way through. Dr. Jones has such a treatment of I Corinthians. A PURIFIED CHURCH 1. The possession of the Church: the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:1-9).
2. The peril of the Church: A divided Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10-16).
3. The proclamation of the church: Christ, the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:17-31―1 Corinthians 2:1-16).
4. The purpose of the Church: Building for fire (1 Corinthians 3:1-23).
5. The pleasure of the Church: Fools for Christ’s sake (1 Corinthians 4:1-21).
6. The pollution of the Church: sores in the Christian body (1 Corinthians 5:1-13―1 Corinthians 6:1-20).
7. The peculiarity of the Church: Separation unto Christ (1 Corinthians 7:1-40―1 Corinthians 8:1-13).
8. The problems of the Church: The world, the flesh, and the devil (1 Corinthians 9:1-27―1 Corinthians 10:1-33―1 Corinthians 11:1-34―1 Corinthians 12:1-31).
9. The prerequisite of the Church: Unfailing love (1 Corinthians 13:1-13).
10. The privilege of the Church: Identification with Christ (1 Corinthians 14:1-40―1 Corinthians 15:1-58―1 Corinthians 16:1-24).
It is our opinion that this series was prepared with a view to using it at the morning hour in a two weeks’ campaign. Some of the messages cover a great deal of territory, and would be a little difficult to handle in one session, notably 8 and 10. It might be better, if not crowded for time, to extend the series to twelve or more messages. This could easily be done, and right in line with the theme and order of analysis. The expositor might wish to give a series of messages, preaching consecutively through I Corinthians, but with no particular theme in mind, and following no definite line of thought. This would be in the same category as separate expositions except that it would be confined to the same book until complete. Dr. K. O. White has a series on I Corinthians like that. He has some good topics (particularly 10 and 15) though they are quite unrelated.
1. Christ―the power and wisdom of God 2. The only message 3. The Church’s one foundation 4. Humiliation that leads to glory 5. The leaven of immorality 6. Dishonoring God in your body 7. The glory of a Christian home 8. My personal responsibility 9. That I might by all means save some 10. When temptation takes you 11. Understanding and appreciating the Lord’s Supper 12. What is your spiritual gift?
13. The more excellent way 14. An uncertain sound 15. Death defied and defeated 16. The great door and the many adversaries
Another example of exposition of a book of the Bible under a theme, is that of I Peter, treating it in the light of human suffering. The thought of suffering is quite predominant in this epistle. THE SUFFERINGS OF THE SAINTS 1. Rejoicing in the face of suffering (1 Peter 1:1-9).
2. Holiness―the product of suffering (1 Peter 1:10-25).
3. Growth―the outcome of suffering (1 Peter 2:1-10).
4. Submission―the strength of suffering (1 Peter 2:11-25).
5. Subjection―the beauty of suffering (1 Peter 3:1-22).
6. Victory―the value of suffering (1 Peter 4:1-11).
7. Participation―the satisfaction of suffering (1 Peter 4:12-19).
8. Perfection―the end of suffering (1 Peter 5:1-11).
Each message is complete in itself, but is very definitely and closely linked to the theme, as well as to each of the other messages. The third message in the series is developed as follows, and is typical.
GROWTH―THE OUTCOME OF SUFFERING
1. Nourishment a. Sterilizing b. Appetizing 2. Construction a. Living stones b. A spiritual house
3. Exercise a. Our constitution requires it b. Our commission demands it
Again, it might be preferable to treat a whole book of the Bible consecutively, chapter by chapter, with a theme, but not with a continuity of thought. That is, each message would be a unit, but not necessarily connected with the other messages in a progression of thought. Take the Book of Acts. THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH IN ACTION 1. The mobilization of the Church 2. The regimentation of the Church 3. The aggression of the Church 4. The crises of the Church 5. The power of the Church 6. The fellowship of the Church 7. The expansion of the Church 8. The triumphs of the Church 9. The universality of the Church 10. The development of the Church 11. The strength of the Church 12. the extension of the Church 13. The perseverance of the Church
Topics covering the first half of the book are sufficient for this purpose, but the whole book is covered in the same manner. It can be seen at once that, while there is progress, there is no particular connection of the messages the one to the other, but only to the theme. It will also be noticed that chapter 7 has been omitted in this series. It can be left out altogether in such a historical series of expositions. It can be treated separately at some other time, when the expositor feels the need of pressing home the impotency of the Church. Or it might be included in the series, with topics something like these: “The heritage of the Church” or “The indictment of the Church.” The author deemed it wise to omit it.
