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nothing. In this instance he showed modesty and true humility, but above all he showed
wisdom by his silence.
Modesty and true humility are the evidence externally of a change of heart. They are
the hallmark of the true believer in Christ. We find the apostle Paul telling the elders of
the church at Ephesus "Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what
manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind"
(Acts 20: 18, 19). The Greek word tapeinos used by Paul here is used by him five times
in his prison epistles, where it is translated "lowliness of mind", "humility", and
"humbleness". Paul uses it also of Christ Himself in Phil. 2: 5-8 "Let this mind be in
you, which was also in Christ Jesus ... Who humbled Himself, and became obedient unto
death, even the death of the cross". This is true humility, and we should always bear it
in mind lest we be carried away with the gratifying of our own desires and forget the
need for "lowliness of mind" in our own high calling. Great love and great blessings
from God call forth an equally great response.
No.15.
10: 17 - 22.
p. 100
In verse 17 Samuel makes a public proclamation that a national assembly is to be held
at Mizpeh. Princes and representatives from every tribe are to be present. Before
demonstrating the appointment of Saul as king, he again reminds them of the way in
which the Lord God had led them and delivered them in the past, and the folly therefore
of rejecting Him and replacing Him by an earthly king:
"And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; and said ... 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: 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, Nay, but set a king over us"
(I Sam. 10: 17-19).
It seems incredible that these people, who were given so much guidance and
instruction by God never learned wisdom from their experiences. They seemed to be
bent on their own destruction. But who are we living today that we should condemn
them. The same blindness and hardness of heart that separated them from their covenant
God separates the people of the nations today from the greater grace of God. It is a
demonstration of the fact that the heart of man has not changed one scrap since that day.
"We will not have this Man to reign over us" is still the cry today. Man will choose
anything but the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ in personal and national life. Civilization
has perhaps made us more cosy. Despite education, increased knowledge, scientific
invention, etc. the heart of man remains estranged from God.
"And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of
Benjamin was taken. When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their