1 00:00:00,480 --> 00:00:04,280 Speaker 1: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto 2 00:00:04,280 --> 00:00:08,479 Speaker 1: good works which God hath before ordained that we should 3 00:00:08,560 --> 00:00:14,880 Speaker 1: walk in them. Ephesians two ten. God, thank you for 4 00:00:14,960 --> 00:00:18,480 Speaker 1: creating me to be a masterpiece, a one of a 5 00:00:18,600 --> 00:00:23,080 Speaker 1: kind work of art. Thank you for taking such care 6 00:00:23,360 --> 00:00:27,360 Speaker 1: in designing me and molding me and making me the 7 00:00:27,440 --> 00:00:32,120 Speaker 1: person you want me to be. Thank you for giving 8 00:00:32,120 --> 00:00:35,840 Speaker 1: me all kinds of gifts and talents and abilities, both 9 00:00:35,960 --> 00:00:41,839 Speaker 1: natural and supernatural. Thank you for giving me wisdom and 10 00:00:41,920 --> 00:00:48,560 Speaker 1: skill and experience. Thank you for fulfilling me with unlimited 11 00:00:48,640 --> 00:00:54,800 Speaker 1: potential and possibility. Your word says that long before I 12 00:00:54,920 --> 00:01:00,120 Speaker 1: was born, you had a specific plan for me. You 13 00:01:00,200 --> 00:01:03,280 Speaker 1: prepared good works for me to do for your kingdom 14 00:01:03,640 --> 00:01:08,760 Speaker 1: and for your glory. My life has purpose and meaning 15 00:01:09,440 --> 00:01:15,120 Speaker 1: and impact. I have a high and holy calling. I 16 00:01:15,160 --> 00:01:20,800 Speaker 1: have a glorious destiny. Show me today the assignment you 17 00:01:20,880 --> 00:01:24,480 Speaker 1: have for me, the tasks you want me to accomplish. 18 00:01:24,880 --> 00:01:30,080 Speaker 1: Those good works. Help me to make them my priorities. 19 00:01:31,720 --> 00:01:35,080 Speaker 1: Don't let me be distracted by others assignments, or by 20 00:01:35,080 --> 00:01:39,320 Speaker 1: other goals or hopes or dreams. Keep me focused on 21 00:01:39,440 --> 00:01:42,839 Speaker 1: who you made me to be and what you've called 22 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:48,120 Speaker 1: me to do. I thank you and I praise you 23 00:01:48,720 --> 00:01:52,920 Speaker 1: for all these good things in Jesus name. 24 00:01:54,760 --> 00:01:55,080 Speaker 2: Amen. 25 00:01:55,960 --> 00:01:59,600 Speaker 1: Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever 26 00:01:59,640 --> 00:02:03,760 Speaker 1: told from Prey dot COM's podcast, Heroes in the Bible. 27 00:02:05,600 --> 00:02:05,880 Speaker 2: Hello. 28 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:08,760 Speaker 3: My name is Matthew Potter, co founder of Prey dot com, 29 00:02:08,960 --> 00:02:11,560 Speaker 3: and before we start today's episode of Heroes in the Bible, 30 00:02:11,720 --> 00:02:14,760 Speaker 3: I wanted to ask, do you know what your bank 31 00:02:14,960 --> 00:02:18,440 Speaker 3: does with your money? At America's Christian Credit Union, your 32 00:02:18,520 --> 00:02:22,840 Speaker 3: everyday banking helps grow churches, expand the reach of missions agencies, 33 00:02:23,080 --> 00:02:26,880 Speaker 3: and supports fellow believers across the country. Learn more about 34 00:02:26,919 --> 00:02:31,800 Speaker 3: specials for switching to ACCU and their nationwide banking capabilities 35 00:02:32,120 --> 00:02:38,720 Speaker 3: at America's christiancu dot Com Forward slash Prey plus the 36 00:02:38,760 --> 00:02:41,560 Speaker 3: peace of mind knowing that this credit union is federally 37 00:02:41,600 --> 00:02:44,680 Speaker 3: insured by the National Credit Union Administration. 38 00:02:45,919 --> 00:02:46,119 Speaker 4: Hi. 39 00:02:46,440 --> 00:02:48,880 Speaker 5: I'm doctor Tony Evans and I'm excited for you to 40 00:02:48,960 --> 00:02:52,480 Speaker 5: join me on Heroes in the Bible. Please be sure 41 00:02:52,520 --> 00:02:55,760 Speaker 5: to follow the podcast on Apple o Spotify so you 42 00:02:55,840 --> 00:02:59,640 Speaker 5: get the newest episodes right as they come out. Welcome 43 00:02:59,639 --> 00:03:07,680 Speaker 5: to the Epic Adventure of David, A story of honor battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal, 44 00:03:07,840 --> 00:03:11,680 Speaker 5: and murder. While most people know David the myth, few 45 00:03:11,720 --> 00:03:15,600 Speaker 5: know about David the man. In this episode, David is 46 00:03:15,639 --> 00:03:19,080 Speaker 5: brought to the end of himself. In our last story, 47 00:03:19,200 --> 00:03:22,600 Speaker 5: David began a steep decline and was nearly caught in 48 00:03:22,639 --> 00:03:27,160 Speaker 5: a terrible situation. God delivered him from a complete moral collapse, 49 00:03:27,760 --> 00:03:29,840 Speaker 5: but there is still a price to pay for what 50 00:03:29,960 --> 00:03:33,519 Speaker 5: he's done. David is about to reach an all time low, 51 00:03:33,960 --> 00:03:37,520 Speaker 5: questioning his calling as a leader and value as a man. 52 00:03:38,120 --> 00:03:41,320 Speaker 5: God's chosen hero will be faced down in a pile 53 00:03:41,360 --> 00:03:45,320 Speaker 5: of ash, wondering if he should give up. This episode 54 00:03:45,360 --> 00:03:50,400 Speaker 5: explores the themes of strength, valor, and redemption. David's failure 55 00:03:50,440 --> 00:03:53,640 Speaker 5: gives way for more faith and the shepherd's heart within 56 00:03:53,760 --> 00:03:58,240 Speaker 5: him that, once vanquished, a lion awakens. There is less 57 00:03:58,280 --> 00:04:02,760 Speaker 5: philosophical or theological prose to be taken from this episode. 58 00:04:02,920 --> 00:04:05,920 Speaker 5: It is meant to be appreciated as an example of 59 00:04:06,000 --> 00:04:10,520 Speaker 5: the hero's journey. David will fall, rise, and then enter 60 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:14,000 Speaker 5: into a new chapter of his life. Before the madness 61 00:04:14,040 --> 00:04:17,080 Speaker 5: of this episode ensues, we will be carried forward in 62 00:04:17,200 --> 00:04:20,960 Speaker 5: time to the peaceful shores of Galilee. Speaking to the 63 00:04:21,040 --> 00:04:24,160 Speaker 5: crowd with a gentle breeze at his back is Jesus 64 00:04:24,560 --> 00:04:28,680 Speaker 5: giving insight into the heart of God. Jesus's account of 65 00:04:28,760 --> 00:04:32,159 Speaker 5: the good Shepherd will provide the perfect lens for how 66 00:04:32,240 --> 00:04:35,440 Speaker 5: we see the character of David. He is, at his 67 00:04:35,560 --> 00:04:39,200 Speaker 5: core a shepherd, and a good shepherd always lays his 68 00:04:39,400 --> 00:04:42,880 Speaker 5: life down for the sheep. I'm glad you're here for 69 00:04:42,960 --> 00:04:47,400 Speaker 5: the halfway point of our David series. Heart of a Shepherd. 70 00:04:53,400 --> 00:04:58,760 Speaker 2: Prelude to chapter sixteen. The Sea of Galilee was calm 71 00:04:58,800 --> 00:05:02,160 Speaker 2: and serene. The gentle breeze blowing in from the water 72 00:05:02,279 --> 00:05:05,359 Speaker 2: brushed up against Jesus's face as he spoke to the 73 00:05:05,360 --> 00:05:06,280 Speaker 2: crowd before him. 74 00:05:07,040 --> 00:05:10,119 Speaker 4: Let us say, a shepherd has a hundred sheep, Jesus said, 75 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:14,720 Speaker 4: he tends to them well within his pasture. However, one 76 00:05:14,760 --> 00:05:18,400 Speaker 4: of them falls astray and wanders off into the wilderness 77 00:05:18,920 --> 00:05:24,400 Speaker 4: where predators lie in wait. The shepherd takes action and 78 00:05:24,520 --> 00:05:27,840 Speaker 4: leaves the ninety nine sheep in search of the one. 79 00:05:27,920 --> 00:05:31,559 Speaker 4: He ascends into the mountains and risks injury and death 80 00:05:31,720 --> 00:05:36,240 Speaker 4: to save the one sheep who went astray. Then he 81 00:05:36,279 --> 00:05:42,360 Speaker 4: finds the sheep and his entire household rejoices. That is 82 00:05:42,400 --> 00:05:46,320 Speaker 4: the heart of my father in heaven. It is not 83 00:05:46,520 --> 00:05:49,680 Speaker 4: in his will that anyone should perish. 84 00:05:50,440 --> 00:05:53,880 Speaker 2: Jesus spoke of a transcendent truth packaged in a simple story. 85 00:05:54,760 --> 00:05:57,599 Speaker 2: He revealed in his words the attentive heart of God, 86 00:05:58,480 --> 00:06:01,039 Speaker 2: a heart that saw the life life of one person 87 00:06:01,120 --> 00:06:05,480 Speaker 2: worth risking danger and death for a good shepherd's loyalty 88 00:06:05,560 --> 00:06:10,120 Speaker 2: and love for his sheep would endure the thread of lions, wolves, storms, 89 00:06:10,160 --> 00:06:13,360 Speaker 2: and other dangers, all for the sake of the sheep's safety. 90 00:06:14,279 --> 00:06:17,760 Speaker 2: As Jesus spoke, the people received a new glimpse into 91 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:20,400 Speaker 2: the heart of God. He cared for them like a 92 00:06:20,480 --> 00:06:23,120 Speaker 2: shepherd would his sheep, and he would lay down his 93 00:06:23,240 --> 00:06:27,359 Speaker 2: life to protect them. Jesus outstretched his arms to the 94 00:06:27,360 --> 00:06:29,120 Speaker 2: people and proclaimed. 95 00:06:29,520 --> 00:06:33,839 Speaker 4: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays his 96 00:06:34,040 --> 00:06:37,839 Speaker 4: life down for the sheep. The hired hand sees the 97 00:06:37,880 --> 00:06:41,039 Speaker 4: wolf coming and leaves the sheep to save himself. He 98 00:06:41,160 --> 00:06:44,839 Speaker 4: cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, 99 00:06:45,120 --> 00:06:48,440 Speaker 4: and I will lay down my life for the sheep. 