The Sabbath-School by J. W. Scoles

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 30, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 38.

The Sabbath-School.

By J. W. Scoles

Notes on the International Lesson.

THE TRIBES UNITED UNDER DAVID.

(October 6; 2 Sam. 5:1-12.) IN our past lessons we have had an illustration of the government administered by Saul. Beginning with the present quarter, we take up the administration of David, the poet-king of Israel. After Saul's death, David proceeded to Hebron, where he was anointed king over Judah. He reigned in this capacity for seven and a half years, during which time there was more or less animosity against him on the part of the rest of the tribes of Israel, who were still loyal to the government of Saul, administered by Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, during the two closing years of the period in which David reigned over Hebron. At the end of this time, Ish-bosheth was treacherously assassinated, after which all the tribes of Israel came to Hebron to unite in making David king.

THE important service which David had already rendered the nation, as military leader under Saul, had proved his ability in this direction; hence, this was a weighty reason in the minds of the children of Israel. Not only so, but he was a Hebrew, as themselves, their own flesh and blood, and would naturally have an interest in advancing their welfare. All these things increased their interest in him, and their appeal was based on this confidence, which they felt was not misplaced.

UP to this time the Jebusites had dwelt in the land, their capital city Jebus, or Jerusalem, being so situated and guarded as to be considered impregnable. It has been thought from this that the "blind and lame" here referred to, consisted of those who were not able to go out into active battle, but who were, nevertheless, considered amply sufficient to protect the city in its fortified position. Others have thought that David had spoken of the gods of the Jebusites as being lame and blind gods, which had eyes but saw not, and had feet yet could not walk. They either trusted in these gods which David had despised with all his soul, or else were so confident of the strength of their position that they ridiculed him by bringing out against him the cripples and blind of the town. In either case, their boasting was foolishness. Through the help of Joab, David succeeded in overcoming his enemies, and made Jerusalem the capital of his kingdom, calling it the city of David.

IT is frequently the case that at the time we think ourselves strong, we have nothing but the veriest weakness about us; and the very points in our character which we regard as invulnerable, sometimes prove to be the very points at which Satan assails us and gains the victory. Unless our strength is the strength of God, it will avail us nothing. David's victory was obtained not because of the superior strength of his forces, but because of the justice of his cause, and because he had the Lord God on his side.

IF we would obtain the full benefits of salvation, we must fully trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. If we are loyal to him, he will be faithful to us. If we obey him and honor him, he will give us grace and strength for each day's duties. If we place implicit faith in him, he will preserve us from falling, shelter us from the evils of the world, and keep us until the day of his glorious appearing. The Lord is as ready to make a covenant with us to-day, as was David of old to make a league with those who placed themselves under his protection; but if we would know the fullness of the power of Christ to save, we must fully decide to accept him as our Saviour.

THE real permanence of David's kingdom and the establishment of his greatness, dates from his capture of Jerusalem. From this time on he "grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him;" not however, because of his greatness, by any means, but rather, vice versa. He grew great simply because the Lord was with him. And this is the standard of all true greatness.

BECAUSE a man has a great name among the honored ones of the earth, it is no evidence of favor with God. Neither does the fact that an individual occupies a lowly place in the sight of men prove that he is not regarded by the Lord. "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." Isa. 66:2. Christ recognized John the Baptist as performing the greatest work ever done by one who was born of woman, and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven was greater than he.

"AND David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake." David recognized the providence of God in his own greatness. How different from some men, who look upon whatever success they have attained as being the result of their own wisdom, without giving God any of the glory. The greatness of this world is not worth striving for, but it is a really great thing to be recognized of God, and to humbly give the honor and praise to the Lord, from whom all the ability proceeds and to whom all the glory is due, is the best of all. J. W. SCOLES.