The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1915-04-10

LESSON TEXT Samuel 16:4-13.
GOLDEN TExT-Man Iooketh on the
outward appearance. but Jehovah Iooketh
IN the heart--I Samuel 1871 r. ".
After the events recorded In last
Sundays lesson Samuel retired to
Ramah never again 70 see Saul's face.
Samuel incurred" (15:35) 1. e., be
walled and lamented the deposed king.
It was noble for Samuel thus to be
grieved owe Saul's sin: still, God had
work for him to 10. There is a sor.
row that "'worketh repentance" which
is pleasing In h sight of God, but
that idle sorrow which spends itself
IN improbable mourning Is detrimen-
tai to man and a hindrance to the
kingdom Of God (ch. 81; 1870. Men
may fan but the kingdom goes for
ward. We do not interpret verse 3
as suggesting any subterfuge on Gods
part but rather that God refused to
pay any attention to Samuel's fear
God answers fear by giving us duties
to perform and in their performance
we are delivered from u fears.
I. David Chosen to Be King, w. 40.
Saul, the clamorous choice Of the peo-
pie, was not succeeded by DaYid-"the
man after Gods own heart"-for sew
eral years after this lesson. Gods
win In this matter was shown to
Samuel progressively: (a) in chapter
1874 Samuel is informed that God
hath sought "a man after his own
heart" OBJ in 1871 he Is told to go
and find the king whom God had pro-
vided; Co. In verse IL Samuel
is at last definitely told whom God
has selected. This selection is in &C
cordance with the prophecy made zen
turtles before regarding the kingly
scepter (Gen. 1910. OF course It
was high treason, this adt Samuel was
about to perform, and Saul yet had
! many friends and supporters ". ~.
God seems to have permitted Samuel
to use n avowed purpose to con.
cenl the real one. but such a course is
one to use but sparingly" (Maclaren)
God can and does protect those whom
he sends ops. 34:7) and man ls Inn
mortal till his work is done" Just
What or how did not concern Samuel
for he had Gods promise ". 81. A
step at q time was sufficient and in
taking each step Samuel was to tell
the exact truth.
Thus God guides and tests his serv.
ants. Samuel Was a judge as we'll as
a prophet Och. 7:16) and the people
Of Bethlehem we're agitated at his
arrival. It may be, too, that these
elders we're fearful Of mourning the
displeasure Of Saul. There was no
occasion FOL fear, as Samuel's purpose
was to sacrifice and his mission one OF
peace ever as the angelic messengers
who quieted the shepherds with their
message OF peace" when great
David's greater ION" was ushered into
the world. Jesse was a grandson OF
Ruth the Moabitess and also a de-
scendant of Rahab the har'ot. On
his fathers side he belong to the
strong tribe OF Judah. He was evl.
IDENTIFY a man OF some wealth, certain.
ly in his children. After the sacri.
fee and before the feast Samuel is
made acquainted with the sons OF
Jesse. The first. Eliab, was tall and
good to look upon and at once Samuel
fixed upon him as the certain choice
for Jehovah.
III. David Amounted King, w. II.
10. Seven ons are set aside and yet
Samuel did not hear the voice OF
Gods approval. In seeming dismay he
asks. Are here oil thy children"
Jesse seems to have made a careless
and reluctant reply that the youngest
wes away from home tending sheep.
~Thereupon Samuel asserts that I'VE
will not sit dowH Ito the sacrincial
feast) till he be brought hitaer" 1t is
from such lowly positions that God is
constantly promoting men to positions
of responsibility and prominence.
Witness Carey, Livingston, Moody and
a hundred others past and present.
David at this time was about fifteen,
years old (~Beecher). His name means
darling" significant of the affection
OF his mother, whose name IL IN.
known, but to whom David twice
makes reference Cps. S6:16; 116:1s,.
David was short, compared with his
brothers, but had bright eyes ". Ia
marg.) and a fair face-a "comely
person" ". 1s). David was agile and
strong and though seemingly scofed
ut by his brothers and neglected by
his father it did not pervert his good
nature nor turn him from the perform
ance OF his duties. Samuel did not
greet David as he had greeted Saul,
he may have been disappointed. This
gives emnhasis to the words in verse
IL. Arise anoint him: for this
Is he"
David Is anointed. set apart, for the
ktngship. but 10 not equipped nor doea
he enter upon his Offices till latei.
In this he 10 q type of Jesuh who
shall yet reign on David's throne.
Verses Is and. IL tell Of the develop
ing contrast IN the lives OF Saul and
David. David the young king. poten-
tial only at this time, In q grea 1t m
spiraton to the young Of all ages, In
that, IA He did his lowly work
thoroughly: f2) While doing 1t he