1 00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:03,080 Speaker 1: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, your host for Heroes in 2 00:00:03,120 --> 00:00:06,320 Speaker 1: the Bible. If you've been enjoying this series, please write 3 00:00:06,320 --> 00:00:09,160 Speaker 1: a review and let me know how this podcast has 4 00:00:09,200 --> 00:00:10,120 Speaker 1: impacted your life. 5 00:00:11,039 --> 00:00:12,520 Speaker 2: Welcome to the epic. 6 00:00:12,200 --> 00:00:19,439 Speaker 1: Adventure of David, a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal, 7 00:00:19,560 --> 00:00:22,439 Speaker 1: and murder. While most people know of David the myth, 8 00:00:22,600 --> 00:00:26,040 Speaker 1: few know about David the man. In this episode, we 9 00:00:26,160 --> 00:00:29,120 Speaker 1: realize just how far we have come since the story 10 00:00:29,120 --> 00:00:33,040 Speaker 1: of David and Goliath. The simpler stories of good versus 11 00:00:33,080 --> 00:00:35,680 Speaker 1: evil are no more, and now it's time to weigh 12 00:00:35,800 --> 00:00:40,280 Speaker 1: deeper into the waters of political unrest, revenge, and scandal. 13 00:00:40,840 --> 00:00:43,559 Speaker 1: The plot of David's story is about to thicken, and 14 00:00:43,680 --> 00:00:46,600 Speaker 1: what was once black and white will begin to seem 15 00:00:46,640 --> 00:00:49,879 Speaker 1: more gray. King David is a pure soul, but he 16 00:00:49,920 --> 00:00:53,280 Speaker 1: has entered into an arena wrought with wickedness and contempt. 17 00:00:53,600 --> 00:00:56,280 Speaker 1: If he isn't careful, it will corrupt him and it 18 00:00:56,320 --> 00:00:59,960 Speaker 1: will certainly take more than good intentions and motivational speech 19 00:01:00,480 --> 00:01:04,120 Speaker 1: to unite this divided kingdom. This episode will give us 20 00:01:04,160 --> 00:01:07,760 Speaker 1: a glimmer of hope that peace is possible and David 21 00:01:07,800 --> 00:01:10,920 Speaker 1: will have victory in his grasp. But Peace has an 22 00:01:11,000 --> 00:01:14,679 Speaker 1: enemy and its name is revenge. The spirit of revenge 23 00:01:14,720 --> 00:01:17,080 Speaker 1: is the new foe David has yet to fight, and 24 00:01:17,160 --> 00:01:20,679 Speaker 1: in this episode David seems to be outmatched. Will he 25 00:01:20,800 --> 00:01:23,200 Speaker 1: be able to win? Darkened hearts back to the light? 26 00:01:23,800 --> 00:01:26,320 Speaker 1: Is David up to the challenge of being king? Or 27 00:01:26,360 --> 00:01:29,840 Speaker 1: should he have remain in Ziglag with his farm and family. 28 00:01:30,400 --> 00:01:33,320 Speaker 1: We will begin this episode with a prelude going back 29 00:01:33,360 --> 00:01:36,840 Speaker 1: to the most ancient of times, when revenge first slithered 30 00:01:36,880 --> 00:01:40,920 Speaker 1: its way into the heart of man. Hatred, jealousy, and 31 00:01:41,040 --> 00:01:44,400 Speaker 1: vengeance have existed since the First Family, so it is 32 00:01:44,440 --> 00:01:47,840 Speaker 1: no wonder that it seems like a formidable foe. How 33 00:01:47,880 --> 00:01:51,680 Speaker 1: will the giant sleigh affair against this new titan We 34 00:01:51,720 --> 00:01:54,800 Speaker 1: will find out in episode twenty, The Blood of. 35 00:01:54,840 --> 00:02:05,000 Speaker 2: Abner prelude to chapter twenty. Cain gripped the dirt below 36 00:02:05,080 --> 00:02:09,200 Speaker 2: him in anger. On his knees. He cursed God and lamented. 37 00:02:09,520 --> 00:02:12,040 Speaker 3: Why have you rejected my offering? 38 00:02:12,520 --> 00:02:13,160 Speaker 2: He yelled? 39 00:02:14,200 --> 00:02:15,680 Speaker 4: Was I not diligent? 40 00:02:17,000 --> 00:02:18,560 Speaker 5: Did I not labor for you? 41 00:02:18,960 --> 00:02:23,400 Speaker 2: Cain's anger was palpable, his body trembled with unhinged rage. 42 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:28,080 Speaker 2: Why are you angry? Kane. God said, if your heart 43 00:02:28,160 --> 00:02:31,920 Speaker 2: does well, will you not be accepted. Cain burst to 44 00:02:31,960 --> 00:02:34,840 Speaker 2: his feet and shook his fist on high. He yelled 45 00:02:34,840 --> 00:02:38,600 Speaker 2: in agony, enraged that his sacrifice was rejected and his 46 00:02:38,720 --> 00:02:43,600 Speaker 2: brother's was accepted. God's gentle voice spoke through the wind, saying. 47 00:02:43,639 --> 00:02:49,040 Speaker 6: A trap is laid out before you. Vengeance and hatred 48 00:02:49,240 --> 00:02:56,760 Speaker 6: are seeking to take you. Caine, Sin knocks at your door. Resist, 49 00:02:58,760 --> 00:03:03,400 Speaker 6: do not let it rule. However, Cain would not listen. 50 00:03:04,240 --> 00:03:07,720 Speaker 6: He stormed away in a fury. As knight draped over 51 00:03:07,760 --> 00:03:11,320 Speaker 6: the new Earth and stars scattered across the firmament. Cain 52 00:03:11,400 --> 00:03:14,040 Speaker 6: approached his brother Abel, who was tending to his sheep 53 00:03:14,080 --> 00:03:17,680 Speaker 6: in the field. Galaxies painted the night in a thousand 54 00:03:17,760 --> 00:03:21,120 Speaker 6: different colors, and the light shined down on Cain's face, 55 00:03:21,800 --> 00:03:25,520 Speaker 6: a face of vengeance and ate. He picked up a 56 00:03:25,520 --> 00:03:28,960 Speaker 6: stone from the ground and walked towards his brother Abel, 57 00:03:29,440 --> 00:03:33,680 Speaker 6: Cain said, startled. Abel turned around to see his brother 58 00:03:33,840 --> 00:03:36,560 Speaker 6: running at him with a stone in his foot, and 59 00:03:36,680 --> 00:03:39,840 Speaker 6: the sheep scattered in fear as Cain unleashed his contempt 60 00:03:39,840 --> 00:03:41,520 Speaker 6: for God unto his brother. 61 00:03:42,360 --> 00:03:46,320 Speaker 2: Blow after blow, Cain spited his creator by murdering his 62 00:03:46,480 --> 00:03:50,840 Speaker 2: image Bear. The crime against his brother Abel was really 63 00:03:50,880 --> 00:03:55,400 Speaker 2: an act against God. Blood soaked the ground underneath Abel's 64 00:03:55,400 --> 00:03:59,120 Speaker 2: dead and mangled body. Cain screamed into the night sky, 65 00:03:59,760 --> 00:04:03,760 Speaker 2: raped Jim like a madman. The murder of Abel was 66 00:04:03,800 --> 00:04:07,560 Speaker 2: the first of many crimes against life. Cain destroyed the 67 00:04:07,640 --> 00:04:10,720 Speaker 2: chance for peace between him and his brother by spilling 68 00:04:10,800 --> 00:04:15,440 Speaker 2: his blood. In doing so, he started a pattern, a 69 00:04:15,480 --> 00:04:19,400 Speaker 2: pattern of vengeance instead of forgiveness, a pattern of hatred 70 00:04:19,640 --> 00:04:23,599 Speaker 2: instead of love, a pattern of war instead of peace. 71 00:04:26,120 --> 00:04:31,440 Speaker 2: Chapter twenty. The blood of Abner, the blood of slain brothers, 72 00:04:31,520 --> 00:04:35,000 Speaker 2: cried out from the ground. The clanging of swords and 73 00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:38,000 Speaker 2: the firing of arrows rang in the ears of God's people. 74 00:04:39,040 --> 00:04:43,480 Speaker 2: With every battle, their hearts became more grieved. The civil 75 00:04:43,520 --> 00:04:47,120 Speaker 2: war between Ishboshaf and David had waged for two years. 