The Green Forest tribune., 1915-02-12

first of the order of prophets. His name means asked of God" and he was dedicated to God G:1D as a Nag arite. In fulfllment of his mothers VOW he was brought to the temple when he was a young child O:24, Jo- sephus says, at twelve years of age. Hannah's song of rejoicing (2:1-10) is the expression of a great soul and a choice piece of literature. Samuel had the advantage of being well born, but after studying Ellis household we are not so confident as to the environ ment amid which he was placed.
 !. SamueI's Vision, w. 1-1o. The young child entered heartily into the temple worship and duties as directed by the aged priest, Eli This man was not faithful in giving the people the word of God. "It was rare" (margin) and the result was that there was no frequent vision" (R. VI. The word is also precious" (v. 1; Ps. 19:9, 10), though when it is as common as it is in this land men frequently set but little store by it. God will judge men for such laxity even as he judged Israel (Amos SAG, il, 12). A vision is a knowledge of need and of the resources at our command. Eli and his sons had no vision and people lacking in this direction perish (Prov. 29:18). Jehovah is about to make known to Israel his will and in so do- ing he passes over this indulgent father and chooses the child Samuel Teach abIeness and obedience are the chief characteristics of childhood and these traits count for more with God than does age or experience (Matt. 11:25, I Tim. 4:12, Matt. 21:6). Samuel had not acquired the conceit of youth, he was faithful to his duties, respectful to his elders and did not boast of his accomplishments nor of the special revelation which came to him. Sam uel slept in the holy place of the "sa- cred tent" near Eli, for the great temple was not yet built. As such he is type for the Christian CPS. 27:4). It was there that the Lord revealed himself to him (John 1:14 R. V. mar gin). One of Samuel's duties as the special attendant of Eli was to open the house of God every morning, also to tend the sacred lamp which burned from evening to morning (Ex. 27:20, 2D. As he attended to these duties God made himself known to Samuel (v. A. God frequently calls men and they are not at home but have gone into the far country Samuel knew God as every devout worshiper knew him, but had not yet received direct revelation, hence he did not yet know Jehovah" Thinking at once of the priest, Samuel ran to receive orders or to render service. Had he disre- garded the voice he would not in the end have received his clear revelation. To have closed his ears, turned over for further sleep or to have risen hesi- tatingly would, in all probability, have prevented any further calls (Prov 1:24, 25, 28). God wants, for special services, those who make glad re- sponse to his first call Qsa. 6:8; Luke 9:59-62; Acts 9:6). Three times the
 
 makes reply.
 The teacher needs to be ever alert to take advantage of these opportu- mites to unfold and enforce the claims of Christ and to challenge an imme- diate decision of the soul. Happy are they who like Samuel hear and recog- nize, even though it be progressive revelation, the voice of Jehovah, and hearing, obey it. There is little need at present for the audible voice, for we have the word and the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. The voice Samuel heard became vision (v. 15)
 II. Jehovah's Verdict, w. 11-13, 19. 20. The chapter following tells of the defeat of Israel, the capture of the ark and the death of Eli and his sons. These were the things "at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle." The word of Jehovah stands fast, and what he speaks that he performs from the beginning even unto the end" (Luke 21:32, Numbers 23:19). The word of Jehovah to Sam uel about the house of Eli was one calculated to strike terror and silence into the lads heart. Eli was not igno- rant of the wickedness of his sons (2:27-36). Eli learns from Samuel Je- hovah's message. Eli was great and good man, submissive to Gods will, but he was a weak man, rather than just piously resigned. He might bet ter have prayed for mercy and strength to deal with his wicked sons. However, it was too late to change their lives.
 And Samuel grew and Jehovah was with him. (vv. 19, 20; see also Luke 2:52). Jesus also grew normally Uuke 1:80). When God calls he qualities; when he qualities he calls" (Matthew Henry). Samuel was trained in the house of God to be a great prophet CD by the dedication of his parents and the prayers of his mother; CD by the teaching of Eli. the priest of God; (3) by the routine of service in the duties assigned him; (4) by the