In this study and the subsequent linked studies, the objective is to learn what kind of problems developed and how that changed God's view of how things were vs. man's limited view. Doing that we try to concentrate on how we can avoid those types of mistakes in our own life and in that of our church.
Our study considers the life of Gideon. That puts us in the time after the 40 years during which Israel migrated through the deserts. In the Bible the number 40 (10 x 4) frequently represents the cleansing justice of God. God had given Israel specific instructions what they were supposed to do and not to do after they entered Canaan. We read,

"Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them." Judges 1:27,28.

God had warned Israel what the result would be if they do not follow His instructions [100].

But where they not all human beings, and that is why Israel allowed the tribes and nations to keep dwelling in their midst as a merciful gesture?

It may appear to us that way today, but God knows the end from the beginning. God had made Israel His special people, His missionaries to the world. The Canaanites had shown repeatedly their obstinacy to honor the Creator God; they were bent to live a life of dangerous, debasing sins, which would make it difficult and impossible for Israel to carry out God's mission.

The Lord had faithfully fulfilled, on His part, the promises made to Israel; Joshua had broken the power of the Canaanites, and had distributed the land to the tribes. It only remained for them, trusting in the assurance of divine aid, to complete the work of dispossessing the inhabitants of the land. But this they failed to do. By entering into league with the Canaanites they directly transgressed the command of God, and thus failed to fulfill the condition on which He had promised to place them in possession of Canaan.

The Lord fulfilled all the promises He had made to His people.

What was there left to do?

Israel needed to learn to trust the Lord in everything.

Long before God had told Israel to systematically drive the Canaanites out of the land He had promised them. All peoples knew this, they were to smite and destroy them, Deut. 7:1,2; 12:2,3.

Does this mean that Israel was to kill these peoples? Or does it mean that the Lord would drive them out before them, and Israel was to smite and destroy all their idols, groves and images?

Yes. That is what is meant here. Not the killing of people but the destruction of the reminders of their evil way of life.[300]

But instead of displacing them, Israel made agreements with them.

This experience of Israel in the time of Gideon has lessons for us today. God's people, everywhere, live in the world which denies God and does not worship Him in truth and faith. They failed to live a life so they could not `hear' the pleadings of God through the Holy Spirit. They lost sight of the fact that the still, small voice `speaking' to us through a conscience awake and connected to the truths of God's word, can only be discerned if we are in tune with the will of God. When churches today have unbiblical ideas about beliefs such as the humanity of Christ, the law of God, the judgment, the state of the dead, they are wandering in a wilderness not knowing their way. Do not concede to them when confronted, because they are great in numbers and have influence in the world. Do not forget whose people you are, when they threaten you with name calling, you, who are obedient to the Lord.

Why did God put Israel into Canaan?

"God had placed His people in Canaan as a mighty breastwork to stay the tide of moral evil, that it might not flood the world.[310] If faithful to Him, God intended that Israel should go on conquering and to conquer. He would give into their hands nations greater and more powerful than the Canaanites. The promise was: "If ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, . . . then will the Lord drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves. Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be. There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the Lord your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as He hath said unto you." Deuteronomy 11:22-25. [315]

God created man, not to live eons upon eons in a world steeped in sin, but to communicate with their Creator and live in harmony with heaven. That is non-negotiable. Sin is a passing scene. It is as temporary as the devil is. There will be an end to sin and sinners.

But Israel did not heed these sayings of the Lord. They did not diligently remind themselves of what God said He had led them out of Egypt for. They did not inquire of the Lord at every aspect requiring a decision.

"And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,
And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.
Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;
For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth." Deuteronomy 6:10-15.

Why should Israel not "go after other gods"? Because they were lifeless. They were made of wood and stone and could do nothing. They were just excuses to live a life steeped in sin. They would expose Israel to a continuous life in moral evils.

What went wrong?

"... Regardless of their high destiny, they chose the course of ease and self-indulgence; they let slip their opportunities for completing the conquest of the land; and for many generations they were afflicted by the remnant of these idolatrous peoples, that were, as the prophet had foretold, as "pricks" in their eyes, and as "thorns" in their sides." Numbers 33:55. {PP 544.2}

The options Israel had left diminished each time they disobeyed the Lord.

Years later, the Psalmist recounts and laments the consequences.

"They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them: But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood. Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance." Psalms 106:34-40.

Paying Attention

The consequences of not paying exact attention to the will of God, is terrible indeed.

"Until the generation that had received instruction from Joshua became extinct, idolatry made little headway; but the parents had prepared the way for the apostasy of their children. The disregard of the Lord's restrictions on the part of those who came in possession of Canaan sowed seed of evil that continued to bring forth bitter fruit for many generations. The simple habits of the Hebrews had secured them physical health; but association with the heathen led to the indulgence of appetite and passion, which gradually lessened physical strength and enfeebled the mental and moral powers. By their sins the Israelites were separated from God; His strength was removed from them, and they could no longer prevail against their enemies. Thus they were brought into subjection to the very nations that through God they might have subdued." [320]

Did the Lord forsake Israel? Did He leave them to fend for themselves at this stage?

"Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods . . ."

Because they indulged in appetite, passion and the resultend moral downfall.

"... and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the Lord; but they did not so. And when the Lord raised them up judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the Lord because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them." Judges 2:16-18.

But the Lord was still with the judges. We read,

"And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him (Gideon), and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour." Judges 6:12.

Why did God call Gideon a `man of valour?' He had not done anything yet.

Because God can read our hearts. He knows who we really are, our potential.

But Israel committed evils before the Lord (Judges 6:1-5) and they fell into the hands of the Midianites, the descendants of Abraham through Keturah, Gen. 25, and into the hands of the Amalekites whom they had encountered at Mt. Sinai and who now came from the direction of Egypt for their citadel was at the River of Egypt.

These peoples invaded Israel at harvest time, taking all the fruits of their fields and orchards, all their life stock and all they could remove, leaving Israel with nothing. Those were terrible times. What could Israel do? - They cried unto the Lord.

When things were still good, before they committed all their abominable sins, they less and less cared about God, but now, they cried for help. Did God listen?

God Listens

Yes. The Lord hears. He was still waiting for His people to realize the folly of their ways.

