The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-01-12
INTERNATIONAL LESSONS.
LESSON ~.

January 25d, 1870. sam. XVII: Ito.
DAVID IN THE PALACE.
GOLDEN TENT mans ways please
the Lord, He msketh even his enemies to be at
peace with him. Prov. xvi: 7.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK.
81 Sam. xviii I-l6-Lessoa
Nj Sam. xvii: 52-5S-C onaectiaQ History.
Fl Sam, xviii l7-SO-Sequsl to Lesson.
". I Sam. xiv 1-23-,oHdtbaHS gdt0r
r Esther vi-Sho10ipg Honor.
T. Psalm lxxv-F Promotion Is from God
S-Matt K l6-39-GOd PrOUideRtiGt Care
Connecting History.-(Read xvii: 52-5S)
AS David went forth to the encounter with
Goliath, Saul asked of Abner, "WhOse son
is this youth ?" His not recognizing him
may be accounted for BY the great change
that had taken place in the appearance Of
the youth as he grew up. The young man
in his shepherds dress did not suggest the
boy minstrel, who year or two before had
made music in the palace.
NOTEs ON THE LESSON.
Us. 1-4.-Jonatlan's Lore for Dacid
Jonathan had probably known David be-
fore; but added to the attractions Of his
charming face, there was now manifest his
noble, heroic daring, and withal his modest
and ingenious manner in presence Of the
king, both before and after the encounter.
Jonathan was hiusef q yalorous youth,
and had formerly delivered the people from
their enemies. The piety Of David too was
probably attractive to Jonathan. Was
Jonathan piOus p His heart went forth
to the noble pious young warrior, and a
friendship began, pTOyer5ial in every age.
covenant" between friends are still CON-
mon in the East. The "robe" given was
the outer, loose garment Of the oriental dress.
It is esteemed the highest honor in the East
to receive a portion of the dress norm by a
sovereign or prince. Jonathan's stripping
himself of his robes and his srmor, read in
the light of the history, seems to pre9age his
being stripped of royalty.
Vs. 3-5.-Dnid Pr0motsd.-Saul re-
tanned David with him first in the camp, and
afterwards at his court in Gibeab. lie gave
him military command, probably over his
own guards.
David was not elated by his victory and
his promotion; but conducted himself With
such marked prudence, though but strip
ling, as to gain the esteem, confidence, and
affection, both fthe people and Of the ctfcers
of Saul's court. God was training him in
the camp and court Of Saul to be ruler Of
his people.
VS.. 6-9.-Saurs JsaIousy.-All went
well with Saul and David until this success
full campaign against she Phiistiues, in which
David had acted so prominent part, was
ended. But the feelings of the fallen, God-
fOrsaken monarch towards David, we're des-
tined to a sudden reyulaiOn. As they passed
through the cities of Israel or their trium-
plant hOmeward march, they were met by
the women with singing, dancing and masi-
csl instruments. "Tabrats" mentioned here
are modern tambOurines, and the " musical
instruments" are cymbals. Ia playing these
the women danced alone, not with men, as in
every case mentioned in scripture. Taey
divided themselves into two ehoigs and surg
in responsive strOphes,
saul hath slain his Thousands
Aud David his ten thousands.
Their praising the subject more than the
sovereign was too much for the ambitious
and jealous king. Samuel had already ted
aim that the kingdom was to be taken FROM
him, and now the truth seems. TO begin to
break upon him, that he IS retaining and
honoring in his army his own suPPlanter.-
Envy, jealousy, rage burn in his bosom.
From this day forward he "eyed hin with
jealous suspicion.
VS.. 10, 11.-He attempts to XIII David.-
Saul on the very next day came u0der the
influence of the evil spirit, mentioned pre-
viOusly in his history, and probably as the
consequence of his passion Of the previous
day. Whatever may have been the nature
of this malady, whether a possession of the
devil, like the cases in the New Testament,
or some other form of sfHicton, it vas both
a manifestation and a Judicial punishment Of
his wickedness. It was an " evil spirit from
God, a curse upon the fallen king. Under
the influence of this spirit Saul, it IS said,
"prophesied." The word 50 translated is
used of one under the influence of an evil
as well as of a good spirit, and might here
be rendered "raYed." David played as in
former days, to sooth the 8Orrowing king,
but without effect. Saul had at his side his
jsyelin, a short spear worn as scePtre, and
this be hurled at David. The latter, though |