The log cabin Democrat., 1908-07-02
ISRAEL ASKS FOR A KING Sunday School Lesson for July 5. 1908
 Specially Prepared for This Paper

GOLDEN TEXT.-"By me kings reign and princes decree justice" Prov S:15. TIME.-Near the close of Samuels ad- ministration, B C. 110O-1094 CUssheD. COUNTRY-Samuelw was born at Ra- nah, a few miles northwest of Jerusalem; and there for the most of his life he made the center of his administration. from which he made wider circuit as judge and teacher of religion.
 Comment and Suggestive Thought. The country was but little larger than Wales, and, like it, "a land of l mountains and hills, skirted through its whole length by the deeplying Jor- dan valley on the east, and the harbor- | less coast of the Mediterranean on the west The lay of the land gradually | developed different qualities, and made natural barriers between tribes, where the means of communication were so | difficult and rare"
 The twelve tribes were of one blood, | history but there was little of the solidarity of nation. The social unit was the tribe Each tribe had It's own political organization. They were | loosely held together, and sometimes broke out into open war.
 The people were an agricultural peo- pie, untrained in the arts of war, lovers of home and of peace. Their wealth consisted in flocks, grain fields and vineyards. Hence they were ex- posed to the raids of their warlike neighbors, as the Lowlanders of Scot land were to the forays of the High 1 flanders. The people lived in walled villages for safety, while their outly- ing fields. vineyards and pasture lands were exposed.
 Their enemies were warlike and on every side, always more or less hos ! tile. The warlike commercial Philis- tines lined the western shore with It's rich plains The Amalekites on the south, and the desert tribes on the | east of the Jordan were ever seeking whom they might devour.
 The government was kind of re- public. "The organization was at i best exceedingly primitive" Ere Quent reference Is made to the "men of the town Gas for example Judg. 9:2, 6, 23, 26, ct seq), suggesting that most matters of public interest were decided by council including all the free men of city
 The Transition Period-The condi- tions that tended to unity were central ized in Samuel. Graetz' History of the Jews, volume 1, furnishes an excel lent account of which the following is summary:
 1. Samuel himself, the most strik- ing figure of the nation, was in him. self strong unifying force. 2. Samuers irresistible eloquence for a revival of true religion found a powerful response in many hearts. pointed public meetings, and an- nounced to the multitudes the les sons revealed to him by the spirit of God. Year after year he called to- gether the elders of the people. At Ramah. his residence, frequent meet ings of the tribes took place. l 4. At divine services Samuel offered sacrifices, introducing the use of stringed instruments to arouse de- vout feelings, and added a new ele- ment, songs of praise. Samuel, the an- cestor of the celebrated psalmists, the sons of Korah, was the first who con- posed songs of praise for divine service.
 5. The tribe of Judah, who, during the entire period of the Judges had not taken the slightest share in pub lie events, was now driven by the in- l cursions of the Philistines to unite with the other tribes. They brought an accession of strength and religious activity.
 6. It must be noted that just at this period Israels greatest enemies, the Philstines, were transformed into a kingdom.
 V. 6. But the thing displeased Samuel" 1. It was the choosing of the second best" when the best" was possible to them. Hence it was great disappointment to Samuel His long life of teaching and training had not accomplished its purpose. They refused their high privilege of being unlike all the nations, the chosen people of God, the means of blessing all nations.
 So Esau bartered his birthright for . mess of pottage.
 2. It was rejection of God. V. 2. "They have rejected me that should not reign over them" It is quite prob. able that they half consciously want ed king, because they were tired of having their prosperity depend on their good behavior. The leaders God chose for them could succeed only when the people turned to God. But the king might not press them so hardly, but conquer by his skill and organizing power.
 V. 1s. "The people refused to obey" R. ", to hearken unto-"the voice ot Samuel" They simply were not good enough to have the best government
 Practical Points.