Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: CHALLENGE (08/17/17)
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TITLE: Nemesis | Previous Challenge Entry
By Graham Keet
08/20/17 -
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Together they mounted the hillock above the camp and looked across the Valley of Elah to where the Israelite army was camped. “How many of them do you think there are sprawled across the hill on the other side of the valley?”
“I’ve heard Ulah, our leader, say there are only about fifty thousand of them out there, no match for our hundred and twenty thousand warriors lining up against them.”
“That’s exactly why I can’t understand them not accepting my challenge. They must realize that when our two armies meet in combat they will be annihilated; and yet not one of them has the guts to face me and save his nation from destruction. Surely it would be better for them to let me kill their champion—if they have such a thing—and become our slaves rather than all be killed?”
“What would your choice be, big brother? Would you be prepared to submit yourself to slavery merely to save your skin?”
“I guess you’re right, Lahmi Gath, but come; it’s time. For thirty-nine days I’ve waited for a response to my challenge. We’ve given them enough time, if nobody comes forward today, then Ulah will give the word and we’ll destroy them.”
“Can I go out with you today, Goliath Gath, perhaps they will be more willing to fight if its two against two?”
“Have you looked at yourself recently, little brother Gath? I’m nearly ten feet tall and you’re only slightly shorter than me. If they see the two of us together, Saul will turn and run all the way back to Jerusalem. No, this last time I will issue the challenge alone, and if there are no takers, then prepare yourself for battle, little brother.”
*
In the dim light of early morning the Philistine camp resembled a heaving nest of ants, angry at the presence of an unwelcome intruder. From their camp on the hill closest to Sokoh, the Israeli legions could see that the Philistine hoards outnumbered them, and from information gleaned from advanced parties, the Philistine armament included swords, shields, bows and armor reinforced with iron, which the Israelis did not have.
“Our spies tell us that today is the last time the challenge will be issued,” said King Saul to his commander-in-chief, Abner. “Are we prepared for battle?”
“As ready as we’ll ever be without a champion to take on Goliath.”
“I need a volunteer,” said Saul. “I can’t force any of my men to fight this giant—nobody has a chance against him. We must have a volunteer.”
“There’s talk of a boy who said he can do the job; the youngest brother of Eliab, son of Jesse.”
“Are you joking with me? Is he any good?”
“Against lions and bears, I believe, but he has never fought a man before.”
“Doesn’t sound very promising, but do we have a choice?” remarked Saul. “Bring him to me.”
*
Lahmi and Goliath Gath walked together towards the center of the valley. “This is where you leave me, Lahmi Gath, I alone will issue this final challenge.”
“It worries me that a horde of Israelites may break ranks and attack you while you’re alone; together we could…”
“It would take a whole horde of them to kill me; but don’t worry, our archers would mow them down before they get near to me. Now go!”
Goliath Gath raised both arms above his head and screamed his challenge to the opposing army. He watched with satisfaction as the murmuring in the ranks before him grew still. Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of an unarmed boy breaking ranks and moving towards him. He shouted at the Israelite ranks to keep their children off the battlefield, and to send a warrior out to fight him. The boy kept on approaching him—and then, swinging something about his head, he broke into a run.
As the giant descendent of Rapha Gath began to draw his sword, he caught sight of a white blur speeding towards his forehead…
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Blessings~
You have a way of making the Bible come alive.
Great storytelling. You made the character of Goliath come alive.
Congratulations on your EC Award.