The Carlisle independent., 1915-03-11

city.-Prov. 16:32
 In order to repay Israefs victory un- der Jepthah, Nahash the Ammonite de- manded the right eye of those besieged in Jabesh in Gilead. knowing that the left eye would be hid by their shields and they would thus be incapable of warfare. For Israel to make any GOV enant with the Ammonites was con- trary to Gods commands (Ex. 23:32; Deut. 23:3).
 l. The Cry of Jabesh, w. 1-3. This event probably occurred about month after the previous lesson. It was a proud, naughty demand made of these Israelites. Exhausted and hopeless, they had offered to become servants in order to live. So today Te frequent ly find men willing to compromise with the world and the devil, who only hold them in derision and contempt (v. p. Compromising Christians are always blind leaders of the blind (Matt 15:14; 6:22). The demand of Nahash would also bring reproach upon Israel, yet this same king afterwards showed kindness to David (II Samuel 10:2). History records that Emperor Basil II actually sent an army of 14,S50 sightless men back to the king of Bull garia, who died of grief and horror.
 II. The Conquest of Ammon, w. 4 ii. Nahash granted the request for a seven days respite. Here was Saul's fn hn rinhfnd md people to be saved. Saul had held his peace since being anointed by Samuel, employing his time in everyday toll and duties (v. 5, for the messengers did not find Saul at home idle. The tidings of this insult were told to the people who lifted up their voices and wept. (v. 4). The news of this threat ened calamity reached Saul's ears and his conduct effectually put to silence those worthless fellows" who de- spised him and had brought no pres ents at his amounting COED. Instead of tears Saul is moved to deeds. Like Cincinnatus and Israel Putnam, he left the blow to take up the sword. Saul did not, in his own strength, under take to relieve Jabesh, for the Spirit of God came upon him" (v 6; see also Judges 3:10; 11:29; 1925; Luke 24: 49; Acts 10:3S). This moved Saul to anger, not alone at such an evidence of cruelty, but more at the contempt Nahash had for God and his people. Saul associated himself with Samuel, the man of God, and summoned the na- ton of Israel to his side.
 The Holy Spirit gave Saul clear as- surance of a call from God, and he re- sponded with unprecedented faith (Rom. S:3D. The people responded with great rapidity, for the fear of God came upon them also. We have the good news of a better deliverance from more subtle foe to proclaim in the present age. They all resorted to Bezek, west of the Jordan. The messengers returned bearing a mes sage having two meanings (v. 10), and that helped to keep Nahash ignorant of Sauls actions on the other side of the river. Dividing his army into com panies Saul attacked the enemy "in the morning watch" and completely overwhelmed them and put them to rout. As the Ammonites had refused to show any mercy, they in turn were judged unworthy of mercy (v. II, see also James 2:13; Matt 7:2).
 III. The Browning of Saul, w. 12-15. Saufs victory so impressed the people that they demanded to know of Sam uel who it was that had refused him as king, desiring to put them to death. Saul showed his wisdom by not per hitting such a course of action. Many today refuse Gods divinely appointed king who will yet be glad to acknowl- edge him Uuke 1927; Phil. 2:10). In the next place Saul did not claim credit for the victory for, said he, "The Lord hath wrought deliverance in Israel" (v 13 R. V9. All real vic tories come from God CPS. 44:4-S; I Cor. 15:10). This was the true king ly spirit. Saul reaped the reward of his humility, his forbearance, cour- age and activity in the loyalty and pride of the people. Samuel gladly shared in the success of Saul and led the people to Gilgal for the crowning ceremony. This was the place where Israel had first encamped under the leadership of Joshua and where the twelve stones from the river had been set up as a testimony to Gods real pesence and deGverance
 Saul had natural and physical char acteristics calculated to make him great and useful king-self-restraint modesty. military invention and ca pacity for leadership.
 He was shrewd. patient and gener- ous.
 He thus stood on the threshold of his kingdom with the possibilities of untold usefulness and blessing.
 We are kings and priests unto God" He has ushered us into his kingdom. Power, usefulness, infiu- ence, helpfulness, victory ove- sin are before us Napoleon said that his nobility dated from Arcoie and Maren go. May ours date from the victories of love over the evil within us and in the world" This is the victory that