The soldiers were delighted with Da'vid's bravery in proposing to meet the Phi-lis'tine giant, and hastened to report his courageous offer to Saul, who demanded that the young man be sent to him at once. When Da'vid stood before the king, his first words were, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with the Phi-lis'tine." The king tried to dissuade him from meeting the giant in single combat by telling him that he was too young and inexperienced to go against one who had been trained in war for so many years. But Da'vid persisted in his demand, telling Saul of the mighty deeds he had already performed with the help of GOD. The young man closed his appeal with these words: "The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Phi-lis'tine."
The confidence of this young hero, joint as it was with his unfaltering faith in the help of GOD, overcame the hesitancy of Saul. He agreed to Da'vid's request to champion the cause of Is'ra-el before the giant Go-li'ath, but was unwilling to let him enter what seemed to be unequal combat without the benefit of the best armor and weapons which he could have.
Saul then brought out his own armor and sword, and asked Da'vid to use them in the battle soon to come. Da'vid felt however, that he would do better with weapons with which he was more familiar. After putting on the king's armor and taking his sword in hand, he decided that the sling which he had learnt to use with such telling force would serve him better. The man-made armor of an unbelieving and rejected king was only an encumbrance to a youth whose faith was approved by GOD. By using the sling he would not have to come into close grips with a man who was much larger and more powerful than he. As an expert with the sling, he could take sure aim and hurl a stone with the strength of GOD lending force to his arm.
On his way to the field of battle, Da'vid pickt up five smooth stones from the brook which ran through the valley between the two armies. Placing these stones in the shepherd's bag which he carried, and with his staff in hand, Da'vid marcht out between the armies of Phi-lis'ti-a and Is'ra-el to meet the giant warrior. The Is'ra-el-ites looked on with mingled feelings of amazement, hope, and prayer, while the hosts of the Phi-lis'tines gazed at the young man with scorn and ridicule.
Friday, March 3, 2017
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Story 81: A Shepherd Boy Slays The Phi-lis'tine Giant l
Some time after Da'vid was employed by Saul for occasional service at the court as musician and armor-bearer, and several years after the defeat of the Phi-lis'tines at Mich-mash, the warlike heathens decided upon another war against Is'ra-el. Their armies marched into a village of the hill country between the mountains of Ju'dah and the plains of the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an, about eleven miles southwest of Je-ru'sa-lem and Beth'le-hem. Here they encamped for battle along a range of low hills facing a fertile plain called E'lah. The armies of Is'ra-el went out against them, camping on the range of hills along the opposite side of the valley.
In those days it often happened that when two opposing armies were in position for battle, but neither dared to attack, a champion from each side would meet in single combat. It was agreed that victory would belong to the army whose champion defeated his arrival in the single combat.
The champion of the Phi-lis'tines in this battle was a giant warrior named Go-li'ath. He was nearly nine feet tall, wore armor made of metal plates which overlapped like the scales of a fish, and weighed three hundred pounds, protected his head with a helmet of brass, and had the lower part of his legs covered with heavy metal guards. He carried a short spear thrown over his shoulders, and a sword five feet long which weighed twenty-five pounds.
Every day he marched out on the plain between the two armies and scornfully challenged the Is'ra-el-ites to send out a champion to fight a duel with him. For forty days he cast ridicule and contempt upon the armies of Is'ra-el as Saul's slaves, and taunted them for their cowardice in failing to send out a man to meet him in battle.
During all this time the king who had once led Is'ra-el in slaying forty thousand Phi-lis'tines in one day, sat cowering in weakness while a single Phi-lis'tine braggart held the armies of Is'ra-el in check. Why the difference? Because in the previous victory the noble prince Jon'a-than had been anointed by the Spirit of GOD, and Saul had taken advantage of the confusion caused by his daring exploit to gain a decisive triumph. At this time, however, Jon'a-than had been rejected by his ungrateful father, and the LORD had withdrawn from Saul. Courage had left the army because the LORD was no longer with their king.
Three of Jes'se's sons were among the soldiers encamped on the edge of the valley of E'lah and Da'vid often journeyed back and forth from the royal palace and his father's home, caring for the sheep when his services were not needed by the king. It is likely that he wished to join his brothers in the army opposing the Phi-lis'tines, and that he often spoke of his desire to aid in ridding the land of the cruel oppressors, but neither the king nor Da'vid's older brothers thought him old enough to be a soldier.
