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Speaker 1: Looking to Jesus, the Author and perfector of faith, who,

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Speaker 1: for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross,

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Speaker 1: despising its shame, and has set down at the right

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Speaker 1: hand of the throne of God. He roused twelve two Jesus,

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Speaker 1: as I open my eyes to greet this day, I

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Speaker 1: am in awe of your great love for me. I

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Speaker 1: am in awe of everything that you sacrificed, everything that

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Speaker 1: you endured, everything that you overcame to be with me.

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Speaker 1: I can feel your face shining on me. I feel

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Speaker 1: your delight in me. Sometimes it seems like I am

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Speaker 1: surrounded by a sea of problems. But no matter the

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Speaker 1: size or strength of the waves, I know that by

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Speaker 1: the time they reach me, they will subside, because when

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Speaker 1: you speak, the wind and the waves obey, they fall

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Speaker 1: silent before you. But it looks like I'm sinking, I

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Speaker 1: know I can call on you and you will rescue me.

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Speaker 1: When everything around me seems to be swirling in chaos

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Speaker 1: and confusion, I will fix my eyes on you, the

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Speaker 1: one who never changes. I will take comfort in knowing

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Speaker 1: that you are the Prince of peace as well as

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Speaker 1: the author and perfector of my faith. You will give

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Speaker 1: me courage and strength. You will give me hope and

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Speaker 1: joy for the journey, and one day you will lead

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Speaker 1: me safely home. Thank you Jesus, and it's in your name,

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Speaker 1: I pray.

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Speaker 2: Amen.

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Speaker 1: Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever

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Speaker 1: told from Pray dot COM's podcast, Heroes in the Bible.

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Speaker 3: Hello.

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Speaker 4: My name is Matthew Potter, co founder of Prey dot com,

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Speaker 4: and before we start today's episode of Heroes in the Bible,

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Speaker 4: specials for switching to ACCU and their nationwide banking capabilities

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Speaker 4: at America's christiancu dot Com Forward slash Prey plus the

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Speaker 4: peace of mind knowing that this credit union is federally

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Speaker 4: insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

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Speaker 5: Hi, I'm doc to Tony Evans, Johoess for Heroes in

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Speaker 5: the Bible. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please

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Speaker 5: share it with your family and friends and help us

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Speaker 5: spread God's word. Welcome to the epic adventure of David,

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Speaker 5: a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, loves and murder.

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Speaker 5: While most people know of David the myth, if you

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Speaker 5: know about David the Man. In this episode, David takes

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Speaker 5: a leap in the wrong direction. Fear of Saul drives

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Speaker 5: him out of Israel and into the arms of the enemy.

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Speaker 5: He makes an alliance with the Philistines built on a

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Speaker 5: foundation of lies. We will have been with our hero

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Speaker 5: long enough to know lies are a shaky foundation, causing

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Speaker 5: everything to crumble. Eventually, his poor decision, as calculated as

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Speaker 5: it seems, will corner him between a rock and a

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Speaker 5: hard place. What will David do when faced with two

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Speaker 5: equally devastating options. How does this future king act when

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Speaker 5: there seems to be no way out? This episode will

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Speaker 5: focus our attention on the theme of grace. When David

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Speaker 5: fails and has no way out, will God come to

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Speaker 5: his aid or leave him like he left Saul. This

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Speaker 5: story begins with a prelude, but it is not taken

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Speaker 5: from a different time. Rather, this prelude takes place while

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Speaker 5: David and his men are moving out of Israel. We

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Speaker 5: will follow Saul into the dark underbelly of indoor. He

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Speaker 5: seeks comfort in the din of a witch. As you

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Speaker 5: may have guessed, comfort is the last thing he will

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Speaker 5: find there. Nothing is easy in this episode, although it

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Speaker 5: may seem easy at times. As we listen to David's journey,

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Speaker 5: be reminded that lies always have a cost. The end

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Speaker 5: of this episode gives us a sigh of relief, but

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Speaker 5: I promise you it is a false sense of relief.

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Speaker 5: David is not going to get off as easy as

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Speaker 5: it seems. Before I give more way, let's dive into

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Speaker 5: our episode, A Friend of the Enemy.

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Speaker 2: Prelude to Chapter fifteen Silence. For all his inquiring, searching,

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Speaker 2: and praying, he was still met with a maddening silence.

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Speaker 2: The heavens were closed off to Saul, and all that

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Speaker 2: remained for him were the chaotic voices of his own demons.

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Speaker 2: He beat his fists against his chest and cried out

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Speaker 2: at the stars. Falling to his knees and weeping, he

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Speaker 2: looked upwards. He prayed into the vast universe, but his

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Speaker 2: words dissipated into oblivion. His arrogant and prideful inquiries would

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Speaker 2: receive no response from God. Saul had been cut off

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Speaker 2: and cast aside by the Lord, and all he had

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Speaker 2: left to do was live out the remainder of his

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Speaker 2: days in agony and welcome an inglorious death. Saul remained outside,

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Speaker 2: shaking his fists at the heavens. He raged against God

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Speaker 2: and cursed him for turning his face from him. He

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Speaker 2: was in great distress about to face an army more

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Speaker 2: vast than he had ever seen. The Philistine kingdoms had united,

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Speaker 2: and Saul was forced to gather his entire army to

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Speaker 2: march against them. He was afraid, and his whole hardened

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Speaker 2: body trembled. He sought guidance for priests and prophets, yet

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Speaker 2: even they could not hear from the Lord. On Saul's behalf.

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Speaker 2: Unwilling to endure more tormenting silence, Saul called for his servant, Davy.

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Speaker 2: Saul whispered, tave, I need you. Tavvy came out of

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Speaker 2: the tent and stood at Saul's side. The night air

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Speaker 2: was cold and piercing. The king's servant wrapped him in

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Speaker 2: a blanket of fur and stood at attention.

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Speaker 3: I need you to seek out a woman for me

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Speaker 3: at this hour.

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Speaker 2: My lord, Tavvy asked, confused, Not that type of woman, Tavy,

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Speaker 2: a woman of the ancient arts, I seek to speak

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Speaker 2: to which Tavvy goat and bowed his head. He immediately

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Speaker 2: sent some of his servants to seek out a woman

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Speaker 2: of the ancient arts, someone that could communicate with the

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Speaker 2: evil spirits that crowd the kingdom of the Air. They

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Speaker 2: found a woman in the city of Endor. Saul took

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Speaker 2: an old cloak, covered himself and left with Tabby. Immediately

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Speaker 2: they ventured into the city of Endor. The city was asleep,

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Speaker 2: and the only light that remained were that of brothels

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Speaker 2: and blacksmiths. Yet in the dark underbelly of the city,

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Speaker 2: lurking in a forgotten alley, was the Witch of Endor.

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Speaker 2: Saul and Tabby entered the woman's home. It reeked of

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Speaker 2: burnt incense and newly skinned animals. Saul uncovered his hood

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Speaker 2: and looked around. Dead ravens hung from the ceiling and

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Speaker 2: incense burned under carved images of foreign gods. The room

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Speaker 2: was dark and lit only by a few faint candles

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Speaker 2: and a small fire burning in the middle of the room.

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Speaker 2: At the end of the room, lounging on a few pillows,

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Speaker 2: was the witch. She was younger than Saul had imagined.

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Speaker 2: Although revolting in many ways, with markings on her arms

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Speaker 2: and legs, and eyes as dead as driftwood, there was

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Speaker 2: something intoxicating about her. Saul felt drawn to her, like

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Speaker 2: a moth to flame. Step closer, only to see the

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Speaker 2: fear in her face. She recoiled like a cat back

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Speaker 2: onto the pillows.

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Speaker 6: Who goes there?

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Speaker 2: The witch hissed. Saul still had his hood on, hiding

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Speaker 2: his identity. I need you to summon the spirit for me,

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Speaker 2: he said. The woman tilted her head in curiosity. She

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Speaker 2: gracefully stepped off of her pillow and slithered towards Saul.

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Speaker 6: And what makes you think I can help you? Don't

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Speaker 6: you know that King Saul cut off the mediums and

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Speaker 6: necromancers from the land. If I were to tell you

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Speaker 6: I could help, certainly I would be laying a trap

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Speaker 6: for myself.

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Speaker 2: Saul understood what the woman was saying. He lifted his

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Speaker 2: hand and swore to her.

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Speaker 3: I swear by the Lord. No punishment shall come upon

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Speaker 3: you for this.

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Speaker 6: You swear by the Lord, all the while seeking the

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Speaker 6: help of a witch.

