R 
 -BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 BY 
 
 RITA BENTON 
 
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 PN 6120 .R4 B4 
 Benton, Rita, 1881- 
 Shorter Bible plays 
 
 1— TtoXP 
 
THE DAUGHTER OF PHARAOH 
 
Z\)t 3buigbon i\rligious Cbucation <Icxts 
 Babib 4£. ©otonep, General €bttor 
 
 GEORGE HERBERT BETTS, Associate Editor 
 
 (* 
 
 
 
 
 Shorter Bible Plays 
 
 RITA^ENTON 
 
 <*^^ 
 
 THE ABINGDON PRESS 
 
 NEW YORK CINCINNATI 
 
Copyright, 1922, by 
 RITA BENTON 
 
 All Rights Reserved 
 
 The right to produce these plays for religious and educational 
 purposes (without personal profit), is freely granted. 
 
 All professional acting rights and moving picture rights are 
 fully protected by copyright, and any individual or company de- 
 siring to produce these plays for profit must make application to 
 the author and pay a royalty as agreed upon. 
 
 Printed in the United States of America 
 
TO MY MOTHER 
 and Her "Sunday" Children 
 
 Unto her little child, a mother saith: 
 
 'The Lord is everywhere, so have no fear." 
 The child is quieted to have her near. 
 
 Like unto God a mother comforteth. 
 
 And for her little child a mother prays : 
 
 "That he may love me much, but love God more !" 
 But 'tis our mothers that we all adore; 
 
 And for our mothers, give we God the praise. 
 
 For childhood clearer sees God's wondrous grace, 
 Sees God's love shining in his mother's face. 
 
 Copyrighted, 1922. by Rita Benton 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Editor's Introduction 5 
 
 Noah's Flood 1 1 
 
 The Proving of Abraham 38 
 
 Moses in the Bulrushes 44 
 
 Up, Up from Egypt to the Promised Land ! 53 
 
 The Call of Samuel 63 
 
 David and Goliath 74 
 
 The Judgment of Solomon (Longer Version) 99 
 
 The Judgment of Solomon (Shorter Version) 116 
 
 The Good Samaritan 122 
 
 Manger Service 1 29 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 The Daughter of Pharaoh Frontispiece 
 
 Noah's Flood page 
 
 Noah's Wife 10 
 
 A Son of Noah 15 
 
 Wife of Noah's Son 20 
 
 A Son of Noah 24 
 
 Wife of Noah's Son 26 
 
 The Animals Leave the Ark 29 
 
 The Rainbow 32 
 
 The Proving of Abraham 
 
 Abraham 37 
 
 Moses in the Bulrushes 
 
 Moses in the Bulrushes 43 
 
 The Daughter of Pharaoh Names Moses 49 
 
 Up, Up From Egypt to the Promised Land 
 
 A Page of Pharaoh 52 
 
 The Children of Israel Hail the Promised Land 59 
 
4 - ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 The Call of Samuel page 
 
 The Child Samuel with His Parents 62 
 
 The Priest Eli Rebukes His Drunken Sons 65 
 
 David and Goliath 
 
 David 73 
 
 The Challenger for Goliath 93 
 
 The Judgment of Solomon 
 
 The Judgment of Solomon (Longer Version) 98 
 
 The Children (Shorter Version) 115 
 
 To the kindness of Edward D. Waters we are indebted for the use of 
 many of these photographs. 
 
EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION 
 
 Increasingly the church is coming again to use re- 
 ligious pageantry and plays for instruction and worship. 
 In the earlier history of religion the dramatic expression 
 of religious aspiration and feeling was almost universal. 
 The dramatic impulse is deeply grounded in human na- 
 ture, and may be made to appeal to the highest attributes 
 of reverence and devotion. 
 
 Children should usually themselves be the actors and 
 not mere spectators. In acting Bible stories they learn 
 how intimately the past is linked to the present, and how 
 the struggles of to-day after truth, courage, love, are 
 like the struggles of the patriarchs and prophets. The 
 stories become more vivid, their charm grows, as we 
 study them in action — our own action. And when we 
 have finished the production of a Bible play a portion of 
 the most beautiful of all literature is ours forever. 
 
 In a portion of the plays they act out, the children 
 should, under wise leadership, devise and prepare their 
 own parts and lines. Along with these spontaneously 
 planned representations, however, should come a fair 
 proportion of carefully prepared simple artistic plays 
 adapted to the age and understanding of the child and 
 calculated to teach the lesson desired. Besides teaching 
 their own particular lessons, such plays will serve as a 
 model and standard for the children in preparing their 
 own presentations. 
 
 It is the purpose of the present volume to offer a col- 
 lection of shorter Bible plays of high standard, great 
 
 5 
 
6 EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION 
 
 beauty, simplicity, and careful adaptation. All of 
 these plays have been used many times over with groups 
 of children in church schools, and their value thor- 
 oughly proved. The editors offer the book to the church 
 public believing it will be a helpful factor in the field of 
 religious education. 
 
COSTUMES 
 
 The costumes used in these Bible plays have been 
 largely copied from Tissot's illustrations of the Bible. 
 
 A straight piece of bleached or unbleached muslin, 
 seamed at the sides up to arm-hole, with a slit for the 
 neck, has been found the simplest foundation costume. 
 
 Variations on this are: 
 
 A girdle. 
 
 Sleeves. 
 
 Fringes. 
 
 A cloak of contrasting color, of the same pattern as 
 the slip, but open in front. 
 
 Several yards of material of contrasting color, thrown 
 over the head or shoulders, or draped. 
 
 Strips of cloth, four to six inches wide, sewed the 
 length of the costume. Black strips against white make 
 an effective costume. 
 
 For the head use a square of white cloth bound round 
 with a thick, dark cord. 
 
 For women the cloth may be lighter. They may wear 
 two girdles instead of one, with the material puffed out 
 between the girdles. Their veils also should be of lighter 
 material; over these a heavy mantle may hang, if de- 
 sired. 
 
 Barefoot sandals or Japanese sandals will do for the 
 feet, if antique sandals cannot be made. In many cases 
 it is preferable that the actors go barefoot. 
 
 7 
 
8 COSTUMES 
 
 For bracelets, crowns, scepters, fans, buy sheet copper 
 or brass, tin shears, and cut as desired. These will last 
 forever. 
 
 For soldier costumes, make brilliant, short tunics. 
 Belt these in with a twelve-inch strip of brown buckram, 
 which, in turn, is tied on with a bright cord. Use cone- 
 shaped caps. 
 
 Egyptian costumes may always be indicated by a belt 
 with a broad flap in the center, reaching from waist to 
 hem. For headdresses, use striped cloth; draw the two 
 front ends under the cloth and pin at the back of the 
 head. 
 
 For Babylonian costumes, take several yards of ma- 
 terial ; sew fringe to the ends and one side ; pin one end 
 of the goods at the back of model ; wind goods about 
 waist of model so as to form a skirt, and pin to end of 
 goods; carry the rest of the goods around, under right 
 arm, over left shoulder, about neck, over right arm ; tuck 
 in and hold in place by a three-inch belt. For head-gear 
 use tall caps rather resembling a sugar loaf. Use heavy 
 white canvas ; this may be painted or fringed. 
 
 Try to use strong, bright colors, with white and black 
 and brown. Avoid navy blue, turkey red, baby blue or 
 pink. Try to use the same color-values. 
 
 SCENERY 
 A sea-blue curtain is the one essential. 
 
NOAH'S WIFE 
 
NOAH'S FLOOD 
 
 THE PEOPLE 
 
 Messenger of God. Idolaters. 
 
 Noah. Animals. 
 His Wife. • (The number and kind 
 
 Shem. of animals must be left to 
 
 Ham. the costumer. Where the 
 
 Japheth. animals mentioned in the 
 Wives of Shem, Ham, play are left out, mention 
 
 Japheth. of them must be omitted.) 
 
 THE PLACE 
 
 Scene I. The building place of the Ark. 
 Scene II. Mount Ararat. 
 
 The Ark may be built on a framework of wood, cov- 
 ered with cloth to represent a child's toy. Bright colors 
 are preferable, such as gray and scarlet. Or the Ark may 
 be cut out of wall board. A door on hinges must be cut in 
 the side, also a window. A gangplank may lead up to 
 door. If the play is given indoors, a blue back-drop may 
 be used against which colored lights may be thrown, to 
 indicate storm. If given out of doors, a blue, smiling sky 
 is always desirable. 
 
 Thin tarlatan may be cut in the shape, and painted to 
 represent the rainbow, and stretched on a curved bit of 
 wire. 
 
 ii 
 
12 
 
 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 THE PROPERTIES 
 
 A hammer and nails. An idol. 
 
 Fruit. A few stones for altar. 
 
 Pitchers and platters of Two doves or pigeons. 
 
 food. A Flood Curtain. 
 
 A rainbow. 
 
 Trees, such as are seen in a child's Noah's Ark, may 
 be cut out of wood and painted a vivid green. These will 
 aid the picture. 
 
NOAH'S FLOOD 
 
 (Taken in large measure from the play by Ranulf 
 Higden of Saint IVerburgs, Chester. A. D. 1299-1364.) 
 
 Scene I. The building place of the Ark. 
 
 (The three Sons of Noah enter and work upon the ark 
 with hammer and nails, or any building tools. Occa- 
 sionally comes a distant cry of, "Ho, ho! Ark-build- 
 ers!" They look up impatiently. Presently some imp- 
 ish Children run in.) 
 
 First Child (jecringly) : Ark-builders, ark-builders, 
 where is your wit? 
 
 Second Child: Ark-builders, ark-builders, when do you 
 
 flit? 
 
 (Shem and Ham drop their tools and chase the children 
 out, following them. Japheth continues his work at 
 the door. Presently the children reappear, entering 
 from the other side.) 
 
 Children (laughing merrily and pointing at ark) : 
 Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho ! 
 
 (Japheth goes inside and slams the door.) 
 
 Third Child: Ark-builder, ark-builder, come out again. 
 
 Children : Ark-builder, ark-builder, where is your 
 rain? (They run out.) 
 
 13 
 
14 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 (Noah comes out of the door and looks anxiously up at 
 the sky. The Messenger enters; Noah bends pros- 
 irate. ) 
 
 Messenger: 
 
 God, who all this world has wrought, 
 Heaven and earth and all of naught, 
 Sees his people in deed and thought 
 
 Are lost in sin. 
 Man that he made he will destroy, 
 Saving a few who are his joy, 
 
 And have his servants been. 
 Noah, a righteous man thou be, 
 A ship hast thou ma-de me, 
 
 Of trees dry and stout. 
 Three hundred cubits is it long, 
 And fifty broad to make it strong, 
 Of height fifty, lest it be wrong, 
 
 Thus measure it about. 
 One window's made with skill and wit, 
 A cubit of length and breadth is it; 
 A door upon the side doth sit, 
 
 For to come in and out. 
 Destroy-ed all the world shall be, 
 Save thou, thy wife and children three; 
 And their three wives also with thee, 
 
 Shall live without a doubt. {The Messenger goes.) 
 
 Noah (rising cind raising arms to heaven) : 
 
 O'Lord, I thank thee; thou art kind, 
 That savest me from all man-kind. 
 
NOAH'S FLOOD 
 
 15 
 
 A SOX OF NOAH 
 
i6 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 ( Calls. ) 
 
 Haste ye, children; God doth call. 
 Hie ye, lest the water fall. 
 Shem, Ham, Japheth, come ye here! 
 Haste ye, haste ye, son-nes dear. 
 
 (Japheth enters from within ark; Shem and Ham enter 
 shaking their fists angrily at Idolaters without, who 
 mock and jeer.) 
 
 Idolaters (without): Ho, ho! Ark-builders! Ark- 
 builders, ho, ho! 
 
 Shem : 
 
 Father, the people mock at us and jeer. 
 They say, "See Noah and his son-nes dear! 
 Where is the flood of which they have such fear?" 
 
 Noah : 
 
 Aye, let them mock, for God hath said to me: 
 "Thy house shall live; the rest shall swallowed be 
 E'en in the mighty belly of the sea." 
 
 Japheth: But, father, art thou sure? 
 
 Noah (sternly) : Well? Sure of what? 
 
 Japheth (hastily:) Nay, nay, I see I'm wrong; I ques- 
 tion not. 
 
 Noah: 
 
 Doubt not, for God hath given a sign. 
 Now let your wives bring food and wine, 
 Water and fodder for the kine, 
 And work right busily. 
 
 (All work busily. The Wives enter carrying pitchers 
 
NOAH'S FLOOD 17 
 
 and platters of fruits. Noah's Wife enters leisurely, 
 carrying a distaff, or a plate of fruit.) 
 
 Noah's Wife: 
 
 Noah, my husband, dost thou then believe 
 
 That the good God would so his children grieve, 
 
 And drown them all? Thou dost thyself deceive. 
 
 Noah : I do believe it. 
 
 Noah's Wife: 
 
 Nay, how comes it, when 
 
 The world is drowned that we be sav-ed then, 
 
 That we alone be saved of living men ? 
 
 Noah: 
 
 Because to no false gods we've bowed the knee, 
 Therefore God hath said to me : 
 'Thou and thy family shall sav-ed be." 
 
 Noah's Wife: 
 
 And must our friends and all our kindred die? 
 I cannot save myself and hear their cry. 
 If they cannot be saved, no more will I. 
 
 Noah : 
 
 Peace, woman, go within. (Points sternly.) 
 
 Noah's Wife: 
 I will not go. 
 
 Noah : 
 
 Then stand without and watch the waters flow. 
 Thou wilt be glad to enter soon, 1 know. (She seals 
 herself beside ark and munches apple or plies distaff.) 
 Hark, what was that? 
 
i8 
 
 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Ham (sullenly) : 
 
 Tis the idolaters ; they make them merry 
 With worship of false gods — and all contrary 
 To the true God's command. 
 
 Noah: 
 
 How long, O Lord, how long must we 
 
 Listen to this mockery? 
 
 O let the flood appear on sea and land ! 
 
 (Music. Enter the Idolaters carrying an idol of gold. 
 They sing and dance about it.) 
 
 Unison. Chorus 
 
 "Soldiers' Chorus'' from Faust 
 
 Pour out the wine to the gods of old; Praise 
 
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NOAH'S FLOOD 
 
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 Hail to the gods! The earth-lov-ing gods! The god9 
 
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 Arrangement Copyright, 191 1, by The Cable Company 
 
 (One Idolater pours out a libation of wine. Noab 
 strides forward and knocks over idol. The Idolaters 
 
 luiddlc back.) 
 
 Noaii : Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or 
 molten image, an abomination to the Lord ! 
 
 Idolaters : Sacrilege ! 
 
 Noah : Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt 
 thou be in the stall ! Cursed shalt thou be when thou 
 comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goesl 
 out! 
 
 Sons ( loudly ) : Amen ! 
 
 Idolaters: Woe! Woe! Woe! (They surge forward.) 
 
 First Idolater: Upon them ! 
 
 Second Idolater: Scatter them! 
 
 Third Idolater: Destroy them ! 
 
 Fourth Idolater: No! ( lie pushes others back.) 
 It is the old ark-builder. Very sad! 
 Cursing of other men hath made him mad. 
 
