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Speaker 1: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, 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, the

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Speaker 1: meteoric rise of David is put to a halt. I

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Speaker 1: saw up until this point, David has had nothing but victories.

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Speaker 1: He is slaying giants, defeated armies, fallen in love, and

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Speaker 1: gained allies. But now our hero faces his toughest challenge yet.

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Speaker 1: His resilience and patience will be put through the gauntlet,

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Speaker 1: and he will be betrayed by more than one Ally,

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Speaker 1: the time has come for David to be put to

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Speaker 1: the ultimate test. This episode is the beginning of a

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Speaker 1: very long season in David's life, a time when he

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Speaker 1: isn't in the comfort of his father's home or the

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Speaker 1: favorite champion of the Palace. David is going to be

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Speaker 1: sent on the run and we will be left with

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Speaker 1: uncertainty on who he will become. This episode introduces us

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Speaker 1: to a new character, Abner. Although his time is brief

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Speaker 1: in this episode, we should pay attention to him. He

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Speaker 1: will be very important later on in the story. David

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Speaker 1: will also visit an old friend. I won't give away who,

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Speaker 1: though you will have to listen to find out. This

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Speaker 1: friend will remind David of his calling and give him

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Speaker 1: boldness for the fight ahead. Before all this transpires, we

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Speaker 1: will open up with a prelude, a story taken from

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Speaker 1: the days of old, before Israel was a nation or

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Speaker 1: the law was written into stone. Another chosen hero will

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Speaker 1: be forced to leave in fear of a loved one.

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Speaker 1: But what God does with him in exile is worth it.

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Speaker 1: God does glorious things in exile, as we will come

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Speaker 1: to see in later episodes. Let's learn more about God's

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Speaker 1: faithful In episode eight exiled.

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Speaker 2: Prelude to Chapter eight, the heat of the day had

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Speaker 2: finally disappeared as the sun set over the mountains. From

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Speaker 2: the forests of Canaan, Esau emerged with a deer carried

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Speaker 2: on his shoulders. His broad and muscular frame marched home.

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Speaker 2: Esa dropped the deer, skimmed it, and prepared the meat

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Speaker 2: for his father. A fragrant stew boiled under the fire.

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Speaker 2: Esan smiled, pleased with the work of his hands. He

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Speaker 2: poured the stew into a bowl and walked into his

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Speaker 2: father's tent. Isaac was lying in bed, old, blind and

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Speaker 2: near death. Esau knelt beside his father and handed him

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Speaker 2: the bowl.

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Speaker 3: My father, I have returned from the hunt. I have

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Speaker 3: prepared your favorite stew, take and eat, so that you

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Speaker 3: might bless me before you pass.

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Speaker 2: Isaac propped himself up in his bed and reached for

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Speaker 2: his son's face. Esau leaned forward and let him place

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Speaker 2: his hand on his cheek. Confused, Isaac pulled away and said.

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Speaker 4: Who is this that I am speaking to?

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Speaker 3: I am your first Frin's son, Esau. I have returned

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Speaker 3: from my hunt so that you might bless me according

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Speaker 3: to my birthright.

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Speaker 2: Isaac's old hand began to tremble. Esau reached to take it,

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Speaker 2: but his father pulled away in frustration.

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Speaker 4: Ooh, who is it then that brought me food? Before?

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Speaker 5: There was another who came in here, saying he was

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Speaker 5: my first born, Esau.

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Speaker 4: It was to hear my gave the blessing he saw.

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Speaker 2: Panicked, he shook his head and raised his voice.

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Speaker 3: No, no, Father, I swear I am misa whoever came

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Speaker 3: before me was an impostor? Who wasn't me? It must

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Speaker 3: have been.

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Speaker 2: He paused and looked around the tent. An empty bowl

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Speaker 2: was beside the bed, and a pile of gold fur

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Speaker 2: arrested at the entrance.

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Speaker 6: Jacob, He whispered, it was Jacob, he tricked my father.

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Speaker 2: Into Esau looked up at Isaac and took his hand.

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Speaker 3: Please, Father, please bless me as well. Have you never

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Speaker 3: deserved any blessing for me? Please do not leave me

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Speaker 3: here alone.

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Speaker 2: Sorrow, rage and anguish wound up in Esau's heart. His

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Speaker 2: brother had tricked him into giving up his birthright, and

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Speaker 2: now he had stolen what mattered most, his father's blessing.

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Speaker 2: Isaac was enraged at Jacob, yet could not recant his

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Speaker 2: blessing over him, and he would not undo what the

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Speaker 2: Lord had set in motion.

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Speaker 4: I have made him lord over.

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Speaker 2: You, Isaac said, I have.

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Speaker 4: Blessed him as an inheritor of all God has given me,

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Speaker 4: and you will serve under him.

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Speaker 2: Esau's face fell into his hands. A deep well of

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Speaker 2: sorrow raged within him.

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Speaker 3: Is there any blessing you can give me? Father, am

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Speaker 3: I not worthy of anything.

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Speaker 2: Isaac rested his hand on his son's head. He breathed

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Speaker 2: in deeply and recited ancient poetry. The words were a

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Speaker 2: poor consolation to Esau. They might as well have been

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Speaker 2: a complete rejection. Isaac spoke thus, saying.

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Speaker 5: Behold, away from the richness of the earth you shall dwell,

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Speaker 5: and away from the dew of heaven on high you

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Speaker 5: shall live by your sword, and you shall serve your brother.

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Speaker 4: But when you grow restless, you shall break his yoke

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Speaker 4: from your neck.

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Speaker 2: Esau left his father and stood over the fire. His

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Speaker 2: large chest was huffing with anger. A dark part of

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Speaker 2: ESA's heart was awakened that day. A spirit of jealousy

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Speaker 2: and contempt overwhelmed him. When Isaac had breathed his last

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Speaker 2: and went to be with his father Abraham, Esa sighed

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Speaker 2: a deep breath and sad.

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Speaker 3: The days of morning my father are approaching. After I mourn,

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Speaker 3: I will kill my brother Jacob.

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Speaker 2: Jacob caught wind of this and fled out of his country.

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Speaker 2: The hero God had chosen was made an exile from

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Speaker 2: his own country, fleeing from his own family. Chapter eight Exiled.

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Speaker 4: The unity of our nation is under attack.

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Speaker 2: Saul yelled from the war room in his palace. Torchlight

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Speaker 2: flickered against Saul's body, casting a large shadow over the

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Speaker 2: coarse stone walls. His trusted servants and advisers stood around

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Speaker 2: the king, along with a few of the elders. A

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Speaker 2: single tapestry draped over the back wall. The firelight illuminated

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Speaker 2: its elegant design of the nation of Israel, all twelve

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Speaker 2: tribes represented in a single map. The king drew out

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Speaker 2: a dagger and tore the tapestry in two.

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Speaker 4: Don't you see what he has done to their people?

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Speaker 4: They praise him as if he he is the lord himself.

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Speaker 4: We cannot have him dividing us in drawing the people

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Speaker 4: away from for me. If they did not trust me

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Speaker 4: over David, we will have a civil war on our hands.

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Speaker 4: He will revolt against us when the moment is right

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Speaker 4: for him.

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Speaker 2: The elders and advisers mumbled amongst themselves. Some agreed, but

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Speaker 2: others were skeptical of whether the king was in his

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Speaker 2: right mind. Remaining in the back with his shoulder leaning

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Speaker 2: against the wall was Jonathan. He listened intently to his

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Speaker 2: father's ravings against David. They were the rants of a

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Speaker 2: paranoid madman. However, he was king, an absolute power to

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Speaker 2: execute David was his soft lailed his arms and swung

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Speaker 2: his dagger.

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Speaker 4: We will make it look like an accident. The last

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Speaker 4: thing we're desire is for the people to turn against

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Speaker 4: me for killing him. Or perhaps we could frame the Philistines.

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Speaker 4: No doubt the people would believe they assassinated the giant slayer.

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Speaker 2: Jonathan's heart beat swiftly as he listened to Saul plan

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Speaker 2: out his best friend's murder. He waited for a moment

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Speaker 2: to slip away to warn David. As Saul got caught

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Speaker 2: up in planning with his advisers, Jonathan slipped away into

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Speaker 2: the shadows. He ran swiftly through the palace gardens and

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Speaker 2: down the road where David and Mehal lived. The sky

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Speaker 2: was thick with marks of midnight. The stars spread over

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Speaker 2: the horizon like a steady moving tide. The cool evening

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Speaker 2: breeze slipped through the window of David's room, caressing his cheek.

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Speaker 2: He brought the blanket's end and rolled closer to me call.

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Speaker 2: He enjoyed the warm company of his bride. Never before

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Speaker 2: had he felt such a serene sense of belonging. He

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Speaker 2: belonged to God's chosen people, to the armies of Israel,

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Speaker 2: to the house of King Saul, and to his beloved wife.

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Speaker 2: It seemed as though nothing could steal away the bliss

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Speaker 2: David had rightfully earned. In the stillness of the cold night,

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Speaker 2: wrap in blankets, David sighed and thanked God for his

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Speaker 2: grace towards him. David closed his eyes and slipped into

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Speaker 2: a deep sleep. His weary and battle hardened bones were

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Speaker 2: growing heavy. As he sank into his bed, he dreamt

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Speaker 2: of green pastures and still waters. He dreamed of the

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Speaker 2: babbling brooks and baws of the sheep. All was peaceful

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Speaker 2: until a hand reached out from the darkness over his mouth.

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Speaker 2: David awoke in a panic and reached desperately for his dagger.

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Speaker 2: Just as he was about to strike, he saw the

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Speaker 2: moonlight illuminating Jonathan's face. He placed a finger over his

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Speaker 2: lips and gestured for him to join him outside. David

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Speaker 2: nodded and slipped quietly out of bed so ma Call

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Speaker 2: could remain asleep. The two men stepped outside into the cold.

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Speaker 2: David wrapped the royal robe Jonathan had given him around

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Speaker 2: his shoulders. Jonathan was clearly nervous he always stroked his

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Speaker 2: beard when he was nervous. David placed his hand on

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Speaker 2: his shoulder.

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Speaker 4: What is this about, Jonathan, What is troubling you?

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Speaker 2: Jonathan placed his hands on David's face.

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Speaker 6: You are in danger, little brother. My father seeks to

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Speaker 6: take your life. It could be tonight, or it could

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Speaker 6: be next week, but his mind seems to be set

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Speaker 6: on killing you.

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Speaker 2: David gave an impassive nod. I see, he said, solemnly.

