210 (§63A). What signs was Saul to have? Samuel's last word meant that Saul was to wait until some great opportunity should arise and then to do as God led him. We shall see how the opportunity came.
211 (§63B). Tell the story of what happened to Saul after he left Samuel. What was the conversation between Saul and his uncle? What did Saul keep silent about? Why do you think he did so? He was modest; he did not want to boast. It seems that he went quietly to work on his father's farm and waited for something to happen that should show him what to do.
212 (§64). The scene of the story changes. Locate Ammon on the map, east of the Jordan. The Ammonites were old enemies of Israel. Locate Jabesh-Gilead, the town which they attacked. The people were afraid and begged for mercy. What terms did the cruel king offer them? He was so sure that no one in Israel could save them that he let them send messengers asking for help. The messengers came to the town where Saul lived. Locate Gibeah in Saul's tribe. How did the people feel when they heard the news? What had Saul been doing since his return from Samuel? Tell the story of how he came home on the day the messengers arrived.
213 (§64). How did the news affect Saul? This was the opportunity that Samuel had told him to wait for. What striking thing did he do to gather an army? Tell the story of the successful march to relieve Jabesh-Gilead.
214 (§64). What did the people think of the hero who had saved them? What did they do? Who was the first president of the United States? Why was he elected? Who was the first king of Israel? Why was he chosen?
WRITTEN REVIEW
Consider which man you would rather have been: A wise, good man who was magnanimous enough to see that a king was needed and to choose him, or the vigorous man who could conquer the enemies and win the kingship. Think carefully of the heroic qualities of each of them. Write down which you admire the most and why you would rather be that one.