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Spiritual Gifts, Volume 4a
government of the kingdom who should know from the Lord how to
move in accordance with his will. While in a favorable state of mind
he sent messengers for David. He soon loved him, and gave him the
position of armor-bearer, making him his attendant. He thought if
David was favored of God, he would be a safeguard to him, and per-
haps save his life when he should be exposed to his enemies. David’s
skillful playing upon the harp soothed the troubled spirit of Saul. As
he listened to the enchanting strains of music, it had an influence to
dispel the gloom which settled upon him, and to bring his excited mind
into a more rational, happy state.
Especially was the heart of Jonathan knit with David’s, and there
was a most sacred bond of union established between them, which
remained unbroken till the death of Saul and Jonathan. This was the
Lord’s doings, that Jonathan might be the means of preserving the
life of David, when Saul would try to kill him. God’s providence
connected David with Saul, that by his wise behaviour he might obtain
the confidence of the people, and by a long course of hardships and
vicissitudes be led to put his entire trust in God, while he was preparing
him to become ruler of his people.
When the Philistines renewed war with Israel, David was permitted
to go to his father’s house to resume the occupation of shepherd which
he loved. The Philistines dare not venture their large armies against
Israel, as they had heretofore done, fearing they would be overcome
and fall before Israel. They are ignorant of the weakness of Israel.
They know not that Saul and his people have great anxiety, and dare not
commence the battle with them, fearing that Israel will be overcome.
But the Philistines propose their own manner of warfare, in selecting
a man of great size and strength, whose height is about twelve feet,
and they send this champion forth to provoke a combat with Israel,
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requesting them to send out a man to fight with him. He was terrible
in appearance, and spoke proudly, and defied the armies of Israel and
their God.
For forty days this proud boaster filled Israel with terror, and made
Saul greatly afraid, for no one dared to venture to combat with the
mighty giant. Israel, on account of their transgressions had not that
sacred trust in God which would lead them to battle in his name. But
God would not suffer an idolatrous nation to lift their heads proudly
against the Ruler of the universe. He saved Israel, not by the hand