Hophni and Phinehas. He reproved them, but he did not restrain them from evil. Samuel, the son of Hannah and Elkanah, ministered to the Lord before Eli. All Israel knew that Samuel was appointed to be a prophet.

When Hannah took her son to Eli she said "I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord." I. Sam. i. 26, 27, 28.

Lesson 40. Acts of Samson.

Samson married a woman of the Philistines. Her father deceived him, and gave her to another; then Samson destroyed the standing corn of the Philistines; he sent into it three-hundred foxes with fire

brands at their tails. At Lehi Samson slew 1,000 Philistines with the jaw-bone of an ass; he was then faint.

The Israelites were forbidden to marry with idolaters. God permitted Samson to follow his own inclinations, but over-ruled his misconduct for good to Israel, and for the punishment of the Philistines.

Lesson 41. Acts of Samson. His Death.

The Philistines compassed Samson in Gaza; at night he arose and carried away the gates. He revealed the secret of his strength to a woman. His strength left him-the Philistines put out his eyes, and cast him into prison. His strength returned, he pulled down the temple of Dagon, and was slain with many Philistines.

Samson was severely punished for his offences by God. He was treated with cruelty by the Philistines. In his last prayer and the act which followed it he did not seek his own death but the destruction of the enemies of Israel. He is remembered by the Apostle, among those who by their faith obtained a good report. Heb. xi. 32, 33.

Lesson 42. The Ark taken. Eli's Death.

The ark of God was

taken by the The Israelites

Philistines in battle. fled, and Hophni and Phinehas were slain. A man told Eli of these things, and he fell backward and died. The Philistines were afflicted as long as they kept the ark; they sent it away; it was brought to Bethshemesh, and fetched thence to Kirjath-jearim.

When Eli heard from Samuel of the judgment of the Lord upon his house, he said, "It is the LORD let him do what seemeth him good;" but he was chiefly anxious about the ark of God, and when he heard it was taken, he could no longer support the weight of his sins and negligence.

Lesson 43. The People ask for a King.

Samuel told the people to put away their strange gods, and serve the Lord. They obeyed him; he prayed for them, and they confessed their sins. The sons of Samuel did not judge justly, and when he became old the people wanted a king to rule over them. The Lord told Samuel to hearken to them and to make them a king, as they had rejected God for their king.

Samuel judged the people of Israel many years when they hearkened to his instructions and obeyed him, they were safe and happy; for he ruled justly, and taught them to fear and love the Lord. When they demanded a king he was displeased, but God allowed them to have a king-not to bless them, but to punish them.

PERIOD V.

FROM THE ANOINTING OF SAUL TO THE

DEATH OF SOLOMON.

B.C. 1095-B.C. 975. 120 YEARS.

Lesson 44. Saul Anointed.

Saul, the son of Kish, was appointed to be the first king over Israel. Samuel anointed him at God's command, by pouring a vial of oil upon his head, saying, that God had chosen him to rule over his people. The people shouted, “God save the king. Samuel wrote the laws of the kingdom in a book. Soon after Saul led the people against the Ammonites and conquered them.