Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-25

CONTEXT-The retirement of Sam
uel from civil affairs followed the address
which we studied last week Saul had
been firmly established as king over all
Israel and he began at once to feel the
Importance of his position and to exer-
else his high prerogat!ve in an indepen-
dent manner. One of his early and most
significant acts was the formation of
standing army. thus fulfilling Samuel's
prediction. In his next engagement he eX-
ceeded his authority. assuming to act in
the priestly capacity. for which he was
rebuked. Soon after Jonathan, his son,
came into public notice as a warrior.
Later the Lord directed him to smite and
destroy the Amalekites. but he was dis
obedient. awakening the divine displeas-
ure. That the sequel to this event. which
forms today's lesson, may be better ap-
preciated we shall begin the comments
with verse 10, three verses In advance
of the Scripture assigned by the commit
tee.
REPENTANCE.-Ou lesson opens
with an address to Samuel made by Je-
hovah after the campaign against the
ANA lekites. 1T repenteth me that have
set UP Saul to be king" he began. This
assertion has perplexed some readers. Al
firmed elsewhere in the Scriptures Gen.
Nl.o), IL Ia oChiCO AL OiAc PloSc mat ooN
repents Numb. xxiii:19). Besides. repent
ance seems to involve the subject of fore
knowledge, and DR.. L. d. McCabe OF
Ohio Wesleyan University. employs the
text with others like 1t to support his doc
trine Of the divine nescience of contin
gent events Ger, xviii:S). Several expla-
nations have been made. Some affirm
that primarily repentance signifed only
say that the language is anthropormor-
phic-an attempt being made to explain
divine emotions by human experiences
Gonah. iv:2). If both thoughts were COM
bined we should doubtless be near the
truth. The reason for Gods repentance is
clearly stated Saul had turned back
from following as a servant and become
disloyal. Samuel was deeply affected on
hearing this intellig ence. Although he
had predicted such results. he cried all
night unto the Lord. seeking to reverse
the decision Ger. xiii:1D.
GREET1NG.-Next morning Samuel
went forth to meet Saul. But the latter,
instead of turning as he ought to have
done. to report to the prophet and give
thanks for victory. turned aside to the
little town of Carmel in the mountains Of
Judah Josh. xv:55). There he built him
place"-erected a triumphal monument;
upon sin Gen.. iii:1O. anxious to escape
from Samuel. or by pride and ambition,
being elated by success. Thence he passed
on to Gilgal. Samuel informed of these
movements. followed on. The king greet
ed Samuel with these words, Blessed
be thou of the Lord. have performed
the commandment of the Lord" Here Is
strange compound of fear. falsehood
and hypocrisy. He knew that he had not
fulfilled the commission to execute the
long delayed judgment of God. And yet
he assumed a sanity bearing. using
speech often employed by good men Gen.
xiv:19). prayer and complaint combined
(Jud.. xvii:2). In this way. even without
No i'm % liot "a
Samuel. whose presence at that time must
have been source of discomfort.
REBUKE.-Samuelw was not won by
f1attering words. neither deceived by vain
service Of God to hesitate in the discharge
Of duty. His all night prayer. with no
answer changing the message. left no
doubt Of the divine purpose. The old
fire, kindled in early childhood, still glow
ed in his heart. awakening fresh en-
thusiasm for righteousness. He felt no
fear OF the king whom he had anointed.
and whom he regarded as vicegerent Of
God. Moreover while approaching the
camp he had obtained knowledge OF the
ill-gotten spoil. While Saul was speak
ing Samuel heard sounds that gave the
lie to his words Numb. xxxii:23). Then
came the rebuke: What meaneth the
bleating of the sheep In mine ears. and
the lowing of the oxen which I hear?'
The dumb beasts gave testimony. The
consequence of wrongdoing had risen up
to plague the transgressor. There Is no
spot in all the wide universe of God
where a sinner may hide and be secure
against detection Gen. iv:14 Saul fled
from Samuel, but he could not flee from
sin.
EXCUSE.-Itis probable that Samuel
hoped to humble Saul and bring him to
repentance, thereby restoring him to
divine favor der, xviiiS). Most men
break down when their faults are ex-
posed. This fact was the basis Of the
prophetic service lisa. lviii:D. But those
men who lack moral courage will attempt
to extenuate their offenses whenever a
favorable construction can be put on
damaging facts. In doing this they may
tell the truth or part of 1t Gen. iii:12).
That truth. or half truth, will generally
expose their weakness. It will be an
effort to excuse conduct by relating
palliating circumstances. 1t originates in
desires to escape the full charge Of evil
to diminish the sense of blame-worthiness
and awaken a measure OF sympathy
Saul therefore explained to Samuel that
the people had spared the best Of the
sheep and oxen for sacrificial purposes.
He fdisclaimed personal responsibility in
the matter, laying upon others the blame,
but endeavored to justify the act by the
motive which prompted it. His state
ment may have been true. or partly true
or wholly false.
MESSAGE.-Saul was not permitted
to ease his conscience and terminate the