The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1908-07-08
July l2 Saul Chosen King. Sam.


lO:17-27.
The lesson of this day brings to
light most interesting account of
the steps leading up to the selection
of Saul as the first king of Israel.
1t will be remembered that Jacob had
twelve sons. the youngest of whom
was Benjamin. When the Children
of Israel conquered the Promised
Land the territory was partitioned off
like so many counties among the
direct descendants of these twelve
sons. In addition. the two sons of
Joseph were given share. 70 the
tribe of Benjamin was given small
territory just north of the afterwards
located city of Jerusalem. 1t was
from this tribe. the smallest that the
king was chosen. His name was Saul
and the bible says in Saml.. 9:2.
that he was choice young man.
and goodv and there was not among
the Children of Israel a goodlier
person than he. from his shoulders
upward he was higher than any of the
people.
Saul was sent one day by his
father to find asses which were lost.
Failing to secure them. he on the ad-
vice of his servant. went to consult
Samuel the seer ami prophet. Samuel
was divinely directed to know that
this Young man was the one to be
called as the king. so he detained his
guest and gave to him honors due
the chosen one of God. Saul was
very modest and demonstrated
against the idea that his small tribe
and his unheard Of family should have
the kingship. Samuel would not be
turned aside. He poured vial of oil
on Saul's head and told him of things
!. to happen soon. which on occurring
should show him that he was truly
the chosen one of God. for king. The
record says that soon after. God gave
him another heart. and he did and
, said things which showed this to all
observers.
In few days all the representa-
] tives of the people came together at
: Mizpeh and there chose a king. Of
: course in the end the Office fell on
one Saul of the tribe of BENJAMIN.
: He was found in, hiding but was
brought forth and the people hailed
e him as their king and leader. He
n did not assume his Office until later
when certain enemies of his people
d came up to Cypress them. when he
: called his men to arms. and utterly
: destroyed the invaders. We call at
tention to few practical thoughts to
: be gained from this lesson.
h First. Samuel having been told
n by God that the green country boy.
who had never even heard of Samuel.
the seer, was the chosen king.
r hesitated not in acting. He gave him
kingly honors. anointed him with oil.
acted as if there could be no question
in the matter. This was faith, the
very kind that you and need today.
God has told US very many vital
e things and when we understand them,
e we should shape our lives as if these
It were absolutely true.
e Second. Abraham. Isaac. Joseph,
It Moses. Samuel. Saul. David anc
e Daniel were all good boys. and good
J. men when chosen for great things in
d the history of the Jewish people
1t Their lives were right. long before
n the particular things were given then
% to do. which made them distinguish
J. ed. We thus see that a good life
IS faithfulness. leads to honors in thi.
Is world from God.
d Third. God gave Saul new hear
q and added strength of mind and BODY
! when He called him to the new
IL duties and responsibilities. So H,
will help us when we start out as Hi
!. representative in the world.
IN Fourth. Although the Israelite
TO were doing wrong in taking for
IN king. God did not cut them off iron
lie His care. but directed whom thei
king should be. and helped them
So although we are not perfect il
G. obedience to Him. He does not with
d draw love and care. but by this
s. would show us the path to do right.
re Fifth. While God may chose
D. man for great things and give hin
10 opportunity to accomplish. He will
.. not sustain him if he is not humble
W but rather he become hard hearted
ne selfish, disobedient. 1t will be foun
re later on that Saul became all thes
m and was dethroned with dishonor.
S.
IN There is more Catarrh in this section of tn