young men escaping on camels.  David recovered all that had been taken by the

Amalekites, the typical teaching probably being that David had at last overcome the

flesh, for which Amalek usually stands. David's magnanimity did not meet with the

approval of some of his men, who objected to the suggestion that the two hundred who

had stayed behind at Besor should share the spoil. David, however, overruled their

objection and "made a statute and an ordinance", the terms of which are a comfort to

many in the present day:

Aaron Pick states that Besor means "The bringer of good tidings", and it is certainly

true that some have to press on and preach the gospel, while others remain behind and

teach, build up or supply the necessary means. All alike, however, shall receive the

Lord's approval in that day--whether they be those that sow or those that water or reap.

In verse 26, we read that David "sent of the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even to his

friends, saying: Behold a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of the Lord."

Thirteen places are mentioned "where David himself and his men were wont to haunt",

beginning with Bethel, "The house of God" and ending with Hebron, "Fellowship".

These were the places associated with the days of David's rejection, corresponding to the

present day when Christ is rejected. To his people, before the day of his coronation

comes, he sends indications of his victory, and though the number thirteen suggests that

the day of full blessing has by no means arrived, yet Bethel at one end and Hebron at the

other indicate a very blessed fellowship, anticipating the greater day when David shall be

acclaimed King over all Israel.

The last chapter of I Samuel records Saul's ignominious death, a death at last by his

own hand. The Philistines strip him of his armour, cut off his head, and fasten his body

to the wall of Beth-shan. The last three verses, which record the considerate action of the

men of Jabesh-gilead for the dead Saul, are balanced by the song of the bow, David's

lament for Saul and Jonathan (II Sam. 1: 17-27).

In II Sam. 1: 1-16 another Amalekite is slain, and the section ends with David's

lament, a lament in which no word is uttered concerning the cruel persecution he had

suffered at the hands of Saul. His tribute to Jonathan is very moving:

With the fall of Saul, the way is now clear for David to show himself to his people,

and our next article will deal with his anointing as king over the house of Judah. So the

purpose of the ages unrolls, foreshadowing in the history of David, in faltering type, the

glories of his greater Son.