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Speaker 1: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evan, your host for Heroes in

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Speaker 1: the Bible. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please

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Speaker 1: share it with your family and friends and help us

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Speaker 1: spread God's word. Welcome to the epic Adventure of David,

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Speaker 1: a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal,

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Speaker 1: and murder. While most people know of David the myth,

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Speaker 1: few know about David the man. In this episode, we

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Speaker 1: will get a grand view of the King's faith. We

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Speaker 1: get to peek behind the curtain to see some of

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Speaker 1: the more intimate conversations David has with God. We also

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Speaker 1: get to see him leading the people in praise while

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Speaker 1: also learning some hard lessons about God's holiness. This is

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Speaker 1: one of my favorite episodes because we get a more

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Speaker 1: extensive look at God's interaction with David. Before he has

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Speaker 1: been a figure to speak in some small burst and

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Speaker 1: move behind the scenes. This episode places God as a

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Speaker 1: prominent character. More than that, God is the warrior and king.

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Speaker 1: In this episode, you will be amazed to witness God

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Speaker 1: lead a battle, lead a worship session, and lead the

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Speaker 1: decisions of the king. David is like us in this episode,

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Speaker 1: simply watching God in amazement. This episode also introduces some

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Speaker 1: inner conflict in doubt. It's a healthy thing to struggle

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Speaker 1: with God. Israel does mean to wrestle with God, after all.

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Speaker 1: David has some lower moments of doubt. He questions God's

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Speaker 1: motives and seeks more clarity on the decisions he's made.

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Speaker 1: David lays out a great example for us in this episode.

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Speaker 1: He models what it is like to struggle through doubt,

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Speaker 1: ask questions, and be content with an answer that is given.

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Speaker 1: At the end of the episode, God gives David a

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Speaker 1: grand promise. It's a promise we all knew was coming,

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Speaker 1: but as he speaks, we can't help but step back

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Speaker 1: and offe. God has been on a rescue mission since

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Speaker 1: the beginning of mankind, and David is being roped into

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Speaker 1: the process. I can't wait to enjoy this episode with you.

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Speaker 1: Here is episode twenty two, The Worshipful Warrior.

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Speaker 2: Prelude to Chapter twenty two. Bezilel was the finest craftsman

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Speaker 2: in all the twelve tribes of Israel. His mind was

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Speaker 2: created and formed by the Lord for a singular purpose,

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Speaker 2: to build the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle

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Speaker 2: of God. He was charged with a great honor and

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Speaker 2: a frightening responsibility. The Lord himself inspired the plans, and

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Speaker 2: Bezilel would not allow himself to flinch. He ran his

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Speaker 2: hands through the freshly catacasia would He smoothed the blades

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Speaker 2: until it was as smooth as ivory. Methodically and carefully,

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Speaker 2: he crafted and carved the wood into a box three

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Speaker 2: feet nine inches long, two feet three inches wide, and

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Speaker 2: two feet three inches high. He measured them perfectly, ensuring

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Speaker 2: it was not off one degree. In the dead of night,

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Speaker 2: Bezilel stoked his furnace with coals. The fire raged until

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Speaker 2: it was unbearably hot. In an iron pot, he melted

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Speaker 2: down gold taken from Egypt. The gold slowly turned molten, refined,

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Speaker 2: and purified again and again under the hot fire. Bezilel

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Speaker 2: poured it out and created a molding for the inside

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Speaker 2: and outside of the ark. The ark shimmered in the firelight.

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Speaker 2: Bezilel rubbed it with a piece of cloth, looking at

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Speaker 2: his reflection in the purified gold. He then moved on

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Speaker 2: to the four rings of gold for its feet, and

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Speaker 2: the two rings of gold on each side. He carved

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Speaker 2: poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with another gold molding.

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Speaker 2: These poles would carry the ark. Bezelel could imagine the

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Speaker 2: Levites lifting the arc over their shoulders with them. He

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Speaker 2: beamed with pride as he ran his rough craspman hands

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Speaker 2: over the smooth wood. More gold was poured into the

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Speaker 2: iron and melted down. Bezilel took the large and malleable

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Speaker 2: piece of gold out of the fire and touched his

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Speaker 2: blade to it. Out of the formless piece of precious metal,

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Speaker 2: he carved two beautiful cherubim. Once they dried in the

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Speaker 2: cool midnight air, he took them back to the tent

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Speaker 2: and hammered them into the ark on either side. The

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Speaker 2: cherubim's wings spread above the arm and met in the middle.

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Speaker 2: Their shadow was cast over the ark, protecting the mercy

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Speaker 2: seat he crafted between the cherubim. Bezelel took a step

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Speaker 2: back and observed what he had just created. Within the ark,

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Speaker 2: he placed the tablets of the Law that Moses brought

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Speaker 2: down from Mount Sinai, a jar of Manna, and Aaron's

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Speaker 2: rod that miraculously budded as a confirmation of his leadership,

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Speaker 2: relics that testified to God's faithfulness. The craftsman sighed and smiled.

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Speaker 2: It was complete, a symbol of God's presence, faithfulness, an

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Speaker 2: unwavering devotion to his people was completed. Chapter twenty two.

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Speaker 2: The worshipful warrior Ah King Akish screamed as he flipped

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Speaker 2: the table in front of his throne. Servants scattered as

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Speaker 2: the philistine king raved and swung his sword in anger.

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Speaker 2: He threw his spear at the pelts mounted on the

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Speaker 2: wall and yelled again.

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Speaker 3: I let David into my lad. I fed him, housed him,

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Speaker 3: and let him thrive. Now he has been made king

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Speaker 3: of Israel.

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Speaker 2: The massive king kicked over the iron pit holding his

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Speaker 2: fine ambers poured out out of the stone floor, making

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Speaker 2: the whole room heat up. King Akish was beside himself

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Speaker 2: with rage. He felt like a fool for trusting David

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Speaker 2: and allowing him to reside in his kingdom.

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Speaker 3: I want his head on a pike, he yelled. Gather

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Speaker 3: all the able men we have. Send word to the

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Speaker 3: other kings. I shall slaughter him as I did king's soul.

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Speaker 2: The servants and commanders of Akish bowed in fear, then

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Speaker 2: left the throne room to follow his order. It did

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Speaker 2: not take long for some of the other Philistine kings

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Speaker 2: to gather their soldiers as well. A united Philistine army

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Speaker 2: was coming for the head of King David. Under the

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Speaker 2: moonlit sky, David walked the streets of Jerusalem. The moon

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Speaker 2: provided a rare covering of light, so he could stroll

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Speaker 2: in the evening without hindrance. It was a peaceful exercise

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Speaker 2: for his burdened mind. The warmth of summer was a

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Speaker 2: pleasant companion as he walked and prayed to the Lord.

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Speaker 4: Akish and his armies have come up against us.

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Speaker 2: He prayed to God.

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Speaker 4: If I march, will you give us victory? Will your

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Speaker 4: favor go before us?

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Speaker 2: David had taken great care into being attentive to the

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Speaker 2: Lord's voice. In chaos and doubt, David leaned upon the

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Speaker 2: gentle and quiet voice of the Lord. He listened for

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Speaker 2: a voice in the silence of his mind. In the

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Speaker 2: stillness of the night. God answered, saying, go, for.

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Speaker 4: I will certainly give the Phillie stings into your hand.

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Speaker 2: David took in a deep breath. He filled his lungs

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Speaker 2: with the breath of God's spirit. He was no longer

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Speaker 2: a rogue warrior from Israel. He was now the warrior

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Speaker 2: king and protector of God's people. Days later, David marched

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Speaker 2: with his army to a large valley between the two nations.

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Speaker 2: The wind howled in his direction, galloping through the hills

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Speaker 2: and up towards him and his men. David felt a

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Speaker 2: slight rumble in the ground. He looked at the valley below.

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Speaker 2: The Philistines were approaching. The enemy hoard led by King

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Speaker 2: akish A, massed at the center of the valley. David

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Speaker 2: peered over, seeing that they were in a different formation

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Speaker 2: than usual. Typically, the Philistine armies liked to march with

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Speaker 2: their finest warriors at the tip and break through like

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Speaker 2: a spear. Yet this time they created a barricade of

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Speaker 2: shield bears around the perimeter and set their archers behind

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Speaker 2: and in the center.

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Speaker 4: If we march, their archers fire, he said. They want

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Speaker 4: us to march at them. They are hoping for it.

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Speaker 4: They will surely defeat us before we even reach them.

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Speaker 2: He wondered how he might break through their fortifications without

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Speaker 2: first being shot down by their archers. As he was thinking,

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Speaker 2: he felt the wind again. It was blowing directly at him.

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Speaker 2: The wind had a direct path from the valley up

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Speaker 2: through the rolling hills, where they stood if they marched

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Speaker 2: straight forward, the wind would surely pick up the arrows

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Speaker 2: and give the Philistines more range. Then David lit up

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Speaker 2: with an idea. He turned to Joab and said, tell

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Speaker 2: our men to break into two groups. We will attack

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Speaker 2: the Philistines on either side of the valley. What of

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Speaker 2: their archers, Joab asked.

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Speaker 4: David raised his hand in the air. You feel the

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Speaker 4: direction of the wind. If we move from our place

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Speaker 4: and form at the flanks, the archer's arrows will have

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Speaker 4: too much resistance to land a good shot. If we

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Speaker 4: pursue fast enough, they will have no time to adapt,

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Speaker 4: and victory will be ours.

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Speaker 2: Joab bowed his head and did as David commanded. The

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Speaker 2: army was split into two, and they swiftly marched in

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Speaker 2: either direction of the Philistines. David unsheathed his sword and

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Speaker 2: began his descent against the Philistines. Joab pursued the enemy

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Speaker 2: on the other side of the valley. The wind howled

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Speaker 2: against David's left side and Joab's right side as the

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Speaker 2: two of them sprinted towards the enemy. Sure enough, the

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Speaker 2: archers drew back their bows and fired, but the wind

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Speaker 2: was too strong to keep the arrows on course. Few

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Speaker 2: Israelites were hit and pursuit, and David and the others

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Speaker 2: were rope through the enemy lines like raging waters through

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Speaker 2: it dam King David was the first to break through,

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Speaker 2: leaping at one of the shield bearers and knocking him over.

