The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1915-04-08


After the events recorded in last
Sundays lesson Samuel retired to
Ramah never again TO see Saul's face.
Samuel incurred" (l5:35) I. O.. be-
walled and lamented the deposed king.
II was noble for Samuel thus 20 be
grieved over Saul's sin: still. God had
work for him to do. There Ii q sor.
row that "worketh repentance which
is pleasing In the 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. S:7: 15:D Men
may fail but the kingdom goes for
ward. We do not interpret verse 2
as suggesting any subterfuge on Gods
part but rather that God refused to
pay any attention TO Samuels fear
God answers fear by giving us duties Z
to perform and In their performance
we are delivered from our fears
!. David Chosen to BE King, w. 40.
Saul. the clamorous choice Of the pso
pie, was not succeeded by David-"the
man after Gods own heart"-for sew
erai years after this lesson Gods
will In this matter was shown to
Samuel progressively: ta) In chapter
1874 Samuel Is informed that God
hath sought "A man after his own
heart" (b) In 1871 he 10 told to 70
and ind the king whom God had pro-
vided (c) In verse ~ Samuel
Ia at last definitely told whom God
has selected. This selection 10 In 60
cordance with the prophecy made cen
turtles before regarding the kingly
scepter (Gen. ts:iD). OF course II
was high treason. this al Samuel was
about TO perform, and Saul yet had
many friends and supporters ". -.
God seems to have permitted Samuel
10 use one avowed purpose to con-
ceal the real one. but such course 10
one TO use but sparinsly" lMaclaren).
God can and does protect those whom
he sends (Ps. s&:7) and man 10 Inn
mortal TIL his work IL done" JUST
what or how did not concern Samuel
for he had Gods promise ". %. A
step at q time was sunhcient and IN
taking each step Samuel was TO tell
the enact truth.
Thus God guides ana tests his serv.
ants. Samuel was . judge ~ well 40
Q prophet ten. 7:l6) and the people
Of Bethlehem we're asitated ut his
arrival II may be. too. that these
elders were fearful OF mourning the
displeasure OF Saul There was no
occasion for fear. a. Samuers purpose
was to sacrifice and his mission one of
peace even a the angelic messengers
who quieted the shepherds with their
message OF peace" when great
David's greater son" was ushered into
the world Jesse was q grandson OF
Ruth the Moabitess and also q de-
scendant OF Rahab the harlot On
his fathers side he belonged TO the
strong tribe OF Judah. He was evi.
IDENTIFY q man Of some wealth, certain
ly In his children. After the sacri-
fice and before the feast Samuel 10
made acquainted with the sons OF
Jesse. The first. Eiiab. was tall and
good to look upon and at once Samuel
fired upon him as the certain choice
for Jehovah.
u. David Amounted King, w ~
t3. Seven sons are set aside and yet
Samuel did not hear the voice OF
Gods approval In seeming dismay he
asks. Are here all thy children"
Jesse seems TO have made a careless
and reluctant reply that the youngest
was away from home tending sheep.
Thereupon Samuel asserts that I'VE
will not eft down Ito the sacrincial
feast) till he be brought hither" II 10
from such lowly positions that God 10
constantly promoting men TO positions
OF responsibility and prominence.
Witness Carey. Livingston. Moody and
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 is un.
known, but to whom David twice
makes reference FPS. s6:16; 116:iel.
David was short. compared with his
brothers. but had bright eyes ". IL
marg.) and a fair face--a "comely
person" ", 49,. David was agile and
strong and though seemingly scorfed
at by his brothers and neglected by
his father Il 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 emphasis to the words In verse
IL. Arise anoint him: for this
Is he"
David is anointed. set apart. for the
kingship. but is not equipped nor does
he enter upon his Offices till later.
In this he Is a type OF Jesus who
shall yet reign on David's throne.
Verses 10 and IA tell Of the develop
ing contrast In the lives OF Saul and
David. David the young king. poten-
tial only at this time. Is great IN
spiration TO the young OF all ages In
that, On He did his lowly work
thoroughly; go While doing II he
sought to cultivate and improve him
self (yISl. and (al He eava himaalf