Dr. J. C. Macaulay has a splendid series of expositions on the Book of Acts, with no general theme but consecutive treatment. He does divide the book into four parts.
Part 1―Pentecost . . . and after Part 2―The expansion begins Part 3―Into all the world Part 4―The march on Rome The first section covers the first seven chapters, but the author does not take a whole chapter at a time. His topics in that division are as follows:
1. The unfinished work of Christ 2. Times and seasons 3. Pentecost―phenomena and essence 4. The manifesto of a new age 5. The spiritual and social order of Pentecost 6. Pentecost in demonstration 7. Peter explains 8. A tilt with the hierarchy 9. The ghost of Achan 10. Apostolic certainties 11. Growing pains 12. Faithful unto death
While there is a relation of thought to the heading of the division, the messages are not linked together. Dr. Macaulay is a master of analysis, and holds almost exclusively to the threefold division. The following samples are superb:
Scripture: Acts 5:1-21 THE GHOST OF ACHAN 1. The sin that threatened the Church 2. The severity that saved the Church 3. The sanctity that glorified the Church Scripture: Acts 11:19-30; Acts 12:25 AS FAR AS ANTIOCH 1. The origin of a Gentile church 2. The ordering of a Gentile church 3. The offering of a Gentile church Scripture: Acts 16:11-34 THE ASSAULT ON EUROPE 1. A beachhead secured 2. A counterattack instigated 3. An offensive launched Scripture: Acts 22:17-22 PAUL RECALLS AN ARGUMENT 1. How Paul perceived the will of God 2. How Paul protested the will of God 3. How Paul pursued the will of god
Another example of consecutive exposition with a theme, but no continuity of thought revealed in the various topics, is on the Gospel of Mark. The theme for the series is: THE SERVANT OF ALL 1. The Servant appears (Mark 1:1-20) 2. The Servant at work (Mark 1:21-45) 3. The Servant in conflict (Mark 2:1-27) 4. The Servant has opposition (Mark 3:1-35) 5. The Servant instructs (Mark 4:1-34) 6. The Servant is master (Mark 4:35-40―Mark 5:1-43) 7. The Servant meets unbelief (Mark 6:1-56) 8. The Servant extends mercy (Mark 7:1-37) 9. The Servant treats blindness (Mark 8:1-26) 10. The Servant seeks confession (Mark 8:27-38―Mark 9:1-13) The topics for the other half of the book follow the theme, but there is no particular relation of one to the other. Each exposition is arranged similar to number six.
Scripture: Mark 4:35-41―Mark 5:1-43 THE SERVANT IS MASTER 1. He is master in the natural realm (Mark 4:35-41) a. Tempest b. Terror 2. He is master in the spiritual realm (Mark 5:1-20) a. Slavery b. Emancipation 3. He is master in the physical realm (Mark 5:21-43) a. Disease b. Decease
Many more examples could be added to these, but there is the danger that multiplication might lead to confusion. All of the principles and objectives previously advocated are involved in these specimens, and can be seen in working order. These exhibitions of analysis should be sufficient to guide the one who elects to follow the expositional course in any manner which he desires to pursue.
It would be wise for one who is rather inexperienced and not yet proficient in the sermonic realm to select a book of the Bible which does not present too many difficulties, probably in the historical or narrative classification; and one which is not even mentioned in this volume. Then begin an original series, following one of the suggested methods of treatment. If not ready for that, pick out a chapter here and there and produce some separate expositions first; some of these separate expositions may eventually develop into a series, and finally a full coverage of some book of the Bible. Do not be discouraged. I feel that I have produced far more failures than sensations.