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Speaker 2: It was the first battle with the United Armies of

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Speaker 2: Israel into their new king, and the victory was swift

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Speaker 2: and decisive. The warrior King danced through the enemy ranks

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Speaker 2: with rapid strokes of his sword and faules determinatedtines will

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Speaker 2: remind him of why they've once feared David. The giants

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Speaker 2: Layer King Akish, a king that was no stranger to war,

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Speaker 2: called for his men to retreat. David and the armies

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Speaker 2: of the Lord were too overwhelming, breaking through each defense

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Speaker 2: system they put in place. The children of God cheered

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Speaker 2: as their enemies fled in defeat. David rose his blood

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Speaker 2: silk sword high in the air, and he turned to

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Speaker 2: his men and cheered with them.

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Speaker 4: On this ground, we have broken through our enemy with

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Speaker 4: unrelenting force, Like mighty and rushing waters. We have overwhelmed

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Speaker 4: the Philistines. Thus this unnamed valley shall now be called

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Speaker 4: bail Perish, which means breakthrough, For the Lord is a

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Speaker 4: god of breakthroughs. The Lord is a god of power

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Speaker 4: over all those who had seek to enslave us.

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Speaker 2: The crowd erupted in earthshaking praise for their God and

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Speaker 2: their king. This was his fish victory as king over Israel,

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Speaker 2: and it would not be his last. The camp of

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Speaker 2: the Philistines was close by. The men began to sift

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Speaker 2: through their belonging, seeing what wealth they could bring home.

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Speaker 2: David saw tent erected in the middle of their camp.

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Speaker 2: The material was a deep blue, with golden poles keeping

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Speaker 2: it upright. David walked inside to see statues and idols

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Speaker 2: erected to the Philistine gods Dagon, Gaza, and Ashdod. Offerings

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Speaker 2: of human blood laced the floor of the altars. The

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Speaker 2: sight made David cringe. For all you praying and sacrifice

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Speaker 2: to these gods, where has it gotten you? David whispered

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Speaker 2: to himself, What does it profit you to worship these

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Speaker 2: impersonal statues. He gestured for his men to pack up

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Speaker 2: the idols and take them away. Today was the Lord's victory,

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Speaker 2: and David would not allow these false gods to remain standing.

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Speaker 2: Two months passed and the Philistines had time to regain

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Speaker 2: their strength and try again to knock at the borders

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Speaker 2: of Israel. Akish and the United Philistine Kings amassed a

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Speaker 2: greater army than before, pulling in mercenaries and hired servants

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Speaker 2: from other nations. Joab sent spies to scout out the

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Speaker 2: encroaching Horde. They returned with bleak reports.

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Speaker 4: They have settled near our borders, out in the valley of.

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Speaker 2: Refaem, They said.

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Speaker 4: The enemy is more vast in number than before, stretching

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Speaker 4: across the whole valley beyond the forest.

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Speaker 2: Joe Ab, disturbed by the news, brought it to David.

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Speaker 2: He knelt before the king with great distress. However, David

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Speaker 2: remained silent and contemplative. David stood up from his throne

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Speaker 2: and walked down the steps of his home. His humble

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Speaker 2: gardens were out front, soaking in the final rays of

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Speaker 2: the day. The sun was heavy in the sky and

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Speaker 2: about to tuck itself under the horizon. David strolled among

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Speaker 2: the garden, feeling the flowers and listening to the rustling

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Speaker 2: of leaves above. Even though he had just defeated the

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Speaker 2: Philistines before it by no means gave him a false

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Speaker 2: sense of security. He knew that every battle was won

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Speaker 2: or lost by the will and sovereignty of God. He

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Speaker 2: refused to march unless the Lord had ordered it. So,

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Speaker 2: as the sun's final light collapsed under the hills, David

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Speaker 2: knelt by the olive trees to pray.

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Speaker 4: They have returned.

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Speaker 2: Lord David whispered, what shall we do? Once again, David

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Speaker 2: implored of his God. He looked to him like a

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Speaker 2: sheep does to his shepherd, and like the Lord had

228
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Speaker 2: done so many times before, he answered him.

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Speaker 4: You shall not go up against them.

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Speaker 2: The Lord said. David's head tilted to the side at

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Speaker 2: the thought. He did not expect that answer. However, the

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Speaker 2: Lord continued to speak to David in the quietness of

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Speaker 2: his heart.

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Speaker 4: Go around the armies of the Philistines to the rear.

235
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Speaker 4: Wait there opposite the balsam trees. When you hear the

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Speaker 4: sound of marching of the bosom trees, then rouse your

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Speaker 4: army and fight, for I will go out before you

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Speaker 4: to strike down the armies of the Philistines.

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Speaker 2: David smirked and shook his head. He raised his smile

240
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Speaker 2: to the sky and nodded. He was overjoyed and amused

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Speaker 2: that God would not just give him permission to fight,

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Speaker 2: but also give him marching orders. There was great comfort

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Speaker 2: in taking orders from the commander of the heavens, So

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Speaker 2: onward they marched around the valley of Raphaeim, unnoticed by

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Speaker 2: the Philistines. The tree coverings and sloped hills provided a

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Speaker 2: perfect cover for David and his armies. They were able

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Speaker 2: to remain hidden from the Philistines while being only a

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Speaker 2: quarter mile away from them. As the evening approached, David

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Speaker 2: had his men rest. However, the king remained awake. He

250
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Speaker 2: listened to the trees above him.

251
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Speaker 4: What are we waiting for again.

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Speaker 2: Shama asked. David smiled and looked up marching s said

253
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Speaker 2: the men were confused. Whoever, the King often confused them.

254
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Speaker 2: He had a connection to the divine that they had

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Speaker 2: trouble comprehending. He was attuned to the character, prompting, and

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Speaker 2: movement of God in a unique way. As they tucked

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Speaker 2: themselves in for the night, David continued to turn his

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Speaker 2: ear to the trees. He was not tired, for a

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Speaker 2: giddy excitement came over him. He was eager to see

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Speaker 2: what the Lord was going to do. The night drew

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Speaker 2: on in silence until moments before the dawn. Interrupting the

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Speaker 2: still dewy morning was the sound of footsteps. David, who

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Speaker 2: had dozed off in the latter parts of the night,

264
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Speaker 2: rose to his feet and listened. It was still dark,

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Speaker 2: but the first glimpses of morning were beginning to show

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Speaker 2: in the sky. He looked to see the trees rustling

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Speaker 2: above him. The sound of footsteps grew louder and louder,

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Speaker 2: like thousands of armored soldiers marching into battle. David's eyes

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Speaker 2: lit up with glee at the sound of it. It

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Speaker 2: was as if Heaven's armies were marching towards the Philistines.

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Speaker 2: The king wasted no time. He woke his commanders and

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Speaker 2: ordered them to ready their men. Arm yourselves, he yelled,

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Speaker 2: Today we followed the Lord into battle. David ran ahead

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Speaker 2: of his men with speed and enthusiasm. He followed the

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Speaker 2: sound of the trees, forcing himself to keep up. The

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Speaker 2: sound of marching above was just a few paces ahead,

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Speaker 2: and David could sense that they were getting closer to

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Speaker 2: the Philistines. The forest reached its end, and an opening

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Speaker 2: through the trees emerged to reveal an entire army of

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Speaker 2: Philistines in disarray. The Lord had gone before them, and

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Speaker 2: the enemy wasn't ready for the army of Israel. David

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00:16:36,960 --> 00:16:39,080
Speaker 2: once again was the first to enter the fray of

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Speaker 2: battle with a force even greater than before. The Army

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Speaker 2: of God prevailed. David and his men were reveled in

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Speaker 2: their victory, basking in the faithfulness of the Lord. God

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Speaker 2: showed himself that day to be a forerunner. He went

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Speaker 2: before the people and secured the victory on their behalf.

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Speaker 2: All they had to do was walk in the victory

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Speaker 2: already for them. This was but a glimpse into the

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Speaker 2: future victory God would win for his people. Victory over sin,

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Speaker 2: death and destruction would be secured by God himself, and

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Speaker 2: his people would only have to listen for him and follow.

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Speaker 2: It was like a tidal wave of joy and worship.

294
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Speaker 2: King David stretched his arms out wide before the people

295
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Speaker 2: of Israel, shouting and singing praises to God. The sea

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Speaker 2: of faces were beaming with hope and joyful adoration for

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Speaker 2: their God. Jerusalem was overflowing with pure and unwavering worship,

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Speaker 2: with David at the center leading the people in praise.

299
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Speaker 2: He had gathered thirty thousand of his best men to

300
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Speaker 2: leave the gates of Jerusalem to Bailey Judah. There resided

301
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Speaker 2: the Ark of the Covenant, God's chosen dwelling and a

302
00:17:47,440 --> 00:17:50,800
Speaker 2: symbol of his presence among the people. The ark was

303
00:17:50,840 --> 00:17:53,480
Speaker 2: a picture of God's faithfulness to his people and the

304
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Speaker 2: covenant he made with them long ago in the days

305
00:17:55,800 --> 00:17:59,639
Speaker 2: of Moses. David led the procession to Bailey Judah with

306
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Speaker 2: the thirty thousand behind him. They found the house of

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Speaker 2: a Benadab, where the ark was being kept safe. The king,

308
00:18:06,840 --> 00:18:09,480
Speaker 2: along with the priest, stepped forward as the Benadab took

309
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Speaker 2: them to a secret place where the ark was being hidden.

310
00:18:12,440 --> 00:18:16,120
Speaker 2: The golden structure was three feet nine inches long, two

311
00:18:16,119 --> 00:18:19,040
Speaker 2: feet three inches wide, and two feet three inches high.

312
00:18:19,680 --> 00:18:22,920
Speaker 2: It was David's first time gazing upon it. He stared

313
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Speaker 2: at the golden Cherubim sitting on top with their wings

314
00:18:25,760 --> 00:18:29,120
Speaker 2: arching forward towards each other. It was crafted with such

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Speaker 2: detail and precision it made David awe Within the ark

316
00:18:33,840 --> 00:18:36,120
Speaker 2: were the tablets of the Law that Moses brought down

317
00:18:36,160 --> 00:18:39,720
Speaker 2: from Mount Sinai, a jar of Manna, and Aaron's rod

318
00:18:39,720 --> 00:18:44,200
Speaker 2: that miraculously budded as the confirmation of his leadership. Relics

319
00:18:44,320 --> 00:18:48,760
Speaker 2: that testified to God's faithfulness. The king sighed and smiled.

