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David Kills Goliath
This chapter is based on 1 Samuel 16:14-23; 17.
When King Saul realized that God had rejected him, he was filled
with bitter rebellion and despair. He had no clear understanding
of his sin and did not reform his life. He brooded over what he
thought was God’s injustice in taking the kingdom away from his
descendants. He constantly dreaded the ruin that he had brought
on his family. He did not meekly accept the God’s rebuke, but his
proud spirit became desperate, until he was on the verge of becoming
insane.
His counselors advised him to seek a skilled musician, hoping
that the soothing notes of a sweet instrument might calm his troubled
spirit. David, as a skilled harpist, was brought before the king. His
heaven-inspired music had the desired effect, and the dark cloud
over Saul’s mind was charmed away.
Whenever necessary, David was called back to soothe the mind
of the troubled king. Although Saul expressed delight in David and
his music, the young shepherd felt a sense of relief when he went
from the king’s house to the fields and hills of his pasture.
David was growing in favor with God and man. He had been in
the court of the king and had seen the responsibilities of royalty. He
had understood some of the mysteries in the character of Israel’s first
king. He knew that in their private life the household of Saul were
far from happy. These things troubled his thoughts, but he turned to
his harp and brought out music that elevated his mind to the Author
of everything good, and the dark clouds that seemed to shadow the
future disappeared.
David’s Special Educator
As Moses was trained for his work, so the Lord was fitting the
son of Jesse to become the guide of His chosen people. Animal
predators lurked in the lonely hills and wild ravines where David
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