Lesson for us: The lesson for us is that we have to know the past, all these instances in the history of Israel, to know what the causes for similar problems are today, when God's people lose their way and walk around not being blessed by the Lord. We are to take stock and consider our situation. We are to compare notes with the historical writings and the prophets. We are to know that the conditions for our success never change from what they always have been in old times.

What is God looking for in us to happen? Let us find out.

"And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak (Quercus coccifera) which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites." Judges 6:11-13.

Let us read some more, for we still want to know what God is looking for in us.

"The Bible shows us ourselves, not only as nobody on the earth could do, but as we ourselves could not. Hidden things are brought to light, which we recognise as pertaining to us as soon as we see them, but which no man could know. The Scriptures reveal the presence of One who can discern the thoughts and intents of the heart; and not only do they lay open human nature, but all creation as well. Through them we get understanding of nature both seen and unseen." [370]

God is looking for repentance in us, acknowledgment that we need Him to get us to the point where He can work with us again after a period of no contact.

God is asking for repentance among individual members as well as corporate repentance. God's people ought to seek to make provisions for seasons and occasions under which repentance can take place. If, as a group, we do not know how, we ought to inquire of the Lord, and we are reminded of the reforms begun by king Josiah. He took the initative. I wished our leader would be a Josiah at the conference and lead us all to repentance. I believe that is what it takes - cleansing the sins of commission and omission.

Gideon asks, `So what can I do?'

"And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?" Judges 6:14.

The Lord tells Gideon in effect, `I send you!'

What Gideon learns is what are we in need of learning?

"The physical, mental, and moral powers are the endowments of God, and are to be appreciated and cultivated. We are here on probation, in training for the higher life. All heaven is waiting to co-operate with those who will be subordinate to the ways and will of God. God gives grace, and he expects all to use it. He supplies the power if the human mind feels any need or any disposition to receive. He never asks us to do anything without supplying the grace and power to do that very thing. All his biddings are enablings." [380]

Powerful words indeed. We also learn,

Gideon deeply felt his own insufficiency for the great work before him. . . .

"The Lord does not always choose for His work men of the greatest talents, but He selects those whom He can best use. Individuals who might do good service for God, may for a time be left in obscurity, apparently unnoticed and unemployed by their Master. But if they faithfully perform the duties of their humble position, cherishing a willingness to labor and to sacrifice for Him, He will in His own time intrust them with greater responsibilities.

Before honor is humility. The Lord can use most effectually those who are most sensible of their own unworthiness and inefficiency. He will teach them to exercise the courage of faith. He will make them strong by uniting their weakness to His might, wise by connecting their ignorance with His wisdom." [390]

"And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." Judges 6:15.

Again Gideon responds, `How can I save Israel?' `Lord, I haven't gotten your call yet.'

Is that sometimes the way we respond?

God wants us to be bold because of our confidence in Him!

"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:8.

We must guard to be professors of faith in God and at the same time not to be fearful of taking our stand for God and His principles.

"A weak man who has God with him is strong, even almighty. The weakest person, who knows that God is with him, is invincible." [400]

What qualified Gideon to lead Israel? His humility qualified Gideon.

Gideon was called of God to end the seven year Midianite oppression.

What brought this situation on?

"And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years." Judges 6:1.

The Midianites "... destroyed the increase of the earth and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass. . . . they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it." Judges 6:4,5.

What could Israel do?

They cried for the Lord to help them.

"And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?" Judges 6:14.

What is the lesson we are to learn for today?

"... When we give ourselves wholly to God and in our work follow His directions, He makes Himself responsible for its accomplishment. He would not have us conjecture as to the success of our honest endeavors. Not once should we even think of failure. We are to co-operate with One who knows no failure.
We should not talk of our own weakness and inability. This is a manifest distrust of God, a denial of His word. When we murmur because of our burdens, or refuse the responsibilities He calls upon us to bear, we are virtually saying that He is a hard master, that He requires what He has not given us power to do." [410]

And we remember that God reduced the armies of Israel from 32,000 men down to 300 men of valor.

And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Judges 7:2.

Will the Lord do for us today what He did for Gideon?

"The Lord is willing to do great things for us. We shall not gain the victory through numbers, but through the full surrender of the soul to Jesus. We are to go forward in His strength, trusting in the mighty God of Israel. There is a lesson for us in the story of Gideon's army. . . . The Lord is just as willing to work through human efforts now, and to accomplish great things through weak instrumentalities." [420]

For 40 years Gideon had judged God's people. But as before, Israel soon fell back to their former ways of living.

They experienced some hardship during the brief reign of Abimelech which was followed by a number of local judges who were not able to stem the tide back which led Israel away from faithful to unfaithful.

They committed all the same sins of their fathers. They began to worship idols and befriended their Canaanite neighbors instead of displacing them as they were told to do.

Just a little more than half a century later the Philistines began their oppression of Israel which the people had to endure for 40 years, just as long as Israel spent walking in the desert.

Did God forsake Israel? Was He abandoning them?

No. We must know that God is ever working to help His people. How did that work out after Gideon had passed away?

Only later could men know that at the same time as the Philistines began their oppression of Israel, God saw to it that a savior was born. This was to be e reminder for future generations never to doubt God but know that He is always active in man's behalf.

What is the Lord doing?

He always reminds us of His goodness.

He always points out destructive sins. As we read,

"Happy is the person whom God corrects! Do not resent it when he rebukes you.
God bandages the wounds he makes; his hand hurts you, and his hand heals.
Time after time he will save you from harm." Job 5:17-19, GNB.

What was it like in Israel when Samson was born?

"And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years." Judges 13:1.

Since they did not follow the instructions God had given them, they came under the dominion of their neighbors.

What could Israel do now?

"Amid the widespread apostasy the faithful worshipers of God continued to plead with Him for the deliverance of Israel. Though there was apparently no response, though year after year the power of the oppressor continued to rest more heavily upon the land, God's providence was preparing help for them. Even in the early years of the Philistine oppression a child was born through whom God designed to humble the power of these mighty foes." [440]

Unknow to human eye and mind, God raised up a deliverer at the same time as Israel came under the rulership of the Philistines.

"And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not.
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son." Judges 13:2,3.

We may not be far off to reason that every woman in Israel looked for the promised deliverer - ever since Genesis 3:15.

"Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:
For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." Judges 13:4,5.

Her child was to be a special helper for God's people. Whatever happened to Israel was a serious matter in heaven. And the deliverer was to be a Nazarite, someone dedicated to the Lord.

What did the wife of Manoah say?

"Then Manoah entreated the Lord, and said, `O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.'" Judges 13:8.

What is a Nazarite?

"Any man or woman who makes a special vow to become a Nazarite and dedicates himself to the Lord shall abstain from wine and beer. He shall not drink any kind of drink made from grapes or eat any grapes or raisins. As long as he is a Nazarite, he shall not eat anything that comes from a grapevine, not even the seeds or skins of grapes. As long as he is under the Nazirite vow, he must not cut his hair or shave. He is bound by the vow for the full time that he is dedicated to the Lord, and he shall let his hair and beard grow." Numbers 6:2-5, GNB.

"God had important work for the promised child of Manoah to do, and it was to secure for him the qualifications necessary for this work, that the habits of both the mother and the child were to be so carefully regulated. "Neither let her drink wine nor strong drink," was the angel's instruction for the wife of Manoah, "nor eat any unclean thing; all that I commanded her let her observe." The child will be affected for good or evil by the habits of the mother. She must herself be controlled by principle, and must practice temperance and self-denial, if she would seek the welfare of her child." [450]

The rules presented here are only in our days by research confirmed. It is not only the female who passes on certain wekanesses to her child because of drug use but also the sperm of the man bears such codes.

How does the Word of God warn us from, what could be seen as substance abuse?

"Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults." Psalm 19:11,12.

How did this work itself out in the birth of Samson?

"And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.
But his wife said unto him, If the Lord were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have showed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these." Judges 13:22,23.

So,

". . . the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him.
And the spirit of the Lord began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol." Judges 13:24,25.

Were there any problems as Samson grew up? If so, what were they?

Samson grew up near the borders of the Philistines; they were his neighbors.

"The divine promise to Manoah was in due time fulfilled in the birth of a son, to whom the name of Samson was given. As the boy grew up it became evident that he possessed extraordinary physical strength. This was not, however, as Samson and his parents well knew, dependent upon his well-knit sinews, but upon his condition as a Nazarite, of which his unshorn hair was a symbol. Had Samson obeyed the divine commands as faithfully as his parents had done, his would have been a nobler and happier destiny. But association with idolaters corrupted him. The town of Zorah being near the country of the Philistines, Samson came to mingle with them on friendly terms. Thus in his youth intimacies sprang up, the influence of which darkened his whole life. A young woman dwelling in the Philistine town of Timnath engaged Samson's affections, and he determined to make her his wife. To his God-fearing parents, who endeavored to dissuade him from his purpose, his only answer was, `She pleaseth me well.' The parents at last yielded to his wishes, and the marriage took place." [455]

So we read,

"And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.
And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife." Judges 14:1,2.

Why couldn't Samson find a nice Jewish girl?

"Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well." Judges 14:3.

It appears the fleshly lusts overcame Samson and he intermarried. Yet, we are reminded of the words,

"And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years." Genesis 6:1-3.

The same problems existed since from the beginning. Most of the problems we discuss in here are of that nature. Even today, on final analysis, these types of problems exist.

"But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the Lord, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel." Judges 14:4.

How did God use marriage? How did he overrule the weakness of Samson, a man who could tear a lion apart? (Judges 14:8,9)

Next time Samson saw the dead lion he noticed something. There was now a honeycomb inside the vacant ripcage.

What did he do?

"And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle." Judges 14:14.

But the loyalties of his Philistine wife were still with her countrymen. She agreed to find the answer to the riddle, for it vexed the men greatly.

"And Samson's wife wept before him, and said, Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her, Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee?
And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people." Judges 14:16,17.

The true nature of Samson reveals itself now and we find that he was the weakest strong man. Yet . . .

"And the spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house." Judges 14:19.

Samson was not ready to realize that she was a spy in the camp of Israel.

"The Lord has in His Word plainly instructed His people not to unite themselves with those who have not His love and fear before them. Such companions will seldom be satisfied with the love and respect which are justly theirs. They will constantly seek to gain from the God-fearing wife or husband some favor which shall involve a disregard of the divine requirements. To a godly man, and to the church with which he is connected, a worldly wife or a worldly friend is as a spy in the camp, who will watch every opportunity to betray the servant of Christ, and expose him to the enemy's attacks." [460]

Some lessons are amazing and hard to conquer. So what did Samson do?

"And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure.
And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.
And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards and olives." Judges 15:3-5.

What was the reaction of his enemies?

"Then the Philistines said, Who hath done this? And they answered, Samson, the son in law of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire." Judges 15:6.

What was Samson's response?

"And Samson said unto them, Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you, and after that I will cease.
And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam." Judges 15:7,8.

But the pattern of evils was not yet all finished.

"And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.
And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.
And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men.
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramathlehi." Judges 15:14-17.

Not long and Samson volunteered to surrender. Doing so, he was a picture of Christ according to Psalms chapter 7.

"When a little later Jesus hung on the cross, the priests mockingly said: `He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now.' Ah, they did not know how true their words were. His faith had said: `The Lord God will help Me; therefore shall I not be confounded' (Isa. 1:7), and His faith was not misplaced. While yet in the garden, `there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him.' And He was delivered, even though He hung on the cross. Yea, the cross was His deliverance, for by it He was `lifted up from the earth' even to heaven, and the world was crucified unto Him. Because He was sinless, He suffered on the cross; and because He was sinless it was impossible for the grave to hold Him. He was kept absolutely free from the slightest semblance of sin, under the most trying circumstances, and thus had the mastery over death. `He humbled Himself unto death, even the death of the cross,' but it was a willing offering. Death gained no victory when Jesus Christ went into the tomb. His `prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears' were heard and answered, and He was so completely saved from death, that He could suffer it in order to destroy it. As Samson was a conqueror over the Philistines even when he was voluntarily delivered, bound, into their hands (Judges 15:11-15) so Christ was victory over death when He endured its pains. Thus did He show how God can gird Himself with the extremest wrath of man, as with a garment, and make it to praise Him." Psalm 76:10; R.V. [480]

But later we read,

"Had the Israelites been ready to unite with Samson and follow up the victory, they might at this time have freed themselves from the power of their oppressors. But they had become dispirited and cowardly. They had neglected the work which God commanded them to perform, in dispossessing the heathen, and had united with them in their degrading practices, tolerating their cruelty, and, so long as it was not directed against themselves, even countenancing their injustice. When themselves brought under the power of the oppressor, they tamely submitted to the degradation which they might have escaped, had they only obeyed God. Even when the Lord raised up a deliverer for them, they would, not infrequently, desert him and unite with their enemies." [485]

"And he was sore athirst, and called on the Lord, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?
But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof Enhakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day." Judges 15:18,19.

"Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her." Judges 16:1.

"And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah." Judges 16:4.

"And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thine heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.
And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death." Judges 16:15,16.

"That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man." Judges 16:17.

"If the law given by God for the benefit of the poor had continued to be carried out, how different would be the present condition of the world, morally, spiritually, and temporally! Selfishness and self-importance would not be manifested as now, but each would cherish a kind regard for the happiness and welfare of others; and such widespread destitution as is now seen in many lands would not exist." [490]

God's Design for Samson Marred by Sin

"God designed that Samson should accomplish a great work for Israel. Hence the utmost care had been taken at the very outset of life to surround him with the most favorable conditions for physical strength, intellectual vigor, and moral purity. Had he not in after years ventured among the ungodly and the licentious, he would not so basely have yielded to temptation." [495]

"And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left.
And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life." Judges 16:28-30.

"Real Contest Between Jehovah and Dagon.--The contest, instead of being between Samson and the Philistines, was now between Jehovah and Dagon, and thus the Lord was moved to assert His almighty power and His supreme authority." [ST Oct. 13, 1881; 2BC 1007.8]

Here was Samson, with his arms outstretched grasping, as it were, the pillars of the kingdom of Satan, and he bowed himself and with all his might he brought down the whole coliseum of Satan that those he killed in his death were more than in his life - and He did that to save you.

"When Christ bowed His head and died, He bore the pillars of Satan's kingdom with Him to the earth. He vanquished Satan in the same nature over which in Eden Satan obtained the victory. The enemy was overcome by Christ in His human nature. The power of the Saviour's Godhead was hidden. He overcame in human nature, relying upon God for power. This is the privilege of all. In proportion to our faith will be our victory." [500]

So we can see, like Samson in a way, Christ saved more in His death, than He saved in His life, Mark 10:45. With His arms outstretched, Christ brought down in actuality the kingdom of Satan who now operates only on borrowed time. He changed the adversaries power forever until it will be no more.

"As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us.
Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne.
Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up." Hebrews 12:1-3, GNB.

Please note, in this study, when we speak of nations, in our days they may be churches. Thus these accounts apply today to congregations where God's Word is proclaimed. Preachers and leaders may relate to kings and rulers, the citizens to church members and the poor to the poor around us, to distraught or weak members.

Samuel was now an old man. For many years he had led and judged Israel. But the people became tired of their leader. They desired a change. What kind of change did they wish for?

"Before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who firmly professed his faith before Pontius Pilate, I command you to obey your orders and keep them faithfully until the Day when our Lord Jesus Christ will appear. His appearing will be brought about at the right time by God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He alone is immortal; he lives in the light that no one can approach. No one has ever seem him; no one can ever see him. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen." 1. Tim. 6:13-16 GNB.

"Samuel ruled Israel as long as he lived. Every year he would go around to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and in these places he would settle disputes. Then he would go back to his home in Ramah, where also he would serve as a judge. In Ramah he build an altar to the Lord." !.Sam. 7:15-17.

"When Samuel grew old, he made his sons judges in Israel. The older son was named Joel and the younger one Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. But they did not follow their father's example; they were interested only in making money, so they accepted bribes and did not decide cases honestly." 1.Sam. 8:1-3.

"Then all the leaders of Israel met together, went to Samuel in Ramah, and said to him, `Look, you are getting old and your sons don't follow your example. So then, appoint a king to rule over us, so that we will have a king, as other countries have." 1.Sam. 8:4,5.

In the book of Leviticus are found many of the special moral requirements which were given to Moses to give to the children of Israel. These were carefully written in a book, and were nothing less than the principles of the ten commandments, defining the duty of man to his fellow-man, and his obligation to God. If they were obedient, God promised to take them to him as his peculiar treasure, make them a most powerful nation, and establish them in the land of Canaan, a holy and happy people. In doing his commandments was their only happiness and safety. This is still true with nations today. The reason we may not see it in real life is, because all have fallen away from these principles and God calls them back to His Word.

"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the Lord your God. After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do; and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you shall ye not do. Neither shall ye walk in their ordinances." The Lord would have his people true to his service, and separate and distinct from every nation who did not fear his name. He understood the danger of associating with idolaters, knowing that the seeing and hearing of their heathen customs and vain philosophies would have a corrupting influence upon their morals. There was danger that the sacrilegious services of idol worship would appear attractive to them, and establish themselves in religious services. Although the experience of parents might be a safeguard to faithful family units, there was constant danger in regard to the morals of their children. They would be continually tempted to imitate the practices of the people with whom they associated.

Thus these injunctions from God himself are of consequence to us who live in these last days in which iniquity prevails, and Satan is with every device upon the track of the unwary. Merriment and pleasure-seeking is the order of the day, and reckless presumption and the absence of virtue mark the course of society in general. The standard of the world is in no case to be the standard of those who love and fear God. He requires those who follow him to be separate from sin and sinners. The reason why those, who profess his name, are not more precious in his sight is because the pure gold of their character has been corrupted by association with the world, and they have not genuine faith or practice genuine religion.

These words remind us of the sins of commission and omission. The Apostle Peter spoke of sins of omission in 1.Peter 4:9,10, "Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." We are to invite peope and they are not to expect special treatment but just be satisfied with the bread and soup we eat. Such hospitality is not to please taste buds but to commune and share our experiences living our faith, to encourage and comfort.

The instruction given to ancient Israel was to the same effect as that given by Christ to his disciples upon the mount. Both were intended to counteract selfishness and encourage benevolence. God ever remembers the poor, and gives directions to his people to remember them. "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest." Again he says, "Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning."