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Speaker 6: You do not seem too surprised by this.

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Speaker 2: Jonathan inquired, is.

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Speaker 6: There something you're not telling me?

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Speaker 2: David crossed his arms, trying to keep himself warm under

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Speaker 2: the crisp evening air. A soft breeze made his hair

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Speaker 2: fall over his eyes as he looked down.

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Speaker 4: Your father has tried to kill me already.

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Speaker 2: David said.

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Speaker 4: He attempted to pin me to the wall with his spear.

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Speaker 4: When he missed, he sent another one. I escaped before

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Speaker 4: he could throw a third.

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Speaker 6: Why didn't you tell any of this to me?

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Speaker 4: Because your father is a troubled soul, but more importantly,

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Speaker 4: he is my king, David said sternly. It is my

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Speaker 4: duty to give him mercy for any slights against me.

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Speaker 4: After all, it was not too long after that that

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Speaker 4: he gave me your sister's hand in marriage. Jonathan shook

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Speaker 4: his head.

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Speaker 6: Your loyalty may be your undoing giant's lair.

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Speaker 4: It may be yours as well, Brother David said, seriously,

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Speaker 4: you are taking a great risk by being here to

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Speaker 4: warn me. Tell me what should I do.

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Speaker 6: Be on your guard in the morning, stay in a

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Speaker 6: secret place and hide yourself. Tomorrow I will go out

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Speaker 6: into the fields with my father. I will speak well

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Speaker 6: of you and test to see where his heart is.

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Speaker 6: Allow me to be your advocate.

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Speaker 2: David smiled and hugged Jonathan. He held him tightly.

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Speaker 4: People with unreliable friends meet early deaths, but there are

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Speaker 4: friends who stick closer than brothers.

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Speaker 2: Jonathan patted David on the back.

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Speaker 6: I will let you know if I hear anything from

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Speaker 6: my father. Stay safe and stay hidden for now.

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Speaker 2: David went back into his home, being sure to keep

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Speaker 2: his dagger even closer. Jonathan slipped back across the garden.

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Speaker 2: Back home on the other side of the palace, Saul

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Speaker 2: sat awake near the fire. His mind wandered into unpleasant places,

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Speaker 2: like a ship lost at sea. His weary mind slipped

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Speaker 2: in and out of sleep until Eventually he passed out

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Speaker 2: on his throne. The next morning, Jonathan arose early to

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Speaker 2: meet his father in the farm lands of Gibea. Saul

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Speaker 2: took great care into ensuring the vibrancy of Israel's agriculture

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Speaker 2: and livestock. He needed his people well fed. Hungry citizens

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Speaker 2: made for fickle followers. He needed their loyalty. He craved it.

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Speaker 2: Jonathan walked the fields with his father. They spoke of

222
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Speaker 2: the kingdom, battle strategy, and their family. Despite all his flaws,

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Speaker 2: Jonathan loved his father. He admired his steadfast attention to

224
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Speaker 2: the safety of Israel. As the two of them spoke,

225
00:12:55,080 --> 00:12:57,720
Speaker 2: Jonathan was able to see small glimpses of why his

226
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Speaker 2: father was chosen to be king in the first place.

227
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Speaker 2: Lingering impressions of past humility made brief appearances. Saul was

228
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Speaker 2: not always the paranoid and unstable man that stood before him.

229
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Speaker 2: He was once a prince of promise and a beacon

230
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Speaker 2: of hope to the infant nation of Israel.

231
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Speaker 6: Father, there is a matter I wish to speak.

232
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Speaker 2: To you about, Jonathan said, shyly speak, Saul said, enjoying

233
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Speaker 2: the sunlight on his cheeks.

234
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Speaker 6: Your anger against David seems irrational to me. What is

235
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Speaker 6: he done wrong?

236
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Speaker 2: Saul paused his stride and looked down at his son.

237
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Speaker 2: It is not what he.

238
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Speaker 4: Has done, Jonathan, but what he will do. The people

239
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Speaker 4: have given him glory and honor. It is only a

240
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Speaker 4: matter of time before they seek to give him the kingdom, Your.

241
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Speaker 6: Kingdom, God's kingdom, Father, Jonathan responded.

242
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Speaker 2: Saul scoffed and dismissed the correction with the wave of

243
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Speaker 2: his hand.

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Speaker 6: Jonathan persisted, I beg you to not sin against your

245
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Speaker 6: servant day, but he has not sinned against you. His

246
00:14:02,640 --> 00:14:05,479
Speaker 6: deeds have brought you in this nation nothing but prosperity.

247
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Speaker 6: When you and I were faced with the option of

248
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Speaker 6: standing up to the giant, we wavered. Yet he stood

249
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Speaker 6: on our behalf. The Lord has clearly worked good through him.

250
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Speaker 6: Why would you seek to put that good to an

251
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Speaker 6: early end? You yourself rejoiced when he slew Goliath. Why

252
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Speaker 6: shed innocent blood against a faithful warrior, a trusted servant,

253
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Speaker 6: and your son in law.

254
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Speaker 2: Saul looked down at the ground beneath his feet. Although

255
00:14:31,120 --> 00:14:33,760
Speaker 2: the ground was firm and easy to walk on, he

256
00:14:33,800 --> 00:14:37,640
Speaker 2: felt uneasy and off balance. Saul had not felt right

257
00:14:37,720 --> 00:14:41,040
Speaker 2: for a very long time. He felt his senses and

258
00:14:41,080 --> 00:14:44,760
Speaker 2: his mind dull with paranoia and contempt. He sighed and

259
00:14:44,800 --> 00:14:48,240
Speaker 2: looked at his son. He knew he was right. David

260
00:14:48,280 --> 00:14:51,800
Speaker 2: had truly done nothing to deserve such hatred. For a

261
00:14:51,800 --> 00:14:56,240
Speaker 2: brief moment, Saul could see clearly. He placed his hand

262
00:14:56,280 --> 00:14:59,680
Speaker 2: on his son's shoulder. You are a wise man, my son.

263
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Speaker 2: As the Lord lives, David shall not be harmed by

264
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Speaker 2: my hand. Saul smiled, then continued walking. Relieved, Jonathan found

265
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Speaker 2: David and told him the news. David was restored to

266
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Speaker 2: be in the presence of Saul once again. He attended

267
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Speaker 2: meetings for battle strategy. He sat with his family for

268
00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:23,680
Speaker 2: feasts and parties. He played music for him beside his throne.

269
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Speaker 2: All seemed well, and normalcy was restored until the Philistines

270
00:15:28,160 --> 00:15:34,640
Speaker 2: mounted yet another attack. Thunder roared from the heavens. A

271
00:15:34,680 --> 00:15:37,320
Speaker 2: storm of great force was blowing in from the north.

272
00:15:38,040 --> 00:15:40,800
Speaker 2: David stood with his men atop a hill, ready to

273
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Speaker 2: descend into the battlefield against the Philistines. The enemy horde

274
00:15:44,960 --> 00:15:48,560
Speaker 2: banged their swords against their shields, beckoning David to them.

275
00:15:48,800 --> 00:15:52,400
Speaker 2: The giant slayer looked up watching the heavens stir violently.

276
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Speaker 2: Rain was coming. It would not be a clean fight.

277
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Speaker 2: There was no time to waste. The longer they waited,

278
00:15:59,640 --> 00:16:03,120
Speaker 2: the less advantage they had. David raised his sword high

279
00:16:03,160 --> 00:16:06,160
Speaker 2: in the air and splashed it downward. His archers sent

280
00:16:06,200 --> 00:16:10,040
Speaker 2: a flurry of arrows towards the Philistines. They retaliated with

281
00:16:10,280 --> 00:16:13,520
Speaker 2: just as many. The skies crackled with wood and metal.

282
00:16:13,560 --> 00:16:17,360
Speaker 2: As the rains began to fall. David ran first towards

283
00:16:17,400 --> 00:16:20,160
Speaker 2: the enemy, with his men to his back. They all

284
00:16:20,200 --> 00:16:24,360
Speaker 2: followed with courageous vigor. The two armies met in the

285
00:16:24,400 --> 00:16:27,920
Speaker 2: middle of the battlefield. The thunder and rain drowned out

286
00:16:27,960 --> 00:16:31,120
Speaker 2: the cracking bone and tearing flashes. It was the most

287
00:16:31,160 --> 00:16:36,040
Speaker 2: gruesome battle David had ever seen. From every angle, another

288
00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:39,200
Speaker 2: one of his men fell to the Philistine. He swipes

289
00:16:39,240 --> 00:16:42,000
Speaker 2: through the enemy lines, leaving dozens of bodies to his wake.

290
00:16:42,680 --> 00:16:45,480
Speaker 4: Press in, he yelled, do not lose heart.

291
00:16:46,200 --> 00:16:49,240
Speaker 2: David's cries pierced through the white noise of wind and rain.

292
00:16:49,880 --> 00:16:53,520
Speaker 2: His men were emboldened by his courage. They struggled through

293
00:16:53,600 --> 00:16:57,000
Speaker 2: mud and filth, and slowly gaining the advantage over the Philistines.

294
00:16:57,760 --> 00:17:00,800
Speaker 2: David never let go of his sword. Every attack that

295
00:17:00,880 --> 00:17:05,199
Speaker 2: Philistines counted against him failed. The Lord was before him,

296
00:17:05,320 --> 00:17:07,520
Speaker 2: and his men knew that they were in the presence

297
00:17:07,560 --> 00:17:12,520
Speaker 2: of God's chosen Hera. The skies ceased their onslaught of

298
00:17:12,600 --> 00:17:17,040
Speaker 2: rain and lightning. All was still. For a moment. David

299
00:17:17,080 --> 00:17:19,960
Speaker 2: paused to look around him. He was on top of

300
00:17:20,040 --> 00:17:23,119
Speaker 2: a hill on the enemy's side of the battlefield. He

301
00:17:23,160 --> 00:17:27,000
Speaker 2: looked behind him. His men were standing, seeing that they

302
00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:30,639
Speaker 2: had killed every last Philistine that came up against them.

