The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-08
THE sUNDAY-sCHOOL LESSON
1 Samuel xviii, 3S-49-August o, 1908
David and Goliath.

Philistia and Israel confront each other once
more. at a point 20 often the scene Of battle as
to be called the bloody boundary" On this
occasion the aliens are the fortunate possessors
OF a giant champion. Goliath is a lineal de-
scendant of the Anakim. who. In this very neigh
borhood four hundred years before. had stricken
the spies with such terror. Twice q day this
fortress moves out beyond tbs Philistine
line, and from beneath the braEen dome Of his
helmet there rings out his insulting challenge.
The degenerate condition OF Israel is painfully
apparent. Saul has forfeited the divine favor.
He cannot expect a providential Intervention. He
tries the human e~xpedient Of offering 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 homely task has developed noble
traits. loft on a Silly night he drinks deep Of
the theocratic spirit. He believes in the imma-
nence of God in IsraePs affairs. He keys his
harp to victory. His courage Is tested by per-
sonal encounter 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 i'm
provisator. and has been appointed a court
esquire.
But it never occurred to David as being be-
peath his dignity to turn errand boy and carry
some cheeses, bread and parched corn down to
his brothers at camp. That Bethlehemite lad.
with his ten cheeses. was the greatest acquisi-
ton the host Of Israel ever had. His envious
brother thought him out of his sphere. and or.
dered him back to the flock. But from that
moment he was never to go back. Eliab was as
of understanding David as the broth
ers of the Messiah were of understanding David's
greater Son. Not love Of adventure. not desire
for personal ACKNOWLEDGMENT, quickened his pulse
or prompted his questions. No ~in-tempered crit
icism dashed his spirit. The Lords honor was
at stake. He would fam vindicate It,
A moment later he is ushered into Sauls pres
ence. He seeks to cheer the respondent monarch.
His self-confdence is toned with modesty.
Courage! thy servant accepts the challenger"
1t is pleasant to find a kindly touch or two in
the outre character Of Israels first king. Saul
deprecates David's danger. When somewhat re-
assured by the narrative o. his successful en-
counters with the wild beasts. he clothes him in
his own beautiful. costly and invincible armor.
David no doubt felt the impracticability of
wearing armor in a contest In which there would
be no measuring Of strength with strength; but
out of courtesy to the king, and to demonstrate
the infeasibility. he allowed himself TO be pano-
piled. In q moment 1t was seen that the only
quality by which he could hope to w~in-namely.
dexterity-was lost. The nimble shepherd was
hopele.sly fettered. He moved slowly and awk-
wardly; he would be dashed to death IL he came
within reach OF Goliath's weaver's beam spear.
Now, without an ounce Of armor. without a
weapon save his crude sling, Israels champion
moves out beyond the line OF battle. His courage
is unbroken. His trust in Jehovah is absolute.
Purest patriotism burns In his heart. He will
shrive his nation OF disgrace and his God of dis
honor. BY his deed This day he will stir his
nation. sunk in iethargy. His confidence Of VIC
tory is based upon the purity Of his motive. the
justice Of his cause. the wickeduess Of his foe.
the power OF Jehovah. But with all that. he
takes the Utmost care in ne selection OF his
stones: his pracaiced eye sees to II that they are
Of right size and SHAPE; he weighs them with a
skillful hand; he takes care to have enough of
them. He Gees what is expressed In our modern
phrase of keeping the powder dry" The shep-
herd lad challenges our admiration. He is not
Israels hero opfy, but the worlds hero and
Gods hero. An ever-increasing cloud Of wit
nesses look down upon this historic incident, so
vividly depicted. and are thrilled and inspired
by 1t.
In advance of the Philistine line stands that
living tower, incased in brass. His bearer
holds his shield. round and blazing like the sun.
AIoft his spear rises. like the mast Of an ad-
miraI. A torrent of curses and epithets pours
from his brazen throat. When he sees the foe
man. so unworthy. advancing. he lifts his visor
in contempt, and throws back his head in de-
risiye laughter. II is David's opportunity. His
sling whirIs in the air. There is the whiz of the
speeding missile. The aim Is correct. the mo-
mentum sufficient. A shudder goes through the
giant frame. With a crash that living tower
falls to earth. The giants armor becomes his
metallic coffin
THE TEACHERS
Living principles of to-day move before US In
this thrilling scene of an early age. Goliath Is
the type OF intrenched and towering wickedness.
Our modern giants are often incased in the armor
Of legal license and sheltered behind social Gus.
tens. These modern monsters OF Gath laugh a,
the hosts OF Israel. while the blood of our sons
and brothers drips from their horrid tusks.
But the very Incidence OF public wickedness
| sometimes seals it's DOOM This generation viii
never forget Nast's inimitable cartoon depicting
Boss rweec's defiance to an outraged public