Samuel and Saul
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heavy curse to them, because they would not submit to have the Lord
rule for them. They thought that it would be more honorable in the
sight of other nations to have it said, The Hebrews have a king. The
Lord directed Samuel to anoint Saul as king of Israel. His appearance
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was noble, such as would suit the pride of the children of Israel. But
God gave them an exhibition of his displeasure. It was not a season
of the year when they were visited with heavy rains, accompanied
with thunder. “So Samuel called unto the Lord, and the Lord sent
thunder and rain that day. And all the people greatly feared the Lord
and Samuel. And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy ser-
vants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not; for we have added unto
all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.” Samuel sought to encourage
the people, that although they had sinned, yet if they from that time
followed the Lord, he would not forsake them, for his great name’s
sake. “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. 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.”
When the Philistines, with their large army, prepared to make war
with Israel, then the people were afraid. They had not that confidence
that God would appear for them as before they had wickedly demanded
a king. They knew that they were but a handful, compared with the
armies of the Philistines, and to go out to battle with them seemed
to be certain death. They did not feel as secure as they thought they
should in possession of their king. In their perplexity they dared not
call upon God, whom they had slighted. The Lord said to Samuel,
They have not rejected you, but me, by desiring a king.
Now, these men who had been valiant, and a terror to their numer-
ous enemies, were afraid to go out against the Philistines to battle.
They had their king, but did not dare to trust in him, and they felt that
they had chosen him before the Strength of Israel. When they were
brought into this perplexing condition, their hearts fainted. The people
scattered, in their distress, and hid themselves in caves, and in thickets,
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and in high places, and in pits, as though escaping from captivity.
Those who ventured to go with Saul followed him trembling. He was
in great perplexity, as he saw that the people were scattered from him.
He anxiously awaited the promised coming of Samuel; but the time