Lessons of the Period. (1) God adapts his methods to the needs and conditions of the people from tribal government to kingdom. (2) A man out of harmony with God will certainly fail-Saul. (3) A man in harmony with God’s plan will succeed no matter how much opposed by others-David. (4) God never forgets to punish those who oppress his people-Amalekites. (5) The success of God’s work does not depend upon our attitude toward his will, but our condition when it has succeeded does. (6) A righteous man can succeed without doing wrong to do it. (7) God’s anointed will suffer if they sin. (8) Kindness to enemies-David to Saul. (9) The strength of true friendship-Jonathan and David.

For Study and Discussion. (1) The condition that led to the establishment of the kingdom. (3) Four statements Samuel made to Saul and four ways by which he tried to impress him with the responsibility to which he was called I Sam. 9:19-10-8. (3) The prophet bands or school of prophets. (4) The story of Jonathan’s exploits against Michmash by Saul and his escape, I Sam. 14. (5) The story of David’s choice and anointing, I Sam. 16:1-13. (6) The killing of Goliath and defeat of the Philistines.  I Sam.  Ch. 17. (7) Story of Jonathan and David, I Sam. 18:1-4; 19:1-7; 20:1-4, 12-17, 41-42; 23:16-18. (8) David’s wanderings, 21:10-22-5. (9) Compare Saul and David at the time of the anointing of each as to their chances of success. (10) David’s sojourn in Philistia with the experience of embarrassment and advantage, I Sam.  Chs. 27-28. (11) Saul’s last battle and death, (a) the appeal to Samuel through the witch, I Sam.  Ch. 28, (b) the battle, his and his son’s death, I Sam.  Ch.31.

Chapter XI.

The Reign of David.

2 Sam.; 1 Chron.  Chs. 11-29; 1 K 1:1-2:11.

His Reign over Judah.  The reign of David is divided into two parts.  The first part was over Judah, with the capitol at Hebron, and lasted seven and one-half years.  During this period Ishbosheth, son of Saul, reigned over Israel in the North.  It is probable that both of these kings were regarded as vassals of the Philistines and paid tribute.  On account of rival leaders, there was constant warfare between these two rival kings.  The kingdom of Judah, however, gradually gained the ascendancy.  This is beautifully described in the Scripture “David waxed stronger and stronger, but the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker” (2 Sam. 3:1).  Seeing this, Abner undertook negotiations looking to the onion of the two kingdoms, but was treacherously killed by Joab.  The act of Abner in coming to David was in reality one of secession.  It was soon followed by the murder of Ishbosheth and the utter failure of Saul’s kingdom.