1 00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:03,200 Speaker 1: Hi, doctor Tony Evans, and I'm excited for you to 2 00:00:03,279 --> 00:00:06,800 Speaker 1: join me on Heroes in the Bible. Please be sure 3 00:00:06,840 --> 00:00:10,080 Speaker 1: to follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify so you 4 00:00:10,160 --> 00:00:13,960 Speaker 1: get the newest episodes right as they come out. Welcome 5 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:22,000 Speaker 1: to the Epic Adventure of David, a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal, 6 00:00:22,160 --> 00:00:26,000 Speaker 1: and murder. While most people know David the myth, few 7 00:00:26,040 --> 00:00:29,920 Speaker 1: know about David the man. In this episode, David is 8 00:00:29,960 --> 00:00:33,400 Speaker 1: brought to the end of himself. In our last story, 9 00:00:33,520 --> 00:00:36,920 Speaker 1: David began a steep decline and was nearly caught in 10 00:00:36,960 --> 00:00:41,479 Speaker 1: a terrible situation. God delivered him from a complete moral collapse, 11 00:00:42,080 --> 00:00:44,159 Speaker 1: but there is still a price to pay for what 12 00:00:44,280 --> 00:00:47,840 Speaker 1: he's done. David is about to reach an all time low, 13 00:00:48,280 --> 00:00:51,840 Speaker 1: questioning his calling as a leader and value as a man. 14 00:00:52,440 --> 00:00:55,640 Speaker 1: God's chosen hero will be faced down in a pile 15 00:00:55,680 --> 00:00:59,560 Speaker 1: of ash, wondering if he should give up. This episode 16 00:00:59,600 --> 00:01:04,680 Speaker 1: explores the themes of strength, valor, and redemption. David's failure 17 00:01:04,760 --> 00:01:07,959 Speaker 1: gives way for more faith and the shepherd's heart within 18 00:01:08,080 --> 00:01:12,559 Speaker 1: him that, once vanquished, a lion awakens. There is less 19 00:01:12,600 --> 00:01:17,120 Speaker 1: philosophical or theological prose to be taken from this episode. 20 00:01:17,240 --> 00:01:20,240 Speaker 1: It is meant to be appreciated as an example of 21 00:01:20,319 --> 00:01:24,840 Speaker 1: the hero's journey. David will fall, rise, and then enter 22 00:01:24,920 --> 00:01:28,320 Speaker 1: into a new chapter of his life. Before the madness 23 00:01:28,360 --> 00:01:31,399 Speaker 1: of this episode ensues, we will be carried forward in 24 00:01:31,520 --> 00:01:35,280 Speaker 1: time to the peaceful shores of Galilee. Speaking to the 25 00:01:35,360 --> 00:01:38,480 Speaker 1: crowd with a gentle breeze at his back. Is Jesus 26 00:01:38,880 --> 00:01:43,000 Speaker 1: giving insight into the heart of God. Jesus's account of 27 00:01:43,040 --> 00:01:46,480 Speaker 1: the good Shepherd will provide the perfect lens for how 28 00:01:46,560 --> 00:01:49,720 Speaker 1: we see the character of David. He is, at his 29 00:01:49,880 --> 00:01:53,520 Speaker 1: core a shepherd, and a good shepherd always lays his 30 00:01:53,720 --> 00:01:57,200 Speaker 1: life down for the sheep. I'm glad you're here for 31 00:01:57,280 --> 00:02:02,120 Speaker 1: the halfway point of our David series. Heart of a Shepherd. 32 00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:13,079 Speaker 2: Prelude to chapter sixteen. The sea of Galilee was calm 33 00:02:13,120 --> 00:02:16,480 Speaker 2: and serene. The gentle breeze blowing in from the water 34 00:02:16,600 --> 00:02:19,680 Speaker 2: brushed up against Jesus's face as he spoke to the 35 00:02:19,680 --> 00:02:20,600 Speaker 2: crowd before him. 36 00:02:21,360 --> 00:02:23,519 Speaker 3: Let us say, a shepherd has a hundred. 37 00:02:23,240 --> 00:02:25,480 Speaker 4: Sheep, Jesus said, he. 38 00:02:25,560 --> 00:02:29,160 Speaker 3: Tends to them well within his pasture. However, one of 39 00:02:29,160 --> 00:02:33,480 Speaker 3: them falls astray and wanders off into the wilderness where 40 00:02:33,520 --> 00:02:39,200 Speaker 3: predators lie in wait. The shepherd takes action and leaves 41 00:02:39,200 --> 00:02:42,320 Speaker 3: the ninety nine sheep in search of the one. He 42 00:02:42,360 --> 00:02:46,120 Speaker 3: ascends into the mountains and risks injury and death to 43 00:02:46,240 --> 00:02:50,919 Speaker 3: save the one sheep who went astray. Then he finds 44 00:02:50,960 --> 00:02:56,840 Speaker 3: the sheep, and his entire household rejoices. That is the 45 00:02:56,880 --> 00:03:00,920 Speaker 3: heart of my Father in heaven. It is not in 46 00:03:01,000 --> 00:03:04,120 Speaker 3: his will that any one should perish. 47 00:03:04,760 --> 00:03:08,240 Speaker 2: Jesus spoke of a transcendent truth packaged in a simple story. 48 00:03:09,080 --> 00:03:11,919 Speaker 2: He revealed in his words the attentive heart of God, 49 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:15,760 Speaker 2: a heart that saw the life of one person worth 50 00:03:15,840 --> 00:03:20,000 Speaker 2: risking danger and death for a good shepherd's loyalty and 51 00:03:20,120 --> 00:03:24,440 Speaker 2: love for his sheep would endure the thread of lions, wolves, storms, 52 00:03:24,480 --> 00:03:27,680 Speaker 2: and other dangers, all for the sake of the sheep's safety. 53 00:03:28,600 --> 00:03:32,080 Speaker 2: As Jesus spoke, the people received a new glimpse into 54 00:03:32,080 --> 00:03:34,760 Speaker 2: the heart of God. He cared for them like a 55 00:03:34,800 --> 00:03:37,440 Speaker 2: shepherd would his sheep, and he would lay down his 56 00:03:37,560 --> 00:03:41,680 Speaker 2: life to protect them. Jesus outstretched his arms to the 57 00:03:41,680 --> 00:03:43,440 Speaker 2: people and proclaimed. 58 00:03:43,840 --> 00:03:48,160 Speaker 3: I am the good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays his 59 00:03:48,320 --> 00:03:52,160 Speaker 3: life down for the sheep. The hired hand sees the 60 00:03:52,200 --> 00:03:55,360 Speaker 3: wolf coming and leaves the sheep to save himself. He 61 00:03:55,480 --> 00:03:59,160 Speaker 3: cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd, 62 00:03:59,440 --> 00:04:02,760 Speaker 3: and I I will lay down my life for the sheep. 63 00:04:03,640 --> 00:04:07,720 Speaker 3: They will hear me and listen to my voice. Know this, 64 00:04:08,600 --> 00:04:12,400 Speaker 3: whatever may come in the future, nobody takes my life 65 00:04:12,880 --> 00:04:16,240 Speaker 3: from me. I lay it down willingly for the sake 66 00:04:16,279 --> 00:04:19,279 Speaker 3: of those that God has given to me. I have 67 00:04:19,360 --> 00:04:22,560 Speaker 3: the authority to lay down my life, and I have 68 00:04:22,680 --> 00:04:24,440 Speaker 3: the authority to raise it up again. 