C.THE FINISHED PRODUCT The complete sermon is offered purely as an example, without consideration of the matter of personal interest. It is complete in itself, but could very easily be included in a series of biographical sermons on David, or in a series of historical expositions on I Samuel.
It will be noted that there are three subheadings under the second major division of the sermon. The second subheading could be incorporated in the first, but the subject matter seemed significant enough to be worthy of separate treatment.
While the message is directed toward the edification of believers, it will also be observed that there is an evangelistic note included, sufficient enough to enlighten the sinner, but not to detract from the main purpose, so far as the people of God are concerned.
Many sidelights and colloquial embellishments might be included in the oral delivery of the message, which one does not set down on paper. Scripture:
1. And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
2. And had taken the women captive, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.
3. So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.
4. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.
5. And David’s two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.
6. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
7. And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.
8. And David enquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? Shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.
9. So David went, he and the six hundred men that were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed.
10. But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.
11. And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they made him drink water.
12. And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.
13. And David said unto him, to whom belongest thou? And whence art thou? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days ago I fell sick.
14. We made an invasion upon the south of the Cherethites, and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.
15. And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.
16. And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.
17. And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled.
18. And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives.
19. And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor anything that they had taken to them: David recovered all.
20. And David took all the flocks and the herds, which they drave before those other cattle, and said, This is David’s spoil.
21. And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them.
22. Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.
23. Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the Lord hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand.
24. For who will hearken unto you in this matter? But as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.
QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY In these days, when the spirit of mass production has permeated even our religious life, it is well to remind ourselves that God is still for more concerned about the quality of the product than the amount produced. This passage of Scripture reveals most vividly the fact that David, known as the man after God’s own heart, had that quality of character which is acceptable to God. However, in order to fully appreciate the experience related in this account it is necessary to have a panoramic view of the four preceding chapters. There we find David, his life in daily jeopardy, fleeing from the wrath of Saul, the king of Israel, whose heart was foolishly inflamed with jealous rage over David’s military success and consequent popularity. On two different occasions David had opportunity to slay his pursuer and be free from his constant menace. On both occasions his better judgment and godly principle withheld his hand from slaying the king, saying, “Who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?” (1 Samuel 26:9). Certainly, Saul was not behaving as the Lord’s anointed should, but David wisely left him in the hands of the Lord to do with him as He saw fit.
Following this second sparing of Saul’s life David experienced a lapse of faith. Instead of looking directly to God for protection and deliverance, as he had been doing all along, he and his men affiliated themselves with the army of the Philistines, the belligerent enemies of God’s people Israel. Soon after this the Philistines prepared to make war against Israel, and David, having aroused the suspicions of the Philistine leaders, was sent back with his men to Ziklag, where they had left their families and possessions. Thus David was providentially saved from being placed in the position of having to fight against his own countrymen. Upon their return to Ziklag, David and his followers were dismayed to find the town razed and the inhabitants either captured or destroyed.
QUALITY OVERCOMES
Quality overcomes under the most adverse circumstances. It is only in the face of the most severe trial and difficulty that it becomes manifest whether or not one has quality; that quality which overcomes anywhere and under all circumstances. That person who has come to depend upon accomplishments, attainments, and experiences of the past, will never stand the test when faced with calamity and disaster. Our burdens frequently appear heavier than the burdens of others, our trials more intense, and our difficulties greater than anyone else has ever been called upon to face. At such times we should do well to give attention to this portion of Scripture and endeavor to visualize the situation as David and his followers found it, upon their return to Ziklag. I am confident that our problems will fade into insignificance in comparison.
Try to picture in your imagination something of the horrors of that experience. Suppose you were to go away from your home for a visit and then return only to find, without any warning or apprehension whatsoever, that the entire community was reduced to a heap of smoking ruins; your possessions stolen or demolished; and all your loved ones and friends slain or taken into captivity by the enemy, with the likelihood of enduring untold suffering. Could anything be more heartbreaking or discouraging? Do you think that you would overcome if you found yourself placed in such a situation? It was in just such a place of despair that this man after God’s own heart found himself, and he justified his reputation. He did not throw up his hands in despair, as we are to prone to do, but he revealed the sterling quality of character with which he was endowed, and which gave him the prominence that is rightfully his because he “encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” Thus he overcame in the midst of his afflictions.