Frequently the wages of the working men and women are thoughtlessly and cruelly withheld from them, and they are made to suffer for the little pittance they have earned by hard labor. This injustice is practiced on a large scale. Those who have had their regular labor never threatened frequently live in extravagance, that which they use intemperately being nearly sufficient to support one or two poor families. When such force a day laborer to wait for his hard-earned pay, they come under the censure of God.

While we should show sympathy and love for the deserving poor, we are not to favor the unworthy poor because they are poor, neither are we "to honor the person of the mighty" simply because they are mighty. How much of this is done. If a man is possessed of wealth, great respect, applause, and honor are given him because of his position, while he may be corrupt at heart, and his life unworthy of imitation. Position or wealth does not make the man; but clean hands and a pure heart God will accept.

"Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another." All liars are to have their part in the lake of fire, and yet there are more falsehoods told and acted than many suppose. All deception and overstatements are falsehoods. A truthful man, a man of integrity, will not designedly produce impressions by language or signs that are not strictly true. He will not allow any to receive from him that which he knows to be incorrect. A falsehood consists in an intention to deceive. A look of the eye, a motion of the hand, an expression of the countenance, will tell a falsehood as effectually as words. Hints and insinuations which leave an exaggerated impression on minds are falsehoods. Says the apostle, "Lie not one to another." The case of Ananias and Sapphira shows that even in the gospel age retribution as severe as that of the Jewish age breaks forth upon the guilty.

"Ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God; I am the Lord." The name of the Lord is profaned in many ways. It is spoken thoughtlessly, and is often dishonored in common conversation by appealing to God, as "the Lord knows," etc., thus making common that name which is sacred, and should always be spoken with reverence. Some even in their prayers take the name of God upon their lips in a thoughtless manner. His holy name is to be spoken with solemnity, and not to be heedlessly brought into our prayers every few sentences. "Lord God Almighty," "Holy and Reverend is his name!" His purity, majesty and excellence should be meditated upon, and the lips be sanctified that utter his name. Although we do not hear his voice from Sinai's mount proclaiming his holy law, we have just as much need to fear and tremble as had they who surrounded it at that time. The law of God is exceedingly broad. We cannot measure it, neither can we evade its positive claims, for it will be the rule of future judgment. [515]

"When thou art come unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me; Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother. But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel." Deut. 17:14-20.

Israel was becoming bored and disinterested in their simple lifestyle. Jealousy, envy and dissension ensued and caused weakness.

The arguing tribes must have a central government.

The government of Israel was administered in the name and by the authority of God. The work of Moses, of the seventy elders, of the rulers and judges, was simply to enforce the laws that God had given; they had no authority to legislate for the nation. This was, and continued to be, the condition of Israel's existence as a nation. From age to age men inspired by God were sent to instruct the people and to direct in the enforcement of the laws. [520]

Please note: Today, desiring a king may work itself out in a similar way when congregations choose or are assigned a new pastor. Will they choose clergy who teaches the unadulterated Word of God? ... or do they desire clergy which specializes in soothing their conscience?

Why would Samuel be upset with their request for a king?

Did he feel as though they did not appreciate his service?

Was Israel rejecting his leadership and lifelong efforts?

What could Samuel do?

"Samuel was displeased with their request for a king; so he prayed to the Lord." 1.Sam. 8:6.

The injustice of these judges caused much dissatisfaction, and a pretext was thus furnished for urging the change that had long been secretly desired. "All the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 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." The cases of abuse among the people had not been referred to Samuel. Had the evil course of his sons been known to him, he would have removed them without delay; but this was not what the petitioners desired. Samuel saw that their real motive was discontent and pride, and that their demand was the result of a deliberate and determined purpose. No complaint had been made against Samuel. All acknowledged the integrity and wisdom of his administration; but the aged prophet looked upon the request as a censure upon himself, and a direct effort to set him aside. He did not, however, reveal his feelings; he uttered no reproach, but carried the matter to the Lord in prayer and sought counsel from Him alone. [525]

"... and the Lord said, `Listen to everything the people say to you. You are not the one they have rejected as their king. Ever since I brought them out of Egypt, they have turned away from me and worshiped other gods; and now they are doing to you what they have always down to me." 1.Sam. 8:7,8.

The days of Israel's greatest prosperity had been those in which they acknowledged Jehovah as their King--when the laws and the government which He had established were regarded as superior to those of all other nations. Moses had declared to Israel concerning the commandments of the Lord: "This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." Deuteronomy 4:6. But by departing from God's law the Hebrews had failed to become the people that God desired to make them, and then all the evils which were the result of their own sin and folly they charged upon the government of God. So completely had they become blinded by sin. [530]

What will a king cost Israel?

The first thing that will happen is, he will break up the family unit.

"So then, listen to them, but give them strict warnings and explain how their kings will treat them. . . . He will make soldiers of your sons ... Your sons will have to plow the fields, harvest his crops and make his weapons and the equipment of his chariots.
Your daughters will have to make perfume for him and work as his cooks and his bakers.
He will take your best fields, vineyards, and olive groves, and give them to his officials.
He will take a tenth of your grain and of your grapes for his court officers and other officials.
He will take your servants and your best cattles and donkeys, and make them work for him.
He will take a tenth of your flocks.
You yourselves will become his slaves.
When that time comes you will complain bitterly because of your king, whom you yourselves chose, but the Lord will not listen to your complaints." 1.Sam. 8:9-18.

The Lord had, through His prophets, foretold that Israel would be governed by a king; but it does not follow that this form of government was best for them or according to His will. He permitted the people to follow their own choice, because they refused to be guided by His counsel. Hosea declares that God gave them a king in His anger, Hosea 13:11. When men choose to have their own way, without seeking counsel from God, or in opposition to His revealed will, He often grants their desires, in order that, through the bitter experience that follows, they may be led to realize their folly and to repent of their sin. Human pride and wisdom will prove a dangerous guide. That which the heart desires contrary to the will of God will in the end be found a curse rather than a blessing. [535]

Would Israel repent?

"The people paid no attention to Samuel, but said, "No! We want a king, so that we will be like other nations, with our own king to rule us and to lead us out to war and to fight our battles." 1.Sam. 8:19,20.

