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Patriarchs and Prophets
wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the Lord liveth,
there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath
wrought with God this day.” The proud monarch dared not disregard
this unanimous verdict, and the life of Jonathan was preserved.
Saul could not but feel that his son was preferred before him, both
by the people and by the Lord. Jonathan’s deliverance was a severe
reproof to the king’s rashness. He felt a presentiment that his curses
would return upon his own head. He did not longer continue the war
with the Philistines, but returned to his home, moody and dissatisfied.
Those who are most ready to excuse or justify themselves in sin are
often most severe in judging and condemning others. Many, like Saul,
bring upon themselves the displeasure of God, but they reject counsel
and despise reproof. Even when convinced that the Lord is not with
them, they refuse to see in themselves the cause of their trouble. They
cherish a proud, boastful spirit, while they indulge in cruel judgment
or severe rebuke of others who are better than they. Well would it be
for such self-constituted judges to ponder those words of Christ: “With
what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure
ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”
Matthew 7:2
.
Often those who are seeking to exalt themselves are brought into
positions where their true character is revealed. So it was in the case
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of Saul. His own course convinced the people that kingly honor and
authority were dearer to him than justice, mercy, or benevolence. Thus
the people were led to see their error in rejecting the government that
God had given them. They had exchanged the pious prophet, whose
prayers had brought down blessings, for a king who in his blind zeal
had prayed for a curse upon them.
Had not the men of Israel interposed to save the life of Jonathan,
their deliverer would have perished by the king’s decree. With what
misgivings must that people afterward have followed Saul’s guidance!
How bitter the thought that he had been placed upon the throne by
their own act! The Lord bears long with the waywardness of men, and
to all He grants opportunity to see and forsake their sins; but while
He may seem to prosper those who disregard His will and despise His
warnings, He will, in His own time, surely make manifest their folly.
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