303
00:17:30,800 --> 00:17:34,200
Speaker 2: Nearly a hundred men lay dead at their feet. Through

304
00:17:34,240 --> 00:17:38,720
Speaker 2: all the struggle, they never lost hope. David drove his

305
00:17:38,760 --> 00:17:41,399
Speaker 2: sword into the mud and fell to his knees. He

306
00:17:41,440 --> 00:17:44,560
Speaker 2: looked up to the heavens. The sun was peeking out

307
00:17:44,600 --> 00:17:47,280
Speaker 2: through the darkened skies, and it seemed as though the

308
00:17:47,359 --> 00:17:51,000
Speaker 2: Lord was smiling down at them. David wept and the

309
00:17:51,119 --> 00:17:56,440
Speaker 2: soldier's cheer They rejoiced at David's bravery and leadership. Ward

310
00:17:56,480 --> 00:17:59,359
Speaker 2: of the victory reached the ears of Saul. As he

311
00:17:59,440 --> 00:18:02,440
Speaker 2: listened to the men swoon over the giant slayer's bravery,

312
00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:06,639
Speaker 2: the tormenting spirit returned and he forgot all about his

313
00:18:06,760 --> 00:18:10,359
Speaker 2: promise to Jonathan. He once again longed to see David

314
00:18:10,400 --> 00:18:12,520
Speaker 2: pin to the wall of the palace with his spear.

315
00:18:15,000 --> 00:18:18,800
Speaker 2: David's music filled the throne room. The melody was unfamiliar

316
00:18:18,800 --> 00:18:21,800
Speaker 2: to Saul. It had a different rising and falling than

317
00:18:21,880 --> 00:18:25,639
Speaker 2: David's typical songs of praise. This song was filled with

318
00:18:25,720 --> 00:18:28,280
Speaker 2: a rising hope that continued to build until the very

319
00:18:28,359 --> 00:18:32,080
Speaker 2: last moment. The joy expressed in the music was like

320
00:18:32,119 --> 00:18:36,359
Speaker 2: a burning coal upon Saul's brooding heart. He hated David's

321
00:18:36,359 --> 00:18:40,240
Speaker 2: connection to the Lord. He hated David's victories and his humility.

322
00:18:40,760 --> 00:18:46,240
Speaker 2: Everything David was, Saul hated. The light of David's countenance

323
00:18:46,480 --> 00:18:50,520
Speaker 2: made the darkness in Saul's heart ever more apparent. Saul

324
00:18:50,560 --> 00:18:53,639
Speaker 2: once again gripped his spirit tightly instood to his feet.

325
00:18:54,480 --> 00:18:57,639
Speaker 2: He yelled and hurled the spear at the shepherd. However,

326
00:18:57,760 --> 00:19:01,320
Speaker 2: David was prepared for another attack from Saul. He shifted

327
00:19:01,359 --> 00:19:03,919
Speaker 2: to his left, and the spear flew right past his

328
00:19:03,960 --> 00:19:08,040
Speaker 2: shoulder and pierced the cedar bean behind him. David stood

329
00:19:08,080 --> 00:19:12,440
Speaker 2: there facing the King. Saul's brows furrowed and nostrils flared.

330
00:19:13,119 --> 00:19:16,960
Speaker 2: Hatred had spilled over, and David saw in the King

331
00:19:17,320 --> 00:19:21,200
Speaker 2: the same eyes as Goliath, it was no longer safe

332
00:19:21,240 --> 00:19:24,280
Speaker 2: to be in his presence. As Saul began to mount

333
00:19:24,320 --> 00:19:27,800
Speaker 2: another attack, David escaped through the back door and ran

334
00:19:27,840 --> 00:19:31,920
Speaker 2: into the night. David burst through the door of his home.

335
00:19:32,960 --> 00:19:34,480
Speaker 2: McAll startled from her bed.

336
00:19:34,800 --> 00:19:35,400
Speaker 7: What happened?

337
00:19:35,800 --> 00:19:36,800
Speaker 2: She asked, worriedly.

338
00:19:37,320 --> 00:19:40,360
Speaker 4: This is the second time your father has attempted to kill.

339
00:19:40,160 --> 00:19:42,960
Speaker 2: Me, David explained, Before.

340
00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:45,639
Speaker 4: I thought it was an outburst of anger, so I

341
00:19:45,760 --> 00:19:51,399
Speaker 4: forgave him. However, now I know he wants me dead.

342
00:19:51,880 --> 00:19:55,639
Speaker 2: Mecall was in shock. Her eyes widened, and she frantically

343
00:19:55,680 --> 00:19:58,480
Speaker 2: ran to the window and looked out into the darkness.

344
00:19:58,920 --> 00:20:03,240
Speaker 2: Small torchlights be seen nearly fifty yards away. May Call

345
00:20:03,359 --> 00:20:07,320
Speaker 2: knew her father well. If he wanted David dead and

346
00:20:07,480 --> 00:20:10,199
Speaker 2: was unable to do so in private, he would have

347
00:20:10,280 --> 00:20:11,560
Speaker 2: his servants do it for him.

348
00:20:12,359 --> 00:20:13,880
Speaker 7: My father's men are lurking in.

349
00:20:13,840 --> 00:20:16,640
Speaker 2: The shadows, she said, in a hushed tone.

350
00:20:16,840 --> 00:20:19,199
Speaker 7: It is not safe for you to be here. They

351
00:20:19,240 --> 00:20:20,919
Speaker 7: will wait for you to come out in the morning

352
00:20:20,920 --> 00:20:21,960
Speaker 7: and slit your throat.

353
00:20:22,320 --> 00:20:25,119
Speaker 2: David pulled his hair back tight and groaned.

354
00:20:25,160 --> 00:20:28,400
Speaker 4: What options are there? I cannot fight the king's men.

355
00:20:29,160 --> 00:20:30,240
Speaker 4: They are my countrymen.

356
00:20:30,800 --> 00:20:33,640
Speaker 2: May call grabbed her husband's face with both her hands.

357
00:20:34,119 --> 00:20:38,440
Speaker 7: Listen to me. If you do not escape tonight, they

358
00:20:38,520 --> 00:20:41,360
Speaker 7: will kill you. You must leave.

359
00:20:42,440 --> 00:20:44,760
Speaker 2: David shook his head and held may Call's hands in

360
00:20:44,800 --> 00:20:46,840
Speaker 2: his I will not leave you.

361
00:20:47,359 --> 00:20:51,119
Speaker 4: I will not leave Jonathan or my men. Perhaps I

362
00:20:51,160 --> 00:20:54,560
Speaker 4: can reason with Saul, he is my father in law.

363
00:20:55,520 --> 00:20:58,200
Speaker 4: Perhaps the Lord will change his heart.

364
00:20:58,880 --> 00:21:02,320
Speaker 2: May Call released David's grasp and began packing up food

365
00:21:02,359 --> 00:21:02,879
Speaker 2: in a sack.

366
00:21:03,720 --> 00:21:06,920
Speaker 7: You are a good man, David, but woefully innocent when

367
00:21:06,920 --> 00:21:09,600
Speaker 7: it comes to my father. He has not listened to

368
00:21:09,640 --> 00:21:14,120
Speaker 7: the Lord in years. You must go, Jonathan and I

369
00:21:14,200 --> 00:21:16,960
Speaker 7: will be okay, and your men will always be loyal

370
00:21:17,000 --> 00:21:19,640
Speaker 7: to you. But none of us want to see you dead.

371
00:21:20,359 --> 00:21:22,920
Speaker 2: She grabbed David's face and brought it close to hers.

372
00:21:23,680 --> 00:21:27,600
Speaker 2: She kissed him passionately and smiled. The two of them

373
00:21:27,640 --> 00:21:30,719
Speaker 2: fastened a rope together, and David lowered himself out the window,

374
00:21:31,200 --> 00:21:34,960
Speaker 2: escaping into the hills outside the city. May Call took

375
00:21:35,000 --> 00:21:37,560
Speaker 2: pillows and hid them under blankets to look like David.

376
00:21:38,560 --> 00:21:40,480
Speaker 2: She put goats fur on the top to look like

377
00:21:40,520 --> 00:21:43,720
Speaker 2: his hair, then crawled into bed and waited up all night.

378
00:21:44,640 --> 00:21:46,639
Speaker 2: She knew the servants would come in the morning to

379
00:21:46,720 --> 00:21:51,280
Speaker 2: kill David. It was only a matter of time. Early

380
00:21:51,320 --> 00:21:53,800
Speaker 2: that morning, may Call her to knocking at the door.

381
00:21:54,280 --> 00:21:58,479
Speaker 2: Who is it, she asked ignorantly, although she knew it

382
00:21:58,560 --> 00:22:01,840
Speaker 2: was her father's men come to kill. At the door

383
00:22:01,960 --> 00:22:05,560
Speaker 2: was Abner, the commander of Saul's army and most trusted

384
00:22:05,600 --> 00:22:09,480
Speaker 2: servant and adviser. Saul had sent him personally to seated

385
00:22:09,560 --> 00:22:12,760
Speaker 2: David's death. He trusted no one more than Abner.

386
00:22:13,240 --> 00:22:16,480
Speaker 4: We come from your father, my lady, he said, we

387
00:22:16,600 --> 00:22:19,560
Speaker 4: are here to speak with your husband. Could you get him.

388
00:22:19,960 --> 00:22:24,000
Speaker 2: Maycall's heart began to pound in her chest. She heroically

389
00:22:24,080 --> 00:22:27,120
Speaker 2: saved her husband, but she was now growing more nervous

390
00:22:27,119 --> 00:22:30,760
Speaker 2: for her own safety. Panicked, may Call cleared her throat

391
00:22:30,840 --> 00:22:33,120
Speaker 2: and said, he is ill.

392
00:22:33,600 --> 00:22:35,560
Speaker 7: You will have to come by tomorrow. I am afraid

393
00:22:35,560 --> 00:22:37,040
Speaker 7: he is in bed and cannot get up.

394
00:22:37,359 --> 00:22:40,240
Speaker 4: We have strict orders from the King Mecall.

395
00:22:40,840 --> 00:22:44,280
Speaker 2: Abner replied sternly, we will visit him in the room.

396
00:22:44,880 --> 00:22:48,600
Speaker 2: The men made their way in without Maykall's permission, slowly

397
00:22:48,680 --> 00:22:52,240
Speaker 2: opening the door into their room. They drew their swords,

398
00:22:52,720 --> 00:22:55,840
Speaker 2: unwilling to take their chances with such a formidable opponent

399
00:22:55,920 --> 00:22:59,560
Speaker 2: like David. Abner took his sword and raised it into

400
00:22:59,600 --> 00:23:03,280
Speaker 2: the air. He drove it down into the bed, being

401
00:23:03,320 --> 00:23:06,040
Speaker 2: sure to put all his weight into it. His men

402
00:23:06,160 --> 00:23:08,960
Speaker 2: joined in stabbing and slashing down to the figure in

403
00:23:09,000 --> 00:23:12,800
Speaker 2: the bed. However, it did not take long for feathers

404
00:23:12,840 --> 00:23:15,720
Speaker 2: and fur to begin pouring out from under the blankets.

