The review. [volume] (High Point, N.C.) 1908-19??, 1915-03-18


NOR of ight.-Rom 1872.
SamuePs review of his life of integ-
rity, his charge to the Israelites, Gods
testimony of displeasure over their
persistent desire to have king, and
Samuels words of comfort and as
surance as found in chapter IL, form
an interesting connection with last
Sundays lesson. In chapter 13 we
have the record of Israel again in dis
tress and of Saul's folly in his assum-
ing the priestly office wv. Is, 14.
|. SauI's Distress, Wv. IA. That
Saups disobedience, just indicated, had
incurred Gods 6spleasure, we know.
It evidently had it's effect upon the
people also, for his army had dwindled
during the intervening fifteen or eight
cen years, from 100000 Och. 1883 to
a feeble 600 w. p. They were further
handicapped by lack of weapons
Och. 13:19-23). Deserted by Jehovah,
by Samuel, Jehovah's priest, and by
nearly all of his enthusiastic subjects
(see 11:12) Saul was Sin the uttermOst
part of Gibeah" hiding under pome-
granate tree (see Wv. II, % and 1850
This may refer to his being at Rimmon
Judges 20: 43-4O. In this retirement
Saul retains Ahiah ". - as priest,
thus keeping up the outward form OF
worship. This priest is not referred to
as Jehovah's. He was a grandson OF
Phinehas, one of Ellis wicked sons,
in the high priests Office Och. 2:3O-
36). Such an outward form of dead
works. cannot take the place of a liv-
ing faith. For Saul to consult the or
acle of the Urim and Thummim worn
by the priest and later to call up IA
miliar spirits, shows his lack of spir-
itual apprehension. The references
made to Sauls conduct Chapters IL,
49, are an indication Of his character
and emphasize the psalmist's words
as found in Ps. 1911, los.
II. Jonathans Victory, wv. 4-13. But
God had one leader to whom he could
speak, Jonathan, who is one of the
finest and most attractive characters
in the whole Bible. This episode is
among the most brilliant in the his
tory of the Israelitish nation. 1t was
brave deed, and an evidence of that
triumphant faith shown so clearly IN
Jonathan's dealings with David. There
seems to be a suggestion that Jona*
than had lost confidence in his IA
Their, for neither he nor the people
| knew where Jonathan had gone.
Verses and wildly picture the
nature Of the location wherein Jona-
than undertook this feat. Jonathan
clearly counted upon the f1eshly COW
enant sign as ground upon which to
expect help and victory over his enc
| mics, who lacked such sign ". o..
| The army of the Philistines had been
| divided into three sections och. ID:
| 10, and this gave Jonathan his OPP
portunity. The garrison at Michmash
| was on the opposite side of the ra'
| vine from Geba, Sauls headquarters.
Hidden by the cliffs it was quite easy
to approach the Philistines. 1t is an
interesting and enlightening converse"
ton recorded as ensuing on that jour-
ney.
| Jonathan-It may be that the Lord
will work for us; for there is no re-
straint to the Lord to save by many or
by few ". 81.
Armorbearer-Doa all that is in thine
heart, behold I am with thee.
Jonathan-We will pass
over, and will discover ourselves.
The test, as recorded in verses
and 20 was a real one and reve-
lation of Jonathan's shrewdness. Not
to be invited up by the Philistines
would suggest desire they may have
had to cover up any weakness. To be
asked to come" suggests their self
confidence.
Today's Message. Two young men
of faith saved a nation sunk in despair
and disgrace. They inspired conn'
dence in God and his promises. Youth
Tor battles, old age for counsel but
there are times that demand action
more than conference and considera'
ton. Courage is only OF value, how
! ever, when based upon much training,
devotion to God, the interests of 9th
ers, and a clear vision. 1t is not
mere flash in life's pathway. Courage