The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1936-12-24
THE MARYLAND BIBLE
SOCIETY'S CORNER
THE Word OF Our God Shall
Stand Forever"
DAVID FLEEs FROM RAMAH

DAVID FLEES FROM RAMAH
David being now fully persuaded
that Saul would not rest until he was
slain, fled from Naioth in Ramah
and sought out Jonathan, to whom he
talked very frankly about his fears.
what have 1 done? What is my in
iquity, and what is my sin before thy
father, that he seeketh my life?"
And Prince Jonathan said, "God for
bid: thou shalt not die; my father
will do nothing either great or small,
but that he will show it me; and why
should my father hide this thing from
me? 1t is not So"
Alas! How little did Jonathan know
of the workings of Saurs disordered
mind. His own heart was so free from
guile, and his devotion to David's in
terests so perfectly sincere that he
could not conceive of such perfidy.
David, having analysed the situation
correctly, reminding his friend that
the king knew of the favor in which
Jonathan held him, and therefore con-
cealed his evil purposes. He therefore
averred: "Behold, there is but a step
between me and DEATH" Then Jona-
than replied, whatsoever thy soul de-
sireth, I will even do it for thee"
A plan was then adopted by which
the young men hoped to ascertain the
kings present purpose concerning
David. The day following their con-
ference was the feast of the new moon,
when David was always expected to
sit at meat with Saul. Instead of oc-
cupying his accustomed place it was
agreed that he should hide in the field
for three days. If he was missed at
the feast he was to be excused by
Jonathan on the plea of having asked
leave to keep this feast at Bethlehem
when a yearly sacrifice was to be
made. If the king simply said: cit is
WE'LL" it would be an omen of peace,
but if he became angry, that would be
sign that evil was determined by
him.
Their covenant of friendship was
renewed, and together they went into
the field where the following plan of
communication was agreed upon: On
the third day of the feast David prom
Used to conceal himself near the rock
Eel. Jonathan would on that day
leave the feast and come with his ar
mour bearer to a spot near the rock
where he would practice archery. AS
a signal Jonathan was to shoot three
arrows. Then when the armour bearer
went to retrieve them, if no evil was
intended toward David, Jonathan
would say: "The arrows are on this
side of thee, take them, but if he
said behold the arrows are beyond
thee, go thy way; for the Lord hath
sent thee away"
On the third day of the feast, Saul
inquired to know the reason for Day.
ids absence. When Jonathan gave the
explanation agreed upon, Saul became
so enraged that he hurled his javelin
at his son, seeking to slay him because
he had chosen David, as the king be-
lieved, to his own confusion.
1t was now Jonathan's turn to be-
come enraged by his fathers unjust
and jealous attitude toward his friend.
Leaving the feast in fierce anger be-
cause of the shameful treatment of
the son of Jesse, he proceeded to the
trysting place where he gave the
signal of approaching danger. Then
turning over bow and arrow to the
lad he sent him back to the city, while
he prepared to take leave Of his be-
loved friend.
David, in true oriental style, pros
trated himself with face to the earth
before Jonathan. Then the young men
kissed each other and wept at parting.
With final hand clasp each repeated:
"The Lord be between me and thee,
and between my seed and thy seed