20 
 
 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 WIFE OF NOAH'S SON 
 
NOAH'S FLOOD 21 
 
 A Maiden (holding out her hand to Japheth) : 
 Come, join in the dance; 
 
 Be glad and sing. 
 For the juice of the grape 
 
 Is a pleasant thing", 
 And hath sweet fragrance. 
 
 Be glad and sing'. 
 
 (The Idolaters start out, Japheth follozving.) 
 
 Noah's Wife: My son, and dost thou leave me? 
 
 Noah : 
 
 Go thy ways. 
 
 Thou shalt repent thee before many days. 
 
 First Idolater (pointing upward mockingly) : 
 I see a cloud in the sky; it grows. 
 Perchance, it is your flood. Who knows? 
 Get into the ark lest it wet your toes. 
 
 All the Idolaters (laughing) : Get into the ark lest 
 it wet your toes. (They dance out with Japheth.) 
 
 Noah (arms upraised) : 
 
 Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, 
 
 For the hour of her desolation cometh! (Turns to 
 
 other sons.) 
 Have done, ye men and women all, 
 Hie ye, lest the water fall. 
 Of clean beasts, seven shall be, 
 Of unclean, two ; thus God bade me ; 
 The flood is nigh, I plainly see ; 
 Wherefore hasten ye, 
 And see now that each beastie be in stall. 
 
22 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 (Shem and Ham go out. Noah turns Jiis back and 
 laments) : 
 
 And Japheth hath forsaken me — my son! 
 O my son Japheth, O my son, my son! 
 
 Noah's Wife (mocking) : 
 
 Why dost thou grieve? The Lord hath promised thee, 
 Thou shalt be saved and all thy family. 
 
 Noah (turning) : 
 
 Yea, it is well, and God doth not deceive. 
 He will return again, I do believe. 
 
 Ham (returns) : 
 
 The animals are in the ark, 
 
 Save those which Shem now bringeth. Hark! 
 
 Hear ye the roaring and the bark? 
 (Loud roarings heard outside.) 
 (Enter Shem with procession of animals. Ham aids him 
 
 drive the animals. First of all enters a solitary 
 
 Dragon.) 
 Noah : Where is your mate, good Dragon ? Tell me — 
 
 where? 
 Dragon (with a mournful flap of his claw) : 
 
 She is eating up the village over there. 
 
 She bade me ask how many there would be 
 
 Within the ark? 
 Noah : My sons, their wives and me. 
 Dragon : I cannot add. 
 Noah : In all there will be eight. 
 Dragon (mournfully) : 
 
 Alack, alack, good Noah, it is fate. 
 
NOAH'S FLOOD 23 
 
 I fear she would not enter if she knew. 
 She eats a man a day ; ye are too few. 
 
 Wives (to Noah, with horror in their faces) : O father! 
 Dragon : 
 
 Do not fear ; too few ye be, 
 
 And eke too thin, to suit my wife and me. (Crazvls 
 
 out.) 
 
 Shem (bringing other animals up) : 
 
 Sir, here are monkeys, frogs and bears, 
 
 Kangaroos, giraffes and hares, 
 
 Elephants also in pairs. (Goes out.) 
 (The Bear sits doz^'ii facing audience, and scratches Jiis 
 
 nose. The Monkey runs azvay; he is brought back. 
 
 The other Monkey climbs on roof of ark and pulls the 
 
 ear of Giraffe as tliat beast looks out of zvindozv. 
 
 They drag the Elephant in with great difficulty. 
 
 Noah counts off the animals as they enter.)^ 
 Noah : 
 
 Enter monkeys — frogs — bears — 
 
 Kangaroos — giraffes — hares — 
 
 Elephants also in pairs — 
 
 Stop! Stop! Too many rabbits far there he. 
 
 Rabbit (one of a group of little white rabbits) : O sir, 
 I only brought my family. (Weeps.) 
 
 Noah : 
 
 Where are the lions? {One Lion stalks in; Wives 
 flee.) Thou art late; turn ye, O Lion; seek your 
 mate. 
 
 (Whereupon the Lion shall turn to audience and roar 
 
24 
 
 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 A SON OF NOAH 
 
NOAH'S FLOOD 25 
 
 until his mate shall run to Jiiin, and botJi shall enter the 
 ark together.) 
 
 (If so be that any child shall cry or whimper when he 
 heareth the lion roar, then shall the Hon remove Jiis 
 mask and say, "Good child, be not afraid.") 
 
 Noah: 
 
 Now all are in, I plainly see 
 The ark can nowise fuller be, 
 Save should my son return to me. 
 
 (Japheth enters running.) 
 
 Japheth (kneeling) : 
 
 Lo, I have sin-ned against thee; 
 I pray forgiveness heartily, 
 And do repent me sore. 
 
 Noah (embracing him) : 
 
 Haste ye, haste ye, son-ne dear ! 
 
 The sky grows dark; the flood is near; 
 
 And waters 'gin to roar. 
 
 (The waters begin to rise. This may be shown by a 
 painted curtain, by folds of green tarlatan or in any 
 ivay the wisdom of the producer may suggest. Noah's 
 Wife begins to look uneasy and regards the sky.) 
 
 Noah : Good wife, wilt thou enter now ? 
 
 Noah's Wife (hastily) : Yes, good Noah, yes, I trow! 
 
 (Slie runs up gang-plank.) 
 
 Noah (to sons) : 
 
 Draw the plank; make all fast. 
 The flood cometh quick at last. 
 
26 
 
 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 WIFE OF NOAH'S SON 
 
NOAH'S FLOOD 27 
 
 (They draw up plank; then Shem points to distance. 
 Two Tortoises enter, panting. With grins, the sons 
 shove out the plank and Tortoises enter ark. They 
 close the door and window. Enter a Woman of the 
 Idolaters, carrying a baby. She enters between the 
 flood-curtain and the ark.) 
 
 Woman (cries) : 
 
 Good Noah, I repent me of my sin ! 
 
 O ope the door, good man, and take me in ! 
 
 ope the door ! » 
 
 Noah (looking out of window) : 
 
 Call on your gods to lift you from the wave. 
 Are your gods helpless that they cannot save? 
 
 Woman (holding up baby) : Yet save my child! 
 
 Noah's Wife (at the window) : 
 Yea, save the child we must; 
 For God is merciful as well as just. 
 
 Noah: 
 
 Cry to the gods of gold to give release. 
 
 1 am forbid to save you; go in peace. 
 
 (He closes the window; she sinks with her child behind 
 the waves. The zvater rises; those within the ark chant 
 a psalm.) 
 
 Noah (chanting) : 
 
 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, 
 The floods have lifted up their voice; 
 The floods lift up their waves; 
 
 All (chanting) : 
 
 Above the noise of many waters, 
 
28 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 And mighty breakers of the sea, 
 The Lord on high is mighty. 
 
 Scene II 
 
 Enter the Messenger. (If the play is given in-doors, 
 
 this may be omitted.) 
 Messenger: 
 
 Although yon sky be peaceful and serene, 
 
 I pray you that the son-ne be not seen, 
 
 And that instead, ye hear the thunder's roar, 
 
 And lightning's flash, as ne'er ye've seen before, 
 
 And rains descend as ye shall see no more. 
 (Messenger goes.) 
 
 (Noah opens window; there is a loud roaring.) 
 Noah: 
 
 Peace! (The noise stills.) 
 
 Now forty days are fully gone, 
 
 Send a dove I will anon, 
 
 To see if aught of tree or stone 
 Be dry in any place. 
 
 And if this fowl come not again, 
 
 It is a sign God stops the rain, 
 
 And all is dry in hill and plain, 
 By God, his grace. 
 
 Go forth, O Dove, and quickly see 
 
 If this flood yet doth cease; 
 
 If so, return again to me 
 
 With the olive branch of peace. (He lets dove 
 loose.) 
 Cries Within Ark: The dove! The dove! 
 
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30 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Japheth (appearing at window) : 
 O father, in the east a dove is seen, 
 And in his bill, an olive branch, right green. 
 
 (Noah disappears within ark and returns, bearing dove 
 
 and olive twig.) 
 Noah: 
 
 O Lord, blessed be thou for aye, 
 
 That us hath comforted this day, 
 
 And turned toward us thy face. 
 
 Yet once again, sweet dove, go forth, 
 
 To the east, west, south and north, 
 
 And find a resting place. 
 
 If thou come not again to me, 
 
 Then full plainly can I see 
 
 The flood is over by God's piteous grace. (He sends 
 dove forth again.) 
 Noah's Wife (opening door) : 
 
 The dove returns not ; it is gone for aye. 
 
 Let us go forth out of the ark, I pray. 
 
 Noah: 
 
 Ah, Lord, honored must thou be. 
 All the earth's dry, I can see. 
 
 Noah's Wife: 
 
 Son-nes, open wide the door ; 
 See the plank be shoved ashore; 
 Lead the animals before 
 Right merrily. 
 
 First Son's Wife (beckoning others) : 
 Sisters, come; dance and sing! 
 The earth is all a-blossoming. 
 
NOAH'S FLOOD 31 
 
 Second Son's Wife: 
 
 Sing and dance with glee and mirth; 
 For the floods have left the earth. 
 
 Third Son's Wife: Raise your voices with a shout: 
 
 All Three Wives : We're out of the ark at last ! We're 
 
 out! 
 (The wives dance in a little circle and sing.) 
 
 Song (Old English) : 
 
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 Bird greet - eth, ewe bleat • eth, loud - ly sing, Cue - koo. 
 
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NOAH'S FLOOD 33 
 
 Noah (scandalized, descends upon them) : 
 
 Peace ! A psalm of thanks now raise, 
 Unto God with hymns of praise, 
 For his mighty and his wondrous ways. (All gather 
 about altar of stones.) 
 
 Lord God in majesty, 
 
 That such grace hath granted me 
 
 Alone of mankind saved to be, 
 
 Therefore make I offering meet, 
 
 A sacrifice of savor sweet ; 
 
 And let the incense mount unto thy heavenly seat. 
 
 (Japheth brings a sacrifice; Noah lays it on altar. If 
 the play be out of doors, they offer it up by tire. Enter 
 the Messenger.) 
 
 Messenger: 
 
 Noah, list ye God, his will : 
 To obey is better still 
 
 Than sacrifice; and thou hast God obeyed. 
 God doth promise now through me, 
 Never again a flood shall be. 
 
 Thou hast done in all things as he said. 
 My bow between you and me 
 In the firmament shall be ; 
 By this token you shall see 
 That man and woman shall nevermore 
 Be wasted with water as hath been before. 
 
34 
 
 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 {Here let a rainbow appear in the sky.) 
 
 Now when falleth fast the rain, 
 I will bring the sun again; 
 And this bow shall plain be seen 
 As token that my wrath and spleen 
 
 Shall never wakened be. 
 The bow-string is turned towards you; 
 And toward me is bent the bow. 
 That such weather shall be no mo'e, 
 
 I promise thee. 
 God's blessing, Noah, I give thee here (Blesses him; 
 
 all kneel), 
 For vengeance shall no more appear. 
 And now farewell, my darling dear. (Messenger 
 
 goes.) 
 
 Son?: Music; "Gaudeamus" 
 
NOAH'S FLOOD 
 
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 Sign of love 'tween us and thee! Lord God, in ma- jes - ty, 
 
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 Prais-es we will raise to thee. 
 
 (Noah, his Wife, /zw Sons and Sons' Wives woz^e 
 slowly off. The Animals form a circle and dance.) 
 
ABRAHAM 
 
THE PROVING OF ABRAHAM 
 
 THE PEOPLE 
 Prologue and Epilogue. 
 
 Abraham. The Messenger or Angel 
 
 Isaac, His Son. of God. 
 
 One or Two Servants. 
 
 THE PLACE 
 Scene I is outside the tent of Abraham. 
 Scene II is Mount Moriah. 
 
 The Prologue takes the place of scenery or program. 
 
 THE PROPERTIES 
 
 A chair or bench. 
 A bundle of wood. 
 A knife. 
 
 38 
 
THE PROVING OF ABRAHAM 
 
 (The Prologue, or the Servant of Abraham (acting 
 as Prologue), enters and boivs lozv; then, drawing 
 himself erect, points to imaginary scenery.) 
 
 Prologue: This is the tent of Abraham, the father of 
 his people, where he lives with Sarai, his wife, and his 
 son, Isaac, whom he loves above all else. 
 I am the servant of Abraham. 
 Lo, Abraham enters now with Isaac. (The Pro- 
 logue goes.) 
 
 (Abraham enters, leaning on Isaac.) 
 
 Isaac (pointing) : My father, behold the lambs yon- 
 der ! 
 
 Abraham : Aye, my son, they are for the sacrifice. I 
 ofTer them up to God for a thank-offering that he hath 
 given thee to me, O my son. (Seats himself.) 
 
 Isaac (clinging close to him) : Dost thou love me more 
 than the little lambs? 
 
 Abraham (embracing him) : I love thee more than all 
 that is in heaven or earth. 
 
 Isaac (struggling): My father, let me go; I would 
 go play with the lambs. 
 
 Abraham (releasing him) : Then go, my son. 
 
 (Isaac runs out. Abraham remains seated; then sud- 
 denly he starts, rises, and stands with arms uplifted 
 in prayer.) 
 
 39 
 
4 o SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Abraham: Here am I, Lord. (He listens with strong 
 emotion.) O Lord, Lord, what is this thou dost re- 
 quire of me? Must I give up Isaac to thee, Isaac the 
 joy of mine old age ? ( There is a pause zvhile he prays 
 silently; then he speaks humbly.) Nevertheless, not 
 my will, O Lord, but thine be done. ( There is another 
 pause; then he calls.) Isaac! Isaac! 
 
 (Isaac runs in.) 
 
 Isaac: Here am I, father. 
 
 Abraham : Get ye wood for a burnt-offering, and sad- 
 dle ye the ass, for I will go up upon the mount to sac- 
 rifice. 
 
 Isaac: Aye, father, and shall I go with thee? 
 
 Abraham : Thou shalt indeed go with me, thou and 
 the servant. Get thee gone. (Isaac runs out.) Not 
 my will, O Lord, but thine! O Lord, I will trust in 
 thee. 
 
 (Isaac enters, carrying a bundle of fagots.) 
 
 Isaac: My father, all is ready. The ass is saddled, 
 and I have here wood for the burnt-offering. 
 
 Abraham (placing his arm about him) : Come, my 
 son. (They go slowly out.) 
 
 (The Prologue or Servant enters.) 
 
 Prologue: Behold, now Abraham and Isaac approach 
 the mountains of Moriah. I, the servant, follow after. 
 (He follows them.) 
 
 (Abraham and Isaac, having made the circuit of the 
 room, approach.) 
 
THE PROVING OF ABRAHAM 41 
 
 Abraham : This is the mountain on which I shall sac- 
 rifice. (To servant.) Abide thou yonder with the 
 ass. I and the lad will worship ; then I will come again 
 to thee. (The Servant bozvs and withdraws.) 
 
 Isaac: My father? 
 
 Abraham: Here am I, my son. 
 
 Isaac: My father, behold the fire and the wood, but 
 where is the lamb for the burnt-offering? 
 