69 00:04:25,480 --> 00:04:28,600 Speaker 2: Jesus would lay his life down as the good shepherd. 70 00:04:29,240 --> 00:04:31,839 Speaker 2: The blood he spilled would be used as a ransom 71 00:04:31,880 --> 00:04:36,880 Speaker 2: for many. Through his suffering, toil and sacrifice, many would 72 00:04:36,920 --> 00:04:40,920 Speaker 2: come to be blessed. Jesus alone would have victory over 73 00:04:40,960 --> 00:04:44,160 Speaker 2: sin and death, and share in that victory for all 74 00:04:44,279 --> 00:04:47,280 Speaker 2: those who would want it. The spoils of his war 75 00:04:47,360 --> 00:04:54,000 Speaker 2: against darkness would be shared withal Chapter sixteen, Heart of 76 00:04:54,040 --> 00:04:59,039 Speaker 2: a Shepherd. David trudged through the mud, despondent and ashamed. 77 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:03,080 Speaker 2: His men followed at a slower pace, keeping their distance 78 00:05:03,120 --> 00:05:06,120 Speaker 2: from him. He had nearly led them into a battle 79 00:05:06,120 --> 00:05:10,760 Speaker 2: against their own people, God's people. However, the Lord protected 80 00:05:10,760 --> 00:05:13,880 Speaker 2: them from marching up against Israel. He had saved them 81 00:05:13,920 --> 00:05:18,200 Speaker 2: from David's lies and brash decisions. Although his men were angry, 82 00:05:18,800 --> 00:05:22,160 Speaker 2: no one despised David as much as he despised himself. 83 00:05:22,920 --> 00:05:25,839 Speaker 2: He and his faithful six hundred waded through the marshes 84 00:05:25,880 --> 00:05:29,800 Speaker 2: between Aphek and zik Lag quietly. There was no laughter 85 00:05:30,080 --> 00:05:34,360 Speaker 2: or jabbing banter between them, only a painful and disgraceful silence. 86 00:05:35,480 --> 00:05:39,919 Speaker 2: For three days they marched back home. At night, they rested, 87 00:05:40,640 --> 00:05:44,279 Speaker 2: camp fires were set, and night watches were assigned. Yet 88 00:05:44,320 --> 00:05:47,240 Speaker 2: the pride and light heartedness of being under David had 89 00:05:47,279 --> 00:05:53,080 Speaker 2: lost its fluster. This was their first real defeat. Each night, 90 00:05:53,320 --> 00:05:56,720 Speaker 2: David curled into himself and slept. He did not want 91 00:05:56,760 --> 00:05:59,320 Speaker 2: to face any of his men. He did not want 92 00:05:59,360 --> 00:06:02,400 Speaker 2: to face himself. He did not want to face God. 93 00:06:03,880 --> 00:06:06,320 Speaker 2: It was the third day on their return home, and 94 00:06:06,440 --> 00:06:10,680 Speaker 2: the wet marshes slowly transitioned into lush, rolling hills leading 95 00:06:10,720 --> 00:06:13,880 Speaker 2: down into the farm land of zick Lag. David was 96 00:06:13,960 --> 00:06:17,200 Speaker 2: eager to fall into Abigail's arms. He longed for an 97 00:06:17,320 --> 00:06:20,719 Speaker 2: understanding ear to listen to his failures and lament with him. 98 00:06:21,480 --> 00:06:24,719 Speaker 2: He dreamed of her embrace every night, as did every man. 99 00:06:24,800 --> 00:06:28,279 Speaker 2: Towards his wife. For as mighty as the brave six 100 00:06:28,360 --> 00:06:32,520 Speaker 2: hundred were, many of them were husbands and fathers. They 101 00:06:32,520 --> 00:06:34,960 Speaker 2: were family men who dreamed of a day when they 102 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:37,719 Speaker 2: would quietly tend to their farms without the threat of 103 00:06:37,760 --> 00:06:41,400 Speaker 2: being killed. Zick Lag had become a safe haven and 104 00:06:41,440 --> 00:06:44,279 Speaker 2: a refuge from the madness of the world. It was 105 00:06:44,360 --> 00:06:48,480 Speaker 2: their quiet oasis and humble bastion. As they drew closer, 106 00:06:49,080 --> 00:06:53,000 Speaker 2: David could see something eerie in the distance. Dark plumes 107 00:06:53,040 --> 00:06:56,560 Speaker 2: of smoke rose several miles away, and the men feared 108 00:06:56,600 --> 00:06:57,080 Speaker 2: the worst. 109 00:06:57,480 --> 00:07:00,200 Speaker 5: We were fools to leave in march with King acre. 110 00:07:00,600 --> 00:07:03,640 Speaker 2: A, Liaisar said to David. The two of them looked 111 00:07:03,680 --> 00:07:05,760 Speaker 2: out over the rolling hills towards their home. 112 00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:08,000 Speaker 6: That smoke is right where our families are. 113 00:07:08,480 --> 00:07:11,679 Speaker 2: David could not speak. It was as if a stone 114 00:07:11,720 --> 00:07:15,120 Speaker 2: had been placed in his throat. He held back nervous 115 00:07:15,160 --> 00:07:17,760 Speaker 2: tears and gestured for his men to quicken their pace. 116 00:07:18,480 --> 00:07:21,320 Speaker 2: Their brisk marching soon turned into a run. As zik 117 00:07:21,400 --> 00:07:25,120 Speaker 2: Lag came into focus, David's eyes began to fog with 118 00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:26,120 Speaker 2: frantic caress. 119 00:07:26,160 --> 00:07:27,120 Speaker 3: He read down the hill. 120 00:07:27,920 --> 00:07:31,160 Speaker 2: Every house, every barn, and every armory they had. 121 00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:33,320 Speaker 4: Built was reduced to ash. 122 00:07:33,960 --> 00:07:36,360 Speaker 2: The men fell to their knees and wept as they 123 00:07:36,400 --> 00:07:39,920 Speaker 2: scanned the desolate ash heap that was their home. There 124 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:43,480 Speaker 2: was no sign of their wives or their children. They 125 00:07:43,520 --> 00:07:47,280 Speaker 2: had been taken, along with all the livestock and stockpiled goods. 