One day Jes'se sent Da'vid to the camp of the soldiers, just a few hours' walk from Beth'le-hem, to carry food to his brothers and to ask about their welfare. It so happened that he reached the camp just as the two armies were facing one another ready for battle. He left the provisions which he had brought with the keeper of the army supplies and rushed to the side of his brothers. While he was talking with them, the Phi-lis'tine champion came out on the field with his usual scornful challenge. The soldiers all fell back in fear, but Da'vid looked on with growing anger. Some of the men told him that this had been going on morning after morning for forty days, and that the king had offered a great reward for any man who would slay the giant.
Da'vid then declared that he was ashamed of the cowardly manner in which the Is'ra-el-ites permitted the heathen giant to terrify them, and said that the insult to Is'ra-el and the LIVING GOD of the nation must be wiped out. The remarks of his younger brother were bitterly resented by E-li'ab who said that Da'vid was neglecting his duties in caring for his father's sheep, and that he had no business even to visit the king's armies. It appears that E-li'ab remembered with envy the time when Sam'u-el had rejected him in favor of Da'vid for the sacred anointing. Da'vid showed both forbearance and reason in his reply, "Have I come without an errand? Is there not a need for someone to meet this defiance of our GOD?" Then he turnt to others and made similar remarks.
In those days it often happened that when two opposing armies were in position for battle, but neither dared to attack, a champion from each side would meet in single combat. It was agreed that victory would belong to the army whose champion defeated his arrival in the single combat.
The champion of the Phi-lis'tines in this battle was a giant warrior named Go-li'ath. He was nearly nine feet tall, wore armor made of metal plates which overlapped like the scales of a fish, and weighed three hundred pounds, protected his head with a helmet of brass, and had the lower part of his legs covered with heavy metal guards. He carried a short spear thrown over his shoulders, and a sword five feet long which weighed twenty-five pounds.
Every day he marched out on the plain between the two armies and scornfully challenged the Is'ra-el-ites to send out a champion to fight a duel with him. For forty days he cast ridicule and contempt upon the armies of Is'ra-el as Saul's slaves, and taunted them for their cowardice in failing to send out a man to meet him in battle.
During all this time the king who had once led Is'ra-el in slaying forty thousand Phi-lis'tines in one day, sat cowering in weakness while a single Phi-lis'tine braggart held the armies of Is'ra-el in check. Why the difference? Because in the previous victory the noble prince Jon'a-than had been anointed by the Spirit of GOD, and Saul had taken advantage of the confusion caused by his daring exploit to gain a decisive triumph. At this time, however, Jon'a-than had been rejected by his ungrateful father, and the LORD had withdrawn from Saul. Courage had left the army because the LORD was no longer with their king.
Three of Jes'se's sons were among the soldiers encamped on the edge of the valley of E'lah and Da'vid often journeyed back and forth from the royal palace and his father's home, caring for the sheep when his services were not needed by the king. It is likely that he wished to join his brothers in the army opposing the Phi-lis'tines, and that he often spoke of his desire to aid in ridding the land of the cruel oppressors, but neither the king nor Da'vid's older brothers thought him old enough to be a soldier.
One day Jes'se sent Da'vid to the camp of the soldiers, just a few hours' walk from Beth'le-hem, to carry food to his brothers and to ask about their welfare. It so happened that he reached the camp just as the two armies were facing one another ready for battle. He left the provisions which he had brought with the keeper of the army supplies and rushed to the side of his brothers. While he was talking with them, the Phi-lis'tine champion came out on the field with his usual scornful challenge. The soldiers all fell back in fear, but Da'vid looked on with growing anger. Some of the men told him that this had been going on morning after morning for forty days, and that the king had offered a great reward for any man who would slay the giant.
Da'vid then declared that he was ashamed of the cowardly manner in which the Is'ra-el-ites permitted the heathen giant to terrify them, and said that the insult to Is'ra-el and the LIVING GOD of the nation must be wiped out. The remarks of his younger brother were bitterly resented by E-li'ab who said that Da'vid was neglecting his duties in caring for his father's sheep, and that he had no business even to visit the king's armies. It appears that E-li'ab remembered with envy the time when Sam'u-el had rejected him in favor of Da'vid for the sacred anointing. Da'vid showed both forbearance and reason in his reply, "Have I come without an errand? Is there not a need for someone to meet this defiance of our GOD?" Then he turnt to others and made similar remarks.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Story 80: A Shepherd Boy Chosen King lll
One of the king's servants knew of Da'vid's talent as a musician, of his handsome appearance, gentle disposition, and courageous spirit. He therefore suggested that the young man be engaged as musician to the king, and Saul sent a messenger to Jes'se with the request that Da'vid be sent to him at once.
