Though God did not wish the Israelites to have a king, yet when he had appointed Saul, he instructed Samuel in the "manner of the kingdom," and he wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the Lord. The Bible teaches us to be obedient to kings and princes, because they are ordained of God. Lesson 45. Saul is Reproved. David Anointed. Saul disobeyed God by offering a burnt-offering, which was only lawful for the priests to do. He again disobeyed by sparing the life of Agag, king of the Amalekites. Samuel mourned for Saul's disobedience. God sent Samuel to Bethlehem, to anoint David, the son of Jesse, to be king. David was then with his father's sheep. "He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheep folds; ... he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands." Psalm lxxviii. 70-72. Lesson 46. David slays Goliath. Goliath was a Philistine giant who defied the armies of Israel. Saul promised to enrich the man who should slay him, and also to give him his daughter in marriage. David went against Goliath with only his sling and five smooth stones. He slang a stone which smote Goliath. David then cut off the giant's head. When David went against Goliath he went in full dependence on God, who had delivered him in former dangers; he said, "The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." I Samuel xvii. 37. Lesson 47. Saul's Enmity to David. Jonathan, the son of Saul, loved David. The women of Israel praised David in their songs. Saul became envious of him, and attempted to slay him, but the Lord was with David. When the evil spirit came on Saul, he sought to smite David. He sent messengers many times to take him, but he always escaped. "O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just." Psalm vii. 1; 9. ... Lesson 48. David flees to Nob-He escapes to Adullam. David fled to Ahimelech the priest at Nob, and asked for bread. The priest had none but hallowed bread, which he gave to David. David took thence the sword of Goliath. One of Saul's servants, named Doeg was at Nob that day. David escaped to the cave of Adullam. He was then captain over four hundred men. ... I "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee will not fear what flesh can do to me." Psalm lvi. 3,4. 66 Have ye not read what David did when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; how he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?"-Matthew xii. 3, 4. Lesson 49. The Priests of Nob Slain. Doeg told Saul of David's visit to Nob, and spoke falsely of Ahimelech. Saul sent Doeg to Nob to slay all the priests; one only, Abiathar, escaped and joined David; who wandered about to escape from Saul. Once, in the cave of Engedi, David found Saul sleeping, and might have slain him; but he only cut off a part of his robe. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God endureth continually. Thy tongue deviseth mischief; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Psalm lii. 1-3. Lesson 50. Nabal and Abigail. Nabal had large possessions in Carmel. David and his men had protected his flocks, and David sent to ask for refreshment for himself Nabal was making a and his men. feast to his shearers, but he refused. His wife Abigail went with her servants, and carried a large present to David, which he accepted. "Preserve me, O God; for in thee do I put my trust. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psalm xvi. 1; 11. Lesson 51. David marries Abigail-He spares Saul. Nabal was very drunken when Abigail came home. He died soon |