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Speaker 2: The woman cackled, You.

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Speaker 6: Are truly a conflicted soul, aren't you.

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Speaker 2: The woman ran her fingers through her hair and down

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Speaker 2: her waist. Chills raced up sault spine at the sight

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Speaker 2: of it. The woman rubbed her hips, then reached behind her,

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Speaker 2: grabbing a flask of oil. She smelled the fragrant oil

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Speaker 2: and began dripping it into the fire. A sour fragrance

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Speaker 2: filled the room.

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Speaker 6: Who do you need conjuring.

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Speaker 2: She asked, bring me Samuel the prophet. He said, with

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Speaker 2: a trembling voice.

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Speaker 6: Very well.

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Speaker 2: The woman took a step back and bowed her head.

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Speaker 2: Her hair covered her face. As she bent her neck forward,

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Speaker 2: Saul could hear faint mumbles from the woman. She shook

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Speaker 2: her shoulders back and forth, and her mumbles grew louder

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Speaker 2: and louder. The woman began to shake uncontrollably.

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Speaker 3: And a loud scream came out of her.

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Speaker 2: Her eyes opened and she pointed it Saul, You deceived me.

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Speaker 6: She shouted, you are King Saul.

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Speaker 2: The woman raged at Saul, screaming and hissing. Saul recoiled

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Speaker 2: and removed his hood.

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Speaker 3: Did I not tell you no harm would come to you?

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Speaker 2: Now?

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Speaker 3: What do you see?

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Speaker 2: The woman sat back and rolled her neck again. Closing

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Speaker 2: her eyes. She recounted to saw the visions she was seeing.

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Speaker 6: I see a spirit in the appearance.

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Speaker 7: Of a man, she said, clothed in a white robe,

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Speaker 7: coming up out of the earth.

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Speaker 2: The woman shook her head back and forth. Saul could

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Speaker 2: see her eyes moving underneath her eyelids.

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Speaker 7: He is old and coming up to you.

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Speaker 2: It is Suddenuel, Saul said, with a trembling voice.

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Speaker 3: It is he. Please tell me what he says.

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Speaker 2: Saul bent to his knees and lifted his hands to

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Speaker 2: the woman. The woman tilted her head forward, then back,

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Speaker 2: then forward again. At last she was still, and her

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Speaker 2: voice became very deep, as though a man was speaking

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Speaker 2: through her.

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Speaker 7: Who disturbs me?

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Speaker 2: She said, in a hollowed out voice. Samuel Saul gasped.

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Speaker 2: His hands were shaking, and nervous tears fell from his face.

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Speaker 3: It is I, Saul. I have asked this woman to

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Speaker 3: conjure you so I might seek out your wisdom. I

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Speaker 3: am in great distress. Saul's demeanor was like that of

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Speaker 3: a child's. He was desperate, afraid, and frantic. God has

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Speaker 3: turned his back from me. I have no answers. I

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Speaker 3: have summoned you so you can tell me what to do.

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Speaker 3: The Lord's silence is his answer soul, Samuel said.

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Speaker 6: Why do you ask me a messenger of the Lord,

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Speaker 6: when the Lord himself has turned from you and become

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Speaker 6: your enemy.

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Speaker 1: Did I not tell you that he will tell the

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Speaker 1: King dumb out of your hand and give it to David.

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Speaker 6: You know this to be true, do not fight it.

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Speaker 2: Saul's face grew white as snow as he listened. It

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Speaker 2: was his worst fear realized before he could speak, the

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Speaker 2: spirit of Samuel continued saying.

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Speaker 3: Because you did not obey the Lord, he will give

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Speaker 3: Israel into the hand of the Philistines. Tomorrow you and.

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Speaker 8: Your sons shall be with me.

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Speaker 3: Me and my sons will be with you. Saul gasped, Samuel,

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Speaker 3: What is my fate? What will happen?

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Speaker 2: Saul fell to his face on the ground. His body

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Speaker 2: was sprawled out and prostrated before the witch. He was

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Speaker 2: trembling and ghostly in appearance. The witch was snapped out

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Speaker 2: of her trance only to see Saul laying face down

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Speaker 2: on the ground.

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Speaker 6: Ah, let me get you something to eat.

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Speaker 2: She said, you do not look well. No, Saul said,

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Speaker 2: I will not eat. He propped himself back up and

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Speaker 2: stood to his feet. He gestured to Tabby, who was

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Speaker 2: sitting in the corner of the room.

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Speaker 3: We will be going now.

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Speaker 2: Perhaps you should eat Tabby, said.

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Speaker 8: Rest, for if we are to prove Samuel's prophecy wrong tomorrow,

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Speaker 8: you will need your strength.

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Speaker 3: So Saul ate.

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Speaker 2: He mindlessly stared at the fire, thinking about Samuel's words.

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Speaker 2: Tomorrow he would march against the Philistines. He feared that

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Speaker 2: his final breath would be released out on the battlefield tomorrow,

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Speaker 2: yet there was nothing he could do to stop it.

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Speaker 2: Chapter fifteen, A Friend of the Enemy. The desert waste

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Speaker 2: land was cruel and unforgiving. The heat of the sun

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Speaker 2: beat down on the back of David's neck, yet he

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Speaker 2: remained steadfast on his course. His men and their families

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Speaker 2: marched behind him quietly and reluctantly followed. Saul's last attempt

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Speaker 2: on his life had been the final straw. David would

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Speaker 2: no longer remain within the borders of Israel, only to

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Speaker 2: be hunted like a dog. It was time for him

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Speaker 2: to move into a land beyond King Saul's reach, the

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Speaker 2: land of the Philistines. Joshabin walked beside David, trying to

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Speaker 2: keep up with his fast pace forward. He, like many others,

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Speaker 2: questioned his decision to leave Israel and venture off into

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Speaker 2: enemy territory. David and his men had killed many Philistines,

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Speaker 2: and they feared an aggressive welcome.

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Speaker 9: I know you are intent on leaving Israel, Joshubiin said

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Speaker 9: to David, But are you sure that seeking refuge among

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Speaker 9: the enemies of Israel is a wise plan? What if

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Speaker 9: they kill us on sight?

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Speaker 3: We are hunted like animals by the king of Israel,

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Speaker 3: David said coarsely. The people of Israel have made their choice.

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Speaker 3: They have chosen to treat us as criminals and relentlessly

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Speaker 3: pursue us. They are more unsafe for us to stay

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Speaker 3: within its borders and venture off somewhere else.

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Speaker 2: David was resolute and unwavering. Saul's continual pursuit of him

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Speaker 2: had left him with no other options. While Saul was

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Speaker 2: still alive, David had no place within Israel's borders. He

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Speaker 2: and his tribe continued to march through the arid desert,

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Speaker 2: looking to the west for Gath, the birthplace of Goliath.

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Speaker 2: The desert sand slowly gave way some more rocky paths,

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Speaker 2: winding into a road tucked between two mountains. David had

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Speaker 2: a sinking feeling that they were being watched. A company

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Speaker 2: as large as his would not slip into the borders unnoticed.

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Speaker 2: They had to be cautious and on guard, and ambush

259
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Speaker 2: may be just around the corner. David whispered to joshuabiin

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Speaker 2: be on alert and keep your spear close. David led

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Speaker 2: his people through the ravine towards the large city of Gath.

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Speaker 2: David remembered the city well. Its buildings were coarsely cut

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Speaker 2: out of stone and stood taller than most of the

264
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Speaker 2: structures in Israel. The people of Gath were obsessed with

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Speaker 2: making their city large, even at the costs of beauty

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Speaker 2: and utility. It was a roughly put together city, with

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Speaker 2: strange alleyways and rough structures. The ravine came to an

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Speaker 2: end about half a mile from the city. The exit

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Speaker 2: was in sight, and David halted his company. He waited

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Speaker 2: for a moment, listening for any shift in the stones

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Speaker 2: above him. Finally, after a few moments of silence, David

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Speaker 2: heard the shifting of rocks to his left. He drew

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Speaker 2: his sword and yelled graceful attack. His men drew their weapons,

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Speaker 2: and a Philistine horde emerged from behind the mouth of

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Speaker 2: the ravine. The men formed a wall in front of

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Speaker 2: the women and children, and David rushed to the front

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Speaker 2: with his sword drawn. As the Philistines advanced, David ran forward.

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Speaker 2: He raised his hands high in the air and fell

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Speaker 2: to his knees. The gesture surprised the Philistines, and they

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Speaker 2: immediately ceased their attack. David dropped his weapon and yelled.