320
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Speaker 4: It is time to bring the Ark out of obscurity

321
00:18:53,680 --> 00:18:57,439
Speaker 4: and back into prominence, he said. Israel is to be

322
00:18:57,640 --> 00:19:01,240
Speaker 4: alive with the sense of the nearness to the presence

323
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Speaker 4: and glory of God.

324
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Speaker 2: A new cart had been constructed to carry the ark,

325
00:19:06,480 --> 00:19:09,320
Speaker 2: although the law of Moses strictly said that only levites

326
00:19:09,359 --> 00:19:12,520
Speaker 2: could carry it. The new cart was shimmering with fine

327
00:19:12,560 --> 00:19:16,680
Speaker 2: jewels and silver. It was a fatly constructed vessel, but

328
00:19:16,760 --> 00:19:20,240
Speaker 2: still not what the Lord had desired. With all of

329
00:19:20,320 --> 00:19:23,640
Speaker 2: David's enthusiasm to honor God, he had neglected to pay

330
00:19:23,640 --> 00:19:27,800
Speaker 2: attention to the details of his word. The excitement was palpable.

331
00:19:28,440 --> 00:19:31,600
Speaker 2: Trumpets were sounded, and a procession of musicians made way

332
00:19:31,640 --> 00:19:33,679
Speaker 2: for the Ark of the Covenant to travel from the

333
00:19:33,720 --> 00:19:37,879
Speaker 2: house of Abinadad to Jerusalem. David led the musicians with

334
00:19:38,000 --> 00:19:41,560
Speaker 2: their lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and symbols

335
00:19:42,200 --> 00:19:45,560
Speaker 2: uzza and ohio. The sons of Abinedad had the distinct

336
00:19:45,560 --> 00:19:49,480
Speaker 2: privilege of driving the cart. Their faces were alive with

337
00:19:49,600 --> 00:19:52,800
Speaker 2: honor and humility. There was a levity and casual tone

338
00:19:52,840 --> 00:19:56,199
Speaker 2: to the entire celebration. People seem to forget that the

339
00:19:56,359 --> 00:19:59,119
Speaker 2: ark was a symbol of the holy and manifest presence

340
00:19:59,160 --> 00:20:02,720
Speaker 2: of God. It was not to be taken lightly. The

341
00:20:02,800 --> 00:20:05,680
Speaker 2: people continued to cheer as they approached the threshing floor

342
00:20:05,720 --> 00:20:09,399
Speaker 2: beside the fields of wheat. As they declined towards the field,

343
00:20:09,640 --> 00:20:11,919
Speaker 2: and Oxen pulling the cart stumbled on a hole in

344
00:20:11,960 --> 00:20:15,520
Speaker 2: the ground. As its leg dipped, the cart shifted and

345
00:20:15,600 --> 00:20:19,240
Speaker 2: the ark began to fall. Uzza looked back and saw

346
00:20:19,280 --> 00:20:22,879
Speaker 2: the ark sliding slightly off the ground. Uzza knew that

347
00:20:22,920 --> 00:20:25,040
Speaker 2: it was forbidden to touch the ark of the Covenant

348
00:20:25,240 --> 00:20:28,480
Speaker 2: unless you were appointed to do so. However, he chose

349
00:20:28,480 --> 00:20:31,040
Speaker 2: to step off the cart and move the ark anyways.

350
00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:34,960
Speaker 2: As his hand touched the ark, all were reminded of

351
00:20:35,040 --> 00:20:38,919
Speaker 2: the holiness of God. There was no mistaking that although

352
00:20:38,960 --> 00:20:42,240
Speaker 2: God was loving and merciful, he was to be feared

353
00:20:42,359 --> 00:20:45,960
Speaker 2: and revered. Uzza's hand touched the ark, and the anger

354
00:20:46,000 --> 00:20:49,200
Speaker 2: of the Lord was kindled against him. Zza stepped back

355
00:20:49,320 --> 00:20:52,240
Speaker 2: and fell to his knees. He grasped at his chest,

356
00:20:52,560 --> 00:20:56,240
Speaker 2: then fell on his face. Then the entire procession of

357
00:20:56,280 --> 00:21:02,280
Speaker 2: people paused. Uzza had been struck down by God. David

358
00:21:02,400 --> 00:21:05,080
Speaker 2: ran to Za and held his lifeless body in his arms.

359
00:21:05,800 --> 00:21:07,960
Speaker 2: His face had been filled with hope and joy just

360
00:21:08,080 --> 00:21:12,520
Speaker 2: moments before. Now his face was pale and devoid of life.

361
00:21:13,680 --> 00:21:17,480
Speaker 2: David's body began to tremble. Angry tears ran down his

362
00:21:17,480 --> 00:21:19,960
Speaker 2: face as he looked up to the art propped up

363
00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:24,000
Speaker 2: on the cart. How could you do this, the king whispered.

364
00:21:23,880 --> 00:21:28,480
Speaker 4: How could you kill a man but trying to save

365
00:21:28,560 --> 00:21:32,280
Speaker 4: the ark from falling? Are you not rich in mercy

366
00:21:32,880 --> 00:21:37,119
Speaker 4: like we proclaimed? Are you not slow to wrath like

367
00:21:37,200 --> 00:21:37,840
Speaker 4: we have sung?

368
00:21:38,920 --> 00:21:41,520
Speaker 2: David stood to his feet and had his men take

369
00:21:41,640 --> 00:21:45,639
Speaker 2: Uza to his father. He looked behind him. The people

370
00:21:45,680 --> 00:21:49,479
Speaker 2: were still Their faces were as pale as David's. They

371
00:21:49,520 --> 00:21:52,600
Speaker 2: could not believe what they had just witnessed. The Lord

372
00:21:52,680 --> 00:21:55,800
Speaker 2: had struck down one of their own. David did not

373
00:21:55,880 --> 00:21:59,600
Speaker 2: address them. He remained silent and still looking back at

374
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Speaker 2: the Ark of God. He was paralyzed by fear, unwilling

375
00:22:03,600 --> 00:22:05,480
Speaker 2: to even step close to it.

376
00:22:05,520 --> 00:22:08,400
Speaker 4: Is God not who I thought he was, David thought

377
00:22:08,400 --> 00:22:11,200
Speaker 4: to himself, How can the Ark of the Lord come

378
00:22:11,240 --> 00:22:14,760
Speaker 4: with me to Jerusalem. David looked across the fields of

379
00:22:14,760 --> 00:22:17,920
Speaker 4: wheat and saw a large home nestled between two hills.

380
00:22:18,320 --> 00:22:20,600
Speaker 4: It was the home of a man named obed Edom

381
00:22:20,640 --> 00:22:24,680
Speaker 4: the Gittite. He was a faithful man with a generous heart.

382
00:22:25,119 --> 00:22:27,919
Speaker 4: David left the procession and entered the home of obed

383
00:22:28,040 --> 00:22:31,880
Speaker 4: Edam with his head held low. He explained to him

384
00:22:31,920 --> 00:22:34,359
Speaker 4: what had happened and commissioned him to allow the ark

385
00:22:34,440 --> 00:22:37,320
Speaker 4: to remain on the premises until the Lord spoke. Otherwise,

386
00:22:38,200 --> 00:22:41,320
Speaker 4: the king and thirty thousand people who followed him departed

387
00:22:41,359 --> 00:22:46,359
Speaker 4: back to Jerusalem. David sat quietly by the fire with

388
00:22:46,480 --> 00:22:50,800
Speaker 4: his hands folded over his mouth. The flickering flames were mesmerizing.

389
00:22:51,480 --> 00:22:54,760
Speaker 4: He could always think deeply by a fire. He enjoyed

390
00:22:54,800 --> 00:22:58,639
Speaker 4: watching the coal's radiate heat. The King leaned forward and

391
00:22:58,680 --> 00:23:02,919
Speaker 4: shook his head. Why, he asked God once again. It

392
00:23:02,960 --> 00:23:05,399
Speaker 4: had been three months since he left the Ark, and

393
00:23:05,480 --> 00:23:08,240
Speaker 4: for three months David racked his brain on what could

394
00:23:08,280 --> 00:23:11,520
Speaker 4: have possibly caused God to slay us Ah. There were

395
00:23:11,560 --> 00:23:14,800
Speaker 4: aspects of God's character that David could not quite comprehend,

396
00:23:15,640 --> 00:23:18,760
Speaker 4: seem in the small contradictions added up to larger questions.

397
00:23:19,480 --> 00:23:22,679
Speaker 4: At night, David would often consider the depth nuance to

398
00:23:22,720 --> 00:23:26,400
Speaker 4: the nature of God. How someone from whom all life

399
00:23:26,400 --> 00:23:30,040
Speaker 4: flows can also administer the touch of death. There was

400
00:23:30,080 --> 00:23:33,640
Speaker 4: an unsearchable and unknowable quality to God that David found

401
00:23:33,680 --> 00:23:38,080
Speaker 4: both frustrating and beautiful. As David thought about these things,

402
00:23:38,280 --> 00:23:41,480
Speaker 4: he heard a knock at his door. A servant entered

403
00:23:41,480 --> 00:23:42,480
Speaker 4: in and bowed his head.

404
00:23:43,040 --> 00:23:46,000
Speaker 5: My King, I have news from the house of obed Edom.

405
00:23:46,400 --> 00:23:49,919
Speaker 2: David's stomach churned. He turned to his servant inside. What

406
00:23:50,080 --> 00:23:52,280
Speaker 2: has happened, he asked, in a frightened tone.

407
00:23:52,640 --> 00:23:55,200
Speaker 4: Were one of his sons struck down for polishing it?

408
00:23:55,880 --> 00:23:58,960
Speaker 5: No, my lord. On the contrary, it seems as though

409
00:23:59,000 --> 00:24:01,520
Speaker 5: in the past three months, obed Edom and all his

410
00:24:01,600 --> 00:24:03,280
Speaker 5: household have been abundantly blessed.

411
00:24:03,560 --> 00:24:06,480
Speaker 2: David perked up and gestured for the servant to continue.

