Story 91: Da'vid Captures Je-ru'sa-lem And Makes It His Capital l

   The first task of Da'vid after becoming the ruler of all Is'ra-el was to decide which city should be his capital. For seven years the seat of his government had been He'bron, sacred to all the people of the nation for many reasons, but he did not wish it to appear that the eleven tribes were being annexed to the little government of Ju'dah. He felt that to keep his capital at He'bron would cause undue pride among the people of Ju'dah, and make the other tribes jealous. He also wished to avoid the mistake of Saul, who made his home town of Gib'e-ah capital in spite of the fact that it was a place of little national importance, and was scorned by the people as the scene of one of the worst outrages in his history of the nation.
   For personal reasons, Da'vid preferred his native city of Beth'le-hem for the capital, but its situation would not permit the building of proper defenses. His problem was to choose a capital which was not then held by any of the twelve tribes; otherwise, there would be jealousy among the tribes; and to find a city which might be taken by the combined efforts of all the tribes, thereby giving them a sense of unity as a nation.
   For all these reasons, therefore, Da'vid set his heart on taking Je-ru'sa-lem, a strongly fortified city, situated between the land of Ju'dah and Ben'ja-min, and thus belonging to neither. It was then held by the Jeb'u-sites, a strong Ca'naan-it-ish tribe which had occupied the mountainous section of Ju'dah when the Is'ra-el-ites first entered the land. Neither Josh'u-a, who conquered them after a great struggle, nor the children of Ju'dah, who seized the lower part of the city, nor the Ben'ja-mites, to whom the city had been assigned, were able to take the strong citadel of Je'bus on Mt. Zi'on.
   The Jeb'u-sites were so strongly fortified on the eastern hill of the city that they looked with scorn upon any who dared to attack them, and cried from the walls of their citadel that even the blind and the lame could defend it. It was shut in by deep valleys on three sides, and was not easily approached from the other. Through the centuries it had defied all attempts to scale its heights and break down its fortifications; to capture the fort of Je'bus was regarded as an impossible feat.
   Da'vid, however, had relied upon the strength of the LORD to do what had seemed impossible in days gone by, so he believed that he could take this powerful fortress. He led his armies in the attack, and was successful; not by strength of arms or skill in warfare, but by the unseen forces of the GOD of Is'ra-el. The city was given to Da'vid as a servant of the LORD GOD of Hosts, and as a blessing to all the world, for the stronghold of Je'bus was thereby made the fortress of Zi'on, and Je-ru'sa-lem became a city unequaled in importance by any other in the history of the world.
   Greater wisdom was never displayed in the selection of the capital of any nation. Je-ru'sa-lem was, indeed, a "mountain throne" for the kings of Is'ra-el, and a "mountain sanctuary" for the people of GOD. High above Jer'i-cho in the Jor'dan valley, the Phi-lis'tine strongholds on the plains of the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an, the Phoe-ni'ci-an cities of Tyre and Si'don, and Da-mas'cus of Syr'i-a, it stood in defiance of all enemies for hundreds of years. Situated in a mountain fastness on the edge of one of the highest table-lands of Ca'naan, in the most prominent part of the mountain range which extended from the desert country on the south to the plains of Es-dra-e'lon on the north, the Holy City of Je-ru'sa-lem was the pride and glory of GOD'S chosen people throughout their history. Not until the Mes-si'ah set up His worldwide dominion did it lose its importance, and long after the Advent it held a position of Honor.

Story 90: Da'vid Is Crowned King Of All Is'ra-el

   After the shrewd generalship and crafty efforts of Ab'ner had failed to make Ish-bo'sheth  king over all Is'ra-el, but had brought death to both general and king, there was left only one member of the house of Saul to contest Da'vid's claims to the throne. The one heir was the lame Me-phib'o-sheth, who was only twelve years old. The leaders of the eleven revolting tribes therefore went to He'bron and asked that Da'vid be made king of the entire nation.
   Among the reasons given for this request were the following: the suspicions aroused by Da'vid's enforced alliance with the king of Gath had been fully removed by his active interest in the welfare of all Is'ra-el; his splendid record as a soldier fitted him to lead Is'ra-el against their enemies; and the LORD had clearly indicated His choice of Da'vid for the office of king.
   In the coronation ceremonies at He'bron the qualifications and duties of the king were placed on a much higher plane than before. For the first time he was placed over Is'ra-el as a pastor; the duty of love and humility and proper respect for the liberty, property, and life of the people was stressed, and the king was charged with the responsibility of watching over his people as a shepherd watches his flocks.
   The whole procedure was carried out in a deeply religious spirit. The religious unity of the nation, which had been established by Sam'u-el and then weakened by Saul, was fully restored. Da'vid "made a league with Is'ra-el before the LORD," and the representatives of all the tribes of Is'ra-el pledged their loyalty and obedience to him as "the anointed of the LORD." It was the beginning of a new era for Is'ra-el and for her Divinely chosen king.
   Da'vid was now thirty years old, and the hopes which he had humbly cherished in his heart for fifteen years were now at last fully accomplished. The sufferings and discipline and training of these long years had often tested his faith in GOD and man, but he had come out of the fires of trial and temptation fully prepared to be a great ruler.
   His confidence in GOD had been strengthened by the Divine grace which had been granted him in manifold trials, and he was well qualified for the great honor to which he had been consecrated by the prophet Sam'u-el fifteen years before.

Story 89: Da'vid's Seven Years Of Reign Over Ju'dah lll

   After bitterly denouncing Da'vid for being deceived by a cunning plotter, Jo'ab sent messengers to Ab'ner with the request that he return for a conference. This invitation may have been sent in the name of the king, for it aroused no suspicion in the mind of Ab'ner. He promptly came back to the capital, where Jo'ab took him aside under the pretense of a private conversation, and thereupon assassinated him. Jo'ab tried to justify this cruel deed as an act of revenge for the death of his brother As'a-hel, and by the claim that Ab'ner was a traitor to Da'vid and an enemy of GOD, but few believed that this was his real motive.
   Da'vid's sense of justice was outraged by the treachery of Jo'ab, and he felt that the proposed alliance of the rebellious tribes with his kingdom would be greatly hampered by this cruel deed. He disclaimed all responsibility for the act of his general, pronouncing a curse upon Jo'ab and his family. As a token of honor for the slain Ab'ner he proclaimed a season of mourning, and himself took part in the lamentations. In his funeral dirge he declared:
         "Ab'ner died, not as a worthless man, nor as one guilty of any crime worthy of death; he was    overpowered without suspecting evil, and was murdered as a defenseless hero. A prince and a great man has fallen this day in Is'ra-el."
   Da'vid's lament at the grave of Ab'ner and his fair-minded praise won him the increased support of all Is'ra-el, and the union of all the tribes was quickened rather than delayed by the tragedy.
   When the news of Ab'ner's death reached Ish-bo'sheth, this weak king lost all courage to keep on as a rival of Da'vid, and his followers lost hope of maintaining their separate government. The military group which had been the chief support of the puppet king became disorganized, and treason broke out among the officers.
   Two of the rebellious officers treacherously murdered Ish-bo'sheth while he was quietly resting on his bed. With the hope of gaining a reward they cut off the head of their master and brought it to Da'vid. Like the Am'a-lek-ite who claimed to have slain Saul at his own request, these men failed to grasp the nobility of Da'vid, and were denounced for their wicked deed. Da'vid ordered their immediate execution, and gave instructions for an honorable burial of the head of Ish-bo'sheth.
   Even though these men had paid for their treachery with their lives, the death of the puppet king removed the last barrier to a united nation. The princes of all the tribes of Is'ra-el which had previously rejected the rule of Da'vid, and had allied with Ab'ner in his effort to establish the weak Ish-bo'sheth firmly on the throne of Is'ra-el, now came to He'bron to offer Da'vid the homage of all the nation. After seven years of civil war, during which he had been acknowledged as king only by the tribe of Ju'dah, Da'vid was now the ruler of all the twelve tribes, and Is'ra-el entered upon a period of great prosperity.

Story 89: Da'vid's Seven Years Of Reign Over Ju'dah ll

Three of Da'vid's nephews, Ab'i-shai, As'a-hel, and Jo'ab, were brave officers in Da'vid's army; Jo'ab being the commander. They led a small company of men to meet Ab'ner at Gib'e-on, and it was agreed that twelve men from each side should engage in single combat. After all these men had been mortally wounded, there came a battle in which twenty of Da'vid's men and three hundred and sixty of Ab'ner's followers were slain. As'a-hel pursued Ab'ner from the field of battle, but was killed by the crafty general.
   Darkness fell before Da'vid's men could complete their victory, and Ab'ner led his scattered forces to the top of a high hill, with Jo'ab and his army in close pursuit. The next morning a truce was proposed by Ab'ner, and both armies returnt to their homes. A state of war continued, however, and there were frequent conflicts between the followers of Da'vid and those who were loyal to the house of Saul. As time went on, the cause of Da'vid steadily gaint in power, while the followers of Ish-bo'sheth grew weaker.
   Ab'ner was an ambitious politician who made use of Ish-bo'sheth in setting up a rival kingdom to that of Da'vid, but who had no real love for the son of the lamented Saul. When he saw that he was taking part in a losing cause he began to seek some excuse for deserting Ish-bo'sheth, hoping to ally himself with Da'vid. A violent quarrel with his master finally gave Ab'ner his opportunity, and it was then that he admitted his knowledge of GOD'S decree that Da'vid should be king over Is'ra-el, and that he declared his intention of turning the hearts of the people to their rightful king.
   When Da'vid learnt of Ab'ner's wish to join him, he demanded as one of the conditions the immediate return of his wife Mi'chal, who had been taken from him by Saul and given to another man. Although this request no doubt was prompted by a spirit of love for Mi'chal, Da'vid may also have considered the political advantages of his remarriage to the daughter of Saul. Ish-bo'sheth yielded to this demand, and permitted Ab'ner to return Mi'chal to Da'vid, even though the man to whom she had been unlawfully married made a bitter protest.
   Ab'ner then set out to win the princes of the tribes of Is'ra-el to the support of Da'vid, reminding them of their former wish to have him as their king, and of GOD'S decree in this matter. He also pointed out their need of Da'vid's help in resisting the continual raids of the Phi-lis'tines. Their consent was readily obtained, for it was only through Ab'ner's persistent efforts that Ish-bo'sheth's authority over them had been secured and maintained. The results of this appeal to the leaders of the rebellious tribes were carried to Da'vid in his court at He'bron, and plans were made for an immediate public treaty uniting the two factions. After a covenant feast at which Ab'ner and twenty of his friends were guests of honor, Da'vid sent Ab'ner home to complete the arrangements for the treaty.
   While all this was taking place, Jo'ab was away on official duty; when he returnt and heard of Ab'ner's proposal, he protested vigorously against a league of peace with the former leader of a rebellion against Da'vid. He gave as reason for his views a complete lack of faith in Ab'ner, but seems to have been prompted chiefly by the fear that this older, more renowned general might be given his place at the head of Da'vid's armies.