405
00:23:16,240 --> 00:23:19,600
Speaker 2: Abner threw off the blankets, revealing the pillows and goat skins.

406
00:23:20,440 --> 00:23:23,280
Speaker 2: He turned back violently with his sword drawn, and may Call,

407
00:23:23,880 --> 00:23:28,320
Speaker 2: where is he? Abner yelled? Where is David? Maycall fell

408
00:23:28,359 --> 00:23:32,399
Speaker 2: down onto the floor, crying. Abner rolled his eyes back

409
00:23:32,480 --> 00:23:35,720
Speaker 2: and sheathed his sword. Go get the king, he ordered

410
00:23:35,720 --> 00:23:36,120
Speaker 2: his men.

411
00:23:36,320 --> 00:23:38,440
Speaker 4: The last thing I want is to harm his daughter

412
00:23:38,520 --> 00:23:39,639
Speaker 4: tried to get the truth.

413
00:23:40,240 --> 00:23:44,000
Speaker 2: Saul's men beckoned him to David and Maycall's home. He

414
00:23:44,119 --> 00:23:47,920
Speaker 2: stormed in with thundering anger. His large frame and deep

415
00:23:48,000 --> 00:23:51,240
Speaker 2: voice shook the house, and may Call quivered in fear

416
00:23:51,280 --> 00:23:54,320
Speaker 2: from her father. He had never heard her, but he

417
00:23:54,400 --> 00:23:57,640
Speaker 2: was clearly not in his right mind. He had attempted

418
00:23:57,680 --> 00:23:59,840
Speaker 2: to pin David to the wall twice with his spear.

419
00:24:00,520 --> 00:24:02,720
Speaker 2: There was no clear limit to what he would do.

420
00:24:03,760 --> 00:24:06,000
Speaker 2: Saul bent down to his daughter, who was crying on

421
00:24:06,040 --> 00:24:09,159
Speaker 2: the floor next to the bed. His anger could be

422
00:24:09,200 --> 00:24:14,399
Speaker 2: seen through his teeth. Daughter, he said, holding back his outrage.

423
00:24:15,119 --> 00:24:18,960
Speaker 2: Where is he? May Call had a decision to make.

424
00:24:19,800 --> 00:24:22,439
Speaker 2: Would she honor her husband or pander to her father?

425
00:24:23,800 --> 00:24:27,520
Speaker 2: She weighed her options. It was very likely that David

426
00:24:27,560 --> 00:24:30,040
Speaker 2: would remain on the run for a very long while.

427
00:24:31,040 --> 00:24:33,960
Speaker 2: May Call was used to a life of luxury and privilege.

428
00:24:34,480 --> 00:24:38,240
Speaker 2: As much as she loved David, she loved her comforts more.

429
00:24:39,440 --> 00:24:42,440
Speaker 4: She looked up, Oh, father.

430
00:24:42,800 --> 00:24:45,200
Speaker 2: She said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

431
00:24:45,720 --> 00:24:49,439
Speaker 7: Thank the Lord you have come. David threatened my life.

432
00:24:49,880 --> 00:24:51,800
Speaker 7: He told me that he would kill me if I

433
00:24:51,840 --> 00:24:53,120
Speaker 7: did not help him escape.

434
00:24:53,640 --> 00:24:57,000
Speaker 2: Tears ran down her face, However, they were tears of

435
00:24:57,040 --> 00:25:00,240
Speaker 2: shame and guilt for what she was doing. So all

436
00:25:00,240 --> 00:25:03,520
Speaker 2: held his daughter, appalled at her words. Even he who

437
00:25:03,600 --> 00:25:06,680
Speaker 2: hated David, could not believe he would do such a thing.

438
00:25:07,040 --> 00:25:10,359
Speaker 4: I promise you, my daughter, I will find him and

439
00:25:10,440 --> 00:25:13,479
Speaker 4: destroy him. He will not hurt you again.

440
00:25:14,119 --> 00:25:16,119
Speaker 2: Saul stood up and gestured for Abner.

441
00:25:16,400 --> 00:25:19,680
Speaker 4: Send out scouts. Have them search for David, but tell

442
00:25:19,760 --> 00:25:23,159
Speaker 4: no one we want his life. I cannot have people

443
00:25:23,320 --> 00:25:25,040
Speaker 4: rising up to protect him.

444
00:25:25,720 --> 00:25:28,480
Speaker 2: Abner nodded and he sent men throughout the city to

445
00:25:28,520 --> 00:25:33,920
Speaker 2: search for David. David ran all day until he arrived

446
00:25:33,920 --> 00:25:38,080
Speaker 2: at Naoth in Ramah. The sun was setting, creating a

447
00:25:38,119 --> 00:25:42,040
Speaker 2: crimson glow over the horizon. On any other day, it

448
00:25:42,080 --> 00:25:44,160
Speaker 2: would have been worth sitting on the hill to write

449
00:25:44,240 --> 00:25:47,719
Speaker 2: songs about the glory of God, but this day was different.

450
00:25:48,600 --> 00:25:52,600
Speaker 2: David needed protection, so he sought wisdom from the only

451
00:25:52,680 --> 00:25:55,920
Speaker 2: man he truly trusted. He walked up a dirt pathway

452
00:25:56,000 --> 00:25:58,639
Speaker 2: leading to a house sitting on a hill overlooking the city.

453
00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:01,639
Speaker 2: David felt to distinct shift in the air as he

454
00:26:01,680 --> 00:26:04,919
Speaker 2: approached the home. He looked to his left, seeing a

455
00:26:04,920 --> 00:26:09,000
Speaker 2: stone altar covered in blood. Smoke rose from an opening

456
00:26:09,000 --> 00:26:12,160
Speaker 2: in the roof, and flickering light came to the windows.

457
00:26:12,800 --> 00:26:16,160
Speaker 2: David approached the large wooden door and knocked. He stepped

458
00:26:16,160 --> 00:26:20,200
Speaker 2: back and waited. The door opened, and the sweet smell

459
00:26:20,240 --> 00:26:23,240
Speaker 2: of incense and cooked meat released into the air. Near David.

460
00:26:24,240 --> 00:26:27,879
Speaker 2: The young shepherd immediately bowed, I am sorry for disturbing you.

461
00:26:28,920 --> 00:26:32,399
Speaker 2: I had nowhere else to go. The figure standing before

462
00:26:32,440 --> 00:26:34,920
Speaker 2: him limped its way outside and leaned down to him.

463
00:26:36,440 --> 00:26:38,919
Speaker 2: David looked up to see the old and gray face

464
00:26:38,960 --> 00:26:42,800
Speaker 2: of Samuel smiling. He had not seen him since he

465
00:26:42,880 --> 00:26:46,920
Speaker 2: was anointed in Bethlehem. His presence was warm and comforting.

466
00:26:47,720 --> 00:26:51,359
Speaker 2: A few tears streamed down David's cheeks. In such a

467
00:26:51,400 --> 00:26:54,400
Speaker 2: short period of time, David had gone from a forgotten

468
00:26:54,440 --> 00:26:59,040
Speaker 2: shepherd boy to a famed warrior. Seeing Samuel made him

469
00:26:59,080 --> 00:27:03,760
Speaker 2: feel like a child again. Come, Samuel's raspy and dusty voice.

470
00:27:03,560 --> 00:27:07,439
Speaker 4: Said, we shall worship the Lord together, and he shall

471
00:27:07,480 --> 00:27:09,440
Speaker 4: deliver you from the vengeance of Saul.

472
00:27:09,920 --> 00:27:12,480
Speaker 2: David took Samuel by the arm, and the two of

473
00:27:12,520 --> 00:27:16,199
Speaker 2: them walked into his home. Samuel's students were sitting by

474
00:27:16,240 --> 00:27:19,320
Speaker 2: the fire and enjoying a meal. David sat among them

475
00:27:19,359 --> 00:27:22,440
Speaker 2: and told them all of what had happened. He spoke

476
00:27:22,480 --> 00:27:25,080
Speaker 2: into the night, sharing all the things the Lord had

477
00:27:25,119 --> 00:27:28,880
Speaker 2: done since he defeated Goliath. He told tales of Jonathan

478
00:27:29,359 --> 00:27:33,200
Speaker 2: may Call and the armies of Israel. He shared about

479
00:27:33,200 --> 00:27:35,880
Speaker 2: the disturbed nature of Saul and his attempts to kill him.

480
00:27:36,520 --> 00:27:40,600
Speaker 2: In everything, Samuel and his students were silent. They allowed

481
00:27:40,680 --> 00:27:43,720
Speaker 2: David to pour out his emotions and soul. They allowed

482
00:27:43,760 --> 00:27:47,840
Speaker 2: him to cry, laugh and pray. Then, after sharing a

483
00:27:47,840 --> 00:27:51,399
Speaker 2: good meal, they sent David to bed to rest. They

484
00:27:51,480 --> 00:27:53,600
Speaker 2: knew that Saul and his men would be there soon.

485
00:27:54,400 --> 00:27:57,240
Speaker 2: They had to pray to the Lord for protection and provision.

486
00:27:58,080 --> 00:28:01,800
Speaker 2: If David truly was the anointed chosen King, no doubt

487
00:28:01,880 --> 00:28:04,560
Speaker 2: God would provide.

488
00:28:04,760 --> 00:28:07,200
Speaker 4: One of our men came back with reports of David.

489
00:28:07,280 --> 00:28:11,520
Speaker 2: See Rama, Abner said to the king. Saul leaned back

490
00:28:11,560 --> 00:28:14,879
Speaker 2: on his throne, brooding over a cup of wine. His

491
00:28:14,960 --> 00:28:18,520
Speaker 2: eyes darted over to Abner. He snarled and took a sip.

492
00:28:19,119 --> 00:28:22,199
Speaker 4: No doubt he has gone to see Samuel. Both of

493
00:28:22,240 --> 00:28:26,920
Speaker 4: them are probably conspiring against me as we speak. Go

494
00:28:27,520 --> 00:28:31,800
Speaker 4: and take David by any means necessary.

