STORIES FROM THE BIBLE ---5--6

 

The Fight with the Giant --3

 

     And David ran toward the Philistine, as if to fight him with his shepherd's staff. But when he was just near enough for a good aim, he took out his sling, and hurled a stone aimed at the giant's forehead. David's aim was good ; the stone struk  the Philistine in his forehead. It stunned him, and he fell to the ground. While the two armies stood wondering, and scarcely knowing what had caused the giant to fall so suddenly, David ran foward, drew out the giant's own sword, and cut off his head. Then the Philistines knew that their great warrior in whom they trusted was dead. They turned to flee to their own land ; and the Israelites followed after them, and kill them by the hundred and thousand, even to the gates of their own city of Gath.

 

     So that day David won a great victory and stood before all the land as the one who had save his people from their enemies. When Saul died he was followed  by David, the shepherd boy, now grown to manhood and greatly loved by the people. He had many battles to fight with  the Philistines and was nearly always victorious. He was a warrior king ; but he was more than a warrior. He played on his harp  and composed many beautiful hymns and songs, which are collected in the book of Psalms. He was a good king  and tried to obey God's command. He had a long reign and his people were happy and prosperous. He had many sons and gaughters and beautiful palaces for them to live in.