Story 89: Da'vid's Seven Years Of Reign Over Ju'dah l

   Although Da'vid had known for many years that he was eventually to become king of Is'ra-el, and though it appeared that the death of Saul had opened the way for his immediate rise to the throne, he made no move until directed by the LORD. Eight years before the death of Saul he had been anointed by Sam'u-el as the future king of the nation; for several years after that momentous occasion he had faithfully served as harpist in the royal court and as a captain in the army; for the past two years or more he had been persecuted as an outlaw and an exile; and, now that the king was dead, one would expect Da'vid to press his demand for a prompt enthronement. Both Saul and Jon'a-than had admitted that the house of Saul had been rejected by the LORD, and had told Da'vid more than once that he would be the next king. True to his usual course at critical times, however, Da'vid sought the LORD'S guidance for his next step.
   The LORD not only told him to return to his native land at once, but directed him to go to the city of He'bron in the mountains of Ju'dah, which was twenty miles south of Jer-ru'sa-lem and about the same distance north of Be'er-She'ba. Taking along all his men and their families, that those who had shared his hardships might also enjoy his prosperity, Da'vid went directly to the city appointed by the LORD. Here, in that most ancient city of the world, made sacred in the days of A'bra-ham, famous as the burying place of the great patriarch, given to Ca'leb for his bravery, and situated in the heart of Ju'dah, which was the royal and Mes-si'an-ic tribe, Da'vid was made king by the people of his own tribe.
   The first official act of Da'vid was to send messengers to Ja-besh-Gil'e-ad to thank the princes and nobility for their kindness in providing an honorable burial for the ashes of Saul and Jon'a-than.
   It would seem to us that all Is'ra-el would have rallied to the banner of Da'vid, and that he should have been recognized at once as the rightful king of the entire land. The people must have known of GOD'S will in this matter, and the crushing defeat suffered at Gil'bo-a should have convinced them that the time had come for the Divinely appointed ruler to take his place at the head of the nation.
    Some of the tribes to the north and on the east side of the Jor'dan, however, were opposed to the rule of Da'vid. Under the leadership of Ab'ner, who had commanded Saul's armies for a number of years, they refused to accept Da'vid's coronation at He'bron, choosing as their king Ish-bo'sheth, a surviving son of Saul. Thus still greater trials were brought to Da'vid, for civil war prevailed in Is'ra-el over a period of seven years. For three or four years Da'vid had refused to lead a revolt against Saul, but now that he was king he had to face the rebellion of an ambitious army captain.
   Ab'ner had known Da'vid for a number of years, and seems to have felt kindly toward him at the time of his triumph over Go'li-ath. During the days of Da'vid's service as captain in Saul's armies he must have had many occasions to observe the bravery of the young hero. Even while Da'vid was in exile, and was being constantly hunted down by Saul's armies, Ab'ner had been forced to recognize the loyalty which twice led him to spare the life of the king. He well knew the nobility of Da'vid's character, and he was familiar with the Divine command that the kingdom be transferred from the house of Saul to that of Da'vid; yet he was responsible for the raising up of Ish-bo'sheth as a rival to Da'vid and for the civil war which followed.
   The first open clash between the rebels led by Ab'ner and Da'vid's men took place at Gib'e-on, in the western part of Ben'ja-min about six miles north of Je-ru'sa-lem. Ab'ner brought over from Ish-bo'sheth's capital on the east side of the Jor'dan a great force of men, and was apparently bent on subduing Ju'dah to the rule of Ish-bo'sheth.

  

Story 88: Da'vid's Lament Over Saul And Jon'a-than ll

   "Thy glory, O Is'ra-el is slain upon the high places!
      How are the mighty fallen!
   Tell it not in Gath,
      Publish it not in the streets of As'ke-lon;
   Lest the daughters of the Phi-lis'tines rejoice.
      Ye mountains of Gil-bo'a,
   Let there be no dew nor rain upon you, neither fields of offerings:
      For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away,
   The shield of Saul, not anointed with oil.
      From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty,
   The bow of Jon'a-than turnt not back,
      And the sword of Saul returnt not empty.
   Saul and Jon'a-than were lovely and pleasant in their lives,
      And in their death they were not divided:
   They were swifter than eagles,
      They were stronger than lions.
   Ye daughters of Is'ra-el, weep over Saul,
      Who clothed you in scarlet delicately,
   Who put ornaments of  gold upon your apparel.
   How are the mighty fallen in the midst of battle!
      Jon'a-than is slain upon thy high places.
   I am distressed for thee, my brother Jon'a-than:
      Very pleasant hast thou been unto me:
   Thy love to me was wonderful,
      Passing the love of women.
   How are the mighty fallen,
      And the weapons of war perished!
   What a remarkable insight into the heart of Da'vid is provided in the words of this beautiful ode! He sang high praises in memory of the man who had made his youth and early manhood a time of constant danger and worry. Is'ra-el had lost a king who, with all his faults, had certain qualities of greatness; and in his tribute to the dead, Da'vid forgot and forgave his faults, while magnifying his virtues. Instead of being gratified by the end of an enemy and rejoicing that his persecutions were over, Da'vid bowed in genuine grief. To his heart, Is'ra-el's shame and the insult to GOD in the triumph of the Phi-lis'tines were more important than the prospects of a safe return to his native land and the probability of immediate advancement to the throne of Is'ra-el. Such nobility is rare in the history of mankind; and is possible only because one makes GOD, and not himself, the center of the universe. This nobility was Da'vid's safeguard against the baneful influences of both adversity and prosperity.


  

Story 88: Da'vid's Lament Over Saul And Jon'a-than l

   The news of the defeat of the Is'ra-el-ites by the Phi-lis'tines and of the death of Saul and his sons was brought to Da'vid three days after he and his men had returnt to the ruins of Zik'lag. There rushed into the camp a man in tattered clothes and with the appearance of having gone through a terrific struggle. Thinking that Da'vid would be pleased to hear the unhappy end of the one who had persecuted him for so many years, the stranger told Da'vid of the tragic death of Saul. No doubt seeking a reward from Da'vid, he pretended that he had taken an important part in the tragedy, saying:
   " I happened by chance to come upon Saul as he leant upon his spear, hard pressed by the chariots and horsemen of the enemy; and at his own request, because he did not wish to undergo the shame of being slain by the Phi-lis'tines, I slew him with my own hands. I have brought you the metal cap which he wore to protect his temples and as an emblem of power; and his armlet, the mark of his royal dignity."
   This man, who said that he was an Am'a-lek-ite, misjudged the nobility of Da'vid. The story which he told was only partially true, and the claims which he made for himself were wholly false. Instead of bringing praise and reward, his scheme brought down upon his head the anger of the man he sought to please and the punishment of death.
   Da'vid's heart was filled with sorrow at the news of the death of Saul and his bosom friend Jon'a-than. His feelings broke forth in overwhelming grief and in violent anger toward the man who claimt to have slain the king. He proclaimt a season of deep mourning among his men for Saul and Jon'a-than and for all the Is'ra-el-ites who had fallen by the sword of the Phi-lis'tines.
   He then called for the man who had brought the news of the death of Saul and his sons, and asked him who he was. The man replied that he was an Am'a-lek-ite who had moved into the land of Is'ra-el. Then the one who had never been disloyal to his king, and who had twice spared his life, said to the stranger, "Thou art condemned by the words of thine own mouth, for the penalty of death must be inflicted upon any man who slays the LORD'S anointed." He then directed one of his valiant men to execute the self-confessed criminal, and the sentence was immediately carried out.
   Da'vid then uttered a lament over the death of Saul and Jon'a-than which holds an honored place among ancient writings of this kind. It is arranged in three strophes, gradually diminishing in power and scope:

Story 87: Saul Visits The Witch Of En'dor; His Tragic Death lll

   On the next day the Phi-lis'tines attacked the Is'ra-el-ites with great force. The battle was waged fiercely by both sides, but its tide was against Is'ra-el. Three of Saul's sons-Jon'a-than, A-bin'a-dab and Mal-chi-shu'a-were slain, and Saul himself was severely wounded by the archers. In his pain and despair he said to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and thrust it through my body, lest the heathen Phi-lis'tines slay me." When the armor-bearer refused to do it, Saul placed the point of his sword against his body and threw himself upon it with all his weight. He died instantly, and was soon followed in death by the devoted armor-bearer, who took his life in the same way.
   When news of the shameful manner in which the bodies of Saul and his three sons had been left hanging on the walls of Beth-she'an reached the ears of the people of Ja'besh-Gil'e-ad, which was far across the Jor'dan to the northeast, some of their valiant men resolved to put an end to such treatment. Traveling all night in order to reach Beth-she'an as soon as possible, They took down the bodies of their dead king and his sons, and had them cremated. Then they carried the ashes to Ja'besh for burial, and declared seven days of fast and mourning.
   These Gil'e-ad-ites showed a fine spirit of gratitude and courage in their noble deed. In the early days of his reign, many years before his tragic death, Saul had gone to the defense of the city of Ja'besh-Gil'e-ad when it was attacked by the Am'mon-ites. The great victory which he had won for them in the name of GOD had not been forgotten.

