The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-08-01
SUNDAY MEDITATION.

PIE FOR CHOOSING A KING.
FIRST: THE CHALLENGER.
/. Preliminary
The time had como for Samuel to resign as
Judge in civil matters though he continued in
Office as to religious concerns. He delivered q
farewell address. His great object was to ac-
quit himself from all responsibility or blame
as to the change Of government from O theoc-
rasy proper to a monarchy. Was he at fault2
He appealed to the people. They had assem-
bled to attend the coronation of their King.
III: ID, 49, For many years Samuel had ruled.
Had he not been an honest officer? Could one
be found to accuse him of any crime or OF any
act unbecoming a ruler? Had he not been
fairH Had anyone been dealt with in an UNI
kind spirit? Had any criminal escaped pun.
ishment by buying off justice2
2. Time
We may date the lesson 2909 A. NJ, or 1895
b. @. That was 1884 years ago.
3. Place
The speech which is our lesson was delivered
at Glgal. 11:14, 15.) II was one Of the places
in SamnePs judicial circuit. "a: 49, Saul was
anointed as King at Ramah. 1t was in the
city where Samuel dwelt. (7:17; 9:6; 10:1.)
The lot by which he was selected as King was
cast at Mizpeh. 90: IL. His coronation took
place at Gilgal. The amounting was private
matter between Samuel and Saul. The results
Of the lot were known quite generally but
Saul had not yet received formal recognition
by the people. His great victory over the
Ammonites III: 4-15) gave good opportunity
for introducing him TO Israel as their King.
Hence Samuel called for gathering at Gilgal
of the representatives of the Israelites for the
purpose of putting on his head a crown and in
his hand a scepter. As was fitting, there were
religious exercises
a. The Speaker.
The solemn address at Gilgal was given by
Samuel. He had become old and grayheaded.
(S:l, 81 He WAS probably not far from 20
years of ago. He lived for about 35 years
longer. He anointed David as King. He be-
gan mere boy TO assist Eli. After the death
of Eli he became successor. His Government
bad been kind, honest. faithful. When he
challenged the people to find any fault with
him az prophet or ruler they all agreed he was
beyond criticism. Unfortunately his two sons
proved untrue to their charge, condescending
even to bribery. 1873. 81 Their conduct may
have had some influence in driving the
people 10 demand q King. What in
cited them, however, most was their desire
TO be like the surrounding nations. %: 81 1t
is plain Samuel could not aecede willingly TO
the change, considering 1t reflection on his
own integrity and specially an insult to Je-
hovah. The challenge Of Samuel was uttered
with intent to clear himself of ali fault.
Samuel led them TO condemn themselves. II
they could not show defects in his government
of them, why then ask for King? Since the
civil Government was then being handed over
TO another, il was important Samuel secure the
assent of the people TO his own entire fidelity.
6. The Hearers.
We find from II Ii, Is that Samuel appoint
ed time and place for the coronation of Saul,
We cannot suppose that nil the Israelites assem-
bled but most Of the principal men of the
| tribes gathered at Gilgal. Samuel addressed
the same multitude who witnessed the crown
| ing OF Israers sovereign. Saul himself was
one OF the listeners. He was styled the
anointed." (v.3)
g. The Challenge
| That was a bold demand made by Samuel
| The people knew him well. They were moi
| slow 20 discover wrong nor modest in denuDoi-
/ alton. They would have been glad TO give
some apology for demanding King. And YET
| Samuel stands out boldly aud challenges any.
| body to state whether he knows of any act OF
word OF Samuel which was fraudulent, Cypress
| i've, briby. dishonest. No one could say sam
| ucl was a cheat, a bribe-pander, or any way
worthy of being found fault with as prophet Of
/ ruler.
| z. Suggestions.
l. So live az to be able 10 appeal to society o.
| to your integrity, honesty. truthfulness. Civil
| officers should not fear Investigation. Mer
having financial trusts should not hesitate 4
| meet auditing committees. It is right TO b.
concerned about ones good name. Be like
Dcmetriua. % John, 12.)
2 Officers should not steal, defraud, Cypress
nor accept brides.
g. Call God 10 witness in civil oaths and 70
ligions vows ". 81
| 4. Show reverence for those over you in civil
positions. That was great respect manifested
- ca. - .4..k Il
"and before his anointed," the King. (Y. 8.
| SECONDLY: SAAiUEL's ATTACHMENT oil
THE IsRAELITEs FOR ASKING TO HAVE
KING.
/ i. Preliminary
Having arraigncd himself Samuel next bring
| the Israelites TO account for their request L
have a King. No reason existed in any de
fects or wrong doing of Samuel wherefore b.
should be laid aside as ruler and a KIM
be demanded. Now he proceeds to shoy
that the the0cracy had not been q failure
that under Judges God all along had como to th
defense OF the people; that Jehovah could no
show them greater favor under monarchica
government than he had during the time tina
the line of Judges was in power. God had beel
80 constant in his care of them that any act Q
theirs rejecting on his goodness, capacity, o
suiieieney was proof of ingratitude and wan
| OF wisdom. God was so lenient TO them tina
4
consented to the experiment of their having
temporal King. In the face of all these fact
Samuel expostulates with the people. w
notice Samuel is not dsloyal to the King, Sanl
but he takes pains to convince the people tina
they must not count Jehovah out of existenc
and power, as though a human King were
substitute for Deity and made people indepeu
dent of divine government. 1t was we'll TO
Samuel 10 secure the communication OF tn
people before he gave them athorough chidin
for their ill-treatment of Jehovah. The
would receive the more kindly his admon
tions just after asserting to his integrity. TIL
speech westudy shows how much God did 70
his people without their having a King {
their own number aud kind. Surely more coul
not be expected under a human monarchy.
g Time Place and Hearers.
These all agree with the same as those state
in our study Of Sa, IL: 1-5, as given in mote
, above.
3. The Speech.
!. Introduction. Samuel calls for attention
He was going to reason with them. ".
They must apply their minds. "Stand still
DO not become inpatient. Listen, and motto
, Jehovah was nearer.
2. The argument. This. In word, was, =" /,
, we'll enough alone" He said, in effect, 70
! have had all the guidance required. You hay
! never gotten into straits, when God refused
help. You have never wanted q militar
leader. when Providence did not raise up on
You think much OF Moses and Aaron, but th
people did not select them. Jehovah gay