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9. Protest solemnly. Literally, “protesting, thou shalt protest unto them,” or better, “warning, thou shalt warn them.” As a free moral agent man must decide, from the evidence at hand, what it is he wishes to do with himself. He has two ways of obtaining this evidence—by a careful study of the counsels, statutes, and judgments of God as applicable to his case, and by experimentation with other suggestions in an endeavor to satisfy himself as to their value. A parent may say, “Son, you’re making a mistake. If you feel you must go the way you propose, you will have to abide the consequences.” But, after warning against the proposed move, God virtually says, “If you feel that is the right thing for you to do, try it out. Even though I know your plan will not succeed, you must learn from your own experience that it will not work. Only then will you be satisfied to follow My counsel.” Thus Samuel was instructed to warn Israel as to the outcome of their plan; nevertheless God would go with them and help them make it a success. Study carefully Ps. 139, especially vs. 7-13, in this connection.