(The reader should always turn to the Bible and read the passages referred to.)

QUES. 12.- Please explain the following scriptures:1 Sam. 10:3,4; Ps. 102; Eccl. 5:1, 2.

ANS.-1 Sam. 10. Samuel first discloses God's purpose to Saul, and then gave signs by which he might be assured of the truth of the prophet's announcement. See Deut. 18:21, 22. But these signs were also given for Saul's instruction-a means of preparing him to be a good servant and God-honoring king if only he would learn the lessons they were intended to teach. First, at Rachel's tomb he might have learned that power is realized by way of death. Rachel died at the birth of Benjamin, "son of my right hand"-the place of power and privilege. The cross and the throne are linked together. The lesson here is self set aside and God supreme for the soul-a lesson Saul much needed. Secondly when He comes to the oak at Tabor, which means "Thou wilt purge," he will meet three men going up to God to Bethel, that is, "the house of God," the place of fellowship for the enjoyment of which purging is needed, that washing by the Word which fits for God's presence. Thus spiritual strength is realized. Of this the oak is a symbol. The mention of Bethel might well turn Saul to meditate upon the lessons of Jacob's history in which the ways of God in holy government are seen in operation-a fruitful study for a future king. Sacrifice (kids), sustenance (cakes), joy (wine) are all found in connection with Bethel. Thus self-judgment, then fellowship with God, lead to testimony and power (vers. 5-7). To have learned these lessons by the way would have furnished Saul for his new responsibilities.

Psalm 102. Heb. 1:10-12 proves that verses 25-27 apply to the Lord Jesus. This throws light on the whole psalm, so that we discern Christ to be the Speaker. He recounts the sufferings experienced in His humiliation-His utter loneliness, like the pelican of the wilderness, an owl of ruined places (New Trans.), a sparrow alone on the house top. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; then the bitter reproach of enemies, and the far deeper anguish of wrath from God (vers. 1-11). Amid all His faith shines out, and in particular He is resting in God's sure purpose as to Zion and her glory with the blessing of all the peoples when a groaning creation shall be brought into the liberty of the glory-the glory indeed of this very Sufferer with whom is bound up the accomplishment of every promise to Zion. See Ps. 2. The certainty of their fulfilment occupies Him, for that after all is the assurance of God's answer to His own deep affliction.

Eccl. 5:1,2. It is well to remember the character of this book. It exposes the evils which are under the sun- men's world, its vanity and vexation of spirit. In this ever changing and unsatisfying scene the thought of God alone gives certainty to heart and mind. These verses insist upon that due regard which becomes Him in view of His works, judgment, power and majesty, referred to in other parts of this book. Careful walk, readiness to hear, slowness to speak, become the creature in his approach to God. The foolish haste of man, and the activity of his restless spirit do not become God's house. This book gives nothing of the proper Christian place and portion, it is a matter of the creature and the Creator.