What commission does Samuel now give to Saul, and how does he commence the delivery of it? v. 1—3.
Where have we an account and how expressed, of this people's being condemned and devoted to destruction? Deut. 25. 17—19
How large a force was soon collected, and what was Judah's proportion ?
How did Saul station his army, and what message did he send to the Kenites or descendants of Jethro?
What was Balaam's prophecy respecting the Amalekites and Kenites? Num. 24.20,21 N. B. Though the latter were to be wasted, yet Saul was not to waste them.
Do good men often leave the divine blessing as an inheritance to their children?
Was it not as just to punish the present race of Amalekites for the sins of their fathers, as to reward the Kenites for the good deeds of theirs? Mat. 23. 35. N. B. There is nothing, however, in the scriptures which teaches that God punishes men independent of their own personal deserts.
Did the Kenites depart?
Is it always dangerous to be found among God's enemies when desolating judgments are abroad? Rev. 18. 14.
What was the issue of the enterprise and what was faulty in Saul's conduct on the occasion? N. B. The command given to Saul (v. 3.) was no doubt designed as a particular test of his obedience ; one on which the most momentous consequences were suspended, and in this respect analagous to the charge given to Lot and his family about looking back towards Sodom, and not unlike that laid on our first parents relative to eating of the forbidden tree. The same principle of special probation we doubt not, from Heb. 12. 15-17., holds under the Gospel, and those who have received more than usual illumination ought to be aware, when brought into circumstances of strong temptation, that their eternal destiny may hinge upon the issue of that one trial, not however but that the truly penitent shall evermore find mercy.
What word of the Lord came to Samuel on this occasion, and how was that good man affected by it?
What was told Samuel respecting Saul's movements, as he was in pursuit of him, and what were the circumstances of their interview? N. B. By Saul's "setting him up a place" is probably meant his erecting a trophy, triumphal arch, or some other monument of his victory over the Amalekites.
What solemn remonstrance did the prophet then utter and how did Saul endeavor to to justify himself? v. 14, 15.
Of what does he proceed to remind Saul, and what use does he make of this fact? v. 16—19
How does Saul still persist in vindication of himself and does his own confession convict him of downright disobedience?
Is hypocrisy in religion very apt to be detected by a partial obedience?
What appeal did Samuel then make to Saul's conscience on the grand principle of serving God?
What does our Saviour say of similar import to this? Mat. 12. 7.
How did he then proceed to read out to him his doom?
What confession was Saul at length induced to make and what request did he join with it?
What did Samuel reply, and what happened as he turned to go away ?
How did he improve the circumstance ?
Is it unspeakably fearful to incur a sentence of which the Strength of Israel will never, never repent ?
What request did Saul urge hereupon, shewing that his principal concern was about his credit with the people?
Is it always a bad sign when one who pretends to be humbled before God is very solicitous to be honored in the sight of men? John 5.44.
Relate the circumstances of the fate of Agag?
What led him to suppose that the bitterness of death was past? N. B. He probably inferred this from having been spared when his subjects were slain, and from his having now been taken out of the hands of an armed and vindictive king, and brought before a gentle prophet.
Does this represent the language of multitudes who are equally likely with Agag to be disappointed?
Who alone are entitled to adopt this language?
What appalling sentence does Samuel pronounce against him, and how does he proceed to execute it?
Did he thus shew himself entitled to the praise bestowed upon his tribe in reference to another transaction? Deut. 33. 9.
What similar incident is related of another prophet? 1 Kings 18. 40.
Did Samuel henceforth ever come to see Saul?
What token of concern did he nevertheless evince for him? v. 35.
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