By a strange providence the young man who had been chosen of GOD to be Saul's successor was brought to the court at the king's own request. As he modestly stood before the king with his harp in hand and began to play, the magic touch of his fingers on the strings produced an effect which immediately soothed the troubled spirit of Saul. As the sweet sounds of music fell upon Saul's ears, and the unspoken prayers of Dav'id's heart reached the ears of GOD, the king's heart went out to this young nobleman with great affection. Thus was the plan of GOD and the liberty of man combined for the preparation of Da'vid to become Is'ra-el's greatest king: For Da'vid in his devotion to his harp had no thought of thereby rising to royal favor; and the servant who suggested his name knew not that he had been chosen as Saul's successor.
Da'vid was engaged as court musician and personal armor-bearer for the king, and they became friends fast. We do not know just how long the friendship lasted, but shall find that within a few years Saul became intensely jealous of Da'vid's growing popularity and turnt against him with murderous hatred.
Da'vid continued to live at his father's home in Beth'le-hem, and much of his time was spent in caring for his father's sheep. Under the anointing power of GOD'S Spirit he continued to grow in strength and bravery. In protecting the sheep from ravenous beasts of that land he relied upon the ancient weapon known as a sling. By constant practice he soon became expert with the sling, and was able to hurl the small stones exactly where he wished them to go. His strength was also developed until he was able to perform some of the mighty deeds of Sam'son, such as killing bears and lions with his own hands. GOD was preparing him for a miraculous victory over the Phi-lis'tines, and we shall soon learn about it.
By a strange providence the young man who had been chosen of GOD to be Saul's successor was brought to the court at the king's own request. As he modestly stood before the king with his harp in hand and began to play, the magic touch of his fingers on the strings produced an effect which immediately soothed the troubled spirit of Saul. As the sweet sounds of music fell upon Saul's ears, and the unspoken prayers of Dav'id's heart reached the ears of GOD, the king's heart went out to this young nobleman with great affection. Thus was the plan of GOD and the liberty of man combined for the preparation of Da'vid to become Is'ra-el's greatest king: For Da'vid in his devotion to his harp had no thought of thereby rising to royal favor; and the servant who suggested his name knew not that he had been chosen as Saul's successor.
Da'vid was engaged as court musician and personal armor-bearer for the king, and they became friends fast. We do not know just how long the friendship lasted, but shall find that within a few years Saul became intensely jealous of Da'vid's growing popularity and turnt against him with murderous hatred.
Da'vid continued to live at his father's home in Beth'le-hem, and much of his time was spent in caring for his father's sheep. Under the anointing power of GOD'S Spirit he continued to grow in strength and bravery. In protecting the sheep from ravenous beasts of that land he relied upon the ancient weapon known as a sling. By constant practice he soon became expert with the sling, and was able to hurl the small stones exactly where he wished them to go. His strength was also developed until he was able to perform some of the mighty deeds of Sam'son, such as killing bears and lions with his own hands. GOD was preparing him for a miraculous victory over the Phi-lis'tines, and we shall soon learn about it.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Story 80: A Shepherd Boy Chosen King ll
Jes'se then caused the other six sons who were present to pass before the prophet, and each time the LORD said to Sam'u-el, "He is not the man." Turning to Jes'se, the prophet asked, "Are these all the children you have?"-"There remaineth yet the youngest," said Jes'se, "and he is in the field watching over the sheep." Sam'u-el asked that he be brought before him at once, and the moment he saw him the LORD said, "Arise and anoint him, for he is My choice for the throne of Is'ra-el." He was a boy of about fifteen years old, with a fine, rosy complexion, sparkling eyes, and an appearance that was good to behold.
