The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-11-06

1AUSolOul Iepeluols Lawn lieu 70 y cru
salem. Leaving his palace in the carelot
/ his concubnes he was escorted by his
chosen heroes and the faithful Che.
frethites and Pelethites. (Ch. xv:1s).
Passing out OF the east gate. over the
sKedron, up the Mount OF Olives. onward
into Benjamin, across the Jordan. he.
pushed forward to the northern bounda-
ries Of the tribe Of Cad. In the way the
great body OF people exhibltedithcir aftec-
tion for their sovereign Food and va
rious articles were brought for his COM
fort, His interview with Zadok. the
priest, and with the Eervant OF Mephi-
bosheth. was extremely tender. The en-
nifty OF Shimei. and the Kings forbear-s
ance, show that David was broken and
humble in spirit. AS his father left. Jeru-
salem, Absalom entered. Having been
formally proclaimed king he proceeded to
appropriate all prerogatives and treas
ures, even to s!hIs shame. Shortly after,
having consulted those about him. he set
out with powerful army against the
sexiled father.
REFUGE.-David established his head
quarterH at Alahannim. one OF the princi-
pay strongholds east Of the Jordan. The
city was built on the spot where, centuries
before Jacob met two companies OF an-,
gels (Gen. xxxli:1-2). from which cir
clmstance It's name was derived. Ishbos-
beth, the son Of Saul. who was made
king Of the ten tribes on the death OF
his father, set up his ca ital here, q Sam.
iiS-9). The town wa8 well situated and
might be easily held against a very large
force. II. compelled to evacuate, David
might retreat toward Damascus. and
there gain the support Of his Syrian al
To-, ~
which his son lad usurped. Mahanaim
was to- David more than place Of securi-
ty. Like the .WartburE to Luther. 1t be-
came sanctuary. There, during his three
months of retirement he had rare oppor-
tunity for study and communion with
God; and It Is generally believed that DUR
ing the time he wrote Psalms Kill. xii,
Xxx and Xxi. There can be mo doubt that
the season was one OF great spiritual
profit to him.
lWAITING.--At length news came that
Absalom's army was approaching. David
divided his forces into three grand .diyi-
slons. under Joab, Ablshai and Ittai.
Yielding to the entreaties OF the people.
who feared for his safety, he renal
in the city, confidinH IN his tried veterans
and in the help Of God He gave but one
command as they went out to battle, and
that pertaining to Absalom. Verse 81.
Seated between the outer and inner gate.
probably where justice, was administered
he waited the issue.!To give him the ear
lest intelHgnce a watchman was sent 10
the tower over the gate where. gazing
southward and westward he{might catch
the first signs otsvictory or defeat. elsa.
xxi:6. That swatchrnan war the Oriental
y:glassg Of shorter range than our
modern pieces bulc adeqlateEto Its pur-
pose. Geek XIII 2.5J.. How YEARLY the
hours passed! What emotions OF hope and
of fear came to the hearts Of all; The
mode Of warfare, "a hand to hand en-
counter, permitted little TO be known until
all WAS over.
RUNNlN G.-Suddenly the man in the
tower beheld man In the distance,
Fastening toward the king. Shortly after
a, second man was seen approaching with
rapid pace David judged that the man
brought good news. for, had the army
been defeated a greater number. would
escape in disorder. In these days victori-
Gus generals were accustomed to send
messengers. by this method to their mas
tiers. IN this case, theItoremost left Joa b
last. He had been detained awhile. but
afterward, by earnest pleading. obtained
permission Oversees 1929 His name
was Ahimaaz. young priest. son OF
zadok, the high priest, who was David's
particular friend. The other runner.
cushi, was a servant OF Joab. Nothing
is known OF him. except that his nams
is Ethiopian. and he must. therefore. have
been a black man The first came out OF
love, the second as duty. Love is all
ways fleetest Of foot dsa. lh:7.)A John
outran Peter to the ,sepulcher OF stne risen
Lord, 30 Ahimaaz outstripped Cushi, ana
came. first to David. !.
TIDING himaaz was RECOGNISED
while .approachtng and David SAID:
H. HE is saS good man and bt1ngeth good
.tidings. II. d: 4seFa
A-,beautifu1 tribute. (Ron. x:l5) AL