126 00:07:47,960 --> 00:07:50,520 Speaker 2: A Liaisar and the other fathers in the group ran 127 00:07:50,560 --> 00:07:54,280 Speaker 2: into the wreckage, yelling their children's names. They dug through 128 00:07:54,280 --> 00:07:57,320 Speaker 2: the burnt wood and ash in desperate search for them. 129 00:07:57,600 --> 00:08:00,679 Speaker 2: Yet not even bodies could be found. It was clear 130 00:08:00,840 --> 00:08:05,720 Speaker 2: all of them had been taken, but by who. Still 131 00:08:05,720 --> 00:08:09,520 Speaker 2: in shock, David trudged around the village. He came to 132 00:08:09,600 --> 00:08:12,040 Speaker 2: the place where his home used to be. He had 133 00:08:12,080 --> 00:08:15,360 Speaker 2: longed to open the door and find Abigail. There, yet 134 00:08:15,360 --> 00:08:19,040 Speaker 2: there was only a pile of cinders. Something caught the 135 00:08:19,080 --> 00:08:21,800 Speaker 2: side of David's eye. A hilt of a sword had 136 00:08:21,800 --> 00:08:25,800 Speaker 2: been left. David leaned down and picked it up. He 137 00:08:25,880 --> 00:08:28,240 Speaker 2: brushed off the ash and dirt to see the seal 138 00:08:28,320 --> 00:08:32,200 Speaker 2: of the Amalekites. The sworn enemies of Israel had swooped 139 00:08:32,200 --> 00:08:34,880 Speaker 2: in when the men were away, while the women and 140 00:08:34,960 --> 00:08:38,640 Speaker 2: children were alone and vulnerable. The Amalekites had marched in 141 00:08:38,720 --> 00:08:42,400 Speaker 2: with ease and taken everything. They took what was most 142 00:08:42,440 --> 00:08:46,760 Speaker 2: precious to them, their families. David gripped the hilt and 143 00:08:46,840 --> 00:08:50,520 Speaker 2: squeezed it. His hands were trembling in his bottom lip quiver. 144 00:08:51,240 --> 00:08:54,480 Speaker 2: Falling to his knees, David cried louder than he had 145 00:08:54,559 --> 00:08:58,920 Speaker 2: ever before. This was his greatest failure, and now the 146 00:08:58,960 --> 00:09:03,680 Speaker 2: innocent women and Shilo were paying for his panguages. The 147 00:09:03,760 --> 00:09:07,559 Speaker 2: men howled after their families, the strong and noble warriors, 148 00:09:07,559 --> 00:09:08,880 Speaker 2: had been completely broken. 149 00:09:09,679 --> 00:09:12,560 Speaker 4: David could hear their weeping. It broke his heart. 150 00:09:13,280 --> 00:09:14,920 Speaker 7: It's it's what you wanted. 151 00:09:14,640 --> 00:09:16,840 Speaker 2: David, shouted a voice from behind. 152 00:09:17,280 --> 00:09:19,240 Speaker 7: You should be stoned, figures. 153 00:09:19,679 --> 00:09:23,439 Speaker 2: Another voice cried out, my child's blood will be on 154 00:09:23,559 --> 00:09:27,800 Speaker 2: your hands. The voices grew louder and louder. A choir 155 00:09:27,880 --> 00:09:31,040 Speaker 2: of insults resouted in David's ears as his men lashed 156 00:09:31,040 --> 00:09:34,520 Speaker 2: out in anger. The giant slayer remained on his knees. 157 00:09:35,080 --> 00:09:38,320 Speaker 2: He said nothing to defend himself, for he knew that 158 00:09:38,400 --> 00:09:41,160 Speaker 2: they were right. He had led his men to go 159 00:09:41,240 --> 00:09:44,440 Speaker 2: on a sinful mission. It was his poor leadership that 160 00:09:44,520 --> 00:09:47,960 Speaker 2: left the women and children vulnerable. If they had not 161 00:09:48,040 --> 00:09:51,160 Speaker 2: embarked on a pointless march, their families would not have 162 00:09:51,200 --> 00:09:55,200 Speaker 2: been taken. They are right, David thought to himself, I 163 00:09:55,320 --> 00:09:59,120 Speaker 2: should be stoned for this pous crime. He banged his 164 00:09:59,160 --> 00:10:02,000 Speaker 2: fist against the air, creating a cloud of smoke in 165 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:04,760 Speaker 2: front of him. He had no answers for his men. 166 00:10:05,360 --> 00:10:07,400 Speaker 2: He had no song of hope to sing to them, 167 00:10:07,880 --> 00:10:11,760 Speaker 2: no words of comfort. The chosen champion of God was 168 00:10:11,840 --> 00:10:16,360 Speaker 2: completely and utterly broken. The men eventually left to salvage 169 00:10:16,360 --> 00:10:19,520 Speaker 2: whatever they could of the wreckage. They were all weary 170 00:10:19,559 --> 00:10:22,679 Speaker 2: from three days of marching, their bones ached and their 171 00:10:22,720 --> 00:10:26,840 Speaker 2: hearts were broken. The men made camp ate and stared 172 00:10:26,880 --> 00:10:30,640 Speaker 2: blankly into the night. Those who were awake murmured by 173 00:10:30,679 --> 00:10:34,760 Speaker 2: the fire, cursing David under their breath. Yet David remained 174 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:38,040 Speaker 2: where he was, knees in the ashes of his destroyed home. 175 00:10:38,800 --> 00:10:41,959 Speaker 2: He stared blankly at the stars, wondering if God had 176 00:10:41,960 --> 00:10:44,880 Speaker 2: saved him from the war against Israel, all so he 177 00:10:44,920 --> 00:10:49,160 Speaker 2: could punish him with the Amalekites. David could hear footsteps 178 00:10:49,200 --> 00:10:53,840 Speaker 2: behind him, breaking them maddening silence. It was Abieshi. He 179 00:10:53,960 --> 00:10:57,480 Speaker 2: sat beside him and allowed the silence to resume. The 180 00:10:57,559 --> 00:10:59,959 Speaker 2: wind was light, carrying the smell of fire, and as 181 00:11:01,360 --> 00:11:05,559 Speaker 2: the two of them scanned the noiseless desolation. Then abish 182 00:11:05,640 --> 00:11:08,320 Speaker 2: I spoke with few words, hoping to get through to 183 00:11:08,400 --> 00:11:09,000 Speaker 2: his commander. 184 00:11:10,400 --> 00:11:14,040 Speaker 3: When I was a soldier in Saul's army, there was 185 00:11:14,080 --> 00:11:17,800 Speaker 3: a legend that was often told to the men. We 186 00:11:17,840 --> 00:11:20,760 Speaker 3: all knew this story, yet somehow, every time it was told, 187 00:11:21,320 --> 00:11:22,760 Speaker 3: it seemed new to us. 188 00:11:22,960 --> 00:11:23,480 Speaker 4: He began. 189 00:11:24,320 --> 00:11:27,679 Speaker 2: Although Abishai was a young man, his low and contemplative 190 00:11:27,720 --> 00:11:29,240 Speaker 2: voice revealed his old soul. 191 00:11:29,440 --> 00:11:31,440 Speaker 3: It was a story of a young shepherd boy who 192 00:11:31,520 --> 00:11:34,360 Speaker 3: left his entire flock of sheep to rescue one lamb 193 00:11:34,840 --> 00:11:38,880 Speaker 3: from the jaws of a lion. This shepherd could afford 194 00:11:38,960 --> 00:11:42,520 Speaker 3: to lose one sheep, After all, lion's steal sheep all 195 00:11:42,559 --> 00:11:45,240 Speaker 3: the time. What is a small shepherd boy to do 196 00:11:45,280 --> 00:11:46,920 Speaker 3: when faced with a ravenous lion. 197 00:11:47,720 --> 00:11:49,520 Speaker 2: Abishi shook his head and smiled. 