Story 87: Saul Visits The Witch Of En'dor; His Tragic Death ll

   The entire interview was a fraud, based upon the superstitious, false belief that departed spirits may be called back to speak with the living. It is plainly taught in GOD'S revealed Truth that a return of the spirits of the dead to this world is impossible. All through the Bible the practice of witchcraft or sorcery is closely connected with spirits of evil, and is severely denounced by the LORD. There are a number of incidents recorded in which miraculous deeds of a certain kind are attributed to the servants of sa'tan. It is clearly said in the Scriptures that "sa'tan fashioneth himself into an angel of light," and certain forms of his works are said to be "with all power and signs and lying wonders." The story of Saul's visit to the witch of En'dor and of his conversation with the dead prophet must be understood in the light of the LORD'S plain teaching on this subject.
   It is directly stated in connection with this story that "GOD answered Saul no more," and it was for this reason that he turnt to a sorceress for help. It is therefore obviously true that nothing which was said during the visit with the witch of En'dor came from GOD. It was sa'tan himself, or one of the evil spirits at his command, who led the witch to say what she did to Saul. All that was said was true, and all that was predicted came to pass, but sa'tan was merely taunting the man whose evil deeds had brought him wholly within his power. sa'tan ruins men, and then laughs at them in their misery.
   For more than twenty-four hours Saul had been in such anguish of mind and spirit that he had not taken any food; in this weakened condition he was overcome by the shock of apparently receiving a message from the spirit of Sam'u-el, and suddenly fell to the ground. The witch was terrified by the thought that the king might be found dead or injured in her home, which would mean certain death for her. She therefore begged him to take some food in order to revive his weakened body. Saul refused at first, but was finally persuaded by the witch and his own servants to eat a full meal. Presently he rose up and went back to the camps of his soldiers while it was still night.
  

Story 87: Saul Visits The Witch Of En'dor; His Tragic Death l

   The stage was now set for a tragic ending to the career of Saul. Violent warfare was raging between the Phi-lis'tines and the Is'ra-el-ites, and preparations were made for a decisive battle on the plains of Jez're-el at the foot of Mount Gil-bo'a. Saul appears to have had strange warnings of the disaster soon to come. His efforts to secure Divine aid through prayer and by an appeal to the priests of the land had met with an appalling silence from God. No help came to him through revealing dreams, the advice of a priest, or the words of a prophet. He should have known at once that the LORD had left him to his own evil ways, but it was a long time before this knowledge filled him with terror.
   With the armies of Is'ra-el assembled in the foothills of Mount Gil-bo'a, and with the forces of the Phi-lis'tines massed on the plains of Jez're-el, Saul was overcome by fright. He remembered the timely messages of the prophet Sam'u-el during the earlier days of his reign, and now, even though the man of God was dead and buried, Saul felt that he must find some way of communicating with him. There were people in those days, just as there are now, who pretended to be able to speak with people long dead. Women who practiced this art were known as "witches," and God had told Is'ra-el through the Mo'sa-ic Laws that all such deceivers were dominated by evil spirits and should be slain. This law against witches had been strictly enforced by Saul, but one woman who lived in a secluded spot in the Little Her'mon mountain had escaped the executioners of the king. In his troubled spirit Saul decided to ask her aid in communicating with the spirit of Sam'u-el.
   Saul disguised himself in the clothing worn by common people, took two servants with him, and sought a secret meeting with the witch of En'dor. The place where she was hiding was located beyond the camps of the Phi-lis'tines, so it was necessary for Saul to pass around his bitter foes in his secret mission. It was a dark and perilous night for the despairing king as he kept to the east of the plains of Jez're-el, crossed the valley to the adjoining Little Her'mon, and climbed the rigged path to En'dor.
   The witch of En'dor did not recognize Saul at first, and thought that her visitor, whoever he might be, had come merely to entrap her. She reminded the unknown visitor that Saul had driven from his land all people who claimed to speak with the dead, and accused him of laying a snare for her. Saul then took oath that no harm should befall her of anything which she might do to help him, so the woman said, "Whom among the dead shall I summon for you?" Saul replied, "Bring me up Sam'u-el." This request convinced the woman that her visitor was none other than the king of Is'ra-el, and she cried out in anger, "Why have you deceived me? You are Saul." The king then admitted his identity, but told her once again that she need fear no harm if she granted his request.
   The woman evidently knew of Sam'u-el's frequent warnings to Saul during his life, of Saul's rejection by the LORD, and of his constant fear of losing the throne to Da'vid. She was acquainted with all that had taken place in the life of the king, and knew that his mind was now filled with many fears. She remembered the appearance of Sam'u-el during his earthly life, and was able to duplicate it well enough to make Saul think that the prophet himself was called up from death to speak with him.

Story 86: Ab'i-gail Conquers Da'vid's Anger ll

   One of the shepherds urged her to act before it was too late, and spoke of Na'bal as " such a son of the devil that no one could advise him." Ab'i-gail hastened to provide gifts which might appease Da'vid. Gathering two hundred loaves of bread, two bottles of wine, five dressed sheep, five clusters of parched corn, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, she had them loaded on beasts of burden and rushed off to meet Da'vid.
   Her arrival was just in time, for she and the servants who went with her had not traveled far before they met Da'vid at the head of his four hundred men. He was in an angry mood, and was muttering in his heart, "I guarded all that this prosperous man had in the wilderness, so that nothing was lost; and for this goodness he has requited me evil. I shall surely be avenged by slaying him and every man in his company."
   Ab'i-gail quickly dismounted, fell on her face before Da'vid, and cried, "Upon me, my lord, let this iniquity rest; and permit me, I beg you, to have audience with you." She then freely admitted that she had been badly treated by her husband, but pointed out the fact that Na'bal's very name means "fool" in the Hebrew language. She also explained that she knew nothing of the request of the young men until they had gone, and that they would have received generous aid, had they applied to her. She then appealed to the deepest emotions of Da'vid's heart, expressing herself in words to this effect: "I am happy to deal with a man who, though sometimes at fault in word or deed, is a true servant of the LORD, and who will not deliberately break His law." She went on to assure Da'vid of her sympathy in the persecutions suffered from Saul's hatred, saying that she was confident that he would be raised to the throne of Is'ra-el, and adding this beautiful prophecy: "Your soul shall be found in the bundle of life with God, and the souls of your enemies shall be flung out in the cup of the sling."
   Ab'i-gail then made a very touching appeal in which she reminded Da'vid that it would bring him great unhappiness, after he was king, if he had to look back upon any act in which he had shed blood without a cause. She then begged him to accept the provisions which she had brought to make up for the discourtesy shown by Na'bal, and earnestly sought forgiveness.
   Da'vid was completely overcome by the appeal of this noble woman, and was deeply impressed with her personal charm and worth. In reply to Ab'i-gail he said, May the LORD God of Is'ra-el be blessed, who sent you to me! Blessed be your counsel, and blessed may you be, because you have kept me this day from shedding blood and from avenging a personal grievance with my own hand. Had you not hurried and come to me, then certainly by tomorrow morning there would not have been left a single one of Na'bal's men."He then accepted the gifts which she had brought and sent her home in peace.
   When Ab'i-gail returnt to her husband she found him drunkenly enjoying the festivities of the sheep-shearing season, wholly unmindful of the peril from which his noble wife had saved him. She waited until the next morning, when he had sufficiently recovered from his drunkenness to understand what she said, to tell him how she had appeased the anger of Da'vid, and of the certain death from which she had saved her unworthy husband. Na'bal was so shocked by the news that he fell into a state of paralysis, and ten days later he died.
   When news was brought to Da'vid of Na'bal's death, he sang once again a song of praise to God for the deliverance from evil which had been brought to him through the wise counsel and prudent acts of Ab'i-gail. His admiration for her noble character and deep piety soon grew into a strong affection, and Ab'igail became a faithful and devoted wife of the young hero.

Story 86: Ab'i-gail Conquers Da'vid's Anger l

   Da'vid seems to have realized that Saul's more friendly attitude would be short-lived, and that it was not safe for him to dismiss his followers and return to normal life again. He therefore removed to the wilderness of Pa'ran, which was an extended tract of country along the southern border of Ca'naan adjoining the Si'na-it'ic desert. There were two reasons which probably led him to choose this outlying district. One was the recent death of Sam'u-el, whose influence in Is'ra-el had done much to support the cause of Da'vid; the other, because it was becoming difficult to provide for his six hundred followers in the wilderness of Ju'dah.
   Living not far from the place where Da'vid had taken his new refuge was a wealthy man by the name of Na'bal. He owned large herds of sheep and goats, and employed many shepherds. Da'vid and his men had given aid to these shepherds in protecting their flocks from the roving tribes of the desert, and for this reason felt justified in calling upon Na'bal when they were greatly in need of food.
   Da'vid sent ten of his most courteous men to Car'mel, which was the home of Na'bal, with instructions to greet him in the name of the LORD, tell him of their friendly aid to the shepherds, and to explain the dire need of Da'vid's men for food. They were to ask Na'bal to send any food which he might spare from the feast which had been prepared for his shepherds and sheep-shearers, or from that which had been provided for the festivities of the seasons. All the circumstances justified Da'vid in making this request, and he had every reason to expect a generous response.
   Da'vid was soon to be disappointed, however, for Na'bal had the heart of a miser, taking no thought for those who were less fortunate than himself. He had been blessed by the LORD with an abundance of earthly goods, but instead of thinking of what he owed to the LORD and all around him who were in need, he used his wealth only for his own enjoyment. He spoke of his possessions as "my bread, my meat, my water, and my shearers." He was also most ungrateful, for had Da'vid's men not protected his flocks both day and night, he would have had fewer sheep to shear and less wealth of which to boast.
   Na'bal heard the request of Da'vid's men without the slightest feeling of obligation or generosity. He denied the request, speaking of Da'vid as a run-away slave who was in need because of misconduct.
   When Da'vid's men reported Na'bal's unfriendliness and insults, their leader became very angry. He ordered four hundred of his men to gird on their swords and follow him, planning to swoop down upon Na'bal's farm with vengeance and deadly destruction. He was wrong in allowing his temper to rule for the moment, but Divine Providence kept him from carrying out his intentions against Na'bal and his household.
   Na'bal's wife, whose name was Ab'i-gail, was an intelligent, kindly and deeply religious woman. She knew of Da'vid's excellent character and of his exile under the persecutions of Saul, and had been informed of the kindness of Da'vid's men to Na'bal's shepherds when they were in peril from bandits while out in the desert. When she learnt of her husband's boorish treatment of Da'vid's young men in refusing their request, she felt that Da'vid would be justified in causing trouble for Na'bal. She decided to take steps at once to save her husband from possible slaughter, and to prevent Da'vid from any rash deeds.