 Abraham: O my son, God will provide the sacrifice. 
 (Bends over him.) O my son, before thou wert born 
 I longed for thee, and since thou wast a little lad I 
 have loved thee with a greater love than I have given 
 my God. Now I am punished. For the Lord hath 
 commanded me, saying: "Take thou thine son, thine 
 only son whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and offer him 
 up for a burnt-offering upon the mountains." O my 
 son, I shall do even as the Lord hath commanded me, 
 for all his ways are perfect. Fare thee well. (He em- 
 braces him.) 
 
 Isaac (fearfully) : Father — father — I — I fear — 
 
 Abraham: Kneel thou upon the wood. 
 
 (Isaac kneels; Abraham raises his knife to slay; a 
 voice calls from distance.) 
 
 Voice of Messenger: Abraham! Abraham! 
 
 Isaac : Hark, O my father ! A voice calls, "Abraham." 
 
 Abraham (zvith knife still raised) : Here am I, Lord! 
 
 (The Messenger enters and stays Abraham's hand.) 
 
 Messenger: O Abraham, thus saith the Lord: "Be- 
 cause thou hast put thy trust in me, therefore will I 
 
42 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 deliver thee. Lay not thine hand upon the lad, for now 
 I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not 
 withheld thy son, thine only son, from me." 
 
 Abraham (raising arms to heaven) : O Lord, blessed 
 be the man that trusteth in thee. 
 
 Isaac (jumping up) : Lo, father, a ram is there, caught 
 in the thicket. Lo, I shall fetch the ram for sacrifice. 
 (He runs out.) 
 
 Messenger: Moreover, thus saith the Lord God: ''In 
 blessing, I will bless thee, and in thy seed shall all 
 the nations of the earth be blessed, for I have 
 PROVED thee." (The Messenger goes out.) 
 
 (Isaac runs in with great excitement.) 
 
 Isaac: My father, the ram is caught; I will carry the 
 wood yonder. (Runs out.) 
 
 Abraham : O God, thou hast tried me and known me. 
 O see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me 
 in the way everlasting. (Goes with arms upraised.) 
 
 (The Servant or Epilogue advances.) 
 Epilogue: Mark the perfect man, and behold the up- 
 right : for the end of that man is peace. (He goes out. ) 
 

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 MOSES IN THE BULRUSHES 
 
MOSES IN THE BULRUSHES 
 
 THE PEOPLE 
 
 Prologue and Epilogue. (The Prologue is introduced 
 for clarity, where there is no scenery or program.) 
 
 The Baby Moses. The Daughter of 
 
 (Have a real, live baby.) Pharaoh. 
 
 The Little Sister First Slave. 
 
 of Moses. Second Slave. 
 
 The Mother of Moses. 
 
 Soldiers 
 
 THE PLACE 
 
 A marshy place by a river. If a little scenery is de- 
 sired, take an old window-shade, sketch upon it reeds 
 and cat-tails, and cut it so that when the little sister 
 hides behind it she may appear to be looking through 
 the reeds. The Prologue may unfold this as she speaks, 
 and then hold it up so as to conceal herself. 
 
 THE PROPERTIES 
 
 A curtain of reeds (if desired). 
 
 An ark (a basket bound with reeds or raffia). 
 
 A piece of gold. 
 
 Two fans. 
 
 Spears for soldiers. 
 
 44 
 
MOSES IN THE BULRUSHES 
 
 (The Prologue advances. She unfolds the curtain of 
 reeds as she speaks.) 
 
 Prologuk: This is Egypt. The wicked Pharaoh holds 
 the children of Israel in bondage ; but they are grown 
 so many that he fears them. Therefore he has com- 
 manded that all boy babies be taken from their 
 mothers' arms and put to death. 
 
 But the mothers seek to hide their babies. 
 
 Look and behold the marshy waters of the River 
 Nile; tall reeds grow here; it is the hiding place one 
 mother has chosen. See, she and the sister of the 
 babe come now to hide him from the soldiers of 
 Pharaoh. (She raises the curtain of reeds above her 
 head, or passes out.) 
 
 (Enter the little Sister bearing the ark of bulrushes. 
 She looks this way and that way; then she calls 
 softly.) 
 
 Sister: Mother, this way! The wicked soldiers will 
 not find him here. 
 
 (The Mother enters bearing the Baby.) 
 
 Mother: Is there no one in sight? (She looks 
 anxiously about.) 
 
 Sister: No one! 
 
 Mother (embracing the child) : O my son, the cruel 
 
 45 
 
46 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Pharaoh would slay thee, but the Lord is gracious; 
 
 he will save. 
 Sister: Here is the ark of bulrushes; I have daubed 
 
 it well with pitch. Shall I lay it among the flags at 
 
 the river's brink? 
 (The Mother nods. The Sister arranges the coverings 
 
 in the basket. The Mother hugs the child.) 
 Mother: O my baby! (She places child in basket.) 
 Sister (peering into distance): Mother, sh-h-h! I 
 
 see the daughter of Pharaoh in the distance ; she Com- 
 eth to bathe in the river. Oh — if she should discover 
 
 us! 
 Mother (looking up anxiously) : God's will be done! 
 Sister (still peering out): One of her maidens is a 
 
 child of Israel, but the other is a proud Egyptian. See, 
 
 now they stop to bathe. 
 Mother (rising from her knees) : I must return lest I 
 
 be missed at home when the soldiers make the daily 
 
 search for children; but do thou watch beside the 
 
 child, and in the nighttime I will return with food. 
 Sister: That will I, mother. I will hide in the tall 
 
 reeds yonder. (The Mother moves away; Sister 
 
 runs after her.) But, mother, if they discover the 
 
 babe, what must I do? 
 Mother (earnestly) : Surely God will teach thee. 
 
 Pray. (She goes.) 
 Sister (crouching beside ark) : O God, let no one hurt 
 
 my little brother! O God, I pray thee. (She sings a 
 
 lullaby.) 
 
MOSES IN THE BULRUSHES 
 
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 girl. 
 
 No doubt 
 
 (The Sister Idoks up, startled, then flees behind the' 
 reeds as the Daughter of Pharaoh approaches, fol- 
 lowed by Slaves bearing fans.) 
 
 Daughter of Pharaoh : Come, maidens, we will rest 
 by the river's brink, where the flag flowers grow. (SJic 
 approaches nearer.) But what is that, floating upon 
 the water? 
 
 Egyptian Slave: Lady, it is a babe. 
 Daughter of Pharaoh : Go fetch it, 
 it is one of the Hebrew children. 
 
 Egyptian Slave: A Hebrew brat? 
 it, I! 
 
 (TJie Daughter of Pharaoh raises her hand and 
 strikes the saucy maid, as the other slave, the Maid 
 of Israel, brings the babe. (Or kneels beside it.) 
 
 Slave of Israel : O lady, see how beautiful ! 
 
 Egyptian Slave: Let it die, even as Pharaoh com- 
 manded. 
 Slave of Israel: O lady, let it live! Think how the 
 
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50 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 mother loved it. See how cunningly the ark is daubed 
 with pitch and hidden here, 'midst the flag-flowers. 
 
 Egyptian Slave: If you let it live, you let live one 
 more enemy to Pharaoh. 
 
 Daughter of Pharaoh : Hold thy tongue, girl. (She 
 looks doubtfully at child.) 
 
 Egyptian Slave (cxultingly) : Here come the guard 
 of Pharaoh; they will see the babe and slay it. (She 
 points to distance. All look.) 
 
 Daughter of Pharaoh : What to do ? Think, girl, 
 use thy wits. ( To Slave of Israel. ) 
 
 (The little Sister rushes from reeds and kneels.) 
 
 Sister : O lady, lady, shall I go and call a nurse of the 
 
 Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? 
 Daughter of Pharaoh: Go — go quickly. (She looks 
 
 apprehensively about.) 
 Egyptian Slave: The soldiers cross the river. 
 (The little Sister returns, followed by the Mother.) 
 Sister (panting) : Lady, I have brought a nurse. 
 Daughter of Pharaoh : Woman, take thou this child 
 
 and nurse it for me, and I will give thee wages. (Gives 
 
 a piece of gold.) 
 Mother (taking child): Daughter of Pharaoh, may 
 
 the God of Israel bless thee. 
 Daughter of Pharaoh (turning to go) : Fare thee 
 
 well. 
 Egyptian Slave (cries): The soldiers! 
 Daughter of Pharaoh (turning back) : Fear ye not. 
 
MOSES IN THE BULRUSHES 51 
 
 (All huddle behind her. She faces the Soldiers as they 
 enter and salute.) 
 
 First Soldier : Daughter of Pharaoh, we make search 
 for Hebrew children. One hath escaped us. 
 
 Daughter of Pharaoh (haughtily) : Who art thou 
 to question me? Pass on. 
 
 Second Soldier: But — the babe yonder? (Points.) 
 
 Daughter of Pharaoh : Is the adopted son of 
 Pharaoh's daughter. Pass ye by. (She ivaves them 
 away. They salute and go. She takes the child in her 
 arms and embraces him.) I love the child. (She gives 
 the Child to his Mother and turns to go; then she 
 turns back.) Call the child "Moses," for that means, 
 "Drawn up out of the water," and remember he is 
 dear to me for that / have saved him. (She goes out 
 follozvcd by her maids.) 
 
 (The Mother and Sister kneel with the Child.) 
 
 Mother (prays) : O God of Israel, bless thou this 
 child, and as thou hast drawn him up out of the water, 
 grant that he may be the means, through thee, to lift 
 his people out of slavery. (They rise and go.) 
 
 (The Epilogue folds curtain, advances to front of 
 stage, and holds up hand.) 
 
 Epilogue: 
 
 O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name : 
 
 Make known his doings among the peoples. 
 
 He sent Moses his servant, 
 
 And Aaron whom he had chosen. 
 
 And he brought forth his people with joy, 
 
 And his chosen with singing. (The Epilogue goes.) 
 
A PAGE OF PHARAOH 
 
UP, UP FROM EGYPT TO THE 
 PROMISED LAND 
 
 THE PEOPLE 
 
 Pharaoh. Moses. 
 
 His Dead Son. Aaron. 
 
 First Egyptian. Miriam. 
 
 Second Egyptian. The Children of Israel 
 
 Third Egyptian. (acted by the Class). 
 
 Page. 
 
 THE PLACE 
 
 Scene I. The palace of Pharaoh. 
 Scene II. The Red Sea shore. 
 
 There is no actual change of scenery in this play, de- 
 scription serving the purpose. 
 
 THE PROPERTIES 
 
 A litter on which the dead son of Pharaoh is carried. 
 
 Moses' rod. 
 
 Miriam's cymbals. 
 
 Fan which the page carries over Pharaoh. 
 
 Spears for soldiers. 
 
 53 
 
UP, UP FROM EGYPT TO THE 
 PROMISED LAND 
 
 (Enter Pharaoh, followed by Soldiers carrying the 
 litter of his dead Son. The Egyptians follow, then 
 Moses and Aaron.) 
 
 First Egyptian {bowing low) : O Pharaoh, let the 
 children of Israel go. Lo, there is mourning in the 
 land of Egypt because thou keepest them in bondage. 
 (He points to the Son of Pharaoh.) 
 
 Egyptians: Woe, woe, woe! Yea, the god of Israel 
 is a jealous god ! 
 
 Pharaoh : O Moses and Aaron, evil have ye wrought 
 in the land of Egypt, and accursed is the land while 
 the children of Israel remain. 
 
 Rise ye, get ye forth from my people, lest your god 
 smite us, and we be all dead men. (He passes out fol- 
 lowed by Soldiers carrying litter.) 
 
 Moses (to Children of Israel or Class) : Ho, men 
 of Israel! (They stand.) Pharaoh commands, "Cease 
 ye the burden of Egypt!" 
 
 Children of Israel (shout): To God the glory! 
 (They rush into aisle.) 
 
 Aaron : Assemble ye your wives and little ones, your 
 camels and your asses. God leads us to a land of milk 
 and honey. On now to Canaan, to the promised land ! 
 
 Children of Israel (shout) : The promised land! 
 
 54 
 
UP, UP FROM EGYPT 
 
 55 
 
 (Aaron leads; the Children of Israel follow; Moses 
 brings up the rear. They inarch toward the back of 
 the room singing.) 
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 (77/c' Egyptians zvatch with interest.) 
 
 First Egyptian: A mighty army! 
 
 Second Egyptian : Six hundred thousand strong ! 
 
 Third Egyptian : Pharaoh will rue the day when he 
 
 let these slaves escape from the land of Egypt. 
 First Egyptian : There he cometh in mad haste. 
 (Pharaoh enters followed by Page and Soldiers.) 
 Pharaoh : Lo, it repents me that I have let Israel go. 
 
 Let my soldiers go after them and scourge them back. 
 
 On the Red Sea shore we will come up with them. On, 
 
 my men, on ! 
 (Pharaoh, the Egyptians and Soldiers rush down 
 
 aisle after the Children of Israel. They, in the 
 
 meantime, have made the circuit of the room, or 
 
 church, and re-enter the stage, or chancel, singing.) 
 
UP, UP FROM EGYPT 57 
 
 Song: Same Music as before. 
 "Flowing with honey is the promised land; 
 Flowing with honey is the promised land. 
 Where our God shall lead us, we will go. 
 O hasten to the promised land!" 
 
 Chorus: As before. 
 
 Aaron : Men of Israel, before us stretches the Red Sea 
 water; here we will make our camp. 
 
 Miriam (clutching his arm) : O Aaron, look! Behind 
 us see the shining spears ! Behind us cometh Pharaoh 
 and his hosts. Where now is Moses? 
 
 An Israelite: And before, stretches the Red Sea 
 water. How may we cross? Where now is Moses? 
 
 Another Israelite: We shall be brought to Egypt 
 again as slaves. Where now is Moses? 
 
 (Moses pushes Jiis way through the people.) 
 
 Aaron and Others: O Moses, why hast thou thus 
 dealt with us? 
 
 Another Israelite: It were better for us to serve in 
 the land of Egypt, than that we die here in the wilder- 
 ness. 
 
 Moses : Fear ye not. Stand still and see the salvation 
 of your God. For the Egyptians which ye have seen 
 to-day, ye shall see them no more forever. (He 
 stretches out his rod.) 
 
 Miriam (exult in gly) : The Red Sea parts ! The waves 
 do mount on either side like giant cliffs, upheld by a 
 monster hand. See how the waves do lash and foam ! 
 See! See! 
 
58 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Moses : Forward, ye men of Israel ! 
 
 (They pass down the central aisle, singing.) 
 Song: Same Music as before. 
 Through Red Sea waters to the promised land! 
 Through Red Sea waters to the promised land! 
 Where our God shall lead us, we will go. 
 O hasten to the promised land! 
 
 Chorus: As before. 
 
 (Pharaoh and his men, having pursued the Children 
 of Israel around the room, appear on the stage.) 
 
 First Egyptian : O Pharaoh, thy soldiers have them 
 in a trap. Before stretches the Red Sea water, and 
 behind, behold thy shining spears ! 
 
 Pharaoh : On, my men, on ! 
 
 ( The Egyptians and the Soldiers rush after the Chil- 
 dren of Israel. Pharaoh and Jiis Page remain.) 
 
 Page : See, see, the Red Sea parts ! The children of 
 Israel walk on it dryshod. Verily, their god is God. 
 
 Pharaoh (loudly) : Is their god more than I? Who is 
 Jehovah? On, my men, on! 
 
