The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1920-07-02
LESSON FOR JULY 4
DAVID IN CAMP AND COURT.

DAVID IN CAMP AND COURT.
LESSON TEXT Sam. u:l-1S:16.
GOLDEN TExT-David behaved HIM
self wisely In all his ways: and the Lord
was with him.-I Sam. lS:1l.
ADDITIONAL AATERIAL-I Sam. -:
lit: Ephes. s:10-3o.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Davtd and the Giant
JUNIOR TOPIC = The Shepherd Boy
Conquers . Giant.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
Fighting the Good Fight.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Overthrowing Modern Goiiaths.
!. David In Camp Il Samuel, 17).
While the armies stood cycling each
other for battle the Philistines. having
warrior among them of great
strength, sought to decide the war by
a combat between two selected cham
piOns. The nation whose champion
was slain was to be subject to the
| other.
1. The champions wv. 4-37). ~
Goliath Of the Philistines wv. Ally.
Note his characteristics (a) He was a
giant ". ~. Saul made no attempt
to meet this giant. Even Jonathan.
who had distinguished himself at
Michmash Il Sam. 14), seems to have
lacked In courage. (b) He was filled
with conceit. His 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 a former ex-
perience when Samson. Israel's giant,
wrought such great mischief among
them. (d) He was defiant. He openly
defied the army of Israel-the people
of the Most High. (e) He was scorn-
full. He treated the Israelites with the
utmost contempt.
(2) David the Israelite wv. 1880.
In the providence Of God, David was
sent to the camp at time to hear the
Boosting 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 Israel's
cowardice and lack of zeal for God
prompted David to offer his service.
He was not q 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. X
2. The battle wv. 3S-4S). When Co
Hath beheld David coming up against
him he cursed him by his gods Dagon,
Baal and Astarte, showing that it was
not merely battle between David and
Goliath, but between the true God and
| false gods. David hastened to meet
Goliath. A stone from his sling smote
Goliath and he 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 a
God in Israel.
3. The victory (vv. 1853. Goliath
was killed and the Philistine army
routed. This victory is a prophecy of
| greater one when the devil, the de-
fiant enemy of God. shall be broken
and his army put to flight.
II. David in Court (1s: t-16).
1. 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 it turned
| out as always, that because he made |
God first, God honored him. Him |
that honoreth me, l 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 fame |
the passion which fingered in Sauls
bosom.
q Saul tries to kill David (vv. 10.
IL. This is an example of the awful
tragedy which may result If we harbor
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 a place In his heart to
dwell.
8. David's wise conduct wv. 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
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 1t with
his own hands (v. I'D. 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.