Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

David: The Young Lion
David: The Young Lion
David: The Young Lion
Ebook284 pages2 hours

David: The Young Lion

Rating: 0 out of 5 stars

()

Read preview

About this ebook

David is just fourteen when he courageously kills a black-maned lion to rescue the flock of sheep in his protection. Even at his young age, he is focused on becoming a great warrior who will one day fight to defeat Israels enemies. But when David is suddenly summoned home from the fields by his father, everything changes.

After David learns that King Saul has summoned him to play and sing for him in an effort to drive away an evil spirit, he immediately travels from Bethlehem to Gilgal, all while praying he can fulfill the order. Soon after David befriends the kings son, Jonathan, he is released by Saul after his musical efforts seemingly fail. When David is eventually anointed to become the future King of Israel after God rejects Sauls rebellious house and Jonathan as the next-in-line to take the throne, he fears Jonathan will hate him. Just as David is thrust to the heights of fame and glory, the king sets out on a vengeful quest that changes everything once again.

In this biblical tale set in ancient Israel, a young man embarks on a coming-of-age journey that he hopes leads him to his destinyunless someone stops him first.
LanguageEnglish
PublisheriUniverse
Release dateJul 26, 2017
ISBN9781532026560
David: The Young Lion
Author

Polly McBee Hutchison

Polly McBee Hutchison was an Army Brat. She attended jr high in Junction City, Kansas and at the Army School in Ft. Levenworth, Kansas. She attended High School in the Army school in Sendai, Japan and graduated at East Point, Georgia. She attended the University of Georgia for two years, and graduated from Eastern Montana College. She taught history and English at the jr high and high school levels, and authored the world history textbook STREAMS OF CIVILIZATION used in schools and in home schooling. She was the winner of the Evangelical Press Association national bi-centennial writing contest. She has lived in Wyoming, Colorado, California, Florida and Hawaii. She now resides in Chandler, Arizona. Her website is www.pollymcbee.com.

Read more from Polly Mc Bee Hutchison

Related to David

Related ebooks

Historical Fiction For You

View More

Related articles

Related categories

Reviews for David

Rating: 0 out of 5 stars
0 ratings

0 ratings0 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

    Book preview

    David - Polly McBee Hutchison

    DAVID

    THE YOUNG LION

    POLLY MCBEE HUTCHISON

    39985.png

    DAVID

    THE YOUNG LION

    Copyright © 2017 Polly McBee Hutchison.

    All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

    This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

    iUniverse

    1663 Liberty Drive

    Bloomington, IN 47403

    www.iuniverse.com

    1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

    Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

    Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

    Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

    ISBN: 978-1-5320-2654-6 (sc)

    ISBN: 978-1-5320-2655-3 (hc)

    ISBN: 978-1-5320-2656-0 (e)

    Library of Congress Control Number: 2017910335

    iUniverse rev. date: 07/26/2017

    CONTENTS

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    CHAPTER 1

    The last thing David expected to encounter that morning was a black-maned lion. Having watered the sheep and eaten, David now sat, his back against a rock, softly strumming his lyre. Suddenly one of the dogs gave a deep warning growl, and then whined. Instantly David was on his feet, searching the area for the possible threat. The sheep near him were still placidly grazing, but over to the right they were beginning to show signs of unease.

    Slipping the strap of his sling around his wrist, David slowly began moving in the direction he felt the danger lay. His quick amber eyes searched the area until he found his young nephew, Abishai. Having noticed the warning he was also searching for the danger. However, if David was correct, Abishai was too far away to be of any help.

    As David came to the top of a little rise, he stopped in amazement. Instead of the jackal or wolf he had expected, a majestic black-maned lion crouched, belly to the ground, slowly closing in on the flock. This was the first time David had ever been faced with such a formidable threat to the sheep, but he had heard his brothers tell how much damage could be caused by one lion.