100 00:06:49,320 --> 00:06:53,360 Speaker 4: They will hear me and listen to my voice. Know this, 101 00:06:54,279 --> 00:06:58,359 Speaker 4: whatever may come in the future, nobody takes my life 102 00:06:58,560 --> 00:07:01,920 Speaker 4: from me. I lay it down willingly for the sake 103 00:07:01,960 --> 00:07:04,960 Speaker 4: of those that God has given to me. I have 104 00:07:05,040 --> 00:07:08,240 Speaker 4: the authority to lay down my life, and I have 105 00:07:08,360 --> 00:07:10,119 Speaker 4: the authority to raise it up again. 106 00:07:11,160 --> 00:07:14,280 Speaker 2: Jesus would lay his life down as the good shepherd. 107 00:07:14,920 --> 00:07:17,520 Speaker 2: The blood he spilled would be used as a ransom 108 00:07:17,560 --> 00:07:22,600 Speaker 2: for many. Through his suffering, toil and sacrifice, many would 109 00:07:22,600 --> 00:07:26,600 Speaker 2: come to be blessed. Jesus alone would have victory over 110 00:07:26,680 --> 00:07:29,840 Speaker 2: sin and death, and share in that victory for all 111 00:07:29,960 --> 00:07:32,960 Speaker 2: those who would want it. The spoils of his war 112 00:07:33,040 --> 00:07:39,680 Speaker 2: against darkness would be shared withal Chapter sixteen, Heart of 113 00:07:39,720 --> 00:07:44,720 Speaker 2: a Shepherd. David trudged through the mud, despondent and ashamed. 114 00:07:45,560 --> 00:07:48,760 Speaker 2: His men followed at a slower pace, keeping their distance 115 00:07:48,800 --> 00:07:51,800 Speaker 2: from him. He had nearly led them into a battle 116 00:07:51,800 --> 00:07:56,400 Speaker 2: against their own people, God's people. However, the Lord protected 117 00:07:56,440 --> 00:07:59,520 Speaker 2: them from marching up against Israel. He had saved them 118 00:07:59,560 --> 00:08:02,920 Speaker 2: from David of his lies and brash decisions. Although his 119 00:08:03,040 --> 00:08:06,600 Speaker 2: men were angry, no one despised David as much as 120 00:08:06,640 --> 00:08:10,760 Speaker 2: he despised himself. He and his faithful six hundred waded 121 00:08:10,760 --> 00:08:14,720 Speaker 2: through the marshes between Aphek and zick Lag quietly. There 122 00:08:14,760 --> 00:08:18,120 Speaker 2: was no laughter or jabbing banter between them, only a 123 00:08:18,200 --> 00:08:23,200 Speaker 2: painful and disgraceful silence. For three days they marched back home. 124 00:08:24,400 --> 00:08:27,960 Speaker 2: At night, they rested, camp fires were set, and night 125 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:31,560 Speaker 2: watches were assigned. Yet the pride and light heartedness of 126 00:08:31,600 --> 00:08:35,760 Speaker 2: being under David had lost its fluster. This was their 127 00:08:35,800 --> 00:08:41,040 Speaker 2: first real defeat. Each night David curled into himself and slept. 128 00:08:41,720 --> 00:08:43,600 Speaker 2: He did not want to face any of his men. 129 00:08:44,320 --> 00:08:47,000 Speaker 2: He did not want to face himself. He did not 130 00:08:47,160 --> 00:08:50,640 Speaker 2: want to face God. It was the third day on 131 00:08:50,720 --> 00:08:54,720 Speaker 2: their return home, and the wet marshes slowly transitioned into 132 00:08:54,800 --> 00:08:57,719 Speaker 2: lush rolling hills leading down into the farm land of 133 00:08:57,840 --> 00:09:01,679 Speaker 2: zick Lag. David was eager to fall into Abigail's arms. 134 00:09:02,120 --> 00:09:04,680 Speaker 2: He longed for an understanding ear to listen to his 135 00:09:04,760 --> 00:09:08,440 Speaker 2: failures and lament with him. He dreamed of her embrace 136 00:09:08,520 --> 00:09:12,360 Speaker 2: every night, as did every man towards his wife. For 137 00:09:12,480 --> 00:09:15,680 Speaker 2: as mighty as the brave six hundred were, many of 138 00:09:15,679 --> 00:09:19,480 Speaker 2: them were husbands and fathers. They were family men who 139 00:09:19,559 --> 00:09:21,719 Speaker 2: dreamed of a day when they would quietly tend to 140 00:09:21,760 --> 00:09:25,880 Speaker 2: their farms without the threat of being killed. Ziklag had 141 00:09:25,920 --> 00:09:28,480 Speaker 2: become a safe haven and a refuge from the madness 142 00:09:28,480 --> 00:09:32,120 Speaker 2: of the world. It was their quiet oasis and humble bastion. 143 00:09:33,080 --> 00:09:36,440 Speaker 2: As they drew closer, David could see something eerie in 144 00:09:36,480 --> 00:09:40,720 Speaker 2: the distance. Dark plumes of smoke rose several miles away, 145 00:09:41,200 --> 00:09:42,760 Speaker 2: and the men feared the worst. 146 00:09:43,160 --> 00:09:46,360 Speaker 1: We were fools to leave in march with King Akish. 147 00:09:46,280 --> 00:09:49,320 Speaker 2: The Liaisar said to David. The two of them looked 148 00:09:49,360 --> 00:09:51,440 Speaker 2: out over the rolling hills towards their home. 149 00:09:51,679 --> 00:09:53,720 Speaker 6: That smoke is right where our families are. 150 00:09:54,160 --> 00:09:57,360 Speaker 2: David could not speak. It was as if a stone 151 00:09:57,400 --> 00:10:01,200 Speaker 2: had been placed in his throat, held back nervous tears 152 00:10:01,240 --> 00:10:04,360 Speaker 2: and gestured for his men to quicken their pace. Their 153 00:10:04,360 --> 00:10:07,320 Speaker 2: brisk marching soon turned into a run. As zik Lag 154 00:10:07,360 --> 00:10:11,320 Speaker 2: came into focus, David's eyes began to fog with frantic 155 00:10:11,400 --> 00:10:15,440 Speaker 2: caressy red down the hill. Every house, every barn, and 156 00:10:15,520 --> 00:10:19,720 Speaker 2: every armory they had built was reduced to ash. The 157 00:10:19,840 --> 00:10:22,480 Speaker 2: men fell to their knees and wept as they scanned 158 00:10:22,480 --> 00:10:25,760 Speaker 2: the desolate ash heap that was their home. There was 159 00:10:25,840 --> 00:10:29,320 Speaker 2: no sign of their wives or their children. They had 160 00:10:29,360 --> 00:10:32,960 Speaker 2: been taken, along with all the livestock and stockpiled goods, 161 00:10:33,640 --> 00:10:36,200 Speaker 2: and Liasar and the other fathers in the group ran 162 00:10:36,240 --> 00:10:39,959 Speaker 2: into the wreckage, yelling their children's names. They dug through 163 00:10:39,960 --> 00:10:42,960 Speaker 2: the burnt wood and ash in desperate search for them. 164 00:10:43,280 --> 00:10:46,360 Speaker 2: Yet not even bodies could be found. It was clear 165 00:10:46,520 --> 00:10:51,400 Speaker 2: all of them had been taken, but by who. Still 166 00:10:51,400 --> 00:10:55,200 Speaker 2: in shock, David trudged around the village. He came to 167 00:10:55,280 --> 00:10:57,719 Speaker 2: the place where his home used to be. He had 168 00:10:57,760 --> 00:11:01,040 Speaker 2: longed to open the door and find Abigail that yet 169 00:11:01,040 --> 00:11:04,720 Speaker 2: there was only a pile of cinders. Something caught the 170 00:11:04,760 --> 00:11:07,480 Speaker 2: side of David's eye. A hilt of a sword had 171 00:11:07,520 --> 00:11:11,480 Speaker 2: been left. David leaned down and picked it up. He 172 00:11:11,559 --> 00:11:13,920 Speaker 2: brushed off the ash and dirt to see the seal 173 00:11:14,000 --> 00:11:17,880 Speaker 2: of the Amalekites. The sworn enemies of Israel had swooped 174 00:11:17,880 --> 00:11:20,560 Speaker 2: in when the men were away, while the women and 175 00:11:20,640 --> 00:11:24,320 Speaker 2: children were alone and vulnerable. The Amalekites had marched in 176 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:28,080 Speaker 2: with ease and taken everything. They took what was most 177 00:11:28,120 --> 00:11:32,480 Speaker 2: precious to them, their families. David gripped the hilt and 178 00:11:32,520 --> 00:11:36,200 Speaker 2: squeezed it. His hands were trembling in his bottom lip quiver. 179 00:11:36,920 --> 00:11:40,160 Speaker 2: Falling to his knees, David cried louder than he had 180 00:11:40,240 --> 00:11:44,640 Speaker 2: ever before. This was his greatest failure, and now the 181 00:11:44,640 --> 00:11:49,360 Speaker 2: innocent women and children were paying for his conduages. The 182 00:11:49,440 --> 00:11:53,240 Speaker 2: men howled after their families, the strong and noble warriors 183 00:11:53,240 --> 00:11:57,440 Speaker 2: had been completely broken. David could hear their weeping. It 184 00:11:57,520 --> 00:11:58,280 Speaker 2: broke his heart. 185 00:11:58,960 --> 00:12:00,120 Speaker 7: It's it's what you want. 186 00:12:00,120 --> 00:12:03,600 Speaker 2: To, David, shouted a voice from behind. You should be 187 00:12:03,800 --> 00:12:07,360 Speaker 2: stoned for this. Another voice cried out, my. 188 00:12:07,600 --> 00:12:10,000 Speaker 7: Child's blood will be on your hands. 189 00:12:10,640 --> 00:12:14,280 Speaker 2: The voices grew louder and louder. A choir of insults 190 00:12:14,280 --> 00:12:17,360 Speaker 2: resounded in David's ears as his men lashed out in anger. 191 00:12:18,080 --> 00:12:21,520 Speaker 2: The giant Slagh remained on his knees. He said nothing 192 00:12:21,559 --> 00:12:24,680 Speaker 2: to defend himself, for he knew that they were right. 193 00:12:25,520 --> 00:12:27,920 Speaker 2: He had led his men to go on a sinful mission. 194 00:12:28,559 --> 00:12:30,880 Speaker 2: It was his poor leadership that left the women and 195 00:12:30,960 --> 00:12:35,240 Speaker 2: children vulnerable. If they had not embarked on a pointless march, 196 00:12:35,800 --> 00:12:38,480 Speaker 2: their families would not have been taken. They are right, 197 00:12:38,760 --> 00:12:40,959 Speaker 2: David thought to himself, I. 198 00:12:41,000 --> 00:12:43,600 Speaker 7: Should be stoned for this pous crime. 