76 00:04:47,680 --> 00:04:50,679 Speaker 2: The armies of Joe ab raged against the armies of Abner, 77 00:04:51,080 --> 00:04:54,760 Speaker 2: and there was great bitterness between them. The moral strength 78 00:04:54,800 --> 00:04:58,039 Speaker 2: of Israel was waning under the leadership of King Ishbosheth. 79 00:04:58,800 --> 00:05:02,200 Speaker 2: His weakness of character and fragile ego left Abner with 80 00:05:02,240 --> 00:05:04,400 Speaker 2: no choice but to take hold of the kingdom and 81 00:05:04,480 --> 00:05:08,920 Speaker 2: rule it himself. Ishboshat was king in name only, sitting 82 00:05:08,960 --> 00:05:12,360 Speaker 2: upon his throne in fine robes, with decadent feasts sprawled 83 00:05:12,360 --> 00:05:15,839 Speaker 2: out before him. Yet for all his pomp and adornment, 84 00:05:16,200 --> 00:05:19,760 Speaker 2: he had no strength of heart to lead. The foundation 85 00:05:19,880 --> 00:05:23,119 Speaker 2: of the Kingdom of Israel was on shaky ground, only 86 00:05:23,200 --> 00:05:28,920 Speaker 2: moments from collapsing. Meanwhile, David had become fruitful in Judah. 87 00:05:29,440 --> 00:05:32,440 Speaker 2: He had amassed an army of well trained men fighting 88 00:05:32,480 --> 00:05:34,800 Speaker 2: in the name of honor and devotion to their king. 89 00:05:35,839 --> 00:05:39,400 Speaker 2: He opened up trade with the non hostile nations, importing 90 00:05:39,480 --> 00:05:41,800 Speaker 2: key goods that they had been lacking since the division 91 00:05:41,839 --> 00:05:46,080 Speaker 2: of Israel. King David built treaties with households through marriage, 92 00:05:46,480 --> 00:05:49,280 Speaker 2: gaining the loyalty of kings and rich nobles who could 93 00:05:49,320 --> 00:05:52,840 Speaker 2: help fund the rebuilding of the kingdom. To his six wives, 94 00:05:53,240 --> 00:06:00,640 Speaker 2: David sired six sons, Amnon, chiliad Absalom, Adonijah, Cephataiah, and Hrium. 95 00:06:01,600 --> 00:06:05,640 Speaker 2: David's fruitfulness became renown among the land. Along with his 96 00:06:05,760 --> 00:06:09,839 Speaker 2: military exploits and political clout, David had successfully won the 97 00:06:09,839 --> 00:06:14,480 Speaker 2: heart of his people. His favor, power and affection became famous, 98 00:06:15,040 --> 00:06:18,920 Speaker 2: thus reaching the ears of King Ishboshet. Not only had 99 00:06:19,000 --> 00:06:21,680 Speaker 2: David bested him in war, but he had become a 100 00:06:21,720 --> 00:06:25,240 Speaker 2: better king than he could ever hope to be. Ishboshet 101 00:06:25,360 --> 00:06:28,520 Speaker 2: sank low on his throne, sulking in his kingdom built 102 00:06:28,600 --> 00:06:33,360 Speaker 2: on sinking sand. Abner awoke to the morning sun peeking 103 00:06:33,400 --> 00:06:36,960 Speaker 2: in through an open window. The morning spring breeze flew 104 00:06:36,960 --> 00:06:40,720 Speaker 2: in from outside, brushing up against his bare chest. He 105 00:06:40,760 --> 00:06:43,440 Speaker 2: pulled the sheets closer and looked. Next to him, a 106 00:06:43,480 --> 00:06:46,880 Speaker 2: woman lay beside him, naked under the covers. Her warm 107 00:06:46,920 --> 00:06:50,120 Speaker 2: and soft skin rubbed up against him. The sheets laid 108 00:06:50,120 --> 00:06:54,200 Speaker 2: over her curves, causing Abner to blush. He enjoyed this 109 00:06:54,279 --> 00:06:57,640 Speaker 2: moment of peace, gently stroking her hair. Before she awoke, 110 00:06:58,360 --> 00:07:01,039 Speaker 2: Her eyes fluttered open, and she gave him a smile 111 00:07:01,080 --> 00:07:05,920 Speaker 2: as sweet as honey. Good morning, she whispered. Her gentle 112 00:07:06,040 --> 00:07:09,440 Speaker 2: voice made his heart leap with affectionate joy. He gazed 113 00:07:09,440 --> 00:07:12,880 Speaker 2: into her hazel eyes, reflecting the sunlight dancing through the window, 114 00:07:13,040 --> 00:07:17,160 Speaker 2: and kissed her. The two of them smiled, yawned, and stretched. 115 00:07:18,320 --> 00:07:21,040 Speaker 2: Rispa wrapped the sheets around her body and walked over 116 00:07:21,080 --> 00:07:24,240 Speaker 2: to Abner's window. She turned her cheeks to the morning 117 00:07:24,280 --> 00:07:27,440 Speaker 2: sun and soaked it in. With her eyes closed, she 118 00:07:27,560 --> 00:07:28,840 Speaker 2: smiled and said. 119 00:07:28,960 --> 00:07:32,480 Speaker 7: Ah, these are the mornings I never want to forget. 120 00:07:33,600 --> 00:07:35,480 Speaker 2: Abner walked over and held her close. 121 00:07:36,160 --> 00:07:39,320 Speaker 4: Moments like these are all we have small pauses from 122 00:07:39,320 --> 00:07:40,560 Speaker 4: the madness of life. 123 00:07:41,040 --> 00:07:43,600 Speaker 2: Abner and Rispa had grown very fond of each other 124 00:07:43,640 --> 00:07:46,120 Speaker 2: in the past two years. She was one of the 125 00:07:46,160 --> 00:07:50,200 Speaker 2: concubines in Saul's harem, considered a piece of royal property 126 00:07:50,280 --> 00:07:54,080 Speaker 2: passed down to Ishboshet. However, Abner saw her as much 127 00:07:54,120 --> 00:07:58,560 Speaker 2: more than that. She was beautiful, kind, and undoubtedly strong 128 00:08:00,160 --> 00:08:03,880 Speaker 2: drawn to each other. Despite their circumstances, Abner knew that 129 00:08:03,960 --> 00:08:05,960 Speaker 2: she was a part of the king's harem, and that 130 00:08:06,040 --> 00:08:10,040 Speaker 2: sleeping with her was considered the same as stealing property. However, 131 00:08:10,120 --> 00:08:12,800 Speaker 2: Abner felt that he was entitled to some joy in 132 00:08:12,840 --> 00:08:15,840 Speaker 2: his life considering the sacrifice he had made for King 133 00:08:15,920 --> 00:08:20,080 Speaker 2: ishbosheth He had successfully put him on the throne and 134 00:08:20,200 --> 00:08:23,200 Speaker 2: now led the nation on his behalf. It was he 135 00:08:23,240 --> 00:08:26,200 Speaker 2: who marched into battle and into danger. It was he 136 00:08:26,240 --> 00:08:30,360 Speaker 2: who convened with the elders and strategized with generals. Rispa 137 00:08:30,520 --> 00:08:33,559 Speaker 2: was surely a fair price for his loyalty. He had 138 00:08:33,640 --> 00:08:38,240 Speaker 2: dozens of concubines, after all, Abner held Rispa tightly in 139 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:40,840 Speaker 2: his arms and kissed her neck. The two of them 140 00:08:40,840 --> 00:08:44,960 Speaker 2: stared at the window, admiring the colors of spring. However, 141 00:08:45,000 --> 00:08:47,640 Speaker 2: their sweet moment of bliss was interrupted by one of 142 00:08:47,679 --> 00:08:51,080 Speaker 2: the king's servants entering with a message. The young man 143 00:08:51,200 --> 00:08:54,200 Speaker 2: quickly realized he should have not and immediately bound his 144 00:08:54,280 --> 00:08:59,200 Speaker 2: head apologetically. The boy awkwardly looked up saw Rispa and 145 00:08:59,280 --> 00:09:03,400 Speaker 2: then left in her hurry. Rispa quickly gathered her clothing anxiously, 146 00:09:04,040 --> 00:09:06,960 Speaker 2: Her and Abner knew that this was not good for them. 147 00:09:07,160 --> 00:09:09,600 Speaker 2: The servant would undoubtedly report this to the King. 148 00:09:10,760 --> 00:09:12,800 Speaker 7: I I have to go back to the palace before 149 00:09:12,800 --> 00:09:13,760 Speaker 7: the King sends for me. 150 00:09:13,960 --> 00:09:17,720 Speaker 2: Rispa said in a nervous voice. Abner was vexed by 151 00:09:17,720 --> 00:09:21,000 Speaker 2: the situation. He shouldn't have to hide anything from the King. 152 00:09:21,880 --> 00:09:24,640 Speaker 2: He was entitled to whatever he desired. Don't leave. 