The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 192

con~eqnences of self-will, as di<l Balaam when hi~ path w_as hedged with obstaolee,, nnd ,Tonah whc-n he preferred to go to sea. The difficulty m case of Israel wns inci-- <lcntal, and soon remo,·ed by the mercy of God ; but the principle holds good thnt the Yery first strp of a self-willed course is attended with embarrassment. All nature is at war with wrong. Sin is a condition of disorganisation. IV. ''i'HEN GOD PERMITS ACTION TO MEET SELF-CREATED DI!i'l'ICULTIES, IT IS WISE TO ~sr;: ME~NS MOST APPROPRIAT~ TO THE END IN VIEW. Although the difficulty of firid- mg a kmg truly representative of the age was self-created, God permitted action in reference to it as truly as though he had originated the resolve for a king· and under such circumstances, guided by Samuel, the wisest means were adopted f~r overcom- .ng _the difficulties of the. case. _As the nation willed a king, every one had equal'. choice, and was, theoretically, m the absence of precedents, equally eligible. Ab~trnctedly there was as much reason against one being chosen as ao-ainst another. The jealousies and envies consequent on a preferential choice might prove a source of perpetual intrigue. - The "lot" was believed to meet these requirements of the case, and therefore was adopted. In this particular the conduct of Israel under Samuel's.guidance is wo~"thy of imitation in m(piy seasons of difficulty ~ndependent_ qf se?f-will. In every hfe there are emergencies when men are at theu wits' end. Home has to be provided for, business improved, sons placed out in the world, embarrassments in the Church removed. Our wisdom lies in considering, all th~, facts, and then deliberately adopting those means which seem to us to be -most suited for the occasion. And if, in a spirit of prayer, we are able to consult the, "lively oracles," there is no doubt that in the main the right steps will be taken, as, in the case of the disciples (Acts i. 13-26)., We in our way "cast the loV' when we take a choice of possible means and commit our _way to the Lord. V. THERE IS REASON TO :BELIEVE THAT IN USING THE :BEST MEANS AT OUR. DISPOSAI,, IN A RIGHT SPIRIT GoD WILL DIRECT THE MEANS TO THE :BEST RESULT. ' God approved of Israel's use of th~ "lot" as just to a community where political equality _was. recognised, and as least likely to engender jealousies and strifes; and because he ap- proved, and because the people believed that, though the lot was "cast into the lap, the- whole disposing thereof was of the Lord "(Prov. xvi. 33),, he graciously so controlled the intricacies of the free actiQnB of men as to insure the result which, in relation to- Israel's conduct and aspirations, was best. The deep conviction dwelt even in the heart, of imperfect Israel that God exercises complete and constant control over nil the subtle:- and intricate actions and movements of men. When it is said of Christ that he js "Lord of all," the language is not that of courtesy, but of fact._ It means power to; act, to direct, to control. If there is any sense in Scripture on this subject, and any congruity in our primary notions of .the almighty, ever-present,free, livinr, God, .we must believe that he can and does hold a mastery over every atom, every resolve,; in all time and circumstances. Unbelief in his supremacy over will and action and matter and force is most irrational. The real enerpy of God is the most philo- sophical of all beliefs; and therefore we see that he can direct the "lot" while allowing fullest, most conscious freedom. Let men but have faith in God. This is the great lack. " 0 ye of little faith I " _ VI. IT BECOMES MEN TO REJOICE IN THE RESULT OF 'J'HE USE OF MEANS APPROVED DY, GOD IN 60 FAR AS IT IS EXPRESSIVE OF HIS WILL. In the shout, "God save the king·," the people no doubt expressed their gratification in seeing their self-will realised;, but blended with this there was a distinet recognition of God as the Disposer of the- lot. Saul's self-concealment seems to indicate that his sense of responsibility, and perhaps feeling of awkwardness in handling public affairs, may have moderated_ his, joy, yet he must have felt that God's will was being done as well as man's. Realised, preference may carry its own chastisement with it; yet in so for as God has enabled 11s to obtain something better than would have been possible had we been left alone witliout his kind control, we may heartily rejoice. Leaving out the weakness !1nd· sin of man in this transaction are we not reminded of a time when the true Krng, tl,e King of the spiritual Isra~I, shall be welcomed with a joy unspeakable? The ,, King i11 his beauty'' shall be glorified in all who believe, and by every heart and, tongue of the purified, peifected kingdom. General lessons :-1. It is useful to obtain seasons, free from strong impulse, foi, CR. X. 17-27.] 'l'HE FIHST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 19t