1 Samuel 15:14 And Samuel said, What means then this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? In approaching the fundamental principles suggested by the narrative, we ought to note two useful incidental points: — 1. That man cannot evade Divine retribution (verse 2). 2. That kindness to the good ensures Divine compensation (verse 6). Kindness is self- rewarding. Beneficence bears an immortal fruitage. Passing from these introductory points we are brought into full contact with the lessons of the incident. We may learn: — I. THE TRANSCENDENT IMPORTANCE OF RENDERING LITERAL OBEDIENCE TO DIVINE REQUIREMENTS. The argument turns on the word literal. Learn that Divine language never exceeds Divine meaning. There is significance in every word; you cannot amputate a single syllable, without doing violence to the Divine idea. II. THE FEARFUL POSSIBILITY OF RESTING SATISFIED WITS PARTIAL OBEDIENCE. Are you satisfied because your life is right in the main? God will not be satisfied. He examines the minutest fibres of life. Verily the best of men need be clothed in Christ's righteousness, or they will be consumed in the fire of Divine trial. III. THE UTTER IMPOSSIBILITY OF RENDERING DISOBEDIENCE WELL-PLEASING TO GOD. A religious reason is adduced in justification of disobedience. God said, Exterminate, but the people said, Sacrifice. God, however, rejected the offering which was presented at the expense of obedience. Learn then: — 1. That Divine requirements are absolute. 2. That God will not allow one duty to be performed on the ruin of another. Let no man forsake God's temple in order that he may visit the sick. Let it stand as a vital clause in your life-creed, that God will not accept one duty at the expense of another! IV. THE DANGER OF BEING SEDUCED INTO DISOBEDIENCE BY SOCIAL CLAMOUR. Lessons suggested by Saul's circumstances: — 1. That there is a higher law than the verdict of society. Popular opinion is fickle: moral law is immutable. 2. That there is a crisis in which social force can yield us no assistance. Saul was placed in that fearful crisis. He had obeyed the people, but now the people could be of no service to him! The people could violate Divine law, but could not avert Divine judgment! (Joseph Parker, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? |
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