153 00:09:25,320 --> 00:09:28,040 Speaker 4: If the King desires to make an argument about our dealings, 154 00:09:28,200 --> 00:09:30,000 Speaker 4: I will be sure to put his mind at. 155 00:09:29,840 --> 00:09:34,520 Speaker 2: Ease, Abner said. Rispa held Abner's face and kissed him. 156 00:09:35,120 --> 00:09:36,720 Speaker 7: Oh I cannot risk it. 157 00:09:37,040 --> 00:09:38,560 Speaker 2: She said, while shaking her head. 158 00:09:38,760 --> 00:09:41,600 Speaker 7: I am bound to the King by law and fear 159 00:09:41,640 --> 00:09:43,800 Speaker 7: the worst for us both if I do not comply 160 00:09:43,920 --> 00:09:47,440 Speaker 7: with his demands. I will pray you can sway him, 161 00:09:47,600 --> 00:09:50,120 Speaker 7: for I know he holds you with great respect. 162 00:09:50,600 --> 00:09:53,800 Speaker 2: With those words, Rispa departed out the door back to 163 00:09:53,840 --> 00:09:57,280 Speaker 2: the king's harem. Abner sat in silence for a long while, 164 00:09:57,640 --> 00:10:00,360 Speaker 2: then got dressed and made his way to the alice. 165 00:10:01,840 --> 00:10:04,679 Speaker 2: As he entered into the halls where King Saul once reigned, 166 00:10:05,040 --> 00:10:07,439 Speaker 2: he could not help but feel sorrow for what had 167 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:11,320 Speaker 2: become of the kingdom. The empty halls echoed past failures 168 00:10:11,360 --> 00:10:16,240 Speaker 2: and shattered dreams. King Ishboshef was hunched over in his throne, pouting, 169 00:10:16,240 --> 00:10:19,240 Speaker 2: with a cup of wine in his hand. Abner bowed 170 00:10:19,240 --> 00:10:20,520 Speaker 2: his head and looked at the king. 171 00:10:21,040 --> 00:10:22,520 Speaker 4: You send for me, my lord. 172 00:10:22,440 --> 00:10:26,559 Speaker 2: He asked innocently. Ishboschef tilted his head to the side 173 00:10:26,600 --> 00:10:30,520 Speaker 2: and glared at Abner. His rosy cheeks and dilated eyes 174 00:10:30,600 --> 00:10:33,600 Speaker 2: revealed that he had been drinking all morning. His lack 175 00:10:33,640 --> 00:10:38,400 Speaker 2: of self control disgusted Abner. The only job Ishbochef had 176 00:10:38,800 --> 00:10:40,840 Speaker 2: was to act like a king and leave the ruling 177 00:10:40,880 --> 00:10:44,760 Speaker 2: to him. Instead, he insisted on acting like a child. 178 00:10:45,400 --> 00:10:48,880 Speaker 2: The boy king leaned back in his throne and murmured, I. 179 00:10:48,880 --> 00:10:52,640 Speaker 8: Had originally beckoned you, so we might debrief from yesterday's. 180 00:10:52,200 --> 00:10:53,040 Speaker 4: Court of elders. 181 00:10:53,440 --> 00:10:56,880 Speaker 8: However, more pressing issues have come to my attention. 182 00:10:57,440 --> 00:11:00,480 Speaker 2: Ishboschef lingered for a moment, hoping to make abbair. 183 00:11:01,120 --> 00:11:03,559 Speaker 8: Is it bad enough that I have half my kingdom 184 00:11:03,679 --> 00:11:07,720 Speaker 8: following another man unworthy of the throne? Now I have 185 00:11:07,800 --> 00:11:11,360 Speaker 8: another man sleeping with my concubine. Who do you think 186 00:11:11,360 --> 00:11:13,840 Speaker 8: you are taking what my father passed down to me? 187 00:11:14,480 --> 00:11:18,120 Speaker 8: Have you no respect for the throne? You shame yourself 188 00:11:18,120 --> 00:11:19,600 Speaker 8: for stooping so low. 189 00:11:20,240 --> 00:11:24,160 Speaker 2: Abner's eyes met Ishbosheth's. The king expected a look of 190 00:11:24,200 --> 00:11:29,199 Speaker 2: shame and contrition. Instead, he only saw anger. Abner gritted 191 00:11:29,200 --> 00:11:30,840 Speaker 2: his teeth and took a step forward. 192 00:11:31,280 --> 00:11:33,000 Speaker 4: No respect for the. 193 00:11:32,800 --> 00:11:35,880 Speaker 2: Throne, Abner said, seething with anger. 194 00:11:36,280 --> 00:11:38,160 Speaker 4: Am I a dog's head of Judah? 195 00:11:38,360 --> 00:11:42,040 Speaker 2: Abner continued to step even closer to the throne. Now 196 00:11:42,080 --> 00:11:47,200 Speaker 2: it was Ishbosheth who grew uncomfortable. The commander continued his questioning. 197 00:11:47,400 --> 00:11:50,520 Speaker 9: Tell me, my king, who among the two of us 198 00:11:50,800 --> 00:11:55,280 Speaker 9: fought side by side with your father, his brothers, his friends. 199 00:11:54,880 --> 00:11:57,760 Speaker 4: And his sons. Who among us marched. 200 00:11:57,480 --> 00:12:00,600 Speaker 9: Against David and the armies of Judah? Who out of 201 00:12:00,640 --> 00:12:02,920 Speaker 9: the two of us has bled for the cause of 202 00:12:03,040 --> 00:12:04,559 Speaker 9: Israel and marched. 203 00:12:04,240 --> 00:12:05,160 Speaker 4: Into harm's way? 204 00:12:05,559 --> 00:12:09,400 Speaker 9: Have I not protected you, elevated you, and served you 205 00:12:09,840 --> 00:12:13,840 Speaker 9: despite your impotent leadership and childish. 206 00:12:13,280 --> 00:12:17,920 Speaker 2: Widing Ishboschef opened up his mouth to speak, but Abner 207 00:12:17,960 --> 00:12:20,360 Speaker 2: took out his sword and extended it towards the king. 208 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:26,239 Speaker 2: Walking closer to the throne, Abner continued his raving, you dare. 209 00:12:26,080 --> 00:12:28,080 Speaker 9: Treat me as if I have given you over to 210 00:12:28,120 --> 00:12:31,480 Speaker 9: the enemy. After all I have done. You charge me 211 00:12:31,600 --> 00:12:34,440 Speaker 9: today with a fault concerning a woman you have no 212 00:12:34,640 --> 00:12:37,640 Speaker 9: interest in. You have the call to scold me sitting 213 00:12:37,679 --> 00:12:40,640 Speaker 9: atop a throne eye won for you with my own 214 00:12:40,679 --> 00:12:41,680 Speaker 9: blood and sweat. 215 00:12:42,160 --> 00:12:45,240 Speaker 2: Abner swung his sword into the table in front of Isbroschek, 216 00:12:45,800 --> 00:12:49,560 Speaker 2: angered ripped from him like molten hot metal. The king 217 00:12:49,679 --> 00:12:53,800 Speaker 2: coward in his throne, paralyzed with fear. Abner leaned in 218 00:12:53,880 --> 00:12:57,720 Speaker 2: close to the king, lowered his voice and spoke clearly, saying, 219 00:12:58,800 --> 00:12:59,240 Speaker 2: hear me. 220 00:12:59,280 --> 00:13:03,439 Speaker 4: Now, boy, May God strike me down if I do 221 00:13:03,559 --> 00:13:06,360 Speaker 4: not elevate David to take hold of what has been 222 00:13:06,400 --> 00:13:09,360 Speaker 4: sworn to him by the Lord from the land of 223 00:13:09,480 --> 00:13:12,800 Speaker 4: Dan to Beersheba. The throne of David will reign over 224 00:13:12,840 --> 00:13:16,319 Speaker 4: this land. You have lost my loyalty. 