 Page: Thy soldiers obey; thy army follows after 
 through the sea. (A pause of ten seconds while they 
 peer into distance.) The high waves tremble — O let 
 thy soldiers haste! (A pause of ten seconds. Then 
 he cries, trembling and hiding Jiis eyes.) O lord, the 
 waves ! The waves ! 
 
 Pharaoh: Waves, stand ye back! I, Pharaoh, bid ye 
 stay! 
 
UP, UP FROM EGYPT 
 
 59 
 
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60 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Page (looking up) : They fall ; they crush ! Thy army, 
 the waves go over them. 
 
 Pharaoh (stretching out Jiis arms) : O god of Moses, 
 drive the sea apart ! 
 
 Page (promptly) : The god of Moses will not hear thy 
 prayer. 
 
 Pharaoh : The Israelites exult. 
 
 Children of Israel (in distance) : 
 
 Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? 
 
 Glorious in holiness — 
 
 Fearful in praises — 
 
 Doing wonders ! 
 
 The Lord shall reign forever and ever. 
 
 Miriam (with a clash of cymbals) : 
 
 I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed 
 gloriously. 
 
 This is my God and I will praise him. 
 
 My father's God and I will exalt him. (Clash of cym- 
 bals. ) 
 
 Children of Israel: 
 
 Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods ? 
 Glorious in holiness — 
 Fearful in praises — 
 Doing wonders. 
 
 The Lord shall reign forever and ever. ( Clash of cym- 
 bals. ) 
 
 Pharaoh (shaking his clinched fist) : 
 Mocked at by god and man! 
 I will raise me a mightier army and follow after. 
 
L j r, UP FROM EGYPT 61 
 
 I will pray to the gods of Egypt. (He passes hastily 
 out.) 
 
 Page (stretches out his arms to the departing Israel- 
 ites) : O God of Moses, / will pray to thee. (He 
 goes slowly after Pharaoh.) 
 
THE CHILD SAMUEL WITH HIS PARENTS 
 
THE CALL OF SAMUEL 
 
 THE PEOPLE 
 
 Prologue and Epilogue. Samuel, Son of Hannah 
 Eli the Priest. and Elkanaii. 
 
 Hophni, ) R „ Eirst Soldier. 
 
 Piiineiias, \ HIS b0NS ' Second Soldier 
 
 Hannah. Third Soldier. 
 Elkanah. 
 
 THE PLACE 
 Shiloh, before the door of the tabernacle. 
 
 PROPERTIES 
 
 A seven-branched candlestick (if feasible). 
 Two couches. 
 A jar of wine. 
 Spears and shields. 
 
 63 
 
THE CALL OF SAMUEL 
 
 {Enter the Prologue.) 
 
 Prologue : 
 
 This is the story of the call of Samuel. 
 
 The scene is Shiloh, before the door of the tabernacle. 
 
 Lo, there entereth Eli, priest of Israel. (Prologue 
 
 zvithdrazvs.) 
 
 (Eli, the old priest, enters, and stands praying.) 
 
 Eli : O Lord God, turn thou my sons, I pray thee, from 
 their evil ways. Lo, they come yonder, full of wine 
 and drink, a disgrace to mine old age. 
 
 (Hophni and Ptiinehas come swaggering in, arm in 
 arm. One has a jug of wine; lie drinks and hands it 
 to the other. Eli raises a trembling hand toward 
 them.) 
 
 Hophni: Hi there, old man, art going- to chide again? 
 
 Phinehas {jnockingly): Do not show anger, for 
 anger doth not become a man of God. 
 
 Eli : My sons, why will ye tempt the Lord your God ? 
 Turn from your evil ways and pray. {Lays a Jiand 
 on Hophni.) 
 
 Hophni {jerking away)'. I pray not, I! Thou hast 
 ever said the Lord was slow to anger. 
 
 Eli : Yea, but the cup of your iniquity is full ; and I — 
 I suffer in your fall. 
 
 6 4 
 
66 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Phinehas {laughs mockingly)'. Ah, so?' The in- 
 iquity of the children shall be visited upon the fathers? 
 Eh ? Well, who is responsible if not the father ? Come, 
 Hophni, come where it is merry. 
 
 Hophni {eagerly): Yea! (They go out singing and 
 taking turns at jug. ) 
 
 Eli (raising his arms despairingly to heaven) : O God ! 
 God! (Passes out.) 
 
 (Enter Hannah, followed by her husband, Elkanah. 
 She is weeping. ) 
 
 Elkanah (imploringly) : Hannah, why weepest thou? 
 And why is thy heart so grieved? If it be because 
 thou hast no son, grieve not. Am I not better to thee 
 than ten sons? 
 
 Hannah: Ai, my husband, the women mock me that 
 I have no child. (She kneels and prays silently.) 
 
 (Eli enters and observes her in wonder, for silent 
 prayer was unusual.) 
 
 Eli: Woman, what ails thee? 
 
 Hannah (rising) : Ah, sir, I am a woman of sorrow- 
 ful spirit; I pour out my soul before the Lord. 
 
 Eli : Give me to know thy sorrow. 
 
 Hannah : I prayed unto the Lord that he would look 
 upon the affliction of his handmaid, and give unto me 
 a man-child. If he do so, then will I give the child 
 unto the Lord all the days of his life. 
 
 Eli: A man-child? Nay, ask more. Ask that he grow 
 in the grace and love of God, else will the gift be one 
 of sorrow, 
 
THE CALL OF SAMUEL 67 
 
 Hannah: Ah, sir, that shall be my task — to lead him 
 in the love of God. 
 
 Eli: Ai, 'tis there that / have failed. (He raises Jiis 
 hands and blesses her.) Go thou in peace, and the 
 Lord grant thy petition. 
 
 Hannah (bowing) : May thy servant find grace in 
 thy sight. (She and Elkanah go.) 
 
 Eli (prays) : O Lord God, O let this, thy servant, find 
 grace in thy sight. Forgive thou the iniquity of my 
 sons. For who shall follow after me, O Lord? Who 
 shall be judge of Israel, if not my sons? Hear my 
 prayer, O Lord, and give unto me an answer of peace. 
 (He bows his head and passes out.) 
 
 (The Prologue reenters.) 
 
 Prologue: Now many years have passed. Eli is still 
 the priest and judge of Israel, though he is blind; and 
 his sons continue still in evil. Yonder come Hannah 
 and her husband to give thanks for the gift of the 
 child Samuel, and to give him to the Lord. (Prologue 
 goes.) 
 
 (Enter Hannah and Elkanah leading the child 
 Samuel.) 
 
 Hannah (caressing child) : See thou, this is the very 
 spot on which I prayed the prayer which brought me 
 thee. 
 
 Samuel (roguishly) : God heard thy prayer, and sent 
 thee a little son to boast of. (He smiles up at her.) 
 
 Elkanah (rumpling Samuel's hair): Nay, an imp 
 of mischief! 
 
68 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 (Eli enters, groping blindly. Samuel regards him in 
 amaze.) 
 
 Samuel: There cometh the priest in raiment. (He 
 shrinks azvay.) Ai ! Why walketh he in such fashion? 
 
 Hannah: He is become blind. {She advances to him.) 
 Sir— O Eli— 
 
 Eli : Woman, thy voice is known to me — and yet — 
 who art thou? 
 
 Hannah : O sir, I am that woman who stood here 
 praying, these many years ago. For a child I prayed, 
 and the Lord hath granted my petition. {She leads 
 Samuel to Eli, zvho passes his hands delicately over 
 the child's head.) Therefore I also have given the 
 child to the Lord. As long as he liveth he is granted 
 to the Lord. {She turns to Samuel.) Kneel thou, 
 my son, before this holy man and beseech him to take 
 thee into the service of the Lord. 
 
 Samuel {pulls Hannah azvay and puts his lips to her 
 ears) : Hark!ee, dear mother, I would fain go home 
 with thee again. 
 
 Hannah : Nay, little son, night approacheth ; we must 
 leave thee. 
 
 Elkanah: Come, say, "Farewell." (Samuel goes to 
 him.) 
 
 Hannah {prays, as though facing the altar of the 
 Lord) : 
 My heart exulteth in the Lord; 
 My horn is exalted in the Lord. 
 
THE CALL OF SAMUEL 69 
 
 The Lord maketh poor and maketh rich; 
 
 He bringeth low; he also lifteth up. 
 
 For by strength shall no man prevail. 
 
 The Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; 
 
 He shall give strength unto his king 
 
 And exalt the horn of his anointed. 
 (She turns, embraces the child, then bows before Eli.) 
 
 O Eli, priest of God and judge of Israel, the Lord be 
 
 with thee. 
 (Hannah and Elkanah go.) 
 
 Eli (sits on couch and beckons to Samuel) : Come 
 
 hither, lad. (Samuel goes to him reluctantly.) What 
 
 do they call thee? 
 Samuel (sniffling) : Samuel, master. 
 Eli: Samuel? And what hath thy mother taught to 
 
 thee ? 
 Samuel: She hath taught me that the Lord Jehovah 
 
 is one God, and there is none beside him, that I must 
 
 love him and speak truth always. 
 
 Eli: And what else — if there be aught beside? 
 
 Samuel: She bade me serve and follow in thy steps. 
 
 Eli (musing) : Follow in my steps? Come, thou shalt 
 serve these blind eyes and quench the candles. (Omit 
 this if there arc no candles.) (While Samuel puts 
 out the candles, Eli muses.) Follow in my steps? 
 Shall it then be this lad, and not my sons, who shall 
 rule Israel? Come, little lad, thou shalt lie here the 
 night. (He motions to couch on which he sits. Samuel 
 lies down. Eli kneels as though before altar.) O 
 
 ^ JAN 271! 
 
yo SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 God, God, would that my sons were pure as is this 
 child ! Yea, I have reared my sons in folly ; now I reap 
 the punishment thereof. Lo, what shall be the end? 
 (He falls silent.) 
 
 (There is a pause; then Samuel half rouses and listens. 
 
 He runs to Eli.) 
 Samuel: Here am I, master, for thou calledst me. 
 
 Eli : Nay, my son, I called thee not ; lie down again. 
 (He reclines on other couch.) 
 
 Samuel (after a pause of about twenty seconds, again 
 runs to Eli): Here am I, master, for thou calledst 
 me. 
 
 Eli : Nay, my son, I called thee not ; lie down again, 
 
 Samuel (lies down for twenty seconds; then he half 
 rises and looks bewildered) : He did call me, he did! 
 he did! (He crosses to Eli.) Here am I, master, for 
 truly thou didst call me. 
 
 Eli : Not I ! (He reflects.) It is the Lord, who speak- 
 eth to thee and not to me. Alas, I have not the open 
 vision. Go, lie down, and it shall be if he call thee, 
 thou shalt say, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant hear- 
 eth." 
 
 (Samuel lies down; presently he rises and kneels.) 
 Samuel: Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. 
 (There is a pause while Samuel listens. Eli turns to- 
 ward him eagerly, then calls.) 
 
 Eli: Samuel, my son! (Samuel goes to him slowly.) 
 What is this thing the Lord hath spoken to thee? I 
 pray thee, hide it not. 
 
THE CALL OF SAMUEL 71 
 
 Samuel (reluctantly) : He said — he said — the Lord 
 hath said: Behold, I will judge the house of Eli for- 
 ever, because his sous did bring a curse upon them- 
 selves, and he restrained them not. Master, what did 
 he mean ? 
 
 Eli (slowly and mournfully): It is the Lord! Let 
 him do what seemeth unto him good. (He raises his 
 arms to heaven.) 
 
 Shouts Outside: News! News for the priest! 
 
 Eli: What meaneth the noise of this tumult? 
 
 (Three Soldiers run in.) 
 
 First Soldier : O Eli, servant of God, woe unto thee ! 
 
 Second Soldier: O Eli, be strong, and hear the news 
 we bring. 
 
 First Soldier: Israel hath joined battle with the 
 Philistines; Israel was smitten before the Philistines. 
 
 Second Soldier : We brought the ark of the covenant 
 to save us : It was thy two sons, Hophni and Phine- 
 has, who carried the ark. 
 
 Third Soldier: And there was a very great slaughter 
 — And thy two sons, Hophni and Phinehas — 
 
 First Soldier ) 
 
 _ f The Lord hath slain them ! 
 
 Second Soldier ) 
 
 (Eli trembles and falls backzvard; the First and Sec- 
 ond Soldiers support him.) 
 
 Third Soldier: Lo, ye have slain him with your evil 
 tidings. 
 
72 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Samuel (runs to Eli lovingly, and kneels before him, 
 embracing him): O my dear master! (A pause, 
 then he rises and turns to the soldiers.) Bear him 
 hence between you. (First and Second Soldiers 
 lead him out.) (To Third Soldier.) Grieve not; ye 
 have not slain him, but he is smitten of the Lord. For 
 the Lord, he came unto me in a vision of the night, 
 saying, I will smite the house of Eli forever, because 
 his sons did bring a curse upon themselves and he re- 
 strained them not. 
 
 (First and Second Soldiers return.) 
 
 First Soldier: Alas, alas, who now shall judge our 
 people ? 
 
 Third Soldier (seises Samuel and raises him aloft) : 
 Behold the judge who shall rule Israel. 
 
 (The Soldiers pass out, bearing Samuel and shouting, 
 "Huzza!") 
 
 (The Epilogue advances.) 
 
 Epilogue: Hear ye the words of the preacher, how he 
 said: Even a child is known by his doings, whether 
 his work be pure and whether it be right. Bring up 
 a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he 
 will not depart from it. (The Epilogue passes out.) 
 
DAVID 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 
 
 (The Story of a National Hero and a National 
 
 God. ) 
 
 THE PEOPLE 
 
 Saul, King of Israel. 
 Two Attendants, One of 
 Whom is Armor-bearer. 
 First Messenger. 
 Second Messenger. 
 The Princess Michal. 
 Her Women. 
 Prince Jonathan. 
 Challenger for Goliath. 
 Goliath of Gath. 
 
 d Philistines 
 
 The Prophet 
 
 Samuel. 
 
 Jesse the B 
 
 ethlehemite. 
 
 Eliab, 
 
 > 
 
 
 Abinadab, 
 
 
 
 Shammah, 
 
 
 
 NATHANEELj 
 
 
 y Jesse's 
 
 Raddai, 
 
 
 Sons. 
 
 Ozem, 
 
 
 
 Elihu, 
 
 
 
 David, 
 
 > 
 
 
 Daughter of Jesse. 
 
 
 LSI 
 
 IAEL1TES AN 
 
 THE PLACE 
 
 Act I. A field near Jesse's home in Bethlehem. 
 Act II. A field near the pavilion of Saul. 
 
 (The same blue curtain, or out of doors, will do for both 
 scenes.) 
 
 74 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 75 
 
 THE PROPERTIES 
 
 A horn of oil for the Prophet Samuel. 
 
 A sword and horn for Eliab. 
 
 A platter of food for Daughter of Jesse. 
 
 A harp, a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine, a slingshot for 
 
 David. 
 Helmet, spear and shield for Armor-bearer. 
 Pebbles for attendant to give David. 
 Sword and shield for Challenger. 
 Horn and spear for First Messenger. 
 Horn and spear for Second Messenger. 
 A crown of flowers for Michal. 
 
