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T H E K ING ’S BUS INESS
v. 48. "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.’’ David's courage does not fall but rises as he sees the mighty, towering Philistine with his armor bearer coming toward him. He is so eager for the battle that he runs to ward the whole Philistine army to meet their champion. What we need today is soldiers for Christ so hot for the battle that they run toward the enemy instead of running away from them. v. 49. “And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and• he fell upon his face to the earth.’’ There is always an open place somewhere in the infidel’s armor and the man who trusts God to guide his aim is sure to find it. How easily Goliath came down when David faced him in God’s strength and how easily all the enemies we most fear come down when we face them in God’s strength. v. SO. “So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him.” There is a wonderful world of meaning in the short word “so” with which this verse begins. How did David prevail ? “So,” LESSON (1) David Declines Saul’s Armor, vs. 38-40. David dons Saul’s suit (“apparel” R. V.), an appearance of royalty; Saul’s helmet and Saul’s mail, v. 38; vs. 5, 49; 1 Kings 22:34. David tries Saul’s armor, v. 39; Gal. S: 7;. 3:3. David discards the whole dependence, cannot wear, never proved, put them off, v. 39; Eph.~4:22, 24. David took his “staff,” “stones,” “scrip” and “sling” and went his way, v. 40; 2 Cor. 10:4. Questions: How did Saul’s armor serve him? 31:3. How did his sword serve him? 31:4. How did Saul think of David? 2 Cor. 10 : 2 .
i. e., he prevailed simply by putting his whole trust in God and seeking God’s honor and that alone, and using the weapons that God put in his hands. “So” may we also , prevail, and only “So.” "But there was ho sword in the hand of David.” No, there was not, and David needed none. He had no need of Saul’s sword now for there was' Goliath’s own sword right at hand and all at his disposal. If we use the weapons that God puts in our hands, if other weapons are needed, God will provide them in good time. v. 51. "And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.” It is a pleasing sight to see these Philistines on i "the run, and sooner or later we will see all God’s enemies on the run. 'Time and again in the history of the church and the world, the Philistines who have boasted of what they were going to do with Goa’s people and God’s Word have 'been compelled to take to the woods when some mighty cham pion in whom they put their trust was laid low. 'The believer needs never fear, no matter how Goliath swaggers
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