225 00:13:17,000 --> 00:13:20,480 Speaker 2: Abner waited for a response from the king, but there 226 00:13:20,559 --> 00:13:25,120 Speaker 2: was none. He scoffed and stepped away from the throne. Coward, 227 00:13:25,320 --> 00:13:28,959 Speaker 2: he said. Abner spat on the ground, removed his sword 228 00:13:29,000 --> 00:13:33,840 Speaker 2: from the table, and stormed off Asbosheth said nothing. He 229 00:13:33,920 --> 00:13:36,400 Speaker 2: was white faced and shocked at what had taken place, 230 00:13:36,840 --> 00:13:41,680 Speaker 2: and began lamenting the fall of his kingdom. King David 231 00:13:41,720 --> 00:13:44,280 Speaker 2: sat with Beniyah, who had been promoted to Captain of 232 00:13:44,320 --> 00:13:48,360 Speaker 2: the Guard. Together they discussed the enforcement of the law 233 00:13:48,400 --> 00:13:53,079 Speaker 2: and relationships to local judges. With their newfound success, they 234 00:13:53,080 --> 00:13:55,640 Speaker 2: needed to steward their resource as well and keep the 235 00:13:55,679 --> 00:13:59,800 Speaker 2: people accountable to God. David took great care into not 236 00:14:00,120 --> 00:14:03,440 Speaker 2: just being a man of military success. He had dreams 237 00:14:03,440 --> 00:14:07,000 Speaker 2: of being a king of peace, not just war. As 238 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:10,120 Speaker 2: the two were in discussion, a messenger came in from Israel. 239 00:14:11,080 --> 00:14:13,560 Speaker 2: The young man refused water at the door, for his 240 00:14:13,679 --> 00:14:16,160 Speaker 2: message was urgent and needed to reach David as soon 241 00:14:16,200 --> 00:14:18,720 Speaker 2: as possible. The boy cleared his throat and. 242 00:14:18,800 --> 00:14:23,560 Speaker 3: Spoke, Thus, says, my master, Abner, to whom does this 243 00:14:23,680 --> 00:14:27,080 Speaker 3: land belong? It has been my most recent conviction that 244 00:14:27,080 --> 00:14:29,520 Speaker 3: the Lord has anointed you to steward his land and 245 00:14:29,560 --> 00:14:33,520 Speaker 3: his people. Make a covenant with me, and behold, my 246 00:14:33,600 --> 00:14:35,880 Speaker 3: hand shall be with you to bring Israel back to you. 247 00:14:36,640 --> 00:14:38,960 Speaker 2: David and Beniah exchanged looks of confusion. 248 00:14:39,240 --> 00:14:42,320 Speaker 10: What has prompted this change of heart from Abner? 249 00:14:42,320 --> 00:14:44,560 Speaker 2: What is he to gain from this? Benya asked. 250 00:14:45,640 --> 00:14:49,720 Speaker 5: David pondered, he would not have sent a message as 251 00:14:49,760 --> 00:14:54,320 Speaker 5: a trap. It would be dishonorable. If he has extended 252 00:14:54,320 --> 00:14:58,400 Speaker 5: this message, it must be because something has happened between 253 00:14:58,520 --> 00:14:59,960 Speaker 5: him and Ishboshev. 254 00:15:00,560 --> 00:15:03,120 Speaker 10: I would still like assurances that this is not a trap. 255 00:15:03,360 --> 00:15:05,480 Speaker 2: Baniyah said, Perhaps there. 256 00:15:05,400 --> 00:15:07,680 Speaker 10: Is a symbol of good will we can require of him. 257 00:15:08,000 --> 00:15:10,120 Speaker 10: If he truly desires to move the loyalty of an 258 00:15:10,240 --> 00:15:13,000 Speaker 10: entire kingdom in your favor, surely he would be willing 259 00:15:13,040 --> 00:15:14,640 Speaker 10: to extend an effort of clarity. 260 00:15:15,040 --> 00:15:16,240 Speaker 2: David nodded in agreement. 261 00:15:16,680 --> 00:15:17,720 Speaker 5: I know jest the thing. 262 00:15:18,440 --> 00:15:21,240 Speaker 2: David stepped forward and said to the messenger, tell. 263 00:15:21,040 --> 00:15:24,760 Speaker 5: Your master that I will accept his request to meet. However, 264 00:15:25,520 --> 00:15:29,040 Speaker 5: I have a condition. He shall not see my face 265 00:15:29,320 --> 00:15:34,080 Speaker 5: until he brings me my first wife, Michal Saul's cruelty 266 00:15:34,240 --> 00:15:37,080 Speaker 5: turned her away from me. And she was given to 267 00:15:37,120 --> 00:15:41,200 Speaker 5: another man. I slaid a hundred Philistines with the right 268 00:15:41,280 --> 00:15:44,320 Speaker 5: to marry her, and I desire her. 269 00:15:44,240 --> 00:15:45,920 Speaker 6: Back another wife. 270 00:15:46,040 --> 00:15:50,400 Speaker 2: Benigah mumbled, be careful, my friend. David ignored his friend's 271 00:15:50,480 --> 00:15:52,480 Speaker 2: jab and continued to the messenger. 272 00:15:52,440 --> 00:15:56,320 Speaker 5: I want my wife back. Being married to her gives 273 00:15:56,320 --> 00:15:59,680 Speaker 5: me more claim as Saul's successor his son in law. 274 00:16:00,680 --> 00:16:03,920 Speaker 5: Hopefully this will garner more confidence in the elders. 275 00:16:04,040 --> 00:16:06,640 Speaker 2: The messenger bowed his head and sent word to Abner. 276 00:16:07,920 --> 00:16:11,520 Speaker 2: Only days after receiving David's message, may call was taken 277 00:16:11,560 --> 00:16:14,920 Speaker 2: away from her husband and sent to him. Abner had 278 00:16:14,960 --> 00:16:17,800 Speaker 2: followed through on his word. Now with the full trust 279 00:16:17,800 --> 00:16:20,800 Speaker 2: of King David, Abner began to lobby for the kingdoms 280 00:16:20,800 --> 00:16:25,320 Speaker 2: to be united once again. Gathered in his own home, 281 00:16:25,560 --> 00:16:27,880 Speaker 2: the elders of Israel conferred and deliberated. 282 00:16:28,720 --> 00:16:33,600 Speaker 4: My lords, Israel is on shaky ground. Ish Boshev lacks 283 00:16:33,680 --> 00:16:35,880 Speaker 4: the stability and strength to lead. 284 00:16:35,760 --> 00:16:36,800 Speaker 2: Us, Abner said. 285 00:16:37,120 --> 00:16:39,600 Speaker 4: For some time, I know many of you have been 286 00:16:39,640 --> 00:16:42,520 Speaker 4: pining after David to be king over you. We have 287 00:16:42,640 --> 00:16:46,640 Speaker 4: all witnessed the military and economic success of Judah. It 288 00:16:46,680 --> 00:16:48,840 Speaker 4: has now become clear to me that we have made 289 00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:52,960 Speaker 4: a mistake in anointing ish Boshev. I humble myself before 290 00:16:53,040 --> 00:16:55,360 Speaker 4: you and declare that I was wrong. 291 00:16:55,960 --> 00:16:58,560 Speaker 2: The elders stirred in their seats and murmured to one another. 292 00:16:59,320 --> 00:17:01,920 Speaker 2: What has called this change in conviction? Abner? 293 00:17:02,680 --> 00:17:05,040 Speaker 6: Are we to trust the words of a man so 294 00:17:05,280 --> 00:17:06,320 Speaker 6: easily swayed? 295 00:17:06,720 --> 00:17:08,320 Speaker 2: Abner nodded and sighed. 296 00:17:08,880 --> 00:17:12,439 Speaker 4: When the winds of the Lord blow, we must bend. 297 00:17:13,080 --> 00:17:16,480 Speaker 4: It is not a weakness to repent, he replied. The 298 00:17:16,680 --> 00:17:21,160 Speaker 4: Lord has made his choice. He himself spoke, saying, by 299 00:17:21,200 --> 00:17:23,760 Speaker 4: the hand of my servant David, I will save my 300 00:17:23,840 --> 00:17:27,000 Speaker 4: people Israel, from the hand of the Philistines and from 301 00:17:27,040 --> 00:17:28,920 Speaker 4: the hand of all their enemies. 