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Subject: Saul Chosen King, ] Sam. Z" II
27-Golden Text, Iss. &xxiii., 22-Mem'
ory Verses, a., 26-Raad Chapters X.
x.-Commentary on the Days Lesson
I. Samuel's introductory discourse Tvs
17-l9). II. Samuel" IH this lesson the
prophet-judge appears in a unique attitude
as one who assists in the revolution which
is to take from himself the supreme power
and bcstow it upon another. What un'
selfish and noble conduct Though evi:
dently much panied, yet, at the command
of God, he sank all personal feelings and
set himself to the work of finding the best
man for king. And after Saul was chosen
Samuel proved his best and most faithful
friend and adviser. Most men would have
wished the experiment to fail; Samuel did
his best to. make it successful. Called
the people" The assembly was evidently
partly represent tive. made up of elders
many of the people being present, en-
camped, and to some extent armed. Unto
the Lord" This expression does not neces.
sarily imply that the ark was present.
Samuel publicly invokes the Divine pres.
ence and blessing and has everything done
as in the presence of Jehovah. "To Miz-
peh." The location is uncertain, but is
supposed to be a high hill not far from
Ramah, Samuel's home: Several other i'm.
portant meetings were held at Mzpeh.
always done for them the very thing for
which they desired a king he had de.
livered them from. all Kingdoms that had
oppressed them. But this deliverance had
been made to depend upon their own con.
duct; they were always required to repent
of sin and purge the land from idolatry
before victory could be theirs. What
they wanted now was national independ.
ence, freed from this condition, and Sc
cured by an organization of their military
resources. Samuel's discourse sets before
them in vigorous style the mighty deeds
which God had done for them.
10. ."Rejected." Samuel charged them
with ;nTatitude and unfaithfulness, as
in the character of king, had governed
the Israelites for 400 years. He ruled
on terms which He Himself, through the
agency of Moses, had proposed to them,
VIZ, that if they observed their allegiance
to Him, they should be prosperous; if not
adversely and misery should be the con-
sequence. We learn from the whole book
of Judges. and from the first eight chap
ters Of Samuel, how exactly the result,
from Joshua to Samuel, agreed with these
conditions. God had always faithfully
kept the promises made them. Set
king" Their fault consisted not in the
tempt they manifested for Jehovah. They
were not satisfied with God, but desired
9 visible king, clothed in purple robes,
with his guards and officers, who should
rule with great pomp like the nations
around them. present yourselves" Ar
range yourselves in systematic order for
the casting of the lot. "By your tribes"
Represented by, twelve princes. Your
thousands" This means the same as fam
lilies. The number of heads of houses IN
the several families of tribe might easily
reach thousand. Samuel knew the peev-
ishness of that people, and that there were
those who would not be satisfied with the
choice, if it depended on his single testi;
see that God had appointed Saul, for "the
disposal of the lot was with the Lord"
This would prevent disputes.
2l' benjamin. % was tax taken" We are not
told expressly by what process the selec-
ton was made. but it was probably by
casting lots. The lot was in common use
among all nations Of antiquity. 1t is re-
garded in Scripture, not as q chance de-
cision, but as legitimate method Of 'ascer-
tanning the Divine will. The lot among
the tribes fell on the tribe Of Ben njamln
which was the smallest of the tribes.
Family of Matri." The heads Of the tribe
of BENJAMIN next appeared and the family
of Matri was taken. The successive steps
household of Kish was taken. could not
be found" "He withdrew in hopes they
would proceed to new election. We may
suppose that at this time he was really
averse to taking upon himself the govern
ment, because, ]. He was conscious OF un;
fitness for so great trust, 2 1t would
expose him to the envy of his neighbors:
8. He understood that the people. had
sinned in asking king. 4. The affairs OF
Israel were at this time IN Dad e0nu'
tion." ~
% H. Saul AUD declared sss king III Tbez % %a9ufsd
Whether Saul was present or was to be
sought for elsewhere. Among the stuff:
The baggage which was usually placed IN
the centre Of the camp. "Ran, etc" There
appears to be have been much haste ana
excitement. Higher than any" Saul was
tall and commanding in person. 1t !s sup
posed that he was at least seven feet IN
height. 1t was an age when leaders STOOD
in the forefront of the battle, and giant
would strike terror to his foes; ,..
"a, 25. "See ye him." Sauls dlstln,
guished stature and great strength neipeo
much to recommend him to the people.
There was none like him in majesty OF ap-
nearance, and he became popular instantly.
RThe Lord hath chosen" But God had,
in this, yielded to their demands against
His own will and wisdom. Manner OF
the kingdom" The constitution Ind laws
~ the new government, with the respect
i've duties of king and people towards each !,
other and towards God. Wrote It..
"Tbat is, the charter of this constitutional
monarchy was recorded and. deposited in
the custody of the priests, along With the
most sacred records Of the nation.
26, q. "Saul-went home" Io his ia
theirs hause. Saul modestly LETT the pup,
lie affairs for Samuel to manage, IS ne haa
pee eeeh to a11d 2Ie in Saul. Such humble spirit
as this, when he was advanced to such
q biuh position, appears beautiful. be was
bnmbIe1 bI for God was with him then.
"TWent with him." Not the whole com.
nanv but few select friends, perhaps, or
those who regarded it conscientious duty
70 escort their new king to his home;
"Hearts-touched." Such as were movec
bv him to do their duty and recognize the
authority of Saul. These were the sub
iects who would help to nave pedCeaSSa,o!l'e eaS,
reign, and would be loyal subjects :Ghl'
dsa Of Be bnd not ahs sp0ssd ~S were o be- ssee een
trolled. "Despised him" Did not recog.
n;oe him hut only scorned his manner,
anS ND donbted his ability. "No presents"
They The gave no proofs that they aeknowl.
edged either the Divine appointment. or
s his authority. "Held its peace, Having
no no ambition for the position; he quietly
submits to their offense, and thus prevents
ali occasion for uproars. So far from re.
senting this affront Saul seems not to
notice it.
A New Sign Lamp.