 For the head of Goliath take a fierce-looking mask; 
 attach it to helmet. Sew long swaggering locks of 
 hair on either side, and a sweep of red cloth at back. So, 
 when David removes mask from Goliath's face, in 
 cutting off his head, the red cloth will give the whole a 
 solid appearance. 
 
 If possible, have a harp for the music. 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 
 
 Act I. A field in Bethlehem, near the home of Jesse. 
 
 {Enter Eliab, polishing his sword. He practices fight- 
 ing an imaginary enemy. Presently lie turns and 
 calls. ) 
 
 Eliab: 
 
 Ho, David, tend my sheep for me; 
 I make me ready to fight the Philistines. 
 And see thou that no lion enter in, 
 Else 'twill go hard with thee. 
 
 {The sounds of a shepherd's pipe, or of a harp arc heard, 
 receding in the distance. Jesse enters and speaks 
 mildly and with remonstrance.) 
 
 Jesse : 
 
 My son, this night the first new moon arises of the new 
 
 year; 
 My son, this night we feast, 
 And make our sacrifices on God's altar. 
 My son, first he thou reconciled with thy brother 
 David. 
 Eliab {impatiently) : I have done him no wrong. 
 
 Jesse : 
 
 Thou and thy brothers are too harsh with him. 
 He is a tender lad; be thou more gentle. {Lays Jiand 
 on Eliab's arm.) 
 Eliab {shaking off hand) : He is a babe, fit only to 
 tend sheep. 
 
 76 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 77 
 
 Jesse: Where hast thou sent him? 
 
 Eliab : To the hillside, away from Bethlehem. 
 
 Jesse: Where are thy brothers? 
 
 Eliab: They make them ready to fight the Philistines. 
 
 Jesse: Who tendeth their sheep? 
 
 Eliab {sullenly) : David. 
 
 Jesse (with mild sarcasm) : 
 
 And if a bear or a lion attack the flocks, 
 
 The little David is alone; 
 
 While his brave brothers abide here in safety. 
 
 He perchance fighteth, while they make them ready. 
 
 Eliab (sneers) : 
 
 Thou ever didst make much of David. 
 
 The very name of "David" means "beloved." 
 
 Jesse : 
 
 Nay, all my sons are equal in my love. 
 But David — he is indeed a gentle lad. (He turns as 
 tJwugli to go out. Left.) 
 
 (The Prophet Samuel enters slowly from the right.) 
 
 Eliab: 
 
 My father, who comes there ? 
 
 Nay, there, through the budding barley? 
 
 The old man with so lofty a bearing? 
 
 Jesse : 
 
 Mine eyes are dim. (He sliades them and peers out. 
 
 Suddenly he speaks.) 
 My son, it is the prophet Samuel. 
 What can his coming bode of good or evil ? 
 Haste, haste, my son. 
 
78 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 {They advance to meet the prophet, bowing low.) 
 Jesse : 
 
 Samuel, O mouthpiece of the Lord, 
 Comest thou in peace to Bethlehem? 
 
 Samuel: In peace! 
 
 Jesse: Make us to know thy will. 
 
 Samuel: Thou art Jesse, the Bethlehemite? 
 
 Jesse: Thou hast said it. 
 
 Samuel: 
 
 1 am the mouthpiece of the most high God. 
 For the Lord spake unto me, saying: 
 Mourn not over King Saul ; 
 
 For I repent me that I made Saul king over Israel. 
 
 Fill thine horn with oil and go ; 
 
 I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: 
 
 For I have provided me a king among his sons. 
 
 Jesse: A king! 
 
 Eliab: A king!! 
 
 Jesse: 
 
 Eliab, wind thy horn and call thy brothers ; 
 And bid thy sister bring both meat and wine 
 To set before our guest. 
 
 (Eliab runs out to the left, winding his horn. He passes 
 several of his brothers zvJw are entering, and points 
 out the prophet. Jesse motions Samuel to a seat in 
 the center. Samuel sits. The Daughter of Jesse 
 enters with food and drink, which Samuel rejects.) 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 79 
 
 Samuel: 
 
 And now make thou thy sons to pass before me, 
 That I may choose. 
 
 (Eliab enters with other brothers. Abinadab slips be- 
 side his sister and eats the food. The Daughter 
 stands beside her father, at right of Samuel.) 
 
 Jesse : 
 
 My sons, pass ye in order of your years, 
 Before this man of God. 
 
 (Eliab advances and kneels. Samuel rises and regards 
 him uncertainly.) 
 
 Samuel: Surely the Lord's anointed is before me. 
 
 Eliab (triumphantly) : Ah, father, art so ready now 
 to chide me? 
 
 Samuel: Nay, pause, my son, for the Lord hath said 
 unto me: 
 
 Look not on a man's countenance, 
 Nor the height of his stature; 
 For the Lord seeth not as man seeth. 
 For man looketh on the outward appearance, 
 But the Lord looketh on the heart. 
 Thy heart is proud, and thou shalt not be king. 
 
 (Eliab passes with hanging head to tJie rigJit. Abina- 
 dab advances.) 
 
 Abinadab : And I, sir, look on me. 
 
 Samuel: 
 
 The Lord rejects thee, 
 
 For thou art a wine-bibber and a glutton. 
 
8o SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 (Abinadab swaggers defiantly over to Eliab, who grins 
 at hi in. Shammah bows low and speaks slyly.) 
 
 Shammah: 
 
 Sir, if thou crown me king, 
 
 I'll make thee rich in the spoils of the Philistines. 
 
 Samuel (briefly): The Lord rejects thee for a thief 
 and robber. 
 
 (Shammah shrugs and joins others. Nathaneel ad- 
 van ecs.) 
 
 Nathaneel : 
 
 Make me king', sir, 
 
 And I will drive out the Philistines, 
 
 And all men shall bow down to the God of Israel. 
 
 Samuel: 
 
 The Lord rejects thee, for thou boasteth thyself, 
 And sayest thou canst do much, 
 When thou canst do little. 
 
 (Nathaneel passes angrily to right. Raddai ad- 
 vances. ) 
 
 Raddai (cunningly) : 
 
 Thou wilt anoint me, Samuel; 
 
 For lo, the Lord came unto me in the night watches. 
 
 Saying, Awake, awake, thou shalt be king of Israel. 
 
 (The brothers stare angrily at him.) 
 
 Samuel: The Lord rejects thee, for thou art a liar. 
 
 (The brothers doable up with mirth. Raddai joins 
 them, shaking his fist at Samuel. Ozem advances 
 and bows meekly.) 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 81 
 
 Ozem : 
 
 For me, I would not be the king in Israel, 
 Except the Lord command. 
 
 Samuel (praying): Lord, give me light! (Then he 
 motions Ozem away.) Thou art not the chosen one. 
 
 (Ozem joins others. Elihu advanecs triumphantly.) 
 
 Eliiiu: 
 
 mouthpiece of the most high God, behold me! 
 
 1 am the last. 
 
 Anoint me, and let the oil run down to the hem of my 
 
 garment ! 
 Anoint me, for I shall be a mighty king over Israel. 
 
 Daughter of Jesse (starting forward) : 
 
 O brother, thou hast forgotten little David. ( Turns to 
 
 Samuel.) 
 O sir, if thou despiseth these, my brothers, 
 O let me show thee David. 'Tis the youngest, 
 And the best loved by me. 
 
 (The brothers surge forward angrily.) 
 
 Eliab and Others: No, no! He is a babe — a child 
 — a — 
 
 Samuel (ivavcs them back and turns to Jesse) : 
 Are all thy children here? 
 Or hast thou another son? 
 
 Jesse : 
 
 There remaineth yet the youngest; 
 
 And behold, he keepeth the sheep. 
 
 He is my dear-beloved. 
 
 His years are yet too tender to rule Israel, 
 
82 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Daughter of Jesse : O let me go and bring him ! 
 
 Samuel: 
 
 Send and fetch him ; 
 
 For we will not sit down till he come hither. 
 
 (The Daughter of Jesse starts running out toward 
 left.) 
 
 Jesse: Nay, daughter, blow the horn till he appear. 
 (She blows horn.) 
 
 Samuel: 
 
 Speak not of his tender years; 
 
 For the Lord knoweth the times and the seasons. 
 
 (She blozvs horn.) 
 
 Neither will he cause the flower to blow on the- seed- 
 ling; 
 Nor the fruit on the sapling; 
 Nor an old head on young shoulders. 
 
 (She blows horn.) 
 
 (There is a pause while all listen; then she blozvs again.) 
 
 Daughter of Jesse : He cometh, for I hear his harp in 
 the distance. 
 
 (The song is heard, beginning faintly, but growing 
 stronger. David enters on the last tivo lines.) 
 
 Song: "The Lord is My Shepherd," Music by S. Liddle. 
 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures : 
 He leadeth me beside the still waters. 
 He restoreth my soul; 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 83 
 
 He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his 
 
 name's sake. 
 The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want. 
 
 Samuel (advancing to meet Jiini) : 
 O sweet singer of Israel, 
 
 The Lord commandeth me, Arise, anoint him ; for this 
 is he. 
 
 (He raises his horn of oil. David kneels. Samuel 
 pours oil upon him.) 
 
 For the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth: 
 And he shall give strength unto his king, 
 And exalt the horn of his anointed. 
 
 Daughter of Jesse (embracing David) : O David, I 
 am glad. 
 
 Jesse: Come now to the feast. 
 
 (All pass out but David and his sister. She waits for 
 him as lie stands in prayer.) 
 
 David: 
 
 God, thou hast anointed me with the oil of gladness, 
 Above my fellows. 
 
 1 will sing a song unto thee, O God; 
 
 Upon a psaltery of ten strings will I sing praises unto 
 thee. 
 
 (He takes his harp and sings.) 
 
 Song: Music, Continuation of Psalm. 
 
 Thou prepares! a table before me in the presence of 
 
 mine enemies; 
 Thou anointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. 
 
84 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days 
 
 of my life, 
 And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 
 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
 
 (He passes slowly out while singing the last lines fol- 
 lowed by his sister.) 
 
 Act II 
 
 (Saul's pavilion in the Israelite encampment. The scene 
 takes place just outside the pavilion, where may be 
 placed a couch for the king. To the right is the army 
 of Israel; to the left, the army of the Philistines, and 
 the road to Bethlehem. Sound of trumpets to the left. 
 
 (King Saul's Attendants run in, from right, shading 
 their eyes and peering into distance. Soldiers fol- 
 lozv. ) 
 
 Attendant (cries): King Saul! Go summon the 
 king; the king must know. 
 
 (An Attendant runs back.) 
 
 (Shouting from the left. A Messenger runs in blowing 
 his horn.) 
 
 Messenger: News for King Saul! Where is the 
 king? The king? 
 
 (Trumpets on the right. Enter King Saul and his Ar- 
 mor-bearer. The Messenger rushes to him and 
 kneels.) 
 
 Messenger: 
 
 O my lord, I bear news: 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 85 
 
 The Philistines with their thousands approach; 
 
 They gather themselves together, 
 
 And there is none to withstand them. 
 Saul: 
 
 Cursed be the day I was born, 
 
 Or ever the Lord anointed me king over Israel ! 
 
 For a sickness is fallen upon me, 
 
 And I know not where to look for help. (He advances 
 to coucJi and rests.) 
 Attendant : 
 
 Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. 
 
 Let my lord now command his servant to seek out a 
 
 man who is a cunning player on the harp, and it 
 
 shall come to pass when the evil spirit is upon thee, 
 
 that he shall play and sing, and thou shalt be well. 
 
 Saul: 
 
 Do so. 
 
 For I would hear of peace, and not of war. 
 Attendant: 
 
 Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse, David, a shepherd 
 lad, that is cunning in playing. 
 
 He is called "The sweet singer in Israel." 
 Saul: 
 
 Take thou this word to Jesse. Say to him: 
 
 "Send me David, thy son, who is with the sheep." 
 Attendant: Lord, I obey. (He bows and goes.) 
 Messenger: 
 
 O king, there be three young men, sons of Jesse, 
 
 Who came but now to serve 'gainst the Philistines 
 Saul: Go, bring them hither 
 
 &• 
 
86 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 (The Messenger goes out, left. At the same moment 
 
 there is a loud shouting from the left, and the Second 
 
 Messenger runs in.) 
 Second Messenger: News! News for the king! 
 Saul: Hither, man! Speak! 
 Second Messenger: 
 
 O king, I bear evil tidings: 
 
 For every thousand Israelites, 
 
 There are ten thousand Philistines. 
 
 And there is none to withstand them. 
 Saul : Go ye and summon the warriors of Israel. 
 (Second Messenger goes out to riglit. Gradually the 
 
 Soldiers of Israel enter and group at back. The 
 
 First Messenger reenters with the three elder Sons 
 
 of Jesse.) 
 
 First Messenger: Here are the sons of Jesse, lord. 
 
 Saul: 
 
 Come nearer, men. (They stand before him.) 
 And are ye sons of Jesse the Bethlehemite? 
 
 Eliab: Yea, O lord king! 
 
 Saul : 
 
 Is one among you called by the name of "David," 
 Or "The sweet singer in Israel"? 
 
 Eliab : 
 
 Nay, lord king, 
 
 For we be men and warriors; 
 
 But David is a little shepherd lad. 
 
 Saul: But shepherd lads must needs defend their 
 flocks. 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 87 
 
 (The Attendant enters with David.) 
 
 Saul: How now, returned so soon? 
 
 Attendant : 
 I met him, lord. 
 
 He came but now to see his brothers there. (Nods 
 toward them.) 
 
 Eliab (angrily) : 
 
 What do you here ? 
 
 And why art thou come down? 
 
 And with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the 
 wilderness ? 
 
 I know thy pride and the naughtiness of thine heart; 
 
 Thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. 
 David: 
 
 My father bade me seek thee with this loaf, 
 
 And flask of wine. (Offers them. Eliab turns angrily 
 away, but Abinadab accepts and cats.) 
 Saul: 
 
 Peace, men ! 
 
 And art thou he that's called "The sweet singer in 
 Israel" ? 
 
 David: My lord, I— I— 
 
 Saul: Be not ashamed, but sing thou sweetly to me. 
 
 David: What shall I sing? 
 
 Saul: Of peace and pleasantness and quiet ways. (Re- 
 clines on couch.) 
 
 David (sings as before) : 
 
 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
 
88 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; 
 
 He leadeth me beside the still waters. 
 
 He restoreth my soul: 
 
 He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness, for his 
 
 name's sake. 
 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
 
 Saul (to attendant) : 
 
 Go, bid the Princess Michal bring a crown 
 
 To crown his brow. 
 
 For he is the sweet singer of Israel. (Attendant 
 
 goes out.) 
 Sing yet again. 
 
 David (sings continuation of psalm) : 
 
 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of 
 
 death, 
 I will fear no evil, 
 For thou art with me: 
 Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 
 
 (The Attendant enters from right and is followed by 
 the Princess Michal and her slave girls bearing 
 fans.) 
 
 Attendant (announces) : The Princess Michal! 
 
 Saul: 
 
 Come thou, Michal, here, 
 
 And crown the sweetest singer in all Israel. 
 
 Michal (bowing): 
 
 My father, as thou biddest! (She turns to David.) 
 
