The Green Forest tribune., 1915-05-14

Professor Beecher gives 1865 B. c. as the date of this lesson and the death of Samuel Saul had been on the throne 37 years and David was tWenty-seven years of age There are ten famous episodes between the les son of last week and that of today. CD David and the shew-bread: (2) Goliath's sword; (3) David feigns madness (ch. 2D; (4) The cave of Adullam; (5) His care of his par ents; (6) The killing of the priests (ch. 22); CD Wandering in the will derness (ch. 23); (S) The cutting of Sauls robe (ch. 24); (9) Nabal's churl- ishness, and Q0) Abigail's kindness (ch. 25). It might be we'll to have one scholar give summary of each of these events.
 !. David and Abishai, w. ST.
 Once before, the Ziphites had in- formed Saul as to Davids whereabouts (23:19). Learning that Saul evident iy intended to follow him into the will derness (v. 4), David sent spies to learn the exact location of Saul and the 5000 men under command of Ab- ner. Abne1 was a cousin of Saul, a brave man with a remarkable history. Unwittingly they had placed them selves in David's power and that for a second time GA: Like the camp of the Midianites which Gideon visited, Saul and his men were scat tered about sleeping within the place of the wagons" (v. 5 R. VI, with Saul in the center, the spear marking his resting place and the bolster beneath his head. Doubtless Saul trusted Ab ner's protection, but no arm of flesh can save or protect sinful man. From a neighboring rock David and his friends could distinguish the spear and the outlines of the camp. David's challenge was directed to both of his companions. Ahimelech, the Hittite, declined the summons, whereas Abi- sinai, David's nephew who had already proved himself in the affair at the we'll QI Samuel 23:13-16) and later be- came a leading figure in David's king dom, accepted the challenge.
 II. David and Saul, w. S-12.-Abishai was quite right that God had deliv- cred Saul into David's hand (v. 8, but he was wrong in his conclusion as to what that meant God delivered Saul that he might, if possible, save him. It was a challenge that tested Dav1d's magnanimity, his sense of honor and also an event wherein he could appeal to SauPs honor Abishais anger is evident from his words, q will not smite him the second time." There was ample provocation, but David rec ognized in this experience the hand of God, nor would he profit by an others hand upraised against the Lords anointed" (v. 9. A conscience less keen could have found an excuse for allowing another to strike a blow to his own profit. Saul was rejected of Jehovah, yet David preferred to let Jehovah execute his own decrees (ch. 24:15 of. Ps. 195:15).
 III. David and Abner, w. 13-16.-
 Returning to his vantage point, doubtless the brow of hill on the opposite side of the valley, point of safety, David awakened the sleep ing camp. Abner replied, Who art thou?" This cry sounds strangely like the present-day replies to the chal- lenge of our David when sleeping camp of sin is aroused. This call came at night When our King shall return his visit will be unexpected and at night q Thess. 5:2-4; Rev. l6:l5). It would seem like humiliation for this proud, naughty general, Abner, to he taunted by David (v. 15). As chief officer he was responsible for the kings safety and his life. David therefore might well reproach and chide him, for his lack of fidelity was worthy of death. When Saul was thoroughly awake to the fact or Davids visit to his camp and the fact that his life had been spared, he was moved to another one of his moments of repentance (vv. 17-2D.
 w. The Result, w. 17-25.-Davids address to Saul, is remarkable one. He nrSJ appeals IO TedSoH W. ho' e-
 desires to know what, if any, fault he has committed. He next challenges the motives which impelled Saul. Was it God who sent him on this tourney or was it the evil counsel of men (v. 19)? If this latter then let God deal with them according to 4heir just deserts. And, finally. David uses the two similes of flea and nar- fridge as evidence of his humility, his inoffensiveness, his harmlessness (Luke 14:1D.
 Every sinner who fights against God and against his anointed ones plays the fool" and will sooner or later, like Saul. awaken to the fact that he has "erred exceedingly"
 David did not undertake his own de- liverance and "the Lord delivered him out of all his troubles" (v. "A; Ps. 1S).
 David's last message to Saul as he bade them to send for his spear was a declaration of innocence and nraver that God would give him safety even as Saul's life had been spared
 SauPs final word was blessing and
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