Notes on the International Lesson.
By J. W. Scoles
THE present lesson is, properly speaking, an inner or private view of the way in which God sometimes works among the children of men in order to accomplish his own purposes, and yet allow them the fullest liberty of their own actions. The description of Saul, the time of his arrival, and the high office to which he was destined, had already been secretly intimated to Samuel by God; and when Saul in all the vigor and beauty of his manhood stood before the prophet, the Lord told Samuel that this was the man who should rule over his people. THE mountainous country inhabited by the tribe of Benjamin was mainly suitable for pastoral purposes, and it is likely that the property or "substance" of Kish, the father of Saul, consisted largely of herds and flocks. As was customary in that country, the stronger animals were allowed to roam at large during the grazing season, at the close of which messengers and servants were usually dispatched in search of them. These searches extended over large areas of territory and sometimes were of several days' duration. It was probably on such an errand as this that Saul was engaged when the events recorded in the present lesson occurred. HAD the king been chosen from some of the larger tribes, trouble would doubtless have resulted at once because of the jealousy which would have arisen; but by making a choice from this least and almost extinct tribe, divine wisdom removed all such pretexts. AT the same time that God was carrying out his plan, the desire of the people was being provided for also. They wished for a king who could go before them to battle as a captain and leader. Saul was just such a man. Judging from the description given, he could not have been much less than seven feet in height, and may have been more. His strength must have been coupled with activity and gracefulness as well, inasmuch as in 2 Samuel 1:19, where he is called the "beauty of Israel," the expression could legitimately be rendered the "gazelle or roebuck of Israel." But they were also to find him a hard master, as God had told them. GOD'S judgments are coupled with mercy to us times without number. He sometimes gives us the desire of our hearts even when it is not for our best good, and then uses this very gift as a means of humbling us, and enabling us to see our faults. The "goodness and severity of God" in his dealings with men is a subject of wonder, but no wonder is greater than the fact that under no circumstances is he unjust to us, but, rather, is long-suffering, and of tender mercy toward us. GOD does not call anyone to higher responsibilities without providing some way by which the work he is already engaged in shall be performed. When the Lord proposed to call Saul to the kingdom, he told him that the lost asses, for which he had been looking, were found. Still, when we have some duty which is plainly set before us, it is wisdom to wait until we are sure God will provide for its performance before we relinquish it to seek after higher work to which God perhaps has not yet called us. CONSPICUOUS as Saul is in this lesson, Samuel is still more prominently brought to view in some respects. His confidence in God is worthy of the highest commendation. Although knowing that the appointment of a king over Israel meant his own retirement from the position which he had so long held as judge of the nation, Samuel did not hesitate. The God in whom he believed, had told him his will, and that was enough for him to know. Self sank out of sight, and duty to his Lord was the prime motive by which he was actuated. And just as surely as God guided and blessed his servant of old, so surely will he guide and bless those to-day who are wholly given up to do his will. IT was an unlooked-for occurrence to Saul, who was out hunting for strayed stock, that he should be so suddenly called to take charge of a mighty nation; but, after satisfying himself that the call was from God, he had no more objections to make, but simply waited to receive the counsel of the Lord. However, had he not proved faithful in small things, he would never have been called to the throne. If we are faithful to the humbler duties of life, God may call us to fill more important positions, by and by. Of one thing we can be certain; if we, with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, nobly strive to do our best for him, he will appreciate our efforts by bestowing his grace upon us here and granting us a place in his heavenly kingdom hereafter.
J. W. SCOLES.