198 00:11:49,800 --> 00:11:54,920 Speaker 3: Yet this boy had a true shepherd's heart. Every sheep 199 00:11:55,000 --> 00:12:00,400 Speaker 3: was precious. He would sacrifice everything, even his own life, 200 00:12:00,679 --> 00:12:01,560 Speaker 3: just for one sheep. 201 00:12:02,320 --> 00:12:04,600 Speaker 2: Abish I turned to David and grabbed his shoulder. 202 00:12:05,080 --> 00:12:10,720 Speaker 3: Remember you were a shepherd before you were a giant slayer. 203 00:12:10,880 --> 00:12:11,400 Speaker 4: He said. 204 00:12:12,400 --> 00:12:15,840 Speaker 2: After saying this, Abishai stood to his feet and left 205 00:12:15,880 --> 00:12:20,679 Speaker 2: David to himself. David watched abish I leave, then walked 206 00:12:20,720 --> 00:12:23,760 Speaker 2: to the valley where the sheep once graced. The wind 207 00:12:23,800 --> 00:12:27,720 Speaker 2: shifted and David could no longer smell ash. He looked 208 00:12:27,800 --> 00:12:30,720 Speaker 2: up into the heavens and stretched out his hands. The 209 00:12:30,760 --> 00:12:34,720 Speaker 2: wind picked up even more, billowing against David's trembling body. 210 00:12:35,679 --> 00:12:39,160 Speaker 2: He clenched his fists and roared into the heavens. He 211 00:12:39,280 --> 00:12:42,280 Speaker 2: shouted praise to his God and allowed the spirit of 212 00:12:42,320 --> 00:12:45,679 Speaker 2: the Lord to rest upon him. He strengthened himself in 213 00:12:45,760 --> 00:12:48,640 Speaker 2: the Lord, allowing the full weight of his grace to 214 00:12:48,720 --> 00:12:52,840 Speaker 2: empower him. The breath of God that once breathed life 215 00:12:52,840 --> 00:12:57,160 Speaker 2: into Adam had rushed fresh wind into David's lungs. He 216 00:12:57,200 --> 00:13:01,640 Speaker 2: breathed in, deeply, feeling the power, favor, and purpose of God. 217 00:13:02,840 --> 00:13:04,920 Speaker 2: He shook his head to clear the fog of his 218 00:13:05,000 --> 00:13:06,199 Speaker 2: mind and said. 219 00:13:06,200 --> 00:13:09,720 Speaker 7: I am a man anointed by God, called by God, 220 00:13:10,280 --> 00:13:13,280 Speaker 7: and promised by God to be the next king of Israel. 221 00:13:14,040 --> 00:13:17,320 Speaker 7: I have a high calling and promise from God, and 222 00:13:17,400 --> 00:13:22,000 Speaker 7: he hasn't taken it away. I need to start living 223 00:13:22,320 --> 00:13:23,800 Speaker 7: according to that destiny. 224 00:13:24,720 --> 00:13:29,320 Speaker 2: David raised his head. The cloud hovering above him completely vanished. 225 00:13:29,920 --> 00:13:33,920 Speaker 2: Revealing the vast expanse of the heavens. David beat his 226 00:13:34,000 --> 00:13:37,560 Speaker 2: fist against his chest and begged the Lord for forgiveness. 227 00:13:38,120 --> 00:13:41,319 Speaker 2: He howled into the evening wind, allowing himself to feel 228 00:13:41,320 --> 00:13:44,640 Speaker 2: the mighty hand of God upon him. He left for 229 00:13:44,720 --> 00:13:48,080 Speaker 2: camp and stormed into the tent of Abiathar, the priest, 230 00:13:48,360 --> 00:13:52,080 Speaker 2: bring me the ephought, David said, with a smile. Abiathar 231 00:13:52,280 --> 00:13:56,119 Speaker 2: was startled by David's abrupt entrance. There was an excitement 232 00:13:56,120 --> 00:13:58,280 Speaker 2: and fire in his eyes that he had not seen 233 00:13:58,400 --> 00:14:01,200 Speaker 2: yet in the young commander. In spite of all the 234 00:14:01,240 --> 00:14:04,680 Speaker 2: tragedy that had just befallen him, David seemed to him 235 00:14:04,720 --> 00:14:08,839 Speaker 2: like a man with passion and purpose. Abiathar brought out 236 00:14:08,840 --> 00:14:11,880 Speaker 2: the effort so David could inquire of the Lord. He 237 00:14:11,880 --> 00:14:14,079 Speaker 2: held it in his hand and bowed to the Lord. 238 00:14:14,840 --> 00:14:18,840 Speaker 5: Shall I pursue after the Amalekites? David whispered, if I 239 00:14:18,960 --> 00:14:23,440 Speaker 5: go up against them to rescue our loved ones, will 240 00:14:23,480 --> 00:14:25,640 Speaker 5: you allow me to overtake them? 241 00:14:25,880 --> 00:14:30,840 Speaker 2: God's answer was clear and resolute. Pursue, he said, for 242 00:14:31,040 --> 00:14:35,720 Speaker 2: you shall overtake and rescue those you love. David's eyes 243 00:14:35,800 --> 00:14:39,520 Speaker 2: beamed with hope. He gave the effort back to Abiathar 244 00:14:39,680 --> 00:14:43,520 Speaker 2: and left the tent. He strapped Jonathan's armor securely to 245 00:14:43,560 --> 00:14:46,800 Speaker 2: his chest. He secured the sword of Goliath to his back. 246 00:14:47,440 --> 00:14:50,520 Speaker 2: He rifled through his bag to retrieve his headband, tying 247 00:14:50,520 --> 00:14:53,040 Speaker 2: it around his forehead to keep his curls from falling 248 00:14:53,080 --> 00:14:56,480 Speaker 2: in his eyes. Lastly, he removed the sling from his 249 00:14:56,560 --> 00:14:59,840 Speaker 2: bag and held it in his hands. The first memory 250 00:14:59,840 --> 00:15:02,640 Speaker 2: that came rushing through his mind was not the memory 251 00:15:02,640 --> 00:15:06,760 Speaker 2: of slaying Goliath. No, he was protecting his sheep from 252 00:15:06,840 --> 00:15:10,240 Speaker 2: lions and wolves. He had always laid everything on the 253 00:15:10,280 --> 00:15:13,040 Speaker 2: line for his sheep. He did not consider his own 254 00:15:13,080 --> 00:15:16,520 Speaker 2: life more valuable than theirs. He risked his life for 255 00:15:16,600 --> 00:15:20,560 Speaker 2: them because they were his. David gripped the sling firmly 256 00:15:20,560 --> 00:15:23,400 Speaker 2: in his hand and strapped it to his belt. He 257 00:15:23,440 --> 00:15:25,480 Speaker 2: stood and went to his men, who were sitting by 258 00:15:25,480 --> 00:15:29,680 Speaker 2: the fire. I am going after them, he said. They 259 00:15:29,720 --> 00:15:31,920 Speaker 2: looked up at him with eyes red from tears. 260 00:15:32,760 --> 00:15:35,520 Speaker 5: Do you plan on pursuing them alone? 261 00:15:35,760 --> 00:15:39,920 Speaker 2: And Liazar asked he, out of all of David's most faithful, 262 00:15:40,400 --> 00:15:43,280 Speaker 2: was hurt the most. He feared for his family and 263 00:15:43,360 --> 00:15:47,040 Speaker 2: mourned their loss deeply. If I must fight alone. 