The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 194

HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. . Vers. 17-2_5. (MIZPAH.)-:-Saul_publ~ly_ cl:,osen. There are critical. days in the history of nations as well as m the life of md1v1duals. One of these days m the history of_Israel was that which is here described. What had taken place hitherto was only pn'"ate and preparatory. The people themselves must now take their part in relation to the choice of a king; yet in such a way as to recognise the fact that he was really ch?sen b~- God, "the only difference b~tween ~od's appointment of the judges and Saul ben:ig t,~1s, that they were chosen by mtemal influence ; he by lots, or external desig- n~t10n (W 11:rburton). For this purpose Samuel summoned a national assembly to M1zpah, the site of an altar to Jehovah, and the scene of signal victory over the Philis- tines ( eh. n.i. ). Thither the chief men of the tribes repaired in great num hers anrl collecting their travelling baggage in one place (ver. 22), presented themselves befor~ him for his instructions. He was desirous of correcting the wrong state of mind which they had exhibited in requesting a king; of showing them that Saul was appointed by the Lord, and not by himself merely ( eh. viii. 5) ; of securing their united and heart l' acceptance of "him whom the Lord chose," so that the purpose of his appointme1;l might be effected ; and of guarding as far as possible against the abuse of the royal power. With these ends in view he spoke and acted on that eventful day. The choice of Saul was- I. PRECEDED BY A SALUTARY REPROOF OF SIN (vers. 18, 19). 1. Based upon the gracious lielp which their Divine Ruler had afforded them. He broug-ht them out of Egypt, delivered them from the hand of Pharaoh and his hosts, and saved them from all who afterwards fought against them and oppressed them. Remembrance of the compassion, faithfulness, and aid of God, so great, so long-continued, and so effectual, should lead men to cleave to him with all their heart (Josh. xxiii. 11), even more than fear of the consequences of disobedience (eh. viii. 11). The goodness of God, as displayed ip "his ,vonderful works to the children of men," is the mig·htiest incen- tive to repentance of sin and the practice of righteousness. 2. Consisting of a charge of.flagrant duloyalfy. "And ye have this day rejected your God," &c. Their con- duct was unreasonable, inasmuch as no other could do for them what he had done ; ungrateful, viewed in the light of the past; and wilful, because, in spite of expostula- tion, they had said, "Nay, but a king thou shalt set over us'' (ver. 19). It was, therefore, inexcusable, and deserving of severest reprobation. And it must be plainly set before them, that they might be convinced of their guilt, humble themselves before the Lord, and seek his pardon. " Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you" (Isa. m. 18). 11 The Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake" (eh. xii. 22). 3. Associated with instruction concerning the proper course they should pursue. "And now present yourselves before the Lord," &c., at bis altar, where your relation to him may be set right, and his guidance may be afforded. Although sinful requests may be granted by God, yet the spirit in which they are made must be renounced. And the ready submission of the people to the direction of Samuel sho\\·s that his reproof was not without effect. II. CONDUCTED UNDER THE SPECIAL DIRECTION OF GOD (vers. 20-22). 1. He determined, by means of the sacred "lot," who should be their Icing. "As the result of the lot was regarded as a Divine decision, not only was Saul to be accredited by this act in the sight of the whole nation as the king appointed by the Lord, but he himself was also to be more fully assured of the certainty of his own election on the part of God" (Keil). "The lot is cast into the lap (bosom of a garment), but from JehoYah is all its decision" (judgment) (Josh. vii.19; 1 Sam. xiv. 37; Prov. xvi. 33). 11 A lot is properly a casual event, purposely applied to the determination of some doubtful thing. As all contingencies are comprehended by a certain ,Divine k~owledge, so the_y are governed by as certain and steady a providence. Gods hand 1s as. steady_as Ins eye. Now God may be said to bring the greatest casualti~s under his pro~1dence '1pon a twofold account:-( J) That he directs them to a certam end; (2) oftent1mes to Yery weighty and great ends" (South, i. 61). 2. He indicated, in answer to special •nquiry, where he was to be found. Assured befor_e~and of what the ~esult wou!d. be, and out of tLe same diliidence, modesty, and hurmhty as he had previously exl11b1ted OH. X. 17--27.] THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. 193