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Speaker 3: Wait a moment and listen. I am David. You know

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Speaker 3: me as the giant Slayer. I come here with my

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Speaker 3: men and their families. We do not come as enemies,

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Speaker 3: but as refugees. Please let me speak to your king.

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Speaker 3: You may bind me and take me to him if

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Speaker 3: you wish.

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Speaker 2: The men approached with their spears still pointed outward. David

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Speaker 2: looked back at Abishi. You keep them safe until I return,

289
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Speaker 2: he whispered. Abishi nodded and had the men put down

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Speaker 2: their weapons. The rest of David's people watched as he

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Speaker 2: was bound in rope and escorted away by the Philistines. Fearful,

292
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Speaker 2: they retreated back behind the mountains and awaited their leader's return.

293
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Speaker 2: David was escorted into the borders of Gath. He had

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Speaker 2: been there once before, when fleeing for his life, he

295
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Speaker 2: had feigned madness to get himself out of trouble. Then

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Speaker 2: he feared that King aki his first impression of him,

297
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Speaker 2: would prove harmful to his case. Yet with faith, David

298
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Speaker 2: allowed himself to be taken. It would be the only

299
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Speaker 2: way to gain favor from the King of Gath. Once again,

300
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Speaker 2: he was ushered into the palace of King Akish. Firs

301
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Speaker 2: decorated the stone walls, and fires were raging in all

302
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Speaker 2: four corners of the hall. It was warm and smelled

303
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Speaker 2: of burning meat and spilled wine. King Akish sat at

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Speaker 2: his throne, leaning over intently. As David entered the room,

305
00:18:29,000 --> 00:18:33,679
Speaker 2: bound in ropes. Like most Philistine kings, Akish was large

306
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Speaker 2: and battle worn. Years of warring against surrounding nations for

307
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Speaker 2: territory had hardened his body and his heart. David knelt

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Speaker 2: before him humbly. He knew he had a lot of

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Speaker 2: work to do to get Akish to trust him, so

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Speaker 2: he began with the simple plea King Akish, David began.

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Speaker 3: Live forever. May the God of my forefathers bless you

312
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Speaker 3: for your kindness in releasing me when we last met,

313
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Speaker 3: I was not in my right mind.

314
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Speaker 2: Akish stood to his feet, his large strides vibrated the

315
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Speaker 2: ground beneath him as he stepped down to David.

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Speaker 8: You are a raging lunatic when I saw you last

317
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Speaker 8: giant slayer, Akish said, Yet now you stand before me

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Speaker 8: in your right mind and with a small army camped

319
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Speaker 8: at my borders. Tell me which, David am I speaking

320
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Speaker 8: to the commander or the madman.

321
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Speaker 2: David continued to look at the ground, refusing to meet

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Speaker 2: Akish eye to eye. Neither, my lord, he said, I

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Speaker 2: come to you as a servant and a refugee. My

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Speaker 2: men of I have spent months in the wilderness being

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Speaker 2: pursued by King Saul. He seeks my life, so we

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Speaker 2: fled here. We know you are in many border disputes

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Speaker 2: with other nations. Allow us to reside here and we

328
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Speaker 2: will serve you well.

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Speaker 8: I already have been protecting my Akish scoffed. Why do

330
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Speaker 8: I need.

331
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Speaker 3: You because I have fought against your men. King Akish,

332
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Speaker 3: Your army is vast but lacks the skill my men

333
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Speaker 3: and I have. Allow us to dwell in the countryside,

334
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Speaker 3: and we will prove to be useful.

335
00:20:19,400 --> 00:20:22,720
Speaker 2: David was now looking up at Akish. Their eyes met,

336
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Speaker 2: and Akish was able to determine the honesty in David's voice.

337
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Speaker 8: Shall I spare the man who has killed my people

338
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Speaker 8: and allow him to live in my kingdom?

339
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Speaker 2: Akish said, with a firm voice.

340
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Speaker 8: What kind of king would I be if I allowed

341
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Speaker 8: you to go unpunished?

342
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Speaker 3: You would be a wise king.

343
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Speaker 2: My lord.

344
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Speaker 3: You know that there is no army you have under

345
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Speaker 3: you as skilled and fierce as mine. Allow us to

346
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Speaker 3: make raids for you and protect your borders. All other

347
00:20:52,200 --> 00:20:55,919
Speaker 3: philistine kings will fear you, for you were able to

348
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Speaker 3: tame the giant's lair.

349
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Speaker 2: There was a long pause. David knew the next question

350
00:21:02,320 --> 00:21:05,520
Speaker 2: Aikish would ask. It was a question that David had

351
00:21:05,560 --> 00:21:09,639
Speaker 2: pondered himself many times when fleeing from Saul. Aikish leaned

352
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Speaker 2: over and asked.

353
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Speaker 8: Would you be willing to fight against your own people

354
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Speaker 8: under my command?

355
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Speaker 2: Yes, David replied, without hesitation.

356
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Speaker 3: King Saul has made many attempts on my life. He

357
00:21:22,119 --> 00:21:27,480
Speaker 3: has threatened me, my men, and our families. Our loyalties

358
00:21:27,800 --> 00:21:29,199
Speaker 3: are severed from Israel.

359
00:21:29,560 --> 00:21:33,080
Speaker 2: David lyath. However, he had a plan and needed Akish

360
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Speaker 2: to trust him. King Akish pondered David's words. He stroked

361
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Speaker 2: his beard and gestured for his guards to unbind him.

362
00:21:40,840 --> 00:21:45,520
Speaker 8: Very well, giant slayer. Since you have killed my last champion, Goliath,

363
00:21:46,200 --> 00:21:48,159
Speaker 8: I have been in need of someone to raid and

364
00:21:48,200 --> 00:21:52,080
Speaker 8: protect the borders of Ziglach. It is a herding country

365
00:21:52,119 --> 00:21:55,879
Speaker 8: and vulnerable to other nations. Dwell there and secure the

366
00:21:55,960 --> 00:21:57,360
Speaker 8: area on my behalf.

367
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Speaker 2: David bowed in homage to the king, then left. As

368
00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:04,480
Speaker 2: he was exiting the large wooden doors, King Akish stopped.

369
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Speaker 8: Him, and giants lair I and the other Philistine kings

370
00:22:08,680 --> 00:22:12,720
Speaker 8: have not forgotten all your bloodshed towards our people. I

371
00:22:12,760 --> 00:22:14,800
Speaker 8: will be keeping close watch on you.

372
00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:19,119
Speaker 2: David nodded, smiled, and departed the city back to the

373
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Speaker 2: mountains where he had left his men.

374
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Speaker 8: There is no way I am serving that uncircumcised monster of.

375
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Speaker 2: A king, Shama yelled. The young man was passionate and

376
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Speaker 2: angry at David for brokering such a deal. The others

377
00:22:35,680 --> 00:22:39,160
Speaker 2: were outraged as well. David stood at the fire with Shama,

378
00:22:39,440 --> 00:22:44,879
Speaker 2: josh Obim, Eliezar Abeshi, and Benaiah. He often held counsel

379
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Speaker 2: with them before making a decision. This time, however, he

380
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Speaker 2: would be immovable in his decision. I must agree with Shama.

381
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Speaker 2: We have fought these Philistines and lost men. They are

382
00:22:57,000 --> 00:23:01,720
Speaker 2: our enemies and cannot be trusted, Benya said quietly. Beniah

383
00:23:01,840 --> 00:23:05,320
Speaker 2: was young, but had quickly become the most trusted follower

384
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Speaker 2: of David. He had been made captain over the night

385
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Speaker 2: Watch and David's personal bodyguard.

386
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Speaker 3: Who is to say he won't turn on us?

387
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Speaker 2: David nodded in consideration.

388
00:23:16,520 --> 00:23:23,080
Speaker 3: I understand your protests, faithful men, trust me, I do. However,

389
00:23:23,600 --> 00:23:27,119
Speaker 3: we are clearly in more danger within the borders of Israel.

