Middletown transcript., 1915-04-10


Sundays lesson Samuel retired to
Ramah never again to see Sauls face.
Samuel "mourned" (15:35) l. g., be-
walled and lamented the depOsed king.
1t was noble for Samuel thus to be
grieved over SauPs 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 detTimen-
tai to man and a hindrance to the
kingdom of God (ch. 8:7; 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 SamuePs fear.
God answers fear by giving US duties
to perform and in their performance
we are delivered from our fears.
I. David Chosen to Be King, w. 40.
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" (b) in 1871 he is told to go
and find the king whom God had pro-
vided; (c) in verse ~ Samuel
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. 1910. OF course it
was high treason, this act Samuel was
about to perform, and Saul yet had
many friends and supporters ". 2).
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 (Ps. 34:O and man is inn
mortal till his work is done" Just
what OF how did not concern Samuel
for he had Gods promise ". 81. 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 well as
a prophet (ch. 7:16) and the people
of Bethlehem were agitated at his
arrival. 1t may be, too, that these
elders were fearful of incurTing the
displeasure 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 a de-
his fathers side he belonged to the
strong tribe Of Judah. He was evil
IDENTIFY a man of some wealth, certain
ly in his children. After the sacri-
flee 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. Samuel made this choice
in spite of his disappointment in Saul.
likewise of attractive physique There
are no more eloquent words in the
Bible than those found in verse z.
We have only to read Of Eliab's sub
sequent unjust treatment Of David
(17:2S) to see that God was amply
justified in his judgment OF this candi-
date Social rank, lineage, fortune.
physical prowess or age will never
be a sufficient substitute for charac-
ter. 1t is a subtle snare to be de-
ceived by outward appearances. "If
/ take care Of my character my repu-
tation will take care Of ITSELF I'd. L.
Moody. The Lord looks upon the
heart; what does he see in yoursH
u. David Anolnted King, w. H.
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 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
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 FPS. 1915; 1916.
David was short, compared with his
brothers, but had bright eyes ". II
marg) and a fair face-a "comely
person" ". 1S). 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
auce 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
10, Arise anoint him: for this
is he" How God spoke to Samuel
is of small moment. The man who
does not believe God is able to come
near to his creatures and communicate
his will to them might as well not be.
lieve in God at ALL
David is anointed, set apart. for the
kingship, but is not equipped nor does
he enter upon his offices till later.
Saul had been thus set apart when
none were present (9:27; 10:D.