Article July 18, 1914 ISSUE

Requirement

GERTRUDE S. MC CALMONT

Almost startling in simplicity of promise and fulfillment is David's statement to the aged Barzillai, when he said, "Whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee." David had ceased to mourn for Absalom; he was returning "in peace unto his own house." Barzillai, with whom he had found shelter at Mahanaim, had come down to conduct him over Jordan. This Jordan was a hard crossing for David. In his appeal to Barzillai, "Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem," gratitude mingled perhaps with a desire for human support was expressed. Barzillai, being "a very great man," went with him over Jordan a little way, and there, before returning "unto his own place," said, "Behold thy servant Chimham [longing]; let him go over with my lord the king." How great a man was Barzillai! teaching David that longing, earnest desire, together with activity, was sufficient to support.

Here it was, after the crossing of Jordan accompanied by Chimham, that David's vision of requirement gained for him the knowledge of possession. His promise to Barzillai may well express a growing recognition of "Emmanuel, ... God with us," the all-powerful, ever-present active law of good. The steps toward this receptive attitude are counted first in gratitude; then faith grows stronger (Chimham being with him), his confidence more secure; and finally victory is assured, as evidenced in his glorious pæan of praise and thanksgiving for deliverance.

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