Quality overcomes under the fiercest opposition. First, there was opposition from Satan himself. While this is not specifically stated, we know it was so. When the sons of Belial are busy, you may be sure that their spiritual pater will be on hand to back them up. Then too, those of us who have made any attempt whatsoever to live for God have long since discovered that Satan never allows an opportunity like this to slip by without taking advantage of it. It is always at times when we are harassed and distressed that he makes his most vicious attacks. I can almost hear him as he whispers in David’s ear (like an angel of light and a paragon of righteousness) how foolish he was to affiliate himself with the Philistines, instead of trusting God to protect him and keep him. Of course he fails to mention the fact that the idea of going to Philistia originated with Satan himself. This is another day. Now he nobly defends God and points out to David that he is simply reaping the fruits of his own unbelief, and that this calamity has come upon him and his men because he failed to trust God back there. Oh yes, Satan will even resort to the truth at a time like that! How zealous he is for God and His righteousness, if by so doing he can bring about a discouragement which will lead to despair. The worst of it was that David undoubtedly was blaming himself for the mistake, though it was too late to rectify it, and he felt that this thing probably would have been averted if he had trusted the Lord for protection, instead of resorting to compromise measures of his own devising.
All of this, on top of the grief which already filled his heart, would add greatly to his burden. There is nothing more undermining to the morale, when undergoing severe trial, than a sense of self-condemnation In addition to that, there was opposition from his own followers. “And David was greatly distressed; {which is not to be wondered at} for the people spake of stoning him” (1 Samuel 30:6). Humanly speaking, the only source of consolation, sympathy, and encouragement which might have been available to him at such a time, and for which he would most naturally look, was denied him. His own beloved comrades, with whom he had fought valiantly in days past, turned against him; placed the whole blame upon his shoulders, and suggested taking his life as a recompense for the misery which had come upon them-as though that could assuage for the sorrow, which engulfed the heart of their noble leader equally as much as their own! It seems passing strange that God’s leaders should experience opposition from those who profess to be one in heart and purpose with them in the service of the Lord, but such is the case, nevertheless. In fact it appears that most of the opposition comes from those within the ranks, rather than from the ungodly, as might be expected.
Many an otherwise successful servant of the Lord has gone down in defeat and failure, because those who should have stood by him, and prayed for him, and put the kindly hand upon his shoulder, have talked “of stoning him” instead. In some cases it did not stop with suggestion. Oh, there were no brickbats involved-nothing so crude (or even so merciful) as that. Stones of slander, criticism, misrepresentation and gossip have broken not his body, but his spirit. Not having that quality of character which David had, he went under, stoned to death by his friends. Sorrow and hardship should unify God’s people, not divide them. A man who had never learned to lean upon God in the hour of need, and who did not have that quality of character which directs one to the only sure Source of perfect consolation and encouragement, and would have gone down in ignominious defeat at such a time. Not so with this man; he did the only thing that one can rightly do at such a time, the thing which every one of us should do, and the thing which he had been accustomed to do with few exceptions-“David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” What else was there to do? All other means of encouragement had fled; he had nothing left but God. As ever before, he discovered that he needed nothing more. God had to allow this to come to pass that the true character of the man might be brought to light, thus enabling him to redeem himself, both in his own eyes and in the eyes of the people; and also that his confidence in God might once again be restored. Because David had that quality of character which overcomes under the most difficult and trying circumstances, and in the face of the fiercest opposition, he stood the test. In this connection I think of a woman who was once an active and fruitful leader in her church. Then her husband lost his health and became a semi-invalid. Since most of the responsibility of sustaining the home fell upon her shoulders, she reluctantly gave up her work in the church. Unable to leave her husband alone even for a short time, she cooks, cans, and sews for a livelihood. It is only on rare occasions that she is ever privileged to attend a church service any more.
