Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1920-07-19

all my hedTI, ana lean not upon Allic III
erstanding.-Prov. 3:5.
ADDITIONAL WATERFALL Sam. 81;
lib: II Sam. III; 2:S-412
PRIMARY TOPIC-The Shepherd Boy
Becomes a King.
JUNIOR TOPIC-How David Became a
King
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
The Secret of David's Success.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
True Success and How TO Win It
The death of Saul lay open to David
the path to the throne. This would
have rejoiced the heart of many, but
David was sad Instead of reward be-
ing given to the slayer Of Saul, quick
vengeance was executed upon him.
!. David Made King over Judah
ola.
He knew full well that the Lord by
the hand of Samuel had anointed him
10 be the successor of Saul. He had
learned the essential lesson which the
School of Providence was designed to
teach, namely, that the position now
open to him was no easy one to fill
His exile and sufferings gave him self
control. He had the good sense to
know that promotion to the throne did
but bring harder duties and multi
piled perplexities." He threw himself
upon God and asked for guidance. He
rendered instant obedience to the
Lords answer. If we are TO enjoy
Gods fellowship and blessing we must
render quick obedience. He made .
right beginning, therefore God pros
pered him. When he reached Hebron
the men OF Judah came and anOinted
him king over them. Thus part of
the nation recognized him as king and
ratified the work which Samuel did
many years before. When David went
up he took with him all who had been
with him in exile and suffering. They
are now sharers with him in the king
dom. When David's great son, Christ
shall enter upon his glorious reign
those who have been faithful to him
in his rejection shall reign with him
"If we suffer we shall also reign with
him." (H Tim. 2:12); ITO him that
Overcometh will grant to sit with me
in my throne, even as also overcame,
and am set down with my father in his
throne" (Rev. 3:2D.
II. David's Behavior Toward the
Men Of Jabesh- GlIead CAD.
The men Of Jabesh owed much to
Saul Il Sam. ~, and they showed
this recognition of debt by making 9
daring dash to rescue his body from
the ignominious exposure at Bethle
hem. David's act of sending men tC
Jabesh with a message of good will
for their affectiOnate remembrance OF
Saul is an exhibition of his noble gen.
crosby. His love for the unfortunate
he suffered at his hands. He forgavt
and forgot them all. This was an act
of political shrewdness as well as 4
generous one. In fact the only policy
which proves effective is that which
proceeds from generous heart. He
deity follows this generous com
mendation with a solicitude for tht
men of Jabesh TO transfer their loyal
~ to himself, since he is now their
legal king. Since Saul is now dead
he urges them to be valiant for him. Ii
view of the civil war which was tC
follow he knew it would require vail
ant men to stand by Gods king. This
appeal to be valiant is needed now, fol-
oil 10 foI ufH
between Gods appointed king, Jesus
Christ, and Satan, the pretender to the
throne May Christ's appeal result il
making us faithful and valiant fol
him.
III. The Dual kingdom-War Be.
tween the House of Saul and the House
of David (2:84 :12).
This period of civil war lasted sever
and a half years. Most of the tribes
Of Israel chung to Ishbosheth, Saurs
son, whom Abner had proclaimed kinl
at Mahanaim. Feuds continued be
tween the rival generals. David.
power increased while that of IshbOs
heths waned.
~. David Crowned King Over
United Israel (5:1-5).
Though the struggle for supremacy
lasted long and was a bitter one, Alb
ner's death and Ishbosheth's assassina
ton put an end to David's opposition
David's behavior during this time grad
ually won for him the confidence OF
the tribes so that they all came to him
at Hebron and anointed him as their
king. They accepted his divine right
to rule ", 81. The reasons for anoint.
ing him their king were
l. He is their brother ". u. This is
true of Christ our King. Through the
incarnation he has become one with us
,. He was their true leader in war
even in SauPs time ". p.
8. He was the Lords choice ". p.