OUR BIBLE BAND

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 7, 1909

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 14.

Schedule for Week Ending April 17, 1909.

Day	Date	Morning	Evening
Su.	April 11	1 Sam. 17, 18	Luke 11: 1-28
Mo.	” 12	” 19, 20, 21	” 11:29-54
Tu.	” 13	” 22, 23, 24	” 12: 1-31
We.	” 14	” 25, 26	” 12:32-59
Th.	” 15	” 27, 28, 29	” 13: 1-22
Fr.	” 16	” 30, 31	” 13:23-35
Sa.	” 17	2 Sam. 1, 2	” 14:1-24

Suggestive Notes.

Our Old Testament lessons for the week conclude the first book of Samuel, from chapters 17 to 31 inclusive, and the first two chapters of 2 Samuel. The story of Saul’s jealousy and his effort to slay David, the covenant between David and Jonathan, the noble, unselfish generosity of Jonathan, are told in detail with the illustrative incidents of the principles involved, to the close of the book. The wonderful contrast between the jealous Saul and his noble son stands strikingly forth, as well as David’s hope and trust in God, and his utter refusal to take vengeance in his own hands upon the enemy who was pursuing him.

The closing part of the book relates the sad story of Saul’s utter downfall in turning to the power of Satan, to the woman who had a familiar spirit, and his blindness in undertaking a war with the Philistines under such circumstances, and the sad story of his utter defeat, with the loss of his own life, and that of Jonathan. In the first chapter of 2 Samuel additional light is thrown upon David’s character in the way in which he treated the Amalekite who slew Saul, and in the song that he taught Israel of the virtues of Saul and Jonathan, Saul’s imperfections are forgotten by his successor, and his virtues as a warrior are brought uppermost. But David is not to have the kingdom peaceably. Saul’s son and army still proposed to hold the kingdom by force, altho David reigns at Hebron.

Our New Testament lessons begin with the 11th chapter of Luke, opening with a lesson on prayer, followed by a miracle of casting out evil spirits, and the solemn adjurations of our Lord against the Pharisees. Chapter 12 is full of intensely interesting lessons to the children of God, while the following chapters are miracle and teaching interspersed. How strongly, and yet how clearly, are the conditions of salvation laid down in the last part of chapter 14 in connection with the parable of the great supper.