495
00:28:32,560 --> 00:28:35,920
Speaker 2: Abner bowed, and he sent men to retrieve David from

496
00:28:35,960 --> 00:28:41,000
Speaker 2: Nahath and Ramah. The next day, Saul's men walked up

497
00:28:41,040 --> 00:28:44,360
Speaker 2: the dirt path with their swords drawn. They could see

498
00:28:44,360 --> 00:28:48,520
Speaker 2: the smoke rising from the home. Outside the home, Samuel

499
00:28:48,560 --> 00:28:52,760
Speaker 2: and his students were prophesying and worshiping the Lord. Samuel

500
00:28:52,800 --> 00:28:55,520
Speaker 2: stood in front of them with his hands raised. They

501
00:28:55,600 --> 00:28:58,840
Speaker 2: declared the goodness and justice of God and proclaimed his

502
00:28:59,000 --> 00:29:02,640
Speaker 2: mighty acts on the hill. As the men drew closer

503
00:29:02,680 --> 00:29:05,640
Speaker 2: with their swords drawn, they felt the shift in the air.

504
00:29:06,480 --> 00:29:09,640
Speaker 2: Their hearts began to flutter in their chests, and the

505
00:29:09,680 --> 00:29:13,720
Speaker 2: spirit of God fell down upon them. Overwhelmed with the

506
00:29:13,760 --> 00:29:17,760
Speaker 2: sense of God's presence, they too began to prophesy and worship.

507
00:29:19,080 --> 00:29:23,120
Speaker 2: They had come to take David violently, but instead they

508
00:29:23,120 --> 00:29:26,200
Speaker 2: were met with a fortified wall of praise and worship.

509
00:29:27,360 --> 00:29:31,440
Speaker 2: God had protected his chosen king, not with weapons of warfare,

510
00:29:31,960 --> 00:29:34,760
Speaker 2: but with his spirit moving in the hearts of wicked men.

511
00:29:37,200 --> 00:29:40,440
Speaker 2: The men returned empty handed, but beaming with the joy

512
00:29:40,440 --> 00:29:45,520
Speaker 2: of the Lord. Their spiritual glow vexed Saul. His anger

513
00:29:45,640 --> 00:29:47,920
Speaker 2: was kindled against his men when he heard that they

514
00:29:47,920 --> 00:29:52,080
Speaker 2: had worshiped God instead of obeying him. Saul stood up

515
00:29:52,080 --> 00:29:54,840
Speaker 2: from his throne and rode to Ramah himself, with a

516
00:29:54,880 --> 00:29:59,040
Speaker 2: dozen men behind him. He came heavily armed and prepared

517
00:29:59,040 --> 00:30:02,520
Speaker 2: to fight. He knew that David was a mighty warrior,

518
00:30:02,960 --> 00:30:06,080
Speaker 2: and somehow Samuel and his prophets had cast a spell

519
00:30:06,120 --> 00:30:09,200
Speaker 2: on his men. Saul charged up the hill leading up

520
00:30:09,240 --> 00:30:13,160
Speaker 2: to Samuel's home. As he crossed the threshold, Saul could

521
00:30:13,200 --> 00:30:15,560
Speaker 2: feel the presence of God like the embrace of an

522
00:30:15,560 --> 00:30:20,400
Speaker 2: old friend from years ago. Saul ceased his charge and paused.

523
00:30:21,120 --> 00:30:23,320
Speaker 2: He looked down at his hands and his feet. Not

524
00:30:23,440 --> 00:30:27,320
Speaker 2: sure what to do, he took a step further. Seeing

525
00:30:27,360 --> 00:30:31,880
Speaker 2: Samuel's students praying only a few yards away, he approached them,

526
00:30:32,520 --> 00:30:36,920
Speaker 2: and the tug of God's spirit became homing. Saul fell

527
00:30:36,960 --> 00:30:40,320
Speaker 2: to his hands and knees, his heart ached from the

528
00:30:40,360 --> 00:30:43,880
Speaker 2: burst of benevolent power rushing through him like a mighty river.

529
00:30:44,600 --> 00:30:48,040
Speaker 2: It was almost too much for him to bear. Saul

530
00:30:48,160 --> 00:30:50,840
Speaker 2: looked up to the heavens with tears rushing down his face.

531
00:30:51,840 --> 00:30:54,480
Speaker 2: He knew that the Lord was only revealing himself to

532
00:30:54,520 --> 00:30:57,600
Speaker 2: protect David. He even knew in his heart that he

533
00:30:57,640 --> 00:31:01,880
Speaker 2: would not change his ways a less. He was grateful,

534
00:31:02,680 --> 00:31:05,920
Speaker 2: grateful that he could experience the spirit of God once again,

535
00:31:06,400 --> 00:31:10,760
Speaker 2: even for just a brief moment. Saul tore his royal

536
00:31:10,880 --> 00:31:13,680
Speaker 2: robes and began to worship and prophesy with the others.

537
00:31:14,440 --> 00:31:17,800
Speaker 2: After this, the spirit of the Lord compelled him to depart.

538
00:31:19,920 --> 00:31:22,680
Speaker 2: David watched out the window at the king. Leaving down

539
00:31:22,720 --> 00:31:25,720
Speaker 2: the hill. He turned to Samuel, who was sitting by

540
00:31:25,760 --> 00:31:29,400
Speaker 2: the fire. Once again, Samuel beckoned him over and had

541
00:31:29,480 --> 00:31:33,040
Speaker 2: him sit beside him. David spoke first, saying.

542
00:31:33,120 --> 00:31:37,000
Speaker 4: Thank you for all you have done, however, I put

543
00:31:37,000 --> 00:31:40,920
Speaker 4: you and your students in danger by being here. I

544
00:31:40,960 --> 00:31:41,920
Speaker 4: shall leave to night.

545
00:31:42,840 --> 00:31:46,520
Speaker 2: Samuel smiled and tilted his head towards the fire. The

546
00:31:46,600 --> 00:31:50,160
Speaker 2: coals had been tended too carefully by Samuel. They beat

547
00:31:50,280 --> 00:31:53,200
Speaker 2: like tiny little hearts in the flame. A few of

548
00:31:53,240 --> 00:31:56,560
Speaker 2: the coals popped. He looked at David sitting beside him.

549
00:31:57,200 --> 00:31:59,480
Speaker 2: His eyes were attentive to Samuel's every move.

550
00:32:00,640 --> 00:32:02,400
Speaker 4: Are you able to keep the coals burning?

551
00:32:02,920 --> 00:32:08,000
Speaker 2: Samuel asked. His voice was deep and sonorous. Even in

552
00:32:08,080 --> 00:32:12,560
Speaker 2: his old age, his voice maintained its resonant authority. It

553
00:32:12,640 --> 00:32:14,760
Speaker 2: was as if the words of God flowed out of

554
00:32:14,760 --> 00:32:18,560
Speaker 2: his mouth from a deep cavern. David looked at the fire.

555
00:32:19,160 --> 00:32:22,040
Speaker 2: I am not sure, David said, honestly.

556
00:32:22,320 --> 00:32:26,880
Speaker 4: I suppose the flames are both started and sustained by

557
00:32:26,920 --> 00:32:27,320
Speaker 4: the Lord.

558
00:32:28,000 --> 00:32:32,320
Speaker 2: Samuel said nothing. He touched David's head, as he did

559
00:32:32,360 --> 00:32:35,800
Speaker 2: the first day they met. He prayed with him, and

560
00:32:35,880 --> 00:32:40,000
Speaker 2: then sent him on his way. David disappeared into the night,

561
00:32:40,080 --> 00:32:44,120
Speaker 2: back to Gabeah. He needed to speak with Jonathan. The

562
00:32:44,240 --> 00:32:47,800
Speaker 2: dual nature of Saul had left him confused. Was he

563
00:32:47,880 --> 00:32:51,160
Speaker 2: able to mend his relationship with Saul? Would he be

564
00:32:51,200 --> 00:32:54,840
Speaker 2: able to reconcile, or was David forced to live on

565
00:32:54,920 --> 00:33:01,760
Speaker 2: the run forever? He needed such answers. Jonathan sat on

566
00:33:01,840 --> 00:33:04,080
Speaker 2: a large stone wall, looking down at the fields of

567
00:33:04,120 --> 00:33:07,720
Speaker 2: grain outside his home. The gentle evening wind made the

568
00:33:07,720 --> 00:33:11,160
Speaker 2: grain move like the seas. The sound of crickets chirping

569
00:33:11,200 --> 00:33:13,720
Speaker 2: harmonized with the whistles of the breeze coming in from

570
00:33:13,720 --> 00:33:17,000
Speaker 2: the east. It was a place David and he would

571
00:33:17,000 --> 00:33:20,680
Speaker 2: often meet. They would speak of war, the wonders of God,

572
00:33:20,960 --> 00:33:24,920
Speaker 2: and their dreams for the future. Jonathan would often chuckle

573
00:33:24,920 --> 00:33:29,000
Speaker 2: to David, comparing everything to herding sheep. As the wind

574
00:33:29,000 --> 00:33:32,400
Speaker 2: picked up spead across the fields, Jonathan could have sworn

575
00:33:32,400 --> 00:33:36,880
Speaker 2: he heard a voice say his name, Jonathan. The voice whispered, Jonathan,

576
00:33:37,160 --> 00:33:40,600
Speaker 2: it said again. The young prince looked down the hill

577
00:33:40,680 --> 00:33:44,360
Speaker 2: sloping into the fields. David was there, resting his back

578
00:33:44,400 --> 00:33:49,080
Speaker 2: against a stone. Jonathan hopped off the wall and embraced David.

579
00:33:49,280 --> 00:33:51,880
Speaker 2: I thought you had left forever, Jonathan exclaimed.

580
00:33:52,080 --> 00:33:53,880
Speaker 6: My father has been mad in search of you.

581
00:33:54,320 --> 00:33:57,400
Speaker 4: What was my crime, Jonathan? What is my guilt that

582
00:33:57,520 --> 00:34:00,920
Speaker 4: your father would seek my life? Have I not served

583
00:34:01,000 --> 00:34:04,120
Speaker 4: him faithfully? Have I not honored him?

584
00:34:04,880 --> 00:34:08,440
Speaker 2: David was frantic and frustrated. He was weary from hiding

585
00:34:08,520 --> 00:34:13,080
Speaker 2: and becoming flustered from the sleepless nights. Jonathan reassured David

586
00:34:13,080 --> 00:34:14,319
Speaker 2: and put his arm round him.

587
00:34:14,920 --> 00:34:17,480
Speaker 6: My father vowed to me that he would not kill you.

588
00:34:17,600 --> 00:34:18,719
Speaker 6: I do not believe he.

589
00:34:18,640 --> 00:34:20,680
Speaker 2: Will, Jonathan said, in ignorance.

590
00:34:21,160 --> 00:34:23,920
Speaker 6: My father does nothing without first disclosing it to me.

