1 Samuel 10:16 And Saul said to his uncle, He told us plainly that the donkeys were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spoke… Saul has now reached his home, and is determined to conceal the history of the past few days from the knowledge of others. If the Prophet's communications were to become generally known they would render Saul's position most uncomfortable. Many would discredit them; some would envy his promotion; while others might devise measures to take his life, or prevent the realisation of his hope. I. THIS MAN'S INQUISITIVENESS. Human biography is so interesting that, touched by its spell, men instinctively stand to inquire. 1. The Interrogator. "Saul's uncle." People frequently presume upon their relationship to ask any questions they think proper. And their kinship is made a plea for unwelcome intrusions, or impudent interferences, totally incompatible with manly etiquette. 2. The inquiries made. Some relatives are always inquiring into the arrangements of other families. We can hardly move out of our doors but someone must ask, either us or our neighbours, whither we went. 3. The sources of his expected information. "And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant" (ver. 14). The uncle no doubt thought that if he could not obtain the required information from Saul, that he would have little difficulty in getting it from the servant. Servants are not always the most trustworthy persons, and especially with news at all exciting, or of family interest. II. THE MANNER IN WHICH IT WAS TREATED. Some men have not sufficient power of character to contend with inquisitive people; and the artful inquirer, without raising the slightest suspicion, gains all the information required. It requires some little art to deal successfully with such folk; and of this Saul was happily possessed. 1. Saul's reply was truthful. "He told us plainly that the asses were found" (ver. 16). We can never be justified in telling lies, not even to silence inquisitive men. Saul recognised this fact; and while speaking the truth, withheld part of the tidings. 2. Saul's reply was discreet. "But of the matter of the kingdom whereof Samuel spake, he told him not." 3. Saul's reply was modest. If such promotion had come to most young men, they would have hurried to their friends, and in a fit of excitement have communicated the whole story. But not so with Saul, he kept it in his own heart until God should read it to an assembled nation. 4. Saul's reply was short. He did not betray himself by a multitude of words; he did not by some unthinking sentence excite the suspicion of his uncle; but briefly told him about the asses. Here Saul displayed his common sense.Lessons: — 1. Never tell people all they wish to know. 2. Do not abuse the sanctity of family relationships by petty intrusions. 3. That discretion is the only safety of a promoted life. (Joseph S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not. |
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