264 00:15:47,360 --> 00:15:51,120 Speaker 7: I will. The Lord has already promised victory, and I 265 00:15:51,240 --> 00:15:55,840 Speaker 7: trust him. I am going south. The Amalekites have left 266 00:15:55,880 --> 00:15:58,840 Speaker 7: a trail, and I want to begin my pursuit before 267 00:15:58,880 --> 00:16:00,160 Speaker 7: the trail is blown away. 268 00:16:00,680 --> 00:16:03,240 Speaker 2: None of them had the strength to follow him, but 269 00:16:03,320 --> 00:16:05,840 Speaker 2: David cared not whether they went with him or staid. 270 00:16:06,480 --> 00:16:08,880 Speaker 2: David pointed to the horizon and said. 271 00:16:09,360 --> 00:16:13,800 Speaker 7: The people God has entrusted to me are out there somewhere. 272 00:16:15,080 --> 00:16:17,440 Speaker 4: They're like sheep that have been taken by. 273 00:16:17,360 --> 00:16:21,520 Speaker 7: Wolves, and I plan on going after them. I do 274 00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:24,920 Speaker 7: not fear the enemy, for the Lord is my ship. 275 00:16:26,480 --> 00:16:30,000 Speaker 7: He prepares a table for me the presence of my enemies. 276 00:16:31,280 --> 00:16:33,600 Speaker 7: He will protect and guide me. 277 00:16:34,960 --> 00:16:38,240 Speaker 2: David stormed off and began running into the night. It 278 00:16:38,280 --> 00:16:41,560 Speaker 2: was only a few hours before sunrise, and David was 279 00:16:41,600 --> 00:16:44,760 Speaker 2: determined to run until he found his lost sheep. His 280 00:16:44,960 --> 00:16:48,040 Speaker 2: mighty men, who had once sworn to fight alongside him 281 00:16:48,080 --> 00:16:51,640 Speaker 2: until the end, we remained by the fire. They were 282 00:16:51,680 --> 00:16:57,360 Speaker 2: dejected and bereaved. The evening breeze subsided, and the chirping 283 00:16:57,400 --> 00:17:00,120 Speaker 2: of crickets was replaced with the silence of early morning. 284 00:17:00,960 --> 00:17:03,640 Speaker 2: The sun had not yet risen, and David had been 285 00:17:03,760 --> 00:17:06,680 Speaker 2: running for two hours in the dark, he stopped to 286 00:17:06,760 --> 00:17:09,880 Speaker 2: drink and regain his bearings. They were at least two 287 00:17:09,960 --> 00:17:11,960 Speaker 2: days in front of him, and it would take a 288 00:17:12,000 --> 00:17:15,160 Speaker 2: great deal of effort to bridge the gap between them. 289 00:17:15,359 --> 00:17:18,320 Speaker 2: As the morning light rose above the hills, David heard 290 00:17:18,359 --> 00:17:21,840 Speaker 2: her rumbling behind him. He looked back and held his 291 00:17:21,880 --> 00:17:25,920 Speaker 2: hand above his head to block the sun. There, standing 292 00:17:25,960 --> 00:17:29,240 Speaker 2: with the sun rise to their backs were David's men, 293 00:17:30,119 --> 00:17:34,200 Speaker 2: all six hundred of them were behind Abeshire. David's heart 294 00:17:34,240 --> 00:17:37,800 Speaker 2: began to pound with joy. Tears streamed down his face 295 00:17:37,840 --> 00:17:41,000 Speaker 2: as he watched them descend the hill towards him. They 296 00:17:41,040 --> 00:17:44,520 Speaker 2: would not leave him to fight the Amalekites alone. David 297 00:17:44,600 --> 00:17:47,840 Speaker 2: Shepherd's heart had been imparted on to them, and now 298 00:17:47,920 --> 00:17:51,880 Speaker 2: they would go to rescue those who were lost. David 299 00:17:51,920 --> 00:17:55,360 Speaker 2: said nothing. He simply nodded at his men and gestured 300 00:17:55,400 --> 00:17:58,520 Speaker 2: for them to move forward. They ran at a steady pace, 301 00:17:58,880 --> 00:18:02,080 Speaker 2: filled with the fire of God's spirit raging in their bones. 302 00:18:02,680 --> 00:18:06,160 Speaker 2: David remained ahead of them, bent on retrieving the lost sheep. 303 00:18:07,000 --> 00:18:10,320 Speaker 2: The faithful men followed, but not all were physically ready 304 00:18:10,320 --> 00:18:14,080 Speaker 2: for the challenge. Eventually, David and the men came to 305 00:18:14,119 --> 00:18:17,760 Speaker 2: the brook Bessor. The water was deep and the recent 306 00:18:17,880 --> 00:18:21,719 Speaker 2: rains had caused the current to rage violently. David paused 307 00:18:21,720 --> 00:18:25,040 Speaker 2: and assessed the situation. If they were to go around it, 308 00:18:25,440 --> 00:18:28,879 Speaker 2: they would fall behind for more than a day. David 309 00:18:28,880 --> 00:18:31,680 Speaker 2: secured his sword to his back and jump into the water. 310 00:18:32,560 --> 00:18:36,840 Speaker 2: The current thrashed against him and tugged him downstream. However, 311 00:18:37,000 --> 00:18:39,800 Speaker 2: he was determined and chopped at the water even more. 312 00:18:40,440 --> 00:18:43,440 Speaker 2: The brook was only fifty feet wide, but the rapids 313 00:18:43,440 --> 00:18:47,400 Speaker 2: made it feel like an eternity. After kicking and stroking forward, 314 00:18:47,800 --> 00:18:51,040 Speaker 2: David finally made it to the other side. He rested 315 00:18:51,040 --> 00:18:54,200 Speaker 2: his hands on his knees and panted, then looked across 316 00:18:54,200 --> 00:18:57,639 Speaker 2: the brook to beckon his men forward. Four hundred of 317 00:18:57,680 --> 00:19:00,440 Speaker 2: them jumped in after him. However, two hundred of them 318 00:19:00,560 --> 00:19:02,320 Speaker 2: were too exhausted to continue. 319 00:19:02,480 --> 00:19:07,720 Speaker 7: We cannot follow any further, David. We would exhaust ourselves 320 00:19:08,359 --> 00:19:10,120 Speaker 7: and water would consume us. 321 00:19:10,520 --> 00:19:14,040 Speaker 2: One of them shouted, cowards, shouted a few others who 322 00:19:14,040 --> 00:19:15,520 Speaker 2: had swam to the other side. 323 00:19:15,800 --> 00:19:18,800 Speaker 7: It won't take all of us to slay the Amalekites. 324 00:19:19,200 --> 00:19:21,760 Speaker 2: David rebuked the men and waved the others on. 325 00:19:22,600 --> 00:19:25,000 Speaker 7: Go back to camp. To prepare a place for the 326 00:19:25,040 --> 00:19:28,120 Speaker 7: women and children. They will not want to come back 327 00:19:28,160 --> 00:19:32,159 Speaker 7: home to ash and debris. Pray for us that the 328 00:19:32,200 --> 00:19:33,560 Speaker 7: Lord would give us favor. 