591
00:34:24,080 --> 00:34:26,000
Speaker 6: If he had planned on killing you, he would tell me.

592
00:34:26,239 --> 00:34:28,479
Speaker 6: Surely he is looking for you because of something else.

593
00:34:28,880 --> 00:34:31,840
Speaker 2: David shook his head. He paused and looked out of

594
00:34:31,880 --> 00:34:35,440
Speaker 2: the fields. The breeze and sound of moving grass reminded

595
00:34:35,520 --> 00:34:40,920
Speaker 2: him of simpler times with his sheep. David, still looking forward, said.

596
00:34:41,040 --> 00:34:44,839
Speaker 4: Your father knows we are closer than brothers. He would

597
00:34:44,840 --> 00:34:47,040
Speaker 4: not tell you of his plans to kill me again.

598
00:34:48,520 --> 00:34:51,319
Speaker 4: He probably suspects you are the one who warned me

599
00:34:51,360 --> 00:34:53,040
Speaker 4: in the first place that he would kill me.

600
00:34:53,520 --> 00:34:56,719
Speaker 6: My loyalty is to you before my father. David, we

601
00:34:56,800 --> 00:35:01,040
Speaker 6: have a bond and an unbreakable covenant. Tell me what

602
00:35:01,120 --> 00:35:03,640
Speaker 6: you need and I'll do whatever you.

603
00:35:03,719 --> 00:35:09,080
Speaker 2: Want, Jonathan said. David looked over at his friend. For

604
00:35:09,120 --> 00:35:12,200
Speaker 2: so long he had been alone, even in the large

605
00:35:12,239 --> 00:35:15,960
Speaker 2: family of Jesse David was always the outcast, the runt.

606
00:35:16,840 --> 00:35:19,640
Speaker 2: His heart was full of gladness for his friend Jonathan.

607
00:35:20,680 --> 00:35:23,480
Speaker 2: He feared that in the midst of the chaos, he

608
00:35:23,560 --> 00:35:27,480
Speaker 2: would be abandoned and left. David smiled and looked up

609
00:35:27,480 --> 00:35:30,320
Speaker 2: at the moon. He pointed to it and said.

610
00:35:30,800 --> 00:35:34,840
Speaker 4: Tomorrow is the new moon. Many people will be gathering

611
00:35:34,840 --> 00:35:38,680
Speaker 4: to celebrate. Your father will probably be expecting me to

612
00:35:38,719 --> 00:35:41,439
Speaker 4: feast with him and the elders. I am his son

613
00:35:41,480 --> 00:35:44,560
Speaker 4: in law, and to not attend would be a great

614
00:35:44,920 --> 00:35:50,040
Speaker 4: insult to him. I will hide instead, and you will

615
00:35:50,080 --> 00:35:53,080
Speaker 4: tell him I am in Bethlehem making a sacrifice with

616
00:35:53,239 --> 00:35:56,760
Speaker 4: my clan. It will, no doubt enrage him and kindle

617
00:35:56,800 --> 00:36:01,120
Speaker 4: his anger towards me even greater. However, if your father

618
00:36:01,239 --> 00:36:04,920
Speaker 4: respects my decision to be with my kinsman, then we

619
00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:07,920
Speaker 4: will know he means me no harm. What if he is.

620
00:36:07,920 --> 00:36:11,240
Speaker 6: Outraged, Jonathan asked, what will that tell us?

621
00:36:11,719 --> 00:36:15,719
Speaker 4: If your father is angry, it will show his heart.

622
00:36:15,800 --> 00:36:20,360
Speaker 2: David said. He paused again. Tears began to well up

623
00:36:20,440 --> 00:36:21,280
Speaker 2: in David's eyes.

624
00:36:22,000 --> 00:36:25,280
Speaker 4: You should have seen the hatred in his eyes, Jonathan,

625
00:36:25,800 --> 00:36:29,319
Speaker 4: David whispered, you should have seen the disdain he had

626
00:36:29,320 --> 00:36:33,560
Speaker 4: for me. He looked at me like I was an abomination.

627
00:36:34,920 --> 00:36:36,960
Speaker 4: I might as well have been a philistine to him.

628
00:36:37,400 --> 00:36:39,880
Speaker 2: David drew his sword and handed it to Jonathan.

629
00:36:40,400 --> 00:36:42,840
Speaker 4: You and I have made a covenant with one another.

630
00:36:43,760 --> 00:36:48,439
Speaker 4: You have sworn to protect me. However, if you see

631
00:36:48,480 --> 00:36:53,680
Speaker 4: any guilt in me, please drive this sword into my chest.

632
00:36:54,239 --> 00:36:57,600
Speaker 2: Never, Jonathan yelled, pushing away David's sword.

633
00:36:57,719 --> 00:36:59,800
Speaker 6: Get up, Come with me, Jonathan.

634
00:37:00,360 --> 00:37:02,360
Speaker 2: David up, and the two of them walked down to

635
00:37:02,400 --> 00:37:05,680
Speaker 2: the fields. They stood there, listening to the humming of

636
00:37:05,719 --> 00:37:09,319
Speaker 2: the wind and the chirping of crickets. Jonathan pointed to

637
00:37:09,360 --> 00:37:11,560
Speaker 2: the caves nestled in the hills beyond the field.

638
00:37:12,120 --> 00:37:14,560
Speaker 6: You hide out in the caves beyond this field. I'll

639
00:37:14,600 --> 00:37:16,240
Speaker 6: send word of my father's temperament.

640
00:37:17,000 --> 00:37:20,880
Speaker 2: Thank you, brother, Jonathan breathed in deeply inside.

641
00:37:21,480 --> 00:37:23,640
Speaker 6: Remember what I told you before when I gave you

642
00:37:23,719 --> 00:37:24,480
Speaker 6: my armor and.

643
00:37:24,480 --> 00:37:27,160
Speaker 2: Robe, he asked. His tone was serious.

644
00:37:27,640 --> 00:37:31,920
Speaker 6: I told you you would certainly become king. I still

645
00:37:31,960 --> 00:37:34,279
Speaker 6: believe it, and I am certain my father believes it.

646
00:37:34,400 --> 00:37:37,440
Speaker 6: That's why he hates you. The wind ceased its whistling,

647
00:37:37,760 --> 00:37:41,120
Speaker 6: and all was still for a moment. Jonathan choked on

648
00:37:41,160 --> 00:37:47,360
Speaker 6: his words. He was holding back tears. Sometimes I linger

649
00:37:47,400 --> 00:37:50,600
Speaker 6: in the halls of the palace and listen to you

650
00:37:50,640 --> 00:37:53,279
Speaker 6: play music to my father. You have a deep well

651
00:37:53,360 --> 00:37:56,480
Speaker 6: of love for the Lord, David. Your music speaks to

652
00:37:56,520 --> 00:37:59,840
Speaker 6: your relationship with God. He will show you favor wherever

653
00:37:59,840 --> 00:38:03,320
Speaker 6: you go. He will exalt you as king and destroy

654
00:38:03,400 --> 00:38:06,560
Speaker 6: all those who make you their enemy. All those who

655
00:38:06,560 --> 00:38:10,200
Speaker 6: seek to destroy you now will be eliminated, and God

656
00:38:10,280 --> 00:38:14,399
Speaker 6: will pave the way for your kingdom. Please, I beg

657
00:38:14,480 --> 00:38:18,520
Speaker 6: you show love to my house. When God removes your enemies,

658
00:38:19,440 --> 00:38:21,160
Speaker 6: be kind to my wife and children.

659
00:38:22,600 --> 00:38:26,520
Speaker 2: David said nothing in response. He wanted to humbly reject

660
00:38:26,600 --> 00:38:30,520
Speaker 2: Jonathan's prediction that he would be made king. However, David

661
00:38:30,600 --> 00:38:33,840
Speaker 2: knew that it was what he was destined for. He

662
00:38:33,920 --> 00:38:36,759
Speaker 2: had come to realize the reason Samuel anointed him in

663
00:38:36,800 --> 00:38:40,279
Speaker 2: the pastures so long ago. He was chosen to be

664
00:38:40,360 --> 00:38:43,600
Speaker 2: the next king of Israel, and David swore to show

665
00:38:43,680 --> 00:38:50,120
Speaker 2: Jonathan and his entire household love and favor. Jonathan spoke again, saying, in.

666
00:38:50,080 --> 00:38:52,640
Speaker 6: The next three days, I will go out into the

667
00:38:52,640 --> 00:38:55,279
Speaker 6: field for target practice where you are hiding. I will

668
00:38:55,280 --> 00:38:57,840
Speaker 6: shoot three arrows towards you and send my servant to

669
00:38:57,880 --> 00:38:59,600
Speaker 6: go and retrieve them. And if you hear me yell

670
00:38:59,840 --> 00:39:02,680
Speaker 6: the the arrows are on that side, it means the

671
00:39:02,719 --> 00:39:04,759
Speaker 6: coast is clear for you to return. If you hear

672
00:39:04,800 --> 00:39:08,680
Speaker 6: me yell, go further run, then that means Saul is

673
00:39:08,719 --> 00:39:12,440
Speaker 6: still seeking your life and you should flee.

674
00:39:12,640 --> 00:39:16,560
Speaker 8: You are a kind man, Jonathan, David said, I will

675
00:39:16,600 --> 00:39:17,120
Speaker 8: wait here.

676
00:39:17,560 --> 00:39:20,960
Speaker 2: The two embraced, and Jonathan left to return to his family.

677
00:39:22,280 --> 00:39:25,200
Speaker 2: David walked into the dark and rough openings in the hills.

678
00:39:25,840 --> 00:39:28,520
Speaker 2: He set his belongings down and leaned his head against

679
00:39:28,520 --> 00:39:31,920
Speaker 2: the cave. He sighed, and the echoes of his breath

680
00:39:31,960 --> 00:39:35,920
Speaker 2: traveled deep into the caverns. The young shepherd closed his

681
00:39:36,000 --> 00:39:38,640
Speaker 2: eyes and began singing a song to the Lord.

682
00:39:39,480 --> 00:39:44,440
Speaker 8: Oh Lord, my God, and you I take refuge, Save

683
00:39:44,560 --> 00:39:50,239
Speaker 8: me from my pursuers. Deliver me, o Lord, my God.

684
00:39:50,440 --> 00:39:53,120
Speaker 8: If I have done this, if this is my evil doing,

685
00:39:53,560 --> 00:39:56,840
Speaker 8: let the enemy pursue my soul and devour.

