1 Samuel 22:3, 4 And David went there to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said to the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray you, come forth… To honour parents is the earliest obligation of life, the foundation of human duties and a stepping stone to Divine. It applies to children not only when they dwell at home and depend on their parents, but also when they leave home and become independent of them. The manner in which it should be shown in the latter case differs in some respects from that in the former; but such kindness as David exhibited towards his aged father and mother ought never to be neglected. It was - I. NEEDFUL. In early life we need the care of parents, in old age that of children. 1. Bodily weakness and failing health often render parents dependent for physical comforts and even necessaries (Genesis 47:12). 2. Increasing loneliness makes them desirous of the cheering presence and intercourse of their children; and much pain is naturally given by lack of respect, affection, confidence, and gentle ministrations. 3. Special emergencies, like those here alluded to, sometimes demand unusual efforts for their safety and happiness. Their condition appeals to the tenderest and best feelings of the heart, though, alas, it sometimes appeals in vain. II. OBLIGATORY. 1. Arising out of natural relationship, the duties of which on the part of children, however imperfectly they may have been fulfilled on the part of parents, cannot be cancelled. 2. Required by the claims of gratitude for innumerable benefits received. 3. Enjoined by the Divine word in many precepts to which great promises are annexed. "The fifth commandment is the centre of all the others; for upwards it is the point of departure for Divine, and downwards for human duties" (Ephesians 6:1). "Despise not thy mother when she is old" (Proverbs 23:22). "God commanded, saying, Honour thy father," etc. (Matthew 15:4-9). "Let them learn first to show (filial) reverence to their own household, and to requite their parents," etc. (1 Timothy 5:4). 4. Commended by the example of the good. "Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, etc. (Jeremiah 35:18, 19). Jesus Christ himself (John 19:26). III. EXEMPLARY an the way in which it was displayed. 1. Thoughtful, affectionate, and tender. 2. Self-denying and self-sacrificing, with much effort and risk, and as was best suited to the circumstances of the case. 3. Religious: "Till I know what God will do to me;" where there is a recognition of his will as supreme, faith in his wise and gracious disposal (Psalm 27:10), and hope of his enabling him to see again his parents, from whom he parted with regret, and provide for their permanent welfare. Exhortation: - 1. To children. Be kind to your parents, though you no longer need their care, if you would not have your children be unkind to you. 2. To parents. Seek to gain the respect and affection of your children, and teach them to honour God, if you would have them to honour you. 3. To all. Be not like those of whom the heavenly Father said of old, "I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me" (Isaiah 1:2). - D. Parallel Verses KJV: And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. |
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