Thus Da'vid, the youngest son of Jes'se was solemnly anointed by the aging prophet of GOD while his father and brothers looked on in wonder. The boy was too young and inexperienced to assume the heavy burdens of ruling Is'ra-el, so perhaps he was not told at this time of the full meaning of the ceremony performed by the man of GOD. He did, however, enter a new stage in the development of his inner life, which was fully consecrated to GOD. The gifts with which he was richly endowed by nature began to unfold. As he continued tending his father's flocks the Goodness and Glory of GOD was made known to him in every hand. In the mild, starry nights he learnt how "The Heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament showeth His handiwork." The holy teachings of the books of Mo'ses, in which he had been instructed from his earliest years, became more clear to him as he read them over and over again.
It was during these formative years that he received the inspiration for many of the beautiful psalms which were afterwards put into permanent form for use in the worship of Is'ra-el. His poetic and musical gifts were cultivated as the days and weeks went by, and his kingly qualities were rapidly developing. Whether he knew that he was destined to become ruler of his nation or not, he lived in constant remembrance that the anointing by Sam'u-el had consecrated him to a life of service to GOD. The faithful discharge of his duties as a shepherd of sheep prepared him to become the righteous and successful shepherd of Is'ra-el. The sense of duty and responsibility daily displayed in protecting his flock from bears and lions strengthened him for the eminent ruler he afterwards became. The LORD was making him ready for a great career.
Neither Saul nor the people of Is'ra-el were informed of the selection of young Da'vid to succeed to the throne of Is'ra-el, nor did his father and brothers seem to have known the secret of the prophet. Apparently several years passed before Saul suspected GOD'S plan for the noble young man, and through these years Divine Providence brought Da'vid the training and discipline for a great career on the throne of Is'ra-el.
While the Spirit of GOD was guiding Da'vid, an entirely different thing was taking place with Saul. The Holy Spirit having left him because of his sins, he was tormented by an evil spirit which led him into fits of melancholy and extreme irritation. Unrestrained by the Good Spirit, he was goaded by sa'tan into ungovernable madness and rage. His servants were so distressed by the change that they sought some way of quieting his temper. Even in those early days music was looked upon as a means of soothing a troubled spirit and subduing anger, so the servants suggested that a musician of great skill be engaged to play the harp for Saul. The unhappy king consented, and a search was made at once for a gifted harpist.
Thus Da'vid, the youngest son of Jes'se was solemnly anointed by the aging prophet of GOD while his father and brothers looked on in wonder. The boy was too young and inexperienced to assume the heavy burdens of ruling Is'ra-el, so perhaps he was not told at this time of the full meaning of the ceremony performed by the man of GOD. He did, however, enter a new stage in the development of his inner life, which was fully consecrated to GOD. The gifts with which he was richly endowed by nature began to unfold. As he continued tending his father's flocks the Goodness and Glory of GOD was made known to him in every hand. In the mild, starry nights he learnt how "The Heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament showeth His handiwork." The holy teachings of the books of Mo'ses, in which he had been instructed from his earliest years, became more clear to him as he read them over and over again.
It was during these formative years that he received the inspiration for many of the beautiful psalms which were afterwards put into permanent form for use in the worship of Is'ra-el. His poetic and musical gifts were cultivated as the days and weeks went by, and his kingly qualities were rapidly developing. Whether he knew that he was destined to become ruler of his nation or not, he lived in constant remembrance that the anointing by Sam'u-el had consecrated him to a life of service to GOD. The faithful discharge of his duties as a shepherd of sheep prepared him to become the righteous and successful shepherd of Is'ra-el. The sense of duty and responsibility daily displayed in protecting his flock from bears and lions strengthened him for the eminent ruler he afterwards became. The LORD was making him ready for a great career.
Neither Saul nor the people of Is'ra-el were informed of the selection of young Da'vid to succeed to the throne of Is'ra-el, nor did his father and brothers seem to have known the secret of the prophet. Apparently several years passed before Saul suspected GOD'S plan for the noble young man, and through these years Divine Providence brought Da'vid the training and discipline for a great career on the throne of Is'ra-el.