412
00:24:06,920 --> 00:24:10,760
Speaker 5: Apparently his daughters have found godly husbands, his cattle have

413
00:24:10,800 --> 00:24:14,960
Speaker 5: produced offspring in great numbers, and his wealth has increased tenfold.

414
00:24:15,520 --> 00:24:17,880
Speaker 5: I even hear his eldest son is expecting another son,

415
00:24:18,520 --> 00:24:20,160
Speaker 5: making not six grandchildren.

416
00:24:20,520 --> 00:24:24,000
Speaker 2: The servants stepped forward, seeing that David's mind was clearly racing.

417
00:24:24,720 --> 00:24:27,520
Speaker 5: If I may, my lord, I would venture to say

418
00:24:27,560 --> 00:24:30,440
Speaker 5: that his household has been blessed because the ark resides

419
00:24:30,440 --> 00:24:34,160
Speaker 5: in his home. The Lord has clearly shown him grace.

420
00:24:34,720 --> 00:24:38,719
Speaker 2: The servant then bowed his head and left. David redirected

421
00:24:38,720 --> 00:24:42,000
Speaker 2: his gaze back to the fires. The flame swayed from

422
00:24:42,000 --> 00:24:44,919
Speaker 2: the breeze blowing in from the window. He shook his

423
00:24:44,960 --> 00:24:47,400
Speaker 2: head again and ran his hands through his curls.

424
00:24:47,800 --> 00:24:49,720
Speaker 4: Shall I finish when I started?

425
00:24:49,720 --> 00:24:53,000
Speaker 2: Then? He asked, with a sigh, will you bless me?

426
00:24:53,640 --> 00:24:56,560
Speaker 2: David contemplated the Lord and his favor on the household

427
00:24:56,640 --> 00:25:00,320
Speaker 2: of obed Edom. There was no pomp and procession, and

428
00:25:00,359 --> 00:25:03,720
Speaker 2: no golden cart to carry the ark. It simply presided

429
00:25:03,760 --> 00:25:06,600
Speaker 2: in a humble and loving home. Yet the Lord saw

430
00:25:06,680 --> 00:25:10,480
Speaker 2: fit to bless him. David considered this more and picked

431
00:25:10,520 --> 00:25:13,600
Speaker 2: up his lyre. He began to strum a new tune,

432
00:25:14,040 --> 00:25:18,160
Speaker 2: one of consideration and humility. He hummed to himself and plucked.

433
00:25:18,920 --> 00:25:22,520
Speaker 2: Soon he began to sing. Words came to him like

434
00:25:22,560 --> 00:25:24,760
Speaker 2: a trickling stream of water from a deep well.

435
00:25:25,680 --> 00:25:31,919
Speaker 4: Lord, I have given up my pride an arrogance. I

436
00:25:32,000 --> 00:25:38,360
Speaker 4: shall not set my mind on matters too lofty for me. Instead,

437
00:25:39,080 --> 00:25:43,159
Speaker 4: I am content and at peace, as a child lies

438
00:25:43,320 --> 00:25:50,640
Speaker 4: quietly in his mother's arms. My heart is quiet within me, oh.

439
00:25:50,560 --> 00:25:55,320
Speaker 2: Israel, Oh Israel, oh Israel.

440
00:25:55,680 --> 00:25:58,640
Speaker 4: Trust in the Lord now and forever.

441
00:25:59,280 --> 00:26:01,480
Speaker 2: David knew that a part of being in a relationship

442
00:26:01,480 --> 00:26:04,320
Speaker 2: with his God meant to struggle and to war with

443
00:26:04,400 --> 00:26:08,240
Speaker 2: one's own perceptions of him. David did not shy away

444
00:26:08,280 --> 00:26:11,960
Speaker 2: from the hard thoughts. Yet, in his searching he realized

445
00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:15,439
Speaker 2: the error of his ways before the Lord did not

446
00:26:15,480 --> 00:26:19,080
Speaker 2: require lavish parades of riches and opulence. He did not

447
00:26:19,200 --> 00:26:22,000
Speaker 2: delight in the vain and repetitious songs of the masses.

448
00:26:22,680 --> 00:26:27,720
Speaker 2: He desired humble, honest, and reverent praise. David had made

449
00:26:27,720 --> 00:26:30,080
Speaker 2: the mistake of carrying the Lord on a new cart

450
00:26:30,400 --> 00:26:34,040
Speaker 2: arrayed with signs of affluence. The death of us A

451
00:26:34,400 --> 00:26:37,040
Speaker 2: was a picture of the casualties created when a king

452
00:26:37,200 --> 00:26:39,359
Speaker 2: seeks to use God as a show for the people.

453
00:26:40,320 --> 00:26:42,800
Speaker 2: David continued to sing the song he had just written.

454
00:26:43,520 --> 00:26:47,240
Speaker 2: He still did not quite understand the depths of God's character. However,

455
00:26:47,280 --> 00:26:50,800
Speaker 2: he had settled on one thing. Pride and arrogance would

456
00:26:50,840 --> 00:26:55,600
Speaker 2: never lead to any answers. The next day, David gathered

457
00:26:55,600 --> 00:26:57,800
Speaker 2: a small group of Levites to carry the Ark of

458
00:26:57,840 --> 00:27:00,679
Speaker 2: God from the house of Obadiedom to the city of Jerusalem.

459
00:27:01,680 --> 00:27:03,960
Speaker 2: David did not wear his royal robes, nor did he

460
00:27:04,040 --> 00:27:07,080
Speaker 2: walk ahead on horseback with his shimmering armor. He wore

461
00:27:07,119 --> 00:27:10,080
Speaker 2: a linen effort like the rest of the priests. He

462
00:27:10,160 --> 00:27:12,960
Speaker 2: wasn't adorned like a king, nor did he carry himself

463
00:27:13,000 --> 00:27:17,960
Speaker 2: like one. Instead, he worshiped exuberantly. Every six paces the

464
00:27:17,960 --> 00:27:20,240
Speaker 2: priests would take with the ark, they would make a

465
00:27:20,280 --> 00:27:23,840
Speaker 2: sacrifice to the Lord. David would follow in songs of

466
00:27:23,880 --> 00:27:27,639
Speaker 2: praise and dancing. It was a humble procession of pure

467
00:27:27,680 --> 00:27:31,840
Speaker 2: and humble praise. As they approached the city gates, David

468
00:27:31,880 --> 00:27:34,440
Speaker 2: had his men below their trumpets and signal the arrival

469
00:27:34,440 --> 00:27:37,359
Speaker 2: of the ark. The people bowed as it entered the city.

470
00:27:38,160 --> 00:27:42,280
Speaker 2: People's hearts welled up with joy, fear, awe, and worship.

471
00:27:43,280 --> 00:27:45,320
Speaker 2: They shouted as it entered the heart of the city.

472
00:27:45,840 --> 00:27:48,680
Speaker 2: They worshiped the coming of a new age, an age

473
00:27:48,680 --> 00:27:52,960
Speaker 2: of devotion to their God. Before other gods and idols

474
00:27:53,000 --> 00:27:56,200
Speaker 2: had tugged at their hearts and tempted them. However, now

475
00:27:56,240 --> 00:27:59,040
Speaker 2: that David was their king, they saw an example of

476
00:27:59,080 --> 00:28:01,399
Speaker 2: what it means to fall after the heart of God.

477
00:28:02,880 --> 00:28:06,879
Speaker 2: Not all, however, were impressed. Watching from her bedroom window,

478
00:28:07,320 --> 00:28:11,000
Speaker 2: was may call David's wife and daughter of Saul. She

479
00:28:11,119 --> 00:28:14,640
Speaker 2: crossed her arms and scoffed at the king. Look at him,

480
00:28:14,840 --> 00:28:16,400
Speaker 2: she said to her servants.

481
00:28:16,240 --> 00:28:18,919
Speaker 6: Look at him. Dressed in the lowly garb of a

482
00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:20,119
Speaker 6: common town priest.

483
00:28:20,600 --> 00:28:23,440
Speaker 2: She sneered at the very sight of him. She watched

484
00:28:23,520 --> 00:28:26,840
Speaker 2: David enter the palace courtyard, leaping and dancing before the lord.

485
00:28:27,560 --> 00:28:30,680
Speaker 2: She hated him. Sure she had loved him before, but

486
00:28:30,960 --> 00:28:33,879
Speaker 2: things had changed. She fell in love with the brave,

487
00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:37,200
Speaker 2: young warrior who slew Goliath. She did not know he

488
00:28:37,240 --> 00:28:40,040
Speaker 2: would turn into some half breed between peasants and king.

489
00:28:40,920 --> 00:28:44,000
Speaker 2: The way he freely expressed his emotions and danced without

490
00:28:44,040 --> 00:28:47,000
Speaker 2: a care to who was watching, made her royal blood boil.

491
00:28:47,720 --> 00:28:50,280
Speaker 6: My father would never have done such a thing, so

492
00:28:50,520 --> 00:28:53,320
Speaker 6: unbecoming of a king, to frolic like a little girl

493
00:28:53,320 --> 00:28:56,560
Speaker 6: in front of his subjects embarrassing.

494
00:28:56,720 --> 00:28:59,480
Speaker 2: David knelt on the ground with a hammer, driving a

495
00:28:59,520 --> 00:29:02,320
Speaker 2: stake into the propping up the tent for the ark

496
00:29:02,360 --> 00:29:05,320
Speaker 2: would reside. He put his hands on his waist and

497
00:29:05,360 --> 00:29:08,360
Speaker 2: looked up. The tent was large and in the center

498
00:29:08,400 --> 00:29:11,440
Speaker 2: of the city for all to pass by. The levites

499
00:29:11,480 --> 00:29:14,080
Speaker 2: would care for the sacred sat and ensure the ark

500
00:29:14,200 --> 00:29:17,800
Speaker 2: was taken care of. There they offered burnt offerings and

501
00:29:17,840 --> 00:29:20,840
Speaker 2: peace offerings before the Lord. There was a sense of

502
00:29:20,880 --> 00:29:24,840
Speaker 2: nostalgia for the people of Israel. They remembered stories passed

503
00:29:24,840 --> 00:29:28,320
Speaker 2: down from generation to generation of the Tabernacle of God

504
00:29:28,360 --> 00:29:31,400
Speaker 2: and the tent of Meeting. They thought of Moses and

505
00:29:31,440 --> 00:29:34,800
Speaker 2: the Israelites leaving Egypt in search of God's promised land.