    David stood, trying to decide what to do. If he angered the lion and it charged him, there was no tree close enough for shelter. Almost without being aware of it, he began praying,

    Help me, oh God. Help me protect my flock. Show me what to do, guide my hands and my feet.

    With a roar, the lion sprang into the flock, which, with loud bleats of terror, scattered in all directions. The lion came erect with a young lamb in his mouth. The lamb’s head was visible on one side, and his hind legs kicked feebly out the other, but so massive was the lion that the rest of the lamb was hidden in his mouth.

    Filled with rage, David sprang into action, his sling humming as it spun around his head. The lion had turned towards the sound and movement the boy made, and the rock hit it on the nose. Opening his mouth in a roar of pain, the lion dropped the lamb, which feebly struggled to its feet.

    The lion now focused his yellow eyes balefully on the slim figure of the boy, who even now was again swinging his sling. The lion snarled, revealing sharp teeth, then with a roar of rage charged David, only to be stopped when the stone from the sling struck him in one eye.

    With a moan the lion sank to its knees, stunned but obviously far from dead. Looking frantically around him, David spied a large jagged rock, which he grabbed. rushing to the groggy lion, he raised it high, bringing it down with all his wiry strength upon the lion’s head. Although it seemed obvious the lion was dead, David not taking any chances, picked up the rock again, bringing it down smashing the lion’s skull.

    By this time Abishai had reached David’s side. The young boy’s eyes were wide with fright and awe as he gasped,

    David, you killed a lion!

    Reaction was starting to set in, and suddenly David’s legs were too weak to support him and he sank to the ground.

    David! Abishai screamed, "Are you hurt?

    Abishai’s distress caused David to laugh, almost hysterically, he had such poor control over his emotions at this point.

    No, I’m not hurt, unless I’m about to die of fright.

    Abishai looked reproachfully at his uncle. It is nothing to laugh about. When I saw the lion turn towards you I thought I would die. Why did you do such a foolish thing? Why didn’t you let him have the lamb?

    That lamb was in my protection, David strongly asserted as he shakily struggled to his feet. I will fight to the death to protect my sheep. They depend on me.

    Just then the dog’s barking alerted the boys to what was happening with the sheep. The dogs were working hard trying to keep the flock together, but the scent of the lion was too strong and the panicked sheep were trying to scatter in every direction.

    Abishai, we can’t move the lion, he’s too big. We’ll have to move the flock to another well.

    The younger boy nodding his understanding, David continued, I’ll help the dogs get the sheep moving, you break camp and join us as soon as you can. Don’t forget to fill all the water skins.

    Abishai nodded in acknowledgment, and headed at a lope back towards their camp. David let out a series of sharp whistles to let the dogs know what he wanted them to do. Then he began crooning to the sheep as he gently herded them away from the carcass of the lion. Coming across the lion’s victim, David picked it up, putting it across his shoulders, holding its legs to keep it from struggling.

    Once away from the disturbing odor of the lion, the sheep settled down, and began grazing peacefully as they slowly headed towards the next well.

    The sun was high in the sky when Abishai caught up with them. David was grateful for the water skin Abishai offered him, but as he drank he became aware his nephew was staring at him, a strange look on his face.

    What are you looking at? David felt foolish. Is something wrong?

    David, you killed a lion, Abishai’s voice was filled with awe. I don’t think I ever knew anyone who killed a lion before, and you didn’t have a spear. I’d say that is as great a feat as when Samson killed one with his bare hands. After all, he had God’s special strength, and you are still a boy.

    David was embarrassed by Abishai’s blatant hero worship. Come on, Abishai, lots of shepherds must kill lions all the time. We haven’t heard about it because they don’t consider it important enough to mention.

    Well, I still think it was the bravest thing I ever saw! Abishai affirmed loyally.

    It only proves what I’ve been telling you, you must practice using your sling until you hit your target on the first throw. You may not have a second or third chance.