While the Spirit of GOD was guiding Da'vid, an entirely different thing was taking place with Saul. The Holy Spirit having left him because of his sins, he was tormented by an evil spirit which led him into fits of melancholy and extreme irritation. Unrestrained by the Good Spirit, he was goaded by sa'tan into ungovernable madness and rage. His servants were so distressed by the change that they sought some way of quieting his temper. Even in those early days music was looked upon as a means of soothing a troubled spirit and subduing anger, so the servants suggested that a musician of great skill be engaged to play the harp for Saul. The unhappy king consented, and a search was made at once for a gifted harpist.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Story 80: A Shepherd Boy Chosen King l
Although the LORD had twice announced to Sam'u-el that Saul was rejected as king and that another should be chosen to occupy the throne of Is'ra-el, He had not told him how soon this was to take place, or whether Saul should be permitted to remain as head of the government until removed by death. Thus we find that Saul continued in office for a number of years, although the LORD had withdrawn His blessings from him after His rejection at Mich'mash.
In the meantime the LORD directed Sam'u-el in the private selection and anointing of the young man who was to take the place of Saul. He was a mere boy at the time, and years of preparation and training were needed before he would be capable of ruling over Is'ra-el. But the LORD wished Sam'u-el to know His choice for two reasons. First, that he might act as a prophet of GOD in preparing the Divinely chosen king for his work; secondly, that he might act as the religious leader of Is'ra-el in making the nation ready for the enthronement when the time had come.
One day when Sam'u-el was still discouraged because of GOD'S judgments against Saul, and much worried over the future welfare of Is'ra-el, the LORD came to him with a rebuke for his persistent mourning over Saul. He directed the prophet to prepare a horn of holy oil and to go at once to the house of Jes'se in Beth'le-hem to anoint one of his sons, saying, "For I have provided Me a king among his sons."
Sam'u-el, who seldom showed any reluctance or fear in doing the bidding of the LORD, was now in grave fear for his personal safety in performing such a duty. Saul was often subject to moody spells and fits of sudden anger, so the worst might be dreaded when he discovered that Sam'u-el had appointed another king. The LORD then told Sam'u-el to provide a calf for an offering in Beth'le-hem, and to tell anyone who might be interested that he was going to this town to make a sacrifice. Such concealment was necessary for the protection of both Sam'u-el and the young king.
You will remember that since Sam'u-el's retirement as the civil ruler of Is'ra-el he had continued his service as a spiritual adviser, and that he made frequent trips through the land to reprove and punish wrong doing, to offer sacrifices, and to stimulate the people in their religious life. A visit to Beth'le-hem, therefore, would not be regarded with suspicion by anyone. He, therefore proceeded at once on his journey, walking over the mountain roads from Ra'mah to Beth'le-hem, a distance of about ten miles.
When the officers of the little hill town saw the prophet coming, they anxiously inquired why he had come. He told them that his purpose was to sacrifice unto the LORD, and issued a call for all the people to make the preparations required by law for such services, making sure that Jes'se and his sons were properly set apart to the LORD.
There were eight sons in the family of Jes'se, and seven of them were present at the gathering. After the sacrifice had been offered, Sam'u-el inspected these seven young men, one after another. As he stood before the eldest, whose name was E'li'ab, and who was tall and handsome, he felt sure that this was the man whom the LORD would choose to be a king. But then the LORD spoke these words to the heart of the prophet:
"Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh at the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh in the heart."
The LORD wished Sam'u-el to understand that outward beauty is not a guarantee of inward worth; that a pleasing appearance and imposing height do not make a man a good king. Saul had all these advantages, but had failed miserably because his heart was not right. The new king must be chosen for his purity of spirit and righteousness of heart.
In the meantime the LORD directed Sam'u-el in the private selection and anointing of the young man who was to take the place of Saul. He was a mere boy at the time, and years of preparation and training were needed before he would be capable of ruling over Is'ra-el. But the LORD wished Sam'u-el to know His choice for two reasons. First, that he might act as a prophet of GOD in preparing the Divinely chosen king for his work; secondly, that he might act as the religious leader of Is'ra-el in making the nation ready for the enthronement when the time had come.
One day when Sam'u-el was still discouraged because of GOD'S judgments against Saul, and much worried over the future welfare of Is'ra-el, the LORD came to him with a rebuke for his persistent mourning over Saul. He directed the prophet to prepare a horn of holy oil and to go at once to the house of Jes'se in Beth'le-hem to anoint one of his sons, saying, "For I have provided Me a king among his sons."