199 00:12:44,200 --> 00:12:47,120 Speaker 2: He banged his fist against the ashes, creating a cloud 200 00:12:47,160 --> 00:12:49,880 Speaker 2: of smoke in front of him. He had no answers 201 00:12:49,880 --> 00:12:52,680 Speaker 2: for his men. He had no song of hope to sing. 202 00:12:52,720 --> 00:12:56,760 Speaker 2: To them, no words of comfort. The chosen champion of 203 00:12:56,800 --> 00:13:01,439 Speaker 2: God was completely and utterly broken. The men eventually left 204 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:04,600 Speaker 2: to salvage whatever they could of the wreckage. They were 205 00:13:04,640 --> 00:13:07,960 Speaker 2: all weary from three days of marching, their bones ached 206 00:13:08,040 --> 00:13:11,720 Speaker 2: and their hearts were broken. The men made camp ate 207 00:13:12,000 --> 00:13:15,480 Speaker 2: and stared blankly into the night. Those who were awake 208 00:13:15,800 --> 00:13:19,640 Speaker 2: murmured by the fire, cursing David under their breath. Yet 209 00:13:19,720 --> 00:13:22,800 Speaker 2: David remained where he was, knees in the ashes of 210 00:13:22,840 --> 00:13:26,959 Speaker 2: his destroyed home. He stared blankly at the stars, wondering 211 00:13:27,000 --> 00:13:29,480 Speaker 2: if God had saved him from the war against Israel 212 00:13:30,040 --> 00:13:33,880 Speaker 2: all so he could punish him with the Amalekites. David 213 00:13:33,880 --> 00:13:37,840 Speaker 2: could hear footsteps behind him, breaking them maddening silence. It 214 00:13:37,920 --> 00:13:41,559 Speaker 2: was Abishi. He sat beside him and allowed the silence 215 00:13:41,559 --> 00:13:45,160 Speaker 2: to resume. The wind was light, carrying the smell of 216 00:13:45,200 --> 00:13:49,520 Speaker 2: fire and ash. The two of them scanned the noiseless desolation. 217 00:13:50,480 --> 00:13:53,640 Speaker 2: Then abesh I spoke with few words, hoping to get 218 00:13:53,679 --> 00:13:54,680 Speaker 2: through to his commander. 219 00:13:56,080 --> 00:13:59,679 Speaker 4: When I was a soldier in Saul's army, there was 220 00:13:59,720 --> 00:14:03,640 Speaker 4: a that was often told to the men. We all 221 00:14:03,720 --> 00:14:06,400 Speaker 4: knew this story, Yet somehow every time it was told 222 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:08,360 Speaker 4: it seemed new to us. 223 00:14:08,640 --> 00:14:12,520 Speaker 2: He began. Although Abishi was a young man, his low 224 00:14:12,559 --> 00:14:14,920 Speaker 2: and contemplative voice revealed his old soul. 225 00:14:15,120 --> 00:14:17,120 Speaker 4: It was a story of a young shepherd boy who 226 00:14:17,200 --> 00:14:20,040 Speaker 4: left his entire flock of sheep to rescue one lamb 227 00:14:20,520 --> 00:14:24,560 Speaker 4: from the jaws of a lion. This shepherd could afford 228 00:14:24,640 --> 00:14:28,200 Speaker 4: to lose one sheep. After all, lion's steal sheep all 229 00:14:28,240 --> 00:14:30,920 Speaker 4: the time. What is a small shepherd boy to do 230 00:14:30,960 --> 00:14:32,600 Speaker 4: when faced with a ravenous lion? 231 00:14:33,400 --> 00:14:35,200 Speaker 2: Abishi shook his head and smiled. 232 00:14:35,480 --> 00:14:40,600 Speaker 4: Yet this boy had a true shepherd's heart. Every sheep 233 00:14:40,680 --> 00:14:46,600 Speaker 4: was precious. He would sacrifice everything, even his own life, just. 234 00:14:46,520 --> 00:14:50,280 Speaker 2: For one sheep. Abishi turned to David and grabbed his shoulder. 235 00:14:50,760 --> 00:14:56,400 Speaker 4: Remember you were a shepherd before you were a giant slayer. 236 00:14:56,560 --> 00:15:00,560 Speaker 2: He said. After saying this, Abishi he stood to his 237 00:15:00,640 --> 00:15:05,480 Speaker 2: feet and left David to himself. David watched abish I leave, 238 00:15:05,880 --> 00:15:08,120 Speaker 2: then walked to the valley where the sheep once graced. 239 00:15:09,040 --> 00:15:12,400 Speaker 2: The wind shifted and David could no longer smell ash. 240 00:15:13,040 --> 00:15:15,920 Speaker 2: He looked up into the heavens and stretched out his hands. 241 00:15:16,320 --> 00:15:20,400 Speaker 2: The wind picked up even more, billowing against David's trembling body. 242 00:15:21,360 --> 00:15:24,840 Speaker 2: He clenched his fists and roared into the heavens. He 243 00:15:24,960 --> 00:15:27,960 Speaker 2: shouted praise to his God and allowed the spirit of 244 00:15:28,000 --> 00:15:31,360 Speaker 2: the Lord to rest upon him. He strengthened himself in 245 00:15:31,440 --> 00:15:34,320 Speaker 2: the Lord, allowing the full weight of his grace to 246 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:38,520 Speaker 2: empower him. The breath of God that once breathed life 247 00:15:38,520 --> 00:15:42,840 Speaker 2: into Adam, had rushed fresh wind into David's lungs. He 248 00:15:42,880 --> 00:15:47,680 Speaker 2: breathed in, deeply, feeling the power, favor, and purpose of God. 249 00:15:48,520 --> 00:15:50,600 Speaker 2: He shook his head to clear the fog of his 250 00:15:50,680 --> 00:15:51,800 Speaker 2: mind and said. 251 00:15:51,880 --> 00:15:55,400 Speaker 7: I am a man anointed by God, called by God, 252 00:15:55,960 --> 00:15:58,960 Speaker 7: and promised by God to be the next King of Israel. 253 00:15:59,760 --> 00:16:03,160 Speaker 7: Have a high calling and promise from God, and he 254 00:16:03,280 --> 00:16:08,560 Speaker 7: hasn't taken it away. I need to start living according 255 00:16:08,560 --> 00:16:09,480 Speaker 7: to that destiny. 256 00:16:10,400 --> 00:16:15,000 Speaker 2: David raised his head. The cloud hovering above him completely vanished, 257 00:16:15,600 --> 00:16:19,600 Speaker 2: revealing the vast expanse of the heavens. David beat his 258 00:16:19,680 --> 00:16:23,240 Speaker 2: fist against his chest and begged the Lord for forgiveness. 259 00:16:23,800 --> 00:16:27,000 Speaker 2: He howled into the evening wind, allowing himself to feel 260 00:16:27,000 --> 00:16:30,320 Speaker 2: the mighty hand of God upon him. He left for 261 00:16:30,400 --> 00:16:33,760 Speaker 2: camp and stormed into the tent of Abiathar, the priest, 262 00:16:34,040 --> 00:16:37,800 Speaker 2: bring me the ephought, David said, with a smile. Abiathar 263 00:16:37,960 --> 00:16:41,800 Speaker 2: was startled by David's abrupt entrance. There was an excitement 264 00:16:41,800 --> 00:16:43,960 Speaker 2: and fire in his eyes that he had not seen 265 00:16:44,080 --> 00:16:46,880 Speaker 2: yet in the young commander. In spite of all the 266 00:16:46,920 --> 00:16:50,360 Speaker 2: tragedy that had just befallen him, David seemed to him 267 00:16:50,400 --> 00:16:54,520 Speaker 2: like a man with passion and purpose. Abiathar brought out 268 00:16:54,520 --> 00:16:57,560 Speaker 2: the efforts so David could inquire of the Lord. He 269 00:16:57,560 --> 00:16:59,760 Speaker 2: held it in his hand and bowed to the Lord. 270 00:17:00,520 --> 00:17:04,520 Speaker 8: Shall I pursue after the Amalekites? David whispered, If I 271 00:17:04,640 --> 00:17:09,120 Speaker 8: go up against them to rescue our loved ones, will 272 00:17:09,160 --> 00:17:11,320 Speaker 8: you allow me to overtake them? 273 00:17:11,560 --> 00:17:13,800 Speaker 2: God's answer was clear and resolute. 274 00:17:14,640 --> 00:17:19,600 Speaker 8: Pursue, he said, for you shall overtake and rescue those 275 00:17:19,720 --> 00:17:20,160 Speaker 8: you love. 276 00:17:20,640 --> 00:17:24,400 Speaker 2: David's eyes beamed with hope. He gave the effort back 277 00:17:24,440 --> 00:17:28,560 Speaker 2: to Abiathar and left the tent. He strapped Jonathan's armor 278 00:17:28,600 --> 00:17:31,840 Speaker 2: securely to his chest. He secured the sword of Goliath 279 00:17:31,920 --> 00:17:34,920 Speaker 2: to his back. He rifled through his bag to retrieve 280 00:17:34,960 --> 00:17:37,800 Speaker 2: his headband, tying it around his forehead to keep his 281 00:17:37,840 --> 00:17:41,520 Speaker 2: curls from falling in his eyes. Lastly, He removed the 282 00:17:41,560 --> 00:17:43,719 Speaker 2: sling from his bag and held it in his hands. 283 00:17:44,600 --> 00:17:47,600 Speaker 2: The first memory that came rushing through his mind was 284 00:17:47,640 --> 00:17:51,680 Speaker 2: not the memory of slaying Goliath. No, it was protecting 285 00:17:51,720 --> 00:17:55,320 Speaker 2: his sheep from lions and wolves. He had always laid 286 00:17:55,320 --> 00:17:57,800 Speaker 2: everything on the line for his sheep. He did not 287 00:17:57,960 --> 00:18:01,639 Speaker 2: consider his own life more valuable than that. He risked 288 00:18:01,680 --> 00:18:05,359 Speaker 2: his life for them because they were his. David gripped 289 00:18:05,359 --> 00:18:07,720 Speaker 2: the sling firmly in his hand and strapped it to 290 00:18:07,800 --> 00:18:10,479 Speaker 2: his belt. He stood and went to his men, who 291 00:18:10,520 --> 00:18:13,720 Speaker 2: were sitting by the fire. I am going after them, 292 00:18:13,800 --> 00:18:16,960 Speaker 2: he said. They looked up at him with eyes red 293 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:17,640 Speaker 2: from tears. 294 00:18:18,440 --> 00:18:21,200 Speaker 1: Do you plan on pursuing them alone? 295 00:18:21,480 --> 00:18:25,600 Speaker 2: And Lizar asked? He, out of all of David's most faithful, 296 00:18:26,080 --> 00:18:28,919 Speaker 2: was hurt the most. He feared for his family and 297 00:18:29,040 --> 00:18:30,280 Speaker 2: mourned their loss deeply. 298 00:18:30,680 --> 00:18:34,720 Speaker 7: If I must fight alone, I will. The Lord has 299 00:18:34,760 --> 00:18:39,480 Speaker 7: already promised victory, and I trust him. I am going south. 