390
00:23:28,280 --> 00:23:31,480
Speaker 3: Saul moved three thousand of his men from Gibea to

391
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Speaker 3: march against our six hundred three thousand. When I saw

392
00:23:35,720 --> 00:23:38,760
Speaker 3: how many men Saul was willing to mobilize against us,

393
00:23:39,520 --> 00:23:45,320
Speaker 3: I knew we were no longer safe near Judah or Israel. Besides,

394
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Speaker 3: I have a plan to raid the enemies of Israel

395
00:23:48,640 --> 00:23:52,360
Speaker 3: and bring the plunder to Akish. We can strike down

396
00:23:52,400 --> 00:23:56,720
Speaker 3: the Gesherites, Ghizites and Amalekites and tell the king that

397
00:23:56,800 --> 00:24:00,920
Speaker 3: it was against Israel. This keeps it is Reel protected

398
00:24:00,960 --> 00:24:04,320
Speaker 3: from its enemies and us in the good graces of

399
00:24:04,359 --> 00:24:09,480
Speaker 3: the Philistines. As long as we bring back plunder, they

400
00:24:09,560 --> 00:24:10,920
Speaker 3: will be none the wiser.

401
00:24:11,320 --> 00:24:14,639
Speaker 2: The men began to come around. David leaned in even

402
00:24:14,680 --> 00:24:16,160
Speaker 2: more and whispered.

403
00:24:16,119 --> 00:24:19,240
Speaker 3: If I can get Akish on our side, he will

404
00:24:19,280 --> 00:24:23,840
Speaker 3: defend us to the other Philistine kings. If we sense

405
00:24:23,880 --> 00:24:27,560
Speaker 3: any trouble, we are already in the countryside. We can

406
00:24:27,640 --> 00:24:30,240
Speaker 3: flee at a moment's notice.

407
00:24:30,359 --> 00:24:34,359
Speaker 2: The men considered David's reasoning. As passionate and emotional as

408
00:24:34,440 --> 00:24:38,240
Speaker 2: David was, he had a sober mind. He had clearly

409
00:24:38,280 --> 00:24:41,320
Speaker 2: thought of all the angles that mattered. They were weary

410
00:24:41,400 --> 00:24:43,960
Speaker 2: from so many months of wandering in the wilderness and

411
00:24:44,040 --> 00:24:47,560
Speaker 2: fleeing Saul. It would be refreshing for them to settle

412
00:24:47,600 --> 00:24:50,639
Speaker 2: in one place. Their wives and their children needed a

413
00:24:50,680 --> 00:24:54,480
Speaker 2: space to call home. So the men agreed they would

414
00:24:54,560 --> 00:24:57,680
Speaker 2: follow David to Ziklag and fight on behalf of King

415
00:24:57,720 --> 00:25:04,920
Speaker 2: Akish against the Jesuites, Phizites, and Amalekites. They ventured off

416
00:25:04,920 --> 00:25:09,680
Speaker 2: to Ziklag, a fairly desolate countryside with the occasional farming village.

417
00:25:10,240 --> 00:25:13,160
Speaker 2: David and his men were happy there. They and their

418
00:25:13,200 --> 00:25:16,720
Speaker 2: families built homes and created a safe haven for themselves.

419
00:25:17,480 --> 00:25:20,280
Speaker 2: For a year and four months they dwelled within the

420
00:25:20,320 --> 00:25:24,160
Speaker 2: borders of Gath. Weekly, David would lead his men into

421
00:25:24,200 --> 00:25:27,520
Speaker 2: the surrounding cities. The men became famous in the land

422
00:25:27,560 --> 00:25:31,119
Speaker 2: for their quick swords and tactical ambushes. There was not

423
00:25:31,200 --> 00:25:33,480
Speaker 2: a group of men in the land quite like David

424
00:25:33,520 --> 00:25:36,640
Speaker 2: and his mighty warriors. They would go into the cities

425
00:25:36,720 --> 00:25:40,720
Speaker 2: and strip them of their sheep, oxen, donkeys, camels, and garments.

426
00:25:41,280 --> 00:25:44,960
Speaker 2: Everything they raided they would bring back to Akish. Weekly

427
00:25:45,440 --> 00:25:47,600
Speaker 2: David and his men would come before the king with

428
00:25:47,680 --> 00:25:50,879
Speaker 2: the spoils of war. Akish would grin from ear to

429
00:25:50,920 --> 00:25:52,080
Speaker 2: ear and yell.

430
00:25:52,520 --> 00:25:56,440
Speaker 8: My warrior, David, where have you made a raid today?

431
00:25:57,000 --> 00:26:01,160
Speaker 3: David would bow and respond with against the Israe or

432
00:26:01,320 --> 00:26:04,280
Speaker 3: against the tribe of Judah. But they were all lies.

433
00:26:05,119 --> 00:26:08,240
Speaker 3: David was fighting against the enemies of Israel and raiding

434
00:26:08,240 --> 00:26:12,399
Speaker 3: their cities. This kept the people of Israel safe and

435
00:26:12,560 --> 00:26:16,720
Speaker 3: King Akish rich. David and his men were silent defenders

436
00:26:16,720 --> 00:26:19,960
Speaker 3: of Israel, striking down their enemies before that even had

437
00:26:19,960 --> 00:26:23,560
Speaker 3: a chance to march up against their borders. Thousands died

438
00:26:23,600 --> 00:26:26,119
Speaker 3: at the hand of David and his mighty men, and

439
00:26:26,200 --> 00:26:29,600
Speaker 3: the people of Israel were completely unaware of their defender,

440
00:26:30,280 --> 00:26:35,280
Speaker 3: and Akish trusted David completely. With each passing day, the

441
00:26:35,359 --> 00:26:38,679
Speaker 3: King of Gath grew more wealthy because of David's exploits.

442
00:26:39,280 --> 00:26:42,359
Speaker 3: He reveled in his new found friend and the army

443
00:26:42,400 --> 00:26:45,920
Speaker 3: of outcasts had finally created a place for them to belong.

444
00:26:47,920 --> 00:26:50,680
Speaker 3: It was early morning and David was scanning the rich

445
00:26:50,720 --> 00:26:53,640
Speaker 3: fields of sheep grazing on the rolling hills of Ziklag.

446
00:26:54,280 --> 00:26:56,879
Speaker 3: It calmed him to watch the shepherds tend of their flock.

447
00:26:57,560 --> 00:27:02,040
Speaker 3: It reminded him of more innocent times before raids, wars, violence,

448
00:27:02,160 --> 00:27:06,359
Speaker 3: and politics. He breathed in the crisp morning air, taking

449
00:27:06,440 --> 00:27:09,480
Speaker 3: in the smell of wet grass. He breathed out a

450
00:27:09,600 --> 00:27:12,480
Speaker 3: sigh of praise to God. It had been a year

451
00:27:12,520 --> 00:27:17,280
Speaker 3: of rebuilding, rebuilding his men and his family, rebuilding of

452
00:27:17,320 --> 00:27:21,080
Speaker 3: faith in God's calling over his life, and rebuilding confidence

453
00:27:21,080 --> 00:27:24,960
Speaker 3: in himself after months of being pursued by Saul. Added

454
00:27:25,000 --> 00:27:28,280
Speaker 3: to this, he was able to protect Israel and gained

455
00:27:28,320 --> 00:27:31,520
Speaker 3: wealth by attacking their enemies. He was able to keep

456
00:27:31,560 --> 00:27:34,760
Speaker 3: his people safe while also prospering in the land of

457
00:27:34,800 --> 00:27:38,879
Speaker 3: the Philistines. David was content in many ways and felt

458
00:27:38,880 --> 00:27:44,320
Speaker 3: truly blessed for now. David stood up, stretched and made

459
00:27:44,359 --> 00:27:45,200
Speaker 3: his way back.

460
00:27:45,000 --> 00:27:47,800
Speaker 2: To his village. He walked down the hill into the

461
00:27:47,800 --> 00:27:50,400
Speaker 2: stretch of land that he and his warriors had built upon.

462
00:27:51,160 --> 00:27:54,320
Speaker 2: They had built homes, dug wells, and fences to keep

463
00:27:54,320 --> 00:27:58,399
Speaker 2: their livestock. They had planted gardens and fields of wheat

464
00:27:58,400 --> 00:28:02,480
Speaker 2: for food, and barracks to keep their weaponry. Ziklag was

465
00:28:02,520 --> 00:28:06,239
Speaker 2: an oasis flowing with favor and wealth. David marveled at

466
00:28:06,280 --> 00:28:10,399
Speaker 2: the faithfulness of God. He and Abigail enjoyed their lives together,

467
00:28:10,480 --> 00:28:14,679
Speaker 2: with enough food, water, wine, and friendship to last a lifetime.

468
00:28:15,480 --> 00:28:20,000
Speaker 2: All seemed at peace. David entered his home and the

469
00:28:20,040 --> 00:28:23,000
Speaker 2: savory smell of stew and bread was wafted in from

470
00:28:23,000 --> 00:28:26,440
Speaker 2: the fireplace. The pod and bull were waiting for him,

471
00:28:26,840 --> 00:28:29,240
Speaker 2: so he scooped some into his bowl and began to eat.