506
00:29:35,760 --> 00:29:39,000
Speaker 2: Now Here in the land promised to their ancestors, they

507
00:29:39,040 --> 00:29:42,880
Speaker 2: worshiped the God who delivered them. It was a euphoric experience,

508
00:29:43,480 --> 00:29:47,560
Speaker 2: one that David did not take for granted. David gestured

509
00:29:47,560 --> 00:29:50,120
Speaker 2: for his servant to come near, tell the royal.

510
00:29:49,920 --> 00:29:53,840
Speaker 4: Servants to prepare enough bread and raisin cakes and portions

511
00:29:53,840 --> 00:29:57,120
Speaker 4: of meat for the entire multitude. Make enough for men,

512
00:29:57,360 --> 00:29:58,480
Speaker 4: women and children.

513
00:29:58,880 --> 00:30:01,040
Speaker 2: The servant's eyes wide and as he looked back at

514
00:30:01,040 --> 00:30:04,400
Speaker 2: the amount of people lacing the city streets. Yet David

515
00:30:04,440 --> 00:30:05,960
Speaker 2: was emphatic about blessing them.

516
00:30:06,320 --> 00:30:10,120
Speaker 4: Give enough for everyone to enjoy themselves, take great care

517
00:30:10,280 --> 00:30:12,280
Speaker 4: that the poor get a meal as well.

518
00:30:12,640 --> 00:30:16,280
Speaker 2: David smiled and patted the servant on the back. The

519
00:30:16,320 --> 00:30:20,000
Speaker 2: young men bowed and went back to the household. Of David. There,

520
00:30:20,360 --> 00:30:22,920
Speaker 2: all the men and women of the house worked tirelessly

521
00:30:22,960 --> 00:30:26,400
Speaker 2: to prepare enough food for the masses. David stepped in

522
00:30:26,440 --> 00:30:29,360
Speaker 2: and helped us well, rolling up his sleeves and kneading

523
00:30:29,400 --> 00:30:32,640
Speaker 2: the dough for cakes. As their king began to laugh

524
00:30:32,680 --> 00:30:35,200
Speaker 2: and sing as he worked, the anxiety of the servants

525
00:30:35,280 --> 00:30:38,680
Speaker 2: began to lift. He brought a levity to the room,

526
00:30:38,720 --> 00:30:41,920
Speaker 2: and soon they were working fast enough to feed thousands.

527
00:30:43,360 --> 00:30:47,080
Speaker 2: After distributing the food to his subjects, David returned home

528
00:30:47,120 --> 00:30:50,040
Speaker 2: to bless his own household. He came into the warm

529
00:30:50,080 --> 00:30:52,920
Speaker 2: embrace of his children. They laughed in the plot of

530
00:30:52,960 --> 00:30:55,280
Speaker 2: as he brought out of warm cakes for them to eat.

531
00:30:55,600 --> 00:30:59,560
Speaker 2: He kissed them and brought them in close. David's wives, children,

532
00:30:59,600 --> 00:31:03,040
Speaker 2: and clothes friends enjoyed a feast together, basking in the

533
00:31:03,120 --> 00:31:06,240
Speaker 2: joy of the Lord. However, the brightness in the room

534
00:31:06,440 --> 00:31:11,000
Speaker 2: soon turned dark as may Call walked in. David had Calib,

535
00:31:11,280 --> 00:31:13,920
Speaker 2: the son he had with Abigail, in his lap. He

536
00:31:14,000 --> 00:31:16,640
Speaker 2: was telling stories of the ark and the faithfulness of God,

537
00:31:16,760 --> 00:31:19,200
Speaker 2: when they call loomed over him with a judgmental glare.

538
00:31:20,280 --> 00:31:22,720
Speaker 2: David had Calib leave his lap and shoot him off

539
00:31:22,760 --> 00:31:25,120
Speaker 2: to play with the others. He looked up to his

540
00:31:25,160 --> 00:31:29,160
Speaker 2: wife and smiled, What troubles you, my wife? This is

541
00:31:29,200 --> 00:31:32,800
Speaker 2: a joyous occasion, and yet you stand here with weight

542
00:31:33,040 --> 00:31:36,520
Speaker 2: holding down your smile. May Caaul dismissed him with a

543
00:31:36,560 --> 00:31:37,360
Speaker 2: wave of her hand.

544
00:31:38,440 --> 00:31:41,280
Speaker 6: I was just considering how the King of Israel honored

545
00:31:41,320 --> 00:31:46,080
Speaker 6: himself today, uncovering himself from his royal robes like a commoner.

546
00:31:46,640 --> 00:31:48,960
Speaker 6: You should be ashamed of yourself.

547
00:31:49,320 --> 00:31:52,880
Speaker 4: Ashamed to laugh and sing with my brothers and sisters

548
00:31:52,880 --> 00:31:56,840
Speaker 4: and the Lord. David asked, why why would I be ashamed?

549
00:31:57,440 --> 00:32:01,520
Speaker 6: They are your servants, not royalty. You walked among them

550
00:32:01,600 --> 00:32:05,040
Speaker 6: like you were one of them, shamelessly dancing before them.

551
00:32:05,600 --> 00:32:06,920
Speaker 6: It was disgusting.

552
00:32:07,280 --> 00:32:09,560
Speaker 2: David stood to his feet and looked his wife in

553
00:32:09,600 --> 00:32:12,840
Speaker 2: the eyes. He was not harsh, nor was he sharp

554
00:32:12,880 --> 00:32:13,400
Speaker 2: in his reply.

555
00:32:14,200 --> 00:32:18,160
Speaker 4: Mical I was before the Lord dancing and singing his

556
00:32:18,360 --> 00:32:21,680
Speaker 4: praises among the people is no crime.

557
00:32:22,200 --> 00:32:24,160
Speaker 6: My father would never have done such a.

558
00:32:24,120 --> 00:32:27,520
Speaker 2: Thing, she replied, hoping to get a rise out of David.

559
00:32:28,160 --> 00:32:31,840
Speaker 2: That is true, David said. He looked down for a moment,

560
00:32:32,040 --> 00:32:33,560
Speaker 2: considering what to say next.

561
00:32:33,960 --> 00:32:39,560
Speaker 4: However, the Lord chose me above your father and above

562
00:32:39,600 --> 00:32:44,160
Speaker 4: his household. He appointed me as the leader of Israel

563
00:32:44,640 --> 00:32:49,520
Speaker 4: and king to the people of God. I will celebrate

564
00:32:49,600 --> 00:32:52,600
Speaker 4: before the Lord in the way that I am called to.

565
00:32:54,200 --> 00:32:58,280
Speaker 4: I will make myself even more undignified than this, and

566
00:32:58,400 --> 00:33:01,280
Speaker 4: be despised in your eyes. If it means the Lord

567
00:33:01,400 --> 00:33:02,200
Speaker 4: is glad with me.

568
00:33:02,800 --> 00:33:05,480
Speaker 6: You made quite a show of yourself, David may.

569
00:33:05,400 --> 00:33:08,960
Speaker 4: Call said, oh no, my love, it was no show.

570
00:33:10,480 --> 00:33:14,680
Speaker 4: The show I put on before turned into a tragedy.

571
00:33:16,120 --> 00:33:21,960
Speaker 4: This was me being humbled before the Lord. I removed

572
00:33:21,960 --> 00:33:25,480
Speaker 4: my royal rogues because it is he who is king,

573
00:33:26,160 --> 00:33:32,040
Speaker 4: not I. To day was about him, not me. I

574
00:33:32,200 --> 00:33:35,800
Speaker 4: celebrated as one of the people to day one of

575
00:33:35,880 --> 00:33:38,040
Speaker 4: the many children of God.

576
00:33:38,880 --> 00:33:42,040
Speaker 2: May Call teemed with anger. She had no reply that

577
00:33:42,120 --> 00:33:46,080
Speaker 2: was worth speaking. She sulked and crossed her arms. David

578
00:33:46,120 --> 00:33:49,160
Speaker 2: could sense her anger. He gently grabbed her shoulders and

579
00:33:49,200 --> 00:33:49,800
Speaker 2: looked at her.

580
00:33:50,400 --> 00:33:53,320
Speaker 4: If it is a matter of embarrassment for you and

581
00:33:53,440 --> 00:33:58,400
Speaker 4: me being exposed before your female servants, rest assured, I

582
00:33:58,440 --> 00:34:02,760
Speaker 4: will be more careful. I will hold you in honor.

583
00:34:03,920 --> 00:34:07,240
Speaker 4: Macall left huffing in anger. Yet David could not hold

584
00:34:07,280 --> 00:34:09,719
Speaker 4: it against her. He knew that she had not had

585
00:34:09,760 --> 00:34:12,800
Speaker 4: an easy life her father and brothers had been killed,

586
00:34:13,040 --> 00:34:15,000
Speaker 4: and she had been taken back from the husband she

587
00:34:15,040 --> 00:34:19,200
Speaker 4: had for many years. Her bitterness was against God, not David,

588
00:34:19,840 --> 00:34:22,560
Speaker 4: yet she saw fit to scorn him, for those who

589
00:34:22,560 --> 00:34:25,200
Speaker 4: are bitter at God often lash out at the faithful.

