Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines 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 Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” {EP 469.4} This speech, given in a clear voice, rang out on the air and was distinctly heard by the listening thousands. In his rage Goliath pushed up the helmet that protected his forehead and rushed forward. “And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in the forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.” {EP 470.1} The two armies had been confident that David would be slain. But when the stone went whizzing through the air straight to the mark, they saw the mighty warrior tremble and reach forth his hands as if struck with blindness. The giant staggered, and like a smitten oak fell to the ground. {EP 470.2} David did not wait an instant. He sprang upon the prostrate form of the Philistine and with both hands laid hold of Goliath’s sword. It was lifted in the air, and the head of the boaster rolled from his trunk. A shout of exultation went up from the camp of Israel. {EP 470.3} The Philistines were smitten with terror. The triumphant Hebrews rushed after their fleeing enemies, “to the gates of Ekron.” “And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.” {EP 470.4}
Chapter 64—David Flees This chapter is based on 1 Samuel 18 to 22. After the slaying of Goliath, Saul kept David with him and would not permit him to return to his father’s house. And “the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” Jonathan and David made a covenant to be united as brethren, and the king’s son “stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garment, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.” Yet David preserved his modesty and won the affection of the people as well as of the royal household. It was evident that the blessing of God was with him. {EP 471.1} Saul felt that the kingdom would be more secure if there could be connected with him one who received instruction from the Lord. David’s presence might be a protection to Saul when he went out with him to war. {EP 471.2} The providence of God had connected David with Saul. David’s position at court would give him a knowledge of affairs and would enable him to gain the confidence of the nation. Hardships which befell him through the enmity of Saul would lead him to feel his dependence upon God. And the friendship of Jonathan was also of God’s providence, to preserve the life of the future ruler of Israel. {EP 471.3} When Saul and David were returning from battle with the Philistines, “the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tabrets, with joy, 263