686
00:39:56,520 --> 00:40:00,960
Speaker 4: It like the lions. May they lay my glory in

687
00:40:01,040 --> 00:40:03,440
Speaker 4: the dust Selah.

688
00:40:04,360 --> 00:40:08,640
Speaker 2: As David sang, his heart was comforted. The Lord met

689
00:40:08,680 --> 00:40:12,080
Speaker 2: him in his anguish. There was nowhere he could run

690
00:40:12,120 --> 00:40:14,680
Speaker 2: where the love and passion of God could not follow.

691
00:40:15,480 --> 00:40:18,960
Speaker 2: He drifted to sleep, wondering about the future of his life,

692
00:40:19,200 --> 00:40:25,720
Speaker 2: his family, and his kingdom. The moon festival had begun

693
00:40:26,480 --> 00:40:29,440
Speaker 2: and the elders gathered to celebrate with Saul and his family.

694
00:40:30,880 --> 00:40:34,240
Speaker 2: Saul wore his robe of elegant colors, flashing his wealth

695
00:40:34,280 --> 00:40:38,320
Speaker 2: before the nobles of Israel. He paraded his family around

696
00:40:38,360 --> 00:40:42,520
Speaker 2: like the jewels on his crown. However, when David's place

697
00:40:42,560 --> 00:40:46,720
Speaker 2: at the king's table was empty, Saul took notice. Where

698
00:40:46,800 --> 00:40:49,520
Speaker 2: is the son of Jesse? He asked Jonathan.

699
00:40:49,840 --> 00:40:53,120
Speaker 4: First he threatens my daughter's life, and now he has

700
00:40:53,200 --> 00:40:55,680
Speaker 4: the gall to shirk his royal duties.

701
00:40:56,200 --> 00:40:59,560
Speaker 2: Jonathan peered across the table at his father. He did

702
00:40:59,560 --> 00:41:02,320
Speaker 2: his best to read him, to look into his thoughts

703
00:41:02,360 --> 00:41:03,000
Speaker 2: and motives.

704
00:41:04,000 --> 00:41:06,440
Speaker 6: David asked me if he could go back to Bethlehem

705
00:41:06,480 --> 00:41:09,360
Speaker 6: to make a sacrifice with his clan. His father and

706
00:41:09,440 --> 00:41:11,480
Speaker 6: brothers demanded it, so I allowed it.

707
00:41:11,920 --> 00:41:14,200
Speaker 2: Saal drove his knife into the table.

708
00:41:14,840 --> 00:41:18,120
Speaker 4: You foolish and useless son.

709
00:41:18,200 --> 00:41:21,719
Speaker 2: He yelled. Everyone at the table tightened and looked over

710
00:41:21,760 --> 00:41:25,680
Speaker 2: at Jonathan. He was motionless and oddly unriled. Do you

711
00:41:25,719 --> 00:41:26,680
Speaker 2: think I'm a fool?

712
00:41:27,200 --> 00:41:29,480
Speaker 4: I know you want him to be king in your place.

713
00:41:29,880 --> 00:41:32,160
Speaker 2: Saul took his plate of food and threw it against

714
00:41:32,200 --> 00:41:35,000
Speaker 2: the wall. He picked up his spear and pointed it

715
00:41:35,040 --> 00:41:35,600
Speaker 2: at his son.

716
00:41:36,280 --> 00:41:40,239
Speaker 4: You shame yourself and your mother. David is planning to

717
00:41:40,400 --> 00:41:42,239
Speaker 4: rip this kingdom away from me.

718
00:41:42,880 --> 00:41:47,680
Speaker 2: Jonathan's face was impassive. Now he was witnessing his father's

719
00:41:47,719 --> 00:41:51,719
Speaker 2: true colors. He stood up slowly and looked deeply into

720
00:41:51,760 --> 00:41:52,640
Speaker 2: his father's eyes.

721
00:41:53,520 --> 00:41:56,560
Speaker 6: He is the lord who has taken your kingdom away, father,

722
00:41:56,880 --> 00:41:57,520
Speaker 6: not David.

723
00:41:58,040 --> 00:42:00,560
Speaker 2: Saul took his spear and hurled it at Jonathan, as

724
00:42:00,560 --> 00:42:04,320
Speaker 2: he once did with David. He missed, and the spear

725
00:42:04,400 --> 00:42:08,480
Speaker 2: was driven into the wall behind him. The room was silent.

726
00:42:09,440 --> 00:42:13,239
Speaker 2: Saul was huffing in anger. He turned to Abner and

727
00:42:13,239 --> 00:42:14,800
Speaker 2: his guards and yelled.

728
00:42:14,840 --> 00:42:17,840
Speaker 4: Go and find the boy. Do not rest until he

729
00:42:17,880 --> 00:42:20,920
Speaker 4: has brought to me. I will have his head on

730
00:42:21,000 --> 00:42:22,120
Speaker 4: a silver platter.

731
00:42:22,920 --> 00:42:28,760
Speaker 2: You will not, Jonathan yelled violently, His blood boiled with anger.

732
00:42:29,600 --> 00:42:33,360
Speaker 2: Saul had crossed the line, and Jonathan would not allow

733
00:42:33,480 --> 00:42:37,000
Speaker 2: him to continue in his madness without a fight. I will,

734
00:42:37,760 --> 00:42:42,719
Speaker 2: Saul said, I will have his life, and you will

735
00:42:42,760 --> 00:42:47,040
Speaker 2: not stop me. You are too weak to kill me

736
00:42:47,840 --> 00:42:51,279
Speaker 2: with those words. Saul stormed off to gather his men.

737
00:42:52,000 --> 00:42:57,680
Speaker 2: The hunt for David was about to begin. Jonathan arose

738
00:42:57,719 --> 00:43:01,000
Speaker 2: early before the sun rise the next morning. He took

739
00:43:01,040 --> 00:43:03,440
Speaker 2: his servant out into the field with a bow and arrow.

740
00:43:04,120 --> 00:43:07,280
Speaker 2: To the servant, it was just Jonathan clearing his mind

741
00:43:07,280 --> 00:43:10,560
Speaker 2: and practicing. He did not know David was resting in

742
00:43:10,600 --> 00:43:14,640
Speaker 2: the caves only a few yards away. Jonathan shot three

743
00:43:14,800 --> 00:43:17,280
Speaker 2: arrows into the distance where he knew David was hiding.

744
00:43:18,000 --> 00:43:21,279
Speaker 2: He turned to his servant and said, start running. You'll

745
00:43:21,280 --> 00:43:24,279
Speaker 2: find the arrows as I shoot them. So the boy ran,

746
00:43:24,400 --> 00:43:28,399
Speaker 2: unknowingly in David's direction. The boy was close to where

747
00:43:28,440 --> 00:43:30,640
Speaker 2: the arrows were, but Jonathan yelled.

748
00:43:30,800 --> 00:43:34,240
Speaker 6: Keep running. The arrow's still ahead of you. Hurry, hurry,

749
00:43:34,280 --> 00:43:35,839
Speaker 6: do not wait. Even a moment.

750
00:43:36,440 --> 00:43:41,320
Speaker 2: David heard the words of warning. His heart ached. David

751
00:43:41,320 --> 00:43:43,680
Speaker 2: looked over at the armor and sword given to him

752
00:43:43,680 --> 00:43:48,120
Speaker 2: by Jonathan. He armed himself, girded up his clothes, and

753
00:43:48,239 --> 00:43:54,680
Speaker 2: began to run. He fled into the wilderness, exiled and alone. However,

754
00:43:54,800 --> 00:43:57,759
Speaker 2: God was at work in David's heart. He would not

755
00:43:57,840 --> 00:44:01,920
Speaker 2: abandon his anointed one. Those whom the Lord chooses are

756
00:44:02,000 --> 00:44:04,239
Speaker 2: never truly left to fend for themselves.

757
00:44:06,640 --> 00:44:09,400
Speaker 1: We all know this was bound to happen. The small

758
00:44:09,480 --> 00:44:14,040
Speaker 1: thread of self control Saul had was bound to snap. Unsurprisingly,

759
00:44:14,120 --> 00:44:17,960
Speaker 1: he commits himself to David's destruction. The surprising part of

760
00:44:18,000 --> 00:44:21,200
Speaker 1: this episode was that David refused to fight back. He

761
00:44:21,280 --> 00:44:24,359
Speaker 1: slew a giant way scarier than the king, so none

762
00:44:24,440 --> 00:44:27,680
Speaker 1: of us would be surprised if David somehow found a

763
00:44:27,719 --> 00:44:31,480
Speaker 1: way to defeat Saul in combat. But our hero refused

764
00:44:31,520 --> 00:44:35,440
Speaker 1: to retaliate against the king despite several attempts at his life.

765
00:44:35,920 --> 00:44:38,320
Speaker 1: This is going to be a long and somewhat annoying

766
00:44:38,400 --> 00:44:42,560
Speaker 1: theme in David's life. Sometimes he is honorable to a fault.

767
00:44:42,960 --> 00:44:46,520
Speaker 1: Jonathan warned David that his loyalty may be his undoing

768
00:44:46,600 --> 00:44:50,200
Speaker 1: one day. The giant slayer knows Jonathan might be right,

769
00:44:50,680 --> 00:44:53,319
Speaker 1: but he respects the office of king far too much

770
00:44:53,360 --> 00:44:56,359
Speaker 1: to overthrow it with violence. He knew that God put

771
00:44:56,440 --> 00:44:59,320
Speaker 1: Saul on that throne, and God would remove him as well.

772
00:45:00,280 --> 00:45:02,520
Speaker 1: David felt no need to rush the hand of God,

773
00:45:02,640 --> 00:45:05,080
Speaker 1: even if it meant his life would remain in jeopardy.

774
00:45:05,840 --> 00:45:08,319
Speaker 1: This is an important lesson for all of us to

775
00:45:08,440 --> 00:45:12,040
Speaker 1: learn from David. Many wrong paths are taken because we

776
00:45:12,160 --> 00:45:15,399
Speaker 1: think they are shortcuts, we can get restless and feel

777
00:45:15,440 --> 00:45:18,839
Speaker 1: pressure to rush God's will. Abraham and Sarah did this

778
00:45:18,880 --> 00:45:22,400
Speaker 1: when they weren't getting pregnant, and that is how Ishmael

779
00:45:22,520 --> 00:45:26,680
Speaker 1: was conceived. Little good comes from forcing God's promises through.