My Testimony: Mike Mulcahy

   When I was a kid, I grew up Catholic, but had my reservations? But I knew GOD was always there for me.
   When I was a teenager, I sold drugs, the police were walking into the bar room to search me, someone told me to get rid of what I had, Divine Intervention (1st save.) GOD'S Amazing!
   I was breaking & entering into establishments while drunk, night time (felony.) got arrested. Thank GOD & Governor Michael Dukakis for my pardon (2nd save.) GOD'S Forgiving!
   Too young when I enlisted in the army @ 17 to go to Vietnam, my unit & childhood friends went, friends never returnt, there's no one else to run with anymore. I was stationed @ Fort Hood for my tour of duty (3rd save.) GOD'S Powerful!
   In 2008 I went looking for GOD, found HIM in Brownwood, Texas, I was Baptized in 2012, in a horse trough, Born Again Christian (4th save.) GOD is Great!
   Beginning of this year I left South Carolina because I didn't like it there. The VA diagnosed me with stage III lung cancer, stopped chemo therapy, but still doing radiation therapy. Thank GOD & the VA (5th save.) GOD loves us all!
   I'm eternally grateful to GOD, HE'S Beautiful!
   I've devoted my life to GOD, helping people, & the VA. AMEN!

 Every morning I read this aloud:
    I want to thank You LORD, for this day. I am absolutely dependent upon YOU to enable me today
to live the life YOU want me to live and to do the work You've called me to do. I choose to abide in
YOU today. I ask YOU to make salvation the foremost thought in my mind, Your righteousness the 
 foremost impulse of my heart, YOUR truth the foremost motivation and desire behind all I do,
YOUR peace and wholeness the goal of all I want to accomplish. I ask YOU to help me walk in faith
against all forms of evil. I ask YOU to quicken YOUR WORD in my mind and in my mouth so that all I think and say will be in complete alignment with YOUR WORD. I choose right now to rely upon YOUR HOLY SPIRIT to give me the direction and guidance I need every minute of this day. I trust YOU to do this and I believe YOU are going to do this.

I SCREEN, YOU SCREEN...ll By Judith Hurley

LUNG CANCER: An annual low-dose CT scan of the chest is recommended for adults 55 to 80 who have a 30-pack-year smoking history and either currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. A pack-year is the number of packs per day multiplied by the number of years the person has smoked. For example, smoking one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years both represent a 30-pack-year history.
   Annual prostate cancer screening using a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test was once recommended, but is no longer. The test does a poor job of identifying prostate cancer and can lead to unnecessary treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer talk with their doctors about the pros and cons of testing beginning at 45. Other men should do so starting at 50.
PREVENTION: While cancer screenings are important for detecting cancer early-when it is most treatable-there is a lot you can do to prevent cancer in the first place. Not smoking is a critical step, but so are other lifestyle behaviors. The World Cancer Fund estimates that 20 percent of cancers diagnosed in the United States could be prevented by adopting a healthy diet, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. All are habits worth taking up and keeping.

I SCREEN, YOU SCREEN...l By Judith Hurley

When it comes to fighting cancer, nothing beats early detection.
   The latest statistics on cancer are out, and the news is mostly good. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. death rate from cancer has dropped 25 percent since 1991. That translates to 2.1 million fewer cancer deaths a year. The decrease can be attributed to early detection efforts (such as colon cancer screenings and mammograms) and a drop in smoking rates.
   Yet cancer remains the second-leading cause of death among Americans, so if you haven't thought about undergoing recommended cancer screenings, you should. In the United States, 41 out of every 100 men and 38 out of every 100 women will develop cancer in their lifetimes, and the risk for cancer increases with age. The top three cancers in men are prostate, lung and colorectal. In women, they are breast, lung and colorectal.
   Accurate early-detection exams aren't available for all cancers, but they are for several of the biggies: colorectal, cervical, breast and lung. Nationally, however, screening rates lag behind their targets. In 2013, for example, only 58 percent of adults ages 50 to 75 were up to date on colorectal cancer screenings. The rates for cervical and breast cancer screenings were somewhat better
- 81 and 73 percent, respectively
-but still not optimal.
   While many cancer screening trends are positive, Blacks, Latinos and low-income Americans are less likely to be screened. Not surprisingly, they are also more likely to have cancer diagnosed at a later, less treatable stage and to die of it. Fear of the procedure, busy schedules, lack of health insurance and a high co-pay for expensive procedures such as colonoscopies are all barriers to screening.
Types Of Screenings:
   Depending on your age and risk factors, the guidelines for cancer screenings vary. Here is a roundup of the early cancer detection exams recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, an independent panel of experts that advises the medical community:
BREAST CANCER: Women 50-74 should get a mammogram every two years. For women 40-49, mammogram decisions should be individualized.
CERVICAL CANCER: Woman 21 to 65 who have not had a hysterectomy should have a Pap test every three years.
COLORECTAL CANCER: Men and women 50-75 should have either a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) annually, a sigmoidoscopy every five years plus an FOBT every three years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years. An FOBT detects cancer that is already present. A sigmoidoscopy examines the rectum and lower portion of the colon, while a colonoscopy examines the entire colon. In both procedures, polyps can be detected and removed before they become cancerous.

Story 85: Da'vid Spares The Life Of Saul ll

   He then went on to say, "The skirt of your robe which I hold in my hand is proof that I bear no ill-will against you, although you wickedly seek my life." Referring to his own feeling of unworthiness to meet the armies of Is'ra-el in battle, he added, "I am as harmless as a flea, and as insignificant as a dead dog, and should be regarded as beneath the dignity of your pursuit." Appealing to GOD'S Justice, Da'vid ended his sublime words of defense by saying, "May the LORD judge between me and you, observe the injustice of your pursuit upon my life, and deliver me out of your hand."
   Saul was overcome by these words of Da'vid and by the mercy shown by one whose life he had sought. His cruel, hardened heart was melted by the forgiving spirit of the noble exile, and for a moment his sense of justice was awakened. When he realized that his life had been spared by Da'vid's mercy to a bitter foe, he said, "You are a better man than I, for you have returnt me good when I had done you evil. When the LORD placed me within your power, you did not kill me; and may GOD give you a good recompense for your kindness. I know that you are to be king of Is'ra-el, and I beg that you give me an oath that you will not cut off my sons after me, and that you will not destroy my name in the annals of Is'ra-el's history."
   Saul then gave up the war against Da'vid and he and his men went home. Sad to say, however, his confession of guilt and shame were not sincere, for he soon renewed his determination to kill Da'vid and all who befriended him.

Story 85: Da'vid Spares The Life Of Saul l

   Da'vid took advantage of the rest provided by Saul's engagement with the invading Phi-lis'tines to escape into the wilderness of En-ge'di, a region filled with steep mountains, deep ravines, and hundreds of caverns, on the western shores of the Dead Sea about thirteen miles northwest of Ma'on. As soon as Saul's armies had succeeded in driving off the Phi-lis'tine raid, the angry king sent three thousand picked soldiers in pursuit of Da'vid. It was during this pursuit that there occurred one of the two incidents in which Da'vid showed his nobility of character by sparing the life of the king when it was placed within his power by a strange Providence.
   Da'vid and his men were hiding among the rocks and caverns of that region, which was so steep and dangerous that only wild goats lived there. It so happened that Saul laid down to sleep at the entrance of one of the great caverns in which Da'vid and a few of his bravest men were taking refuge. While the king slept, unaware of his danger, Da'vid's men urged that he be put to death. They declared that the LORD had given them this opportunity of vengeance upon the wicked king who had sought to kill them without just cause.
   How many strong, but conflicting desires must have throbbed in the heart of Da'vid! Apparently GOD had placed his cruel enemy in his power, and the urge to take revenge must have been hard to resist. Had not the time now come to bring peace to the land by ending the reign of a king who had been rejected by the LORD? Would he not bring a blessing to the entire nation by carrying out the sentence which had long since been pronounced upon the man who had been unfaithful to the LORD? Should he not take advantage of a remarkable opportunity which seemed to make it possible for him to become king at once?
   Against these natural feelings of Da'vid and the urgent persuasions of his men, who insisted that he rid himself at once of his chief enemy, there remained the fact that Saul was still the king of Is'ra-el, and that Da'vid had never lifted up his hand against "the anointed of the LORD." Da'vid, therefore, gave up all thought of revenge, and forbade his men to harm the king. The fear of GOD held first place in his heart, so every idea of harming Saul was overcome by the teachings of True Religion. Da'vid merely cut off a small part of the king's robe, intending to show it to Saul at some later time as proof that he had spared his life when he might easily have taken it.
   Later, when Saul awoke from sleep and renewed his search for the young exile, Da'vid ran after him, waving the piece which he had cut from the king's robe, and calling him to to stop. Da'vid then made a wonderful speech in his own defense, declaring anew his loyalty to the king, and denying that he had ever rebelled against him.
   Never has there been a man with better reasons for deserting his leader than Da'vid. He deserved Saul's deepest gratitude, but was shown nothing but ingratitude and cruelty. He was a loyal subject of the king, and his flight had been one of self-defense rather than defiance. While he could not honor Saul as a man, he respected his position and authority as king of the nation. In his moving defense of his own conduct, Da'vid appealed to Saul's reason and to GOD'S Justice. Addressing him as "My lord the king," he said:
   "Why do you give heed to the people who tell you that Da'vid seeks you harm? See how the LORD has this day delivered you into my hand, and my men urged me to kill you; but I have spared your life and will not put forth my hand against my lord, for you are the LORD'S anointed."

Story 84: Da'vid Pursued By Saul lV

   No sooner had Saul been informed of Da'vid's capture of Kei'lah that he formed a plot by which he hoped to entrap Da'vid and his men within the walls of Ju'dah. Again Da'vid turnt to the LORD for guidance, asking whether the men of Kei'lah would protect him or yield to the demand of Saul that he and his men be given to him as prisoners. When told that they would give in to the will of Saul, Da'vid led his men out into the wilderness of Ziph, moving from place to place among the rocks and isolated spots of that wild territory
   When Saul was told that Da'vid had fled from Kei'lah, he gave up his plans to attack that town, but continued his pursuit of Da'vid and his men. Every time that news came to him of possible hiding places for them in the mountains he would send an army to search for his enemy, but the Providence of GOD kept Da'vid out of the way of the pursuing armies. Even the treachery of the Ziph'ites, who proposed to find Da'vid's hiding place and aid the army of Saul in capturing him, was brought to failure by the Hand of GOD.
   At last, when it appeared that Saul's armies had caught Da'vid and his men in a trap, a messenger told the cruel king that the Phi-lis'tines were attacking his home country, and that he must send the army back at once to meet the invasion. Thus victory over his hated rival was denied Saul, and he was forced to turn his armies from the pursuit of Da'vid to the defense of their own land.
   It was during these perilous days in the wilderness of Ziph, just after the shameful conduct of the men of Kei'lah, and just before the treachery of the Ziph'ites, that Da'vid was given strength by a friendly visit from Jon'a-than. Moved by his great love for Da'vid, this noble young prince ran the risk of death at the hands of his father by making a secret visit to his friend in exile. He urged Da'vid not to be afraid, for the LORD would not permit him to be captured by Saul, and assured him that he was soon to become the king of Is'ra-el. With deep religious feelings on the part of both, the covenant of friendship between these two great souls were renewed, and Da'vid's hopes for the future were made much stronger.

