THE MEANING OF THE STORY 215 (§65A). There was a strong enemy on the western coast that was the most serious trouble to Israel. It was to save themselves from these people that the Hebrews had longed for a king. Imagine how we should feel if some foreign nation should capture New York and Chicago and St. Louis and San Francisco and should compel us to give up a large part of our crops every year. We should look for a great general to lead us to turn them out. What then did Saul feel was his first duty as king? He had with him his noble son: what was his name? The first blow was struck at the town of Geba: what followed at once? 216 (§65A). Note the great force of the Philistines. What do you think they expected to do with the Hebrews? How did the Hebrews behave? We have seen before how the people would hide from their enemies. How many warriors did Saul have left? Notice that the two forces were drawn up on opposite sides of a valley. Each was on a height which it was difficult to attack. The reference to "the spoilers" means that the Philistines determined to destroy all the Hebrew country. The little army of Saul was unable to prevent the raids. 217 (§65B). Evidently some bold deed had to be done. We find that the king had a hero son. The knights in Europe used to have their squires: Jonathan had his armorbearer. Why did he not tell his father of his plan? At the battle of Santiago in the Cuban war Lieutenant Hobson wanted to do a very bold deed, but it was so dangerous that he had difficulty in getting permission. Jonathan was afraid his father would think his plan foolhardy. Study the description of the place. There was a narrow pass between two rocky crags. In order to reach the Philistines, Jonathan would have to climb the steep rock. Note that Jonathan hopes for the Lord to be with him. How does the armorbearer respond? 218 (§65B). Jonathan proposes to go into the open at the bottom of the valley and call to the Philistine sentinels, and then to decide whether to attack according to their reply. He thinks that they will make one of two replies: what were they? Tell what happened. How do you think the sudden attack of two men could have frightened the Philistines? 219 (§65C). The Hebrew sentinels on their crag suddenly saw a great disturbance on the opposite height, which the Philistines held. What did Saul do? The king intended to consult God through the priest, but the confusion in the enemy's camp grew so great that he decided to attack at once. Three causes helped to put the Philistines to flight: what were they?