Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-29
Sunday School Lesson for August 80 Discussed
by Rev. J. E. Gilbert D. D., Secretary
American Society of Religious Education.
IA IN n
"
DAVID SPARES SAULS LIFE. I Samuel xvi sas


toward the little band of which they
were a part.
CONFESSION Verse. ls-eD.-This
David made OF his venture to the camp
OF Saul. Standing on an eminence he
Weakened the sleepers. held up the cap
tured spear. and with q loud voice called
to Abner. Gliding him for neelecting to
defend his master. Saul recognized the
voice. and then David had opportunity to
declare his righteousness and TO plead
that he might henceforth be free from
murderous pursuit The effect was what
might have been expected. The kings
heart relented. He saw thai his son-in-
law had no evil intention that he was
worthy Of confidence. He acknowledged
that he had erred exceedingly. and that
he would no longer attempt TO do harm
to one who had spared his life. This con-
fession was an indication OF returning
sanity. Although forced by the peculiar
circumstances IL, nevertheless. showed
that better side OF the kings nature,
which. as in the case OF all men, asserted
itself at times.
OPPORTUNITY (verses 22-23).-After
these words of Saul, spoken in due re-
pentance for the wrong and with strong
purpose to change his course. David stood
forth, the very soul OF honor, TO exhibit
the nobility of his character and make a
final impression upon the Jealous mon
a young man be sent for II: not even de-
string what heroes prize, to retain the
proof Of his valor. He would restore the
weapon with which his own life had been
attempted. q Samuel. xix :10) That pro-
posal gave opportunity to reafarm his
righteousness, and he called attention 10
the fact that he had magnanimously
spared when he might have slain. II Is
impossible to say that David had all
this in mind when he and Abishai visited
the camp on the night before. 1t 10 high
ly probable. although the subsequent con-
ditions could not have been known. that
he premeditated some deed of Kindness
Matt, v:44). hoping thereby to move q
bad heart to q good way.
DELIvERANCE VERSES 24-25).-The
end sought by David was gained. at least
for the present. AS he pleaded for de-
liverance because of his own generous
deed, a plea that ought to prevail even
with a bad man. Saurs spirit Was
changed He would have been an migrate
full wretch had he failed to discern the
high courage and noble principle OF the
man whom he had SO earnestly sought 10
DESTROY The evil impulses were stayed
after the killing of Goliath Il Samuel.
xviii:S was revived. MY son David ne
cried, recognizing the relation that SUD-
sisted between them through marriage
q Samuel, xviii:2D. This outgoing OF the
heart was preceded by an invoked bless
ing common among orientalists who have
received favors psalm. xxxii:ll ana ioi-
lowed by a prediction. 1t was plain TO the
omen vision Of the penitent king that the
one he had hated was destined TO oe
great man, to do things and to nave q
snlendid career. And SO the two went
their way-one delivered from his enemy
the other from his sin.
REFLECTION.-1. 1t Is never wise
to take advantage OF an enemy, 10 mete
out to him when we may what perhaps
Is his due Such conduct strengthens IN
us the worst element of our nature ana
leads to wrongdoing. 1t lie cowardiy 10
strike in the night. A lion will roar ana
warn his prey. ?. Kindness is the most
powerful weapon that may be USED
against an enemy. 1t shows that the one
hated Is worthy OF better treatment ana
turns venom into sweetness g. II Is
possible that God arranges those oppor-
tunities in which we may choose between
the vindictive and the benevolent spirit.
inasmuch as the choice Is the noble turn
ing OF the soul and the strengthening or
its better promptings. 4. 1t is well To
consider the results of q deed. Had Saul
been slain David would have come to
the throne by blood Through mercy he
waited many years. but became king at
last without q stain. known and loved
by all the people.