300 00:18:40,359 --> 00:18:42,879 Speaker 7: The Amalekites have left a trail, and I want to 301 00:18:42,920 --> 00:18:45,840 Speaker 7: begin my pursuit before the trail is blown away. 302 00:18:46,359 --> 00:18:48,919 Speaker 2: None of them had the strength to follow him, but 303 00:18:49,000 --> 00:18:51,480 Speaker 2: David cared not whether they went with him or staid. 304 00:18:52,160 --> 00:18:55,280 Speaker 2: David pointed to the horizon and said. 305 00:18:55,040 --> 00:18:58,880 Speaker 7: The people God has entrusted to me are out there 306 00:18:58,960 --> 00:19:03,440 Speaker 7: somewhere there, like sheep that had been taken by wolves, 307 00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:07,359 Speaker 7: and I plan on going after them. I do not 308 00:19:07,520 --> 00:19:12,240 Speaker 7: fear the enemy, for the Lord is my ship. He 309 00:19:12,359 --> 00:19:15,680 Speaker 7: prepares a table for me the presence of my enemies. 310 00:19:16,960 --> 00:19:19,280 Speaker 7: He will protect and guide me. 311 00:19:20,640 --> 00:19:23,920 Speaker 2: David stormed off and began running into the night. It 312 00:19:23,960 --> 00:19:27,240 Speaker 2: was only a few hours before sunrise, and David was 313 00:19:27,280 --> 00:19:30,479 Speaker 2: determined to run until he found his lost sheep. His 314 00:19:30,640 --> 00:19:33,719 Speaker 2: mighty men, who had once sworn to fight alongside him 315 00:19:33,760 --> 00:19:37,959 Speaker 2: until the end, remained by the fire. They were dejected 316 00:19:38,119 --> 00:19:43,119 Speaker 2: and bereaved. The evening breeze subsided, and the chirping of 317 00:19:43,160 --> 00:19:46,800 Speaker 2: crickets was replaced with the silence of early morning. The 318 00:19:46,800 --> 00:19:49,720 Speaker 2: sun had not yet risen, and David had been running 319 00:19:49,760 --> 00:19:52,760 Speaker 2: for two hours in the dark. He stopped to drink 320 00:19:52,800 --> 00:19:55,880 Speaker 2: and regain his bearings. They were at least two days 321 00:19:55,920 --> 00:19:57,960 Speaker 2: in front of him, and it would take a great 322 00:19:58,000 --> 00:20:01,200 Speaker 2: deal of effort to bridge the gap between them. As 323 00:20:01,240 --> 00:20:04,119 Speaker 2: the morning light rose above the hills, David heard her 324 00:20:04,200 --> 00:20:07,800 Speaker 2: rumbling behind him. He looked back and held his hand 325 00:20:07,800 --> 00:20:11,720 Speaker 2: above his head to block the sun. There, standing with 326 00:20:11,800 --> 00:20:16,400 Speaker 2: the sunrise to their backs were David's men, All six 327 00:20:16,560 --> 00:20:20,359 Speaker 2: hundred of them were behind Abeshire. David's heart began to 328 00:20:20,480 --> 00:20:23,680 Speaker 2: pound with joy, and tears streamed down his face as 329 00:20:23,680 --> 00:20:26,920 Speaker 2: he watched them descend the hill towards him. They would 330 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:30,800 Speaker 2: not leave him to fight the Amalekites alone. David shepherd's 331 00:20:30,800 --> 00:20:33,719 Speaker 2: heart had been imparted on to them, and now they 332 00:20:33,720 --> 00:20:38,240 Speaker 2: would go to rescue those who were lost. David said nothing. 333 00:20:38,760 --> 00:20:41,360 Speaker 2: He simply nodded at his men and gestured for them 334 00:20:41,400 --> 00:20:44,919 Speaker 2: to move forward. They ran at a steady pace, filled 335 00:20:44,920 --> 00:20:47,760 Speaker 2: with the fire of God's spirit raging in their bones. 336 00:20:48,359 --> 00:20:51,879 Speaker 2: David remained ahead of them, bent on retrieving the lost sheep. 337 00:20:52,680 --> 00:20:56,000 Speaker 2: The faithful men followed, but not all were physically ready 338 00:20:56,000 --> 00:20:59,720 Speaker 2: for the challenge. Eventually, David and the men came to 339 00:20:59,760 --> 00:21:03,439 Speaker 2: the rook bessor. The water was deep and the recent 340 00:21:03,560 --> 00:21:07,399 Speaker 2: rains had caused the current to rage violently. David paused 341 00:21:07,400 --> 00:21:10,720 Speaker 2: and assessed the situation. If they were to go around it, 342 00:21:11,119 --> 00:21:14,560 Speaker 2: they would fall behind for more than a day. David 343 00:21:14,560 --> 00:21:17,359 Speaker 2: secured his sword to his back and jump into the water. 344 00:21:18,240 --> 00:21:22,480 Speaker 2: The current thrashed against him and tugged him downstream. However, 345 00:21:22,680 --> 00:21:25,480 Speaker 2: he was determined and chopped at the water even more. 346 00:21:26,119 --> 00:21:29,120 Speaker 2: The brook was only fifty feet wide, but the rapids 347 00:21:29,119 --> 00:21:33,080 Speaker 2: made it feel like an eternity. After kicking and stroking forward, 348 00:21:33,480 --> 00:21:36,720 Speaker 2: David finally made it to the other side. He rested 349 00:21:36,720 --> 00:21:39,840 Speaker 2: his hands on his knees and panted, then looked across 350 00:21:39,880 --> 00:21:43,320 Speaker 2: the brook to beckon his men forward. Four hundred of 351 00:21:43,359 --> 00:21:46,120 Speaker 2: them jumped in after him. However, two hundred of them 352 00:21:46,240 --> 00:21:48,000 Speaker 2: were too exhausted to continue. 353 00:21:48,160 --> 00:21:53,400 Speaker 7: We cannot follow any further, David. We would exhaust ourselves 354 00:21:54,040 --> 00:21:55,800 Speaker 7: and water would consume us. 355 00:21:56,200 --> 00:21:59,680 Speaker 2: One of them shouted, cowards, shouted a few others who 356 00:21:59,680 --> 00:22:01,200 Speaker 2: had to the other side. 357 00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:04,400 Speaker 7: It won't take all of us to slay the Amalekites. 358 00:22:04,880 --> 00:22:07,440 Speaker 2: David rebuked the men and waved the others on. 359 00:22:08,280 --> 00:22:10,679 Speaker 7: Go back to camp to prepare a place for the 360 00:22:10,720 --> 00:22:13,800 Speaker 7: women and children. They will not want to come back 361 00:22:13,840 --> 00:22:17,840 Speaker 7: home to ash and debris. Pray for us that the 362 00:22:17,880 --> 00:22:19,280 Speaker 7: Lord would give us favor. 363 00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:23,119 Speaker 2: The men bowed and turned back. David did not waste 364 00:22:23,160 --> 00:22:26,479 Speaker 2: any more time. He continued at a fast pace in 365 00:22:26,520 --> 00:22:30,080 Speaker 2: pursuit of the Amalekite wolves. The faithful and mighty men 366 00:22:30,119 --> 00:22:33,119 Speaker 2: of David ran into the night, only pausing for short 367 00:22:33,119 --> 00:22:36,479 Speaker 2: periods of time to hydrate and rest their legs. The 368 00:22:36,520 --> 00:22:39,440 Speaker 2: sun rose the next day and David's worst fear had 369 00:22:39,440 --> 00:22:43,600 Speaker 2: been realized. He had lost their trail. All signs of 370 00:22:43,600 --> 00:22:47,640 Speaker 2: the Amalekites had vanished with the evening winds. The men 371 00:22:47,720 --> 00:22:50,280 Speaker 2: wandered the desert hills, slowly losing hope. 372 00:22:50,400 --> 00:22:52,240 Speaker 6: Shall we turn back to retrace the trail? 373 00:22:52,359 --> 00:22:57,080 Speaker 2: Shama asked no, David said, while shaking his head. The 374 00:22:57,160 --> 00:22:59,040 Speaker 2: two of them had scaled one of the hills to 375 00:22:59,040 --> 00:22:59,959 Speaker 2: get a better vantage. 376 00:23:00,920 --> 00:23:04,480 Speaker 7: If we turn back, we will lose precious time. We 377 00:23:04,640 --> 00:23:06,240 Speaker 7: cannot afford interruptions. 378 00:23:06,640 --> 00:23:09,640 Speaker 2: Shama and David remained up there for a few more moments, 379 00:23:09,960 --> 00:23:13,040 Speaker 2: speculating as to where they fell off course. As they 380 00:23:13,040 --> 00:23:16,000 Speaker 2: were debating on whether to turn back, the men called 381 00:23:16,000 --> 00:23:19,520 Speaker 2: for David from below. The two of them descended and 382 00:23:19,640 --> 00:23:23,640 Speaker 2: joined the others. Joshubib was standing over a young man 383 00:23:23,760 --> 00:23:27,639 Speaker 2: lying on the desert floor unconscious. David knelt down and 384 00:23:27,680 --> 00:23:30,719 Speaker 2: brought out his water skin. The boy was young, with 385 00:23:30,800 --> 00:23:34,600 Speaker 2: no beard, and wore the clothing of a slave. Judging 386 00:23:34,640 --> 00:23:37,240 Speaker 2: by the markings on his skin. David could see that 387 00:23:37,359 --> 00:23:40,399 Speaker 2: he had a cruel master. He brought the water to 388 00:23:40,440 --> 00:23:44,919 Speaker 2: his mouth. Gently drink, my son, you do not look well. 389 00:23:45,480 --> 00:23:48,359 Speaker 2: The young men groaned and took strained SIPs of the water. 390 00:23:49,080 --> 00:23:53,000 Speaker 2: He opened his eyes to see David's bright smile. Even 391 00:23:53,040 --> 00:23:57,240 Speaker 2: amidst the harsh sun and exhausting conditions, David always managed 392 00:23:57,280 --> 00:23:59,400 Speaker 2: to give a kind smile to those who needed it. 393 00:24:00,600 --> 00:24:04,280 Speaker 2: The boy sat up and whispered, thank you, David. The 394 00:24:04,320 --> 00:24:06,159 Speaker 2: liaisar interrupted, you have. 395 00:24:06,240 --> 00:24:07,359 Speaker 1: Given the boy us food. 396 00:24:07,359 --> 00:24:09,240 Speaker 2: Now let us leave him and be on our way. 397 00:24:09,760 --> 00:24:12,280 Speaker 7: We must continue not until I. 398 00:24:12,240 --> 00:24:15,800 Speaker 2: Am certain this boy is all right, David replied. He 399 00:24:15,880 --> 00:24:18,720 Speaker 2: gestured for his men to get some food. They brought 400 00:24:18,800 --> 00:24:21,760 Speaker 2: him bread, a piece of fig cake, and two clusters 401 00:24:21,760 --> 00:24:24,360 Speaker 2: of raisins. The boy ate ravenously. 