 Sir, I crown thee, 
 
 The sweetest singer in all Israel. (Crowns him.) 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 89 
 
 {Loud shouting to the left. Prince Jonathan enters 
 
 running.) 
 Jonathan : 
 
 Where is my father? O my father, hear: 
 
 The army of the Philistines is at hand. 
 
 And thy people fear, O father. 
 
 For lo, one of the Philistines, 
 
 A champion among" them, 
 
 And a giant for strength, 
 
 He sendeth a challenge to the people of Israel. 
 Saul: Admit the challenger. 
 (Enter from the left the Challenger of Goliath of 
 
 Gath. He surveys the people sneeringly.) 
 Challenger: 
 
 Give ear, O ye Israelites, 
 
 Hear the words of Goliath of Gath: 
 
 "Choose ye a man for your champion 
 
 And let him come down to me. 
 
 If he be able to fight with me and kill me, 
 
 Then will we be your servants; 
 
 But if I prevail against him, 
 
 Then shall ye be our servants and serve us. 
 
 I defy the armies of Israel this day." 
 (The Israelites sway forward murmuring: Ho! In- 
 deed! Swaggerer!) 
 Saul: We will consider. Go! (The Challenger 
 
 goes.) 
 Jonathan: 
 
 This challenge hath been cried before the army, 
 
 And none is found who dare hope for the victory. 
 
90 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Saul: 
 
 Perchance a champion for Israel is here. (Beckons.) 
 
 Ho, sons of Jesse, ye are come to fight ; 
 
 Ye are big men. 
 
 Which one of yon will fight 'gainst this Philistine? 
 
 (There is a pause: all look on ground.) 
 
 Unto the champion who kills Goliath, 
 
 The king will give great riches. 
 
 And to that man the king will give his daughter. 
 
 (There is another pause.) 
 Eliab (uncertainly) : 
 
 I fear, lord king, 
 
 For if I fail, then Israel is doomed to servitude. 
 Abinadab : I am not strong. 
 Shammah: I am not yet full-grown. 
 •David (steps forth): 
 
 Let no man's heart fail because of him. 
 
 Thy servant will go and fight with the Philistine. 
 
 (Laughter and derision from his brothers. Smiles from 
 others.) 
 
 Saul: Thou art but a youth, and he a man of war. 
 
 David: Thy servant kept his father's flocks, and when 
 
 there came a lion or a bear and took a lamb out of the 
 
 flock, I went down after it and killed it. 
 Eliab: O foolish one! 
 Abinadab: Back to thy sheep! 
 Shammati: Thou braggart ! 
 David: 
 
 The Lord delivered me out of the paw of the lion, 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 91 
 
 And out of the paw of the bear ; 
 He will deliver me out of the hand of the Philistine. 
 Saul: 
 
 Go, and the Lord be with thee. 
 
 And take my armor and my sword and shield. 
 
 (The Armor-bearer advances and offers weapons.) 
 David: 
 
 I have not proved them. 
 
 But give me rather five smooth stones from the brook ; 
 
 Thus will I fight. 
 
 Saul: Go, bid the champion of the Philistines come. 
 
 (The First Messenger goes out left. Michal goes to 
 David.) 
 
 Michal: 
 O shepherd, 
 O sweet psalmist of Israel, 
 
 do not let the giant get too near ! 
 
 Be careful, David. Jonathan, go with him. 
 And come back safe to Michal. God go with thee. 
 (She goes out.) 
 
 (David stands as though in prayer, while everyone sings 
 
 very softly the following lines:) 
 . Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow 
 of death, 
 
 1 will fear no evil, 
 For thou art with me : 
 
 Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. 
 
 (Or, merely the music may be played.) 
 (The Attendant brings stones to David.) 
 
92 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 (Enter the Challenger for Goliath followed by 
 Philistines.) 
 
 Challenger: 
 
 Tremble, O people of Israel, 
 
 For Goliath cometh. 
 
 And the champion of Israel will fall down before him 
 
 As barley before the sickle. 
 
 Tremble, O Israelites! 
 
 Have ye a champion ? 
 
 Have ye a man to stand before him ? 
 
 (David stands forth.) 
 
 Challenger: Ha, ha, ha! Is Goliath a babe, that 
 thou sendest forth an infant against him? 
 
 David: 
 
 He cometh against me with a sword and spear; 
 But I come against him in the name of the God of the 
 
 armies of Israel, 
 Whom he hath defied. 
 Come forth, Goliath, for thou diest this day. 
 
 Eliab (to David) : O lad, I fear for thee; I'll take thy 
 place. 
 
 David : 
 
 Be not afraid. 
 
 Though I be little, I've the strength of ten. 
 
 Israelites : 
 
 Huzzah ! Huzzah ! 
 
 Though he be little, he's the strength of ten. 
 
 David (cries): Come forth, Goliath! 
 
 (Goliath, a heavy man, enters like a lion loosed from 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 
 
 93 
 
 THE CHALLENGER EOR GOLIATH 
 
94 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 his cage. He brandisJies his sword, and attacks 
 David. David dodges and flees; Goliath follows him, 
 hacking the air zvith his sword. Again David dodges 
 and runs to a sufficient distance to use his sling. 
 Goliath crashes to earth. David runs and stands 
 over him, seizes Goliath's sword and cuts off his 
 head. ) 
 
 {The Challenger and other Philistines flee, crying, 
 
 "Woe! Woe!") 
 Israelites : Huzzah ! Huzzah ! Huzzah ! 
 
 David (holding up Goliath's head) : 
 Give ear, O ye people, 
 O ye Israelites, and O ye Philistines: 
 For so shall all they triumph 
 Who put their trust in the Lord! 
 
 Israelites (sJiout) : 
 
 For so shall all they triumph 
 
 Who put their trust in the Lord ! 
 First Messenger with wild enthusiasm): Where 
 
 now are the Philistines? 
 Israelites: They are fled. 
 
 Saul: Proclaim through Israel the mighty tidings. 
 (The Second Messenger takes Goliath's head from 
 
 David, and repeats the tidings three times, standing 
 
 at center, at right and at left of stage. While he speaks 
 
 the Soldiers remove Goliath.) 
 Second Messenger (blozving horn): 
 
 Give ear, O ye people: 
 
 Slain is Goliath of Gath by the shepherd, David. 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 
 
 95 
 
 And so shall all they triumph 
 Who put their trust in the Lord. 
 
 Jonathan (goes affectionately to David) : 
 O David, thou who art to me as a brother, 
 I, Jonathan, prince of Israel, ask thy friendship. 
 Take thou my robe in token of my love. 
 
 David: 
 
 O Jonathan, I am but a shepherd of the sheep, 
 
 But I return thy love. {They exchange shepherd skin 
 
 and velvet.) 
 
 (Enter Michal and her dancing women, with cymbals. 
 They chant as they dance.) 
 
 Chant : 
 
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 Saul hath slain his thous-ands, but Da -vid his tens of thous-ands. 
 
 (Repeat three times in three different keys.) 
 
 Saul (angrily) : 
 Peace, women ! 
 
 Ye ascribe unto David ten thousands, 
 And to me ye ascribe but thousands. 
 What more can he have but the kingdom ? 
 
96 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Michal (runs and kneels before him) : O my father, 
 be not wroth at my song. 
 
 Saul (ivcarily) : 
 
 I have sworn thee to the man who slew Goliath ; 
 And that which the king sweareth will he do. 
 David, I give thee Michal for thy wife. (He turns 
 away. ) 
 
 David: The king's daughter within the palace is all- 
 glorious. 
 
 Michal (smiling upon hint and extending tier hand): 
 O David ! 
 
 But see, my father is wroth at my song. 
 Come and sing thou to him. 
 And so shall he forget the mighty warrior, 
 In listening to the sweetest singer in all Israel. 
 
 (She runs to Saul, ivJio is reclining on conch.) 
 Father, would'st hear again the shepherd's psalm? 
 
 Saul (heavily) : 
 
 Yea, for I have a sickness, daughter ; 
 And the song is verily one of delight. 
 
 (Michal leans beside Saul as David sings.) 
 
 David (sings) : 
 
 The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. 
 
 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; 
 
 He leadeth me beside the still waters. 
 
 He restoreth my soul : 
 
 He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his 
 
 name's sake. 
 The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. 
 
DAVID AND GOLIATH 97 
 
 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow 
 
 of death, 
 I will fear no evil, 
 For thou art with me : 
 Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. 
 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of 
 
 mine enemies : 
 Thou anointest my head with oil : 
 My cup runneth over — 
 
 Saul (rises threateningly) : 
 What sayest thou ? 
 Who hath anointed thy head with oil? 
 
 David: 
 
 O king, the prophet Samuel, sent of God! 
 O king, one day I shall be king of Israel. 
 
 (Saul's head sinks on his breast. He passes slowly out, 
 followed by his Attendants.) 
 
 David (sings) : 
 
 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 
 All the days of my life ; 
 
 And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 
 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
 
 (All turn to go, singing) : 
 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 
 All the days of my life. 
 
 And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 
 The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want. 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 
 
 (Longer Version) 
 
 THE PEOPLE 
 
 A Wicked Judge. King Solomon. 
 
 First Woman. Page. 
 
 Second Woman. First Soldier. 
 
 The Baby. (A real Baby.) Second Soldier. 
 
 Dancing Children. A Boy. 
 
 THE PLACE 
 
 Gibeon, where Solomon comes to offer sacrifice. 
 
 A judgment seat is raised two steps above the floor, a 
 little to the left of the room. From each side of the 
 judgment seat extend walls, three or four feet high, to 
 the front corners of the room. These walls may be 
 black or white or yellow or terracotta cloth, stretched. 
 Against the walls paste or pin or paint some bold design, 
 such as diamonds, in a contrasting color, white against 
 black; deep sea-blue against terracotta. Or use the 
 conventional lotus design. For the background use a 
 deep sea-blue curtain and throw a blue light upon it. 
 
 THE PROPERTIES 
 
 Several gold pieces. A trumpet. 
 
 Palms for children to carry in dance. Two spears. 
 A silver basket piled high with oranges. A large sword. 
 Rolls of parchment for the Judge. 
 
 99 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 
 
 (The Wicked Judge is seated on the High Place, judg- 
 ing the two women. The First Woman, at his right, 
 holds the Baby. The Second Woman kneels at his 
 left, with imploring gestures.) 
 
 Wicked Judge (with a sweep of his hand) : No more ! 
 No more, I say! I will hear no more. Am I not 
 judge in the king, his place? (Points at First 
 Woman sternly. ) You say yonder woman's child died 
 in the night-time, and she wants yours. (Points at 
 Second Woman.) You say — stop sniveling — 
 (Second Woman shrinks away from him.) You say 
 'twas her child died and that she hath stolen your 
 child. / say, if you had minded your brats properly, 
 there would not be this to-do. (A pause.) What 
 were you doing when one of you stole the other's 
 child? Gadding about the streets? Eh? 
 
 Second Woman : O sir, sir, she stole him while I slept. 
 
 First Woman : Most gracious Judge, I did not steal. 
 
 Second Woman {turning on her): But thou did'st! 
 
 Wicked Judge: O you women! Lo, all the troubles 
 of this kingdom flow from this, that women do not 
 properly observe the affairs of their households. As 
 King Solomon remarks, with rather more wisdom 
 than he usually manifests, "Who can find a virtuous 
 woman?" 
 
 Both Women (together) : Sir ! Most gracious Judge! 
 Only hear me — 
 
 IOQ 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 101 
 
 Wicked Judge (crashing his fist down): Silence! 
 Silence!! (To Second Woman.) Where are your 
 witnesses ? 
 
 (Second Woman makes an imploring and hopeless ges- 
 ture.) 
 
 Wicked Judge (fiercely) : What? No witnesses? Be 
 off! Be off, I say. (He waves both women away; 
 then his voice changes.) Stay, wait — I had forgot. 
 I must — er — consider the welfare of the infant. ( To 
 Second Woman.) It may be thou wouldest be the 
 better guardian. Hast thou the means to feed and 
 clothe the child, and — er — pay all needful fees? 
 
 Second Woman : I am poor, but, sir, I am the mother. 
 
 Wicked Judge: Pshaw! Pshaw! (Turns to First 
 Woman.) And thou? 
 
 First Woman (producing gold pieces) : I have these 
 bits of gold. (Her voice takes a mocking inflection.) 
 Most gracious Judge, it may be thou, of thy great 
 kindliness, wilt guard the gold for me, for I, alas, am 
 but a weakling woman, and my child needs all my 
 care. 
 
 Wicked Judge (pocketing gold) : Ah, yea, yea, thou 
 art indeed the rightful mother. (Raises liis exes to 
 heaven.) More is a child to be desired than gold, yea, 
 than much fine gold. I will indeed look after thy gold 
 for thee. Now get ye gone. ( Turns crossly to Sec- 
 ond Woman.) And count thyself lucky that I do 
 not call the guard, and have thee cast into prison for 
 bearing lying witness. 
 
 (A Boy rushes in, shouting as he runs.) 
 
102 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Boy : Ohe ! Ohe ! King Solomon, he entereth now the 
 city. He cometh here to offer sacrifice; the children 
 dance before him. Ohe! Ohe! (He runs out.) 
 
 Wicked Judge {gathers up his rolls of parchment, 
 shrugging) : I will not bow before him, I! And he 
 but a beardless youth! (Passes out.) 
 
 (The Second Woman crouches low, weeping and pray- 
 ing; First Woman regards her.) 
 
 First Woman (laughing): Pray, aye, pray! The 
 child will call me "Mother." He will throw his little 
 arms about my neck and hail me. For three pieces of 
 ruddy gold have I bought him, and thy prayers shall 
 never win him from me. 
 
 Second Woman (fiercely): As there is a God in Is- 
 rael, to whom men pray, I yet shall have my child. 
 
 First Woman: A God in Israel? (Shrugs.) As 
 there is god-head in gold, which men worship, lo, I 
 shall keep thy child. (She makes a sweeping bozv and 
 passes out.) 
 
 Second Woman : O God, God, give me my child, my 
 son. Thou knowest the child is mine, thou knowest, 
 thou knowest. Thou sawest when in the dark of the 
 night-time she crept into my chamber and stole him 
 from me. She cradleth him, and I am desolate. 
 
 Shouts Without: King Solomon! King Solomon, 
 all hail ! Hail to King Solomon, the son of David ! 
 
 (The Second Woman looks about wildly, then crouches 
 in a dim comer. The Children enter dancing; they 
 carry palms; they sing.) 
 Song: "Hail to the Monarch" (Cantata of Esther) 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 103 
 
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 {Enter King Solomon, followed by two Soldiers a/*d 
 Page.) 
 
 Solomon (raising his hand in blessing) : My children, 
 I thank you for your love. Now get ye gone, for I 
 would offer sacrifice alone. 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 105 
 
 First Child: But we have learned a psalm of David 
 thy father, to do thee reverence ; may we not say it ? 
 
 First Soldier : Do ye not hear the king? ( Threatens 
 
 them.) 
 
 Solomon: Nay, let the little ones come hither. The 
 psalms of David, my father, are dear unto me. Now, 
 babes, speak up. 
 
 Second Child {to First) : Do thou begin. 
 
 First Child: 
 
 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of 
 
 the ungodly, 
 Nor standeth in the way of sinners, 
 Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful; 
 
 Second Child: 
 
 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, 
 And in his law doth he meditate day and night. 
 
