The Green Forest tribune., 1915-05-21

hnf fl, R.V. -iA ieipeo.-Ps. 2S:7
 Saul ceased from pursu;ne Dor,a V oamue! 2G4) when he fled into tho land of the Philistines for he feared them greatly q Sam. 2S:5. 6). David fought with Saul's enemies hut never. theiess was not wanted (29:6-1D. His wives being taken captive he with 4oo men destroyed ziklag, sending the spoll to his friends in Judah q Sam ool. Following the death of Saul and Jonathan (11 Sam. chapter 1) we read Dav1ds wonderful lament (ch. 9.
 ]. David, King of Judah. (n David's Kingdom, oh. 2:13. It is now seven or eight years since Samuel anolnted the young shepherd to be King In Saurs place. David was prob ably twenty-nine years of age. He had now fourfold assurance of his throne (a) Gods decree q Sam. 16: lI-l3); (b) The death of Saul (eh. 1: 4); (c) Gods command (v. D, and
 td) The choice of the people (v. 4). His every step seems to have been led of God, therefore he had made no false moves Games 1857 see also Ps. 1913, 14). How God by means of the stones in the priests breastplate made known his will we are not told and it is idle to speculate. We have a bet ter way, the inspired word and the living spirit through which we may receive guidance. Such guidance is conditioned upon obedience q Sam. 2S:6; Acts 5:32). God directed David, after Sauls death to Ego up'' to Heb- ron, which means Fellowship" It was here that Abraham, the man of faith, had lived David thus began his conquest of the land in fellowship with God. David implicitly obeyed Gods decree (v. 9, took his family with him and also brought his men with their households. This is a sug- gestion relative to household fellow ship with God. They left nothing be- hind to lure them back as Lot was lured when he left Sodom. These men had been David's partners in his diversity and are now to share in his glory (Luke 22:2S, 29; II Tim. PIP; Rom. s:17, 1s).
 (2) David,s Diplomacy, o:5-7. It was good politics for David to honor these men of Jabesh, yet he was hon. est and sincere for he honored Saul as his rightful and God-anointed sov- ereign q Sam 24:4-S; 26:7-1D. These men had shown kindness to Saul and now Jehovah would show kindness to them (v. 6). As we SOW we reap (Matt 5:7; 6:14, 15; II Tim. 1:16-1s). David took pains to inform them that he had been chosen king but assures them that he would strengthen them. As they had been faithful to Saul, let them support the one who had been anointed in his stead. To have adopt ed any other policy would have alien ated their support.
 (3) Ish-bosheth's Kingdom, 2:8-f1. As contrasted with this God-directed Kingdom of David's was the man-direct- ed kingdom of Ish-bosheth. His name means, "name of shame" He was about forty years of age, Saul's oldest son. but not his intended successor. Ish-bosheth was: (a) selected by man (v. S); (b) ruled by man (v. 9 and Co made war upon Gods elect (x. IT, oh. 3:1). He only reigned two years and his kingdom in the northern part of the land was separated from that of David by that portion in the center controlled by the Philistines. Abners untimely death at the hand of Joab (ch. 3 deprived Ish-bosheth of leader. He was slain by his own serv- ants and his kingdom became part of David's.
 , II. David, King of Israel, 5:1-5. David passed through seven and one- half years of delay in his progress towards the throne. It was not long after Ish-bosheth's death that great assembly met at Hebron. It was truly national gathering. Every tribe sent soldiers-2S0,0 900 in all-and the elders of the people were the spokes- men. They proclaimed David "bone of their bone" (v. D and that even while Saul was king, David had been their real shepherd (v. 12). But better still, they recognized David as Gods chosen successor to Saul and pro- claimed to all men that they had loy- ally accepted his choice.
 The story of David's conquest or Jerusalem and the establishment Of the seat of his government at that place is interesting and suggestive and should be studied before next Sun days lesson is considered.
 After being anointed in Hebron David began at once to subdue theland.
 Thus we see the loose tribal gov srnment nodded into powerful, domi- nant and respected kingdom. David was CD Patient, awaiting Gods time; (2) Energetic; (3) Courageous; (4) ractful; (5) Trusting; (6) Loyal, to friends and to God; CD Patriotic; (S) obedient, and above all, (9) Religious, for we read, "the Lord is with him q Sam. 16:18), and, David waxed greater and greater; for the Lord. the Sod of hosts, was with him" Ql Sam. 5:10).
 rrboeo nrinoin1es faithfully adhered