    The boys continued herding the flock throughout the afternoon, a light breeze stirring their hair, while fluffy clouds, like oversized sheep drifted through their blue pasture, but there was nothing offering relief from the sun. Whenever a sheep would start to drift away from the main flock, one of the boys would place a sling stone a few inches in front of its nose, and it would quickly turn and rejoin the flock.

    David, I’ve been thinking you really are going to be a great warrior, Abishai broke the silence. Wistfully he added, When that happens, may I be your armor bearer?

    When I become a great warrior, you will be my companion in arms. Together we will fight and defeat Israel’s enemies.

    Well, when you leave for the army I’ll still be too young to be a soldier. Couldn’t I come as your armor bearer?

    You will have to train Asahel to protect the sheep and use a sling before you can join the army, David teased.

    Asahel is only nine, I can’t wait that long to join you, Abishai wailed, so upset David began laughing. This made the younger boy pout, refusing to talk for a while, however, unable to resist talking about it, he asked,

    David, when we join the army do you think we would get to serve under Jonathan?

    David shook his head sadly, I don’t suppose so. We would probably serve in a company from Judah. Jonathan no doubt commands a company from Benjamin.

    Oh, Abishai couldn’t hide his disappointment. Then brightening asked, We would get to see him, though. He would have to move about the camp.

    I’m sure we would get to see him. It would be something to talk to him, but even if I had the chance I wouldn’t know what to say. I would just appear to be a lout of a sheepherder.

    Oh, no, David, you would never be at a loss for words, and you could sing him one of the songs you have written about his victories and bravery.

    I think I would be much too embarrassed. After all, Jonathan is the greatest hero Israel has had in modern times. He’s too important to notice a flea like me.

    The boys walked on, each absorbed in their private dreams of future glory. It was already growing dark when they reached the new well. Because they hadn’t time to collect firewood, they ate in the dark after watering and bedding down the sheep.

    Tired from their exertions, they quickly rolled up in their warm cloaks. Alone with his thoughts, David relived his encounter with the lion, amazed at how calm he had been until after the beast was dead. Remembering his prayer, he realized how completely God had answered, and in his mind a song of praise formed to thank the Lord for His mighty enabling power and guidance. The song still in his mind, David fell into a deep sleep.

    - - - - -

    David and Abishai had just finished the evening watering of the sheep when the dogs began growling a warning. Instantly adjusting their slings, the boys searched for the danger. A shout came from the next ridge, and they could see a figure hurrying toward them.

    It looks like Joab, Abishai exclaimed.

    I wonder why your brother has sought us out? Something must be wrong at home.

    Anxiously the two boys watched Joab approach.

    Why did you move the sheep? Joab complained, reaching for the leather bucket at the well, and drinking greedily. It’s bad enough I was sent to find you without having to scour the entire countryside. Have you eaten yet?

    No, come join us, we were about to build a fire, David gestured towards their camp.

    Although two years older than David, Joab was much shorter, giving evidence that he would be a stout man when he was full grown. Like Abishai, he had the dark hair and complexion of his parents.

    Well, why did you move the sheep? Joab demanded testily, pulling some fruit and fresh bread from his pack.

    A lion attacked the flock yesterday, David explained. The scent was causing the sheep to panic and I thought it was best to move them away.

    Did it never occur to my Uncle that the lion would follow the flock? Joab enjoyed demonstrating his superiority over David whenever he could.

    Abishai quickly interjected, That lion won’t follow the sheep because David killed it. Joab, you should have seen him, it was a black-maned beast, and David forced him to drop the lamb he had taken, stood in the face of the lion’s charge, and killed him!

    A black-maned lion, no less. In spite of himself, Joab looked impressed.

    Joab, why have you come? David broke in impatiently. Has something happened at home?

    Ah yes, mighty singer of songs, Grandfather has sent me to tell you to come home immediately. I’m to take your place until he sends out a servant.

    But why does Father want me home? He’s not ill, is he? Has something happened to my brothers?

