Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-04
Sunday School Lesson for July Discussed
by Rev. J. E. Gilbert, D. D., Secretary
American Society of Religious Education
ISRAEL ASKS FOR KING Samuel, Wifi oe2

w. Shhuel, O-SS.
that involved a tremendous outlay OF
money which must come out of the
pockets OF the people. Here. then. were
to have led TO an abandonment OF the
purpose to set up a monarchy But no
one was moved by the arguments pre-
sented One common answer was re-
turned TO Samuel We will have
king" The reason for this decision was
also given. 1t was deemed necessary to
be like the nations round about The
pomp ana glory OF war. the dignity and
streneth or government in the estimation
OF ALL were possible only under a king
REPORT RENDERED.-(Verse o11
.Samuel was not acting for himself in
this case. He did not trust his own tude-
ment or follow his own inclination. He
was a man of God. a servant of God He
felt obligated at every turn of affairs to
go back for Divine Instructions He was
just the man for the hour standing be-
tween the Almighty and the chosen peo-
PIE. receiving messages and delivering
them, an ambassador servant who
loved Israel but determined to do for
them only what he was instructed to do.
Accordingly, when he received the reply
as ABOVE mentioned. and learned the fixed
purpose to adhere to the original desire
and plan, when his counsel had been re-
Jected In all its particulars. he repaired
to the solitary place to commune with
Cod II was season of momentous con-
Scrn ne TtuedTSeQ ali tlat naO trans
p1red. gave an account Of his own speech
and then of the answer he had received.
He did this not to inform the Almighty
merely. for He knows all things but to
bring his mind in review before the mind
of God, and so to come into the fullest
harmony with God. Just as one man may
converse with another who already has
all the facts so Samuel spoke with God.
LORD DIRECTED Verse 29.-That
interview in the audience chamber OF God
EllrCRGHffrl ~ foin nc
~ what he desired. and fully understood
what should be done. for he received i'm
plicit directions. That was Just what
might have been expected. The good man
In the service OF God has a good reason
to suppose that God will be with him
and grant him knowledge for the per-
Torrance OF every duty. Otherwise serv-
Ice would be impossible. The man must
In that event follow his own thoughts
and plans and then he ceases 10 be
servant OF the Almighty. Samuels in
structions were to give Israel king. This
might surprise some who consider the sit
uation. Why permit what will result in
untold calamity? Why suffer the pure
theocracy established under Moses to pass
away? 1t was because in governmental
matters ii is best to allow men TO deter
mine forms and systems for themselves.
In the exercise of liberty results are to be
achieved impossible without liberty. Be-
sides. the theocracy would not be de-
stroyed. but modified. The king would
be servant of God. bound to administer
for him.
ASSEMBLY DISMISSED Verse 22).
See this old prophet now as he retraces
his steps after communing with God and
stands in the presence of waiting Israel.
With what spirit does he stand before the
multitude who with eager countenances
wait for his reply? What will he say.
how Will he say it? There Is no evidence
that he said anything. that he attempted
any further to dissuade any from an I'M
nd
sorrow. or that he entered more fully into
the merits Of the case. The history says
he dismissed the assembly. sent all TO
their homes. Does that imply that he had
had been successful. 1t has been thought
that this was implied. Or does IL mean
that the case would be decided and that
there was no need to continue the hear
thoughts Of his faithfulness and ability
and Of Gods wisdom and goodness? Did
they move away to their places Of abode
dismissing the whole question and trust
God? If so It was a test Of their loyalty
and faith and that must have been for
their good.
CONCLCSION.-There are several
important items that deserve special men,
ton. l. We see how important are DO
litical or governmental policies. The form
of the government and the method of adj
ministration involve the welfare Of the
people. They may 1eopardize or promote
the interests Of religion. The world mas
been agitated through its entire history
over questions that arise under these
heads. .. We see how easy IL Is for a
body of people. the great majority in fact,
to make mistakes at this point to clamor
for that which is not best. There have
been many such occurrences. when ma
tional progress has been Interrupted and
when bad measures have been introduced
with widespread and lasting influence
for evil. g. We see that Cod permits peo-
pie to manage their political affairs in
their own way. He allows them liberty Of
choice In these matters. and he holds
them to the consequences of their own
choice and conduct. They may ouild or
tear down and He allows them. T. We
see the value Of great good man who
holds high station. who interprets the
mind of God who stands between the
people and the danger to which they are
exposed. Such men should be loved. hon.
ored and obeyed. They are the ssEiors
Of the nations.