402 00:24:25,200 --> 00:24:26,160 Speaker 6: Thank you, my lord. 403 00:24:26,320 --> 00:24:27,920 Speaker 2: The boy said, with a grin, I. 404 00:24:27,880 --> 00:24:30,119 Speaker 6: Have been without food for three days and three nights. 405 00:24:30,680 --> 00:24:32,280 Speaker 6: I was almost certain I would die out here. 406 00:24:32,640 --> 00:24:36,040 Speaker 2: Where are you from, David asked gently, I am an Egyptian, 407 00:24:36,280 --> 00:24:38,919 Speaker 2: The boy replied, I was forcibly taken as a slave 408 00:24:39,440 --> 00:24:43,679 Speaker 2: and sold to an Amalekite. David's curiosity was sparked. He 409 00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:46,119 Speaker 2: wondered if this young man had been sent by God. 410 00:24:46,960 --> 00:24:48,879 Speaker 7: Why are you away from your master? 411 00:24:49,119 --> 00:24:52,040 Speaker 2: David asked, have you run away? The boy shook his head. 412 00:24:52,200 --> 00:24:54,479 Speaker 6: Three days ago. I grew ill and required more attention 413 00:24:54,600 --> 00:24:57,720 Speaker 6: and care than my master was willing to give. After 414 00:24:57,840 --> 00:25:01,120 Speaker 6: we raided Mageb and Ziklag, I was left here to die. 415 00:25:01,520 --> 00:25:03,840 Speaker 2: I am sorry, David said, sincerely. 416 00:25:04,040 --> 00:25:07,840 Speaker 7: Your master made a poor choice in choosing his convenience 417 00:25:08,240 --> 00:25:09,119 Speaker 7: over your care. 418 00:25:09,760 --> 00:25:12,359 Speaker 6: I am happy to be rid of him, even given 419 00:25:12,400 --> 00:25:13,280 Speaker 6: the circumstances. 420 00:25:13,480 --> 00:25:16,280 Speaker 7: The boy replied, do you know where your master and 421 00:25:16,320 --> 00:25:17,960 Speaker 7: the other Amalekites are headed? 422 00:25:18,200 --> 00:25:21,000 Speaker 6: David asked, I do, but I do not plan on 423 00:25:21,040 --> 00:25:21,879 Speaker 6: returning to them. 424 00:25:22,040 --> 00:25:24,760 Speaker 2: David leaned over and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. 425 00:25:24,960 --> 00:25:28,239 Speaker 7: I understand that you do not want to return, but 426 00:25:28,280 --> 00:25:32,960 Speaker 7: the Amalekites have taken our families. Will you lead us 427 00:25:33,000 --> 00:25:33,560 Speaker 7: to them? 428 00:25:33,920 --> 00:25:37,040 Speaker 2: The boy was silent for a long moment. David grew 429 00:25:37,160 --> 00:25:40,119 Speaker 2: uncomfortable with the pause. He looked up at him with 430 00:25:40,200 --> 00:25:41,320 Speaker 2: a desperate gaze. 431 00:25:42,280 --> 00:25:43,919 Speaker 6: Swear to me by your God that you will not 432 00:25:44,040 --> 00:25:45,440 Speaker 6: kill me or send me back into. 433 00:25:45,280 --> 00:25:47,000 Speaker 2: The hands of my master, he begged. 434 00:25:47,280 --> 00:25:49,439 Speaker 6: Swear to me that no harm will befall me, and 435 00:25:49,520 --> 00:25:50,800 Speaker 6: I will take you to them. 436 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:54,080 Speaker 2: David's heart ached for the young man. What a cruel 437 00:25:54,119 --> 00:25:57,439 Speaker 2: and painful life he must have had so far. David 438 00:25:57,480 --> 00:25:59,480 Speaker 2: nodded his head and smiled, You. 439 00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:03,000 Speaker 7: Have my Take me to them, and you may be 440 00:26:03,400 --> 00:26:07,040 Speaker 7: free to do as you please. Leave for Egypt, remain 441 00:26:07,160 --> 00:26:12,199 Speaker 7: in the desert, or join us if you desire. It 442 00:26:12,280 --> 00:26:13,120 Speaker 7: is your choice. 443 00:26:13,520 --> 00:26:15,840 Speaker 2: The boy's face lit up with hope for the first 444 00:26:15,840 --> 00:26:19,120 Speaker 2: time since he had been taken as a child, abandoned, 445 00:26:19,359 --> 00:26:22,919 Speaker 2: left for dead, and cast aside. He had thought death 446 00:26:22,960 --> 00:26:26,720 Speaker 2: would be a welcomed change. Yet now as the boy 447 00:26:26,760 --> 00:26:30,440 Speaker 2: stood before David, he felt alive with hope for the future. 448 00:26:31,160 --> 00:26:34,760 Speaker 2: He stood to his feet and limped forward. David laughed 449 00:26:34,800 --> 00:26:37,880 Speaker 2: and rallied his men. They cheered and followed the boy 450 00:26:37,920 --> 00:26:42,040 Speaker 2: through the hills, overlapping over another. Eventually they were able 451 00:26:42,080 --> 00:26:44,760 Speaker 2: to spot a camp nestled in a valley between two 452 00:26:44,880 --> 00:26:49,600 Speaker 2: large mountains. David had found his enemy, and the warrior 453 00:26:49,640 --> 00:26:53,000 Speaker 2: heart of God's chosen hero raged like a forest fire. 454 00:26:53,480 --> 00:26:57,320 Speaker 7: Get ready, men, he shouted, we will take these Amalachite dogs. 455 00:26:57,520 --> 00:27:03,280 Speaker 2: At twilight, The drunken cackles of the Amalekite soldiers echoed 456 00:27:03,280 --> 00:27:07,920 Speaker 2: through the canyons. They were celebrating their victory, completely unaware 457 00:27:08,000 --> 00:27:10,600 Speaker 2: that David and his men were lurking in the shadows, 458 00:27:10,960 --> 00:27:14,560 Speaker 2: ready to attack like a pack of wolves. David listened 459 00:27:14,600 --> 00:27:17,520 Speaker 2: to the sounds of music, dancing, and debauchery until the 460 00:27:17,560 --> 00:27:22,040 Speaker 2: sun set. Their inebriated swaying and loud singing gave David 461 00:27:22,040 --> 00:27:25,320 Speaker 2: a good idea of how the battle would go. If 462 00:27:25,320 --> 00:27:27,199 Speaker 2: they were able to get the jump on them, the 463 00:27:27,280 --> 00:27:31,240 Speaker 2: battle could be decided quickly. However, by the looks of 464 00:27:31,280 --> 00:27:35,480 Speaker 2: their camp, the Amalekites outnumbered them five to one. If 465 00:27:35,480 --> 00:27:37,800 Speaker 2: even half of them were in a sober state of mind, 466 00:27:38,160 --> 00:27:42,080 Speaker 2: they would be in great danger. David watched the final 467 00:27:42,160 --> 00:27:45,040 Speaker 2: rays of light tuck in behind the hills. The bright 468 00:27:45,080 --> 00:27:48,400 Speaker 2: splashes of orange and reds faded into the dark blue night. 469 00:27:49,600 --> 00:27:52,800 Speaker 2: As the final light left the horizon, David stood to 470 00:27:52,840 --> 00:27:55,520 Speaker 2: his feet and began a slow pace towards the camp. 471 00:27:56,240 --> 00:27:59,760 Speaker 2: His men walked behind him, quietly, making their way towards 472 00:27:59,760 --> 00:28:03,280 Speaker 2: the end enemy. They drew their swords. There was no 473 00:28:03,359 --> 00:28:06,920 Speaker 2: battle cry, no sounding of trumpets or drums of war. 474 00:28:07,680 --> 00:28:10,880 Speaker 2: They did not deserve such a warning. Like the Angel 475 00:28:10,920 --> 00:28:13,800 Speaker 2: of Death, David and the rest of the Mighty men 476 00:28:13,920 --> 00:28:18,520 Speaker 2: drifted into camp. The first strength was a silent strang 477 00:28:18,680 --> 00:28:22,159 Speaker 2: across the throat of an Amalekite guard. David was the 478 00:28:22,200 --> 00:28:25,520 Speaker 2: first to draw blood, and once he did, the entire 479 00:28:25,560 --> 00:28:29,439 Speaker 2: band of warriors behind him began their arms. Thought David 480 00:28:29,520 --> 00:28:32,639 Speaker 2: was filled with a quiet rage, like the rumbling of 481 00:28:32,680 --> 00:28:36,679 Speaker 2: the volcano about the round. Without so much as a grunt, 482 00:28:37,200 --> 00:28:39,800 Speaker 2: he slashed through every Amalekite. 483 00:28:39,240 --> 00:28:39,680 Speaker 7: He saw it. 484 00:28:40,760 --> 00:28:44,800 Speaker 2: They fell at his feet before even noticing he was there. 485 00:28:44,840 --> 00:28:48,280 Speaker 2: So the entire camp and head on to what was happening. 486 00:28:48,880 --> 00:28:51,680 Speaker 2: Hundreds of the drunk and the Malakite soldiers ceased their 487 00:28:51,720 --> 00:28:55,120 Speaker 2: drinking and dancing to take up arms. Like a swarm 488 00:28:55,120 --> 00:28:57,920 Speaker 2: of locusts, They emerged from their tents and began to 489 00:28:58,000 --> 00:29:02,200 Speaker 2: run towards David and his men. David steadied his breathing, 490 00:29:02,600 --> 00:29:06,600 Speaker 2: ripped his sword firmly, and ran towards the eye. He 491 00:29:06,760 --> 00:29:10,120 Speaker 2: ran with reckless abandon with his sword poised for a battle. 492 00:29:10,720 --> 00:29:14,000 Speaker 2: His men rushed in behind him embowled him by his braved. 493 00:29:14,600 --> 00:29:17,440 Speaker 2: The two armies clashed, and the sound of clanging iron 494 00:29:17,520 --> 00:29:22,080 Speaker 2: filled the air like thunder. David's volcanic rage had finally 495 00:29:22,160 --> 00:29:26,800 Speaker 2: boiled over. He erupted with unbridled fury, cutting down every 496 00:29:26,920 --> 00:29:30,680 Speaker 2: man who came in his way. No Amalekite lasted longer 497 00:29:30,720 --> 00:29:34,320 Speaker 2: than five seconds against him. He was a man possessed 498 00:29:34,360 --> 00:29:38,480 Speaker 2: with a greater power, and there would be no stomping him. 499 00:29:38,680 --> 00:29:42,000 Speaker 2: A group of Amalankites rushed at him at once. One 500 00:29:42,040 --> 00:29:45,240 Speaker 2: came above, but David ducked and slashed him at the calves. 