The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-15
SUNDAY-SCHOOL LESSON
Aug. 16, 1901 samuel XVIII, 5-15s
Saul Tries to Kill David.

It was soon evident that David's valorous
deed was not a sporadic incident. 1t was the
natural fruit Of a valorous life, and there was
more fruit of the same kind to follow. In the
quaint phrase of the narrative. he behaved him
self wisely. He was so prudent that he dis
armed even the courtiers who would naturally
have been jealous of his advancement. They
n light have disdained the intrusion of a shepherd
boy in court. They would have done so If the
slightest pretext or opportunity had been given.
Success had evidently not made David con-
ceited, the especial bane of military men.
But the murderous envy of Saul is the inky
agate on which the character oe David stands
out like a fair cameo in clear-cut and lovely
outline. The provoking cause OF Saurs jealousy
in this instance seemed to be the popular ova-
ton in which. in Oriental style ior such occa-
sions, the women took conspicuous part. The
rule of their exclusion made this exceptional ap-
pearance the more effective. They chanted some
favorite old folksong and added as a refrain.
saul had slain his thousands and David his
myriads." 1t was an outburst of patriotic JOY.
The song was antiphonaL. one chorus responding
to another with the accompaniment OF some
crude instrument, called literally the threes."
describing. perhaps. the triangle, or an instru-
ment of three strings. The youthful and beauti-
full singers accumulated their song with rhythmic
movement of the booy. The refrain was so con-
aldltly ACpCobCQ thot ~ SNoAh AN SaoeoAAAhN6
expression of the whole affair. In it the need OF
praise was distinctly given to the Bethlehemite
stripping. Comparisons on such an occasion are
especially odious. 1t is quantity said that lavish
commentator Of those whom We admire In such
a world as this often proves a real injury. So the
daughters and matrons Of Israel did David an
unconscious. but veritable dsservice. The SELF
conferred King could not brook the supposed in
dignity.
This account is drawn to the line psychologi-
cally. Saul harbored a mean passion. II con-
fused his moral sense. He became its veriest
slave. He had heard samuel's animation that
a neighbor better than himself should take his
crown. He was on the watch for that rival, and
recognized him in David. He saw in this Incl
cent the unfolding of a divine purpose to sup
plant him and determined rashly and impiously
to nip that purpose in the bud.
Saul tried one e~xpedient after another to secure
his cruel and wicked end. Twice with his own
hand, in murderous rage. he hurled his javelin
at his young armor bearer, aiming to pinion him
to the wall. But David in both instances awaited
himself OF that dexterity he had learned in meet
ing other wild beasts. Next Saul required dan
serous exploits at David's hands. anticipating
that in some Of them he would be slain. but
David seemed invulnerable. covered with the i'm
penetrable shield OF Providence. The new posi-
tions which the King gave him with such SIMS
| ter motives put him in touch with the populace,
as one attached to an Oriental court could never
be. So that Saul soon found he had only given
new opportunities to his rival.
Saul next sought to achieve in the boudoir
what he had failed to accomplish afeld. He
would fain use his own daughter as a bait to
catch David with. Paternal feeling was so ex-
PEELED by another passion that he regarded her
| feelings no more than the fisherman does the
angle worm. Before he was through with il he
had sacrificed the happiness of his two daughters,
| reviIed his own wife and sought the life of a SON.
as well as a son-in-law.
With every failing e~xpedient his jealousy
deepened. He would fain have thrust his hands
within the sacred precincts Of the school Of the
PROPHETS and taken the refugee thence. While
life lasted the stubborn purpose to thwart the
divine will in the elevation o. David to the
throne changed not. except in the degree Of its
intensity. History, profane nor sacred, contains
a more awful instance of conscious. invetera,e
assertion Of human selfhood against a declared
| purpose Of the Almighty. Thus. as ever, the
hammer broke. the anvil remained
III TEACHERS LANTERN.
This incident affords a fine study in psychology.
a science which has been aptly called the science
Of human nature. A comparison and contrast of
the leading characters. Saul and David. will well
illustrate the rise. progress and end OF opposite
1 human Odtbo- " . od0A - distinctly
a psychological poem
The circumstance also opens and illustrates the
field of ethics. 1t shows in what ideal moral
manhood does and does not consist. Two intelli-
gent and free beings. each with a conscience
pass and repass before us in the spirited nara
tive. One is the most ardent selhst OF history:
the other rises to the consideration Of the su-
preme good as the ultimate ground of obligation.
David suffered the pains and penalties OF popu-
larity. Among them Is the quickening Of envy
in the small souls which. so far from joying in
the success OF others, cannot SO much as brook n
Success did not make David conceited. Moth
ing so quickly or effectively blocks the way 70
further achievement as conceit. Current history
affords some remarkable Illustrations.
The Staying OF 10. 900. taken as a gauge OF a
! great achievement. reveals that the age OF David