The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Samuel — Section 241

3. In procuring for them the good which they desire-liberty, power, victory, pros- perity, honour, and glory (John xi. 47, 48; Rom. x. 2, 3). How completely do tl,e prospects that lure men onward in their self-chosen way vanish before them as they advance I II. THE MISERABLE SUBJECTION of those who forsake God. "They have rejected me" ( eh. viii. 7). With what result? They are "delivered unto the will of them that hate them" (Ezek. xvi. 27; Deut. xxviii. 48), and endure-I. Oppression that cannot be effectually resisted. "Of whom a man is overcome, of the same is hG brought in bondage" (2 Pet. ii. 19), and without the means of freeing himself. 2. Increased difficulty, toil, and trouble in the necessary pursuits of life. Life itself without the friendship of God is a burden too heavy to be borne. 3. Shame and contempt continually (ver .. 4). "Is this the grandeur and power which they fondly expected under their king? Was it for this they rejected the Shield of their help and the Sword of their excellency? " III. THE MERCIFUL PURPOSE to which trial is subservient. "The Lord will not forsake his people" ( eh. xii. 22). Their distress has some alleviation, and it is designed (in his abounding goodness)-!. To convince them of the evil of their way. 2. To teach them to put their trust in God, and serve him in truth (eh. xiv. 6). 3. To prepare them for help and salvation. Learn that-I. The highest wisdom of man is to submit to the wisdom of God. 2. The service of God is the only true freedom ; the way of honour and happiness. "To serve God is to reign." 3. They who refuse the free service of God fall into the forced service of their enemies. 4. In the greatest of earthly calamities there is no room for despair. "If from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him" (Deut. iv. 29).-D. Ver. 13.-Tried and found wanting. I. THE STORY. Saul's bright morning was a very short one, and his sky soon gathered blackness. Beginning with popular acclamation, succeeded after the exploit in Gilead by popular enthusiasm, he lost in a very short time the respect of bis subjects. · Beginning with a Divine sanction signified through the prophet Samuel, and with appearances of religious fervour, he quickly forfeited the favour of the Lord and the good opinion of the prophet. The ship of bis fortunes had hardly left the harbour, with sails set and flags flying, before it ran aground on a rock of wilfulness, and though it kept afloat for years, it ever afterwards laboured uneasily in a troubled sea. The critical question for Saul was whether or not he would be content to act simply as executant of the Divine will Samuel had pressed this upon him again and again. Would he wait on God, and act for him ; or would he act for and from himself? Would be lead the people still to look up to Jehovah as their real King and Lawgiver; or would he imitate the heathen kings, who themselves took the initiative, and then called on their gods to be propi- tious to them, giving them success in their expeditions and victory in their combats ? Would Saul do his own will, expecting the Lord to follow and favour him ; or would he set the Lord always before him, follow and obey his voice? It is a great mistake to think that Saul was hardly dealt with on a point of small importance. The prin- ciple at stake was great, was fundamental. The test was definite, and was applied in the most public manner before all the army of Israel. The courage which had been roused against the Ammonite invaders of Gilead was now turned against the t1till more formidable Philistines. The gallant Jonathan struck the first blow, and then his royal father, knowing that the Philistine army could and would be very soon mobilised (as the modern phrase is) and burled against Israel, summoned his people to arms. But, alas, the greater part of them were afraid to come, and in the threat- ened districts hid themselves. So the king found himself at Gilgal in a terrible plight, at the head of a small and dispirited force. He must have known that, unless Jehovah came to their help, all was lost. Let it not be said that it was unreason:.ble to judge and punish a. man for anything done by him in such an emergency. Saul had received long notice of this week of patience. On the morning when Samuel anointed him three signs were given him, all of which ha<l been e:x:,lCtly fulfilled. Then he had been told that he would have to tarry seven days at Gilgal for the coming of Samur.l to offer ~acrifice. But he had forgotten this. The word of the l SAli, ll  242 THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL. [cH, XIII. 1-23.