The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-05
THE sUNDAY-sCHOoL LESSON.
I Samuel XXI, 1-13--September 6, 1903
Death of Saul and Jonathan.

The period witnessed a steady increase of
POWER for David. There was a subjective en-
richment arising from the wise use of every
opportunity for discipline and exercise. David
mastered the principles and details of the art of
leadership in camp and in court. effectively he
strengthened himself by alliances with various
foreign chiefs and tribes. But his chief strength
was that he was in tune with God. 1t is said he
was a man after Gods heart. Not that there
were not sad lapses, but, on the whole, the domi-
| mating principle of his life was to keep in har-
mony with the Divine. For such a one stumbling
stones are stepping stones. Ultimate success was
assured.
The same period witnessed a steady decline Of
power for Saul. The clock Of his destiny struck
twelve at the start. His first victory was the
greatest he achieved. Instead of stepping on
the blocks in his way he stumbled over them.
His prestige waned. He accelerated his decline
by trooding over il. His chief weakness was
that he was out of tune with God. The domi-
mating note of his character was discordant to
the Infinite. He threw his soul against the iron
| Of Jehovah before he threw his body upon the
point of a borrowed sword.
The completeness of SauIs divorce from God is
significantly pictured in the laconic words. The
lord answered him not" All methods failed.
No dream, 70 urim Qight, no prophet, and
when the Lord failed him he sought a witch.
1 SUCH 10 III
avail himself of the fagend of a sorcery he had
himself sought to exterminate. What conscience
he had left made a coward of him. He was
afraid, and his heart greatly trembled."
The contrast between Saul and David is
further accumulated by the fact that each in a
different place was fighting a Hateful battle on
the same day. Saul is defeated. David victori-
Gus.
David. on his return from the Philistine camp.
- IL 49, - -of,-o lilo hurpad and NJ
cry living soul-wives, daughters, sons-carried
captive by the AmalekiIes. The grief and rage
at their irreparable loss. his soldiers are on the
point of taking his life. 1t is significantly said
that David encouraged himself in the Lord his
God" The Divine silence to Saul is in striking
contrast to the quick and clear answer of David,
Pursue! thou shalt recover!' The significant
record Is, David recovered ALL"
How differently went the battle with Saul that
same day! The men of Israel fell down. slain in
Mount Gilboa. Three heirs to the throne go
down in succession. The King himself, pierced
with darts, writhes I'm agony. Tradition says
that the sword with which Saul killed himself
was the very one with which the priests were
CLAIM at Mob by Sauls own orders. The tradi-
ton is based upon the superstition that Doeg.
the Edomite. was the armor bearer. as he GER
tainly was the executioner in the first instance.
But such minute particularly is entirely un-
necessary. Saul reaped what nc sowed.
The terror and gloom of this narrative Is shot
with several bands of life. One of these is the
generous and valorous rescue of the mutilated
and exposed remains of Saul and his sons.
THE LANTERN.
The education Of David in the school OF ad-
versity is drawing to its close He is about to
graduate TO the throne. He will be debtor for a
lifetime for the discipline Of exile. Circum-
stances have forced him to a certain quickness
and sureness in making conclusions and daunt-
less courage in putting plans into execution.
He was naturally welcomed as an ally by sur
rount;ing kings and chieftains. They imagined
he could be used in subduing of Saul and Israel.
His troop Of 600 was a valuable auxiliary. but
under no circumstances was David disloyal.
The incident of the division Of the spoils after
the defeat of the Amaiekites illustrates David's
fairness and hrmness and has been immortalized
in verse. 1.-The part of his that tarrieth by the
stuff shall be the same as his that goeth to bat
tle.' But the velvet glove is on the hand of
iron. No ultimatum could be couched in more
conciliatory terms. My brethren. don't do SO
with what the Lord hath given US"
The witch incident has occupied a larger space
in the discussion than 1t really merits. The
chief use of it is to show how utterly unnamed
and unmade Saul was. The affirmation OF a
supernatural element in it is gratuitous.
Gilboa suggests a contrast between Joshua and
saul. The victory OF the former and the defeat
OF the latter occurred at the same place, two
centuries apart In time. Joshua won because.
like David. ne was in tune with God.
This dark and tragic narrative is garnIshed