Nevertheless, she is cheerful and radiant, and never fails to cause those who come into her presence to feel refreshed and blessed. Those who have had the honor of being her pastor through the years have learned that there is one home where no criticism, no complaint, no tale of woe, or word of gossip will be heard. She is generous, warmhearted, sympathetic, always concerned about her church and her pastor, and always assuring him of her prayers on his behalf. She has quality.
It is easy enough to be pleasant When life flows by like a song, But the man worth while is the one who will smile, When everything goes dead wrong. For the test of the heart is trouble, And it always comes with the years, And the smile that is worth the praises of earth, Is the smile that shines through tears.
QUALITY IS VICTORIOUS
Because it causes us to seek God’s will. Having encouraged himself, and also his men, in the Lord, David must necessarily reach a decision regarding an immediate course of procedure. Something must be done, if possible, to rectify the situation. The first impulse, of course, would be to follow after the destroyers without a moment’s hesitation, with the idea of dealing out a just retribution commensurate with the offense; at the same time rescuing their loved ones if they were still alive.
However, because he possessed that quality which is always victorious, David curbed his impatience and “enquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? Shall I overtake them?” It took a lot of grace to do that, but it was of much greater importance to David to know that he was doing the will of God than it was to carry out his own desires. Very often the thing which seems most logical and is most desirable to us is not the thing which the Lord would have us to do. To be assured of victory we must be certain that we are proceeding according to His direct will and purpose for us. When we have taken time to discover what that purpose is, even though it be exactly opposite to what we desired or thought best and likely, it will eventually turn out to be the best thing we could possibly have done. His way is often undesirable, even repulsive to us, but it always turns out to be the best way. Too often we have been defeated when we should have been victorious because we did not take time to wait upon the Lord, and to discover what His purposes were in regard to the undertaking. How blessed and how assuring to start off with the divine promise, “Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all”!
Because it causes us to seek God’s strength. Though David had no way of estimating the strength of the enemy captors, I suspect that it seemed a huge undertaking to put them to flight with a mere six hundred men. Nevertheless, the lives of their loved ones at stake, they were ready to face any odds. At the same time, when they discovered that it would be necessary to leave one-third of their force behind, it must have made the task seem almost foolhardy, if not impossible. Yet God had promised them certain victory and ultimate success; so it was not a time to be seeking reinforcements or assistance from other quarters, but to proceed according to schedule and leave the rest with God. If the victory is with the Lord then the matter of numbers is of little consequence.
I am confident that the reduction of man power was providential, besides being a sensible plan of action. With such slender resources at their command, David and his men would be forced to realize and acknowledge that, apart from providential intervention and support, they would have been powerless to obtain a victory over the foe. It is by such methods that God teaches us that victory comes “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.” God had told them to pursue; it was their business to press forward and leave the results with Him.
Too frequently God is robbed of His glory by our unwillingness to ascribe to Him all the credit and the praise. It is so easy to allow ourselves to believe that we contributed at least something toward the final victory, and fail to testify to the fact that apart from His sustaining grace there could have been no victory at all. In order to protect us from this pitfall God frequently finds it necessary to send us into the fray inadequately equipped, humanly speaking, that we shall thus be obliged to recognize the source of our strength and medium of triumph in the conflicts of life. Many times we deprive ourselves of the victory which might have been ours; either because we failed to manifest that quality which makes us conscious of our weakness, causing us to rely strictly and entirely upon His strength in time of need; or, because we were reluctant to ascribe to Him that which was rightfully His on account of former victories.
Because it causes us to seek God’s viewpoint. To visualize things from the lofty ramparts of heaven, and thus have the mind of God concerning all conditions and circumstances, means that we shall be continually victorious all the way. To view matters from God’s standpoint is also a sure cure for selfishness. We cease to desire victory simply as a matter of self-gratification. Our vision for the needy souls of earth is enlarged; self dies out in a burning anxiety for others; and, whether we are aware of it or not, we find that in ministering to the needs of others we actually contribute to our own complete and immediate success. As David and his men were hot on the track of the enemy, some of his followers discovered a poor heathen slave, sick and at the point of death, having been deserted by his master in his time of need and left to perish like a dog. Such is the reward of those who are the servants of unrighteousness. In such an hour we might have excused David had he refrained from taking time out to minister to the needs of this unfortunate man.