329 00:19:34,320 --> 00:19:37,440 Speaker 2: The men bowed and turned back. David did not waste 330 00:19:37,480 --> 00:19:40,800 Speaker 2: any more time. He continued at a fast pace in 331 00:19:40,840 --> 00:19:44,400 Speaker 2: pursuit of the Amalekite wolves. The Faithful and Mighty Men 332 00:19:44,440 --> 00:19:47,440 Speaker 2: of David ran into the night, only pausing for short 333 00:19:47,440 --> 00:19:50,760 Speaker 2: periods of time to hydrate and rest their legs. The 334 00:19:50,840 --> 00:19:53,760 Speaker 2: sun rose the next day and David's worst fear had 335 00:19:53,760 --> 00:19:57,919 Speaker 2: been realized. He had lost their trail. All signs of 336 00:19:57,920 --> 00:20:01,679 Speaker 2: the Amalekites had vanished with the e evening winds. The 337 00:20:01,760 --> 00:20:04,520 Speaker 2: men wandered the desert hills, slowly losing hope. 338 00:20:04,720 --> 00:20:06,320 Speaker 6: Shall we turned back to retrace the. 339 00:20:06,280 --> 00:20:10,639 Speaker 2: Trail, Shama asked, no, David said, while shaking his head. 340 00:20:11,320 --> 00:20:13,280 Speaker 2: The two of them had scaled one of the hills 341 00:20:13,280 --> 00:20:14,600 Speaker 2: to get a better vantage point. 342 00:20:15,240 --> 00:20:18,800 Speaker 7: If we turn back, we will lose precious time. We 343 00:20:18,960 --> 00:20:20,560 Speaker 7: cannot afford interruptions. 344 00:20:20,960 --> 00:20:23,960 Speaker 2: Shama and David remained up there for a few more moments, 345 00:20:24,280 --> 00:20:27,359 Speaker 2: speculating as to where they fell off course. As they 346 00:20:27,359 --> 00:20:30,320 Speaker 2: were debating on whether to turn back, the men called 347 00:20:30,320 --> 00:20:33,879 Speaker 2: for David from below. The two of them descended and 348 00:20:33,960 --> 00:20:37,720 Speaker 2: joined the others. Josh Obib was standing over a young 349 00:20:37,760 --> 00:20:41,840 Speaker 2: man lying on the desert floor unconscious. David knelt down 350 00:20:41,880 --> 00:20:45,080 Speaker 2: and brought out his waterskin. The boy was young, with 351 00:20:45,119 --> 00:20:48,920 Speaker 2: no beard, and wore the clothing of a slave. Judging 352 00:20:48,960 --> 00:20:51,560 Speaker 2: by the markings on his skin, David could see that 353 00:20:51,680 --> 00:20:54,720 Speaker 2: he had a cruel master. He brought the water to 354 00:20:54,760 --> 00:20:59,240 Speaker 2: his mouth. Gently, drink, my son, you do not look well. 355 00:20:59,760 --> 00:21:02,680 Speaker 2: The young men groaned and took strained SIPs of the water. 356 00:21:03,400 --> 00:21:07,320 Speaker 2: He opened his eyes to see David's bright smile. Even 357 00:21:07,359 --> 00:21:11,560 Speaker 2: amidst the harsh sun and exhausting conditions, David always managed 358 00:21:11,600 --> 00:21:13,679 Speaker 2: to give a kind smile to those who needed it. 359 00:21:14,920 --> 00:21:18,600 Speaker 2: The boy sat up and whispered, thank you, David. The 360 00:21:18,640 --> 00:21:21,680 Speaker 2: liaisar interrupted, you've given the boy his food. 361 00:21:21,680 --> 00:21:23,560 Speaker 4: Now let us leave him and be on our way. 362 00:21:24,080 --> 00:21:26,600 Speaker 7: We must continue not until I. 363 00:21:26,560 --> 00:21:30,119 Speaker 2: Am certain this boy is all right, David replied. He 364 00:21:30,200 --> 00:21:33,040 Speaker 2: gestured for his men to get some food. They brought 365 00:21:33,119 --> 00:21:36,080 Speaker 2: him bread, a piece of fig cake, and two clusters 366 00:21:36,080 --> 00:21:40,480 Speaker 2: of raisins. The boy ate ravenously. Thank you, my lord, 367 00:21:40,640 --> 00:21:42,240 Speaker 2: the boy said, with a grin I. 368 00:21:42,200 --> 00:21:44,440 Speaker 6: Have been without food for three days and three nights. 369 00:21:45,000 --> 00:21:46,600 Speaker 6: I was almost certain I would die out here. 370 00:21:46,960 --> 00:21:49,000 Speaker 2: Where are you from, David asked gently. 371 00:21:49,480 --> 00:21:52,360 Speaker 6: I am an Egyptian. The boy replied, I was forcibly 372 00:21:52,359 --> 00:21:55,280 Speaker 6: taken as a slave and sold to an Amalekite. 373 00:21:55,600 --> 00:21:59,200 Speaker 2: David's curiosity was sparked. He wondered if this young man 374 00:21:59,240 --> 00:22:00,480 Speaker 2: had been sent by God. 375 00:22:01,280 --> 00:22:03,160 Speaker 7: Why are you away from your master? 376 00:22:03,440 --> 00:22:06,359 Speaker 4: David asked, have you run away? The boy shook his head. 377 00:22:06,520 --> 00:22:08,840 Speaker 6: Three days ago, I grew ill and required more attention 378 00:22:08,920 --> 00:22:12,080 Speaker 6: and care than my master was willing to give. After 379 00:22:12,160 --> 00:22:15,640 Speaker 6: we raided Togebn Ziklag, I was left here to die. 380 00:22:15,840 --> 00:22:18,680 Speaker 2: I am sorry, David said, sincerely. 381 00:22:18,359 --> 00:22:22,160 Speaker 7: Your master made a poor choice in choosing his convenience 382 00:22:22,560 --> 00:22:23,440 Speaker 7: over your care. 383 00:22:24,080 --> 00:22:26,680 Speaker 6: I am happy to be rid of him, even given 384 00:22:26,720 --> 00:22:27,600 Speaker 6: the circumstances. 385 00:22:27,840 --> 00:22:30,600 Speaker 7: The boy replied, do you know where your master and 386 00:22:30,640 --> 00:22:32,280 Speaker 7: the other Amalekites are headed. 387 00:22:32,520 --> 00:22:35,320 Speaker 6: David asked, I do, but I do not plan on 388 00:22:35,359 --> 00:22:36,199 Speaker 6: returning to them. 389 00:22:36,359 --> 00:22:39,080 Speaker 2: David leaned over and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. 390 00:22:39,280 --> 00:22:42,560 Speaker 7: I understand that you do not want to return, but 391 00:22:42,600 --> 00:22:47,280 Speaker 7: the Amalekites have taken our families. Will you lead us 392 00:22:47,320 --> 00:22:47,920 Speaker 7: to them. 393 00:22:48,240 --> 00:22:51,360 Speaker 2: The boy was silent for a long moment. David grew 394 00:22:51,440 --> 00:22:54,439 Speaker 2: uncomfortable with the pause. He looked up at him with 395 00:22:54,520 --> 00:22:55,640 Speaker 2: a desperate gaze. 396 00:22:56,600 --> 00:22:58,240 Speaker 6: Swear to me, by your God that you will not 397 00:22:58,359 --> 00:22:59,679 Speaker 6: kill me or send me back into. 398 00:22:59,560 --> 00:23:01,320 Speaker 4: The hands of my master, he begged. 399 00:23:01,560 --> 00:23:03,760 Speaker 6: Swear to me that no harm will befall me, and 400 00:23:03,800 --> 00:23:05,120 Speaker 6: I will take you to them. 401 00:23:05,320 --> 00:23:08,399 Speaker 2: David's heart ached for the young man. What a cruel 402 00:23:08,440 --> 00:23:11,760 Speaker 2: and painful life he must have had so far. David 403 00:23:11,800 --> 00:23:13,760 Speaker 2: nodded his head and smiled. 