Page 219 - Bible History

192 GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE UNDER KINGS
David
mourns
forSaul David, he mourned and wept d fasted until eve­
When news of the death of Saul was brought to
ning for Saul and Jonathan and the people of the Lord who had falien in battle. He said :
"How are the valiant fallen? Tell it not in Geth, publish it not in the streets of Ascalon, lest the daughters of the Philistines joice, lest the daughters of the Gentiles triumph. Ye mountains of Gelboe, let neither dew nor rain come upon you, neither be they elds of rst fruits, for there was cast away the shield of the valiant, the shield of Saul as though
he had not been anointed with oil. Saul and Jonathan, lovely and comely in their life, even in death they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions. Ye daugh­ ters of Israel, weep er Saul, who clothed you with scarlet and gave ornaments of gold for your attire. How are the valiant fallen in battle, Jonathan slain in the high places? I grieve for thee, my brother Jonathan, exceedingly beautiful and amiable to me above the love of women. As a mother
loveth her only son, so did I love thee.''
THINGS TO KNOW AND TO DO l. SAUL Is ANOINT KING BY SA UEL
1. Find four reasons why the Israelites wanted a king. Discuss these reasons.
2. Discuss the arguments against these reasons which Samuel presented.
3. What was the principal reason that the Israelites should have been content with the government as God ordained it?
4. Tell the story of Saul's anointing.
2. SAUL L S HIS PEO E TO VICTORY, BUT Is REJECTED BY GOD
1. How did Saul force the Israelites to take him as their king? Why did he do so?
2. Why was the kingship taken from Saul's family?
3. Apply to Saul the words "God does not ask sacri ce, but o edience."
4. What do these words teach about the importance of obedience?