472
00:28:30,040 --> 00:28:32,560
Speaker 2: Not even two bites in, there was a knocking at

473
00:28:32,600 --> 00:28:37,399
Speaker 2: the door. Abigail opened it to a distressed Abishi. He

474
00:28:37,480 --> 00:28:39,600
Speaker 2: was fighting to catch his breath. After running to.

475
00:28:39,600 --> 00:28:43,760
Speaker 7: Him, Ah, my Lord, David.

476
00:28:43,600 --> 00:28:46,200
Speaker 2: Abitsh, I gasped for air, I need to speak with you.

477
00:28:46,440 --> 00:28:49,840
Speaker 2: David stood to his feet and had Abishi sit. He

478
00:28:49,880 --> 00:28:51,240
Speaker 2: refused and lifted his arm.

479
00:28:51,400 --> 00:28:54,800
Speaker 7: We are in trouble, Israel. He is in trouble.

480
00:28:54,960 --> 00:28:55,520
Speaker 3: What is it?

481
00:28:55,760 --> 00:28:57,320
Speaker 2: David asked, swiftly.

482
00:28:57,280 --> 00:29:01,840
Speaker 7: Tell me now the Philistines up to attackers reel. The

483
00:29:01,880 --> 00:29:05,040
Speaker 7: Philistine kings have combined their armies to march up against

484
00:29:05,040 --> 00:29:06,240
Speaker 7: Saul at Aphex.

485
00:29:06,960 --> 00:29:10,240
Speaker 2: They have done this before, David said, matter of factly.

486
00:29:10,240 --> 00:29:13,440
Speaker 3: We have done all we can to protect Israel. Are

487
00:29:13,440 --> 00:29:15,440
Speaker 3: you saying we should come to their aid?

488
00:29:16,120 --> 00:29:20,360
Speaker 7: No, David, you do not understand. King Akish has requested

489
00:29:20,400 --> 00:29:22,200
Speaker 7: that we march up with him to join the other

490
00:29:22,280 --> 00:29:23,800
Speaker 7: kings and fight against Israel.

491
00:29:24,280 --> 00:29:27,480
Speaker 2: David's stomach dropped when he heard the words leave Abeshai's mouth.

492
00:29:28,240 --> 00:29:31,400
Speaker 2: He sat back and grabbed his long hair. What have

493
00:29:31,520 --> 00:29:34,400
Speaker 2: I done? He whispered to himself, What am I going

494
00:29:34,440 --> 00:29:38,040
Speaker 2: to do? All the color left David's face. He began

495
00:29:38,080 --> 00:29:40,240
Speaker 2: to feel faint and dizzy at the thought of marching

496
00:29:40,320 --> 00:29:44,440
Speaker 2: up against Israel. But what choice did he have. If

497
00:29:44,480 --> 00:29:48,040
Speaker 2: he refused, King Akish would wipe them out. He had

498
00:29:48,040 --> 00:29:50,680
Speaker 2: spent a year gaining his trust, and if he did

499
00:29:50,720 --> 00:29:53,440
Speaker 2: not march with him, surely he and his men would

500
00:29:53,440 --> 00:29:53,959
Speaker 2: be doomed.

501
00:29:54,480 --> 00:29:56,160
Speaker 7: What are we going to do, David.

502
00:29:55,920 --> 00:30:00,800
Speaker 2: Abishi asked solemnly. David was silent. All the line to

503
00:30:00,880 --> 00:30:03,960
Speaker 2: King Akish had finally caught up to him, and now

504
00:30:04,120 --> 00:30:06,479
Speaker 2: he was faced with a decision that could alter the

505
00:30:06,560 --> 00:30:10,200
Speaker 2: history of Israel. Would he march with the Philistines to

506
00:30:10,240 --> 00:30:14,080
Speaker 2: destroy Israel or would he refuse and be slaughtered by

507
00:30:14,080 --> 00:30:18,840
Speaker 2: the entire Philistine army. David said nothing. He gripped his

508
00:30:18,880 --> 00:30:21,680
Speaker 2: hair tightly and shook his head in dismay. Leave me,

509
00:30:21,920 --> 00:30:22,520
Speaker 2: he whispered.

510
00:30:23,000 --> 00:30:25,440
Speaker 7: But David, we needed answer, No, I said.

511
00:30:25,360 --> 00:30:28,200
Speaker 3: Lathe, David shouted, you will have your answer. Now, go

512
00:30:29,160 --> 00:30:31,400
Speaker 3: and tell no one of this until I have found

513
00:30:31,440 --> 00:30:32,400
Speaker 3: you ambitsh.

514
00:30:32,400 --> 00:30:36,400
Speaker 2: I bowed and left without another word. David stood up,

515
00:30:36,640 --> 00:30:39,000
Speaker 2: strapped his sword to his back, and left, with the

516
00:30:39,040 --> 00:30:42,560
Speaker 2: door slamming behind him. He climbed the hill overlooking the

517
00:30:42,640 --> 00:30:46,000
Speaker 2: village and sat on a stone. The cool morning breeze

518
00:30:46,120 --> 00:30:49,840
Speaker 2: was still cool and refreshing. David closed his eyes and

519
00:30:49,960 --> 00:30:54,200
Speaker 2: listened for the voice of God. He needed direction. Any

520
00:30:54,240 --> 00:30:57,040
Speaker 2: decision he could make seemed to lead down a bad path.

521
00:30:58,040 --> 00:31:00,920
Speaker 2: David was so accustomed to choosing between a good decision

522
00:31:01,000 --> 00:31:03,920
Speaker 2: and a bad one until now. He lived in a

523
00:31:03,960 --> 00:31:07,400
Speaker 2: world that was black and white. All choices were between

524
00:31:07,400 --> 00:31:12,920
Speaker 2: evil or good, righteousness or wickedness, life or death. Yet

525
00:31:12,920 --> 00:31:16,760
Speaker 2: now he was faced with two terrible decisions in which

526
00:31:16,800 --> 00:31:21,960
Speaker 2: both could lead to utter humiliation and destruction. Finally, David

527
00:31:22,040 --> 00:31:24,400
Speaker 2: knew what it was like to be a king. He

528
00:31:24,480 --> 00:31:28,480
Speaker 2: prayed to God for guidance, yet no voice responded. He

529
00:31:28,640 --> 00:31:31,200
Speaker 2: was left with the chaotic ramblings of his own mind.

530
00:31:31,800 --> 00:31:34,600
Speaker 2: He stood to his feet and left the mountain. A

531
00:31:34,680 --> 00:31:38,080
Speaker 2: decision had to be made, and David trusted that God's

532
00:31:38,120 --> 00:31:42,760
Speaker 2: mercy would follow him either way. David retrieved Abeshi and

533
00:31:42,760 --> 00:31:46,840
Speaker 2: Beniah with a somber yet resolute tone. David lifted his

534
00:31:46,920 --> 00:31:51,800
Speaker 2: eyes and said, we marched tomorrow morning with the Philistines.

535
00:31:53,120 --> 00:31:58,440
Speaker 2: Gather the men, do not ask questions. I trust the Lord,

536
00:31:58,520 --> 00:32:02,040
Speaker 2: our God will deliver us. So the men gathered themselves

537
00:32:02,080 --> 00:32:05,719
Speaker 2: and marched behind King Aikish and his army. They trudged

538
00:32:05,720 --> 00:32:10,360
Speaker 2: along the countryside silently, anticipating what was to come. David

539
00:32:10,400 --> 00:32:13,520
Speaker 2: held his head low, lamenting that he may have to

540
00:32:13,560 --> 00:32:18,440
Speaker 2: shed blood against his fellow Israelites. The allied Philistine army

541
00:32:18,560 --> 00:32:21,960
Speaker 2: was as vast as the sea itself. Thousands of men

542
00:32:22,040 --> 00:32:25,760
Speaker 2: were stationed across the plains of Affek. David and his

543
00:32:25,880 --> 00:32:28,560
Speaker 2: men resided behind the rest of the encampments a few

544
00:32:28,600 --> 00:32:32,360
Speaker 2: hundred yards away. Aikish kept them separate from the rest

545
00:32:32,440 --> 00:32:36,120
Speaker 2: so as to not stir any unnecessary trouble. David was

546
00:32:36,160 --> 00:32:39,720
Speaker 2: grateful for the separation. He did not want to feel

547
00:32:39,760 --> 00:32:42,520
Speaker 2: like a part of the Philistines. Everything in his body

548
00:32:42,600 --> 00:32:48,000
Speaker 2: cried out against it. David, Abeshi, Eliezar, and Benaia scaled

549
00:32:48,000 --> 00:32:52,080
Speaker 2: the mountain overlooking the Israelite camp. Saul had amassed an

550
00:32:52,200 --> 00:32:56,080
Speaker 2: army unlike any they had seen before. Clearly Saul had

551
00:32:56,120 --> 00:33:00,360
Speaker 2: anticipated the unification of Philistine kingdoms against him. They were

552
00:33:00,400 --> 00:33:05,400
Speaker 2: certainly not outnumbered or outmatched. Saul had gathered an impressive response,

553
00:33:05,840 --> 00:33:07,800
Speaker 2: and David could not help but long to be in

554
00:33:07,840 --> 00:33:08,400
Speaker 2: their midst.