Story 84: Da'vid Pursued By Saul lll

   Meanwhile Da'vid performed an act of kindness for his father and mother which clearly proves the nobility of his character. He secretly crossed the river Jor'dan just north of its entrance to the Dead Sea, went up into a mountain fastness in the land of Mo'ab to the southeast, and arranged for his parents to have a home where they would be secure from the anger of Saul during these troubled times. He may have appealed to the Mo'ab-ites for this favor in the name of his great-grandmother Ruth, who had been a member of their nation, and it is possible that his parents  were lodged in the home of some of the descendants of Ruth's family.
   About this time the Phi-lis'tines were making new invasions into the territory of Ju'dah, and the LORD planned to have Da'vid put an end to these raids. He, therefore, sent Da'vid a prophet named Gad to tell him to go at once into Ju'dah, for Saul was too greatly disturbed in mind to be of service in checking these attacks from the ancient foes of Is'ra-el.
   The town of Kei'lah in Ju'dah, not too far from He'bron, had been captured by the Phi-lis'tines, who had robbed the people of their grains and fruits. Da'vid inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go and smite these Phi-lis'tines?" God answered his prayer by telling him to go and save the town. Da'vid's men hesitsted to make this effort, for they were in danger of attack from both the Phi-lis'tines and the armies of Saul. When Da'vid inquired again of the LORD, and was given the same command, his men rallied to his leadership and won a great victory over the Phi-lis'tines. Large quantities of war-spoils were taken, and Kei'lah and its inhabitants were saved.

Story 84: Da'vid Pursued By Saul ll

   Even though A-him'e-lech explained that he had befriended Da'vid without knowing that he was an outlaw, and denied that he or any of the priests were disloyal to the king, and even though the soldiers refused to slay the priests, Saul was not to be baffled in his hatred toward anyone who showed the slightest kindness to Da'vid. Do'eg was ordered to slay the priests, and that day saw the murder of eighty-five religious leaders of Is'ra-el. Only A-bi'a-thar escaped, and he joint Da'vid at the first opportunity.
   It must have pained the heart of Da'vid to learn of the terrible outcome of his visit with the priest at Nob, and perhaps he felt somewhat to blame. He received A-bi'a-thar with great kindness, and assured him that his life would be safeguarded. Not satisfied with the slaughter of the priests, Saul had sent his men to Nob and utterly destroyed the town.
   Feeling that it was no longer safe for him to remain anywhere in the land of Is'ra-el, Da'vid then fled into Phi-lis'ti-a and sought refuge in the city of Gath. He probably thought that he would no longer be recognized there as the one who had slain the Phi-lis'tine giant, and that these people would be glad to welcome anyone who was fleeing from Saul. He was recognized, however, and saved his life only by pretending that he had lost his mind.
   Da'vid then fled back across the border of Is'ra-el into the hill country and took refuge in the limestone cliffs and caverns in a place called A-dul'-lam, which was in the region southeast of Beth'le-hem. His brothers and kinsmen learnt where he was hiding and hastened to join him. Many people in the land who had suffered from Saul's failure to protect them, or who had been oppressed by him, rallied to the cause of Da'vid. Before long he had a company of four hundred men, many of whom were noted for their bravery and devotion to the right.
   It was while Da'vid was hiding in the cliffs of A-dul'lam that he was joint by some of the men who were later known as his "mighty men" or heroes. Among them were his nephew Ab'i-shai, who became a famous general; Be-na'iah, whose great strength was shown in slaying a lion single-handed, and in killing two lion-like men of Mo'ab; E-le-a'zar, who once smote the Phi-lis'tines until his hand was so weary that it clave to his sword; and Je-hoi'a-da, who slew an E-gyp'tian with his own sword after tearing it from the hands of his enemy.
   Among the brave followers who joint Da'vid at this time was a band of Ga'dites, who swam the Jor'dan when its banks were overflowed and scattered all enemies who tried to halt their march. When the time arrived for Da'vid to leave his hiding place in A-dul'lam, his band of loyal friends had grown to six hundred men, all noted for their courage and patriotism.

 

Story 84: Da'vid Pursued By Saul l

   When Da'vid said farewell to Jon'a-than and went away in exile, never to return to the house of the king, he must have known that Saul had been rejected by the LORD, and that he was destined to occupy the throne of Is'ra-el. Instead of leading a revolution, however, he merely sought to protect his own life. He went away, not as a rebel, but as a loyal subject of the king whose unjust hatred and murderous envy had forced him to flee.
   During the trying times which followed he may have done some things which seem far beneath the nobility of character and uprightness of conduct which had marked his career up to this time, but never was he guilty of the slightest act of treason or disloyalty to the king. Even while he was being sought by Saul under the false charge of outlawry, he led his followers in war against Is'ra-el's enemies, and on more than one occasion saved his nation from attacks by invading heathens. Twice he spared the life of Saul when the king was completely in his power.
   Soon after leaving Jon'a-than, Da'vid visited a place called Nob, which was not far from Je-ru'sa-lem on the road to the north. A priest named A-him'e-lech was in charge of the place of worship in this little town, and his son A-bi'a-thar acted as an assistant. Da'vid was very hungry, but did not think it safe to ask the townspeople for food; knowing that the priest would not betray him to Saul, he asked for bread. The priest replied that the only food he had was the shewbread which was being removed from the sacred table, the time having come when it must be replaced with fresh bread. It was unlawful for anyone except the priests to eat this bread. However, A-bi'a-thar was so touched by Da'vid's urgent need that he gave him the shewbread, and the conduct of both Da'vid and the priest was approved hundreds of years later by the SAV'IOR.
   Da'vid thought it best not to tell A-him'e-lech that he was fleeing from Saul because the king sought his life, but did say that he had left the king's house in such haste that he had failed to provide himself with a sword. He probably knew that the weapon which he had taken from Go-li'ath after their memorable combat had been placed in the shrine at Nob for safekeeping, and for this reason asked the priest for a sword. The priest told him that this was the only sword at hand, and gladly gave it to him.
   The visit of Da'vid to Nob was followed by a sad event in which Saul was guilty of a terrible crime. An E'dom-ite named Do'eg, a chief herdsman of Saul, happened to be present when Da'vid was given the shewbread to eat. He reported the incident to Saul, and the angry king summoned A-him'e-lech and all the priests of his family to come to Gib'e-ah at once. After accusing them of befriending an enemy of the king, Saul commanded his guards to slay them, but the soldiers shrank in holy fear from laying violent hands upon the priests of GOD.

Story 83: Jon'a-than's Arrow Warns Da'vid Of Saul's Anger ll

   Jon'a-than and Da'vid arranged a clever plan by which the latter could be secretly informed of Saul's feelings toward him. On the day following the close of the festival Da'vid was to hide behind some cliffs in the shallow valley between Gib'e-ah and Nob, while Jon'a-than was to take his bow and shoot three arrows in the direction of Da'vid's hiding place. If the arrows were shot beyond the hiding place, it would be a sign of danger; if they fell short, it meant that Saul intended no harm toward Da'vid. A boy was to be brought along to pick up the arrows, and Da'vid was to learn the message from his friend through the directions given to the boy.
   On the first day of the feast Da'vid's place was vacant, but Saul made no inquiry. On the second day the king noticed the absence of Da'vid and asked Jon'a-than why he had not been there on either day of the festival. Jon'a-than mentioned Da'vid's wish to attend the service at Beth'le-hem, and told his father that he had given him permission to go. Saul was so vexed with his son for taking the part of Da'vid that he hurled a spear at him. He accused the young prince of forming the strongest ties of friendship with a rival to the throne, and tried to turn him against Da'vid by appealing to his own ambition and self-advantage. Saul then declared with vehement anger, "As for Da'vid, he shall surely die"; and ordered his men to see to it that the young officer was brought to him at once.
   On the following day Jon'a-than went to the place agreed upon with Da'vid and shot the arrows beyond the place of hiding, shouting to the boy he had brought with him, "The arrow is beyond thee!" Then he sent the boy away and went into the field to meet Da'vid. The two devoted friends embraced and kissed each other on the cheek, weeping bitterly as they faced a separation which might be long. Da'vid, who seems to have been the more deeply affected of the two, clung to Jon'a-than a long time before he could bear to let him go; then he said, "Go in peace, the LORD shall be between me and thee, and between my children and thy children forever."
   From this time to the end of Saul's reign, Da'vid led the life of a roaming exile and hunted outlaw. He wandered over the country, spending most of his time in the wilderness south of Je-ru'sa-lem, constantly pursued by the soldiers of the angry king.

Story 83: Jon'a-than's Arrow Warns Da'vid Of Saul's Anger l

   While Da'vid was at Na'ioth, Saul made two unsuccessful attempts to have him captured. He sent messengers to arrest him and bring him back to the king's court, But on each occasion the messengers were so carried away by the religious zeal of the prophets that they took part in the worship, and finally returnt without Da'vid. Saul then decided to go after Da'vid himself, but as he came near Sam'u-el's house he was suddenly filled with a strange religious excitement; all day and all night he was in the power of the Spirit of GOD, calling upon His name as if He were a prophet. While the king was in this exalted state Da'vid went to his friend Jon'a-than for advice. Saul's anger seems to have been subdued by his strange experience at Na'ioth, for he went quietly home after yielding to Sam'u-el's urgings that he give up his unjustified hatred for Da'vid.