Sam'u-el, who seldom showed any reluctance or fear in doing the bidding of the LORD, was now in grave fear for his personal safety in performing such a duty. Saul was often subject to moody spells and fits of sudden anger, so the worst might be dreaded when he discovered that Sam'u-el had appointed another king. The LORD then told Sam'u-el to provide a calf for an offering in Beth'le-hem, and to tell anyone who might be interested that he was going to this town to make a sacrifice. Such concealment was necessary for the protection of both Sam'u-el and the young king.
You will remember that since Sam'u-el's retirement as the civil ruler of Is'ra-el he had continued his service as a spiritual adviser, and that he made frequent trips through the land to reprove and punish wrong doing, to offer sacrifices, and to stimulate the people in their religious life. A visit to Beth'le-hem, therefore, would not be regarded with suspicion by anyone. He, therefore proceeded at once on his journey, walking over the mountain roads from Ra'mah to Beth'le-hem, a distance of about ten miles.
When the officers of the little hill town saw the prophet coming, they anxiously inquired why he had come. He told them that his purpose was to sacrifice unto the LORD, and issued a call for all the people to make the preparations required by law for such services, making sure that Jes'se and his sons were properly set apart to the LORD.
There were eight sons in the family of Jes'se, and seven of them were present at the gathering. After the sacrifice had been offered, Sam'u-el inspected these seven young men, one after another. As he stood before the eldest, whose name was E'li'ab, and who was tall and handsome, he felt sure that this was the man whom the LORD would choose to be a king. But then the LORD spoke these words to the heart of the prophet:
"Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh at the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh in the heart."
The LORD wished Sam'u-el to understand that outward beauty is not a guarantee of inward worth; that a pleasing appearance and imposing height do not make a man a good king. Saul had all these advantages, but had failed miserably because his heart was not right. The new king must be chosen for his purity of spirit and righteousness of heart.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Story 79: Saul's Downfall And Rejection By The LORD ll
Sam'u-el was therefore obliged to forego his earnest pleadings for Saul, and become the messenger of Divine Judgment. The earnest intercessor must now be changed into the stern accuser. And so on the next morning he went to Saul with the decree of GOD.
When the king saw him drawing near, he said to him, "Blessed be thou of the LORD, I have performed the Commandment of the LORD."
To this greeting the faithful prophet replied, "What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?"
Saul then tried to take refuge in evasions and falsehoods; he sought to blame the people for his own sin, and said that the best of the sheep and oxen had been taken for sacrifices unto the LORD. By every word that fell from his lips he revealed the complete breakdown of his moral character, forfeited his own self-respect, and foretold his own ruin. He had spared the life of A'gag merely for the glory of displaying a distinguished captive, and he even boasted of the capture when faced by Sam'u-el's charge of unfaithfulness to the Command of GOD. Step by step he added a worse lie to the previous one until he wove about himself a web of self-condemnation from which it was impossible to escape.
Sam'u-el cut short the excuses of the king by reminding him of the humble station in life from which he had been raised to the highest place in the nation, and of the marked difference between the modesty and humility which he possessed at the time of his call and the proud, conceited spirit which he now displayed. In his final words of condemnation the prophet uttered this sublime, eternal truth:
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
Then he announced the Solemn Judgment of GOD in these words:
"Because thou hast rejected the Word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king."
Saul then confessed his sin, admitting that he had disobeyed the Command of GOD. He used the words of true repentance, but lacked the spirit of it. He spoke as if in sorrow, but there was no genuine sorrow in his heart. He pleaded with Sam'u-el for forgiveness, but there could be no forgiveness for him.
When Sam'u-el turnt to leave him, he became desperate at the thought of being disgraced before the people. He seized the prophet's robe in such frenzy that it was torn, pleading with him to remain for worship, lest he be put to shame at once. Sam'e-el agreed to stand beside him while he worshiped, thus retaining honor before the elders of Is'ra-el for the time being.
Sam'u-el then asked that A'gag, the captive king of the Am'a-lek-ites, be brought to him. With his own hand he executed the Judgment of GOD against the wicked heathen king, stabbing him with a mortal blow. The story then concludes with these tragic words: " Sam'u-el came no more to see Saul."
When the king saw him drawing near, he said to him, "Blessed be thou of the LORD, I have performed the Commandment of the LORD."
To this greeting the faithful prophet replied, "What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?"
