Tell It Not!

When we read the first chapter of 2 Samuel, we find it truly speaks of a sorrowful event. The Philistines were defeating the army of Israel. But more so, King Saul chose to take his own life by falling upon his sword. By his life and death it can be seen that King Saul chose to go his own way, according to the deceitfulness of his heart, even if it meant the loss of his own life and of his never-dying soul. How clearly is shown that the wages of sin is death! Saul went this way, but, sad to say, we are inclined to the same way.

Now that the reign of King Saul is past, we may see the wisdom of David even before he was made king over Judah. On the day that David was told of the sad event, he said: ‘Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon: lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph” (2 Sam. 1:20). David had a love for the nation of Israel, and also knew and felt the responsibility to his calling to be king over this nation. David gave the command, “Tell it not,” and his reason for doing so was that he did not want the enemy to rejoice and triumph over the nation he was chosen by God to rule. He knew the importance of unity and togetherness for his people and that they have the same common ground.

In our days it is no different, and to stay together in unity we must also have the same common ground. We are to speak and teach death in Adam, life in Christ. Without the truth in our hearts, there can be no true unity. Therefore, when we look at this text and consider its meaning, there is a serious warning for the congregations in general, but also for us individually. Since our deep fall in Paradise, every person is against God. It is only because of the Lord’s good pleasure that there is an invisible church upon this earth, drawn out of the congregations that gather to hear law and gospel proclaimed. May the Lord cause us to feel our responsibility for keeping the congregations together but also for fencing out of the denomination false doctrines and the undermining of truth.

In Matthew 7:15, the Lord Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” We know that where the truth is proclaimed, the devil never rests, but works continuously to undermine with the purpose of frustrating the gatherings and destroying the true teachings of our forefathers. In this way it can come to pass, even in our congregations, that the work of Satan is seen and felt.

As responsible church-goers, may we be given to lay these cares before the Lord, begging that He fight these enemies for us. May we beg with bended knees in a secret place, calling upon the King of the church to rule and govern. When we know of false doctrines being taught or proclaimed, our evil hearts would be inclined to bring this into the open, speaking of it in the midst of church circles and even to the world at large. At the same time, we would escalate ourselves and in our sinful pride attempt secretly to be exalted. Rather, may such an occurence humble and sadden us. Rather than seeking to undermine the truth or promote false doctrines in our congregations, may we be as a watch upon the tower of the vineyard. If brotherly admonition bears no fruit (Mt. 18:15–18), our findings should be reported to the proper place within the consistories, but at the same time we must not forget our responsibility or our secret place.

It is also our duty to use our time wisely, searching the Word of God, practicing brotherly love, being an example for family and neighbors, tailored after the walk of the Lord Jesus while He was upon this earth. Our place should never be left empty because of our desires to lead a life according to the inclinations of our own hearts. Jeremiah wrote, ‘The heart is deceitful above all things and desparately wicked: who can know it?” (17:9) and this is confirmed in Psalm 94:11, “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.”

David gave the command, ‘‘Tell it not” and his reason for doing so was that he did not want the enemy to rejoice and triumph over the nation he was chosen by God to rule.

May we use the means of grace which the Lord has provided, begging for a crumb of grace from the Master’s table. Who can tell if God will bring us unto a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and Him crucified? May we be encouraged, for He has said that His church shall increase until the day that He returns, at which time He will judge the earth. We read of this and His urgent warning in Ezekiel 19:30, ‘Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, everyone according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions: so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”

R. Coates serves as elder in the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Unionville, Ontario.

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