555
00:33:09,080 --> 00:33:11,600
Speaker 3: It seems as though Saul had come prepared.

556
00:33:12,160 --> 00:33:15,760
Speaker 2: David whispered. Maybe, so, said josh Obein.

557
00:33:16,000 --> 00:33:16,480
Speaker 3: But if we.

558
00:33:16,480 --> 00:33:19,800
Speaker 9: Marched with the Philistines tomorrow and fight, it may be

559
00:33:19,880 --> 00:33:22,440
Speaker 9: the very thing that swings the fight in their favor.

560
00:33:22,640 --> 00:33:26,320
Speaker 2: David nodded. He knew it was true. The presence of

561
00:33:26,400 --> 00:33:30,040
Speaker 2: David and his six hundred trained warriors could absolutely shift

562
00:33:30,080 --> 00:33:33,440
Speaker 2: the fight in Akish's favor. He cringed at the thought,

563
00:33:33,880 --> 00:33:37,320
Speaker 2: praying somehow he would not have to fight come daybreak tomorrow.

564
00:33:38,160 --> 00:33:40,440
Speaker 2: The men left the mountain and returned to their camp.

565
00:33:41,200 --> 00:33:43,480
Speaker 2: David was summoned to join Akish and the rest of

566
00:33:43,480 --> 00:33:46,640
Speaker 2: the Philistine kings at a meeting. He rode at Aikish's

567
00:33:46,680 --> 00:33:50,360
Speaker 2: side into the center of the Philistine encampment. A large

568
00:33:50,400 --> 00:33:54,560
Speaker 2: red tent had been erected. Inside were iron fire pits

569
00:33:54,680 --> 00:33:58,720
Speaker 2: raging with flames, and bronze idols erected to dagon. Being

570
00:33:58,720 --> 00:34:02,880
Speaker 2: in the room made David fel uneasy. Akish sat down

571
00:34:02,920 --> 00:34:05,160
Speaker 2: at the round table. Sitting in the center of the tent,

572
00:34:06,200 --> 00:34:08,680
Speaker 2: he was joined by the other kings and their commanders.

573
00:34:09,320 --> 00:34:11,960
Speaker 2: He did not take long for them to notice David's presence.

574
00:34:12,440 --> 00:34:15,800
Speaker 8: What is he doing here, Akish? Isn't this the giant

575
00:34:15,880 --> 00:34:18,960
Speaker 8: slayer one of the mast he is, but he has

576
00:34:19,000 --> 00:34:21,359
Speaker 8: offered his services to aid our battle.

577
00:34:21,280 --> 00:34:24,320
Speaker 2: Akish said, slapping David's back and smiling.

578
00:34:24,560 --> 00:34:27,560
Speaker 8: I trust him with my life. He has been raiding

579
00:34:27,600 --> 00:34:30,080
Speaker 8: the Israelites for over a year now on my behalf,

580
00:34:30,480 --> 00:34:31,719
Speaker 8: and has not failed me yet.

581
00:34:32,160 --> 00:34:35,320
Speaker 2: David forced a smile, feeling an intense amount of pressure

582
00:34:35,360 --> 00:34:39,080
Speaker 2: in his chest. One of the kings drove his dagger

583
00:34:39,080 --> 00:34:39,920
Speaker 2: into the table and.

584
00:34:39,920 --> 00:34:43,799
Speaker 8: Yelled, I want this man and his small army out

585
00:34:43,840 --> 00:34:44,160
Speaker 8: of here.

586
00:34:44,520 --> 00:34:46,480
Speaker 2: He spat and raged at Akish.

587
00:34:46,560 --> 00:34:49,040
Speaker 8: He may have made you rich, but he is still

588
00:34:49,080 --> 00:34:52,000
Speaker 8: an Israelite dog who cannot be trusted.

589
00:34:52,800 --> 00:34:58,480
Speaker 2: The others murmured in agreement. However, Akish pushed back even more, saying, I.

590
00:34:58,520 --> 00:35:02,239
Speaker 8: Find no fault in David or they have lived peacefully

591
00:35:02,239 --> 00:35:04,480
Speaker 8: with us and already proven they are willing to spill

592
00:35:04,640 --> 00:35:08,920
Speaker 8: Israelite blood. Will not his presence discourage King Saul and

593
00:35:08,960 --> 00:35:09,400
Speaker 8: the others.

594
00:35:10,120 --> 00:35:13,640
Speaker 2: David desperately desired for Akish to stop talking, but he

595
00:35:13,680 --> 00:35:16,560
Speaker 2: could say nothing. He was forced to hold his tongue

596
00:35:16,640 --> 00:35:21,319
Speaker 2: and await their decision. The others pondered Akish's words, yet

597
00:35:21,400 --> 00:35:23,720
Speaker 2: were still not convinced David was telling the truth.

598
00:35:24,480 --> 00:35:28,200
Speaker 8: Send a man back. He shall not march down with us,

599
00:35:28,280 --> 00:35:30,760
Speaker 8: lest in the battle he becomes our enemy.

600
00:35:31,080 --> 00:35:33,640
Speaker 2: The tall, thin king leaned over to David and peered

601
00:35:33,719 --> 00:35:34,480
Speaker 2: him in the eye.

602
00:35:34,840 --> 00:35:38,440
Speaker 8: I know of your devotion to your God, King David,

603
00:35:39,320 --> 00:35:42,200
Speaker 8: I know you could not reconcile yourself before your God

604
00:35:42,239 --> 00:35:45,759
Speaker 8: if you spill the Israelite blood. I will not have

605
00:35:45,800 --> 00:35:48,400
Speaker 8: you turn on me and my men just because you

606
00:35:48,640 --> 00:35:49,880
Speaker 8: couldn't live with the guilt.

607
00:35:50,239 --> 00:35:54,239
Speaker 2: The Philistine king's words were cutting and true. There would

608
00:35:54,280 --> 00:35:57,799
Speaker 2: be no way David could reconcile himself before God if

609
00:35:57,840 --> 00:36:01,640
Speaker 2: he spilled the blood of his children. Another Philistine king

610
00:36:01,680 --> 00:36:04,840
Speaker 2: agreed and said, have you heard.

611
00:36:04,600 --> 00:36:08,400
Speaker 8: The songs they sang about him? Aikish, Saul has killed

612
00:36:08,400 --> 00:36:12,400
Speaker 8: his thousands, but David his ten thousands. Who do you

613
00:36:12,520 --> 00:36:16,839
Speaker 8: think those ten thousands are? They are us. This man

614
00:36:16,880 --> 00:36:21,359
Speaker 8: has been made famous in Israel by slaughtering Philistines. We

615
00:36:21,480 --> 00:36:23,520
Speaker 8: must not have him fight with us.

616
00:36:24,040 --> 00:36:27,799
Speaker 2: The rest of them began to murmur and complain. Akish

617
00:36:27,880 --> 00:36:30,160
Speaker 2: finally had enough and rose his hand.

618
00:36:30,560 --> 00:36:33,560
Speaker 8: Enough he said, I will send him back.

619
00:36:34,320 --> 00:36:36,799
Speaker 2: Akish took David by the arm and let him out

620
00:36:36,800 --> 00:36:39,680
Speaker 2: of the tent. The king sighed and shook his head.

621
00:36:40,880 --> 00:36:44,759
Speaker 8: David, I know you are an honest and loyal man.

622
00:36:45,680 --> 00:36:47,799
Speaker 8: You would have marched with me and come to my aid.

