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International S. S. Lessons 1 Exposition and Practical Application
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Outlines and Suggestive Points
n By T. C. Horton ...................................................... I..Illlll.......... ilBIlllllll......... ............ I........Ml....Mill... Illl[n | Saul Tries to Kill David. MAY 2, 1915. LESSON V. 1 Sam. 19:1-12. (Commit vs. 4, 5). G olden T e x t : “Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”—Prov. 29:25. DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon., Apr. 26—1 Sam. 19:1-12. (The Lesson). Tues., Apr. 27—1 Sam. 19:13-24.^ (The Lesson). Wed., Apr. 28—Prov. 27:1-12. The power of envy. Thurs., Apr. 29—Jer. 17:5-10. The Lord searcheth the heart. Fri., Apr. 30—1 Sam. 18:10-16. Saul’s envy. Sat., May 1—James 3 :13-18. Envy worketh evil. Sun., May 2—Acts 27:20-29. God’s timely presence in fear.
EXPOSITION AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS.
v. 1. “And Saul spake to Jonathan his son and to all his servants that they should kill David.” David’s great achievement in slaying Goliath, their seemingly unconquer able enemy, and putting to rout the Phil istines, raised him to a high position in the estimation of both Saul and the army (ch. 18:2). It did not, however, turn David’s head. He acted with remarkable modesty (ch. 18:18, 23). He conducted himself with great wisdom and perfectly obeyed all Saul’s orders, though he knew he had himself been appointed definitely to the chief leadership in Israel (ch. 18:5). He did not seek for himself by any action of his own the leadership which properly be longed to him, but patiently waited God’s time. Though Saul himself was at first dis posed to put David forward, his envy be cause of David’s popularity was soon aroused (ch. 18:6-8). The instance re corded“ in the words given above was not the first time that Saul had sought to kill David (ch. 18:10-12, 17, 25, 29). Time was when Saul himself had been the idol of the people (ch. 11:11, 12), and it was
hard for him to give up a place like that to another. It cost him many a bitter pang of jealousy. Even Christians and Chris tian workers sometimes find it hard to give up a position of popularity and prominence -which they have occupied, and to yield gracefully to some younger successor, whom God has chosen for the place'they once oc cupied. Even among Christian leaders, jealousy is not altogether unknown. But jealousy is one of the most noxious and rank growing of all weeds and should be ruthlessly torn up at its first appearance. A small man finds it especially hard to for give a great man for being great. Saul whimpered like a small child; he had not even sense enough to keep his chagrin to himself (ch. 18:8), but in this he was not at all unlike many religious leaders today. God Himself had told Saul that he had chosen a better man than himself to be king in his place (ch. 15:28; 13:14). His jealous heart had at once jumped to the conclusion that David was this better man of whom God had spoken (ch. 20:31). He was filled with the wildest rage at seeing
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