Rationalized thinking might reason like this: He is about dead anyway, it is unlikely that we can save his life; he is an uncircumcised heathen and doubtless is just getting what is coming to him. We are not responsible for his predicament and he has no claims on us. Our business is urgent; every moment counts; so why waste time on one who would probably not appreciate is anyway, and thus risk failure in this great enterprise in which we are engaged? Such is the logic of hell. It is robbing the Church of blessing today.
Looking at the situation entirely from God’s viewpoint, David saw here an opportunity to witness to the fact that Jehovah, the only true and living God, was a God of mercy, no respecter of persons, and ready and willing to save to the uttermost any who would come to Him in faith. Consequently, putting his own feelings and purposes in the background, he stopped to extend the helping hand to one in dire need. This was a further test of virtue, though unknown to David. Little did he realize that, in stopping to help that poor wretch, he was actually hastening the fruition of his own desires. Because he had the mind of God, thus looking away from his own needs and desires upon the needs of another; because he revealed a loving compassion for one who was hopeless and helpless; through this act of love the thing that lay most heavily upon his heart, the thing which meant more than life itself, was brought within his immediate grasp. In saving this poor man he saved himself, because it resulted in the immediate discovery of the enemy camp.
How could David know that his act of mercy was to have any bearing upon his own project? How could he know that giving bread and water, raisins and figs, to this outcast would bring him information which would result in speedy victory? Obviously he could not, but failure here to see the situation from God’s standpoint would have cost him the victory, at least for the time being. In our anxiety to accomplish our own purposes, be they ever so righteous and noble, we may fail to enjoy the victory, not because of any lack of effort on our part, but rather because we do not possess that quality which causes us to seek the mind of God. We overlook some seemingly insignificant act of service, not realizing that it is the very door to success in that greater thing which we have set out to do. I fear that we have lost many a rich and choice blessing because we would not stop to do the little thing, for that undesirable one, in the name of the Lord and for His glory.
Upon discovering that David was not going to punish him for his part in the destruction of Ziklag, this Egyptian slave agreed to show David that Amalekite camp, with the understanding that he would not turn him over to his former master to destroy him when his usefulness came to an end. It reminds us of the words of George Keith, in his immortal hymn: The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not-I will not desert to its foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never-no, never-no, never forsake!
QUALITY IS REWARDED
Materially. God’s promise to David, when He advised him to pursue the Amalekites was, “Thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.” This promise was fulfilled much more speedily than they had probably anticipated. Following the brief delay occasioned by ministering to the Egyptian slave, they came upon the Amalekites in the midst of a great celebration. “Eating and drinking, and dancing” is a picture of this voluptuous, frivolous, and indulgent generation. A just recompense was meted out to that slave’s unscrupulous master and his companions, just at the moment when they least expected it and there is One coming who will stamp out unrighteousness and reward the proud dictators of this world according to their works. May God speed the day! Who knows but what we may be living in “the twilight” of this adulterous and sinful age? Not only did David mete a just retribution to the enemies, but he showed the world at large that it does not pay to tamper with God’s people, although God may see fit to use the enemy’s breach of conduct as a means of bringing His people into line. What was still more important to David and his men was the fact that they made a complete recovery of their loved ones and possessions. Following the victory we read that “David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away.” I was not surprised to read that. In fact it had to be there. Not that God had to give deliverance but, having promised victory and recovery, those words had to be there. It could not be otherwise. Not one promise of His has ever failed, though we may have failed to enjoy it because we did not have the quality which He could reward. But that is not all. “David took all the flocks and the herds, . . . and said, This is David’s spoil.” God is never satisfied with a mere literal fulfillment of His promises, but always does the “abundantly above” for those who prove that they have quality. Because they evidenced that characteristic which is priceless in the sight of God, they were rewarded beyond all their expectations. The greater the exercise of that quality, the greater the blessing that shall follow.
