Pointers on the Lesson H o m e r A . K e n t , T h .D .
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Lesson material is based upon out lines of the International Sunday School Lessons copyrighted by the International Council of Religious Education; used by permission.
CEYLON & IND IA GENERAL MISSION Our ministry in India includes — House to House Visitation A s the L o rd p ro v id e s, w e len g th en o u r co rd s a n d stren gth en o u r stakes. Address the Secretary-Treasurer 542 So. Dearborn St. Chicago, Illinois
May 6, 1951 ISRAEL'S GREAT KING 2 Sam. 5:1-5; 8:15; 1 Chron. 22:17-19
infirmity. Then, too, David was pos sessed with leadership ability (v.2a). He was also, and most important of all, God’s chosen man (v. 2b). God called him to exercise a shepherd ministry over Israel. This is the first time a ruler is likened to a shepherd. “ Shepherd my people Israel” , is really what God said to David. How wonder ful it would be if all rulers would as sume this attitude toward those whom they rule! They would thus become true servants of the people and not dictators over them. David becomes a type in this respect of David’s Greater Son who one day called Himself the “ good shepherd” who “ giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11); who is now the great Shepherd who provides for His own (Psa. 23 ); and who will one day be the chief shepherd to rule over this world as King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Pet. 5 :4 ). Next fol low the brief details with respect to David’s anointing and subsequent reign (w . 3b-5). David’s Record as King 2 Sam. 8:15 In this verse we have a concise sum mary of David’s reign. He “ executed justice and righteousness unto all his people” (R.V.). In this manner he fulfilled the true function of the kingly office, for thus he acted as the representative of the true King. So long as he thus reigned all was well. The measure of his failure was the measure of his departure from these principles. Thus far his reign was un selfish and again he is the type of Him who yet will come and cause righteousness to cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Hab. 2:14).
Pointers on the Lesson Following the period of the judges, Israel’s history merges into the era of the united kingdom under Saul, David and Solomon, each of whom reigned approximately forty years and after whom the kingdom was divided into the Northern and Southern kingdoms. This week’s study is confined to the time when the kingdoms were one. David was chosen as the representa tive of this period. As a statesman and a man of God, he laid the foundations of Israel’s national stability and strength. David’s Anointing 2 Sam. 5:1-5 A good while before this it had been made clear to David that he was to be king over Israel. The prophet Samuel, by the command of God, had anointed him for this service in a private ceremony several years pre vious to his public anointing (1 Sam. 16:12, 13). This second anointing is the subject of our present study. Note the deputation for the ceremony, w . la, 3a. One needs to read the ac count in First Chronicles 12:23-40 to see what an imposing delegation had part in this important event. Truly it was an auspicious occasion; thousands present besides the elders of Israel. The inauguration of a new ruler in any country is always an important event and should be so considered by the subject peoples. Note again the reasons assigned for David’s fitness to be the king. For one thing he was an Israelite, “we are thy bone and thy flesh” (v .l). He was like our Lord Jesus Christ who, because He became man, is able to be touched with the feeling of our
In these times of doubt and uncer tainty, w e must m ark w ell the things that have become common place. A single atomic bomb could ch an ge the fa m ilia r N ew Y o rk skyline to a heap o f smoldering rubble. Now more than ever before the people of New York City are in need of spiritual light and guidance. The New Y ork Bible Society, since 1809, has d istrib u te d m ore than 32,710,491 S crip tu re s ab ou t the harbor and within the City of New Y ork, the greatest city in the world. Y ou too, can have an active part in this great work. A New York Bible Society Annuity Agreement is a positive Christian investment! Not only are you assured a regular in come for life, but you will also know your funds are helping His work. These annuities require no supervision,.are partly tax free, and are a truly Christian investment. P la n to “ Invest Y o u r F u n ds fo r God.” w rite today fo r our free descriptive booklet REV. D. J. FANT. GENERAL SECRETARY NEW YORK BIBLE SOCIETY MAIL COUPON TODAY NEW YORK BIBLE SOCIETY, Dept. 20 5 EAST 48TH STREET, NEW YORK 17, N. Y. Pleasesendmeyourfreebookletdescribing the N. Y. BIBLE SOCIETY ANNUITY PLAN NAME.......................................................................... STREET........................................................................ CITY............................................ STATE....................
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A P R I L , 1951
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