God desired His people to look to Him alone as their Law-giver and their Source of strength. Feeling their dependence upon God, they would be constantly drawn nearer to Him. They would become elevated and ennobled, fitted for the high destiny to which He had called them as His chosen people. But when a man was placed upon the throne, it would tend to turn the minds of the people from God. They would trust more to human strength, and less to divine power, and the errors of their king would lead them into sin and separate the nation from God. [540]

Did Israel have regard for such an honor?

"Samuel listened to everything they said and then went and told it to the Lord. The Lord answered, `Do what they want and give them a king.' Then Samuel told all the men of Israel to go back home." 1.Sam. 8:21,22.

What is the larger issue here?

Samuel's life of unselfish devotion - Israel was not interested

"Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.
For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited." Jer. 17:5,6.

When, by thorough confession, you destroy the root of bitterness, you will see light in God's light. Without this thorough work you will never clear your souls. You need to study the word of God with a purpose, not to confirm your own ideas, but to bring them to be trimmed, to be condemned or approved as they are or are not in harmony with the word of God. The Bible should be your constant companion. You should study the testimonies, not to pick out certain sentences to use as you see fit, to strengthen your assertions, while you disregard the plainest statements given to correct your course of action. [555]

For our character is determined by choices we make.

Modern Baal worship compared to ancient times

Baal worship takes place when men pursue their own ideas and put them in the place of God's.

Ignorant worship is Baal worship.

We may say, in ideal situations, what the Gospel wants today is not men who are ready to debate, but who know Christ, and who know His Word. Such men will teach by their quiet lives, and if any want to learn further, they will be ready to point them to the Word, but they will not lower the standard by arguing with those who do not want to learn.

While this insight sounds best to rely on, one constraint may be in the opinion of this writer, that people's quiet life is more often then not unknown to their neighbors or even to their church members. People today are much more isolated than they were ever before. Even though we may live closer together, because people drive past each other, and because they do and watch things inside, instead of meeting their neighbors in the yard or speak to them over the fence - fences today are typically too high - they rarely get to know each other in a meaningful way. So, we recognize that more challenges may exist today then they used to.

The man who wants to learn, never wants to argue. The man who is anxious to argue a point, does not want to learn anything from the one with whom he argues, but he wants, by arguing, to fortify himself in the opinions that he already holds. By repeating his arguments he helps to convince himself that they are true; and if he can out-talk his opponent that proves to him that he is right. Therefore the time spent on him while he is in that condition is wasted. The Christian can afford to let him talk, and even rail, knowing that the truth cannot be injured. This very confidence begets in the other a desire to know what it is that is so sure that you are not in the least afraid that it will be overthrown by argument. Then is your time to instruct him.

So then, argumentative ability is not necessarily a part of the outfit of the servant of Christ. For "the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach [not to argue], patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." 2 Tim. 2:24, 25. [560]

"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Luke 6:46

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?" Luke 9:23-25.

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2.Tim. 4:1-4.

Baal worship of self in the name of worshiping Jesus Christ.

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts." 2.Tim. 3:1-6.

". . . all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2.Tim. 3:12.

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." 1.Peter 4:12-19.

Oh, for a living, active faith! We need it; we must have it, or we shall faint and fail in the day of trial. The darkness that will then rest upon our path must not discourage us or drive us to despair. It is the veil with which God covers His glory when He comes to impart rich blessings. We should know this by our past experience. In that day when God has a controversy with His people this experience will be a source of comfort and hope. [565]

"Put yourselves to the test and judge yourselves, to find out if you are living in faith. Surely you know that Christ Jesus is living in you? - unless you have completely failed." 2.Cor. 13:5.

What did we learn in this section that may help us today? We should have learned that remaining faithful to the Lord, to His Word, in everything, is the way we want to live for any other way leads to failure in the end. We should have learned, that each one needs to examine the motives which drive the life one way or the other so we can learn how to correct and align our motives according to the will of God and not our own.

"Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 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." 1.Samuel 8:4-5.

What is the problem with a request for a king in Israel? Is there something wrong with wanting to be like everybody else?

Who was supposed to be the leader of Israel?

Why did Israel go to Canaan?

What was the reason for God having blessed Israel so abundantly?

Had they lost interest in being God's people?

Was Samuel happy with the request for a king? If not, why not?

Did Samuel feel rejected?

What did God say to Samuel? `Samuel, they rejected Me, not you.'

So God told Samuel, `Go, give them a king, but tell them the costs.'

Yet, Israel still wanted a king.

"Samuel was instructed to grant the request of the people, but to warn them of the Lord's disapproval, and also make known what would be the result of their course. "And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king." He faithfully set before them the burdens that would be laid upon them, and showed the contrast between such a state of oppression and their present comparatively free and prosperous condition. Their king would imitate the pomp and luxury of other monarchs, to support which, grievous exactions upon their persons and property would be necessary. The goodliest of their young men he would require for his service. They would be made charioteers and horsemen and runners before him. They must fill the ranks of his army, and they would be required to till his fields, to reap his harvests, and to manufacture implements of war for his service. The daughters of Israel would be for confectioners and bakers for the royal household. To support his kingly state he would seize upon the best of their lands, bestowed upon the people by Jehovah Himself. The most valuable of their servants also, and of their cattle, he would take, and "put them to his work." Besides all this, the king would require a tenth of all their income, the profits of their labor, or the products of the soil. "Ye shall be his servants," concluded the prophet. "And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear you in that day." However burdensome its exactions should be found, when once a monarchy was established, they could not set it aside at pleasure.
But the people returned the answer, "Nay; but we will have a king over us; 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."
"Like all the nations." The Israelites did not realize that to be in this respect unlike other nations was a special privilege and blessing. God had separated the Israelites from every other people, to make them His own peculiar treasure. But they, disregarding this high honor, eagerly desired to imitate the example of the heathen! And still the longing to conform to worldly practices and customs exists among the professed people of God. As they depart from the Lord they become ambitious for the gains and honors of the world. Christians are constantly seeking to imitate the practices of those who worship the god of this world. Many urge that by uniting with worldlings and conforming to their customs they might exert a stronger influence over the ungodly. But all who pursue this course thereby separate from the Source of their strength. Becoming the friends of the world, they are the enemies of God. For the sake of earthly distinction they sacrifice the unspeakable honor to which God has called them, of showing forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9. [575]

"Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited." Jeremiah 17:5,6.