302 00:17:29,359 --> 00:17:33,040 Speaker 2: Abner, a military man, now spoke with the conviction of 303 00:17:33,080 --> 00:17:36,399 Speaker 2: a prophet. His change of heart was clear in his words, 304 00:17:36,800 --> 00:17:40,160 Speaker 2: and the elders of Israel agreed. It was now time 305 00:17:40,200 --> 00:17:43,760 Speaker 2: for the two divided kingdoms to come together under the 306 00:17:43,800 --> 00:17:49,080 Speaker 2: Lord's chosen hero. David looked out his window towards the 307 00:17:49,119 --> 00:17:52,320 Speaker 2: gates Abner and a small band of his most loyal 308 00:17:52,359 --> 00:17:55,760 Speaker 2: men had entered to deliberate and celebrate the new union 309 00:17:55,800 --> 00:17:58,800 Speaker 2: of kingdoms. There was still much to be done, and 310 00:17:58,920 --> 00:18:02,600 Speaker 2: Abner would be crucial to the plan. Wearing the royal 311 00:18:02,680 --> 00:18:06,080 Speaker 2: robes gifted to him by Jonathan, David entered the dining 312 00:18:06,119 --> 00:18:09,639 Speaker 2: hall to greet Abner. The two men sat and ate together. 313 00:18:10,400 --> 00:18:13,800 Speaker 2: They reminisced of their military exploits and time serving under Saul. 314 00:18:14,520 --> 00:18:17,240 Speaker 2: Both of them were warriors at heart and men of honor. 315 00:18:18,040 --> 00:18:20,680 Speaker 2: David was surprised to discover just how much the two 316 00:18:20,680 --> 00:18:23,880 Speaker 2: of them had in common. Abner then began to speak 317 00:18:23,920 --> 00:18:25,960 Speaker 2: of the business regarding the two kingdoms. 318 00:18:26,240 --> 00:18:29,160 Speaker 9: I will arise from here and gather Israel under your rule. 319 00:18:29,760 --> 00:18:32,919 Speaker 9: I have already deliberated with the elders. Now it is 320 00:18:32,960 --> 00:18:36,399 Speaker 9: a matter of securing the governors and military generals. It 321 00:18:36,440 --> 00:18:39,399 Speaker 9: will not be easy, but if the Lord wills, we 322 00:18:39,480 --> 00:18:41,560 Speaker 9: shall see a united kingdom under you. 323 00:18:42,440 --> 00:18:46,000 Speaker 2: David could sense the earnest desire for peace in Abner's voice. 324 00:18:46,119 --> 00:18:50,240 Speaker 2: He nodded and said, thank you, Abner. The future of 325 00:18:50,280 --> 00:18:54,920 Speaker 2: God's Kingdom looks brighter than ever. But those parting words, 326 00:18:55,200 --> 00:18:58,479 Speaker 2: Abner bowed and left with his men. Both David and 327 00:18:58,520 --> 00:19:01,239 Speaker 2: Abner were eager for the struggle between kingdoms to end. 328 00:19:01,880 --> 00:19:04,720 Speaker 2: Their shared vision for the future of Israel left them 329 00:19:04,720 --> 00:19:08,760 Speaker 2: feeling at peace and hopeful. As the sun set, Abner 330 00:19:08,880 --> 00:19:11,119 Speaker 2: rode back home with fire in his belly for a 331 00:19:11,200 --> 00:19:16,560 Speaker 2: new kingdom under David. Moments after Abner's departure, Joe ab 332 00:19:16,600 --> 00:19:19,680 Speaker 2: returned from a raid bringing riches from the enemies of Israel. 333 00:19:20,400 --> 00:19:23,000 Speaker 2: He came laughing with his men, excited to lay the 334 00:19:23,040 --> 00:19:24,359 Speaker 2: bounty out before his king. 335 00:19:25,280 --> 00:19:28,399 Speaker 10: My Lord, see what your army has done for your kingdom. 336 00:19:28,600 --> 00:19:32,000 Speaker 10: We have gold, silver, and livestock to secure a powerful 337 00:19:32,040 --> 00:19:33,760 Speaker 10: attack against Abner and his armies. 338 00:19:34,240 --> 00:19:37,080 Speaker 2: The rest of the men cheered behind Joe abb beaming 339 00:19:37,119 --> 00:19:40,719 Speaker 2: with excitement. David smiled and said. 340 00:19:40,240 --> 00:19:42,560 Speaker 5: We may have no need to spend any of this 341 00:19:42,760 --> 00:19:45,879 Speaker 5: on an attack against Israel. I have met with Abner, 342 00:19:46,200 --> 00:19:48,879 Speaker 5: and he is lobbying with the elders and governors to 343 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:51,040 Speaker 5: secure me as king over Israel. 344 00:19:51,680 --> 00:19:56,600 Speaker 2: Joeab smiled disappeared immediately, his brow furrowed and his jaw clenched. 345 00:19:57,040 --> 00:20:00,280 Speaker 2: He was visibly angry at David's words. You did what, 346 00:20:00,680 --> 00:20:01,880 Speaker 2: Joab asked coarsely. 347 00:20:02,520 --> 00:20:05,480 Speaker 5: Abner sent word to me not so long ago, regarding 348 00:20:05,520 --> 00:20:09,240 Speaker 5: a peace agreement. He is now our ally in removing 349 00:20:09,359 --> 00:20:12,919 Speaker 5: ishbushat as king. He has opened up a way for 350 00:20:13,040 --> 00:20:16,920 Speaker 5: us to peacefully unite the kingdoms. Instead of shedding any 351 00:20:16,960 --> 00:20:17,880 Speaker 5: more blood. 352 00:20:17,840 --> 00:20:21,199 Speaker 2: Joab turned to his men and yelled get out. The 353 00:20:21,280 --> 00:20:23,480 Speaker 2: men quickly left the king's halls and shut the door. 354 00:20:23,960 --> 00:20:27,520 Speaker 2: It was only David and Joab now. Joab drew a 355 00:20:27,560 --> 00:20:29,520 Speaker 2: deep breath and spoke, saying. 356 00:20:29,760 --> 00:20:34,000 Speaker 10: My king, what have you done? 357 00:20:34,280 --> 00:20:37,520 Speaker 5: I have done the will of the Lord Joeab. You 358 00:20:37,520 --> 00:20:40,560 Speaker 5: should rejoice that we no longer have to kill our 359 00:20:40,680 --> 00:20:44,280 Speaker 5: brothers in Israel. Peace is upon us. 360 00:20:44,440 --> 00:20:49,639 Speaker 2: David replied sternly. Joab's blood rose in temperature. He was 361 00:20:49,680 --> 00:20:53,280 Speaker 2: indignant and blind with rage. The heart of Cain was 362 00:20:53,320 --> 00:20:54,000 Speaker 2: taking hold. 363 00:20:54,840 --> 00:20:59,639 Speaker 10: You allowed that treacherous snake to leave here alive. If 364 00:20:59,680 --> 00:21:02,000 Speaker 10: you truly desired peace, you would have killed him when 365 00:21:02,000 --> 00:21:05,199 Speaker 10: he entered these gates. Abner clearly came to deceive you. 366 00:21:05,480 --> 00:21:07,240 Speaker 10: I have no doubt that he and his men took 367 00:21:07,320 --> 00:21:10,080 Speaker 10: note of every part of Hebron, finding its weak points 368 00:21:10,080 --> 00:21:11,000 Speaker 10: and vulnerabilities. 369 00:21:11,119 --> 00:21:14,000 Speaker 2: Can't you see it was all a trap? David stood 370 00:21:14,040 --> 00:21:15,800 Speaker 2: to his feet and scold at his commander. 371 00:21:16,240 --> 00:21:19,760 Speaker 5: The true trap is laid out by vengeance and hatred. 372 00:21:19,880 --> 00:21:26,119 Speaker 5: Joeab Sin knocks at your door. Resist it. We have 373 00:21:26,280 --> 00:21:30,920 Speaker 5: here a chance for peace. Turn from the darkness boiling 374 00:21:30,960 --> 00:21:35,439 Speaker 5: inside you and choose to embrace Abner as a brother. 375 00:21:36,359 --> 00:21:39,719 Speaker 5: Joab looked up with pain in his eyes. He killed 376 00:21:39,760 --> 00:21:43,439 Speaker 5: my brother, he whispered. I vowed to never forget what 377 00:21:43,560 --> 00:21:44,160 Speaker 5: he has done. 378 00:21:44,920 --> 00:21:47,840 Speaker 2: Joe Ab stormed off into the night, bent on finding 379 00:21:47,880 --> 00:21:52,960 Speaker 2: his revenge. It was late and the clouds blocked out 380 00:21:52,960 --> 00:21:56,240 Speaker 2: the full moon. A warm breeze flew through the sky, 381 00:21:56,640 --> 00:22:00,560 Speaker 2: signaling the coming of summer. Joab left the presence of 382 00:22:00,640 --> 00:22:04,760 Speaker 2: David in unhinged fury. His hands were shaking and sweat 383 00:22:04,760 --> 00:22:07,840 Speaker 2: beat down from his brow. He grabbed the arm of 384 00:22:07,840 --> 00:22:09,720 Speaker 2: his servant violently and said. 385 00:22:09,680 --> 00:22:11,960 Speaker 10: Go and find Abner on his way back to Israel. 