590
00:34:27,280 --> 00:34:30,720
Speaker 4: David arose before the sun the next morning. The fog

591
00:34:30,800 --> 00:34:34,080
Speaker 4: rested low on the gardens outside David's home. He walked

592
00:34:34,080 --> 00:34:36,880
Speaker 4: among the trees, breathing in the crisp morning air and

593
00:34:36,960 --> 00:34:41,000
Speaker 4: listening to the birds begin their songs. Creation was awakening,

594
00:34:41,400 --> 00:34:44,319
Speaker 4: and every moment leading up to sunrise was filled with

595
00:34:44,400 --> 00:34:48,239
Speaker 4: tranquil beauty. David looked back at his garden, then at

596
00:34:48,239 --> 00:34:51,520
Speaker 4: his house, built from cedar and stone. He tilted his head,

597
00:34:52,040 --> 00:34:55,800
Speaker 4: observing the craftsmanship of his home. It was a beautiful estate,

598
00:34:55,880 --> 00:34:58,760
Speaker 4: fit for a king. He then looked to the roads

599
00:34:58,760 --> 00:35:01,839
Speaker 4: outside his home. Down the road was the tent where

600
00:35:01,840 --> 00:35:04,919
Speaker 4: the Ark of the Covenant lay. He could not help

601
00:35:04,960 --> 00:35:07,120
Speaker 4: but feel a slight pang of conviction that he was

602
00:35:07,160 --> 00:35:10,279
Speaker 4: able to reside in such a magnificent place while the

603
00:35:10,360 --> 00:35:13,319
Speaker 4: Ark dwelled in a tent. As the King thought of

604
00:35:13,360 --> 00:35:16,560
Speaker 4: these things, he spotted the prophet Nathan walking among the

605
00:35:16,560 --> 00:35:20,080
Speaker 4: olive trees. Nathan was a dear and beloved member of

606
00:35:20,120 --> 00:35:23,279
Speaker 4: the household of David. He offered insight into the heart

607
00:35:23,320 --> 00:35:26,040
Speaker 4: of God and clarity to the chaos. David often found

608
00:35:26,120 --> 00:35:30,320
Speaker 4: himself surrounded by the sun peaked slightly above the horizon,

609
00:35:30,520 --> 00:35:34,960
Speaker 4: splashing the flowers below with vibrant color. David smiled at

610
00:35:35,000 --> 00:35:37,960
Speaker 4: the sight and made his way closer to the prophet.

611
00:35:39,040 --> 00:35:42,320
Speaker 4: Nathan walked slowly with his hands behind his back, soaking

612
00:35:42,320 --> 00:35:45,759
Speaker 4: in the first morning light. Nathan was old enough to

613
00:35:45,800 --> 00:35:49,040
Speaker 4: be David's father, but held the youthful energy of a

614
00:35:49,120 --> 00:35:54,600
Speaker 4: much younger man. David respected him in every way. Good morning, Nathan.

615
00:35:54,480 --> 00:35:57,920
Speaker 2: The King, said. The prophet bowed his head and smiled

616
00:35:57,960 --> 00:35:58,399
Speaker 2: at the king.

617
00:35:59,320 --> 00:36:03,600
Speaker 4: Good morning, my young king, to what do I owe

618
00:36:03,880 --> 00:36:08,160
Speaker 4: the pleasure of your company? This morning? I was considering

619
00:36:08,239 --> 00:36:09,440
Speaker 4: my home here.

620
00:36:09,640 --> 00:36:12,640
Speaker 2: David said, nodding to the large house behind the garden.

621
00:36:13,120 --> 00:36:16,760
Speaker 4: What do you make of it? It is a fine

622
00:36:16,800 --> 00:36:20,960
Speaker 4: palace fit for a fine king. Nathan said, it is

623
00:36:21,000 --> 00:36:25,480
Speaker 4: a fine palace. Hiram, the King of Tire, sent cedar

624
00:36:25,600 --> 00:36:30,000
Speaker 4: and stone to construct it. He also sent his finest

625
00:36:30,080 --> 00:36:31,359
Speaker 4: craftsman to make it.

626
00:36:31,840 --> 00:36:33,319
Speaker 2: David said, with a frown.

627
00:36:33,560 --> 00:36:38,600
Speaker 4: If it pleases you so much, then why are you downcast?

628
00:36:39,160 --> 00:36:41,920
Speaker 4: The old prophet asked, I dwell in a house of

629
00:36:41,960 --> 00:36:46,200
Speaker 4: cedar and fine stone. I dine in the hall with

630
00:36:46,360 --> 00:36:51,000
Speaker 4: precious furs and pottery on the walls. My fireplace is

631
00:36:51,000 --> 00:36:55,400
Speaker 4: made from riverstone. Yet the ark of God dwells in

632
00:36:55,440 --> 00:37:01,640
Speaker 4: a simple tent, very symbol of God's presence, resides in

633
00:37:01,680 --> 00:37:07,120
Speaker 4: a small shelter, while I sleep in luxury. It isn't right.

634
00:37:08,160 --> 00:37:11,120
Speaker 2: Nathan smiled at the young king. He was pleased to

635
00:37:11,160 --> 00:37:14,240
Speaker 2: hear David's heart and knew the Lord was pleased as well.

636
00:37:15,000 --> 00:37:17,680
Speaker 2: Nathan put a hand on his shoulder and said, it

637
00:37:17,800 --> 00:37:21,280
Speaker 2: is clear that the desires of your heart are cure.

638
00:37:22,239 --> 00:37:26,040
Speaker 2: Go do all that you desire. Who the Lord is

639
00:37:26,160 --> 00:37:29,160
Speaker 2: with you. Although David did not need the permission of Nathan,

640
00:37:29,680 --> 00:37:33,200
Speaker 2: he felt a sense of validation from him. Nathan was

641
00:37:33,239 --> 00:37:37,000
Speaker 2: precious to him and a very wise soul. The king

642
00:37:37,120 --> 00:37:40,360
Speaker 2: smiled and departed, eager to begin plans for creating a

643
00:37:40,400 --> 00:37:43,560
Speaker 2: home for the Lord to dwell, a palace for all

644
00:37:43,640 --> 00:37:48,280
Speaker 2: to come in worship, a temple. Nathan watched David depart,

645
00:37:48,560 --> 00:37:51,600
Speaker 2: then went his own way. He walked among the garden

646
00:37:51,680 --> 00:37:54,319
Speaker 2: and prayed to the Lord. He remained there all day,

647
00:37:54,760 --> 00:37:58,319
Speaker 2: seeking God and inquiring of his will. As the day

648
00:37:58,360 --> 00:38:02,239
Speaker 2: turned to night, Nathan felt the prompting of God. His

649
00:38:02,360 --> 00:38:06,279
Speaker 2: voice spoke clearly and without mistake. The old prophet's heart

650
00:38:06,320 --> 00:38:08,120
Speaker 2: began to pound as he listened to the voice of

651
00:38:08,160 --> 00:38:12,239
Speaker 2: the Creator. Early the next morning, Nathan ran out to

652
00:38:12,320 --> 00:38:15,440
Speaker 2: the garden to find David. He was in the same place,

653
00:38:15,719 --> 00:38:19,640
Speaker 2: sulking in the peace of the morning. My King, Nathan proclaimed,

654
00:38:19,840 --> 00:38:22,280
Speaker 2: A word has been given to me from the Lord.

655
00:38:22,800 --> 00:38:25,680
Speaker 2: David grew nervous. He did not want to assume the

656
00:38:25,719 --> 00:38:28,040
Speaker 2: word would be a good one. Perhaps there was a

657
00:38:28,080 --> 00:38:29,160
Speaker 2: warning or a rebuke.

658
00:38:29,719 --> 00:38:32,560
Speaker 4: Is it about the temple I desire to make? Have

659
00:38:32,719 --> 00:38:36,520
Speaker 4: I erred in my desire. Nathan shook his head and said,

660
00:38:37,440 --> 00:38:40,320
Speaker 4: thus says the Lord to you, David, son of Jesse,

661
00:38:41,320 --> 00:38:45,480
Speaker 4: would you build me a house to dwell in. I

662
00:38:45,560 --> 00:38:47,920
Speaker 4: have not lived in a house since to day. I

663
00:38:48,040 --> 00:38:51,640
Speaker 4: brought the people of Israel out of Egypt. I have

664
00:38:51,880 --> 00:38:55,600
Speaker 4: chosen to meet with people in a tent. I have

665
00:38:55,719 --> 00:38:59,880
Speaker 4: moved with the people of Israel throughout the generations. I

666
00:39:00,120 --> 00:39:04,560
Speaker 4: spoke to Moses, I spoke to Arin, and I spoke

667
00:39:04,600 --> 00:39:07,839
Speaker 4: to the judges of Israel. Never once did I ask

668
00:39:07,920 --> 00:39:10,640
Speaker 4: them to build me a house of cedar, and I

669
00:39:10,680 --> 00:39:15,160
Speaker 4: shall not ask you to either. I took you from

670
00:39:15,160 --> 00:39:20,000
Speaker 4: the pasture to the throne, from leading sheep to leading

671
00:39:20,080 --> 00:39:24,080
Speaker 4: my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you went,

672
00:39:24,360 --> 00:39:29,359
Speaker 4: and destroyed whatever enemy seeks to harm you. David, I

673
00:39:29,480 --> 00:39:34,160
Speaker 4: will make your name great throughout the ages, but the

674
00:39:34,239 --> 00:39:38,319
Speaker 4: name of all the great ones of the earth all

675
00:39:38,600 --> 00:39:43,239
Speaker 4: shall remember you. Although you will not be the one

676
00:39:43,280 --> 00:39:47,520
Speaker 4: to build me my house, I will appoint a place

677
00:39:47,600 --> 00:39:51,640
Speaker 4: for my people and plant them in an imperishable nation.

678
00:39:52,440 --> 00:39:56,120
Speaker 4: Violence will not afflict them. I will give you rest

679
00:39:56,600 --> 00:39:59,759
Speaker 4: from all your enemies, and I will make you a

680
00:40:00,040 --> 00:40:04,439
Speaker 4: house that will last far beyond your own life. When

681
00:40:04,440 --> 00:40:08,360
Speaker 4: your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers,

682
00:40:08,960 --> 00:40:14,040
Speaker 4: I will raise an offspring after him, a king unlike

683
00:40:14,080 --> 00:40:18,440
Speaker 4: the world has ever seen. I will establish the kingdom

684
00:40:18,840 --> 00:40:23,799
Speaker 4: of this descendant. He shall build a house from my name,

685
00:40:24,760 --> 00:40:29,000
Speaker 4: and I will establish the throne of his kingdom. Forever.

686
00:40:30,400 --> 00:40:33,280
Speaker 4: I will be to him a father, and he shall

687
00:40:33,320 --> 00:40:38,759
Speaker 4: be my son. He will endure the rod and stripes

688
00:40:38,800 --> 00:40:44,240
Speaker 4: of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him.