Over and over again, between Exodus 3 and Nehemiah 9, do we find in the Bible that Israel was being reminded `How the Lord had led them out of slavery' in Egypt. A life that would have ground them down and only become more cruel, so that they would not have survived.

But the Lord had told Samuel, they rejected Me.

Did Israel appreciate what Samuel did for them?

No. They did not.

How did Samuel react to their lack of appreciation?

He brought it before the Lord.

"The most useful men are seldom appreciated. Those who have labored most actively and unselfishly for their fellow man, and who have been instrumental in achieving the greatest results, are often repaid with ingratitude and neglect. When such men find themselves set aside, their counsels slighted and despised, they may feel that they are suffering great injustice. But let them learn from the example of Samuel not to justify or vindicate themselves, unless the Spirit of God unmistakably prompts to such a course. Those who despise and reject the faithful servant of God, not merely show contempt for the man, but for the Master who sent him. It is God's words, His reproofs and counsel, that are set at naught; His authority that is rejected." [580]

So Samuel readied himself to choose a king for Israel.

How did that come about?

"Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people." 1.Sam. 9:1,2.

Some donkeys belonging to Kish had wandered off, so he said to Saul, `Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.' They went through the hill country ... but [he] still did not find them. When they came into the region of Zuph, Saul said to his servant, `Let's go back home, or my father might stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us.'
The servant answered, `Wait! In this town there is a holy man who is highly respected because everything he says comes true. Let us go to him, and maybe he can tell us where we can find the donkeys. 1.Sam. 9:3-6.

What is Saul's response to his father's servant advise? He agrees to see the holy man, the seer or prophet who lived at Bethel.

So they went to the town where the holy man lived. . . . as they were going in, they saw Samuel coming out toward them on his way to the place of worship. . . . When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord said to him, `This is the man I told you about. He will rule my people.'

Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, `Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?'

What does `anointed' mean?

It was a sign. A sign of being appointed to rule as king.

When you departed from me today, then you shall find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say to you, The asses which you searched for are found: and, look, your father has stopped caring for the asses, and is sorrowing for you, saying, `What shall I do for my son?'
Then you shall go on forward from there, and you shall come to the plain of Tabor, and there you shall meet thee three men going up to worship God at Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:
And they will salute you, and give you two loaves of bread; which you shall receive out of their hands.
After that you shall come to the hill of God, where the garrison of the Philistines is located: and it shall come to pass, when you get there to the city, that you shall meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:
And the spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you shall prophesy with them, and you shall be turned into another man.
And let it be, when these signs are happen to you, that you do as occasion serves you; for God is with you.
And you shall go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down to you, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shall you tarry, till I come to you, and show you what you shall do.

And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. 1.Sam. 10:2-9.

"The Lord would not leave Saul to be placed in a position of trust without divine enlightenment. He was to have a new calling, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. The effect was that he was changed into a new man. The Lord gave Saul a new spirit, other thoughts, other aims and desires than he had previously had. This enlightenment, with the spiritual knowledge of God, placing him on vantage ground, was to bind his will to the will of Jehovah." [590]

We should not miss the clear allusion to faithful Sabbath keeping by tarrying seven days. God wants His people to never forget His holy Sabbath.

10:18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you:
10:19 And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, No, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes, and by your thousands. . . .
10:22 Therefore they inquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.
10:23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.
10:24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.
10:25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.
10:26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. . . .
11:6 And the spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.
11:7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent. . . .
11:11 And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. . . .
11:14 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.
11:15 And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. . . .
12:13 Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the Lord hath set a king over you.
12:14 If ye will fear the Lord, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the Lord your God:
12:15 But if ye will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then shall the hand of the Lord be against you, as it was against your fathers. . . .
12:19 And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.
12:20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart;

Samuel is saying, even though you are great sinners and do wickedly, do not be discouraged and leave faith in God aside. Instead, confess and pray to be forgiven and God will accept you as His people. This faith we should exercise today too.

12:21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
12:22 For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people.
12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
12:24 Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you.
12:25 But if ye shall still do wickedly (without repentance), ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king."

"Samuel did not leave the people in a state of discouragement, for this would have prevented all effort for a better life. Satan would lead them to look upon God as severe and unforgiving, and they would thus be exposed to manifold temptations. God is merciful and forgiving, ever desiring to show favor to His people when they will obey His voice. "Fear not," was the message of God by His servant: "ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart; and turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. For the Lord will not forsake His people.
Samuel said nothing of the slight which had been put upon himself; he uttered no reproach for the ingratitude with which Israel had repaid his lifelong devotion; but he assured them of his unceasing interest for them: "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king." [595]

"I was shown that the follies of Israel in the days of Samuel will be repeated among the people of God today unless there is greater humility, less confidence in self, and more trust in the Lord God of Israel, the Ruler of the people. It is only as divine power is combined with human effort that the work will abide the test. When men lean no longer on men or on their own judgment, but make God their trust, it will be made manifest in every instance by meekness of spirit, by less talking and much more praying, by the exercise of caution in their plans and movements. Such men will reveal the fact that their dependence is in God, that they have the mind of Christ." [600]

4:5 "Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:5,6.

"My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways." Proverbs 23:26.

"For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." Phil. 3:3.

17:7 "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 17:8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." Jeremiah 17:7,8.

9:23 "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." Jer. 9:23,24.

What the Lord did for Saul He will do for us.

11:19 "And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: 11:20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." Eze. 11:19,20.

We will have power from God as we stay in contact with God.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2.Cor. 5:17.