780
00:45:27,440 --> 00:45:29,600
Speaker 1: It takes a lot of peace and trust to let

781
00:45:29,600 --> 00:45:33,520
Speaker 1: events unfold the way David did. Waiting on God's timing

782
00:45:33,560 --> 00:45:37,640
Speaker 1: does not mean we do nothing. David, when sensing a threat,

783
00:45:38,000 --> 00:45:41,399
Speaker 1: is proactive and measured his actions. He does the right thing.

784
00:45:41,560 --> 00:45:45,520
Speaker 1: In this episode he shows the king grace all the

785
00:45:45,560 --> 00:45:49,200
Speaker 1: while insuring his own protection and leaning on those he

786
00:45:49,320 --> 00:45:53,840
Speaker 1: trusts most. David receives the most help from his close

787
00:45:53,880 --> 00:45:58,040
Speaker 1: friend Jonathan, The Prince of Israel, revealed where his loyalties

788
00:45:58,080 --> 00:46:01,600
Speaker 1: truly lie in this episode. When the pressure mounts and

789
00:46:01,680 --> 00:46:04,719
Speaker 1: the stakes were high, he came through for David. I

790
00:46:04,760 --> 00:46:07,759
Speaker 1: wish I could say the same about mcl She was

791
00:46:07,840 --> 00:46:11,040
Speaker 1: initially supportive of her husband and helped him escape, but

792
00:46:11,120 --> 00:46:14,520
Speaker 1: when she was faced with her father, she wavered and lied.

793
00:46:15,200 --> 00:46:17,759
Speaker 1: This is a theme in scripture, but particularly in the

794
00:46:17,800 --> 00:46:21,640
Speaker 1: story of David. Who we truly are is revealed when

795
00:46:21,719 --> 00:46:26,000
Speaker 1: circumstances are at their toughest Jonathan showed strength of his

796
00:46:26,080 --> 00:46:29,600
Speaker 1: devotion to David by standing up to his father. Mcal's

797
00:46:29,640 --> 00:46:32,800
Speaker 1: showed the weakness of her devotion to David by lying

798
00:46:32,880 --> 00:46:36,520
Speaker 1: to her father. When life gets difficult, lies are easy

799
00:46:36,560 --> 00:46:40,680
Speaker 1: shortcuts to make things easier on us. Once again, many

800
00:46:40,719 --> 00:46:43,480
Speaker 1: wrong paths are taken because we think they are shortcuts.

801
00:46:44,000 --> 00:46:46,720
Speaker 1: This episode shows us those who are willing to march

802
00:46:46,840 --> 00:46:50,319
Speaker 1: up the uncomfortable path of righteousness and those who would

803
00:46:50,400 --> 00:46:54,000
Speaker 1: rather take the easy way out. Saul, instead of facing

804
00:46:54,000 --> 00:46:58,480
Speaker 1: his own demons and insecurities, wants to end David's life. McAll,

805
00:46:58,560 --> 00:47:02,080
Speaker 1: instead of remaining loyal to her husband, gives David up.

806
00:47:02,680 --> 00:47:06,000
Speaker 1: Doing the right thing is rarely easy, but it's always

807
00:47:06,040 --> 00:47:09,160
Speaker 1: worth it. Lying, cheating, and taking the easy way out

808
00:47:09,200 --> 00:47:12,240
Speaker 1: may seem better in the short run, but always presents

809
00:47:12,320 --> 00:47:16,640
Speaker 1: us with more chaos. Brotherhood and loyalty are big themes

810
00:47:16,719 --> 00:47:20,320
Speaker 1: in this episode as well. David, thankful for his friends,

811
00:47:20,320 --> 00:47:25,120
Speaker 1: says people with unreliable friends meet early deaths, but there

812
00:47:25,160 --> 00:47:28,400
Speaker 1: are friends who stick closer than brothers. This life was

813
00:47:28,440 --> 00:47:32,400
Speaker 1: not taken from First Samuel, rather from Proverbs eighteen. It

814
00:47:32,480 --> 00:47:36,000
Speaker 1: was spoken by Solomon, David's son. Many years were added

815
00:47:36,000 --> 00:47:38,960
Speaker 1: to David's life because of his friendship with Jonathan, he

816
00:47:39,000 --> 00:47:42,360
Speaker 1: would have most certainly been wiped out by Saul without him.

817
00:47:42,680 --> 00:47:46,040
Speaker 1: Friendship is not just a luxury, it is a necessity.

818
00:47:46,760 --> 00:47:49,840
Speaker 1: People without loyal friends are doomed to wander through life

819
00:47:49,880 --> 00:47:53,480
Speaker 1: and fear they have nobody to watch their backs, give

820
00:47:53,520 --> 00:47:57,560
Speaker 1: them corrections, provide aid when needed, and celebrate their victories.

821
00:47:58,000 --> 00:48:00,279
Speaker 1: We would be wise to look at Jonathan and ask

822
00:48:00,360 --> 00:48:03,120
Speaker 1: ourselves if we are as lawyer and trustworthy as he

823
00:48:03,200 --> 00:48:07,040
Speaker 1: is to our friends. Let's talk about two particular events

824
00:48:07,080 --> 00:48:10,920
Speaker 1: that happen in this episode. They connect everything back to

825
00:48:11,040 --> 00:48:15,000
Speaker 1: the prelude. First, Samuel returns to the story, and not

826
00:48:15,120 --> 00:48:18,239
Speaker 1: a moment too late, he protects David from harm and

827
00:48:18,280 --> 00:48:21,800
Speaker 1: provides a safe haven from the wrath of Sault. God's

828
00:48:21,800 --> 00:48:26,480
Speaker 1: spirit hedges Samuel's property like a force field. When Abner

829
00:48:26,600 --> 00:48:29,360
Speaker 1: and his men come to kill David, they are compelled

830
00:48:29,400 --> 00:48:32,719
Speaker 1: to worship instead. God doesn't allow a single hair on

831
00:48:32,800 --> 00:48:36,240
Speaker 1: David's head to be touched. The same happens when Saul attacks.

832
00:48:36,719 --> 00:48:39,880
Speaker 1: The king comes with a sword ready, but instead falls

833
00:48:39,880 --> 00:48:43,160
Speaker 1: to his knees in praise. This seems like an odd

834
00:48:43,200 --> 00:48:47,000
Speaker 1: tactic for God to employ Why not shoot Saul down

835
00:48:47,000 --> 00:48:50,800
Speaker 1: with lightning or set his chariot on fire. The answer

836
00:48:51,000 --> 00:48:55,280
Speaker 1: is compelling. God is committed to thwarting Saul through mercy.

837
00:48:55,920 --> 00:48:59,919
Speaker 1: Romans twelve twenty one says, do not be overcome by evil,

838
00:49:00,200 --> 00:49:03,960
Speaker 1: but overcome evil with good. There will be several times

839
00:49:04,239 --> 00:49:07,880
Speaker 1: in the next dozen episodes when Saul should be utterly destroyed,

840
00:49:08,000 --> 00:49:11,960
Speaker 1: but instead shown mercy. God through David, is committing to

841
00:49:12,000 --> 00:49:16,120
Speaker 1: overcome the evil in Saul's heart with good. If David

842
00:49:16,160 --> 00:49:18,280
Speaker 1: is to take the throne, it will not be because

843
00:49:18,360 --> 00:49:22,040
Speaker 1: David defeated him in battle. All that shows is that

844
00:49:22,120 --> 00:49:25,680
Speaker 1: anyone can become king by slaying whoever is on the throne.

845
00:49:26,160 --> 00:49:29,240
Speaker 1: This is a surefire way to destroy a nation. God

846
00:49:29,239 --> 00:49:32,400
Speaker 1: will raise up David, but not before an intense testing.

847
00:49:33,320 --> 00:49:37,360
Speaker 1: This episode ends with David running away into exile. His

848
00:49:37,560 --> 00:49:40,840
Speaker 1: rise to prominence is halted, and the giant Slayer is

849
00:49:40,880 --> 00:49:44,239
Speaker 1: brought to his lowest point. Why would God allow this

850
00:49:44,280 --> 00:49:47,480
Speaker 1: to happen? Why would God allow David to wander in

851
00:49:47,520 --> 00:49:50,719
Speaker 1: the wilderness away from his calling? As it turns out,

852
00:49:51,000 --> 00:49:53,279
Speaker 1: God does this sort of thing all the time. In

853
00:49:53,320 --> 00:49:56,319
Speaker 1: our prelude, Jacob is forced in the exile because he

854
00:49:56,400 --> 00:50:00,359
Speaker 1: is afraid of his brother. For good reason, Joseph is

855
00:50:00,400 --> 00:50:03,120
Speaker 1: exiled by his brothers and taken to a foreign land.

856
00:50:03,640 --> 00:50:06,720
Speaker 1: Moses spent forty years in the wilderness away from his country.

857
00:50:06,760 --> 00:50:09,800
Speaker 1: Ben David is one of the many heroes that needed

858
00:50:09,840 --> 00:50:13,719
Speaker 1: to be exiled. God does some of his most remarkable

859
00:50:13,760 --> 00:50:17,040
Speaker 1: work when we are at our lowest points. In the

860
00:50:17,080 --> 00:50:19,920
Speaker 1: prelude to our next episode, we will hear a story

861
00:50:19,960 --> 00:50:23,400
Speaker 1: about another hero who spent time in the wilderness alone. He,

862
00:50:23,840 --> 00:50:27,400
Speaker 1: like David, had a great destiny. Our destinies are not

863
00:50:27,520 --> 00:50:31,480
Speaker 1: halted when we are put through intense trials. Rather, our

864
00:50:31,520 --> 00:50:35,840
Speaker 1: destinies are confirmed through the refining of our character. In

865
00:50:35,880 --> 00:50:39,799
Speaker 1: our next episode, David's character will indeed be tested. Our

866
00:50:39,840 --> 00:50:42,719
Speaker 1: strong a mighty hero will show weakness in ways we

867
00:50:42,800 --> 00:50:45,760
Speaker 1: haven't seen yet. We will question whether he is truly

868
00:50:45,800 --> 00:50:48,719
Speaker 1: fit to be a king. David's failure will give us

869
00:50:48,800 --> 00:50:52,799
Speaker 1: a sobering reminder that nobody but God is perfect. Join

870
00:50:52,920 --> 00:50:57,920
Speaker 1: us for episode nine, David the Madman, thanks again for listening.

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Speaker 1: For more inspiring stories, early prayers and wisdom to last

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Speaker 1: a lifetime, go to pray dot com, Share this podcast

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Speaker 1: with a family member or friend and help us spread

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Speaker 1: God's word. God bless