The St. Louis Republic., 1903-08-22
THE sUNDAY-sCHOOL LESSON.
For August 30, "Dnvid Spares Saul" Il
samuel XVI, II. Z1-2SJ

CoNTEXT-The agreement between
David and Jonathan. studied last week.
was faithfully kept by the latter. Learning
his fathers evil designs concerning his
friend, Jonathan went forth into the field
and made them known by the appointed
signals. Immediately David ned for safety.
refreshment, and the good sword of Goliath.
which had been laid up with the priest
Thus armed. he first fled to Achish. King
Of Gath. afterwards to the cave of Adult
these he advanced to Mizpeth and then took
refuge in the forest OF Enreth- Intelligence
OF his hiding place was carried to Saul,
who at once determined upon his destruc-
tion. Pursued by the King, David was
thereafter fugitive; remaining but little
time in one place. While he was concealed
5000 men to capture him. To-day's lesson
relates an interesting event in that connec-
APPRoAcH-Uerses and s) On some
occasions David had fed when he knew his
enemy was near, deeming 1t most prudent
to be at a respectful distance. But in this
ment in the hope Of winning the favor Of
tho King, what to some would seem to be
extremely perilous He waited until night
when sans men had gone into
prehensive of any danger, perhaps un-
aware that the one they sought was near.
The King and his great Captain. Abner.
leader Of his forces. lay in the midst Of the
men. their weapons of war near at hand
ready for use at moments notice q
Sam. xiv, 60) Informed Of the situation by
his spies. David called into his counsel
Ahimelech and Abishai, two trusty war
riors, the first q Hittite, the other gepu-
ine Israelite. and asked for volunteer to
accompany him to the Kings camp. He
did not propose to send but to go. and he
desired an associate. willing to risk the
peril. but unwilling to trust the expedition
offered himself
PRoPosAL--Verses and 81 The two
set out together on their errand. Passing
sleeping warriors they steaithily I pursued
where the King lay. At the head Of the the
Ss sa III thrust s in ss
hand might WELD in war. Around him were
loyal men; ready at a moments signal to
90 his bidding. The sleep that night was
supernatural. God had sent upon all q
peculiar influence. such as fell upon Abra-
ham Gen KY. Id, SO that no one knew
that David the shepherd youth, was in
their midst. A moment the two gazed up
on the face of the sleeper. Abishai saw in
the circumstance Providence-he believed
that God had designed this as the moment
cried With one well-directsd stroke. de-
liyered BY steady hand and powerful
done, and Saul should die.
NJ l;ss sSTRAI1SNT.Verses .saa.1S 2 and 1o) But
sued returned good for evil. and stood In de-
tense OF one who might have been slain.
What motive prompted this restraint? It
was plainly stated IN two parts. First, the
Geeo would 90 one OF enormous wickedness.
Saul had been anointed by Samuel, the
been censecrated and his person was sacred.
To kill him would have been murder and
treason, both crimes punishable with death.
QI Kings xi, 32l How could either OF these
two escape guilt, the one for acting. the
other for approving the act Second-Saul
would die by some other method. The
Lord might smite him as he had slain other
him in the hands Of God. Psaim xciy. II
Or, Saul's time would come to die: no mat.
ter how or when: however. long delayed the
end OF life would surely come HIeb IL m
or he might fall In battle, a he acflialiy
did QI Sam. l.. 1A) In any event. whether
by the Lords hand, or the hand Of az,
enemy, or BY ordinary course Of nature. 90
let the King pass away. --"-se'
STRATAGEM-Verses II ana LAY Back
Of these motives was another that did NOT
in the least diminish the force 81 Davfd's
speech to Abishai. but rather cast nav iieht
upon It In coming down to thu cafnn and
to the sleeping King there was no purpose
OF blood, such as some men would have
cherished. but instead I hope OF transform-
attempted by remarkable stratagem.
the cruse Of water from 9aurs head. tho
one the weapon Of defense the Other fho
source OF refreshment; both feoded IN
waking. would be. quickly missed Their
removal was sign to all that the owner
had been suddenly rendered pOwerles1
his own comfort. aud that this had bcen.