Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-25
Sunday School Lesson for July % Discussed
by Rev. ]. E. Gilbert, D. D., Secretary
American Society of Religious Education

NAY&


interview with such pleading It would
have been vastly worse for him and the
nation had he succeeded in doing so Con-
cealed sin terminates and grows prov.
xxviii:13). Like Nathan e Sam. vii:sl.
Samuel determined, 10 probe the kings
heart and lay open its secrets. The at
tempted excuse made plain speech the
more necessary. stay" he said, IS
Saul was about 10 retire. land I will tell
thee what the Lord hath said" PERMITS
sion being given. Samuel rehearsed the
case. He reminded Saul that when he
was little in his own eyes, God had
appointed him to be head Of the tribes"
Here were two thoughts-Saul had been
made king by divine favor when he had
nothing to commend himself Samuel
next referred 70 the instructions TO Ut
terly destroy the Amalekites.'' Here
was severe logic. Saul had derived an
His obligation to God was therefore para
mount He had no liberty of choice out
side the divine will. 'Why. then have
you not obeyed?" was the searching
is admirable and even wonderful. under
the peculiar circumstances.
OVERWHELMINGLY words failed
Of their intended purpose and Saul en-.
deavored to defend his action. In part he
repeated what he had said. making. how
ever. slight change. still claiming that
the people had preserved the animals for
sacrifice. He admitted that they should
have been destroyed no longer attempt
ing. as before. to shield the transgressor
from blame. For himself he professed
obedience. saying. Il have gone the way
which the Lord sent and utterly destroyed
the Amalekites." Here his plea broke
down. for he was compelled to admit that
he had brought Agag. the king, home
alive. The defense failed. Admitting
that the people preserved the cattle for
motives mentioned Saul was responsible.
for he had authority and ability TO con-
troll the people. Furthermore. he had no
more right to spare the Amalekite king
than the humblest man. 1t is probable
that a sinister motive was behind all
Sauls actions. In imitation of the kings
Of other nations. he expected to establish
his own glory by exhibiting at Carmel
the illustrious captive and by offering at
Gilgal immense sacrifices to the Lord.
For illustration see similar procedures in
profane history.
JCDGMENT-Aftert two unsuccess-
full efforts to convert Saul-the first a gen.
tie exposure. the other bold accuse ton
and inquiry-Samuel had done his full
duty to the king. Two qualities had been
clearly exhibited, the rebellion and stub
bornness He had openly broken Gods
command and obstinately defended his
conduct. He had even sought to prosti-
tute the ordinances of religion to initiate
his conceft 1t was useless TO make fur
Their entreaties. There are times when
men may be abandoned TO their own
ways. inasmuch as there is no hope for
reform. It remains, then. TO: Samuel to
speak the last words to Saul and leave
him. He first instructs. He informs the
king that obedience is more than sacri-
| flee. The perfunctory offering OF animals
on the altar. after prescribed form, when
the heart and life are not right. is an
abomination Usa., lib. Wicked men often
engage in religious forms to maint ain
their reputation (Matt.. xv:S). Samuel
told Saul that rebellion was as the sin OF
| witchcraft. an evil by which he was des-
| tined to be ensnared q Sam. xxviii:11,
and ended by declaring that God had re-
tected him.
PARDON.-Distressed by the words
| of Samuel. Saul sought to be restored to
the Divine favor and promised amend
ment of life. But it was too late. His
plea was denied and he was left to his
fate.
REFLECTIONS-wh turned saurs
heart away from God? That which has
caused many to fall in all ages and lands
the honor Of Office. the applause OF men.
the love of power (Dan.. iv:3O. When
first anointed Saul was humble (verse 10,
and when he went against the Ammon-
ties he associated Samuers with his own
name in the proclamation. feeling the
need Of counsel and assistance. But when
in the popular assembly he was a second
time proclaimed king. none daring to
question, he first began to trust in any
army, and then went to battle without
Samuel, deeming himself sufficient for
both priestly and lsingly duties. Next he
made a rash and !nexcusable oath and
was ready to put his son to death. FL
nally 1t seemed to him proper. after de-
stroying a nation whom God would pun
ish to save Its king that he might be
honored. and to bring sheep and oxen for
sacrifice to increase his fame. Thus he
labored not for God. but for self.