Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1920-07-02
/. David in Camp q Samuel. III,

]. David in Camp Il Samuel, 10.
While the armies stood eyeing each
other for battle the Philistines. having
a 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 (vv. 4-37). (D
Goliath of the Philistines (vv. 4-11).
Note his characteristics (a) He was
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 former ex-
perience when Samson, Israels giant
wrought such great mischief among
them. (d) He was defiant. He openly
defed 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
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
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 wv. 3S-4S). When Go
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.
8. The victory (vv. 1859. 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.
II. David in Court (1s:1-16).
/. Saul jealous of David (vv. 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. "Hin
that honoreth me. will honor" Upor
David's return from the pursuit of the
Philistines he was met by a triumpha
chorus of women from all the cities Of
Israel, shouting praises unto him fol
his victory over their enemies. This
was too much for Saul. This was bu
the occasion which famed into flame
the passion which fingered in Saul!
bosom.
2. Saul tries to kill David (vv. 10
1D. This is an example of the awfu
tragedy which may result if we harbo
envy and jealousy. Saul had prepared
place in his heart for this evil spiri
to dwell. When one gives himself VI
to the indulgence of his baser passion
the devil finds q place In his heart Il
; dwell.
3. David's wise conduct (vv. 12-16)
Because Saul recognized that God ha,
} departed from him and that Davi,
must increase while he must decrease
he tried to get rid of David. He sen
: him from him and made him captain
, over his army. His envy even assumes
a role of cunning and he offered hi
: daughter to David as a reward 70
. bravery in battle. Not that he care
; for David, but that the Philistine
} might kill him instead of doing it wit
J his own hands ". 10. In spite of a
= this, David acts discreetly. He win
D the favor of the people and is love
by the Lord. Despite Saul's intrigue
David went from success to success
He was going upward while Saul wa
going downward. The issue in bot
cases was the result of persons
choice.