Homilist 1 Samuel 9:27 And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on)… The text suggests two remarks concerning Divine communication to man. I. THEY ARE NECESSARY TO QUALIFY HIM FOR THE DISCHARGE OF HIS OBLIGATIONS. Saul was about assuming an office of enormous responsibility, and Samuel felt that a knowledge of the "Word of God" was of primary importance to him. "I may shew thee the word of God." 1. The word of God is essential to enlighten us as to our duty. On no subject has man made greater mistakes than on that of duty. The greatest sages of the old world blundered terribly on this point. But how clearly it is unfolded in the Divine Word! "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God." "Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with thy God," "Whatsoever ye would that men would do unto you do ye even so to them." 2. The word of God is necessary to stimulate us in the discharge of our duty. Where else can we find motives strong enough for this purpose. II. THAT PATIENT WAITING IS NECESSARY FOR THE RECEPTION OF THESE COMMUNICATIONS. "But stand thou still a while that I may shew thee the word of God." God's voice cannot be heard in the hurry and bustle of life. There must be the halt and the hush, the pause and the quiet. 1. "Stand thou still a while" to listen. The ear must be opened. "Incline thine ear," etc. 2. "Stand thou still a while," to interpret. Ponder the meaning, pass from the sound to the sense, from the symbol to the substance. 3. "Stand thou still a while," to apply. Apply the meaning to your own condition, experience, circumstances. Conclusion: — The words may be legitimately applied to all the good who are pressed down with the trials of life. To every tried saint I might say, "Stand thou still a while," and (1) Thou shalt have a solution of those intellectual difficulties that embarrass thee. (2) Thou shalt be delivered from all the moral infections that grieve thee. (3) Thou shalt be freed from all afflictions that oppress thee. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God. |
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