386 00:22:12,240 --> 00:22:15,120 Speaker 10: Tell him King David has further negotiations to make before 387 00:22:15,119 --> 00:22:17,480 Speaker 10: he goes back home. Have him meet at the cistern 388 00:22:17,520 --> 00:22:18,240 Speaker 10: of Sirah. 389 00:22:18,280 --> 00:22:21,280 Speaker 2: Go. The servant did as he was told and intercepted 390 00:22:21,359 --> 00:22:24,640 Speaker 2: Abner on his return to Israel. He gave him the message, 391 00:22:24,920 --> 00:22:29,680 Speaker 2: and immediately Abner sent course back to Hebron. The Cistern 392 00:22:29,720 --> 00:22:32,560 Speaker 2: of Siah remained in the shadows near the gates of Hebron. 393 00:22:33,440 --> 00:22:36,639 Speaker 2: Abner approached alone with his torch, stumbling through the narrow 394 00:22:36,680 --> 00:22:40,120 Speaker 2: passageway to the cistern. A small crack in the clouds 395 00:22:40,119 --> 00:22:44,600 Speaker 2: above illuminated the moonlight. Streaks of silver light danced down 396 00:22:44,600 --> 00:22:48,080 Speaker 2: into the alleyway, revealing a hooded figure leaning against the wall. 397 00:22:48,560 --> 00:22:51,640 Speaker 2: My King, Abner asked, suspiciously, why have. 398 00:22:51,640 --> 00:22:54,719 Speaker 4: You asked me to come here? Of all places? Is 399 00:22:54,760 --> 00:22:56,600 Speaker 4: there something secret I am not aware of? 400 00:22:57,119 --> 00:22:58,840 Speaker 2: The hooded figure took a step closer. 401 00:22:59,280 --> 00:23:01,919 Speaker 10: I have come to speak of peace, he said, and 402 00:23:02,080 --> 00:23:04,359 Speaker 10: the difficult things that must be done to achieve it. 403 00:23:04,760 --> 00:23:08,080 Speaker 2: Abner grew more wary of the situation and reached back 404 00:23:08,080 --> 00:23:11,960 Speaker 2: for his sword. However, before he could, the hooded figure 405 00:23:12,040 --> 00:23:15,880 Speaker 2: leaped forward and stuck a dagger into Abner's stomach. Abner 406 00:23:15,920 --> 00:23:19,119 Speaker 2: coughed up blood and looked up. The moonlight revealed the 407 00:23:19,200 --> 00:23:22,679 Speaker 2: face behind the hood, the face of vengeance and hate. 408 00:23:23,480 --> 00:23:26,760 Speaker 10: Joe Ab, I told you the day would come when 409 00:23:26,800 --> 00:23:28,240 Speaker 10: my brother's blood would be. 410 00:23:28,359 --> 00:23:33,119 Speaker 2: Dashed, Joe Ab said. Abner held Joab's hands helplessly as 411 00:23:33,160 --> 00:23:36,480 Speaker 2: the dagger was driven further into him. Joe Ab leaned 412 00:23:36,520 --> 00:23:40,040 Speaker 2: over to whisper in Abner's ear. Made the war die 413 00:23:40,320 --> 00:23:45,280 Speaker 2: along with you. With those words, Abner breathed his last 414 00:23:46,320 --> 00:23:49,560 Speaker 2: blood soaked the stone floor beside the cistern, and the 415 00:23:49,560 --> 00:23:52,520 Speaker 2: clouds covered the moon, once again blocking out the light. 416 00:23:54,320 --> 00:23:57,480 Speaker 2: After these things, it did not take long for word 417 00:23:57,520 --> 00:24:00,880 Speaker 2: to reach David. Joe Ab did not what he did, 418 00:24:01,320 --> 00:24:04,760 Speaker 2: nor did he feel shame. David leaned over the table 419 00:24:04,800 --> 00:24:08,080 Speaker 2: beside his throne and banged on the woods. He was 420 00:24:08,200 --> 00:24:11,719 Speaker 2: angry that job had ruined the kingdom's chance to peacefully unite. 421 00:24:12,240 --> 00:24:15,440 Speaker 2: He screamed and flipped over the table. The Naiad was 422 00:24:15,480 --> 00:24:18,320 Speaker 2: present with him, also feeling the pain of a lost 423 00:24:18,359 --> 00:24:23,480 Speaker 2: opportunity for peace. I and my kingdom are guiltless before 424 00:24:23,520 --> 00:24:27,760 Speaker 2: the Lord, David said, the blood of Abner's on Joab's hands. 425 00:24:28,400 --> 00:24:33,160 Speaker 2: May he reap the consequences. May punishment fall upon him, 426 00:24:33,520 --> 00:24:36,800 Speaker 2: his children, and his children's children. May there not be 427 00:24:36,920 --> 00:24:40,040 Speaker 2: a generation after him that does not fall by illness, 428 00:24:40,280 --> 00:24:43,800 Speaker 2: by the sword, or by starvation. The king fell to 429 00:24:43,880 --> 00:24:46,920 Speaker 2: his knees and wept. He lamented the death of Abner, 430 00:24:47,320 --> 00:24:50,119 Speaker 2: and even more the death of his first attempt at 431 00:24:50,119 --> 00:24:53,600 Speaker 2: peaceful unity. He gathered Joab and the rest of his 432 00:24:53,680 --> 00:24:57,439 Speaker 2: men and said, today is a day of mourning. For 433 00:24:57,600 --> 00:25:01,359 Speaker 2: two years we have fought for reunited is we have 434 00:25:01,440 --> 00:25:05,639 Speaker 2: lost men and brothers. Now, on the eve of a 435 00:25:05,720 --> 00:25:11,639 Speaker 2: new agreement with Israel, Abner has been slain. Along with 436 00:25:11,760 --> 00:25:16,880 Speaker 2: his death comes a harder path to peace. Tear your 437 00:25:16,960 --> 00:25:22,040 Speaker 2: clothes and put on sackcloth in mourning for Abner. So 438 00:25:22,160 --> 00:25:25,840 Speaker 2: the entire nation of Judah mourned over Abner. They buried 439 00:25:25,920 --> 00:25:29,600 Speaker 2: him in Hebron and lamented his death. David made sure 440 00:25:29,680 --> 00:25:32,240 Speaker 2: to show the entire nation that he did not desire 441 00:25:32,280 --> 00:25:35,600 Speaker 2: Abner to be killed. He needed Israel to know that 442 00:25:35,680 --> 00:25:38,960 Speaker 2: he was not responsible for his death. If the elder 443 00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:42,040 Speaker 2: saw him mourning, they would be more willing to continue 444 00:25:42,040 --> 00:25:45,600 Speaker 2: in peace talks. King David was acutely aware of how 445 00:25:45,640 --> 00:25:49,400 Speaker 2: delicate the situation was. He needed them to believe him 446 00:25:49,400 --> 00:25:52,520 Speaker 2: for the sake of the country. A song was written 447 00:25:52,520 --> 00:25:55,680 Speaker 2: by David and passed around across the nations of Judah 448 00:25:55,760 --> 00:25:59,359 Speaker 2: and Israel. A song of lament for a mighty man 449 00:25:59,400 --> 00:25:59,879 Speaker 2: of valor. 450 00:26:01,040 --> 00:26:05,239 Speaker 5: Should Abner die as a fool, dyes, his hands were 451 00:26:05,320 --> 00:26:10,159 Speaker 5: not bound, nor his feet fettered. As one falls before 452 00:26:10,200 --> 00:26:11,919 Speaker 5: the wicked, he has fallen. 453 00:26:12,920 --> 00:26:16,119 Speaker 2: Not all hope was lost for a united kingdom. The 454 00:26:16,200 --> 00:26:18,639 Speaker 2: work Abner had done among the elders had laid a 455 00:26:18,640 --> 00:26:22,520 Speaker 2: stable foundation for David to build upon. He was beloved 456 00:26:22,520 --> 00:26:25,520 Speaker 2: among his people, and even the nation of Israel had 457 00:26:25,560 --> 00:26:28,320 Speaker 2: heard of David's tender heart and gentle spirit towards a 458 00:26:28,359 --> 00:26:33,440 Speaker 2: perceived enemy. Even in chaos, God's chosen hero was renowned 459 00:26:33,440 --> 00:26:37,040 Speaker 2: for his heart. The murder of Abner revealed a deep 460 00:26:37,119 --> 00:26:41,240 Speaker 2: and dark reality of the human condition. Mankind would always 461 00:26:41,280 --> 00:26:44,640 Speaker 2: seek to shed blood to right the wrongs done to them, 462 00:26:44,920 --> 00:26:48,840 Speaker 2: Yet all vengeance accomplished was of further descent into darkness. 