1949 Bible Studies - page 3

BIBLE STUDIES.

" Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they

received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures

daily whether these things were s o " (Acts 17. I I ) .

VOLUME 17.

JANUARY, 1949.

CONTEXTS.

The life of David 1

Comments...  ...  .  .  ......  ..

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Question and A n s w e r . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Notice 12

DAVID :

" A man after My heart, who shall do all My will. "

This year’s study centres around a unique man of God, whose life-work bore a special relationship to the achievement by Israel of the Divine purpose for them in holy nationhood. Hence the practical value of much that we can learn from David’s life and character. For it is in connection with the holy nation of the present dispensation that the issues of our lives are being worked out, and we

therefore do well to examine with fresh interest the abiding principles of acceptable service to God in a position of such privilege.

The remarkable achievement of David’s life is seen in clearer perspective, when placed in its setting in the 2, 000 years of Old Testament history during which God’s major purpose was the calling out of a nation which would be to Him a peculiar treasure from among all peoples.  That purpose had its spring in Abraham’s century of pilgrimage with God. It came to fruition as Moses led the emancipated hosts of Israel through the Red Sea towards the promised land. God had waited for over 400 years while Abraham’s seed developed into virile nation-hood. Now was possible the great Divine ideal expressed so clearly in Deuteronomy 26. 16-19, particularly God’s longing to make them "high above all nations which He hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour. " With that ideal within the grasp of every succeeding generation, it is a sorry reflection that for almost 500 years the nation of Israel failed, through their disobedience and lack of faith, to aspire to that position of supremacy among the nations !  The lamentable record of the forty years in the wilderness was typical of much that followed in the days of the judges.  Bright spots there were during those centuries, and noble leaders earned a well deserved place in the dignified line of men whom God has delighted to honour. Yet Israel was never led to a condition of unity and power for sufficient length of time to establish her undisputed ascendancy over the surrounding nations.  Temporary prosperity would be undermined by the back-sliding of the next generation, and once more enemy nations would make

fierce attacks upon the Israel of God. As Asaph describes it in Psalm 78.: --

" He gave His people over also unto the sword ; and was wroth with His

inheritance.

Fire devoured their young men ; and their maidens had no marriage-song.