689
00:40:45,239 --> 00:40:52,480
Speaker 4: His house built by your descendant shall be everlasting. David

690
00:40:52,520 --> 00:40:55,520
Speaker 4: sat back for a moment, dwelling on what this prophecy

691
00:40:55,640 --> 00:40:58,759
Speaker 4: might mean. There would be no way for his mind

692
00:40:58,800 --> 00:41:02,680
Speaker 4: to fully comprehend the Lord had just promised. He was

693
00:41:02,719 --> 00:41:05,120
Speaker 4: being brought into a plan that was ordained since the

694
00:41:05,160 --> 00:41:09,120
Speaker 4: beginning of time. Through the line of David, a descendant

695
00:41:09,120 --> 00:41:12,880
Speaker 4: would be born a king. This king would build a

696
00:41:12,920 --> 00:41:16,440
Speaker 4: new kingdom and be blessed by God. He would be

697
00:41:16,480 --> 00:41:21,800
Speaker 4: the very dwelling of God on earth, God incarnate Jesus Christ.

698
00:41:25,640 --> 00:41:29,759
Speaker 1: This was definitely one of our longer but more rich episodes.

699
00:41:29,960 --> 00:41:34,960
Speaker 1: Filled with battle, music, doubt, prophecy, and marital strife. This

700
00:41:35,040 --> 00:41:38,680
Speaker 1: episode has almost everything, and it gives us a deeper

701
00:41:38,760 --> 00:41:42,360
Speaker 1: look into the character of God. Let's talk about a

702
00:41:42,440 --> 00:41:46,520
Speaker 1: few things together. The prelude featured a man named Besilau,

703
00:41:47,239 --> 00:41:50,640
Speaker 1: the craftsmen who constructed the Ark of the Covenant. As

704
00:41:50,680 --> 00:41:53,120
Speaker 1: you just heard, the ark was a key element in

705
00:41:53,160 --> 00:41:57,400
Speaker 1: this episode, representing the manifest presence in favor of God.

706
00:41:57,719 --> 00:41:59,960
Speaker 1: The ark is a reminder that God is with us

707
00:42:00,080 --> 00:42:04,120
Speaker 1: his people, and we definitely got that sense in this episode.

708
00:42:04,600 --> 00:42:08,360
Speaker 1: God seemed to be more personally involved in the details

709
00:42:08,520 --> 00:42:12,480
Speaker 1: of David's decisions and exploits. This is perhaps the most

710
00:42:12,520 --> 00:42:15,440
Speaker 1: important theme in scripture, not just the story of David.

711
00:42:15,920 --> 00:42:18,680
Speaker 1: God wants to be among his people. He wants to

712
00:42:18,760 --> 00:42:22,320
Speaker 1: dwell with his children, guiding and protecting them. He began

713
00:42:22,360 --> 00:42:25,120
Speaker 1: in the garden with Adam and Eve. Then he was

714
00:42:25,160 --> 00:42:28,719
Speaker 1: with the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. After them,

715
00:42:29,000 --> 00:42:31,520
Speaker 1: he was with the twelve tribes of Israel in Egypt

716
00:42:31,560 --> 00:42:35,000
Speaker 1: and the wilderness. He dwelled among them in the Tabernacle.

717
00:42:35,400 --> 00:42:39,320
Speaker 1: It has always been God's desire to dwell among his people.

718
00:42:39,960 --> 00:42:42,879
Speaker 1: After the Ark, it will be the temple in Jerusalem.

719
00:42:43,040 --> 00:42:47,120
Speaker 1: After the Temple would come Jesus. Jesus is also called Emmanuel,

720
00:42:47,200 --> 00:42:50,200
Speaker 1: which means God with us. This is not just his

721
00:42:50,320 --> 00:42:54,359
Speaker 1: title but his mission. God wants to be with us,

722
00:42:54,760 --> 00:42:58,360
Speaker 1: and he is continually making a way. God is clearly

723
00:42:58,360 --> 00:43:01,320
Speaker 1: with David in this episode. One of the more compelling

724
00:43:01,400 --> 00:43:05,640
Speaker 1: examples was the forest. He strictly instructed David not to

725
00:43:05,719 --> 00:43:09,240
Speaker 1: march against the Philistines. Rather, he was told to wait

726
00:43:09,280 --> 00:43:12,400
Speaker 1: for the sound of marching. This was a brilliant scene

727
00:43:12,480 --> 00:43:16,000
Speaker 1: where David watched God go before him to fight the Philistines.

728
00:43:16,640 --> 00:43:19,600
Speaker 1: God took command and did most of the work, and

729
00:43:19,800 --> 00:43:22,520
Speaker 1: all David had to do was step into the victory

730
00:43:22,640 --> 00:43:25,960
Speaker 1: set before him. Is this something you have considered in

731
00:43:26,000 --> 00:43:29,319
Speaker 1: your own life? We serve a God of victory. He

732
00:43:29,360 --> 00:43:32,440
Speaker 1: has gone before you to wage war against the insecurities

733
00:43:32,480 --> 00:43:36,279
Speaker 1: and sin that shackle you. God makes his presence known

734
00:43:36,360 --> 00:43:40,040
Speaker 1: in this episode. He established that he was the commander

735
00:43:40,239 --> 00:43:43,319
Speaker 1: who prevailed against the enemy, and he was the king

736
00:43:43,560 --> 00:43:48,400
Speaker 1: who presided over the kingdom. David acknowledged that God alone

737
00:43:48,480 --> 00:43:51,520
Speaker 1: is king and he is a servant. He listened intently

738
00:43:51,560 --> 00:43:55,239
Speaker 1: to God's voice in this episode, which brings up another

739
00:43:55,320 --> 00:44:00,600
Speaker 1: theme listening. God is always speaking. He speaks to his word,

740
00:44:01,200 --> 00:44:04,879
Speaker 1: the wisdom of trusted counselors, life events, and the inner

741
00:44:05,000 --> 00:44:08,080
Speaker 1: voice of his spirit. Whether God is speaking or not

742
00:44:08,280 --> 00:44:12,160
Speaker 1: isn't the issue? Are we listening to his voice? Are

743
00:44:12,200 --> 00:44:15,440
Speaker 1: we attuned to his movement? And will do we tune

744
00:44:15,480 --> 00:44:17,799
Speaker 1: out the sound of the world so we can hear him?

745
00:44:18,480 --> 00:44:21,239
Speaker 1: David does, and he is able to get answers even

746
00:44:21,280 --> 00:44:25,680
Speaker 1: when it's difficult. This story was not just sunshine and rainbows.

747
00:44:26,080 --> 00:44:30,080
Speaker 1: There was some hard concepts to wrestle with. In David's excitement,

748
00:44:30,440 --> 00:44:33,840
Speaker 1: he inappropriately paraded the ark of the Covenant. He dagged

749
00:44:33,840 --> 00:44:35,920
Speaker 1: it up on a cart and showed it off without

750
00:44:35,920 --> 00:44:38,960
Speaker 1: regard to the law of Moses. The new cart was

751
00:44:39,000 --> 00:44:42,920
Speaker 1: shimmering with fine jewels and silver. It was a finally

752
00:44:42,960 --> 00:44:46,680
Speaker 1: constructed vessel, but still not what the Lord had desired.

753
00:44:47,120 --> 00:44:50,399
Speaker 1: With all of David's enthusiasm to honor God, he had

754
00:44:50,440 --> 00:44:53,160
Speaker 1: neglected to pay attention to the details of his word.

755
00:44:53,719 --> 00:44:57,040
Speaker 1: Uza became a victim of David's poor judgment and was

756
00:44:57,160 --> 00:45:00,040
Speaker 1: instantly killed when he touched the art. This began a

757
00:45:00,120 --> 00:45:04,040
Speaker 1: strange cycle of thought for David. God's acts came as

758
00:45:04,080 --> 00:45:07,400
Speaker 1: a shock to him and shook up his preconceived notions

759
00:45:07,400 --> 00:45:10,960
Speaker 1: of God. David has certainly seen God's wrath come upon

760
00:45:11,000 --> 00:45:15,280
Speaker 1: his enemies, but never his own priest. This event caused

761
00:45:15,280 --> 00:45:18,000
Speaker 1: a stir in the King's heart, and he was forced

762
00:45:18,000 --> 00:45:21,560
Speaker 1: to wrestle with doubt. I want to make something abundantly clear.

763
00:45:22,040 --> 00:45:25,000
Speaker 1: This doubt that David is feeling is not a bad thing.

764
00:45:25,719 --> 00:45:29,360
Speaker 1: God has just disrupted David's perception of him, and now

765
00:45:29,400 --> 00:45:33,399
Speaker 1: he is forced to refocus and ask deeper questions. This

766
00:45:33,480 --> 00:45:36,200
Speaker 1: is never a bad thing in our faith. Doubt is

767
00:45:36,239 --> 00:45:38,919
Speaker 1: not the enemy of faith. God wants us to bring

768
00:45:39,000 --> 00:45:43,120
Speaker 1: him our questions, concerns, doubts, and burdens. A man or

769
00:45:43,120 --> 00:45:45,440
Speaker 1: woman who has not wrestled with their faith has clearly

770
00:45:45,760 --> 00:45:49,480
Speaker 1: never honestly struggled with God. As David presses in and

771
00:45:49,480 --> 00:45:53,000
Speaker 1: gives the Lord his feelings of uncertainty, God meets him.

772
00:45:53,480 --> 00:45:57,080
Speaker 1: David realizes what he did wrong. He realizes that he

773
00:45:57,239 --> 00:46:01,040
Speaker 1: neglected to humble himself. God is person, but he is

774
00:46:01,120 --> 00:46:05,000
Speaker 1: also holy. God is kind, but he is also dangerous.

775
00:46:05,600 --> 00:46:08,840
Speaker 1: May we never fool ourselves into forgetting God's mighty power.

776
00:46:09,320 --> 00:46:13,600
Speaker 1: He is worthy of our reverence, respect, and repentance. David

777
00:46:13,640 --> 00:46:17,560
Speaker 1: wrestled with his feelings and doubts, and God met him. However,

778
00:46:18,040 --> 00:46:21,000
Speaker 1: not all his questions were answered. This is a very

779
00:46:21,040 --> 00:46:25,040
Speaker 1: important thing for us to consider. David was reminded that

780
00:46:25,120 --> 00:46:28,799
Speaker 1: there was an inseearchable and unknowable quality to God that

781
00:46:28,920 --> 00:46:33,000
Speaker 1: David found both frustrating and enticing. A God that can

782
00:46:33,040 --> 00:46:36,239
Speaker 1: be fully understood is not worthy of our worship. If

783
00:46:36,280 --> 00:46:39,399
Speaker 1: there is a creator of the universe by whom all

784
00:46:39,480 --> 00:46:43,160
Speaker 1: realities emanates, then it stands to reason that he can't

785
00:46:43,200 --> 00:46:47,080
Speaker 1: be fully understood. God makes himself known and available through

786
00:46:47,120 --> 00:46:50,840
Speaker 1: his word, but he cannot be fully comprehended. God is

787
00:46:50,880 --> 00:46:55,399
Speaker 1: someone to be continually experienced and discovered, not totally figured out.