    Let your heart be at rest. There is nothing wrong, but there is need for haste. They thought I’d reach you yesterday, so you will be two days late getting home. Grandfather will not be pleased about that.

    Joab, you must know why I’m wanted, why won’t you tell me? David was becoming annoyed at Joab’s smug superiority.

    David, if I were to tell you and deprive Grandfather of that pleasure, I would never be able to return home again. In the morning when you’re gone, I’ll tell Abishai all I know, and we will both be waiting impatiently for the next time we see you.

    Realizing he would not be able to get anything else out of Joab, David applied himself to eating his share of the fresh fruit his nephew had brought.

    As they sat around the fire Abishai asked, Will my Uncle play us some songs before we sleep? Who knows when I’ll get the chance to hear you again.

    David pulled out his lyre and began singing the song he had just composed to thank God for helping him kill the lion. Then at Abishai’s urging he sang the song of Jonathan’s victory at Mishmash.

    Finally, the boys rolled into their warm shepherd’s cloaks and slept.

    - - - - -

    Early the next morning David started home, leaving as Joab and Abishai began watering the sheep. Although he was hurrying, realizing he was now two days late for whatever it was his father wanted, he still had time to appreciate the beauties of nature. The sun was just beginning to color the rough hills, and in this first touch of color they seemed hazy, creating what appeared to be a dream world.

    As David tried to make as much speed as he could in the cool of the day, over and over in his mind he tried to figure out why Jesse had sent for him. If someone were needed to go to his three brothers in the Army, Joab would have been the reasonable one to send. The uncomfortable thought came that his father just missed him and had sent for him purely for this selfish reason. If that were the case, David knew he would never hear the end of it from his older brothers, who were already jealous of the special affection he received from his father.

    David took comfort from the old story of Joseph and how his brothers had resented and hated him because of his father’s favor. David had also learned from this story, and tried never to draw attention to his achievements or in any way add fuel to his brothers’ resentments.

    As the sleepy village of Bethlehem came into view, David felt his spirits droop. It seemed as if he were two people. When he was out with the sheep he felt brave, resourceful and fulfilled. Whenever he returned home, all his confidence seemed to drain away. As he approached the gate leading into the walled courtyard of his home, he felt like a scavenger dog, with his tail between his legs, waiting for someone to throw a rock at him.

    Entering the busy courtyard, David was again struck by his family’s affluence. The extended family lived in the large home. David’s married sister, Zeruiah, mother of Joab, Abishai and Asahel, was now doing most of the actual running of the household as their mother turned more and more of the heavier jobs over to her capable hands. Although well past the age when they should marry, David’s three older brothers, now with the army, did not seem inclined to settle down. The younger three seemed content with staying and helping with the farm, and Jesse was even now finding wives for them.

    David spotted Raddai as soon as he entered the courtyard. He was talking with the servant responsible for producing the pottery the family used for eating and cooking, as well as for more mundane purposes such as washing bowls and carriers. With such a large family, they kept the man almost continually employed.

    On the other side of the courtyard the servant girl, Myra, was busy at a loom, producing the soft woven material the family used for their clothing. In fact, the tunic David was wearing had been specially woven for him by Myra. Catching his eye, she waved a greeting and he smiled in return.

    After the quietude of the hills, the courtyard seemed a mass of confusion. There were donkeys being unloaded, the grain they carried carefully placed in the storerooms located on the ground floor of the house. Ozem, just emerging from the storeroom, was the first to spot David.

    So, David, you finally decided to grace us with your presence, he called loudly.

    Instantly Raddai spun around and the two of them started toward him, where they were joined by Nethaneel. David’s heart sank, he had been hoping to slip into the house unnoticed. Surrounded by the tall, good looking men, David, tried not to show his nervousness. Nethaneel being the oldest spoke first.

    We were expecting you back two days ago, didn’t you think Father’s summons was important enough for you to obey?