463 00:26:49,240 --> 00:26:51,359 Speaker 2: They would take another shedding of blood to put an 464 00:26:51,480 --> 00:26:54,199 Speaker 2: end to the darkness. It would take an act of 465 00:26:54,240 --> 00:26:57,399 Speaker 2: mercy to triumph over the contempt. It would take an 466 00:26:57,440 --> 00:27:00,640 Speaker 2: act of love to triumph the hatred. 467 00:27:04,080 --> 00:27:05,959 Speaker 1: We have a new villain in David's story, and it 468 00:27:06,040 --> 00:27:09,120 Speaker 1: is in Joe ab No. As angry as we are 469 00:27:09,119 --> 00:27:12,160 Speaker 1: with him, he is merely another victim to the ancient 470 00:27:12,200 --> 00:27:14,520 Speaker 1: evil that has dwelt in the hearts of men since 471 00:27:14,600 --> 00:27:19,240 Speaker 1: kain Revenge. Our story began with the prelude, which is 472 00:27:19,280 --> 00:27:22,760 Speaker 1: also a foreshattering of things to come. We have spoken 473 00:27:22,840 --> 00:27:25,520 Speaker 1: briefly about the story of Cain and Abel, but it 474 00:27:25,600 --> 00:27:28,120 Speaker 1: is worth revisiting as it is one of the most 475 00:27:28,119 --> 00:27:32,360 Speaker 1: fundamental stories ever told. The slaughter of Abel was our 476 00:27:32,400 --> 00:27:35,720 Speaker 1: first real encounter with the corruption of sin. Cain was 477 00:27:35,760 --> 00:27:39,399 Speaker 1: angry with God and took revenge on him by murdering Abel, 478 00:27:39,440 --> 00:27:43,560 Speaker 1: an innocent man. God won Cain beforehand. A trap is 479 00:27:43,640 --> 00:27:47,000 Speaker 1: laid out before you. Vengeance and hatred are seeking to 480 00:27:47,000 --> 00:27:50,639 Speaker 1: take you, Cain. Sin knocks at your door. Resist it, 481 00:27:51,080 --> 00:27:54,480 Speaker 1: Do not let it rule over you. Sin has depicted 482 00:27:54,600 --> 00:27:57,360 Speaker 1: not as an act, but as a person, someone who 483 00:27:57,400 --> 00:28:00,440 Speaker 1: is hunting Cain and wanting to rule over him. Sin 484 00:28:00,560 --> 00:28:03,600 Speaker 1: is indeed a foe to be conquered, but Cain was 485 00:28:03,640 --> 00:28:07,160 Speaker 1: not the hero to overcome it. That hero would come 486 00:28:07,240 --> 00:28:11,399 Speaker 1: much later to vanquish Sin, revenge and death once and 487 00:28:11,440 --> 00:28:15,080 Speaker 1: for all. When Cain took revenge on God by killing Abel, 488 00:28:15,440 --> 00:28:18,680 Speaker 1: he began a terrible cycle that couldn't be stopped. Cain 489 00:28:18,760 --> 00:28:21,680 Speaker 1: destroyed the chance for peace between him and his brother 490 00:28:22,000 --> 00:28:25,800 Speaker 1: by spilling his blood. In doing so, he started a pattern, 491 00:28:26,160 --> 00:28:29,280 Speaker 1: a pattern of vengeance instead of forgiveness, a pattern of 492 00:28:29,320 --> 00:28:32,800 Speaker 1: hatred instead of love, a pattern of war instead of peace. 493 00:28:33,440 --> 00:28:36,840 Speaker 1: The pattern of hatred repeats itself in episode twenty, but 494 00:28:36,920 --> 00:28:39,760 Speaker 1: it didn't begin with joeab There was a more subtle 495 00:28:39,760 --> 00:28:43,440 Speaker 1: revenge before Joab's acts in the alley. The first act 496 00:28:43,480 --> 00:28:46,400 Speaker 1: of revenge we see in the story is Abner taking 497 00:28:46,440 --> 00:28:49,720 Speaker 1: the king's concubine for himself and concealing it from him. 498 00:28:50,080 --> 00:28:52,760 Speaker 1: You may be thinking that doesn't seem like revenge to me, 499 00:28:53,480 --> 00:28:56,520 Speaker 1: but it is. The narrator gives us a glimpse into 500 00:28:56,560 --> 00:29:00,480 Speaker 1: Abner's mind. During this episode, Abner feels like he is 501 00:29:00,600 --> 00:29:03,720 Speaker 1: owed the pleasure of the king's concubine. After all, he 502 00:29:03,760 --> 00:29:06,320 Speaker 1: has done so much for the king and receive very 503 00:29:06,320 --> 00:29:10,560 Speaker 1: little thanks. Then, when Abner is confronted, he lashes out 504 00:29:10,600 --> 00:29:15,000 Speaker 1: and takes revenge on Ibaschef by allying himself with David. 505 00:29:15,400 --> 00:29:18,000 Speaker 1: It's a messy way to start an alliance, and it 506 00:29:18,040 --> 00:29:21,320 Speaker 1: turns out to get even more messy. Revenge can be 507 00:29:21,400 --> 00:29:24,480 Speaker 1: more subtle than repaying evil for evil. It can begin 508 00:29:24,600 --> 00:29:28,920 Speaker 1: with quiet contempt for another person. How is contempt conceived? 509 00:29:29,680 --> 00:29:34,040 Speaker 1: It can begin by feeling unappreciated and undervalued. When someone 510 00:29:34,040 --> 00:29:38,640 Speaker 1: feels unappreciated, they can make excuses for bad behavior I deserve. 511 00:29:38,720 --> 00:29:42,880 Speaker 1: This can be a mantra that justifies indulgence. This is 512 00:29:42,920 --> 00:29:46,320 Speaker 1: often how someone who works in a stressful job justifies 513 00:29:46,360 --> 00:29:50,280 Speaker 1: too many drinks, or a spouse who feels unappreciated justifies 514 00:29:50,320 --> 00:29:53,840 Speaker 1: an affair. People do these things to punish the people 515 00:29:53,960 --> 00:29:57,440 Speaker 1: they have contempt for, but they are actually punishing themselves. 516 00:29:58,120 --> 00:30:01,640 Speaker 1: Abner seems genuinely in love, and perhaps he is, but 517 00:30:01,720 --> 00:30:04,400 Speaker 1: that isn't the point. The point is that he is 518 00:30:04,480 --> 00:30:08,120 Speaker 1: clearly regretting who he's aligned with and has a growing 519 00:30:08,160 --> 00:30:12,520 Speaker 1: contempt for Saul's son that boils over into revenge. Abner 520 00:30:12,560 --> 00:30:16,840 Speaker 1: has a heated and one sided argument with Isbaschef, then 521 00:30:17,080 --> 00:30:21,200 Speaker 1: leaves in a rage to make peace with David. David, 522 00:30:21,240 --> 00:30:25,200 Speaker 1: in contrast to Isbachef, is thriving in Judah. He has 523 00:30:25,240 --> 00:30:29,080 Speaker 1: brought stability and security to the small nation through trade 524 00:30:29,080 --> 00:30:33,000 Speaker 1: agreements and peace treaties. However, there's an elephant in the 525 00:30:33,080 --> 00:30:36,720 Speaker 1: room we need to address. David has collected six wives 526 00:30:36,760 --> 00:30:40,520 Speaker 1: in seven years and sired many children with them. Remember 527 00:30:40,560 --> 00:30:44,360 Speaker 1: when we talked about the difference between prescriptive and descriptive 528 00:30:44,400 --> 00:30:47,320 Speaker 1: events in the Bible. This is a good example of 529 00:30:47,360 --> 00:30:51,560 Speaker 1: something that is descriptive, not prescriptive. Just because David has 530 00:30:51,600 --> 00:30:54,920 Speaker 1: six wives does not mean God says it's okay. In 531 00:30:55,000 --> 00:30:58,480 Speaker 1: the ancient world. Many packs between nations and tribes were 532 00:30:58,520 --> 00:31:01,960 Speaker 1: sealed through marriage. That is a possible reason for David's 533 00:31:01,960 --> 00:31:05,440 Speaker 1: growing family. There's also the reality that the more children 534 00:31:05,480 --> 00:31:08,800 Speaker 1: you had, the more secure your legacy was. As king, 535 00:31:09,400 --> 00:31:12,680 Speaker 1: David's responsibility was to have as many children as possible, 536 00:31:13,000 --> 00:31:16,239 Speaker 1: and having several wives made that easier. This is not 537 00:31:16,320 --> 00:31:21,480 Speaker 1: a justification, just a reality we have to accept. Benaiah, 538 00:31:21,880 --> 00:31:25,320 Speaker 1: a voice of reason in David's life, briefly warned him 539 00:31:25,320 --> 00:31:29,000 Speaker 1: about marrying too many women. This was a foreshadowing of 540 00:31:29,160 --> 00:31:32,560 Speaker 1: difficult things to come. I can't think of one example 541 00:31:32,560 --> 00:31:36,240 Speaker 1: in scripture where marrying several people turned out well for someone. 