 |  |
Corinthians not to be unequally yoked in fellowship with those who are of Belial and not
Christ (II Cor. 6: 14-16).
So we read the children of Belial in I Sam. 10: 27 said, "How shall this man save us?
And they despised him, and brought him no presents". Had he known it, Saul was in
good company for these words were used also of Israel's rightful King, as David wrote in
Psa. 22: 6 "I am a reproach of men, and despised of the people". Isaiah saw also the
same vision of the One Who would be "despised and rejected of men" (53: 3). How well
we know these prophecies were fulfilled most completely when the Saviour came to His
own people: "He hath a demon, and is mad; why hear ye Him?" (John 10: 20).
Saul held his peace, literally "He was as though he had been deaf". He wisely held his
tongue when those who were bitterly opposed to him sought to provoke. Perhaps he
realized that he must first prove himself to the nation and gain the people's respect
before safeguarding himself from his enemies. This prudent conduct showed remarkable
self-control on the part of the new king, so initially showing himself worthy to be ruler.
Saul's silence in the teeth of such provocation revealed considerable self control. We
are reminded of the words of Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes concerning the holding
of one's tongue when it is expedient:
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven ... a
time to keep silence and a time to speak" (Eccles. 3: 1-8).
No.17.
11: 1 - 6.
pp. 159, 160
In chapter 11: we come to the point where Saul wins his spurs in the eyes of the
nation.
"Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh-gilead: and all
the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee.
And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant
with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all
Israel" (I Sam. 11: 1, 2).
Ammon was the son born to Lot's younger daughter. As Dr. Bullinger says "Begotten
in shame, he had a shameful history". His descendants were a constant threat to God's
people. When Moses led Israel through the wilderness on their way to the promised land,
they were commanded by God not to "distress or meddle with them, for I have given it to
the children of Lot for a possession". Was this the very special relationship that Abraham
had with God that Lot's descendants should receive this favour? On three occasions
Abraham is referred in Scripture as "the friend of God". Who can tell?