"Let everyone now repent of his mistakes, and seek the Lord with all his heart. The converting power of God will come to everyone who will seek the peace of Jesus Christ. His words of instruction are for all who will listen and follow Him.
In mercy God seeks to lead the unrighteous to repentance. The obedient will delight in the law of the Lord. He puts His laws in their minds, and writes them in their hearts. Their speech will be such as is prompted by an indwelling Saviour. They have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul from all the defilement of Satan's suggestions. Their heart yearns after God. In their conversion they love to dwell upon His mercy and goodness, for to them He is altogether lovely. They learn the language of heaven, the country of their adoption.
The promise is for us: "I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: that they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Ezekiel 11:19, 20).
I am instructed to say that it is not because of lack of opportunity to know the will and way of God that sinners must perish, but because of their determination to carry out their own will. They refuse to become spiritually enlightened in the Word of God. Willingly they remain ignorant of the privileges of the Christian and of his duty day by day to inquire of God. The Lord desires to give to everyone a deep, intelligent experience in spiritual life. But many are contented with a haphazard experience. . . .
The Lord calls for faithfulness in service. He desires servants who will be diligent to help those in error. The day of the Lord is right upon us. . . . Let not one stumbling block be laid before those who are seeking to know the will of the Lord. Do not make public the supposed errors you see in those who profess to believe the truth. What you have to say, say to them alone, with hearts filled with pity and tenderness. . . .
The will of God is made so plain that the weakest intellect can understand it, if the heart is set to do the will of God. Those who follow on to know the Lord will know that His going forth is prepared as the morning (see Hosea 6:3). Step by step the Lord will unerringly lead those who put their trust in Him." [610]

"Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." 2.Cor. 1:22.

103:1 "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
103:5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:1-5.

What did we learn? We learned that we live in solemn times in which we must learn these lessons and how to apply them so God can bless us, His people, for the history of this world is nearing its last phase.

[100] The struggle of the nations in Palestine are long standing issues. They are perplexing because they had the taint of evil upon evil reminiscent from those long standing issues interwoven with apparent unsolvable social issues because the gods of the people fought against each other thus revealing that they originate from the same source, the wickedness of Satan. Double talking, stubborn leaders defied often better judgment and the needs of the people to achieve political goals. `The same spirit that prompted rebellion in heaven still inspires rebellion on earth. Satan has continued with men the same policy which he pursued with the angels. His spirit now reigns in the children of disobedience. Like him they seek to break down the restraints of the law of God and promise men liberty through transgression of its precepts. Reproof of sin still arouses the spirit of hatred and resistance. When God's messages of warning are brought home to the conscience, Satan leads men to justify themselves and to seek the sympathy of others in their course of sin. Instead of correcting their errors, they excite indignation against the reprover, as if he were the sole cause of difficulty.'
"From the very first communication of God with Israel at Sinai, they had been warned against idolatry. Immediately after the proclamation of the law the message was sent them by Moses concerning the nations of Canaan: "Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and He shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee." Exodus 23:24, 25. The assurance was given that so long as they remained obedient, God would subdue their enemies before them: "I will send My fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come; and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee. . . . I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee. Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against Me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee." Exodus 23:27-33. These directions were reiterated in the most solemn manner by Moses before his death, and they were repeated by Joshua." {PP 543.3}
"For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly." Deuteronomy 7:4.
"All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers. . . ."
". . . Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage." Dt. 8:1,11-14.
"And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God." Dt. 8:19-20.
We know today, that these very nations were the cause that Israel would perish.

[300] Commentators wrote:
These devoted nations are here named and numbered. They are specified that Israel might know the bounds and limits of their commission. The confining of this commission to the nations here mentioned plainly intimates that after-ages were not to draw this into precedents; this will not serve to justify those barbarous laws which give no quarter. If God casts them out, Israel must not take them in, no, not as tenants, nor tributaries, nor servants. The iniquity of the Amorites was now full, and the longer it had been in the filling the sorer was the vengeance when it came at last. The people of these abominations must not be mingled with the holy seed, lest they corrupt them. This way we must deal with our lusts that war against our souls; God has delivered them into our hands by that promise, Sin shall not have dominion over you, unless it be your own faults; let not us make covenants with them, nor show them any mercy, but mortify and crucify them, and utterly destroy them - the sins in our life.[Matthew Henry, OT Commentary on Dt. 7:1,2.]
When displacing the people would not work and when the history of nations is a continuous record of intending to destroy God's people, they seal their fate and there is no probation left for them. - - "God's judgments will be visited upon those who are seeking to oppress and destroy His people. His long forbearance with the wicked emboldens men in transgression, but their punishment is nonetheless certain and terrible because it is long delayed. `The Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim, He shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act.' Isaiah 28:21. To our merciful God the act of punishment is a strange act. `As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.' Ezekiel 33:11. The Lord is `merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, . . . forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.' Yet He will `by no means clear the guilty.' `The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.' Exodus 34:6, 7; Nahum 1:3. By terrible things in righteousness He will vindicate the authority of His downtrodden law. The severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the Lord's reluctance to execute justice. The nation with which He bears long, and which He will not smite until it has filled up the measure of its iniquity in God's account, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy." {GC 627.2}

[310] For scriptures to illustrate that look under `shield.' Ex. 2.Sam. 22:1-36; Psalm 5.

[315] PP 544.1; In particular which commandments? (a) The 10 Laws - Ex. 20:1-17; Treatment of servants; Injuries; Feast days; Consequences of Breaking God's Laws - Health Laws: Ex. 21:22-25; Lev. 22:1-33; Dt. 28:15, 27,35, 45-47; Blessings for Obedience: Dt. 7; 14.

[320] PP 544.4.

[370] November 20, 1902 EJW, PTUK 740.3.

[380] RH, November 9, 1897 par. 5.

[390] ST June 23, 1881){2BC 1003.1-3.

[400] November 20, 1902 EJW, PTUK 738.9, Corrected from invisible to invincible by CIAS.

[410] COL 363.1,2.

[420] CC 127.5.

[440] PP 560.1.

[450] CD 218.3.

[455] PP 562.2.

[460] ST Sept. 27, 1910; 2BC 1006.6.

[480] February 14, 1901 EJW, PTUK 99.4.

[485] PP 564.2.

[490] PP 536.1.

[495] ST Oct. 13, 1881; 2BC 1008.1.

[500] YI April 25, 1901; 5BC 1108.6.

[515] ST, July 22, 1880 par. 1-8.

[520] PP 603.1.

[525] PP 604.2.

[530] PP 605.2

[535] PP 605.3.

[540] PP 606.1.

[555] TM 467.1.

[560] June 20, 1895 EJW, PTUK 386.3.

[565] 5T 215.3.

[575] PP 606.2-607.2.

[580] ST July 13, 1882. 2BC 1013.3.

[590] Letter 12a, 1888; 2BC 1013.4.

[595] PP 615.3.

[600] TM 464.1.

[610] Letter 281, Oct. 10, 1905, to Dr. and Mrs. D. H. Kress.; UL 297.2-7.