542 00:31:36,720 --> 00:31:39,560 Speaker 1: This should tell us enough about God's opinion on the matter. 543 00:31:40,400 --> 00:31:43,960 Speaker 1: Abner realizes that he's made a mistake by hitching his 544 00:31:44,040 --> 00:31:47,560 Speaker 1: wagon to the wrong horse. This is a common theme 545 00:31:47,600 --> 00:31:51,160 Speaker 1: in scripture. Sometimes you need to get what you want 546 00:31:51,280 --> 00:31:54,160 Speaker 1: in order to realize you shouldn't have wanted it to 547 00:31:54,200 --> 00:31:57,640 Speaker 1: begin with. We can all relate to this on some level. 548 00:31:57,720 --> 00:32:02,719 Speaker 1: Right Sometimes we pine at this sacrifice everything in pursuit 549 00:32:02,760 --> 00:32:06,000 Speaker 1: of it, then realize it was the wrong thing to pursue. 550 00:32:06,800 --> 00:32:09,719 Speaker 1: Jesus said it best by asking what good is it 551 00:32:09,800 --> 00:32:12,880 Speaker 1: if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul. 552 00:32:13,520 --> 00:32:16,840 Speaker 1: Abner has that moment and wants to correct it. He 553 00:32:17,000 --> 00:32:20,040 Speaker 1: shows a great deal of humility in this chapter. He 554 00:32:20,080 --> 00:32:22,840 Speaker 1: makes an alliance with David and we get a taste 555 00:32:22,840 --> 00:32:26,880 Speaker 1: of peace. David is excited to finally negotiate peace instead 556 00:32:26,880 --> 00:32:29,800 Speaker 1: of fighting for it. There is an important line in 557 00:32:29,840 --> 00:32:31,960 Speaker 1: this story that I want us to focus on for 558 00:32:32,000 --> 00:32:36,000 Speaker 1: a moment. The narrator says David he had dreams of 559 00:32:36,040 --> 00:32:39,360 Speaker 1: being a king of peace, not just war. This is 560 00:32:39,360 --> 00:32:43,040 Speaker 1: a sad line because unfortunately for David, he will be 561 00:32:43,080 --> 00:32:45,760 Speaker 1: a man of war his whole life. It is the 562 00:32:45,960 --> 00:32:48,440 Speaker 1: role he has been given to set the kingdom up 563 00:32:48,440 --> 00:32:52,160 Speaker 1: for success. We will revisit this theme later in the series. 564 00:32:53,000 --> 00:32:57,280 Speaker 1: David is so close to peace, so close, However, revenge 565 00:32:57,320 --> 00:33:01,760 Speaker 1: has its teeth sunk deeply into Joe AB's David warns 566 00:33:01,840 --> 00:33:04,960 Speaker 1: him the same way God warned Kin. The true trap 567 00:33:05,240 --> 00:33:08,880 Speaker 1: is laid out by vengeance and hatred. Joe, ab Sin 568 00:33:09,160 --> 00:33:12,920 Speaker 1: knocks at your door. Resist it. You have here a 569 00:33:13,040 --> 00:33:17,080 Speaker 1: chance for peace, turned from the darkness boiling inside you, 570 00:33:17,880 --> 00:33:21,360 Speaker 1: and choose to embrace Abner as a brother, just as 571 00:33:21,440 --> 00:33:25,000 Speaker 1: Kin refused to hear God. Joab refuse to hear David. 572 00:33:25,440 --> 00:33:29,120 Speaker 1: He goes against the King's wishes and kills Abner. David 573 00:33:29,160 --> 00:33:33,560 Speaker 1: is livid. Joab is ruined the chance at peace. Bloodshed 574 00:33:33,640 --> 00:33:37,200 Speaker 1: always begets more bloodshed, and the blood of Abner means 575 00:33:37,240 --> 00:33:40,520 Speaker 1: more Israelite men will have to fall in battle. David 576 00:33:40,600 --> 00:33:43,480 Speaker 1: tries to undo what Joeab has done, but it is 577 00:33:43,520 --> 00:33:47,800 Speaker 1: an uphill battle. David's character and good witness is going 578 00:33:47,840 --> 00:33:50,160 Speaker 1: to be put to the test. Will the elders of 579 00:33:50,240 --> 00:33:52,800 Speaker 1: Israel take David at his word that he had nothing 580 00:33:52,840 --> 00:33:55,760 Speaker 1: to do with Abner's death. The end of this episode 581 00:33:55,800 --> 00:33:59,200 Speaker 1: suggests that David's reputation as a man of honor may 582 00:33:59,320 --> 00:34:02,400 Speaker 1: keep them from the war. Another important theme in this 583 00:34:02,480 --> 00:34:06,040 Speaker 1: episode is the power of a good name. King Solomon, 584 00:34:06,200 --> 00:34:09,240 Speaker 1: David's son, who we will meet eventually in this series, 585 00:34:09,640 --> 00:34:13,360 Speaker 1: he said this, a good name is better than precious ointment. 586 00:34:14,040 --> 00:34:17,399 Speaker 1: David's reputation may be the only thing that saves them 587 00:34:17,440 --> 00:34:21,319 Speaker 1: from catastrophe. This is a good lesson for us. Does 588 00:34:21,400 --> 00:34:25,200 Speaker 1: our reputation earn us the benefit of the doubt? If 589 00:34:25,239 --> 00:34:28,520 Speaker 1: we aren't careful, dishonesty and gossip can ruin our witness 590 00:34:28,600 --> 00:34:32,280 Speaker 1: to others, and when we need people to give us grace, 591 00:34:32,680 --> 00:34:36,320 Speaker 1: we may not receive it. At the end of the episode, 592 00:34:36,320 --> 00:34:39,880 Speaker 1: we are told not all hope was lost for United Kingdom. 593 00:34:40,320 --> 00:34:43,120 Speaker 1: The work Abna had done among the eldest had laid 594 00:34:43,160 --> 00:34:46,360 Speaker 1: a stable foundation for David to build upon. He was 595 00:34:46,400 --> 00:34:49,400 Speaker 1: beloved among his people, and even the nation of Israel 596 00:34:49,440 --> 00:34:53,040 Speaker 1: had heard of David's tender heart and gentle spirit toward 597 00:34:53,080 --> 00:34:57,400 Speaker 1: a perceived enemy. Even in chaos, God's chosen hero was 598 00:34:57,480 --> 00:35:01,120 Speaker 1: renowned for his heart well good character. Clean up the 599 00:35:01,200 --> 00:35:04,000 Speaker 1: mess you have made. We will find out in our 600 00:35:04,040 --> 00:35:09,279 Speaker 1: next episode, United and Prepared. Thanks again for listening. For 601 00:35:09,440 --> 00:35:13,759 Speaker 1: more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom to last a lifetime, 602 00:35:14,239 --> 00:35:17,600 Speaker 1: go to pray dot com and to expand your heroes 603 00:35:17,600 --> 00:35:20,680 Speaker 1: in the Bible Journey, download the Heroes of the Faith 604 00:35:20,719 --> 00:35:25,920 Speaker 1: devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward Slash Heroes, Write a 605 00:35:25,960 --> 00:35:29,520 Speaker 1: review and let us know how this podcast has impacted 606 00:35:29,560 --> 00:35:30,960 Speaker 1: your life. God bless