1 Samuel 10:17-25

Casting the lot in life.

The facts are—

1 . Samuel, in calling the people together to exercise their choice, reminds them of their sin.

2 . Proceeding to a choice by lot, Saul is taken.

3 . For reasons secret to himself, Saul is not forthcoming when sought.

4 . By acclamation the people recognise him as their king, and thereupon receive from Samuel instructions relating to the new form of government. During the intercourse of Samuel with Saul the people were waiting for the fulfilment of the promise implied in the prophet's words ( 1 Samuel 8:10 ). In this section we have the consummation of their desire for change in the form of government. Its details are essentially Hebrew, but its teaching is worldwide.

I. MEN FINALLY COMMITTING THEMSELVES TO A SELF - WILLED COURSE ARE FURNISHED WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSIDERING THEIR RESPONSIBILITY . The self-willed character of Israel's conduct had been emphatically marked and denounced by the prophet in the first instance ( 1 Samuel 8:6-10 ). Had they received his rebuke in a becoming spirit, they would, during the interim, have repented of their decision, and have entreated that the old order might continue until such time as it might please God to alter it. Sometimes, as here, God takes men at their word, and yet, before an irreversible committal to their choice is made, another chance is given to retreat if they so willed. It was thus that Pharaoh was dealt with when it was in his mind to prefer self-will to the will of God. Nineveh had an opportunity of persisting in sin or turning from it. To erring Christians in Asia a chance of retracing their steps was given ( Revelation 2:21 ). Providence raises up for us all some voice or circumstance which, before a final step is taken, sounds the last warning, and creates a definite consciousness of unfettered responsibility.

II. EVERY REVIEW OF GOD 'S DEALINGS WITH HIS PEOPLE ONLY CONFIRMS THE UNREASONABLENESS OF SELF - WILL . The reference to God's all-sufficing care in the past, and the magnitude of the deliverances effected ( 1 Samuel 10:18 , 1 Samuel 10:19 ), was both a justification of Samuel's former remonstrance, and a new demonstration of the sinful folly of the resolve to have a king. It was considerate on the part of Samuel to draw their attention to the past before translating their resolve into accomplished fact; for in the impetuosity of life the will is apt to be misled by delusive reasons, which in calmer moments vanish before the light of history. The axiom that God's way and time are best shines in full lustre whenever we consider the works he has wrought. If ever blind self-will urges on to a course agreeable to taste, and apparently sustained by reason, we cannot do better than take a survey of what God has done for us when we were obedient to his will. There are deliverances in the life of every one, and a quiet reflection of these when we are under the .temptation to embark on some questionable career will prove a wholesome check, at least it will vindicate the ways of God when judgment overtakes our folly.

III. MEN IN CARRYING OUT THEIR PURPOSE FALL INTO PERPLEXITY WITH RESPECT TO WHAT IS BEST . To desire a king is one thing, to select one another. In Israel there were diversities of opinion concerning the qualities requisite to their regal representative. As they took their own way in having a monarch, there was a fitness in his being, with respect to culture, morality, patriotism, and religion, an embodiment of the average attainments of the nation. The choice was thrown upon the people as a whole, and they were conscious of the difficulty. Sinners must take the consequences of self-will, as did Balaam when his path was hedged with obstacles, and Jonah when he preferred to go to sea. The difficulty in case of Israel was incidental, and soon removed by the mercy of God; but the principle holds good that the very first step of a self-willed course is attended with embarrassment. All nature is at war with wrong. Sin is a condition of disorganisation.

IV. WHEN GOD PERMITS ACTION TO MEET SELF - CREATED DIFFICULTIES , IT IS WISE TO USE MEANS MOST APPROPRIATE TO THE END IN VIEW . Although the difficulty of finding a king truly representative of the age was self-created, God permitted action in reference to it as truly as though he had originated the resolve for a king; and under such circumstances, guided by Samuel, the wisest means were adopted for overcoming the difficulties of the case. As the nation willed a king, every one had equal choice, and was, theoretically, in the absence of precedents, equally eligible. Abstractedly there was as much reason against one being chosen as against another. The jealousies and envies consequent on a preferential choice might prove a source of perpetual intrigue. The "lot" was believed to meet these requirements of the case, and therefore was adopted. In this particular the conduct of Israel under Samuel's guidance is worthy of imitation in many seasons of difficulty independent of self-will. In every life there are emergencies when men are at their wits' end. Home has to be provided for, business improved, sons placed out in the world, embarrassments in the Church removed. Our wisdom lies in considering all the facts, and then deliberately adopting those means which seem to us to be most suited for the occasion. And if, in a spirit of prayer, we are able to consult the "lively oracles," there is no doubt that in the main the right steps will be taken, as in the case of the disciples ( Acts 1:13-26 ). We in our way "cast the lot" when we take a choice of possible means and commit our way to the Lord.

V. THERE IS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT IN USING THE BEST MEANS AT OUR DISPOSAL IN A RIGHT SPIRIT GOD WILL DIRECT THE MEANS TO THE BEST RESULT . God approved of Israel's use of the "lot" as just to a community where political equality was recognised, and as least likely to engender jealousies and strifes; and because he approved, and because the people believed that, though the lot was "cast into the lap, the whole disposing thereof was of the Lord" ( Proverbs 16:33 ), he graciously so controlled the intricacies of the free actions of men as to insure the result which, in relation to Israel's conduct and aspirations, was best. The deep conviction dwelt even in the heart of imperfect Israel that God exercises complete and constant control over all the subtle and intricate actions and movements of men. When it is said of Christ that he is "Lord of all," the language is not that of courtesy, but of fact. It means power to act, to direct, to control. If there is any sense in Scripture on this subject, and any congruity in our primary notions of the almighty ; ever present, free, living God, we must believe that he can and does hold a mastery over every atom, every resolve, in all time and circumstances. Unbelief in his supremacy over will and action and matter and force is most irrational. The real energy of God is the most philosophical of all beliefs; and therefore we see that he can direct the "lot" while allowing fullest, most conscious freedom. Let men but have faith in God. This is the great lack. "O ye of little faith!"

VI. IT BECOMES MEN TO REJOICE IN THE RESULT OF THE USE OF MEANS APPROVED BY GOD IN SO FAR AS IT IS EXPRESSIVE OF HIS WILL . In the shout, "God save the king," the people no doubt expressed their gratification in seeing their self-will realised; but blended with this there was a distinct recognition of God as the Disposer of the lot. Saul's self-concealment seems to indicate that his sense of responsibility, and .perhaps feeling of awkwardness in handling public affairs, may have moderated his joy, yet he must have felt that God's will was being done as well as man's. Realised preference may carry its own chastisement with it; yet in so far as God has enabled us to obtain something better than would have been possible had we been left alone without his kind control, we may heartily rejoice. Leaving out the weakness and sin of man in this transaction, are we not reminded of a time when the true King, the King of the spiritual Israel, shall be welcomed with a joy unspeakable? The "King in his beauty" shall be glorified in all who believe, and by every heart and tongue of the purified, perfected kingdom.

General lessons : —

1 . It is useful to obtain seasons, free from strong impulse, for calmly considering the wisdom and justice of our main lines of conduct.

2 . One of the great helps in battling with sinful propensities lies in occasional studies of the mercies of God.

3 . It will add strength to purpose and comfort in trouble to remember that God always works with those who use means approved by him.

4 . One of the cures for modern unbelief is to be found in a more frequent and reasonable exposition of what is contained in the primary and necessary beliefs of men.

5 . If the heart remains true we need never fear undertaking responsibilities put on us by Providence.