II. ITS CONSEQUENCES. In the language and conduct. of Samuel there was-1. .A reiteration of the sentence of rejection. Thrice it was declared that Jehovah had -determined that Saul should no lo11ger reign under his sanction and hy his aid (vers. 26, 28). Although he may not have known all that the sentence invoked, he felt 1l1at its import was ala1ming. An insincere confession of sin darkens the g·atl1eri11g cloud instead of dispersing it. 2. A confirmation of it biJ ai,, impressive sign, the occasion of which is nfforded by the sinner himself (nr. 27). Tberehy it comes l.ome to him with greater force. 3. An intimation of tlte transfer to a better man 0f tlie dignity which has been forfeited by sin. This was the second time that an announcement of a truly theocratic king was given (eh. xii. 14); ai:d whilst it ·dw\\·ed that the Divine purpose could rwt be defeated, however it might be striven ;igainst, it must have been peculiarly painful to Saul. The dreadful secret was a constant burden to him, and when he recognised the man in whom the prediction was about to be fulfilled, it excited his envy and hatred toward him. When any one is not right "·ith God, every favour shown to another fills him with grief and wrath (Gen. iv. 5). 4. A declaration of tlie uncliangeable purpose of Cod. "The Strength" (Perpetuity, Confidence, Refuge, Victory)" of Israel will not lie nor repent,'' &c. (ver. -2g). Saul evidently thought of him as capable of acting in an arbitrary, capriciou~, 1rnd inconstant manner, like himself; but, inasmuch as he formed his purposes with perfect knowledge, and acted on immutable principles, and there was no real change in the heart of the transgressor, there could be no reversal of his sentence. "He cannot deny himself" (2 Tim. ii. 12). If in some things Ids purposes toward men .appear 1o change because men alter tl,eir relative position toward him (as the sun appears to change by the rotation of the earth, causing day and night), in others they abide the same for ever, and he wlw sets himself against them must be overthrown. It is now certain that he cannot again be a theocratic king; but his renewed impor- tunity, in wliich, perchance, notwithstanding its apparent selfishness, the prophet s~cs a gleam of hope, i8 followed by-5. An indication of pity toward the foolish ar:d fallen king. "And Samuel returned after Saul; and Saul worshipped Jehovah" (Hr. 31). May be not even yet be led to true repentance? Although the birthright is given to another, there is a blessing for him who weeps and prays (Gen. xxvii. 38- 40). His request is granted. He has what he desires and is prepared to receive. He is still the king after the people's heart. He shall continue such. The sentence shall not be published, nor any special effort be put forth for his dethronement. It would result in general confusion. The just and merciful purposes of God toward the people in giving him for their king are not yet fulfilled, and they will slowly ripen to their accomplishment. 6. An exhibition of judgment upon an obstinate v:l,:ender (ver. 32). One of the reasons, doubtless, wt,y Samuel "turned again after Saul" was that he might execute on Agag the Divine sentence which he had faith- lessly remitted. "The terrible vengeance executed on the fallen monarch hy Samuel CH, XV. 1-35.) Tirn FIRST BOOK OF SA~lUEL.
is a measure of Saul'M delinquency." It is also a solemn warning to him of the doom which sooner or later comes upon every impenitent and persistent trnnsgressor. Observations :-1. It is not confession of sin, but tl1e spirit in wl,icl, it is made, that renders it acceptable to God. 2. Sincerity is the foundation of a truly religious ,character. 3. Though mercy long lingers over the sinner, yet if it be de~pised doom -comes at last.-D.