McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1920-07-02

~"NAfe HAotNAh SOltdtns.
J. David In Camp Il Samuel, III.
While the armies stood cycling each
other for battle the Philistines, having
warrior among them of great
strength, sought TO decide the war by
combat between two selected cham
pions. The nation whose champion
was slain was to be subject to the
other.
!. The champions wv. 4-S7). 1)
Goliath of the Philstines wv. AID.
Note his characteristics: (a) He was
giant w. AZ. Saul made no attempt
to meet this giant Even Jonathan,
who had distinguished himself at
Michmash Il Sam. l4), seems to have
lacked in courage. (b) He was filed
with conceit. Ills size, his panoply of
war and his strength caused him to be-
lieve that no evil could befall him.
(c) He was boastful. Likely his repu-
tation reminded them of former ex-
perience when Samson, Israel's giant
wrought such great mischief among
them. (d) He was defiant. He openly
detied the army of lsrael-the people
of the Most High. (e) He was scorn-
full. He treated the Israeites with the
utmost contempt.
(2) David the Israelite wv. 1880.
In the providence of God, David was
sent to the camp ut time to hear the
boasting of this proud and contempti-
BILE Philistine. His three eldest broth
ers were In the army and his father
sent him with some provisions for
them as well as for the captain. While
talking with his brothers Goliath made
his appearance. The sight of Israels
cowardice and lack of zeal for God
prompted David to offer his service.
He was not blind enthusiast who dis
regarded the use of MEANS but was
careful to use means. and most partic-
ular as to what they should be. He
put aside the untried armor of Saul,
knowing that Gods will for him was
to use by faith that which he had
thought insignificant.
2. The battle (vv. 38-48). When Go
Hath beheld David coming up against
him he cursed him by his gods Dagon.
Baal and Astarte, showing that II was
not merely a battle between David and
Goliath, but between the true God and
false gods. David FASTENED to meet
Goliath. A stone from his sling smote
Goliath and Ire fell to the earth upon
his face. David went forth In the
name of the Lord of Hosts that all the
earth might know that there was
God In Israel.
3. The victory (vv. 1853. Goliath
was killed and the Philistine army
routed. This victory is a. prophecy Of
a greater one when the devil, the de-
fiant enemy Of God, shall be broken
and his army put to flight.
u. David In Court (t8:1-f6).
l. Saul jealous of David wv. 1-9).
David went unto battle with Goliath
out of zeal for God and true religion.
not for personal glory; but II turned
out as always, that because he made
God first, God h0nored him. Him
that honoreth me. will honor" Upon
David's return from the pursuit Of the
Philistines he was met by triumphal
chorus of women from all the cities Of
Israel, shouting praises unto him for
his victory over their enemies. This
was too much for Saul. This was but
the occasion which famed into flame
the passion which fingered in Saul's
bosom.
2. Saul tries to kill David wv. 10.
Ill., This Is an example of the awful
tragedy which may result If we harb0r
envy and jealousy. Saul had prepared
a place In his heart for this evil spirit
to dwell. When one gives himself up
to the indulgence of his baser passions
the devil finds Eluce in his heart to
dwell.
3. David's wise conduct (vv. 12-16).
Because Saul recognized that God had
departed from him and that David
must increase while he must decrease.
he tried TO get rid Of David. He sent
him from him and made him captain
over his army. His envy even assumed
a role OF cunning and he offered his
daughter TO David as reward for
bravery in battle. Not that he cared
for David. but that the Philistines
might kill him instead of doing II with
his own hands ". III. In spite Of all
this, David acts discreetly. He wins
the favor of the people and is loved
by the Lord. Despite Saul's intrigues
David went from success to success.
He was going upward while Saul was
going downward. The issue in both
cases was the result Of personal
choice.