The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1933-09-02
Samuel 16: Alb; Psalm rs:
70.72,

1912.
Golden Text-Man looketh on
the outward appearance, but the
Lord looketh on the heart, l
Samuel 1857.
David was the greatest of all
the Hebrew kings. He surpassed
Saul and Solomon in the prepa-
ration which he underwent be-
fore coming to the throne; in
his military genius, which laid
low his enemies on every hand /;
in his craftsmanship, which weld
ed the tribes into one and built
them into a virile nation; in his
profound piety, which decisively
marked his public and private
life; and in his impress upon
Israel and the world as the ideal
king and a type Of the world
conquering Messiah.
Saul by his moral failure and
divine rejection had greatly
grieved Samuel. But God direct
ed the prophet to 60 to Bethle-
hem and anoint one of Jesse's
sons to be SauPs successor.
Would not the king regard this
an act of high treason? The d.
vine purpose was not to be
thwarted by cautions prophet or
murderous king. Samuels visit
was to be distinctly religious,
not political. A sacrifical feast
would Justify the journey. On
arrival the prophet would be
told what further to do.
Samuel, obedient to the will
of God, went to Bethlehem. At
his coming the elders of the
town trembled, for their last
glimpse of him was when he hew-
ed Agag to pieces in Gilgal. But
Samuel declared to them that he
had come on a mission of peace
and babe them sanctify them
selves and come to the sacrifice.
As evidence Of good faith, and
in fulfilment Of his mission, he
ceremonially prepared Jesse and
his sons for the proper observ-
ance of the sacrificial feast. No,
record of it is given, but mol
doubt Samuel duly offered the
sacrifice with the town elders,
Jesse with his sons being among
the attendants.
Jesse entertained the prophet, |
presented his sons for inspection
and benediction and yearned to
know and do the will of God.
The scene here recorded most
probably took pace after the pub
lie sacrifice and in the home of |
Jesse, who evidently was we'll |
TODD resident of Bethlehem. |
Without knowing the full signi-
ficance of Samuel's visit, and
perhaps craving upon his sons no
more than the prophets bene-
Jesse brought his sons
before Samuel. The eldest bore
the name of Eliab and was of
commanding figure and impress
sive bearing. But the Lord, who |
looks on the heart and not, like
man, on the outward appearance,
revealed to the prophet his re-
fusal Of Eliab as a suitable sue
cessor to Saul. The same thing
occurred when the second son, !
Tbinadab, and the third, Sham
nah. and four other sons of
Jesse came before him. Mani
testify Samuel was surprised when
he failed to find the Lords
anointed among these seven sons
Of Jesse, who were not surpass-
ed by any young men in the city
Or throughout the country. In
his perplexity, he turned to Jesse
with the inquiry, care here all
Thy children?"
David now energies for the
first time. Several things are
;old us about him. (D Note
what Jesse said. To the prop
nets inquiry the father respond
I'd that only the youngest was
absent and he at the moment
vas keeping the sheep. What
! vivid sidelight upon the mod
.sty and industry of the lad!
Samuel at once called for him.
~ Note what Samuel saw.
fresh from the field came the
,oung man. The prophet saw
hat he was a most attractive
'outh. Unlike most of his race,
lis hair was auburn and his eyes
we're blue. He was virile and
magnetic. (3) Note what Jeho-
,ah said: "Arise, annoint him:
or this is he" ca Note what
samuel did. In obedience to
livine command, he poured the
oil upon David in the
presence of his family. (5) Note
What the Spirit did. He came
NIGHTLY upon David from that
lay forward. 1t was enough
he aged prophet. satisfied with
lis mission, returned now to his ,
Iome in Ramah.
Jehovah was due all praise for
he good and the glory of David's ;
egime. 1t was he who chose
nd called and capacitated and
David his servant.
therefore he took him from the
heepfold with its tender minis
ry for the young, attesting his
fidelity, and set him
n the throne of Israel to shep- :
erd his@people. He was a great
overeign and statesman because !
e was a shepherd with two re-
al traits outstanding: His '
loral and spiritual caliber root /
Il -, H. ;,a+oo.,.4.x &c h;n haort |