   It appears that by this time there was an understanding between Jon'a-than and Da'vid that no member of Saul's family should be permitted to succeed him as king, and that Da'vid was destined to become the ruler of Is'ra-el. In the heart of Jon'a-than, however, there was no resentment to the Will of GOD nor ill-feeling toward Da'vid.

   In the meeting between Jon'a-than and Da'vid at this time their covenant of perpetual friendship was renewed, and Da'vid promised that in the event of Jon'a-than's death he would always show kindness to the family and descendants of his friend.

   On the day after this meeting there began at the king's house a festival in honor of the new moon. This festival lasted for two days, and it was customary for all members of the king's family to attend. Da'vid and Jon'a-than knew that it would be dangerous for the young captain to appear at Saul's table for the festival, but they also felt that his absence might be taken as an insult to Saul. It was important that Da'vid find out Saul's intentions toward him before renewing his visits to his home.

   The plan adopted by the two bosom friends at this time was most unusual. Since there was a religious festival going on at Beth'le-hem at the same time, it was decided that Da'vid should stay away from the gathering at Saul's house, and that Jon'a-than should explain the absence by saying that he wished to be with his family during the services at Beth'le-hem. It was felt by both of these young men that the manner on which Saul accepted the absence of Da'vid from the feast in his home would indicate his future intentions.

Story 82: Saul's Increasing Jealousy; Jon'a-than's Love For Da'vid lll

   Not many days passed before Jon'a-than had an opportunity to prove his friendship. Saul announced to his officers that he intended to kill Da'vid at once, and Jon'a-than came forward to plead for the condemned officer. He then secretly warned Da'vid of his great danger, advising him to go into hiding until he could intercede with his father.
   Jon'a-than then boldly, but with proper respect for his father defended his young friend. In gentle tones he reminded Saul of Da'vid's willingness to give his life for the welfare of the nation when he slew Go-li'ath, and when he attacked the Phi-lis'tines, and of his unquestioned loyalty to the king in all his services. The king's anger was quieted for the time, and he gave his word that Da'vid should not be slain. The young captain was welcomed once more at the king's house, and was encouraged to resume his service in the army. This he did, and slew large numbers of Phi-lis'tines in battle.
   Before long, however, Saul was troubled again by fits of depression and unrest, so Da'vid tried to soothe him by playing the harp. Once again the king's sudden anger led him to hurl a javelin at the one who sought to help him, but again Da'vid was unharmed. Men were sent to guard the home of Da'vid so that he could not escape, and Saul declared that he should be slain the next morning.
   Mi'chal's quick thinking saved the life of her husband on this occasion. After helping him escape through a window, she placed an idol in Da'vid's bed and told the messengers of Saul that he was too ill to be disturbed. Her trick succeeded, but the next day Saul ordered that Da'vid be brought to him in his bed, so that he might slay him at once. Saul then rebuked his daughter severely for deceiving him, and she defended herself by saying that Da'vid had threatened to kill her if she did not help him. This was not true, but it made many people believe that she was secretly in league with her father in the effort to take the life of Da'vid.
   After making his escape, Da'vid went directly to the home of the prophet Sam'u-el in Ra'mah and told him of Saul's repeated efforts to kill him. It must have brought great relief and peace of mind to Da'vid to enjoy once again the friendly help and advice of the religious leader of the nation. They talked together for a long time, and then went to a place called Na'ioth, where a group of young prophets were engaged in worship. How long Da'vid remained here we are not told, but it was probably for a considerable time. It is thought by some that it was during this restful period in company with the prophets that he wrote the part of the 119th Psalm which so beautifully describes the security of those who trust in the Law of the LORD. Here are some of the gems from that Psalm which may well describe Da'vid's feelings at the time:
               "Princes did also sit and speak against me;
               But thy servant did meditate in Thy statues.
               The proud have had me in derision,
               Yet have I not declined from Thy Law.
               Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me;
               Yet Thy Commandments are my delight.
               Oh how I love Thy Law!
               It is my meditation all the day.
               The Law of Thy mouth is better unto me
               Than thousands of gold and silver.
               I know, O LORD, that Thy judgments are right,
               And Thou in faithfulness has afflicted me.
               It is good for me that I have been afflicted;
               That I might learn Thy statutes."
              

Story 82: Saul's Increasing Jealousy; Jon'a-than's Love For Da'vid ll

   Saul was so determined to entrap Da'vid in some scheme which would cost him his life, that he sent his courtiers to the brave officer with a new proposal. They told Da'vid that he would be given the hand of Mi'chal in marriage when he had slain one hundred Phi-lis'tines. He accepted this challenge to his bravery, went out against the Phi-lis'tines, and slew twice the number required by the crafty king.
   The king then had no other choice than to permit the marriage of Da'vid and Mi'chal, which took place at once. The Phi-lis'tines thought that Da'vid would follow the He'brew custom which exempted newly married men from military service for one year, so they planned a series of attacks upon Is'ra-el in revenge for the losses which they had suffered at the hands of this great warrior.
   Instead of taking advantage of this privilege, Da'vid remained on active service in the army and proved himself more valiant than ever; so successful was he in these new combats that Saul's jealousy and determination to have him killt became more fierce with every passing day. As Da'vid continued to grow in favor with the people, Saul's hatred for him broke out in desperate attacks upon his life.
   The one earthly source of cheer and hope for Da'vid during these trials was his friendship with Jon'a-than, Saul's eldest son. They were drawn together by kindred qualities of nobility, heroism, and love for the LORD. Just as the shepherd lad had proved his courageous faith by meeting the giant in single combat, so the young prince of Is'ra-el had shown the same boldness when he scaled the rock and entered the garrison of the Phi-lis'tines. They were both possessed with great concern for the welfare of Is'ra-el, and by the spirit of humility which always accompanies true greatness.
   It is not strange, therefore, that when the young shepherd stood before Saul and proved his holy motives both by humble conduct and noble words, Jon'a-than's heart went out to him with an affection stronger than life or death. "He loved him as he loved his own soul," and there began on that day a friendship which has long been famed in history. The hearts of the two young men were bount together in a spiritual union which has seldom been equaled.
   Jon'a-than then displayed the highest mark of honor which a prince can bestow upon a subject. He gave Da'vid his own royal robes and official weapons of war, and announced his willingness to give up his own advantages as the son of the king for the good of his friend. A perpetual covenant of friendship between the two young men was made that day, and it withstood the strains of the civil war and revolution in which Da'vid became an outlaw and a fugitive.

Story 82: Saul's Increasing Jealousy; Jon'a-than's Love For Da'vid l

   After the heroic feat of Da'vid in slaying Go-li'ath in single combat, Saul showed the same ungrateful, selfish spirit which had possessed him after the victory of his eldest son Jon'a-than at Mich'mash. He pretended not to know who Da'vid was, and tried to deprive him of the honor in which he was held by the people. The love which Saul had once felt toward his young musician was now turnt into envy, for the king could not bear to hear anyone praised but himself.
   Da'vid came back from his great victory carrying the head of Go-li'ath, which he presented to the king. Under the circumstances, Saul was forced to acknowledge Da'vid's bravery by suitable honors and rewards, so he received him into his own house and made him an officer in the army.
   A few days passed before the armies returnt from pursuing the Phi-lis'tines, and the usual celebrations of victory took place. When the soldiers returnt, Da'vid took his place among them in the triumphal march, for his victory over Go-li'ath had done more than anything else to end the war.
   Even though Saul had already publicly honored the heroism of Da'vid and had appointed him as an officer in his army, he could not overcome his envy; to hear the people sing the praises of one who had put his own glory to shame deeply aroused the king's anger. Da'vid's loyalty to the army won him the good-will of the other officers and soldiers, while his courage in warfare made him more popular than ever with the Is'ra-el-ites. Much as he hated to do it, Saul was obliged to show Da'vid the same courtesy and favor which the other officers enjoyed, and to send him out in battle whenever the peace of Is'ra-el was threatened by further uprisings by the Phi-lis'tines.
   These circumstances brought great unhappiness to Saul, and he fell once again into fits of melancholy and fierce unrest. He was constantly haunted by Sam'u-el's report that the LORD had chosen another to take his place upon the throne. The black moods which had been the occasion for bringing the shepherd boy to him some years before now became worse than ever. So Da'vid was invited once more to play the harp for him with the hope that these trying spells might be driven away. This time, however, the sweet music of Da'vid no longer soothed the troubled spirit of the king. Saul's heart was filled with murderous jealousy, for he began to suspect that the young hero was the LORD'S choice for the throne of Is'ra-el. Twice he tried to kill Da'vid by throwing a javelin at him,  but each time the young man was able to dodge the deadly weapon.
   Convinced that the LORD was with Da'vid, and that he himself was rejected by GOD, Saul decided to place him in command of a thousand men in some outpost where he could not see him. But even this plan did not overcome his determination to do away with  Da'vid. He began to seek some means of having him killed by some of the officers, or by the Phi-lis'tines in battle.
   Saul pretended to have great admiration for Da'vid because of his bravery and prudent behavior, and offered to give him his eldest daughter in marriage. Of course, he did not really wish to have Da'vid become his son-in-law, but the offer was made in the hope of encouraging him to attempt such dangerous exploits in war that he would eventually be killed. Saul had no intention of keeping his promise, and when the time came for Da'vid to marry Me'rab, the princess who had been promised him in marriage, it was found that she had been given to another officer in the army.
   In the meantime Saul's younger daughter Mi'chal had fallen in love with the noble young officer, and the king proposed once more to make Da'vid his son-in-law. He was no more sincere this time than before, and his failure to keep the promise concerning Me'rab seems to have led Da'vid to pay little attention to the second proposal.
  