Saul then tried to take refuge in evasions and falsehoods; he sought to blame the people for his own sin, and said that the best of the sheep and oxen had been taken for sacrifices unto the LORD. By every word that fell from his lips he revealed the complete breakdown of his moral character, forfeited his own self-respect, and foretold his own ruin. He had spared the life of A'gag merely for the glory of displaying a distinguished captive, and he even boasted of the capture when faced by Sam'u-el's charge of unfaithfulness to the Command of GOD. Step by step he added a worse lie to the previous one until he wove about himself a web of self-condemnation from which it was impossible to escape.
Sam'u-el cut short the excuses of the king by reminding him of the humble station in life from which he had been raised to the highest place in the nation, and of the marked difference between the modesty and humility which he possessed at the time of his call and the proud, conceited spirit which he now displayed. In his final words of condemnation the prophet uttered this sublime, eternal truth:
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
Then he announced the Solemn Judgment of GOD in these words:
"Because thou hast rejected the Word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king."
Saul then confessed his sin, admitting that he had disobeyed the Command of GOD. He used the words of true repentance, but lacked the spirit of it. He spoke as if in sorrow, but there was no genuine sorrow in his heart. He pleaded with Sam'u-el for forgiveness, but there could be no forgiveness for him.
When Sam'u-el turnt to leave him, he became desperate at the thought of being disgraced before the people. He seized the prophet's robe in such frenzy that it was torn, pleading with him to remain for worship, lest he be put to shame at once. Sam'e-el agreed to stand beside him while he worshiped, thus retaining honor before the elders of Is'ra-el for the time being.
Sam'u-el then asked that A'gag, the captive king of the Am'a-lek-ites, be brought to him. With his own hand he executed the Judgment of GOD against the wicked heathen king, stabbing him with a mortal blow. The story then concludes with these tragic words: " Sam'u-el came no more to see Saul."
Friday, February 24, 2017
Story 79: Saul's Downfall And Rejection By The LORD l
As a result of their victory over the Phi-lis'tines the children of Is'ra-el were freed from the invasions of these enemies for a number of years, and Saul seems to have taken a renewed interest in the affairs of the nation. He enjoyed once again the confidence of Is'ra-el, and the people rallied to his leadership in wars against various nations on every side of the land.
Saul drove back the Mo'ab-ites who were threatening the security of Is'ra-el from their lands southeast of the Dead Sea. The Am'mon-ites, who were a constant menace to the tribes east of Jor'dan, were routed again, and threats from the E'dom-ites south of Ju'dah and Sim'e-on were also suppressed. To the north, between Da-mas'cas and the Eu-phra'tes River, Saul was successful in a war with the strong, wealthy kingdom known as Zo'bah. Several years were probably spent in intermittent wars against these various heathen nations.
The prophet Sam'u-el, who seems to have avoided Saul after rebuking him for his unworthy conduct in the battle with the Phi-lis'tines, now appeared with a special message from GOD which called for an attack upon the Am'a-lek-ites. They were a fierce, roving people who lived south and southwest of Ca'naan in the A-ra'bi-an Peninsula, and were descendants of Am'a-lek, a grandson of E'sau. The LORD'S command that they be destroyed goes back to their hostility toward Mo'ses in the wilderness. They had allied with the Ca'naan-ites at Ka'desh, with the Mo'ab-ites in the capture of Jer'i-cho in the early days of the Judges, and with the Mid'i-an-ites in the oppression of Is'ra-el prior to the days of Gid'e-on, and were now bent upon robbery and murder once again.
GOD'S command to Saul at this time was that he "utterly destroy" this nation and all their live-stock. Nothing was to be spared or offered for redemption. Such a course, cruel and barbarous as it may seem to us, was justified because of long years of persistent evil doing had removed all possibility of salvation for the Am'a-lek-ites.
Saul organized an army of two hundred and ten thousand men, and proceeded at once into the land of the Am'a-lek-ites. Living among these wild people of A-ra'bi-a was a small tribe of the Mid'i-an nation known as Ken'ites. They had shown special kindness to the people of Is'ra-el on more than one occasion, and a covenant of friendship had been made with them. Saul ordered them to leave, so that they would not be included in the destruction of the Am'a-lek-ites.