 Third Child: 
 
 And he shall be like a tree, planted by rivers of water, 
 That bringeth forth his fruit in due season; 
 
 Fourth Child: 
 
 His leaf also shall not wither; 
 
 And whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper. 
 
 Fifth Cliild: 
 
 The ungodly are not so, 
 
 But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 
 
 All the Children: 
 
 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, 
 Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 
 
106 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: 
 But the way of the ungodly shall perish. 
 
 Solomon: I thank you. (He turns to Sixth Child.) 
 And why hast thou not spoken with the others ? 
 
 (Tlic Sixth Child readies a tiptoe and whispers in his 
 ear.) 
 
 Solomon: Thou hast learned something more; then 
 speak, little one. 
 
 Sixth Child: 
 
 O king, a word fitly spoken, 
 
 Is like apples of gold in baskets of silver. 
 
 And the king that faithfully judgeth the poor, 
 
 His throne shall be established forever. (She presents 
 
 basket of oranges.) 
 
 Solomon (in great delight) : Ha, whose words are 
 those ? 
 
 Sixth Child (with a demure courtesy) : Your Maj- 
 esty's ! 
 
 Solomon: Well done! Well spoken! I shall strive 
 indeed to be a king whose judgments shall be like ap- 
 ples of gold in baskets of silver. 
 
 Sixth Child (to others) : Come now; the king would 
 
 be alone. 
 Solomon : The Lord be with you ! 
 Children: And with thee also, O thou son of David! 
 
 (They courtesy and go.) 
 Solomon (ascends to High Place and prays) : O Lord 
 
 God of my fathers, thou hast showed unto my father, 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 107 
 
 David, great mercy according as he walked before 
 thee in uprightness of heart; and thou hast kept for 
 him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son 
 to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord 
 my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of 
 David my father ; and I am but a little child. I know 
 not how to go out nor come in. Give therefore thy 
 servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, 
 that I may discern between good and bad. For who 
 is able to judge this thy so great a people? 
 
 {There is a pause during which the Second Woman 
 rises slozvly and approaches Solomon. She kisses the 
 hem of his robe. He turns and regards her with aston- 
 ishment. She rises and speaks prophetically.) 
 
 Second Woman : O king, because thou hast asked this 
 thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life ; neither 
 hast thou asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the 
 life of thine enemies, but hast asked understanding to 
 discern judgment, behold, God will give unto thee a 
 wise and understanding heart ; so that there was none 
 like thee before thee ; neither after thee shall any arise 
 like unto thee. 
 
 Solomon: Who art thou? for it was thus I heard 
 the words of God speaking to my heart ! Who art 
 thou? 
 
 Second Woman {prostrating herself) : The least of 
 thy servants ! A grain of dust by the roadside ! 
 
 Solomon: Why art thou come here to the Hall of 
 Judgment ? 
 
io8 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Second Woman: I came hither for justice; but thy 
 judge in Gibeon is as the chaff which the wind beareth 
 away — 
 
 Solomon (sternly) : Beware how thou speak evil of 
 them in authority. (Then he smiles.) I gather that 
 the case went against thee. What hast thou lost? 
 Fear not ; I will requite thee. (He offers her gold.) 
 
 Second Woman : O lord king, my loss was not of gold. 
 
 Solomon : What then ? Of land ? Lo, I will give to 
 thee a bit of land, hard by a spring of water — 
 
 Second Woman : O lord king, I have lost no rood of 
 land. 
 
 Solomon : Speak then thy sorrow. 
 
 Second Woman : O lord king, God gave unto thy 
 father David a little son to sit upon his throne. Speak, 
 was thy father glad? 
 
 Solomon : Yea, verily, he rejoiced with great rejoic- 
 ing. 
 
 Second Woman : And thy mother, Bathsheba, was her 
 heart likewise merry? 
 
 Solomon : My father rejoiced, but his rejoicing was 
 naught in the measure with my mother's joy. 
 
 Second Woman : She would have grieved had'st thou 
 been stolen from her? 
 
 Solomon: What mother would not? But, woman, to 
 thy tale — 
 
 Second Woman : My tale is told. O son of Bathsheba, 
 
THE JUDGMENT OE SOLOMON 109 
 
 God hath given to thee an understanding heart. Let 
 it read my sorrow ; give me back my child. 
 
 Solomon (bewildered) : Woman, I have not thy child. 
 
 Second Woman: Nay, but thy judge in Gibeon, for 
 gold he hath rendered false judgment; for gold, he 
 hath given my child to another woman. 
 
 Solomon: Thou canst prove this? {She makes a 
 despairing gesture of denial.) (Solomon claps; the 
 Soldiers enter. ) The court of justice was held here 
 this morn ? ( Soldier bows. ) Bring hither the case of 
 the child and the two women. (Soldiers salute and 
 go. Solomon speaks sternly to the Woman.) If 
 thou speakest truly, the child shall be given thee: but 
 if thou hast sought to move me by a lying tale — ; lo, 
 I shall punish thee so thou shalt wish thou never had'st 
 been born. 
 
 Second Woman (regarding him steadfastly): I have 
 no fear, for God hath given to thee an understanding- 
 heart. 
 
 (The Judge waddles in.) 
 
 Wicked Judge: What's this? What's this? My lord 
 the king desired me? (He sees the Woman.) Aha! 
 Now I understand. This woman hath filled thy ears 
 with lying tales. Lord king, the woman is mad — 
 
 Second Woman (indignantly): I am not mad. 
 
 Wicked Judge (blandly): Mad, T say, mad! Deem- 
 ing her mad, I have excused what otherwise I had — 
 er — severely punished. 
 
 Second Woman: I am not mad. 
 
no SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Wicked Judge: She claims the child of another 
 woman. {He taps his broiv significantly.) What her 
 game is, I know not, but she saith, I am corrupt, and 
 thou but a beardless youth. She saith God hath given 
 thee a kingdom, but not the wit to rule it. Ha, ha ! 
 (Soldiers enter with First Woman and Child.) 
 Solomon {turning furiously to Second Woman) : 
 Didst thou say this? 
 
 {The Second Woman pays no attention to him; she is 
 devouring the child with her eyes. SIic holds out her 
 arms yearningly.) 
 
 Second Woman: O my dove, my fair one! {She 
 
 turns to Solomon.) Look, behold my baby ! See his 
 
 little leg — ; lord king, behold his dimples. His eyes 
 
 are like doves beside the water brooks ; his cheeks are 
 
 as a bed of spices; yea, he is altogether lovely. And 
 
 he is mine. {She turns with pride to the King, but 
 
 shrinks away as slie sees his anger.) 
 First Woman {advancing to High Place) : 
 
 King Solomon, all hail ! 
 
 Thou wisest of all judges! 
 
 Thou canst read the hearts of men; 
 
 Thou understandest the language of beasts and birds ; 
 
 Lo, I bare my heart to thee. 
 
 Read thou! 
 
 I lay my child before thy feet ; 
 
 Judge thou! {SJie places child at foot of step.) 
 Solomon: Guard, take the child. (Second Soldier 
 
 lifts the child stiffly.) {To First Woman.) Is this 
 
 thy child? 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON in 
 
 First Woman : God knows. 
 
 Solomon: Aye, but I would likewise know. Hath 
 neither woman a witness? 
 
 Wicked Judge (brusquely): Pshaw! Nonsense! 
 There is no doubt at all, () mighty son of David. I 
 have examined witnesses; they swear the child is hers. 
 (Nods toward First Woman.) Moreover, she hath 
 the child; possession witnesses. (Pats First 
 Woman.) Fear not, my girl; the king will do thee 
 right. 
 
 Second Woman : O my lord, I and this woman dwell 
 in one house. And this woman's child died in the 
 night; and she arose at midnight, and took my son 
 from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid 
 her dead son beside me. And when I arose in the 
 morning, the child was dead; but when I had con- 
 sidered it, behold, it was not my son. 
 
 First Woman : Nay, but the living is my son, and the 
 dead is thy son. 
 
 Second Woman: Nay, but the dead is thy son, and 
 the living is my son. 
 
 Solomon (sternly) : Women, approach. (Both stand 
 before him. To First Woman.) Thou sayest, "This 
 is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead." (To 
 Second Woman.) And thou sayest, "Nay, but thy 
 son is the dead, and mine is the living." (To Soldier.) 
 Bring hither a sword. (First Soldier goes out.) 
 
 Wicked Judge: Lo, what is in the king's mind? Will 
 he slay yonder woman for bearing lying witness? 
 
Ii2 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 (Solomon raises his hand with a threatening gesture; 
 Judge shrinks back. First Soldier returns with 
 sword.) 
 
 Solomon : I cannot judge between you ; let God judge. 
 ( Turns to Soldier.) Take thou the sword ; divide the 
 living child in twain, and give half to the one and half 
 to the other. 
 
 (TJie First Woman sJirinks away. The Second 
 Woman, with a little cry, rusJics between the Soldier 
 who holds the Child, and the Soldier who holds 
 sword. She stands with fists doubled, to defend the 
 Child. First Soldier throws her aside; she falls.) 
 
 Wicked Judge: O clever judge! O mighty son of 
 David!' 
 
 First Woman (kneeling): I bow, lord king, to thy 
 decree. Let the child be neither mine nor hers, but 
 divide it. 
 
 Second Woman (throwing herself before King): O 
 my lord, my lord, give her the child, give her the living 
 child, and in nowise slay it ! Let the child live, even 
 though it be within her arms, lord — lord — 
 
 Wicked Judge : O clever judge ! Ha, ha, ha ! Through 
 thee indeed the Lord hath spoken ! Who would have 
 thought to see such mighty wisdom, yea, in a beard- 
 less youth ? Thy wit hath showed the truth, and made 
 yon lying woman eat her lies. ( Taps First Woman.) 
 Even as I said, the child is hers. (To Soldier.) (live 
 unto this woman her child. 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 113 
 
 First Soldier (with sword upraised): Is it thy will, 
 O king*, I slay the child, or give it to yon woman? 
 
 Solomon: It is my will (he bends and raises Second 
 Woman gently) thou give unto this woman the living 
 child, and in nowise slay it; for she is the mother 
 thereof, because she loveth much. For love is strong 
 as death ; jealousy is cruel as the grave. Many waters 
 cannot quench love; neither can floods drown it. 
 
 Wicked Judge (sourly): Humph! 
 
 Second Woman (rccck'ing Child, radiantly) : He 
 that ruleth over men righteously, that ruleth in the 
 fear of God, he shall be as the light of the morning 
 when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds, when 
 the tender grass springeth out of the earth through 
 clear shining after rain. King Solomon, all hail ! 
 
 All: King Solomon, all hail! 
 
 U /// pass out singing. ) (If desired, the earlier song may 
 be repeated.) 
 
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THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 
 
 (Shorter Version) 
 
 THE PEOPLE 
 
 A Herald. King Solomon. 
 
 First Soldier. First Woman. 
 
 Second Soldier. Second Woman. 
 
 Dancing Children. Baby. (A real baby.) 
 
 THE PLACE 
 Gibeon, where Solomon comes to offer sacrifice. 
 
 THE PROPERTIES 
 
 Palms, or branches for children to carry in dance, 
 A silver basket piled high with oranges. 
 A trumpet. 
 Two spears. 
 A large sword. 
 
 116 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 
 
 (The Herald enters, followed by two Soldiers. The 
 Herald blows his trumpet; the tivo Soldiers flourish 
 their spears.) 
 
 Herald: Make way, make way; he entereth now the 
 city! Way for King Solomon, the son of David! 
 
 Soldiers : Way for King Solomon, the son of David ! 
 Way! Way! (They take positions, one on the right 
 hand and one on the left.) 
 
 First Soldier (conversationally): He cometh hither 
 for sacrifice, they say. 
 
 Second Soldier: Aye, and to render judgment. 
 
 First Soldier: Is it true, think you, that he is wiser 
 
 than all men that have gone before him? 
 Second Soldier (shrugs) : So men say. As for me, 
 
 I shall judge for myself. 
 
 First Soldier (poses mockingly): O King Solomon, 
 King Solomon, little thou thinkest that the while thou 
 art judging others, a mightier shall judge thee ! 
 
 Second Soldier (prodding First with spear): Be 
 still, thou ass ; he cometh. 
 
 (The Soldiers stiffen to attention as the Children 
 enter dancing and singing.) 
 
 Song: Music, "Hail to the Monarch." (See Longer 
 
 Version. ) 
 (Cantata of Esther) 
 
 117 
 
n8 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 {Enter King Solomon followed by Two Women and 
 Baby, also by Pages and more Soldiers if desired 
 for effect. The Children bow low.) 
 
 Solomon (lifting his hand) : The Lord be with you! 
 
 All : And with thee also, O thou son of David ! 
 
 Child (offers silver basket of oranges) : O king, a 
 word fitly spoken is like apples of gold, in baskets of 
 silver, and the king that faithfully judgeth the poor, 
 his throne shall be established forever. 
 
 Solomon (in delight): Ha! Who said that? 
 
 Child (courtesies demurely): Your Majesty! 
 
 Solomon : Well done ! Well spoken ! I shall strive 
 to be indeed a king whose judgments shall be like ap- 
 ples of gold in baskets of silver. (He turns to altar 
 and prays.) O Lord God of my fathers, thou hast 
 made thy servant king instead of David my father, 
 and I am but a little child. I know not how to go out 
 or to come in. Give therefore thy servant an under- 
 standing heart to judge thy people, that I may discern 
 between good and bad. For who is able to judge this, 
 thy so great a people? 
 
 (While he prays the First Woman creeps forward and 
 kisses the hem of his robe. Solomon turns and re- 
 gards her with wonder. She rises.) 
 
 First Woman: O king, because thou hast asked this 
 thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, nor hast 
 asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked under- 
 standing to discern judgment, behold God will give 
 to thee a wise and understanding heart, so that there 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 119 
 
 was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall 
 any arise like unto thee. 
 
 Solomon : Who art thou ? For it was thus I heard the 
 word of God ringing in my heart. Who art thou? 
 
 First Woman (prostrate) : The least of thy servants 
 — a grain of dust by the roadside. 
 
 Solomon : Why art thou come — here to the Hall of 
 Judgment ? 
 
 First Woman (rising) : O my lord, I and this woman 
 (Indicates Woman with Baby.) dwell in one house, 
 and her son died in the night-time, and she arose at 
 midnight and took my son from beside me, while thine 
 handmaid slept, and laid her dead son beside me — 
 
 Second W'oman (insolently): She lieth, lord king. 
 
 First Woman: When I arose in the morning the 
 child was dead, but when I had considered it, behold, 
 it was not my son. 
 
 Second Woman; Nay, but the living is my son, and 
 the dead is thy son. 
 
 Solomon (regards both silently for a few seconds): 
 Women, approach! (Both women stand before him.) 
 Thou sayest, "This is my son that liveth, and thy son 
 is the dead," and thou sayest, "Nay, but thy son is 
 the dead, and mine is the living." (To Soldier.) 
 Bring hither a sword. (Soldier goes.) 
 
 Herald (with curiosity) : What is in the king's mind? 
 Will he slay yonder woman for bearing lying witness ? 
 
 (First Soldier returns with szvord.) 
 