Story 81: A Shepherd Boy Slays The Phi-lis'tine Giant lll

   Go-li'ath felt insulted when he and his armor-bearer stood before the young shepherd of Is'ra-el. Here was a mere boy, armed only with a staff and sling, going out to meet the greatest warrior of the Phi-lis'tine nation as though he were about to kill a dog with a club. Go-li'ath then announced that he would feed the flesh of his opponent to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.
   The taunts of Go-li'ath were quietly answered by Da'vid with confidence in GOD'S help, and with an assurance of victory which could have been given to him only by the LORD. He boldly met the defiance and scorn of the giant with these inspired words:
               "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the
               name of the LORD of hosts, the GOD of the armies of Is'ra-el, whom thou hast defied. This day
               will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee;
               and I will give the carcass of the host of the Phi-lis'tines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to
               the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a GOD in Is'ra-el. And all this
               assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with the sword and spear, for the battle is the
               LORD'S, and He will give you into our hands."
   Da'vid then took one of the smooth stones from his shepherd's bag, placed it in his sling, and hurled it with deadly aim at the forehead of the giant. The stone pierced the skull of the giant, and Go-li'ath fell to the ground. Da'vid then rushed up to the fallen giant, drew Go-li'ath's sword, cut off the head of his enemy, and carried it back to the camps of Is'ra-el as a trophy of his victory.
   This super-human feat of Da'vid was accomplished by his grasp upon the unseen forces of GOD. He fully believed that GOD who had delivered him out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, would also deliver him out of the hand of the giant Phi-lis'tine. His previous life had been a life of faith unseen, and hence he was ready for any emergency. It was to the LIVING GOD that he turnt for his pivotal victory.
   The death of their champion struck terror into the hearts of the Phi-lis'tine armies, and they fled toward their own land, different groups taking three separate routes in their efforts to escape death at the hands of the pursuing Is'ra-el-ites. The armies of Is'ra-el slew thousands of the fleeing Phi-lis'tines, pursuing the remnants of the defeated armies even to the gates of their cities of Ek'ron and Gath. Da'vid meanwhile took the head of Go-li'ath to Je-ru'sa-lem, and later delivered it to Saul in person.

Story 81: A Shepherd Boy Slays The Phi-lis'tine Giant ll

   The soldiers were delighted with Da'vid's bravery in proposing to meet the Phi-lis'tine giant, and hastened to report his courageous offer to Saul, who demanded that the young man be sent to him at once. When Da'vid stood before the king, his first words were, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with the Phi-lis'tine." The king tried to dissuade him from meeting the giant in single combat by telling him that he was too young and inexperienced to go against one who had been trained in war for so many years. But Da'vid persisted in his demand, telling Saul of the mighty deeds he had already performed with the help of GOD. The young man closed his appeal with these words: "The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Phi-lis'tine."
   The confidence of this young hero, joint as it was with his unfaltering faith in the help of GOD, overcame the hesitancy of Saul. He agreed to Da'vid's request to champion the cause of Is'ra-el before the giant Go-li'ath, but was unwilling to let him enter what seemed to be unequal combat without the benefit of the best armor and weapons which he could have.
   Saul then brought out his own armor and sword, and asked Da'vid to use them in the battle soon  to come. Da'vid felt however, that he would do better with weapons with which he was more familiar. After putting on the king's armor and taking his sword in hand, he decided that the sling which he had learnt to use with such telling force would serve him better. The man-made armor of an unbelieving and rejected king was only an encumbrance to a youth whose faith was approved by GOD. By using the sling he would not have to come into close grips with a man who was much larger and more powerful than he. As an expert with the sling, he could take sure aim and hurl a stone with the strength of GOD lending force to his arm.
   On his way to the field of battle, Da'vid pickt up five smooth stones from the brook which ran through the valley between the two armies. Placing these stones in the shepherd's bag which he carried, and with his staff in hand, Da'vid marcht out between the armies of Phi-lis'ti-a and Is'ra-el to meet the giant warrior. The Is'ra-el-ites looked on with mingled feelings of amazement, hope, and prayer, while the hosts of the Phi-lis'tines gazed at the young man with scorn and ridicule.

Story 81: A Shepherd Boy Slays The Phi-lis'tine Giant l

   Some time after Da'vid was employed by Saul for occasional service at the court as musician and armor-bearer, and several years after the defeat of the Phi-lis'tines at Mich-mash, the warlike heathens decided upon another war against Is'ra-el. Their armies marched into a village of the hill country between the mountains of Ju'dah and the plains of the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an, about eleven miles southwest of Je-ru'sa-lem and Beth'le-hem. Here they encamped for battle along a range of low hills facing a fertile plain called E'lah. The armies of Is'ra-el went out against them, camping on the range of hills along the opposite side of the valley.
   In those days it often happened that when two opposing armies were in position for battle, but neither dared to attack, a champion from each side would meet in single combat. It was agreed that victory would belong to the army whose champion defeated his arrival in the single combat.
   The champion of the Phi-lis'tines in this battle was a giant warrior named Go-li'ath. He was nearly nine feet tall, wore armor made of metal plates which overlapped like the scales of a fish, and weighed three hundred pounds, protected his head with a helmet of brass, and had the lower part of his legs covered with heavy metal guards. He carried a short spear thrown over his shoulders, and a sword five feet long which weighed twenty-five pounds.
   Every day he marched out on the plain between the two armies and scornfully challenged the Is'ra-el-ites to send out a champion to fight a duel with him. For forty days he cast ridicule and contempt upon the armies of Is'ra-el as Saul's slaves, and taunted them for their cowardice in failing to send out a man to meet him in battle.
   During all this time the king who had once led Is'ra-el in slaying forty thousand Phi-lis'tines in one day, sat cowering in weakness while a single Phi-lis'tine braggart held the armies of Is'ra-el in check. Why the difference? Because in the previous victory the noble prince Jon'a-than had been anointed by the Spirit of GOD, and Saul had taken advantage of the confusion caused by his daring exploit to gain a decisive triumph. At this time, however, Jon'a-than had been rejected by his ungrateful father, and the LORD had withdrawn from Saul. Courage had left the army because the LORD was no longer with their king.
   Three of Jes'se's sons were among the soldiers encamped on the edge of the valley of E'lah and Da'vid often journeyed back and forth from the royal palace and his father's home, caring for the sheep when his services were not needed by the king. It is likely that he wished to join his brothers in the army opposing the Phi-lis'tines, and that he often spoke of his desire to aid in ridding the land of the cruel oppressors, but neither the king nor Da'vid's older brothers thought him old enough to be a soldier.
   One day Jes'se sent Da'vid to the camp of the soldiers, just a few hours' walk from Beth'le-hem, to carry food to his brothers and to ask about their welfare. It so happened that he reached the camp just as the two armies were facing one another ready for battle. He left the provisions which he had brought with the keeper of the army supplies and rushed to the side of his brothers. While he was talking with them, the Phi-lis'tine champion came out on the field with his usual scornful challenge. The soldiers all fell back in fear, but Da'vid looked on with growing anger. Some of the men told him that this had been going on morning after morning for forty days, and that the king had offered a great reward for any man who would slay the giant.
   Da'vid then declared that he was ashamed of the cowardly manner in which the Is'ra-el-ites permitted the heathen giant to terrify them, and said that the insult to Is'ra-el and the LIVING GOD of the nation must be wiped out. The remarks of his younger brother were bitterly resented by E-li'ab who said that Da'vid was neglecting his duties in caring for his father's sheep, and that he had no business even to visit the king's armies. It appears that E-li'ab remembered with envy the time when Sam'u-el had rejected him in favor of Da'vid for the sacred anointing. Da'vid showed both forbearance and reason in his reply, "Have I come without an errand? Is there not a need for someone to meet this defiance of our GOD?" Then he turnt to others and made similar remarks.

Story 80: A Shepherd Boy Chosen King lll

   One of the king's servants knew of Da'vid's talent as a musician, of his handsome appearance, gentle disposition, and courageous spirit. He therefore suggested that the young man be engaged as musician to the king, and Saul sent a messenger to Jes'se with the request that Da'vid be sent to him at once.
   By a strange providence the young man who had been chosen of GOD to be Saul's successor was brought to the court at the king's own request. As he modestly stood before the king with his harp in hand and began to play, the magic touch of his fingers on the strings produced an effect which immediately soothed the troubled spirit of Saul. As the sweet sounds of music fell upon Saul's ears, and the unspoken prayers of Dav'id's heart reached the ears of GOD, the king's heart went out to this young nobleman with great affection. Thus was the plan of GOD and the liberty of man combined for the preparation of Da'vid to become Is'ra-el's greatest king: For Da'vid in his devotion to his harp had no thought of thereby rising to royal favor; and the servant who suggested his name knew not that he had been chosen as Saul's successor.
   Da'vid was engaged as court musician and personal armor-bearer for the king, and they became friends fast. We do not know just how long the friendship lasted, but shall find that within a few years Saul became intensely jealous of Da'vid's growing popularity and turnt against him with murderous hatred.
   Da'vid continued to live at his father's home in Beth'le-hem, and much of his time was spent in caring for his father's sheep. Under the anointing power of GOD'S Spirit he continued to grow in strength and bravery. In protecting the sheep from ravenous beasts of that land he relied upon the ancient weapon known as a sling. By constant practice he soon became expert with the sling, and was able to hurl the small stones exactly where he wished them to go. His strength was also developed until he was able to perform some of the mighty deeds of Sam'son, such as killing bears and lions with his own hands. GOD was preparing him for a miraculous victory over the Phi-lis'tines, and we shall soon learn about it.
  

Story 80: A Shepherd Boy Chosen King ll

   Jes'se then caused the other six sons who were present to pass before the prophet, and each time the LORD said to Sam'u-el, "He is not the man." Turning to Jes'se, the prophet asked, "Are these all the children you have?"-"There remaineth yet the youngest," said Jes'se, "and he is in the field watching over the sheep." Sam'u-el asked that he be brought before him at once, and the moment he saw him the LORD said, "Arise and anoint him, for he is My choice for the throne of Is'ra-el." He was a boy of about fifteen years old, with a fine, rosy complexion, sparkling eyes, and an appearance that was good to behold.
   Thus Da'vid, the youngest son of Jes'se was solemnly anointed by the aging prophet of GOD while his father and brothers looked on in wonder. The boy was too young and inexperienced to assume the heavy burdens of ruling Is'ra-el, so perhaps he was not told at this time of the full meaning of the ceremony performed by the man of GOD. He did, however, enter a new stage in the development of his inner life, which was fully consecrated to GOD. The gifts with which he was richly endowed by nature began to unfold. As he continued tending his father's flocks the Goodness and Glory of GOD was made known to him in every hand. In the mild, starry nights he learnt how "The Heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament showeth His handiwork." The holy teachings of the books of Mo'ses, in which he had been instructed from his earliest years, became more clear to him as he read them over and over again.
   It was during these formative years that he received the inspiration for many of the beautiful psalms which were afterwards put into permanent form for use in the worship of Is'ra-el. His poetic and musical gifts were cultivated as the days and weeks went by, and his kingly qualities were rapidly developing. Whether he knew that he was destined to become ruler of his nation or not, he lived in constant remembrance that the anointing by Sam'u-el had consecrated him to a life of service to GOD.  The faithful discharge of his duties as a shepherd of sheep prepared him to become the righteous and successful shepherd of Is'ra-el. The sense of duty and responsibility daily displayed in protecting his flock from bears and lions strengthened him for the eminent ruler he afterwards became. The LORD was making him ready for a great career.
   Neither Saul nor the people of Is'ra-el were informed of the selection of young Da'vid to succeed to the throne of Is'ra-el, nor did his father and brothers seem to have known the secret of the prophet. Apparently several years passed before Saul suspected GOD'S plan for the noble young man, and through these years Divine Providence brought Da'vid the training and discipline for a great career on the throne of Is'ra-el.
   While the Spirit of GOD was guiding Da'vid, an entirely different thing was taking place with Saul. The Holy Spirit having left him because of his sins, he was tormented by an evil spirit which led him into fits of melancholy and extreme irritation. Unrestrained by the Good Spirit, he was goaded by sa'tan into ungovernable madness and rage. His servants were so distressed by the change that they sought some way of quieting his temper. Even in those early days music was looked upon as a means of soothing a troubled spirit and subduing anger, so the servants suggested that a musician of great skill be engaged to play the harp for Saul. The unhappy king consented, and a search was made at once for a gifted harpist.

