Fant-I-See Eye Land

Writers are encouraged "to write what you know." That of course is very good advice. A writer finds great difficulty in writing what the writer does not know. How does one find out about something that the person knows yet doesn't really know from experience? That is a bit of a puzzle.

This writer has read The Bible many, many times. What was it like when these events happened? What little details are missing that would make the event become more real; more interesting; even more exciting. Pondering the idea began to take on a life of its own. What would happen if?

A small boy, named David, attacking a 9'6" giant just didn't seem plausible. After all, when King Saul is told about David, David is described as a great warrior and a musician. 12-year-old boys are not usually thought of as great warriors. What is missing here? The Bible doesn't tell us who the person who recommended David was or how that person knew David. That person might have been tired of the king's mood swings and was willing to try anything. A puzzle to be pondered and perused.

David is introduced to the king as one who can calm him when he is having a bad day. The king has turned away from obedience to Yahweh and is troubled on a regular basis with an evil spirit. King Saul is greatly pleased with David's skill as a lyricist: one who can play the lyre and write words to the music, both very good things. Music helps to express emotions of all kinds. Perhaps the lyrics reminded the sovereign of what Yahweh still wants to do in his life.

War came. Even the best instrumentalists are not need on the front lines. David is sent home. Jesse, David's father, gives his son some food for the three of his brothers that are in King Saul's army. David's brothers are so appreciative of the food and the visit that David is told, "Go back home to your little flock." Got to love older brothers.

As the writer was penning these very words, there was a soft whoosh. In the blink of an eye there were Israeli and Phillistine soldiers facing each other for combat. Nothing seemed to be happening. A lone soldier came out. He was wearing an impressive suit of armor. By today's standards he was built like a tank.

Anyone who has read The Bible knows how this story goes. However, this was just when those events were to take place. David knows the reward. He knows the criticisms of his older brothers. After some thought he goes to the king and tells the king, "I will take care of this guy for you." Yeah! Right!

David has been serenading the king for some time. The king was so impressed he asked, "Who is this kid?" Music was not on the mind of the king at all. His adviser had to find out. So much for, "It is who you know that matters."

The king offers his armor. David considers and chooses not to use it. He tells the king, "I have not earned the right to wear your armor." A plan has formed itself in David's heart and mind. He can't beat Goliath with Goliath's tremendous armor. He has to do something different; unexpected.

One aspect of Goliath's armor is never in any of the pictures of their battle. He has a shield bearer. The shield bearer goes in front of the warrior to deflect any spears, arrows, or other weapons hurled at the soldier being defended. There is no way around this guy.

What does our hero do? He goes out unarmed! He has a shepherd's staff; no helmet, no armor, no sword, nothing. He could not look much more helpless or ridiculous.

The stratagem works. The giant comes out without his armor bearer. He doesn't even have his sword drawn. Why get all suited up for this runt of a punk kid?

Deception is deceptive. David has a sling folded up in his hand. He has found five smooth stones. He told king Saul, "Look, I killed a lion and a bear. I will take care of this guy for you." Of course, the king responds, "Have a good time. Where shall I send flowers?"

The unarmed warrior goes out and declares, "In the Name of Yahweh, I will defeat you." Goliath's roar of laughter was echoed by all of the soldiers behind him. Even though the outcome was known to the writer, this was becoming exciting. Wow, to actually see this live and in person.

A hush falls on both armies. Small and fleet of foot facing the ponderous hulk. "Place your bets, gentlemen. Place your bets. 20 to 1 odds against the kid. Any takers on the kid?" None. Why bet against a sure thing?

The sapling takes a stand. The Hulk lumbers forward hurling insults as he approaches this impudent rascal who tells me, tells me, he is going to defeat me in the Name of Yahweh. Who is this Yahweh? No one I fear.

A quick aside. At 21' a knife beats a gun every time. Think of a baseball pitcher. He throws the ball from 60' at 100 MPH and the batter can hit the ball. The catcher has time to react and catch the ball. 21'. That is mighty close.

David begins to run when this 9'6" mountain is by himself. On legs used to speed and agility, the sling is brought out, loaded and slung on the run. Goliath is hit in the head, stunned. He blinks. staggers. Collapses. David draws the giant's own sword and cuts off his head. Both armies are temporarily stunned. To think, this was seen in person by someone born almost 3000 years after the fact. Even though the end was known, the actual event was thrilling, exciting, mind blowing, awesome.

A soft whoosh. Back in the comfort of an airconditioned room. Who will ever believe what was just seen? Perhaps the reader?