The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-04-09


on the HEARTH Samuel 1877 r, v.
After the events recorded In last
Sundays lesson Samuel retired to
Ramah never again to see Saul's face,
Samuel incurred" (15:35) 1, e., be-
walled and lamented the deposed king,
1t was noble for Samuel thus to be
grieved over Saul's sin; still, God had
work for him to do There is 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 hindrance to the
kingdom of God (ch. ST.; 15:D, Men
may fail but the kingdom goes for
ward. We do not interpret verse
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
to perform and in their performance
we are delivered from our fears.
|. David Chosen to Be King, w. 4-10.
Saul, the clamorous choice Of the peo-
pie, was not succeeded by David-"the
man after Gods own heart"-for sew
eral years after this lesson. Gods
will 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; (c) in verse 10 Samuel
is at last definitely told whom God
has selected. This selection is in ac-
cordance with the prophecy made CEN
turtles before regarding the kingly
scepter (Gen. 49:1O).' 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 one avowed purpose to con-
ceal the real one, but such course is
one to use but sparingly" (Maclaren) :,
God can and does protect those whom
he sends Cps. 34:7) and man is inn
mortal till his work is done" Just
what or how did not concern Samuel
for he had Gods promise ". 81. A
step at a 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 judge as well as
a prophet (ch. T:16) and the people
of Bethlehem were agitated at his
arrival. It may be, too, that these
elders were fearful OF mourning the
dlspleasure of Saul. There was no
occasion for fear, as Samueps purpose
was to sacrifice and his mission one Of
peace even as 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 a grandson of
Ruth the Moabitess and also de-
scendant of Rahab the harlot. On
his fathers side he belonged to the
strong tribe of Judah. He was evt.
IDENTIFY 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.
u. David Amounted King, w. IL
10. 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 sit down Ito the sacrificial
'eas) till ne be brought hither" 1t is
rom such lowly positions that God is
promoting men TO positions
If responsibility and prominence.
Witness Carey, Livingston, Moody and !
hundred others past and present. |
David at this time was about fifteen
rears old (Beecher). His name means
darling" significant of the affection
If his mother, whose name is I'M
lnown; but to whom David twice |
makes reference Cps. 36:16; 116:16l. |
David was short, compared with his
but had bright eyes ". IL
narg.) and a fair face-a "comely
w. 49,. David was agile and
trong and though seemingly scoffed
t by his brothers and neglected by
lis father it did not peryert his good
azure nor turn him from the perform
nee OF his duties. Samuel did not
rect David as he had greeted Saul,
q may have been disappointed. This
ives emphasis to the words in verse
2, Arise anoint him: for this
, he"
David is anointed, set apart, for the
ingship, but is not equipped nor does
Q enter upon his offices till later.
In this he is type OF Jesus who
hall yet reign on Dayid's throne.
Verses 10 and IA tell Of the develop
lg contrast in the lives Of Saul and
avid. David the young king, poten.
al only at this time, is great IN
Diration to the young Of all ages In
lat, a. He did his sowly work
thoroughly; (2l While doing ii he
ought to cultivate and imnrova him.