CONTENTS This Chapter contains rather the dark side of Israel from the former. Samuel growing old, and his sons not closely copying after the example of their father, discontent broke out among the people. They ask for a king in imitation of the nations around them. The thing displeaseth the Lord.... [ Continue Reading ]
(2) Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were Judges in Beersheba. (3) And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Behold, Reader, in these instances, that grace is not hereditary. The most pi... [ Continue Reading ]
(4) В¶ Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, (5) And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. If my views of this scripture be right and just the request of the e... [ Continue Reading ]
(6) But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. I beg the Reader to remark with me, the resource of Samuel in prayer. Here, Reader, let you and I lodge all our concerns, A throne of grace is always open to us, and Jesus ever liveth t... [ Continue Reading ]
(7) And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. (8) According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt... [ Continue Reading ]
(10) And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. (11) And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his char... [ Continue Reading ]
(19) Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; (20) That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. That this spirit of rebellion was not against Samuel and... [ Continue Reading ]
(21) And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. (22) And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city. I beg the Reader to remark with me this striking... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS AMIDST the growing age and infirmities of all God's faithful servants, though we see Samuel and all the holy men and prophets going the way of all flesh, what a sweet and soul-reviving thought is it, that our Jesus liveth forever! Yes! thou precious Holy One of Israel, thou ever livest;... [ Continue Reading ]