Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-01
Sunday School Lesson for August , Discussed
by Rev. ]. E. Gilbert, D. D., Secretary
American Society of Religious Education.
DAVID AMOUNTED AT BErHLKHEM Samuel .v,:,,s.
IA AN ~
y

psalm, lxxviii:7O. So Moses. from tho
Medan flocks to the leadership Of Israel.
At this time David was about twenty
years old. See how the young men adorn
the pages Of history-Joseph.~ Samuel.
David Daniel. Solomon. John. Timothy!
DESIGNATED. On learning the
Lords choice. Samuel did not question,
but. rising. he poured the oil upon David's
head (Heb.. i:N. The expression ''in the
midst of his brethren seems to denote
that the brothers were called in to wit
ness the ceremony. restraining any feel
ing of jealousy. which they afterward
displayed Cch. xvii:2S,. but Bishop
Patrick thinks the passage to mean Sc
lected from among his brethren" singled
out from among them David did not
acquire kingly authority at that time:
that came later: probably ten years after
by an act of the people Oh Sam. VII.
But he was designated as one destined to
the throne. From that day the spirit OF.
the Lord came upon him and remained
with him. an inducement for service,
granted to all who labor for God Uud.s
iii:1O), promised afterward to the apos-
ties (Acts. la. David returned to his
occupation. Samuel went home to pre-
side over the school Of the prophets,
which he had established. never again to
appear in civil life. Having anointed
two kings, thirty years apart, he pre-
ministers of religion. He had witnessed
the transfer OF government from the tribe
of Benjamin to the tribe of Judah. where
ii rightly belonged Gen.. xlix:1W, and
ABANDoNEp-It was bad enough
to be rejected from the kingly ofIice. but
a worse calamity befell Saul-the spirit
of God departed from him. That which
when he was dismissed from service. So
Samson. when he disclosed his secret to
Delilah. not only lost his strength. but
was cut off from the source of strength
Jud., xvi:2O- So every man who falls
into sin grieves the Holy Spirit tEph..
iv:30). and finds himself bereft of the
best friend. Still another result followed
IAN evil spirit from the Lord followed
him and troubled him. This may mean.
as some think. that God suffered the evil
may mean that the demon was sent to
chastise. as In the case Of Abmelech
(Jud.. ix:23). We cannot here discuss
the subject of dabolical influence In all
of its aspects to answer questions that
may arise In many minds. 1t is enough
to note that when God withdraws His
gracious protection man Is exposed to
the powers of darkness Matt. xii:4j).
Saul had sunken to a pitiable state-dis-
obedent, rejected. abandoned. possessed.
He had descended from the heights OF
honor and favor to the depths of ruin.
COMFORT.-As might have been ex-
pected. this coalition was one OF distress.
No man has peace who is out OF harmony
with God lisa. lvii:2O). There Is the
troubled conscience the memory OF by
gone joys. the absence of hope. the fear
Of the future. the CALLING slavery to an
enemy-all bringing unrest. Saufs mis-.
fortunes became known-they could not
be concealed. for everything went wrong.
His servants discovered the secret, and
boldly announced that he was under the
power Of an evil spirit. AS q mode OF
relief they proposed music and onered to
bring David. who had acquired reputa-
ton as a player on the harp. They went
on to commend the young man for his
excellence not emitting to say 'the Lord
was with him.. 1t IL probable that Da-
vid confined himself to sacred music.
Even then 1t was expected that the sweet
strains of the harp accompanying the
sweet voice Of the inspired singer would
expel the evil and give rest - the
troubled soul Here our study ends with
out continuing the story Of David's min
istry to the fallen king. 1t L. proper.
comforter he was eminently successful
LECTIONS.-Consider the wis
dom of God In calling David to be king
of Israel. He belonged to pious family:
blood and training are mighty factors In
character building. He had followed .
tue Under the canopy of heaven he had
reflected on the power ofsGod and the
weakness of men, and had learned how
to trust. He was designated while young
by the great prophet and received grace
for his needs. He was for ten years In
contact with the wretched SAUL permitted
to study the spirit and conduct of one
who had forsaken God and forfeited d.
vine favor, learning thereby . lesson
which he never forgot. He SO bAhaveo
That was Gods way of making mar
who should come well equipped to re;
deem a nation from oppression and TO
honor Him.