404 00:23:13,600 --> 00:23:16,760 Speaker 7: You have my word, take me to them, and you 405 00:23:16,880 --> 00:23:20,720 Speaker 7: may be free to do as you please. Leave for Egypt, 406 00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:25,280 Speaker 7: remain in the desert, or join us if you desire. 407 00:23:26,440 --> 00:23:27,480 Speaker 7: It is your choice. 408 00:23:27,800 --> 00:23:30,080 Speaker 2: The boy's face lit up with hope for the first 409 00:23:30,160 --> 00:23:33,440 Speaker 2: time since he had been taken as a child, abandoned, 410 00:23:33,680 --> 00:23:37,200 Speaker 2: left for dead, and cast aside. He had thought death 411 00:23:37,280 --> 00:23:41,040 Speaker 2: would be a welcomed change. Yet now as the boy 412 00:23:41,080 --> 00:23:44,760 Speaker 2: stood before David, he felt alive with hope for the future. 413 00:23:45,480 --> 00:23:49,080 Speaker 2: He stood to his feet and limped forward. David laughed 414 00:23:49,119 --> 00:23:52,200 Speaker 2: and rallied his men. They cheered and followed the boy 415 00:23:52,240 --> 00:23:56,359 Speaker 2: through the hills, overlapping over another. Eventually they were able 416 00:23:56,400 --> 00:23:59,120 Speaker 2: to spot a camp nestled in a valley between two 417 00:23:59,200 --> 00:24:03,920 Speaker 2: large mountains. David had found his enemy, and the warrior 418 00:24:03,960 --> 00:24:07,320 Speaker 2: heart of God's chosen hero raged like a forest fire. 419 00:24:07,800 --> 00:24:11,640 Speaker 8: Get ready, men, he shouted, we will take these Amalekite dogs. 420 00:24:11,840 --> 00:24:17,600 Speaker 2: At twilight, the drunken cackles of the Amalekite soldiers echoed 421 00:24:17,600 --> 00:24:22,240 Speaker 2: through the canyons. They were celebrating their victory, completely unaware 422 00:24:22,320 --> 00:24:24,919 Speaker 2: that David and his men were lurking in the shadows, 423 00:24:25,280 --> 00:24:28,879 Speaker 2: ready to attack. Like a pack of wolves. David listened 424 00:24:28,920 --> 00:24:31,840 Speaker 2: to the sounds of music, dancing, and debauchery until the 425 00:24:31,880 --> 00:24:36,359 Speaker 2: sun set. Their inebriated swaying and loud singing gave David 426 00:24:36,359 --> 00:24:39,640 Speaker 2: a good idea of how the battle would go. If 427 00:24:39,640 --> 00:24:41,520 Speaker 2: they were able to get the jump on them, the 428 00:24:41,600 --> 00:24:45,560 Speaker 2: battle could be decided quickly. However, by the looks of 429 00:24:45,600 --> 00:24:49,800 Speaker 2: their camp, the Amalekites outnumbered them five to one. If 430 00:24:49,800 --> 00:24:52,119 Speaker 2: even half of them were in a sober state of mind, 431 00:24:52,480 --> 00:24:56,399 Speaker 2: they would be in great danger. David watched the final 432 00:24:56,480 --> 00:24:59,359 Speaker 2: rays of light tuck in behind the hills. The bright 433 00:24:59,400 --> 00:25:02,720 Speaker 2: splashes of orange and reds faded into the dark blue night. 434 00:25:03,920 --> 00:25:07,119 Speaker 2: As the final light left the horizon, David stood to 435 00:25:07,160 --> 00:25:09,840 Speaker 2: his feet and began a slow pace towards the camp. 436 00:25:10,560 --> 00:25:14,160 Speaker 2: His men walked behind him, quietly, making their way towards 437 00:25:14,160 --> 00:25:18,320 Speaker 2: the enemy. They drew their swords. There was no battle cry, 438 00:25:18,920 --> 00:25:22,280 Speaker 2: no sounding of trumpets or drums of war. They did 439 00:25:22,359 --> 00:25:25,680 Speaker 2: not deserve such a warning. Like the Angel of Death, 440 00:25:26,440 --> 00:25:29,240 Speaker 2: David and the rest of the Mighty Men drifted into camp. 441 00:25:30,480 --> 00:25:33,840 Speaker 2: The first strike was a silent strang across the throat 442 00:25:33,880 --> 00:25:37,600 Speaker 2: of an Amalekite guard. David was the first to draw blood, 443 00:25:37,960 --> 00:25:41,040 Speaker 2: and once he did, the entire band of warriors behind 444 00:25:41,119 --> 00:25:44,600 Speaker 2: him began their onslought. David was filled. 445 00:25:44,320 --> 00:25:47,639 Speaker 4: With a quiet rage, like the rumbling of the volcano. 446 00:25:47,720 --> 00:25:51,560 Speaker 4: A belt around. Without so much as a grunt, he 447 00:25:51,760 --> 00:25:54,040 Speaker 4: slashed through every a Palekie he saw it. 448 00:25:55,080 --> 00:25:58,240 Speaker 2: They fell at his feet before even noticing he was there. 449 00:25:59,160 --> 00:26:02,560 Speaker 2: Snow the entire camp and cut on to what was happening. 450 00:26:03,200 --> 00:26:06,000 Speaker 2: Hundreds of the drunk and the Malakite soldiers ceased their 451 00:26:06,040 --> 00:26:09,440 Speaker 2: drinking and dancing to take up arms. Like a swarm 452 00:26:09,440 --> 00:26:12,800 Speaker 2: of locusts, they emerged from their tents and began to run. 453 00:26:12,600 --> 00:26:13,880 Speaker 4: Towards David and his men. 454 00:26:14,880 --> 00:26:18,560 Speaker 2: David, stead of his breathing, ripped his sword firmly and 455 00:26:18,800 --> 00:26:22,600 Speaker 2: ran towards the Alam. He ran with reckless abandon with 456 00:26:22,640 --> 00:26:25,960 Speaker 2: his sword poised for a battle. His men rushed in 457 00:26:26,040 --> 00:26:30,240 Speaker 2: behind him, emboldened by his brave The two armies clashed, 458 00:26:30,240 --> 00:26:33,240 Speaker 2: and the sound of clanging iron filled the air like thunder. 459 00:26:34,240 --> 00:26:38,439 Speaker 2: David's volcanic rage had finally boiled over. He erupted with 460 00:26:38,600 --> 00:26:41,840 Speaker 2: unbridled fury, cutting down every man who. 461 00:26:41,760 --> 00:26:42,520 Speaker 4: Came in his way. 462 00:26:43,240 --> 00:26:46,800 Speaker 2: No Amalekite lasted longer than five seconds against him. 463 00:26:47,280 --> 00:26:49,159 Speaker 4: He was a man possessed. 464 00:26:48,680 --> 00:26:52,840 Speaker 2: With a greater power, and there would be no stomping him. 465 00:26:53,000 --> 00:26:56,320 Speaker 2: A group of Amalekites rushed at him at once. One 466 00:26:56,359 --> 00:26:58,480 Speaker 2: came above, but David ducked. 467 00:26:58,240 --> 00:26:59,520 Speaker 4: And slashed him at the calves. 