BETHLEHEM
This is a picture of the village as seen close at hand, the Church of the Nativity in the foreground.
"Seated on the summit level of the hill country of Judah, with deep gorges descending east to the Dead Sea, and west to the plains of Philistia, the shepherds of Bethlehem had to contend not only with bears and lions, but also with human enemies, the Philistines on the west, and Arab robbers on the east. They would therefore from childhood be accustomed to bear fatigue, hunger, heat and cold, both by night and by day, and also to brave every kind of danger and fight with every kind of antagonist. Thus the youthful David learned to sling stones when he led his father's flocks over the hills, and thus was he prepared to conquer Goliath; and so, too, by defending his charge against lions and bears, he learned to face lion-like men in war and conquer them."--"The Land and the Book"
STORIES OF DAVID
THE SHEPHERD BOY WHO KILLED A GIANT
| Cubit. | A measure used in Bible lands, thought to be about nineteen inches. The span was another measure, about half a cubit. According to this, the height of Goliath was about ten feet. A very tall giant indeed! |
| Greaves | Armor for the legs. |
| Target | A round shield. |
| Weaver's Beam | The heavy round piece of wood used in old looms. |
Once upon a time there lived in the little village of Bethlehem among the hills of Judea, a shepherd lad whose name was David. Every day he led his flock of sheep to the greenest pasture and then watered them at the still pools of water.