The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 191

HOMILETICS Vcrs. 17-25.-Casting the lot in life. The facts are-1. Samuel, in calling the people together to exercise their choice, reminds them of their sin. 2. Proceeding to a choice by lot, Saul is taken. 3. For reasons secret to himself, Saul is not forth- coming when sought. 4. By acclamation the people recognise him as their king, and thereupon receive from Samuel instructions relating to the new form of govern- ment. During the intercourse of Samuel with Saul the people wer~ waiting for the fulfilment of the promise implied in the prophet's words (eh. viii. 10). In this section we have the consummation of their desire for change in the form of g v :rn- ment. Its details are essentially Hebrew, but its teaching is world-wide. I. MEN FINALLY COMMITTING THEMSELVES TO A SELF-WILLED COURSE ARE FURNISflF.D WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSIDERING THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. The self-willed character of Israel's conduct had been emphatically marked and denounced by the prophet in the first instance (eh. viii. 6-10). Had they received his rebuke in a becoming spirit, they would, during the interim, have repented of their decision, and have entreated that the old order might continue until such time as it might please God to alter it. Sometimes, as here, God takes men at their word, and yet, before an irre- versible committal to their choice is made, another chance is given to retreat if they so willed. It was thus that Pharaoh was dealt with when it was in his mind to pre- fer self-will to the will of God. Nineveh had an opportunity of persisting in sin or turning from it. To erring Christians in Asia a chance of retracing their steps was given (Rev. ii. 21 ). Providence raises up for us all some voice or circumstance which, before a final step is taken, sounds the last warning, and creates a definite consciousness of unfettered responsibility. II. EVERY REVIEW OF Goo's DEALINGS WITH BIS PEOPLE ONLY CONFIRMS THE UN- REASONABLENESS OF SELF-WILL. The reference to God's all-sufficing care in the past, and the magnitude of the deliverances effected (vers. 18, 19), was both a justifica- tion of Samuel's former remonstrance, and a new demonstration of the sinful folly of the resolve to have a king. It was considerate on the part of Samuel to draw their attention to the past before translating their resolve into accomplished fact; for in the impetuosity of life the will is apt to be misled by delusive reasons, which in calmer moments vanish before the light of history. The axiom that God's way and time are best shines in full lustre whenever we consider the works he has wrought. If ever blind self-will urges on to a course agreeable to taste, and apparently sustained by reason, we cannot do better than take a survey of what God has done for us when we were obedient to his will. There are deliverances in the life of every one, and a quiet reflection of these when we are under the temptation to embark on some questionable career will prove a wholesome check, at least it will vindicate the ways of God when judgment overtakes our folly. Ill. MEN IN CARRYING OUT THEin PURPOSE FALL INTO PERPLEXITY WITH RESPECT TO WHAT IB BEST. To desire a king is one thing, to select one another. In Israel there were diversities of opinion concerning the qualities requisite to their regal representative. As they took their own way in having a monarch, there was a fitness in his being, with respect to culture, morality, patriotism, and religion, an embodi- ment of the average attainments of the nation. The choice was thrown upon the people as a whole, and they were conscious of the rlilliculty. Sinners must take the  190 THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [CH. X, 17-27,