Story 80: A Shepherd Boy Chosen King l

   Although the LORD had twice announced to Sam'u-el that Saul was rejected as king and that another should be chosen to occupy the throne of Is'ra-el, He had not told him how soon this was to take place, or whether Saul should be permitted to remain as head of the government until removed by death. Thus we find that Saul continued in office for a number of years, although the LORD had withdrawn His blessings from him after His rejection at Mich'mash.
   In the meantime the LORD directed Sam'u-el in the private selection and anointing of the young man who was to take the place of Saul. He was a mere boy at the time, and years of preparation and training were needed before he would be capable of ruling over Is'ra-el. But the LORD wished Sam'u-el to know His choice for two reasons. First, that he might act as a prophet of GOD in preparing the Divinely chosen king for his work; secondly, that he might act as the religious leader of Is'ra-el in making the nation ready for the enthronement when the time had come.
   One day when Sam'u-el was still discouraged because of GOD'S judgments against Saul, and much worried over the future welfare of Is'ra-el, the LORD came to him with a rebuke for his persistent mourning over Saul. He directed the prophet to prepare a horn of holy oil and to go at once to the house of Jes'se in Beth'le-hem to anoint one of his sons, saying, "For I have provided Me a king among his sons."
   Sam'u-el, who seldom showed any reluctance or fear in doing the bidding of the LORD, was now in grave fear for his personal safety in performing such a duty. Saul was often subject to moody spells and fits of sudden anger, so the worst might be dreaded when he discovered that Sam'u-el had appointed another king. The LORD then told Sam'u-el to provide a calf for an offering in Beth'le-hem, and to tell anyone who might be interested that he was going to this town to make a sacrifice. Such concealment was necessary for the protection of both Sam'u-el and the young king.
   You will remember that since Sam'u-el's retirement as the civil ruler of Is'ra-el he had continued his service as a spiritual adviser, and that he made frequent trips through the land to reprove and punish wrong doing, to offer sacrifices, and to stimulate the people in their religious life. A visit to Beth'le-hem, therefore, would not be regarded with suspicion by anyone. He, therefore proceeded at once on his journey, walking over the mountain roads from Ra'mah to Beth'le-hem, a distance of about ten miles.
   When the officers of the little hill town saw the prophet coming, they anxiously inquired why he had come. He told them that his purpose was to sacrifice unto the LORD, and issued a call for all the people to make the preparations required by law for such services, making sure that Jes'se and his sons were properly set apart to the LORD.
   There were eight sons in the family of Jes'se, and seven of them were present at the gathering. After the sacrifice had been offered, Sam'u-el inspected these seven young men, one after another. As he stood before the eldest, whose name was E'li'ab, and who was tall and handsome, he felt sure that this was the man whom the LORD would choose to be a king. But then the LORD spoke these words to the heart of the prophet:
               "Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: For   the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh at the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh in the heart."
   The LORD wished Sam'u-el to understand that outward beauty is not a guarantee of inward worth; that a pleasing appearance and imposing height do not make a man a good king. Saul had all these advantages, but had failed miserably because his heart was not right. The new king must be chosen for his purity of spirit and righteousness of heart.
   

Story 79: Saul's Downfall And Rejection By The LORD ll

   Sam'u-el was therefore obliged to forego his earnest pleadings for Saul, and become the messenger of Divine Judgment. The earnest intercessor must now be changed into the stern accuser. And so on the next morning he went to Saul with the decree of GOD.
   When the king saw him drawing near, he said to him, "Blessed be thou of the LORD, I have performed the Commandment of the LORD."
   To this greeting the faithful prophet replied, "What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?"
   Saul then tried to take refuge in evasions and falsehoods; he sought to blame the people for his own sin, and said that the best of the sheep and oxen had been taken for sacrifices unto the LORD. By every word that fell from his lips he revealed the complete breakdown of his moral character, forfeited his own self-respect, and foretold his own ruin. He had spared the life of A'gag merely for the glory of displaying a distinguished captive, and he even boasted of the capture when faced by Sam'u-el's charge of unfaithfulness to the Command of GOD. Step by step he added a worse lie to the previous one until he wove about himself a web of self-condemnation from which it was impossible to escape.
   Sam'u-el cut short the excuses of the king by reminding him of the humble station in life from which he had been raised to the highest place in the nation, and of the marked difference between the modesty and humility which he possessed at the time of his call and the proud, conceited spirit which he now displayed. In his final words of condemnation the prophet uttered this sublime, eternal truth:
               "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
   Then he announced the Solemn Judgment of GOD in these words:
               "Because thou hast rejected the Word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king."
   Saul then confessed his sin, admitting that he had disobeyed the Command of GOD. He used the words of true repentance, but lacked the spirit of it. He spoke as if in sorrow, but there was no genuine sorrow in his heart. He pleaded with Sam'u-el for forgiveness, but there could be no forgiveness for him.
   When Sam'u-el turnt to leave him, he became desperate at the thought of being disgraced before the people. He seized the prophet's robe in such frenzy that it was torn, pleading with him to remain for worship, lest he be put to shame at once. Sam'e-el agreed to stand beside him while he worshiped, thus retaining honor before the elders of Is'ra-el for the time being.
   Sam'u-el then asked that A'gag, the captive king of the Am'a-lek-ites, be brought to him. With his own hand he executed the Judgment of GOD against the wicked heathen king, stabbing him with a mortal blow. The story then concludes with these tragic words: " Sam'u-el came no more to see Saul."

Story 79: Saul's Downfall And Rejection By The LORD l

   As a result of their victory over the Phi-lis'tines the children of Is'ra-el were freed from the invasions of these enemies for a number of years, and Saul seems to have taken a renewed interest in the affairs of the nation. He enjoyed once again the confidence of Is'ra-el, and the people rallied to his leadership in wars against various nations on every side of the land.
   Saul drove back the Mo'ab-ites who were threatening the security of Is'ra-el from their lands southeast of the Dead Sea. The Am'mon-ites, who were a constant menace to the tribes east of Jor'dan, were routed again, and threats from the E'dom-ites south of Ju'dah and Sim'e-on were also suppressed. To the north, between Da-mas'cas and the Eu-phra'tes River, Saul was successful in a war with the strong, wealthy kingdom known as Zo'bah. Several years were probably spent in intermittent wars against these various heathen nations.
   The prophet Sam'u-el, who seems to have avoided Saul after rebuking him for his unworthy conduct in the battle with the Phi-lis'tines, now appeared with a special message from GOD which called for an attack upon the Am'a-lek-ites. They were a fierce, roving people who lived south and southwest of Ca'naan in the A-ra'bi-an Peninsula, and were descendants of Am'a-lek, a grandson of E'sau. The LORD'S command that they be destroyed goes back to their hostility toward Mo'ses in the wilderness. They had allied with the Ca'naan-ites at Ka'desh, with the Mo'ab-ites in the capture of Jer'i-cho in the early days of the Judges, and with the Mid'i-an-ites in the oppression of Is'ra-el prior to the days of Gid'e-on, and were now bent upon robbery and murder once again.
   GOD'S command to Saul at this time was that he "utterly destroy" this nation and all their live-stock. Nothing was to be spared or offered for redemption. Such a course, cruel and barbarous as it may seem to us, was justified because of long years of persistent evil doing had removed all possibility of salvation for the Am'a-lek-ites.
   Saul organized an army of two hundred and ten thousand men, and proceeded at once into the land of the Am'a-lek-ites. Living among these wild people of A-ra'bi-a was a small tribe of the Mid'i-an nation known as Ken'ites. They had shown special kindness to the people of Is'ra-el on more than one occasion, and a covenant of friendship had been made with them. Saul ordered them to leave, so that they would not be included in the destruction of the Am'a-lek-ites.
   Saul then attacked the Am'a-lek-ites and won an overwhelming victory. Their entire land was smitten from the southeast to the west and northwest. The people were slain, and the king, whose name was A'gag, was taken prisoner. But in the destruction of the live-stock the command of GOD was only partially obeyed. The best of the sheep and oxen and fatlings and lambs were spared, and were carried back to Ca'naan as spoils of war. Saul again showed a spirit of self-will and rashness. He placed his own wishes above the direct command of GOD, feeling, no doubt, that his way was better than that of GOD.
   The LORD was greatly displeased with the conduct of Saul. He appeared again to Sam'u-el, telling him that He regretted the appointment of such a self-willed, disobedient man to the throne of Is'ra-el. Sam'u-el's anger was kindled against Saul, and he was greatly disturbed by the LORD'S threat to remove him from the throne. He spent the whole night in prayer, asking mercy for the wilful and disobedient king.
   Next to Mo'ses, Sam'u-el was the greatest pleader for mercy in Is'ra-el, but his prayers on behalf of Saul could not offset the king's persistent disobedience to GOD'S known commands. The Divine arm was not shortened, nor the Divine ear deaf, but even GOD could do no further mighty works for the unbelieving Saul. No prayer from the greatest saint could now remove the just punishment upon an unrepentant sinner.