1 Samuel 2:9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. I. THE SECURITY OF THE SAINTS OF GOD. 1. The title, saints, although used by a profane world as a term of contempt, is of all names the most honourable. It literally signifies the Holy Ones. And must not that be indeed an honourable title which associates the servant of God with his Maker, "whose name is Holy?" with his Redeemer, "the Holy One of Israel?" and with "the Holy Ghost?" — not to mention those holy angels, who veil their faces before his throne. 2. The security of all such is here declared: "He will keep the feet of his saints."(1) It is a security from outward distress. Like the three children, they may enter the fiery furnace: but the Son of God will be with them in the fire. (2) It is a security from spiritual evil, which forms their greatest privilege. II. THE CERTAIN RULE OF THE WICKED. They "shall be silent in darkness." 1. The persona here intended are manifestly all such as do not come under the former description of "saints." 2. Awful portion! "They shalt be silent!" Here on earth, the wicked have a great deal to say for themselves, but in the world to come all their present high language will be mute as death. Moreover, they shall be silent "in darkness." And what is darkness? It is the absence of light — of comfort, — of hope — of all possibility of deliverance. (J. Jowett, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. |
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