    David swallowed, wishing he didn’t feel so defensive, We had to move the sheep and Joab didn’t find us until last night. I left first thing this morning and made good time getting here.

    And why did you move the sheep? They wouldn’t have finished with the pasturage around the well for several days, yet, Nethaneel glared at him as if he were a criminal, letting good pasture go to waste.

    David, looking at the angry bearded faces decided it would be best to underplay the lion incident. A lion attacked the flock, and they were so skittish I decided it would be best to remove them from that area.

    Raddai joined in, I supposed it never occurred to you that once a lion makes a kill, he will continue following the flock. You should have sent for us so we could kill it. Now we’ll have to go all the way to the second well, and no telling how many more sheep will be lost before we get there. I never took you to be such a fool.

    Stung by their scorn and condemnation David responded heatedly, None of the flock was lost and you needn’t go anywhere, I killed the lion!

    Ozem hooted, You killed the lion. How could you kill a lion?

    Maybe he jumped on him and slew him like Samson, rending it to pieces with his mighty arms, Raddai responded.

    No, I have it, Ozem snorted derisively, He began to sing one of his songs and the beast died of boredom.

    All three were now laughing, slapping each other on the back. When one would stop, they would look at each other and once again break into laughter.

    David, completely fed up with their insults, his naturally ruddy complexion now bright red, stalked stiffly to the house. Nethaneel called after him,

    You’d better think of a better excuse than that for being late. No one is going to believe you killed a lion, even if you did have help from Abishai. At that the three again broke into laughter.

    David, angrily stormed into the house and up the stairs to the living area. Just once he wished his brothers would treat him like an adult. After all, he was now fourteen, and no longer a child. Again he hugged to himself the thought that Jonathan at fifteen had led an army against the Philistine garrison at Geba and defeated it. The fact he had not panicked when facing the lion proved he had courage. He, too, could be a hero if he were given the chance.

    Entering the main room of the house, he encountered Abigail, his youngest sister. Two years younger than David, she was always quick to show him sympathy when his brothers’ torments became unbearable. The same height as David, Abigail also shared the auburn hair, that was a heritage from Ruth, their Moabitess great-grandmother.

    Well, I see your brothers found you, Abigail smiled fondly, revealing a dimple in her right cheek.

    David shrugged, not trusting himself to speak, yet not wanting to be rude to his sister.

    We are going to eat on the roof tonight, Abigail continued. Mother and Father are there keeping an eye on Asahel for Zeruiah while we finish fixing dinner. Don’t bother to clean up now, Father has been worried sick these two days, imagining all sorts of things. She looked at David in a way that let him know she didn’t approve of his taking so long to answer his father’s summons.

    Don’t you start in on me, David snapped. Joab didn’t arrive at our camp until sunset yesterday. I left early this morning and traveled hard and I’m tired.

    Poor dear, Abigail crooned, Just run up to Father and put his mind at ease, you can rest later.

    David placed his leather bag of sling stones, his lyre, water skin and shepherd’s cloak in the corner, and went up the stairs. A gentle breeze cooled his heated face as he came out onto the roof. Protected by a parapet, there was no danger of youngsters falling from the roof, and in addition to taking their meals there, the family often slept there during really hot weather.

    David’s parents were seated in the shade of an awning, and as he glanced at them he was struck by how his father seemed to have aged. His hair and beard were now almost completely white. He considered, yes, Jesse was getting close to sixty. Although considerably younger than her husband, his mother was also beginning to show her years.

    Stricken that he should have caused them worry, David quickly crossed to where they sat, going down on one knee before his father.

    My Father, I am sorry my late arrival has caused you worry. I didn’t know I was wanted until last night, and I traveled in haste to get here today.

    Ah, David, the way he said the name denoted its true meaning of Darling, and he placed a loving hand on David’s head. It is true, I have feared for your safety because I could think of nothing that would hinder your coming.

    David rose and went

    Enjoying the preview?
    Page 1 of 1