501 00:29:45,640 --> 00:29:48,360 Speaker 2: Another came in from David's left, but his jab was 502 00:29:48,400 --> 00:29:51,160 Speaker 2: dodged qullowed by a swing of David's sword to his neck. 503 00:29:51,840 --> 00:29:54,480 Speaker 2: Each killed brought him further to the center of camp, 504 00:29:54,480 --> 00:29:57,600 Speaker 2: where the families had been tied up. Captive. With a 505 00:29:57,640 --> 00:30:00,840 Speaker 2: sea of blood behind him, David broke through the final 506 00:30:00,840 --> 00:30:03,680 Speaker 2: wall of men keeping him from his beloved. At the end, 507 00:30:04,520 --> 00:30:08,160 Speaker 2: they came at him like ravenous animals. However, even the 508 00:30:08,200 --> 00:30:11,400 Speaker 2: fiercest of wolves are no match for a shepherd coming 509 00:30:11,440 --> 00:30:15,400 Speaker 2: after his sheep. From twilight until the evening of the 510 00:30:15,400 --> 00:30:19,600 Speaker 2: next day, David and his men completely slaughtered the Amalekts. 511 00:30:20,440 --> 00:30:23,560 Speaker 2: Not one soldier was left standing except for the young 512 00:30:23,600 --> 00:30:26,720 Speaker 2: men who had fled on their canvas. As the dawn 513 00:30:26,800 --> 00:30:29,880 Speaker 2: finally broke, David stood in front of a large tent 514 00:30:29,960 --> 00:30:33,160 Speaker 2: standing in the center of camp. His face was caked 515 00:30:33,200 --> 00:30:36,560 Speaker 2: with blood and dirt. All the screams of his enemies 516 00:30:36,600 --> 00:30:39,920 Speaker 2: and sound of clanging swords had ceased, and all that 517 00:30:40,000 --> 00:30:44,040 Speaker 2: was left was silence. He slowly approached the entrance of 518 00:30:44,040 --> 00:30:46,760 Speaker 2: the tent and opened it, afraid of what he might 519 00:30:46,800 --> 00:30:50,840 Speaker 2: see inside. Would his family be killed, would the children 520 00:30:50,960 --> 00:30:56,040 Speaker 2: be hurt? David feared that he may have been too late. However, 521 00:30:56,080 --> 00:30:59,440 Speaker 2: when he entered the large canvas structure, he was relieved 522 00:30:59,440 --> 00:31:02,360 Speaker 2: to see all of the family safe, huddled together in 523 00:31:02,440 --> 00:31:05,280 Speaker 2: the corner of the tent. The heavy weight on his 524 00:31:05,400 --> 00:31:08,840 Speaker 2: heart had fallen off him, and David fell to his 525 00:31:08,920 --> 00:31:11,920 Speaker 2: knees and glud in the sight of the mountain. Abigail 526 00:31:12,080 --> 00:31:15,520 Speaker 2: lance again and held him. She stroked his hair when hushed. 527 00:31:16,400 --> 00:31:19,600 Speaker 2: She was safe. They were all saved them, and it 528 00:31:19,680 --> 00:31:25,200 Speaker 2: was the Lord that had saved them. The morning came 529 00:31:25,480 --> 00:31:28,479 Speaker 2: and the sunrise was blocked by clouds gliding across the 530 00:31:28,520 --> 00:31:33,000 Speaker 2: eastern plains. The crisp morning air filled David's lungs. He 531 00:31:33,120 --> 00:31:36,200 Speaker 2: breathed in, feeling the full weight of God's grace upon 532 00:31:36,280 --> 00:31:40,480 Speaker 2: him once again, despite his foolishness, The Lord had shown 533 00:31:40,520 --> 00:31:44,640 Speaker 2: him mercy. David awoke, thankful and filled with joy at 534 00:31:44,640 --> 00:31:48,240 Speaker 2: the goodness of God. He walked among the Amalekite camp, 535 00:31:48,560 --> 00:31:52,040 Speaker 2: taking inventory of all the spoils they had taken. Not 536 00:31:52,080 --> 00:31:54,960 Speaker 2: only were all of the stolen livestock and items still there, 537 00:31:55,400 --> 00:31:58,800 Speaker 2: but there was even more spoil to be taken. David 538 00:31:58,840 --> 00:32:01,400 Speaker 2: and his men took donka and carts and filled them 539 00:32:01,440 --> 00:32:06,880 Speaker 2: to the brim with the Malachite riches, gold, silver, livestock, clothing, weapons, 540 00:32:06,920 --> 00:32:09,800 Speaker 2: and an abundance of food. Was loaded to be taken 541 00:32:09,840 --> 00:32:13,600 Speaker 2: back home. The men and their families ventured off that morning, 542 00:32:13,920 --> 00:32:17,600 Speaker 2: following close behind their shepherd David. They were delighted at 543 00:32:17,640 --> 00:32:20,240 Speaker 2: their riches they had just acquired. It felt like a 544 00:32:20,280 --> 00:32:22,880 Speaker 2: worthy trophy for the hard fought battle they had won. 545 00:32:23,520 --> 00:32:27,120 Speaker 2: To them, it was a reward for their bravery. The 546 00:32:27,200 --> 00:32:30,640 Speaker 2: group ventured back towards zick Lag, this time taking the 547 00:32:30,680 --> 00:32:34,000 Speaker 2: long way around the brook Bessor. Zick Lag came into 548 00:32:34,080 --> 00:32:37,440 Speaker 2: view and the clouds began to break above them. The 549 00:32:37,520 --> 00:32:39,680 Speaker 2: men who had been left at the brook Besor were 550 00:32:39,720 --> 00:32:43,480 Speaker 2: back home, rebuilding the homes and mending the broken fences. 551 00:32:44,040 --> 00:32:46,160 Speaker 2: They looked up the hills above them and saw their 552 00:32:46,160 --> 00:32:49,760 Speaker 2: families descending down to them. They dropped their tools and 553 00:32:49,880 --> 00:32:53,160 Speaker 2: ran after them. The wives and children could not wait. 554 00:32:53,600 --> 00:32:56,840 Speaker 2: They ran ahead to greet their husbands and fathers. Tears 555 00:32:56,920 --> 00:33:00,760 Speaker 2: rolled down their faces, and laughter rose up into the sky. 556 00:33:01,000 --> 00:33:04,040 Speaker 2: David smiled with his arm around his wife, content to 557 00:33:04,080 --> 00:33:07,680 Speaker 2: sit back and watch his people enjoy a moment of blist. 558 00:33:07,960 --> 00:33:10,800 Speaker 2: The warriors who fought the Amalekites began to unload the 559 00:33:10,840 --> 00:33:14,040 Speaker 2: spoils of war. They tied up the livestock and began 560 00:33:14,120 --> 00:33:16,280 Speaker 2: to count with the head whine. The men who had 561 00:33:16,280 --> 00:33:20,000 Speaker 2: stayed back began helping unload. They seemed elated at the 562 00:33:20,000 --> 00:33:23,280 Speaker 2: sight of so many riches won for their community, But 563 00:33:23,400 --> 00:33:25,480 Speaker 2: the other men were defensive of the spoils. 564 00:33:26,160 --> 00:33:29,360 Speaker 7: What makes you think you can share in the riches. 565 00:33:29,120 --> 00:33:30,600 Speaker 2: We won, they shouted. 566 00:33:30,760 --> 00:33:31,680 Speaker 7: We were the ones. 567 00:33:31,480 --> 00:33:35,160 Speaker 9: Who pressed on and followed David to fight the Amalekites. 568 00:33:35,480 --> 00:33:39,480 Speaker 9: We were the ones with enough strength to continue. Much 569 00:33:39,480 --> 00:33:42,040 Speaker 9: of this spoil is what was stolen from all of us. 570 00:33:42,560 --> 00:33:45,320 Speaker 9: We must share if we are to prosper. 571 00:33:45,040 --> 00:33:48,600 Speaker 2: The others retorted. Bickering and infighting emerged from the ranks 572 00:33:48,600 --> 00:33:52,240 Speaker 2: of David. A spirit of division rose, like boiling water. 573 00:33:52,760 --> 00:33:55,640 Speaker 2: If David was not careful, he would have his own 574 00:33:55,640 --> 00:33:59,800 Speaker 2: civil war break out among his men. Among the furious 575 00:33:59,840 --> 00:34:02,880 Speaker 2: men was Dov, a brutish and wicked man who had 576 00:34:02,920 --> 00:34:06,480 Speaker 2: managed to stay among the ranks of David. He savagely 577 00:34:06,520 --> 00:34:09,200 Speaker 2: threw some of the men away from the spoils, insisting 578 00:34:09,320 --> 00:34:12,080 Speaker 2: that they had no right to them. He rowed up 579 00:34:12,120 --> 00:34:14,880 Speaker 2: some of the other men against them and suggested that 580 00:34:15,000 --> 00:34:18,600 Speaker 2: they take their families and leave. David watched the fighting 581 00:34:18,680 --> 00:34:22,400 Speaker 2: continue for a short while. He was thinking, praying, and 582 00:34:22,520 --> 00:34:26,240 Speaker 2: considering what the next move shall be. The next decision 583 00:34:26,280 --> 00:34:29,280 Speaker 2: he made would determine what type of king he would become. 584 00:34:29,920 --> 00:34:33,080 Speaker 2: Shall he signed with the strong or share the wealth 585 00:34:33,120 --> 00:34:36,279 Speaker 2: for the sake of prosperity. He had little time to 586 00:34:36,320 --> 00:34:39,760 Speaker 2: consider these things, since Dob and the other worthless fellows 587 00:34:39,760 --> 00:34:41,239 Speaker 2: among the men stormed up to him. 588 00:34:41,520 --> 00:34:43,560 Speaker 7: Commander David a word. 589 00:34:43,320 --> 00:34:47,440 Speaker 2: Dov asked with rage. David nodded and gestured for him 590 00:34:47,440 --> 00:34:47,880 Speaker 2: to speak. 591 00:34:48,160 --> 00:34:50,759 Speaker 7: These weeklies were not able to cross a simple river 592 00:34:50,880 --> 00:34:53,799 Speaker 7: to fight with you. They were cowards and ran when 593 00:34:53,840 --> 00:34:56,759 Speaker 7: you needed them most. They should not receive any of 594 00:34:56,800 --> 00:34:59,840 Speaker 7: the spoil we labored so hard to capture. In fact, 595 00:35:00,080 --> 00:35:02,400 Speaker 7: each man should lead his family out of our sight. 596 00:35:03,160 --> 00:35:06,440 Speaker 2: A crowd had gathered around Dove and David. They were silent, 597 00:35:06,600 --> 00:35:11,919 Speaker 2: awaiting his final decision. David shook his head and smiled. Oh, 598 00:35:11,960 --> 00:35:15,720 Speaker 2: how he sometimes longed for the sheep pastures again. The sheep, 599 00:35:16,000 --> 00:35:18,400 Speaker 2: as wildly as they may have gotten from time to time, 600 00:35:18,840 --> 00:35:22,319 Speaker 2: were much more simple and easy to understand. David could 601 00:35:22,320 --> 00:35:25,440 Speaker 2: empathize with Dov and the others. They had bled for 602 00:35:25,520 --> 00:35:27,960 Speaker 2: the rewards and felt a great deal of pride in 603 00:35:28,000 --> 00:35:30,640 Speaker 2: what they had accomplished. The thought of sharing it with 604 00:35:30,680 --> 00:35:33,280 Speaker 2: those who did not earn it could cheapen the experience 605 00:35:33,320 --> 00:35:36,279 Speaker 2: for them. He stood up tall and placed a hand 606 00:35:36,320 --> 00:35:37,160 Speaker 2: on Dov's shoulder. 