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Five Smooth Stones, June 6
1 Samuel 17:28-37
David said ..., 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
Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.
1
Samuel 17:37
.
When David saw that all Israel were filled with fear, and learned that the
Philistine’s defiance was hurled at them day after day, without arousing a cham-
pion to silence the boaster, his spirit was stirred within him. He was fired with
zeal to preserve the honor of the living God and the credit of His people
David, in his humility and zeal for God and his people, proposed to meet this
boaster. Saul consented and had his own kingly armor placed upon David. But he
would not consent to wear it. He laid off the king’s armor, for he had not proved
it. He had proved God and, in trusting in Him, had gained special victories. To
put on Saul’s armor would give the impression that he was a warrior, when he
was only little David who tended the sheep. He did not mean that any credit be
given to the armor of Saul, for his trust was in the Lord God of Israel
Choosing five smooth stones out of the brook, he put them in his bag, and,
with his sling in his hand, drew near to the Philistine. The giant strode boldly
forward, expecting to meet the mightiest of the warriors of Israel. His armor-
bearer walked before him, and he looked as if nothing could withstand him. As
he came nearer to David he saw but a stripling, called a boy because of his youth.
David’s countenance was ruddy with health, and his well-knit form, unprotected
by armor, was displayed to advantage; yet between its youthful outline and the
massive proportions of the Philistine, there was a marked contrast.
Goliath was filled with amazement and anger. “Am I a dog,” he exclaimed,
“that thou comest to me with staves?” Then he poured upon David the most
terrible curses by all the gods of his knowledge. He cried in derision, “Come to
me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the
field
[164]
9
Patriarchs and Prophets, 645
.
10
Testimonies for the Church 3:219
.
11
Patriarchs and Prophets, 647
.
169