most important event happened. Samuel, the prophet, came from Ramah,
and pouring some very precious oil upon the head of David, anointed
him to be the future King of Israel. Saul was then King, but on
account of his wickedness God had rejected him, saying that another
should reign in his stead.

Soon after this event Saul became very wretched. An evil spirit
troubled him, we are told. His servants advised him to get a man that
could play skilfully upon the harp, so that music might drive away his
misery. Some one suggested David; and David was sent for. He brought
sweet strains from his harp, and Saul was soothed. Saul was pleased
with David. We are told that "he loved him greatly," and that David
became his armour-bearer. But he soon grew jealous, and twice threw a
javelin at David, seeking to smite him to the wall and kill him. This,
however, he was not able to do.

[Illustration: DAVID PLAYING ON THE HARP BEFORE SAUL.]




DAVID AND GOLIATH.


How attentively David looks at the stones in his hand. His sling is on
his arm, and his bag by his side. What is he about to do with those
stones? And who is that tall man in armour, strutting about with such
a long spear in his hand?

Two armies were drawn up in battle array. They were the armies of the