The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1903-08-06
DAVID AND GOLIATH.


Philistia and Israel comfort each
other once more, at point so often
the scene of battle as to be called the
"bloody boundary On this occasion
the aliens are fortunate possessors of
a giant champion. Goliath is "a lineal
descendant of the Anakim, who in
this very neighborhood four hundred
years before. had stricken the spies
with such terror. Twice a day this
animated fortress moves out beyond
the Philistine line, and from beneath
the brazen dome of his helmet there
rings out his insulting challenge.
The degenerate condition of Israel is
painfully apparent. Saul has forfeit
ed the Divine favor. He can not ex-
pect -providential intervention. He
tries the the human expedient of off
ering largesses to the hero who will
accept the challenge. But the kings
fear is contagious. For forty days no
one appears to pick up Goliath's
gauntlet.
Just ten miles away, on those rough
Judean steppes a rustic lad tends his
few sheep Fidelity to his homelv
task has developed noble traits. loft
on Silly night he drinks deep of
the theocratic spirit. He believes in
the immanence of God in IsraeIs af-
fairs. He keys his harp to victory.
His courage is tested by personal en-
counter with the ravenous foes to his
flock. Nor is he altogether "A rustic.
He has been a time or two at the
royal residence as an improvisation,
and has been appointed court es-
quire.
But it never occurred to David as
being beneath his dignity to turn err
rand-boy and carry some cheese,
bread, and parched corn down to his
brothers at camp. That Bethlehem
lite lad, with his ten cheeses, was the
greatest acquisition the host of Israel
ever had. His envious brother thought
him out of his sphere, and ordered
him back to the flock. But from that
moment he was never to go back.
Eliab was as incapable of understand
David as the brothers of the Messiah
were of understanding Dayid's great
er son. Not love of adventure, not
desire for personal ACKNOWLEDGMENT,
quickened his pulse or prompted his
questions. No ill-tempered criticism
dashed his spirit. The Lords honor
was at stake. He would fain vindi-
cate it.
A moment later he is ushered into
Saul's presence. He seeks to cheer
the respondent monarch. His self
confidence is toned with modesty.
Courage? thy servant accepts the
challenged" 1t is pleasant to find a
kindly touch or two in the outer
character of Israels first king. Saul
deprecates David's danger. When
somewhat treasured by the narrative
of his successful encounters with the
wild beasts, he clothes him in his own
beautiful, costly and invincible ar
NOR.
David no doubt felt the impracti-
cability of wearing armor in a con-
test in which there could be no meas
uring of strength with strength: but
out of courtesy to the king and to
demonstrate the infeasibility, he al
lowed himself to be panplied. In a
moment it was seen that the only
quality by which he could hope to
win namely, dexterity-was lost. The
nimble shepherd was hopelessly fet
tered. He moved slowly awkwardly;
he would be dashed to death if he
came within reach of Goliath's weav-
ers-beam spear. Now without an
oun ce of armor, without weapon
save his crude sling, Israel's champion
moves out beyond the line OF battle.
His courage is unbroken. His trust
in Jehovah is absolute. Purest pat
riotism burns in his heart. He will
shrive his nation of disgrace and his
God of dishonor. By his deed this
day he will stir his nation sunk in
lethargy. His confidence of victory
is based upon the purity of his mo-
tive, the justice of his cause, the
wickedness of his foe, the power of
Jehovah. But with all that he takes
the utmost care in the selection of
his stones; his practiced eye sees to it
that they are of right size and shape;
he weighs them with skillful hand;
he takes care to have enough of them.
He does what is expressed in our
modern DraSe of 'tkeeDinO the now