623
00:36:48,239 --> 00:36:51,240
Speaker 8: Oh how I longed to fight alongside you and battle

624
00:36:51,280 --> 00:36:56,040
Speaker 8: my friend. But Alas I must respect the other lord's wishes.

625
00:36:57,400 --> 00:36:59,920
Speaker 8: Go back now to Ziglach. I fear the land may

626
00:36:59,920 --> 00:37:03,040
Speaker 8: be vulnerable to attack with all of us gone. Anyways,

627
00:37:03,640 --> 00:37:06,880
Speaker 8: be careful, my friend, rise early in the morning with

628
00:37:07,000 --> 00:37:09,480
Speaker 8: the servants of your lord who came with you, and

629
00:37:09,560 --> 00:37:12,400
Speaker 8: start early in the morning and depart as soon as

630
00:37:12,440 --> 00:37:12,960
Speaker 8: you have light.

631
00:37:13,520 --> 00:37:17,680
Speaker 2: Akish embraced David tightly. The hug was more than David

632
00:37:17,719 --> 00:37:20,359
Speaker 2: could bear. He could feel the trust of the king,

633
00:37:20,440 --> 00:37:23,200
Speaker 2: and it crushed him. He had been lying all this

634
00:37:23,320 --> 00:37:25,719
Speaker 2: time to a man who seemed to be good. Deep down,

635
00:37:26,360 --> 00:37:30,560
Speaker 2: David was conflicted. He shook Akish's hand and retreated back

636
00:37:30,600 --> 00:37:34,120
Speaker 2: to camp. On his way back, David stopped and fell

637
00:37:34,160 --> 00:37:37,320
Speaker 2: to his knees. He gripped the dirt below him tightly

638
00:37:37,360 --> 00:37:41,120
Speaker 2: and closed his eyes. His entire body was shaking, and

639
00:37:41,200 --> 00:37:44,640
Speaker 2: he could no longer hold back his tears. The hero

640
00:37:44,719 --> 00:37:48,520
Speaker 2: of Israel wept bitterly on the ground. Unable to console himself,

641
00:37:49,320 --> 00:37:52,080
Speaker 2: he buried his face in the dirt, crying aloud to

642
00:37:52,160 --> 00:37:56,279
Speaker 2: God for forgiveness. In his sin and arrogance, he had

643
00:37:56,320 --> 00:37:58,520
Speaker 2: almost led his men into a sin he could not

644
00:37:58,640 --> 00:38:02,960
Speaker 2: retreat from. Yet God was faithful to his chosen one.

645
00:38:03,040 --> 00:38:05,440
Speaker 2: He did not allow David to commit such a hideous

646
00:38:05,440 --> 00:38:08,520
Speaker 2: crime against him and his people. Despite all of his

647
00:38:08,600 --> 00:38:13,240
Speaker 2: flaws and foolishness, God would not abandon David. He would

648
00:38:13,280 --> 00:38:17,120
Speaker 2: remain at his side, always following after him with grace

649
00:38:17,360 --> 00:38:17,960
Speaker 2: and mercy.

650
00:38:21,560 --> 00:38:24,239
Speaker 5: Well, we have seen David make mistakes before, but this

651
00:38:24,360 --> 00:38:28,320
Speaker 5: mistake seems to stand above the rest. Can you imagine

652
00:38:28,560 --> 00:38:31,120
Speaker 5: what would have happened if David marched against the army

653
00:38:31,160 --> 00:38:34,000
Speaker 5: of Israel. I'm glad we didn't have to find out

654
00:38:34,200 --> 00:38:37,760
Speaker 5: as was David. This episode took us on a journey

655
00:38:37,800 --> 00:38:42,440
Speaker 5: of false security. David thought he could have it both ways.

656
00:38:42,719 --> 00:38:45,439
Speaker 5: He thought he could befriend the enemy while still being

657
00:38:45,480 --> 00:38:49,239
Speaker 5: the hero of God. For a while, it seemed to work,

658
00:38:49,680 --> 00:38:52,880
Speaker 5: but we know by our lives always cause chaos. Eventually,

659
00:38:53,560 --> 00:38:56,640
Speaker 5: when we deceive others than ourselves and our lives are believe,

660
00:38:57,120 --> 00:38:59,560
Speaker 5: we can be lulled into a false sense of security.

661
00:39:00,280 --> 00:39:02,680
Speaker 5: When we get away with lies. The comfort we feel

662
00:39:02,760 --> 00:39:05,640
Speaker 5: is like sleeping on a bed that is teetering on

663
00:39:05,719 --> 00:39:09,319
Speaker 5: the edge of a skyscraper. The pillows are fluffed, the

664
00:39:09,360 --> 00:39:13,279
Speaker 5: blankets are warm, but we are not safe. There can

665
00:39:13,320 --> 00:39:16,400
Speaker 5: be no real peace when you live a double life. Eventually,

666
00:39:16,760 --> 00:39:20,280
Speaker 5: the growing chasm between your values and your actions become

667
00:39:20,440 --> 00:39:23,560
Speaker 5: too wide a distance to hurdle. We see a lot

668
00:39:23,600 --> 00:39:28,000
Speaker 5: of double mindedness in this episode. The first perpetrator is Saul,

669
00:39:28,680 --> 00:39:31,239
Speaker 5: who seeks the will of God in the presence of

670
00:39:31,280 --> 00:39:35,280
Speaker 5: a witch. The witch points out the irony herself, saying,

671
00:39:35,800 --> 00:39:38,719
Speaker 5: you swear by the Lord all the while seeking the

672
00:39:38,760 --> 00:39:41,479
Speaker 5: help of a witch. You are truly a conflicted soul,

673
00:39:41,600 --> 00:39:44,920
Speaker 5: aren't you. This witch doesn't know how right she is.

674
00:39:45,560 --> 00:39:48,920
Speaker 5: Saul is a walking contradiction at this point. He leads

675
00:39:48,960 --> 00:39:52,120
Speaker 5: the armies of God's people without the favor of God.

676
00:39:52,760 --> 00:39:56,080
Speaker 5: He leads God's nation without the guidance of God. He

677
00:39:56,160 --> 00:39:58,840
Speaker 5: claims to be a man of integrity while harboring bitterness

678
00:39:58,840 --> 00:40:02,400
Speaker 5: in his heart. Saul's very presence and endore speaks to

679
00:40:02,440 --> 00:40:05,800
Speaker 5: his confusion, and at the same time it gives us clarity.

680
00:40:06,520 --> 00:40:09,399
Speaker 5: We are not sure if who Saul speaks to through

681
00:40:09,440 --> 00:40:13,440
Speaker 5: the which is actually Samuel or not. This portion of

682
00:40:13,440 --> 00:40:18,760
Speaker 5: scripture is admittedly confusing and controversial. However, the words spoken

683
00:40:18,800 --> 00:40:22,080
Speaker 5: are true. Saul is going to die in the next battle.

684
00:40:22,560 --> 00:40:25,920
Speaker 5: It is an unavoidable fact. There is no more escape

685
00:40:25,920 --> 00:40:30,400
Speaker 5: for Saul. The time has come for him to die.

686
00:40:30,520 --> 00:40:33,720
Speaker 5: While Saul is hiding in the shadows of Indoor, David

687
00:40:33,760 --> 00:40:36,759
Speaker 5: is hiding in the shadows of God. He leads his

688
00:40:36,920 --> 00:40:40,520
Speaker 5: men and their families in the enemy territory, despite the

689
00:40:40,560 --> 00:40:44,160
Speaker 5: warnings from his trusted advisers. So far, David has made

690
00:40:44,239 --> 00:40:47,560
Speaker 5: every decision by consulting God and his friends. But this

691
00:40:47,680 --> 00:40:51,040
Speaker 5: decision seems to be one hundred percent David, which does

692
00:40:51,080 --> 00:40:54,120
Speaker 5: ebode well for him. The word of God and the

693
00:40:54,200 --> 00:40:56,800
Speaker 5: counsel of friends are supposed to be a strong foundation

694
00:40:57,160 --> 00:40:59,920
Speaker 5: for a leader to rely on, but the giant slave

695
00:41:00,239 --> 00:41:02,960
Speaker 5: is set on his course and nobody can challenge him

696
00:41:02,960 --> 00:41:06,600
Speaker 5: on it. As a side note, leaders who can't be

697
00:41:06,719 --> 00:41:10,879
Speaker 5: questioned do questionable things. Be wary of leaders who dig

698
00:41:10,920 --> 00:41:14,480
Speaker 5: their heels in and can't be moved with wise counsel.