Saul then attacked the Am'a-lek-ites and won an overwhelming victory. Their entire land was smitten from the southeast to the west and northwest. The people were slain, and the king, whose name was A'gag, was taken prisoner. But in the destruction of the live-stock the command of GOD was only partially obeyed. The best of the sheep and oxen and fatlings and lambs were spared, and were carried back to Ca'naan as spoils of war. Saul again showed a spirit of self-will and rashness. He placed his own wishes above the direct command of GOD, feeling, no doubt, that his way was better than that of GOD.
The LORD was greatly displeased with the conduct of Saul. He appeared again to Sam'u-el, telling him that He regretted the appointment of such a self-willed, disobedient man to the throne of Is'ra-el. Sam'u-el's anger was kindled against Saul, and he was greatly disturbed by the LORD'S threat to remove him from the throne. He spent the whole night in prayer, asking mercy for the wilful and disobedient king.
Next to Mo'ses, Sam'u-el was the greatest pleader for mercy in Is'ra-el, but his prayers on behalf of Saul could not offset the king's persistent disobedience to GOD'S known commands. The Divine arm was not shortened, nor the Divine ear deaf, but even GOD could do no further mighty works for the unbelieving Saul. No prayer from the greatest saint could now remove the just punishment upon an unrepentant sinner.
Saul drove back the Mo'ab-ites who were threatening the security of Is'ra-el from their lands southeast of the Dead Sea. The Am'mon-ites, who were a constant menace to the tribes east of Jor'dan, were routed again, and threats from the E'dom-ites south of Ju'dah and Sim'e-on were also suppressed. To the north, between Da-mas'cas and the Eu-phra'tes River, Saul was successful in a war with the strong, wealthy kingdom known as Zo'bah. Several years were probably spent in intermittent wars against these various heathen nations.
The prophet Sam'u-el, who seems to have avoided Saul after rebuking him for his unworthy conduct in the battle with the Phi-lis'tines, now appeared with a special message from GOD which called for an attack upon the Am'a-lek-ites. They were a fierce, roving people who lived south and southwest of Ca'naan in the A-ra'bi-an Peninsula, and were descendants of Am'a-lek, a grandson of E'sau. The LORD'S command that they be destroyed goes back to their hostility toward Mo'ses in the wilderness. They had allied with the Ca'naan-ites at Ka'desh, with the Mo'ab-ites in the capture of Jer'i-cho in the early days of the Judges, and with the Mid'i-an-ites in the oppression of Is'ra-el prior to the days of Gid'e-on, and were now bent upon robbery and murder once again.
GOD'S command to Saul at this time was that he "utterly destroy" this nation and all their live-stock. Nothing was to be spared or offered for redemption. Such a course, cruel and barbarous as it may seem to us, was justified because of long years of persistent evil doing had removed all possibility of salvation for the Am'a-lek-ites.
Saul organized an army of two hundred and ten thousand men, and proceeded at once into the land of the Am'a-lek-ites. Living among these wild people of A-ra'bi-a was a small tribe of the Mid'i-an nation known as Ken'ites. They had shown special kindness to the people of Is'ra-el on more than one occasion, and a covenant of friendship had been made with them. Saul ordered them to leave, so that they would not be included in the destruction of the Am'a-lek-ites.
Saul then attacked the Am'a-lek-ites and won an overwhelming victory. Their entire land was smitten from the southeast to the west and northwest. The people were slain, and the king, whose name was A'gag, was taken prisoner. But in the destruction of the live-stock the command of GOD was only partially obeyed. The best of the sheep and oxen and fatlings and lambs were spared, and were carried back to Ca'naan as spoils of war. Saul again showed a spirit of self-will and rashness. He placed his own wishes above the direct command of GOD, feeling, no doubt, that his way was better than that of GOD.
The LORD was greatly displeased with the conduct of Saul. He appeared again to Sam'u-el, telling him that He regretted the appointment of such a self-willed, disobedient man to the throne of Is'ra-el. Sam'u-el's anger was kindled against Saul, and he was greatly disturbed by the LORD'S threat to remove him from the throne. He spent the whole night in prayer, asking mercy for the wilful and disobedient king.
Next to Mo'ses, Sam'u-el was the greatest pleader for mercy in Is'ra-el, but his prayers on behalf of Saul could not offset the king's persistent disobedience to GOD'S known commands. The Divine arm was not shortened, nor the Divine ear deaf, but even GOD could do no further mighty works for the unbelieving Saul. No prayer from the greatest saint could now remove the just punishment upon an unrepentant sinner.
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