788
00:46:55,840 --> 00:46:58,560
Speaker 1: We will spend all of eternity peeling back the layers

789
00:46:58,560 --> 00:47:02,719
Speaker 1: of his character and glory. David received the answers God

790
00:47:02,760 --> 00:47:05,880
Speaker 1: gave him, and he has peace, even though there are

791
00:47:05,880 --> 00:47:10,840
Speaker 1: still questions. When we have doubts, uncertainty, and philosophical wonderings,

792
00:47:11,239 --> 00:47:14,240
Speaker 1: it is important for us to have humility. We should

793
00:47:14,280 --> 00:47:17,440
Speaker 1: never be so prideful to think we can understand everything

794
00:47:17,480 --> 00:47:21,640
Speaker 1: about God. After David calms his soul before the Lord,

795
00:47:22,040 --> 00:47:25,080
Speaker 1: he writes Psalm one point thirty one, which many scholars

796
00:47:25,160 --> 00:47:29,360
Speaker 1: believe David wrote after this crisis of faith, Lord, I

797
00:47:29,400 --> 00:47:32,120
Speaker 1: have given up my pride and arrogance. I shall not

798
00:47:32,239 --> 00:47:35,720
Speaker 1: set my mind on matters too lofty for me. Instead,

799
00:47:35,760 --> 00:47:39,120
Speaker 1: I am content at peace. As a child lies quietly

800
00:47:39,440 --> 00:47:42,560
Speaker 1: in his mother's arms. My heart is quiet within me.

801
00:47:43,160 --> 00:47:46,840
Speaker 1: Oh Israel, Oh Israel, Oh Israel. Trust in the Lord

802
00:47:47,000 --> 00:47:51,279
Speaker 1: now and forever. David takes off his royal robes and

803
00:47:51,320 --> 00:47:55,600
Speaker 1: wears a humble ephod. They ditch the golden wagon and

804
00:47:55,680 --> 00:48:00,120
Speaker 1: the priest to humbly carry the art to Jerusalem. It's

805
00:48:00,120 --> 00:48:03,640
Speaker 1: I chea, but it isn't an opulent parade. It's more

806
00:48:03,680 --> 00:48:06,440
Speaker 1: of a worship service led by King David to glorify

807
00:48:06,480 --> 00:48:10,960
Speaker 1: the Lord. David gets down in the dirt, helps pitch

808
00:48:11,040 --> 00:48:13,839
Speaker 1: the tent, and rolls up his sleeves to help cook

809
00:48:13,960 --> 00:48:17,840
Speaker 1: celebratory cakes. David has humbled himself as a servant to

810
00:48:17,920 --> 00:48:20,719
Speaker 1: the people in ways nobody has seen a king do.

811
00:48:21,600 --> 00:48:23,880
Speaker 1: He is a primary example of what it means to

812
00:48:23,880 --> 00:48:27,400
Speaker 1: be a servant leader. Jesus, hundreds of years later, would

813
00:48:27,400 --> 00:48:30,920
Speaker 1: also serve his people humbly. God esteems the lowli and

814
00:48:30,960 --> 00:48:34,600
Speaker 1: gives grace to the humble. The scene with David feeding

815
00:48:34,600 --> 00:48:38,760
Speaker 1: his citizens is supposed to be contrasted with Saul's early reign,

816
00:48:39,200 --> 00:48:41,840
Speaker 1: when he refused to let the people eat until the

817
00:48:41,840 --> 00:48:46,319
Speaker 1: Philistines were defeated. David genuinely cares about his people enough

818
00:48:46,360 --> 00:48:50,720
Speaker 1: to discard the traditional separation between king and subject. In fact,

819
00:48:51,200 --> 00:48:55,719
Speaker 1: David reversed those roles and served them. Maybe get theological

820
00:48:55,760 --> 00:48:58,319
Speaker 1: together for a moment. I think it is important to

821
00:48:58,360 --> 00:49:01,880
Speaker 1: mention how unique the Bible is compared to other religious texts.

822
00:49:02,239 --> 00:49:04,880
Speaker 1: In Genesis, we are told that God made men and

823
00:49:04,920 --> 00:49:08,680
Speaker 1: women in his image. If you were an ancient reader,

824
00:49:08,960 --> 00:49:12,520
Speaker 1: you would be dumbfounded at this idea. Why, because the

825
00:49:12,600 --> 00:49:16,720
Speaker 1: term image of God was a title solely reserved for kings.

826
00:49:16,760 --> 00:49:18,880
Speaker 1: To say that all men and women were created in

827
00:49:18,920 --> 00:49:21,160
Speaker 1: the image of God was to say that everyone is

828
00:49:21,239 --> 00:49:24,640
Speaker 1: worthy of the same dignity and honor kings were given

829
00:49:25,080 --> 00:49:28,040
Speaker 1: in the ancient world that was unheard of. In fact,

830
00:49:28,600 --> 00:49:31,919
Speaker 1: in our time that is unheard of. This concept gave

831
00:49:31,960 --> 00:49:34,880
Speaker 1: birth to what we know today as human rights. Thomas

832
00:49:35,000 --> 00:49:39,239
Speaker 1: Jefferson famously said that all men are created equal, that

833
00:49:39,320 --> 00:49:42,760
Speaker 1: they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights,

834
00:49:43,160 --> 00:49:46,520
Speaker 1: that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

835
00:49:47,120 --> 00:49:51,360
Speaker 1: Genesis was the oldest recorded iteration of that concept. So

836
00:49:51,480 --> 00:49:55,520
Speaker 1: when Jesus served people and treated everyone with dignity, he

837
00:49:55,600 --> 00:49:59,520
Speaker 1: was expressing God's heart that everyone is worthy of dignity, honor,

838
00:49:59,840 --> 00:50:03,200
Speaker 1: and in respect, Kings are no greater than their subjects.

839
00:50:04,239 --> 00:50:08,360
Speaker 1: Michael David's wife held a more traditional view and loathed

840
00:50:08,440 --> 00:50:12,640
Speaker 1: him for stooping so low. She represents the world's view

841
00:50:12,680 --> 00:50:16,320
Speaker 1: of leadership and nobility. She thinks king should live above

842
00:50:16,360 --> 00:50:20,160
Speaker 1: their subjects and not among them, but remember God dwelt

843
00:50:20,200 --> 00:50:24,160
Speaker 1: among us instead of living above us. The episode ended

844
00:50:24,239 --> 00:50:27,360
Speaker 1: with a bright and beautiful idea from David. He wanted

845
00:50:27,400 --> 00:50:30,760
Speaker 1: to build God a temple. He saw his immaculate palace

846
00:50:31,080 --> 00:50:33,960
Speaker 1: and thought it sinful that he would have something so beautiful,

847
00:50:34,120 --> 00:50:37,080
Speaker 1: while God remained in a tent. As nice as the

848
00:50:37,120 --> 00:50:41,520
Speaker 1: sentiment was, God had different plans. We end the episode

849
00:50:41,560 --> 00:50:44,960
Speaker 1: with a prophecy and a promise from God. David, I

850
00:50:45,000 --> 00:50:48,080
Speaker 1: will make your name great throughout the ages, like the

851
00:50:48,200 --> 00:50:51,120
Speaker 1: name of all the great ones of the earth. All

852
00:50:51,160 --> 00:50:54,360
Speaker 1: shall remember you. When your days are fulfilled and you

853
00:50:54,480 --> 00:50:57,759
Speaker 1: lie down with your fathers, I will raise and offspring

854
00:50:57,840 --> 00:51:00,920
Speaker 1: after you a king unlike the world world has ever seen.

855
00:51:01,480 --> 00:51:05,120
Speaker 1: I will establish the kingdom of this descendant. He shall

856
00:51:05,160 --> 00:51:08,040
Speaker 1: build a house for my name, and I will establish

857
00:51:08,080 --> 00:51:11,000
Speaker 1: the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to

858
00:51:11,080 --> 00:51:14,000
Speaker 1: him a father, and he shall be my son. He

859
00:51:14,040 --> 00:51:16,880
Speaker 1: will endure the rod and stripes of men, but my

860
00:51:17,040 --> 00:51:20,759
Speaker 1: steadfast love will not depart from him. His house, built

861
00:51:20,840 --> 00:51:25,120
Speaker 1: by your descendant shall be everlasting. The readers of the

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Speaker 1: time are supposed to think God is making a promise

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00:51:28,200 --> 00:51:31,320
Speaker 1: about Solomon, who will build a temple for the Lord,

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Speaker 1: but he isn't. God is talking about a descendant of

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Speaker 1: David that will establish the Kingdom of God in every heart.

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Speaker 1: He will make a house for God's name, but that

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Speaker 1: house will be in the heart of every man and

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Speaker 1: woman who trust him. This promised descendant is Jesus Christ.

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Speaker 1: I enjoy this time with you. Join me next time

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Speaker 1: as we meet a new character who has been hidden

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Speaker 1: from David's sight. He is a direct link to the

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Speaker 1: heart of David and the lineage of Saul. Get ready

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Speaker 1: for episode twenty three, Strength and Love. Thanks again for listening.

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Speaker 1: For more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom to last

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00:52:07,200 --> 00:52:10,560
Speaker 1: a lifetime, go to pray dot com. And to expand

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00:52:10,600 --> 00:52:13,920
Speaker 1: your heroes in the Bible journey, download the Heroes of

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00:52:13,960 --> 00:52:18,560
Speaker 1: the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward slash Heroes.

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00:52:19,120 --> 00:52:22,319
Speaker 1: Share this podcast with a family member or friend and

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00:52:22,440 --> 00:52:25,120
Speaker 1: help us spread God's word. God bless