699
00:41:15,520 --> 00:41:19,400
Speaker 5: Gaff isn't initially welcoming to David and his crew, but

700
00:41:19,520 --> 00:41:24,320
Speaker 5: King Akish falls for David's life. His plan is admittedly brilliant.

701
00:41:24,800 --> 00:41:28,720
Speaker 5: He will raid Israel's enemies and bring back wealth for Akish.

702
00:41:29,200 --> 00:41:31,960
Speaker 5: He will claim Israel is who he's hunting, and Akish

703
00:41:31,960 --> 00:41:35,520
Speaker 5: won't question it because he's getting rich. His plan works.

704
00:41:36,120 --> 00:41:40,000
Speaker 5: David has been a shepherd, a commander, an exile, a vigilante,

705
00:41:40,400 --> 00:41:43,880
Speaker 5: and now he adds raider to his resume. David is

706
00:41:43,920 --> 00:41:47,560
Speaker 5: increasingly bold to make this move, and the plan seems

707
00:41:47,600 --> 00:41:50,279
Speaker 5: well thought out. He is going to build wealth and

708
00:41:50,320 --> 00:41:55,280
Speaker 5: security for his people while also secretly helping Israel. David

709
00:41:55,320 --> 00:41:57,719
Speaker 5: thinks he can have it both ways. He thinks he

710
00:41:57,719 --> 00:42:00,919
Speaker 5: can be in an alliance with the enemy while being

711
00:42:01,000 --> 00:42:03,960
Speaker 5: loyal to his country. This is the trap we can

712
00:42:04,000 --> 00:42:06,760
Speaker 5: all find ourselves in. We think we can have hidden

713
00:42:06,760 --> 00:42:09,279
Speaker 5: sin in our lives while also being faithful to the

714
00:42:09,320 --> 00:42:12,160
Speaker 5: people around us. But these things tend to catch up

715
00:42:12,160 --> 00:42:16,560
Speaker 5: with us eventually. Jesus once said no one can serve

716
00:42:16,600 --> 00:42:18,840
Speaker 5: two masters, for either he will hate the one and

717
00:42:18,880 --> 00:42:21,319
Speaker 5: love the other, or he will be devoted to the

718
00:42:21,320 --> 00:42:24,239
Speaker 5: one and despise the other. This turns out to be

719
00:42:24,320 --> 00:42:27,120
Speaker 5: true for David. He tries to keep an alliance with

720
00:42:27,239 --> 00:42:30,320
Speaker 5: Gaff and Israel, but at some point he is forced

721
00:42:30,400 --> 00:42:33,320
Speaker 5: to choose between the two, and when the time finally

722
00:42:33,320 --> 00:42:37,280
Speaker 5: comes to choose, he is in an incredibly compromising position.

723
00:42:38,200 --> 00:42:41,120
Speaker 5: By the end of the episode, David has put too

724
00:42:41,239 --> 00:42:44,560
Speaker 5: much on the line. The choice between marching with Gaff

725
00:42:44,840 --> 00:42:47,960
Speaker 5: or refusing isn't as simple as it seems. If David

726
00:42:47,960 --> 00:42:50,840
Speaker 5: fights with Akish, he will be killing his own countrymen

727
00:42:50,920 --> 00:42:54,520
Speaker 5: and subjugating his own people. However, if he refuses to

728
00:42:54,560 --> 00:42:57,880
Speaker 5: march against Israel. His lives will be exposed, and Akish

729
00:42:57,880 --> 00:43:01,000
Speaker 5: will kill him, his men, and their family. You see

730
00:43:01,040 --> 00:43:04,520
Speaker 5: how complicated the problem has become. David is faced with

731
00:43:04,600 --> 00:43:08,560
Speaker 5: two devastating options. This is an important theme in scripture

732
00:43:08,600 --> 00:43:11,600
Speaker 5: and in life. Not every decision is a choice between

733
00:43:11,600 --> 00:43:15,080
Speaker 5: good and bad. Wouldn't that be easy If everything were

734
00:43:15,080 --> 00:43:18,560
Speaker 5: a matter between choosing a clearly wrong path versus a

735
00:43:18,600 --> 00:43:23,680
Speaker 5: clearly right path, then life would be a lot less complicated. No,

736
00:43:24,320 --> 00:43:28,120
Speaker 5: the decisions we make are often choices between two equally

737
00:43:28,200 --> 00:43:32,799
Speaker 5: bad options or equally good options. This is when desernment

738
00:43:32,840 --> 00:43:37,040
Speaker 5: and wisdom are most needed. David is paralyzed by the

739
00:43:37,120 --> 00:43:41,200
Speaker 5: idea of marching against his own people, yet unable to

740
00:43:41,239 --> 00:43:44,640
Speaker 5: refuse Achish. There is a brief moment when David becomes

741
00:43:44,719 --> 00:43:49,080
Speaker 5: like Saul. The prely reminded us that Saul's mind was

742
00:43:49,239 --> 00:43:53,840
Speaker 5: dark and chaotic. Years of compromise and prideful decisions caused

743
00:43:53,880 --> 00:43:56,440
Speaker 5: Saul to be closed off to the voice of God,

744
00:43:57,120 --> 00:44:00,280
Speaker 5: and now, in the midst of turmoil and lies, finds

745
00:44:00,360 --> 00:44:04,960
Speaker 5: himself in the same position. Without clear guidance, David takes

746
00:44:04,960 --> 00:44:09,120
Speaker 5: his men to march against Israel. David doesn't necessarily plan

747
00:44:09,239 --> 00:44:11,960
Speaker 5: to actually fight Israel. His plan is to go with

748
00:44:12,080 --> 00:44:14,640
Speaker 5: Akish and trust that the Lord will cover his sins.

749
00:44:15,320 --> 00:44:17,800
Speaker 5: It isn't a well thought our plan, but I guess

750
00:44:17,800 --> 00:44:20,360
Speaker 5: it is David's planning that got him into this mess

751
00:44:20,480 --> 00:44:24,360
Speaker 5: in the first place. The once bold hero follows the

752
00:44:24,360 --> 00:44:27,840
Speaker 5: Philistines with his head held low, but God's grace is

753
00:44:27,880 --> 00:44:31,800
Speaker 5: close behind him. David wrote in Psalm twenty three, Surely

754
00:44:31,880 --> 00:44:34,440
Speaker 5: goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of

755
00:44:34,480 --> 00:44:38,319
Speaker 5: my life. This is definitely the case for David, who

756
00:44:38,400 --> 00:44:41,640
Speaker 5: is asked to leave the battle rather than participate in it.

757
00:44:42,920 --> 00:44:47,120
Speaker 5: Through God's providence and grace, David doesn't have to fight Israel.

758
00:44:47,719 --> 00:44:50,520
Speaker 5: The other Philistine kings don't trust him, so David gets

759
00:44:50,520 --> 00:44:53,960
Speaker 5: to leave and maintain the trust of King Egish. Christ

760
00:44:54,120 --> 00:44:58,160
Speaker 5: is averted right wrong. We should know better by now.

761
00:44:58,719 --> 00:45:02,160
Speaker 5: Remember the themes we expl Lord in episode ten life

762
00:45:02,239 --> 00:45:06,239
Speaker 5: have unseen ripple effects. There is no way of prescribing

763
00:45:06,320 --> 00:45:10,799
Speaker 5: how our dishonesty can affect the future. In our next episode,

764
00:45:11,080 --> 00:45:15,520
Speaker 5: David sees those ripple effects and is forced to take action. However,

765
00:45:15,600 --> 00:45:18,520
Speaker 5: heroes are often forwards in the fire of their mistakes.

766
00:45:19,080 --> 00:45:21,839
Speaker 5: Will David learn from his mistakes and make things right,

767
00:45:22,440 --> 00:45:24,640
Speaker 5: or will the pressure be too much for him to bear.

768
00:45:25,360 --> 00:45:29,360
Speaker 5: Find out next time in episode sixteen, Heart of a Shepherd.

769
00:45:29,840 --> 00:45:33,800
Speaker 5: Thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers

770
00:45:33,840 --> 00:45:37,200
Speaker 5: and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to pray dot com.

771
00:45:37,400 --> 00:45:41,120
Speaker 5: And to expand your heroes in the Bible journey, download

772
00:45:41,160 --> 00:45:44,919
Speaker 5: the Heroes of the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org.

773
00:45:45,000 --> 00:45:49,120
Speaker 5: Forward slash Heroes. Share this podcast with a family member

774
00:45:49,200 --> 00:45:52,920
Speaker 5: or friend and help us spread God's word. God bless