Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, David seeketh thy hurt? (ver. 9). Saul's hatred and persecution of David were stirred up by slanderers; and, in vindication of himself from the charge of seeking his hurt, David referred to them on this and on a subsequent occasion (1 Samuel 26:19). One of them seems to have been Cush the Benjamite (see Kitto, 'D.B. Illus.'), on account of the calumnies of whom he wrote Psalm 7., 'The righteous judgment of God' (see inscription): -

"Jehovah my God, in thee have I found refuge;
Save me from my persecutors and deliver me!" How much he felt the wrong which they had done him, and how intensely his zeal burned against their sin against God and man, appears in many of his psalms (Psalm 24:13; 35:11; 52:2; 56:5; 57:4; 59:7, etc.). Good men are often exposed to the calumnious attacks of men of similar character.

"Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow,
Thou shalt not escape calumny."

I. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST ODIOUS OF VICES. It is "the uttering of false (or equivalent to false, morally false) speech against our neighbour in prejudice to his fame, his safety, his welfare, or concernment in any kind, out of malignity, vanity, rashness, ill nature, or bad design" (Barrow, Ser. 18.); and it is exhibited in an endless variety of ways.

1. It is marked by falsehood, folly, injustice, malice, and impiety.

2. It exerts a most pernicious influence. The tongue on which it dwells is like a fire, which (though at first but a single spark) may set a whole forest in a blaze (James 3:5); is "full of deadly poison," and sends forth "arrows, firebrands, and death." In private reputations, domestic life, social intercourse, the Church and the world, what mischief it works!

3. It is frequently forbidden and condemned in the word of God (Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 10:31; 1 Corinthians 6:9). "I say unto you that every idle (empty, insincere, wicked, and injurious) word," etc. (Matthew 12:36, 37). "God is angry (with the wicked) every day" (Psalm 7:11).

II. IT OUGHT NEVER TO BE COUNTENANCED. "Wherefore hearest thou?" No one should listen to it; for by doing so -

1. He encourages the wicked in their wickedness (Proverbs 25:23). "When will talkers refrain from evil speaking? When listeners refrain from evil hearing" (Hare).

2. He injures himself; becomes a tool of designing men, and is led to do things which his better nature cannot approve; whilst, at the same time, he manifests his own unreasonableness and sinful disposition.

3. He makes himself "partaker of their evil deeds," and exposes himself to the same condemnation. Although incited by others, Saul was not guiltless in "hunting after" the soul of David "to take it" (ver. 11).

III. IT SHOULD ALWAYS BE MET IN A RIGHT MANNER by those who are calumniated; as by -

1. An open assertion of innocence, direct denial and rebuke of false statements, and faithful remonstrance against their being entertained. "Whose mouths" (says Paul concerning unruly and vain talkers and deceivers) "must be stopped" (Titus 1:11).

2. A clear proof of innocence afforded by becoming, righteous, and merciful actions (vers. 10, 11; compare Psalm 7:3, 4).

3. A sincere appeal to God as the Vindicator of the innocent; lowly submission to his will and firm confidence in the manifestation of his righteous judgment. "The justice of God is a refuge and comfort to oppressed innocency" (M. Henry). "The Lord judge between me and thee," etc. (ver. 12).

"Jehovah judgeth the people.
Judge me, O Jehovah, according to my righteousness,
And according to my integrity be it done to me.
Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,
And establish thou the righteous;
For thou that triest the hearts and reins art a righteous God.
My shield is with God,
Who delivers the upright in heart"
(Psalm 7:8, 9, 10) Learn -

1. To use the gift of speech in speaking well, and not ill, of others.

2. To rely on God more than on your own efforts for your vindication when evil spoken of.

3. The blessedness of those against whom men "say all manner of evil falsely" for Christ's sake. - D.

The contrast between David at Nob or Gath and at Hareth and Keilah is most marked.

1. It is God's will he desires to know (ver. 4). Truly David at this time waited only upon God, and his expectation was from Jehovah (Psalm 62). Hunger for Divine guidance is a gracious sign! The Master blessed such (Matthew 5:6). Such a state of heart is preparation surely for larger blessing.

2. Obedience and humble reliance upon God may not lessen difficulties? David's own people oppose his advance upon Keilah. So he and his enter Keilah. All now is well surely! Yes, all is well, but it looked not so. Strange that in obeying God he found more difficulties! Not so if we understand he is in training for the crown. Is this not so of all those who are unto God a nation of priestly kings? Not a murmur escapes David's lips. Into Ziph, a small place at the edge of the Southern desert, David enters, concealing himself in the ravines there. The time spent in Ziph was a time of separation and solitariness.

3. Obedience leading to apparently hopeless disaster. To seek the favour of the king the Ziphites send word to him of David. Deceit generally sets its face toward power. It is well to be on the side which looks like winning at any rate. From their point of view their "part" might be justified. What can we say, however, concerning Soul's reception of these Ziphites? What a whimpering, hypocritical utterance: "Blessed be ye of the Lord, for ye have compassion on me!" How horrid the "forms" of piety when the thing itself is gone! A benediction in the name of God from Saul! Success is with these plotters! They track their prey. Before Saul and his men David flees down the face of the rock into the wilderness. Here truly they are enclosing him in the net they have spread. Strangers had risen up against him, and the oppressor sought for his soul. (Psalm 54:3). Hope began to droop her wings. (ver. 27). Times of deepest distress are hours of God's deliverances. Have we no record indelibly written of God's delivering mercy? — no place called Sela-hammahlekoth (ver. 28), or Rock of Divisions, to which memory leads? Psalm 54, ascribed to this period, tells of calmness of heart during this exciting time, "Behold, God is mine helper" (ver. 4).

(H. E. Stone.)