Oh, we never can know what the Lord will bestow, Of the blessings for which we have prayed, Till our body and soul He doth fully control, And our all on the altar is laid.
Eternally. As much as we enjoy and appreciate the blessings of earth there is something more vitally important than that. After all, those blessings which God graciously pours upon us down here are for time only. Nevertheless, there is to be a time of reward over yonder. It, too, will be for those who have quality. There is a great principle stated in this passage which will govern the eternal rewards later on. There are always those who see no need for maintaining too high a standard. Success goes to their heads, and they forfeit the blessings of victory through selfishness. Although they had shared in this great conquest and victory, there were some who would have denied a share of the spoils to those who had stayed with the stuff at the brook Besor. Doubtless it was those same sons of Belial who had instigated the traitorous plot to stone David previously. David rose to the occasion and put them to shame, exposing their selfishness and inconsistency. “Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the Lord hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand. For who will hearken unto you in this matter? But as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.”
There is stated a divine principle which governs our relationship with God and serves as a basis upon which He deals with us. As in the material things so it is in the spiritual and eternal matters. To those who show like quality as this man after God’s own heart, He will grant His richest blessings, both here and hereafter. God has something wonderful in store for those who have sterling quality. Does your heart yearn for that quality of character which enables one to overcome under the most trying circumstances; to be victorious in any God-impelled venture regardless of the odds and the difficulties; and which is rewarded graciously and abundantly, beyond all His promises and all your expectations? There could be only one answer to that question. But you say, “What is that quality of which you speak? What is that which has such influence with God? How may I attain unto it? The story is told of a minister who was wonderfully successful in his evangelistic efforts, and had been literally hundreds come to Christ under his ministry. Toward the close of his life he dreamed one night that he was dying. It was not a fearful experience; he had no fear of death, and the prospects of seeing his Saviour were enough to compensate for what he was leaving. In the course of his dream it seemed he was standing before the judgment seat of Christ, along with many other saints. Often he had sung, “Will there be any stars in my crown?” with the thought that stars would represent souls won to Christ. Now he watched as the crowns were being distributed. Some were just plain gold bands; others had gems, some few and some many. So far he had not seen one that appeared to be commensurate with the success which he had enjoyed. At last an angel approached with a crown simply loaded with precious gems and, thinking that this surely must be his, he stepped forward to receive it. To his surprise the angel stepped to one side and was about to pass him. In dismay the minister looked up and asked for whom that crown might be. The angel smiled and said, “This crown is for that little old lady who used to sit on the front pew and pray, while you preached.” There you have it.
“As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike.” That makes room for me and for you. I am glad it is that way. Many things I cannot be and do, but I can be faithful. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” will be the welcoming word. That quality which enables you to overcome, to be constantly victorious, and abundantly rewarded, both here and hereafter, is faithfulness. You can be faithful if you will. That determination to do the thing that God has given you to do (by His grace and enabling), in the place where He wants you to do it, and in the manner in which He wants you do it, is the quality which obtains God’s favor and His righest blessings. No matter how small or insignificant your task may seem (as compared with that of others), or how meager the results appear, if you will be faithful even unto death, God will honor you and His commendation shall rest upon you.
“They shall part alike.” Too much emphasis cannot be placed upon that last word. Not only shall they who stay faithfully by the stuff-a rather dull and uninteresting responsibility perhaps-share, but “they shall part alike.” Their reward shall be fully equal to that of those who fought valiantly and conspicuously upon the battlefield. Is there one who has never come to the great David’s greater Son, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and received pardon at His hand? You are like that poor Egyptian. You are at the end of your resources, and you need Him who is at once the Bread of life and the Water of life. Receive Him as such and then will follow the raisins and the figs. Then will come the opportunity to serve Him, and you, too, will be among that number who “shall part alike.” You, too, will have your reward of faithfulness, after you have found forgiveness at His hand.