The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-08
THE suyDAY.sCHOOL LESSON.
For August 16, "Saul Tries to Kill Da-
vid." Il samuel. Xviii, 6-10l

CONNECTION-When Goliath was slain.
as studied in the last lesson. the army Of
the Philistines fed. pursued by the eneour-
aged Israelites. complete victory was
gained, delivering the land from enemies.
The brave act of the shepherd boy excited
and retained him as part OF the rayoi
household. During the interview between
the King and David, Jonathan was present,
and his heart was drawn out toward the
victorious youth. As q mark of affection
he gave him Some Of his outer garments
and sword. thereby expressing his utmost
approval. Jonathan and David became fast
friends, and a pledge was given each to the
other to be true under all circumstances. a
league or covenant OF mutual assistance
This was one Of the most surprising and
beautiful fntimacies, not unlike that found
between Damon and Pythias. the two Pr
thsgoreans, renowned In Ltature for their
appear to have discovered affinity at first
sight
APPoINTED-Verse 5.) Youth as he was,
the hand Of Saul. who. at the beginning,
had utmost confidence in him. With prompt
obedience he went to the field Of conflict
In every engagement he behaved himself
wisely. displaying military genius Of high
order and winning victory after victory.
ey o. Thrs was re
need OF long schooling, such as Is given at
West Point in this country. Natural BRAY
cry, 1Oiue0 VIII lnteiugeuCe anu loyalty,
were the principal qualities, and, il physical
strength were added, soldier Of the first
rank would be the result. It Is believed
that David was not a years old. yet he had
suddenly risen from the position Of q shep-
nerd to be chieftain and hero And in
this new position he easily gained applause.
The servants Of Saul ard the masses of the
people sounded his praises and rejoiced in
his achievements.
HONORED-(yerses and ~ From the
earliest times down to and including our
a mi hnfh 0f,vu
lied or savage. have assigned the highest
place to those who have succeeded In war.
The victorious General upon his return has
been received with demonstrations of ap.
proval. These have been In various forms,
sometimes by the loud acclaim. sometimes
by the triumphal arch. sometimes by gifts
genius Of the people. In Israel the women.
held In greater esteem than in any other
prr, q q. the Morld Mefe emRoyed to ex
have been the method for many Centuries
eek, Nv, NJ There was great propriety in
such mode. for the women. more than
any other class. suffered when defeat came,
and they had therefore. cause for Joy when
their husbands and sons won the battle
tJud 4 a. - And nd SO out OF al The cities
King, Saul. as he returned from the battle.
They bore with them instruments OF music
an they sans and sxa hath slain
sands" Thus Il was that they gave tho
chief honor to the son Of Jesse.
Observation-Disclosures ana w. Inc Gong
OF the dancing women preclpitated con-
fiIct sevefer than any waged upon the field
Of carnage. King Saul heard it. and his
soul was agitated to the depths. He may
have struggled for q time against the emo
lions that were awakened. but all in vain
they soon gained the victory. The youth
whom he had taken from tho sheepfold,
whom he had trusted with service In the
army, whom he had seated at his own ia
BILE. exceeded him in the popular favor. He
was honofed ten times more than his sover-
eign. Eccl ". 1l) Short-lived indeed was
the royal glory It had faded In the pres
ence Of one who had suddenly risen by his
own valor and worth. Saul looked steadily
before him to discover that In this eclipse
his station was Of little worth. David had
gained all but the Kingdom, and that must
shortly be his also, II the wish Of. the peo-
pie were regarded Then jealousy entered
Into the heart of the King to rob him Of
his peace, and he fastened his eye upon his
rival. Day after day passed In which this
passion grew and mastered and troubled
Its victim =
PROPHESIED-Uerse 10 and NJ Jeal-
ousy. the "green-eyed monster" As Shakes
peare called II, having gained possession Of
4aul, polluted the very fountain Of his be-
Ing, and transformed him into hypocrite
and . would-be murderer. In his own house.
while conducting family worship. be pre-
tended to be prophesytn1. for 90. the He
brew word sIsnifles. while David played up
on his harp and made music Appropriate to
the occasion. This he did to conceal his