Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-08-29
THE SABBATH SCH1O'',
International Lesson Comments For
August 80.
Subject: David Spares saul. | Sam xNvi 81?
2l-2S-Goiden Text, Luke vi, II VEN.
DRY Verses, IL Study Verses. LIS
Commentary on the
DAYS Lesson.

Commentary on the
DAYS Lesson
l. David in c>Ile These 'ong years Of
eXlle mus. have u,cn hati indeed for David
to bear, and Yet they were important years
IN his HE. The Lord has frequently seen
fit to give those whom NJ has Intended to
perform some important, work Iust such
severe training. No,es was iurty years
IN the desert and Paal was three wears in
Arabia. These years Wi.h David were
most fruitful 'aS his apprenticeship Tor
the kingdom. as his schools and school
masters (l By his exile among other
nations he learned their characteristics
and how best to deal with them. 81 He
could contrast the effects Of their religion
with those OF the religion of Jehovah,
and thus become contirraed in true religion
and patriotism. This led To the marvellous
development of religious institutions and
OF the service OF song under his admins
tration, (3( The exile experiences pre-
served him from the dangers to which his
sudden elevation to power and popularity
would expose HIM. lie learned his weak
ness and his need of divine help. a. lie
had the best of opportunities for bccon.
ing acquainted with the people, their grcv.
ance> under Saul. their needs, their dis
positions and tendencies. lie understood
their spiritual as well rs their temporal
wants. tj) lie had practice in the art OF
governing. lG) He gained experience i'll
war. %. lie obtained a knowledge OF
the country. 81 In this school OF fighting
men were trained those generals and wise
strategsts who in the golden days OF
David's rue commanded his armies. and
raised Israel from the obscurity OF an
Arab tribe. who with difficulty held
their own among the ancient Canaanites,
to the position of one of the great nations
OF the old Eastern world. 60 lie had
around him a trained band, like the Old
Guard, which enabled him to take immc-
date possession OF the kingdom when the
time came. (l0l Many OF his sweetest
songs were wrought out by this long and
hard experience, Tor the comfort and hope
not only OF his own people, but for Gods
children III all ages. Ql) In spite OF his
few lapses from faith aud perfect truth
he grew III character and manhood, lie he
came strong III faith and virtue, large
hearted. wise, noble, consecratcd TO God.
III. Sauls life i'll David's power Tvs. s.
12); David. with SIX hundred men, was
secluded in the hill OF Hach!ah The Zip.
hItes informed Saul is to David's where
a5outs. whereupon Saul took three thou
sand chosen men-his select standing army
and wen in search OF David. When
David heard OF Saui's approach he sent our
spies TO make sure that such was the case.
a most willy chieftain WAS David. and
not to be taken unawares by Saul, or any
other foe
5, David arose. Probably soon after
dark. Came to the pace David was
he wished TO survey the situation with his
OWL eyes. The trench" The place OF
the wagons. R. v The word may mean
either CD the circular rampant round the
camp: or (2) a barrier formed by the bag
gage wagons round the camp; or 90 the
place where the baggage wagons OF the
army were kept
6-S. "Ahishai-Joab." These men we're
brothers, David's nephews. sons OF Zeruiah,
David's sister. Abishai distinguished him
sell by saving David's life in one OF his
Philistine wars q sam. 2l:l71. Joab was
put to death by Soomon.s order Il Kings
2:2s-3N. His spear" When David and
Abishai reached Sauls camp they saw
Saul spear stuck in the ground at his
head. 1t was the custom for king TO al
ways have his spear with him. The Arabs
stlli have the same practice. Let me
smite him Abishai asked permission 81
David to smith the king. and promised
that the execution would he complete at
the first stroke. that there would be no
need of shifting him the second time
?. Destroy him not Saul had hoen
IN David power on a previous occasion
Il Sam. 24:l.1. and David would not in
lure. him. The Lords anointcd.' Saul
appointment David looked upon it as
high crime TO offer any violence to him
David's heart smote him before when he
merely cut off the skirt of Sauls robe
(chap. 2i:4. 81.
1912. The Lord shall smite him." He
shall die by a stroke of the divine iudg-
ment. or he shall die n natural death,
winch in the course of nature will be be-
fore mine. or he shall fall in battle by the
enemies OF his country. "Cruse OF water"
y small jar or flask. 1t reSembled in
some measure the canteens OF our soldiers.
The cruise Of water at Saul's head is in
exact accordance with the customs of the !
people at this day. No one ventures to
travel over these deserts without his crus,
OF water. and 1t Is very common to place !
one at the bolster SO tina. the owner can
reach it during the night Deep sleep
from the Lord The word used here is
the same as that used in Gen. 2:2l to dc. /
scribe the sleep which God caused to fall |
npon Adam. when he formed Eve out OF |
his side. Thus We see that divine prov !,
dence favored David in this daring eater !
prise.
III, A conversation between Saul and
David Tvs. 1929. 1t was probably early |
the next morning that David took his
position on Hill so a VALLEY would be be-
tween them, and called TO Saul. The poo.
pic IN these mountainous countries are able
from long practice 50 to pitch their voices
as to be heard distinctly at distances al
most Incredible David expostulatcs with
CdiI anu ItltTS the Nnolc matter 10 hOu
as the vindicator OF the oppressed.
2l-25. II have sinned" David's words
had good effect ON Saul. The king saw
his wicked course and admitted that he
had sinned; but this did not pardon past
otfenses or cause Inn to live right in the
future. Saul needed what every sinner
needs-a new heart, ''Piayed the fool"
Saul humblcs himself exceedingly. The
Lord RENDER etc. David here refers to
himself. He is not sounding his own
praises, but. as before (chap. 24:l2), ia
declaring his confidence that Gcd will
eventually recompense him for his upright
behavior. $50 let my life" lie pravs that
God would show mercy on him and spare
his lie as he had spared Saups. Blessed
pc thou" Saul perceived that it was use
less TO contend longer against David,
whom he saw God intended for great
.hings." "Te his place" To his home
n Gibeah. They never met again.