The Green Forest tribune., 1915-04-09

After the events recorded in last Sundays lesson Samuel retired to Ramah never again to see Sauls face. Samuel "mourned" Q5:35) i. e., be- walled and lamented the deposed king. It was noble for Samuel thus to be grieved over Saul's sin; still, God had work for him to do. There is a sor- row that "worketh repentance'' which is pleasing in the sight of God, but that idle sorrow which spends itself in unprofitable mourning is detrimen- tai to man and a hindrance to the kingdom of God (ch. ST; 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 to perform and in their performance we are delivered from our fears.
 l. 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 sev- eral years after this lesson. Gods will in this matter was shown to Samuel progressively: (a) in chapter 13:14 Samuel is informed that God hath sought "a man after his own heart;" (b) in 16:1 he is told to go and find the king whom God had pro- rysI IN1. fnA 10l is at last definitely told whom God has selected. This selection is in ac- cordance with the prophecy made cen- turies 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 (v. p. God seems to have permitted Samuel to use one avowed purpose to con- ceal the real one, but such a course is one to use but sparingly" (Maclaren), God can and does protect those whom he sends CPS. 34:7) and man IS im- mortal till his work is done." Just what or how did not concern Samuel for he had Gods promise (v. 3. A step at 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 (ch. 7:16) and the people of Bethlehem were agitated at his arrival. It may be, too, that these elders were fearful of incurring the displeasure of Saul There was no occasion for fear, as Samuers 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 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 ev1. dently 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.
 II. David Anointed King, w. 11- 13. 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 careless and reluctant reply that the youngest was away from home tending sheep. Thereupon Samuel asserts that we will not sit down (to the sacritictal feast) till he be brought hither" It 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 is un. known, but to whom David twice makes reference CPS. 86:16: 116: 16). David was short, compared with his brothers, but had bright eyes (v. 12 marg.) and fair face-a 'comely person" (v 18). David was agile and strong and though seemingly scoffed at 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 emphasis to the words in verse 12, Arise anoint him: for this is be-"
 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 13 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 ln- spiration to the young of all ages in that, CD He did his lowly work CD While doing it he sought to cultivate and improve him. soIp (y1QA op6 (QA Ha oavQ himcoIf