120 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Solomon : I cannot judge between you ; let God judge. 
 (To Soldier.) Take thou the sword; divide the liv- 
 ing child in two, and give half to the one and half unto 
 the other. 
 
 (The Second Woman crosses hastily to the left as' 
 though to flee; the First Woman darts between her 
 and the Soldier and stands ready, with clinched fists, 
 to defend the Baby. The Second Soldier throivs her 
 aside and takes the Baby from the other woman.) 
 
 Herald (laughing): O clever judge! O mighty son 
 of David! 
 
 Second Woman (bowing low): I bow, lord king, to 
 thy decree. Let the child be neither mine nor hers, 
 but divide it. 
 
 First Woman (with a little panting cry, throws herself 
 before Solomon) : O my lord, my lord, give her the 
 child, give her the living child, and in nowise slay it. 
 Let the child live, even though it be within her arms — 
 lord — lord — 
 
 Herald: O prince of wisdom! Through thee indeed 
 the Lord hath spoken. Who would have thought to 
 sec such mighty judgment, yea in a beardless youth? 
 Thy wit hath showed the truth and made this lying 
 woman eat her lies. 
 
 Children (swarming about Second Woman and bow- 
 ing to her): Hail, mother of the child! 
 
 First Soldier (raises sword and crosses to Second 
 Soldier, who holds Baby): Is it thy will, O king, 
 1 slay this child, or give it to yon woman? (Indicates 
 Second Woman.) 
 
THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON 121 
 
 Solomon: It is my will (lie raises First Woman ten- 
 derly) thou give unto this woman the living child, and 
 in nowise slay it ; for she is the mother thereof, because 
 she loveth much. For love is strong as death ; jealousy 
 is cruel as the grave. Many waters cannot quench 
 love ; neither can floods drown it. 
 
 First Woman (eagerly receives Baby and cuddles it) : 
 O king, he who ruleth over men righteously, who rul- 
 eth in the fear of God, he shall be as the light of the 
 morning when the sun riseth, a morning without 
 clouds, when the tender grass springeth out of the 
 earth through clear shining after rain. King Solo- 
 mon, all hail ! 
 
 All (raising palms): King Solomon, all hail! 
 
 (. /// pass out singing the children's song.) 
 
THE GOOD SAMARITAN 
 
 THE PEOPLE 
 
 Prologue and Epilogue 
 (The same.) 
 
 First Thief. 
 Second Thief. 
 Third Thief. 
 The Jew. 
 First Servant. 
 
 Second Servant. 
 The Priest. 
 First Levite. 
 Second Levite. 
 The Good Samaritan. 
 The Host. 
 
 THE PLACE 
 
 A lonely road with an inn in the distance. If the play is 
 given indoors, any door may represent the inn. 
 
 THE PROPERTIES 
 
 Three sticks or cudgels for the thieves. 
 
 A wine bottle, packet of food, and cloak for Jew. 
 
 Huge empty boxes, covered with bright cloth and bound 
 
 with heavy cord for the servants to carry. 
 If the illusion of night-time can be carried out, have the 
 
 Samaritan carry a lanthorn on a stick, and have the 
 
 Host appear, wearing a nightcap and carrying a 
 
 candle (electric candle). 
 A cloth to bind the wounds of the Jew. 
 
 122 
 
THE GOOD SAMARITAN 
 
 (// this play be given out of doors, the thieves must con- 
 ceal themselves in the shrubbery before the play be- 
 gins; if indoors, they may conceal themselves in 
 corners, or creep in.) 
 {Enter the Prologue.) 
 
 Prologue: And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, 
 and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to 
 inherit eternal life? 
 
 He said unto him, What is written in the law ? 
 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord 
 thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and 
 with all thy strength, and with all thy mind ; and thy 
 neighbor as thyself. 
 
 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: 
 this do, and thou shalt live. 
 
 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, 
 And who is my neighbor? 
 
 And Jesus spake unto them this parable. (The 
 Prologue draws to one side and stands watching the 
 action of the parable.) 
 (The Thieves pop their heads out of the shrubbery and 
 
 advance cautiously.) 
 First Thief: Hark'ee, brothers, I have sure word 
 that one of our profession is coming this day from 
 Jerusalem to Jericho, bearing rich merchandise. 
 Second Thief (eagerly) : To join our band? 
 
 123 
 
i2 4 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Eirst Thief: Fool, I mean a rich man. 
 
 Second Thief: Ohe, a very rich man? 
 
 First Thief: A very rich man! 
 
 Third Thief: We will share his ill-gotten gains in 
 right neighborly fashion — if he be willing. 
 
 Second Thief: But if not — ? 
 
 First Thief: If not? With a crack on the head! 
 
 Second Thief: Aye! 
 
 Third Thief: Aye! {They listen, then creep cau- 
 tiously into shrubbery.) 
 
 {Enter the Jew and his Servants. They carry big bales 
 of merchandise and advance fearfully.) 
 
 Jew: Come on, my men, come on; what do ye fear? 
 
 First Servant {trembling)'. Master, I like not the 
 
 look of the lonely road; they say thieves lie in wait 
 
 here to rob rich travelers. 
 Jew {casting a worried look around): Then hasten, 
 
 hasten ! ( He passes out. ) 
 Second Servant {scornfully): Thieves! Thieves! 
 
 Have we no sticks? — no cudgels? 
 First Servant {feelingly) : So have the thieves. 
 Second Servant: Faint-heart! Hath not the master 
 
 paid us yellow gold to guard his merchandise to 
 
 Jericho ? 
 First Servant: Ai! I would I were in Jerusalem 
 
 again. (Suddenly he clutches the other.) Yonder! 
 
 Didst not see something stirring? 
 
THE GOOD SAMARITAN 125 
 
 Second Servant: Bah! (Shakes him off.) 
 
 First Servant: Let us but say a prayer. (His knees 
 knock together.) 
 
 (The Jew reenters and beckons angrily.) 
 
 Jew: Hurry, ye fools! It will be night ere — 
 (Load and piercing whistles and cries come from shrub- 
 bery. The Servants drop their goods and flee wildly.) 
 
 Jew (cries): Stay! Stay! Ah, the good gold pieces 
 I paid you rascals! (He tries to gather together Jiis 
 goods) : Ai! Ai! 
 
 (The Thieves gather closely round him.) 
 
 First Thief: Master, wilt help three poor and hungry 
 men ? 
 
 Jew (looks up and cries) : Help! Help! 
 
 Second Thief: 'Tis unneighborly ye arc. Our 
 stomachs yearn for some of thy rich wine. ( He lays 
 hold of the Jew's wine bottle.) 
 
 Jew (resisting): Help! Help! Thieves! 
 
 Third Thief: Bat him over the head. (They do so; 
 
 he falls.) 
 First Thief (drinking of bottle) : Ah ! 
 Second Thief (opening Jew's pack and eating) : Ah! 
 
 Third Thief (trying on Jew's outer garment. ) : Ah — 
 ha! 
 
 (The First Thief makes a grab at the garment. Strug- 
 gle. .Ill fight for the goods. Suddenly all listen in- 
 tently, then tlec, taking the goods with them. ) 
 
126 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 (The Jew groans. Enter the Priest. He regards the 
 Jew.) 
 
 Priest: What's this? Er — r, a dead man surely! I 
 must notify the authorities. Yet — 'twould be very 
 awkward to be detained and questioned. They will 
 find him sooner or later. A dead man surely ! 
 
 ( The Jew groans. The Priest stops his ears and hastens 
 out. Enter two Levites.) 
 
 First Levite : Humph ! One cannot come by this 
 road without finding signs of thievery and murder. 
 
 Second Levite: It gives the district a bad name. 
 
 First Levite: We might carry him as far as your 
 home. 
 
 Second Levite: Nay! If I brought the fellow there, 
 my wife might not like it. Let us carry him to your 
 home. 
 
 First Levite: We'd better not meddle, I reckon. 
 After all it's no affair of ours. 
 
 Second Levite (has a bright idea) : We'll tell the inn- 
 keeper to send and fetch him. 
 
 (The Jew groans; the Levites hurry out. Enter the 
 Samaritan.) 
 
 Samaritan: Ah! Too bad! (He bends over Jew.) 
 Courage, my friend! (Jew groans. The Samaritan 
 binds up his head.) Canst walk as far as the inn yon- 
 der? (He assists Jew to rise.) 
 
 Jew (zvails) : They have stolen my all! I am ruined — 
 ruined — ruined ! 
 
THE GOOD SAMARITAN 127 
 
 Samaritan (cheerfully): Better ruined than dead! 
 {They approach inn. He cries): Mine host! Ho! 
 Ho! (Knocks.) 
 
 (Enter the Host. The Priest and Levites follow, peer- 
 ing over the Host's shoulder.) 
 
 Samaritan : I found this poor fellow in the road — 
 beaten by thieves no doubt. 
 
 First Levite (to Host) : It's the fellow I told you of. 
 (To Samaritan.) Good heavens, fellow, why did'st 
 carry him hither, and wake honest people up in the 
 dead of night? The thing to do was to notify the 
 authorities. You cannot go to the rescue of every man 
 you see in trouble. 
 
 Samaritan: Why not? We are all brothers. 
 
 Second Levite: Bah! (The Levites retire.) 
 
 Priest: But, fellow, it was no concern of yours. He 
 is a Jew and you are a Samaritan. 
 
 Samaritan: Well, sir, we all have one Father. 
 
 Priest (sourly) : Humph ! (He turns and goes.) 
 
 Samaritan : Will you take him in ? Here is two pence 
 for thy care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest 
 more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 
 
 Host: I will obey thee, sir. (He supports Jew with 
 his arm.) 
 
 Samaritan: Farewell. (He goes.) 
 
 Host (watching him go) : He's a good fellow— that is, 
 for a Samaritan. (He leads Jew within.) 
 
128 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 (The Epilogue advances.) 
 
 Epilogue: Priest — Levite — Samaritan — which of 
 these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him 
 that fell among thieves? 
 
 (Epilogue passes out.) 
 
MANGER SERVICE 
 
 THE PEOPLE 
 
 Three Children Clad as Angels. 
 Three Children Clad as Kings. 
 Three Children Clad as Shepherds. 
 Five Little Girls. 
 The Class Bearing Gifts. 
 
 THE PLACE 
 The chancel of the church, or platform. 
 
 THE PROPERTIES 
 
 A manger filled with hay, in center of chancel. 
 
 A big star on a pole. 
 
 Shepherd's crooks. 
 
 A hood. 
 
 Mittens. 
 
 A doll. 
 
 A toy. 
 
 Stockings filled with gifts. 
 
 At the beginning of Advent each child, who so desires, 
 is given a stocking with its mate tucked in the toe, and 
 the name of some child, who would go without the joys 
 of a Christmas stocking, if this stocking were not filled. 
 
 Manger Sunday, the Sunday before Christmas, they 
 bring these stockings filled, with toys, something to eat 
 and something warm to wear. 
 
 129 
 
MANGER SERVICE 
 
 (The Children robed as Angels enter the chancel. 
 They pause before manger.) 
 
 First Angel: 
 
 Why is this manger filled with hay, 
 Placed here ? Surely it stood one day 
 In the stable of Bethlehem ? 
 
 Second Angel: 
 
 There's a whisper of music in the air, 
 And children's voices sounding fair. 
 Wait, we will ask of them. 
 
 (The procession starts from the back of the church, 
 singing. First conic the three Shepherds, then the 
 three Kings, bearing the star, then the five little Girls, 
 then the Class bearing gifts, and lastly the Choir 
 (if there is a choir.) 
 
 Song: Music, "Onward, Christian Soldiers!" 
 
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132 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 {They reach the chancel. The Angels question them 
 in song.) 
 
 Song: Music, "Christmas-time Songs and Carols" 
 by Mrs. Crosby Adams (page 10). 
 
 Angels (sing) : 
 
 Little children, who are ye, 
 Clad like shepherds ? List to me, 
 For I am a stranger : 
 Why do ye come here to-day ? 
 
 Choir or Class (sing answer) : 
 
 It was the shepherds who first, they say, 
 Beheld the Child in the manger, 
 Beheld the Child in the manger. 
 
 (The three Shepherds enter chancel and recite.) 
 
 Shepherds: 
 
 We come as the shepherds came that day 
 To see where the baby Jesus lay. 
 And we pray 
 
 The Christ-love dwell in our hearts this Christmas 
 day. 
 
 Angels (sing) : 
 
 Little kings whom I behold, 
 
 Robed in purple, crowned with gold, 
 
 Hearken to a stranger : 
 
 Tell me why you carry a star ! 
 
 Choir or Class (sing answer) : 
 
 Led by such wonderful light afar, 
 The wise kings found the manger, 
 The wise kings found the manger. 
 
MANGER SERVICE 133 
 
 ( 'Flic three Kings enter chancel and recite.) 
 
 Kings: 
 
 We come as the wise kings came, they say, 
 
 Following ever the star-lit way ; 
 
 And we pray 
 
 The ligfht shine in our hearts this Christmas daw 
 
 Angels (sing) : 
 
 Children, 'tis two thousand years 
 Since the kings and shepherd seers 
 Found that Baby sleeping. 
 Where the wise men of to-day? 
 
 Choir or Class (sing anszver) : 
 
 All those who follow in Jesus' way, 
 And that's the way we're seeking, 
 And that's the way we're seeking. 
 
 (The five little Girls enter chancel.) 
 
 First Little Girl (holding up a stocking tilled with 
 toys) : 
 Years ago in a manger bare 
 A Baby lay. 
 
 He lived a life so wondrous fair, 
 He showed the way. 
 And as he bade, we'd like to give 
 On Christmas day. 
 
 Second Little Girl (holding up hood and mittens) : 
 With other children we would share 
 Our Christmas joy. 
 A hood, some mittens too I bear. 
 
134 SHORTER BIBLE PLAYS 
 
 Third Little Girl (holding up doll) : I bring a doll. 
 
 Fourth Little Girl (holding up toy) : I bring a toy. 
 
 Fifth Little Girl (holding up stocking) : 
 To children who have less than we, 
 We bring these gifts right lovingly. 
 
 Third Angel: 
 
 O little children, if love ye bring, 
 It equals the gift of shepherd or king. 
 So kneel, little children, and humbly pray, 
 Your gifts carry blessing on Christmas day. 
 
 (All kneel and sing. Music, "Gaudcanuis Igitur." For 
 music see conclusion Noah's Flood.) 
 Father of all children, 
 For all children we would pray: 
 Thou who gave a little child 
 To the world on Christmas dav, 
 Grant our gifts may carry gladness, 
 Grant our love may banish sadness. 
 Lead us in the loving way, 
 Lead us in the loving way. 
 
 (All rise. The Class conies forward and places the 
 stockings in manger. Then all disperse, singing a 
 Christmas carol.) 
 
 (At the conclusion, if so desired, a very little child max 
 repeat these lines by Christina Rossetti.) 
 
 "What can I give Him, 
 Poor as I am? 
 
MANGER SERVICE 135 
 
 If I were a shepherd, 
 
 I would give a lamb; 
 If I were a wise king, 
 
 I would do my part. 
 What can I give Him? 
 
 Give my heart!" 
 
 The End. 
 
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Princeton Theological Semmary-Speer Library 
 
 012 01038 4925