607 00:35:37,480 --> 00:35:41,880 Speaker 7: You shall not cast them out. You shall share the spoil. 608 00:35:42,480 --> 00:35:45,320 Speaker 2: There was a murmuring among some of the men. David 609 00:35:45,360 --> 00:35:48,440 Speaker 2: could sense them wrestling with their own selfish natures. He 610 00:35:48,560 --> 00:35:50,920 Speaker 2: waved for them to silence, then spoke again. 611 00:35:51,160 --> 00:35:53,440 Speaker 7: It is the Lord who has given us what we have. 612 00:35:54,360 --> 00:35:57,319 Speaker 7: He is the one who preserved us and gave us 613 00:35:57,400 --> 00:36:01,799 Speaker 7: victory over our enemies. The Lord causes the sun to 614 00:36:01,880 --> 00:36:05,760 Speaker 7: shine on those who fight and to those who remain 615 00:36:05,840 --> 00:36:10,120 Speaker 7: at home. So shall we not withhold blessing from our 616 00:36:10,120 --> 00:36:11,759 Speaker 7: brothers who did not fight with us. 617 00:36:12,360 --> 00:36:14,480 Speaker 6: Shall we reward cowards? 618 00:36:14,960 --> 00:36:19,600 Speaker 7: Dove shouted, what message are you giving? Shall weakness be 619 00:36:19,719 --> 00:36:21,360 Speaker 7: the prevailing posture. 620 00:36:20,920 --> 00:36:24,560 Speaker 2: Of this army? David turned his head to Dove. His 621 00:36:24,680 --> 00:36:28,880 Speaker 2: intense glare silenced him at once. The future king of 622 00:36:28,920 --> 00:36:32,160 Speaker 2: Israel stepped forward towards his angry soldier and held out 623 00:36:32,160 --> 00:36:32,640 Speaker 2: a finger. 624 00:36:33,320 --> 00:36:38,200 Speaker 7: Grace is never weak, he said. All the victories I 625 00:36:38,239 --> 00:36:42,520 Speaker 7: have acquired in my short life have benefited the people 626 00:36:42,719 --> 00:36:48,040 Speaker 7: I love and care for. It brings my heart gladness 627 00:36:48,400 --> 00:36:51,560 Speaker 7: that the blood I pour out on the battlefield brings 628 00:36:51,680 --> 00:36:58,400 Speaker 7: blessing to my Kinsmen. Do you fight only for yourself? No, 629 00:37:00,239 --> 00:37:05,080 Speaker 7: for your brothers, your wives, your children, and your people. 630 00:37:06,719 --> 00:37:10,160 Speaker 7: I will share my victory with others, as the Lord 631 00:37:10,280 --> 00:37:11,840 Speaker 7: shares his victory with me. 632 00:37:12,400 --> 00:37:15,120 Speaker 2: David then turned to his servants and gesture towards one 633 00:37:15,160 --> 00:37:16,640 Speaker 2: of the carts of gold and silver. 634 00:37:17,080 --> 00:37:19,960 Speaker 7: Not only will all of us receive some of the spoil, 635 00:37:20,440 --> 00:37:24,759 Speaker 7: but also the tribe of Judah, go and present the 636 00:37:24,800 --> 00:37:30,879 Speaker 7: elders in Bethel Ramoth of the Negeb Jatir error Seifemoth 637 00:37:31,440 --> 00:37:35,520 Speaker 7: Esh Tamoah Raiso, the cities of the jeremi Lights and 638 00:37:35,600 --> 00:37:41,879 Speaker 7: Kennites Horma, borishen Athich and in Hebron tell them that 639 00:37:42,040 --> 00:37:46,040 Speaker 7: David and his mighty men have taken it from their enemies. 640 00:37:47,000 --> 00:37:49,799 Speaker 2: So the servants departed and shared the spoils of war 641 00:37:49,840 --> 00:37:52,719 Speaker 2: with the elders of Judah. They shared the wealth with 642 00:37:52,800 --> 00:37:55,600 Speaker 2: the families in need, encouraged that they had a shepherd 643 00:37:55,600 --> 00:37:58,960 Speaker 2: out in the fields watching over them. David would soon 644 00:37:59,040 --> 00:38:02,239 Speaker 2: be named their king. He would be honored, respected, and 645 00:38:02,360 --> 00:38:06,080 Speaker 2: revered by many. However, David's men were the ones who 646 00:38:06,120 --> 00:38:08,879 Speaker 2: were able to see a glimpse into his heart. They 647 00:38:08,880 --> 00:38:12,000 Speaker 2: were able to see what the Lord saw, not just 648 00:38:12,040 --> 00:38:14,360 Speaker 2: a man who knew how to wield a sword, but 649 00:38:14,480 --> 00:38:18,000 Speaker 2: a true servant of the Lord and his people, a 650 00:38:18,120 --> 00:38:21,560 Speaker 2: shepherd willing to lay his life down for his sheep. 651 00:38:24,040 --> 00:38:27,800 Speaker 5: Why does God compare himself to a shepherd? All throughout 652 00:38:27,800 --> 00:38:30,760 Speaker 5: the Old and New Testament, God is drawing parallels between 653 00:38:30,840 --> 00:38:34,799 Speaker 5: him and a shepherd. Shepherds were not particularly noble back then, 654 00:38:35,280 --> 00:38:39,560 Speaker 5: nor were they respected professions. In fact, it was the opposite. 655 00:38:39,800 --> 00:38:43,000 Speaker 5: Shepherds were often social outcasts, living on the fringes of 656 00:38:43,080 --> 00:38:47,319 Speaker 5: society because they traveled so much with their sheep. They 657 00:38:47,320 --> 00:38:51,000 Speaker 5: were transient and unknown people that drew much skepticism from 658 00:38:51,040 --> 00:38:54,320 Speaker 5: merchants and traitors. So I will ask the question again, 659 00:38:54,880 --> 00:38:58,399 Speaker 5: why does God compare himself to a shepherd? It might 660 00:38:58,480 --> 00:39:00,880 Speaker 5: not be because he is exactly like a shepherd in 661 00:39:00,920 --> 00:39:04,560 Speaker 5: the worldly sense, but because we are so much like sheep. 662 00:39:05,239 --> 00:39:08,680 Speaker 5: Sheep are vulnerable creatures and the perfect target for predators. 663 00:39:09,440 --> 00:39:13,879 Speaker 5: They have large, puffy bodies and small skinny legs. They 664 00:39:13,920 --> 00:39:18,399 Speaker 5: can't outrun, outfight, or outwit wolves alliance. Because they are 665 00:39:18,400 --> 00:39:22,520 Speaker 5: so vulnerable, they're also extra skittish and prone to wonder. 666 00:39:23,280 --> 00:39:26,239 Speaker 5: Sheep could also become very unhealthy if not cared for 667 00:39:26,360 --> 00:39:30,680 Speaker 5: properly by shepherds. Most conventional sheep wouldn't be able to 668 00:39:30,719 --> 00:39:33,880 Speaker 5: survive on their own in the wild. They are completely 669 00:39:33,920 --> 00:39:38,160 Speaker 5: dependent on the shepherd's guidance, provision, and protection to survive. 670 00:39:39,000 --> 00:39:41,680 Speaker 5: So Jesus doesn't compare himself to a shepherd because he 671 00:39:41,760 --> 00:39:45,520 Speaker 5: shares qualities with the shepherds of his time, but rather 672 00:39:45,960 --> 00:39:49,520 Speaker 5: because we are so much like sheep in need of guidance, provision, 673 00:39:49,840 --> 00:39:54,480 Speaker 5: and protection. Considering how difficult sheep can be, it is 674 00:39:54,520 --> 00:39:57,319 Speaker 5: a wonder why shepherd would care so much about any 675 00:39:57,360 --> 00:40:01,239 Speaker 5: of them, let alone astray. But a good shepherd does 676 00:40:01,360 --> 00:40:05,759 Speaker 5: anything to protect and provide for his sheep. Jesus demonstrated 677 00:40:05,760 --> 00:40:08,520 Speaker 5: the heart of a shepherd on the Cross, and David 678 00:40:08,560 --> 00:40:12,239 Speaker 5: demonstrated the heart of a shepherd by venturing off on 679 00:40:12,320 --> 00:40:15,799 Speaker 5: his own to save his people. After the prelude, we 680 00:40:15,880 --> 00:40:19,000 Speaker 5: pick up where we left off in the last episode. 681 00:40:19,120 --> 00:40:22,520 Speaker 5: David and his men dragged their feet back to Ziglag 682 00:40:22,920 --> 00:40:27,160 Speaker 5: after being saved from a life altering mistake. David is 683 00:40:27,239 --> 00:40:31,720 Speaker 5: ashamed beyond consolation and spends most of his nights curled 684 00:40:31,760 --> 00:40:34,840 Speaker 5: in a ball. We can have a little sympathy for David, 685 00:40:35,200 --> 00:40:39,480 Speaker 5: but he is correctly brooding over his failure. He was 686 00:40:39,520 --> 00:40:42,200 Speaker 5: steps away from murdering his own people to save his 687 00:40:42,239 --> 00:40:45,760 Speaker 5: own skin. This is the opposite of a shepherd, which 688 00:40:45,800 --> 00:40:48,640 Speaker 5: is why David takes it so harshly. Have you ever 689 00:40:48,680 --> 00:40:51,920 Speaker 5: experienced anything like this? I hope you haven't been on 690 00:40:52,000 --> 00:40:56,520 Speaker 5: David's level, but perhaps on a smaller scale you have 691 00:40:56,640 --> 00:40:59,920 Speaker 5: known this type of pain. David has become the opp 692 00:41:00,320 --> 00:41:03,320 Speaker 5: of who he is meant to be. He nearly became 693 00:41:03,480 --> 00:41:07,440 Speaker 5: the enemy he fought so hard to destroy. There are 694 00:41:07,480 --> 00:41:10,960 Speaker 5: times when we look in the mirror and realize our 695 00:41:11,120 --> 00:41:15,360 Speaker 5: past selves would have hated the person we become. David 696 00:41:15,440 --> 00:41:19,040 Speaker 5: is right to be ashamed, but shame ought always to 697 00:41:19,080 --> 00:41:23,080 Speaker 5: be given to God. When the men return, their worst 698 00:41:23,120 --> 00:41:26,320 Speaker 5: fears are realized their homes have been reduced to ashes 699 00:41:26,760 --> 00:41:30,960 Speaker 5: and their families have been taken captive. Their painful mourns 700 00:41:31,040 --> 00:41:35,040 Speaker 5: fill the skies, and they collectively curse David for causing this. 701 00:41:35,640 --> 00:41:40,120 Speaker 5: Why is it David's fault? Well, there are two reasons. First, 702 00:41:40,120 --> 00:41:43,960 Speaker 5: he rated the Amlekites unprovoked. Two, he led his men 703 00:41:44,000 --> 00:41:48,839 Speaker 5: away on a sinful mission, leaving the families vulnerable. As 704 00:41:48,880 --> 00:41:52,120 Speaker 5: if David couldn't be brought lower, his own men say 705 00:41:52,360 --> 00:41:55,840 Speaker 5: he should be stoned. David retreats and falls into a 706 00:41:55,880 --> 00:41:59,319 Speaker 5: pile of ash. The ash is symbolic, and it is 707 00:41:59,440 --> 00:42:02,640 Speaker 5: imagery we are all very familiar with. It is a 708 00:42:02,680 --> 00:42:06,600 Speaker 5: cliche to portray heroes rising from the ashes, but that 709 00:42:06,719 --> 00:42:10,160 Speaker 5: is exactly what it is about to happen to David. 710 00:42:10,840 --> 00:42:14,279 Speaker 5: As David sits in the ash, metaphorically soaking in a 711 00:42:14,320 --> 00:42:17,799 Speaker 5: pool of his own loathing, a dear friend approaches him. 712 00:42:18,560 --> 00:42:22,400 Speaker 5: Abisha does the same thing Jonathan once did in the caves, 713 00:42:22,840 --> 00:42:26,360 Speaker 5: reminds David of his calling. Abershah tells him about a 714 00:42:26,400 --> 00:42:30,960 Speaker 5: shepherd boy who sacrifices everything to save just one sheep. 715 00:42:31,440 --> 00:42:33,920 Speaker 5: Abishall reminds David of who he is and what he 716 00:42:34,040 --> 00:42:37,319 Speaker 5: is called to do. He ties a lasso around our 717 00:42:37,440 --> 00:42:40,319 Speaker 5: hero's heart and tries to pull him back to a 718 00:42:40,400 --> 00:42:43,960 Speaker 5: simpler time. We need people like Abashur and Jonathan in 719 00:42:44,000 --> 00:42:47,600 Speaker 5: our lives, people who tether our souls to their roots 720 00:42:47,640 --> 00:42:51,040 Speaker 5: and holds us accountable to our convictions. Life can get 721 00:42:51,080 --> 00:42:54,560 Speaker 5: complicated and we can lose ourselves in the rushing tide 722 00:42:54,560 --> 00:42:57,560 Speaker 5: of life, which is why we need anchors to keep 723 00:42:57,600 --> 00:43:01,799 Speaker 5: us from drifting away. As an anchor for David, and 724 00:43:01,880 --> 00:43:05,480 Speaker 5: he takes it to heart. When Avershare leaves, David has 725 00:43:05,520 --> 00:43:08,279 Speaker 5: a profound moment of clarity. He says for the first 726 00:43:08,320 --> 00:43:11,080 Speaker 5: time out loud, I am a man anointed by God, 727 00:43:11,480 --> 00:43:13,960 Speaker 5: called by God, and promised by God to be the 728 00:43:14,000 --> 00:43:16,640 Speaker 5: next king of Israel. I have a high calling and 729 00:43:16,760 --> 00:43:19,880 Speaker 5: promise from God, and he hasn't taken it away. I 730 00:43:19,920 --> 00:43:23,440 Speaker 5: need to start living according to that destiny. There is 731 00:43:23,560 --> 00:43:27,520 Speaker 5: power and declaration. Sometimes we have a hard time believing 732 00:43:27,640 --> 00:43:31,399 Speaker 5: anything until we're willing to say it out loud. There 733 00:43:31,440 --> 00:43:36,320 Speaker 5: is profound power in praise, proclamation, and profession. What God 734 00:43:36,360 --> 00:43:38,640 Speaker 5: has shown you in the dark, speak in the light. 735 00:43:39,200 --> 00:43:41,640 Speaker 5: Have you been running from your calling? Have you been 736 00:43:41,719 --> 00:43:45,080 Speaker 5: keeping things bottled up inside? Afraid to speak up and 737 00:43:45,160 --> 00:43:48,080 Speaker 5: speak out? Take a cue from David and shout to 738 00:43:48,120 --> 00:43:51,719 Speaker 5: the heavens. David has been reminded that deep down he 739 00:43:51,840 --> 00:43:54,880 Speaker 5: is still the shepherd who chased after the lion. He 740 00:43:54,960 --> 00:43:58,480 Speaker 5: is still the righteous and ready boy who ran after Goliath. 741 00:43:58,800 --> 00:44:02,279 Speaker 5: He equips himself with Jonathan's armor, the sword of Goliath, 742 00:44:02,600 --> 00:44:06,520 Speaker 5: his headband, and his sling. These are icons used to 743 00:44:06,560 --> 00:44:10,439 Speaker 5: demonstrate what's happening inside of David. He is going back 744 00:44:10,480 --> 00:44:13,520 Speaker 5: to the core values he strayed from. With all these 745 00:44:13,560 --> 00:44:17,120 Speaker 5: things secured to him, he runs off with or without 746 00:44:17,160 --> 00:44:21,000 Speaker 5: his men. He knows God has his back, so he 747 00:44:21,040 --> 00:44:24,120 Speaker 5: doesn't feel the need to beg his men to follow him. 748 00:44:24,400 --> 00:44:27,200 Speaker 5: He runs into the darkness as if he's racing the 749 00:44:27,239 --> 00:44:30,719 Speaker 5: sun to rise. His men eventually follow, but they are 750 00:44:30,719 --> 00:44:34,960 Speaker 5: really following the anointing of God. The rescue was swift 751 00:44:34,960 --> 00:44:38,719 Speaker 5: and decisive, but not for the fegne of heart. Two 752 00:44:38,800 --> 00:44:41,160 Speaker 5: hundred men had to go back because they were unable 753 00:44:41,200 --> 00:44:43,960 Speaker 5: to complete the journey. This turned out to be an 754 00:44:43,960 --> 00:44:47,080 Speaker 5: important wrinkle for the end of the episode, when they 755 00:44:47,080 --> 00:44:50,440 Speaker 5: bring back the women, children and spoils, and argument erupts 756 00:44:50,719 --> 00:44:53,400 Speaker 5: about whether they should share the plunder or if it 757 00:44:53,440 --> 00:44:56,000 Speaker 5: should only go to those who fought. It is a 758 00:44:56,000 --> 00:44:58,520 Speaker 5: tense moment that throws a wet blanket on what should 759 00:44:58,560 --> 00:45:02,480 Speaker 5: have been a unifying experience. David had a tough decision 760 00:45:02,480 --> 00:45:05,120 Speaker 5: to make. Should he side with the strongest men and 761 00:45:05,200 --> 00:45:08,000 Speaker 5: let them keep the spoils, or should he divvy up 762 00:45:08,040 --> 00:45:11,080 Speaker 5: the spoils or everyone can share in the victory. It 763 00:45:11,160 --> 00:45:14,200 Speaker 5: is not an easy decision. As a ruler, David does 764 00:45:14,239 --> 00:45:17,440 Speaker 5: not want to incentivize hard work and carriage. However, he 765 00:45:17,480 --> 00:45:20,680 Speaker 5: does not want to isolate anyone or leave them without means. 766 00:45:21,160 --> 00:45:24,680 Speaker 5: He makes the case that nothing is earned, rather everything 767 00:45:24,760 --> 00:45:27,680 Speaker 5: is given by God. Since we are all recipients of 768 00:45:27,719 --> 00:45:31,680 Speaker 5: his grace, we should not take undue ownership over our wealth. 769 00:45:32,480 --> 00:45:35,120 Speaker 5: We are to be generous to others as God has 770 00:45:35,160 --> 00:45:38,880 Speaker 5: been generous to us. This naturally irks a few people. 771 00:45:39,400 --> 00:45:43,360 Speaker 5: Shall we reward cowards? Dove shouted, what message are you giving? 772 00:45:44,160 --> 00:45:48,200 Speaker 5: Shall weakness be the prevailing posture of this army. David 773 00:45:48,280 --> 00:45:53,160 Speaker 5: responds with a decisive declaration that becomes the ethos of 774 00:45:53,200 --> 00:45:56,360 Speaker 5: his reign as king. Grace is never weak, he said. 775 00:45:56,960 --> 00:45:59,600 Speaker 5: All the victories I have acquired in my short life 776 00:45:59,640 --> 00:46:02,239 Speaker 5: have been unefitted the people I love and care for. 777 00:46:03,040 --> 00:46:05,680 Speaker 5: It brings my heart gladness that the blood I poured 778 00:46:05,719 --> 00:46:09,279 Speaker 5: out on the battlefield brings blessing to my Kinsmen, do 779 00:46:09,320 --> 00:46:12,800 Speaker 5: you fight only for yourself? No, you fight for your brothers, 780 00:46:12,920 --> 00:46:16,040 Speaker 5: your wives, your children, and your people. I will share 781 00:46:16,080 --> 00:46:19,560 Speaker 5: my victory with others, as the Lord shares his victory 782 00:46:19,600 --> 00:46:23,560 Speaker 5: with me. David makes one of his first kingly decisions 783 00:46:23,600 --> 00:46:26,800 Speaker 5: here and shares the spoils with the tribe of Judah 784 00:46:26,840 --> 00:46:30,319 Speaker 5: as well. This episode is a turning point in David's life. 785 00:46:30,920 --> 00:46:33,960 Speaker 5: His identity as a shepherd is re established and confirmed, 786 00:46:34,280 --> 00:46:37,799 Speaker 5: but he is also blossoming into a king. The episode 787 00:46:37,960 --> 00:46:41,040 Speaker 5: after this will not just feature David the shepherd boy, 788 00:46:41,400 --> 00:46:45,040 Speaker 5: but David the King of Israel. From this moment forward, 789 00:46:45,320 --> 00:46:48,040 Speaker 5: the stakes will be higher. God will never stop being 790 00:46:48,040 --> 00:46:51,680 Speaker 5: faithful to his anointed. But will his anointed stop being 791 00:46:51,680 --> 00:46:55,080 Speaker 5: faithful to God? We will find out in the coming episodes. 792 00:46:55,239 --> 00:46:58,560 Speaker 5: Stay tuned for our next episode, the Death of a King, 793 00:46:59,040 --> 00:47:03,000 Speaker 5: as the throne finally shifts and changes forever. Thanks again 794 00:47:03,000 --> 00:47:06,920 Speaker 5: for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom 795 00:47:07,000 --> 00:47:10,000 Speaker 5: to last a lifetime, go to pray dot com. And 796 00:47:10,080 --> 00:47:13,600 Speaker 5: to expand your heroes in the Bible Journey, download the 797 00:47:13,640 --> 00:47:16,359 Speaker 5: Heroes of the Faith devotional at Tony Evans dot org. 798 00:47:16,719 --> 00:47:20,880 Speaker 5: Forward slash Heroes. Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify 799 00:47:21,400 --> 00:47:23,879 Speaker 5: to get the newest episodes writer as they come out, 800 00:47:24,160 --> 00:47:26,960 Speaker 5: and always be inspired by the Bible. God bless