468 00:27:00,040 --> 00:27:03,120 Speaker 2: Another came in from David's left, but his jab was dodged, 469 00:27:03,200 --> 00:27:05,480 Speaker 2: followed by a swing of David's sword to his neck. 470 00:27:06,160 --> 00:27:08,800 Speaker 2: Each killed brought him further to the center of camp, 471 00:27:08,800 --> 00:27:11,879 Speaker 2: where the families had been tied up. Captive, with a 472 00:27:11,960 --> 00:27:15,159 Speaker 2: sea of blood behind him, David broke through the final 473 00:27:15,160 --> 00:27:17,879 Speaker 2: wall of men keeping him from his beloved. At the end, 474 00:27:18,840 --> 00:27:22,479 Speaker 2: they came at him like ravenous animals, However, even the 475 00:27:22,520 --> 00:27:25,720 Speaker 2: fiercest of wolves are no match for a shepherd coming 476 00:27:25,760 --> 00:27:26,639 Speaker 2: after his sheep. 477 00:27:27,720 --> 00:27:29,200 Speaker 4: From twilight until. 478 00:27:29,000 --> 00:27:31,680 Speaker 2: The evening of the next day, David and his men 479 00:27:31,880 --> 00:27:33,920 Speaker 2: completely slaughtered the Amalokates. 480 00:27:34,760 --> 00:27:37,840 Speaker 4: Not one soldier was left standing except for the young 481 00:27:37,920 --> 00:27:39,520 Speaker 4: men who had fled on their candles. 482 00:27:40,400 --> 00:27:43,440 Speaker 2: As the dawn finally broke, David stood in front of 483 00:27:43,480 --> 00:27:46,520 Speaker 2: a large tent standing in the center of camp. His 484 00:27:46,680 --> 00:27:50,120 Speaker 2: face was caked with blood and dirt. All the screams 485 00:27:50,119 --> 00:27:53,240 Speaker 2: of his enemies and sound of clanging swords had ceased, 486 00:27:53,760 --> 00:27:57,800 Speaker 2: and all that was left was silence. He slowly approached 487 00:27:57,800 --> 00:28:00,600 Speaker 2: the entrance of the tent and opened it, afraid of 488 00:28:00,640 --> 00:28:03,959 Speaker 2: what he might see inside. Would his family be killed, 489 00:28:04,400 --> 00:28:07,760 Speaker 2: would the children be hurt? David feared that he may 490 00:28:07,800 --> 00:28:11,480 Speaker 2: have been too late. However, when he entered the large 491 00:28:11,520 --> 00:28:14,639 Speaker 2: canvas structure, he was relieved to see all of the 492 00:28:14,680 --> 00:28:17,640 Speaker 2: family safe, huddled together in the corner of the tent. 493 00:28:18,520 --> 00:28:21,960 Speaker 2: The heavy weight on his heart had fallen off him, 494 00:28:22,040 --> 00:28:24,399 Speaker 2: and David fell to his knees and wood in the 495 00:28:24,440 --> 00:28:28,320 Speaker 2: sight of them. Abigail lanced again and held him. She 496 00:28:28,400 --> 00:28:32,000 Speaker 2: stroked his hair and hushed she was safe. They were 497 00:28:32,080 --> 00:28:38,520 Speaker 2: all saved, and it was the Lord that had saved them. 498 00:28:38,720 --> 00:28:41,840 Speaker 2: The morning came and the sunrise was blocked by clouds 499 00:28:41,880 --> 00:28:45,920 Speaker 2: gliding across the eastern plains. The crisp morning air filled 500 00:28:45,960 --> 00:28:49,520 Speaker 2: David's lungs. He breathed in, feeling the full weight of 501 00:28:49,560 --> 00:28:54,000 Speaker 2: God's grace upon him. Once again, despite his foolishness, the 502 00:28:54,040 --> 00:28:58,160 Speaker 2: Lord had shown him mercy. David awoke, thankful and filled 503 00:28:58,200 --> 00:29:01,560 Speaker 2: with joy at the goodness of God. He walked among 504 00:29:01,600 --> 00:29:04,840 Speaker 2: the Amalekite camp, taking inventory of all the spoils they 505 00:29:04,840 --> 00:29:08,240 Speaker 2: had taken. Not only were all of the stolen livestock 506 00:29:08,240 --> 00:29:11,280 Speaker 2: and items still there, but there was even more spoil 507 00:29:11,360 --> 00:29:14,640 Speaker 2: to be taken. David and his men took donkeys and 508 00:29:14,760 --> 00:29:21,200 Speaker 2: carts and filled them to the brim with the Malakite riches, gold, silver, livestock, clothing, weapons, 509 00:29:21,240 --> 00:29:24,120 Speaker 2: and an abundance of food was loaded to be taken 510 00:29:24,160 --> 00:29:27,920 Speaker 2: back home. The men and their families ventured off that morning, 511 00:29:28,240 --> 00:29:31,959 Speaker 2: following close behind their shepherd David. They were delighted at 512 00:29:31,960 --> 00:29:34,560 Speaker 2: their riches they had just acquired. It felt like a 513 00:29:34,600 --> 00:29:37,200 Speaker 2: worthy trophy for the hard fought battle they had won. 514 00:29:37,840 --> 00:29:41,440 Speaker 2: To them, it was a reward for their bravery. The 515 00:29:41,520 --> 00:29:44,960 Speaker 2: group ventured back towards zick Lag, this time taking the 516 00:29:45,000 --> 00:29:48,320 Speaker 2: long way around the brook Besor. Zick Lag came into 517 00:29:48,400 --> 00:29:51,760 Speaker 2: view and the clouds began to break above them. The 518 00:29:51,840 --> 00:29:54,000 Speaker 2: men who had been left at the brook Besor were 519 00:29:54,040 --> 00:29:57,800 Speaker 2: back home, rebuilding the homes and mending the broken fences. 520 00:29:58,360 --> 00:30:00,280 Speaker 2: They looked up the hills above them, and so saw 521 00:30:00,280 --> 00:30:04,000 Speaker 2: their families descending down to them. They dropped their tools 522 00:30:04,000 --> 00:30:07,520 Speaker 2: and ran after them. The wives and children could not wait. 523 00:30:07,920 --> 00:30:11,160 Speaker 2: They ran ahead to greet their husbands and fathers. Tears 524 00:30:11,240 --> 00:30:14,400 Speaker 2: rolled down their faces, and laughter rose up into the skies. 525 00:30:15,320 --> 00:30:18,360 Speaker 2: David smiled with his arm around his wife, content to 526 00:30:18,400 --> 00:30:21,240 Speaker 2: sit back and watch his people enjoy a moment of bliss. 527 00:30:22,280 --> 00:30:25,120 Speaker 2: The warriors who fought the Amalekites began to unload the 528 00:30:25,160 --> 00:30:28,360 Speaker 2: spoils of war. They tied up the livestock and began 529 00:30:28,440 --> 00:30:30,600 Speaker 2: to count with the head whined. The men who which 530 00:30:30,600 --> 00:30:34,320 Speaker 2: stayed back began helping unload. They seemed elated at the 531 00:30:34,320 --> 00:30:37,600 Speaker 2: sight of so many riches won for their community, but 532 00:30:37,720 --> 00:30:39,760 Speaker 2: the other men were defensive of the spoils. 533 00:30:40,480 --> 00:30:43,320 Speaker 8: What makes you think you can share in the riches 534 00:30:43,440 --> 00:30:46,440 Speaker 8: we won, they shouted, We were the ones who pressed 535 00:30:46,480 --> 00:30:50,240 Speaker 8: on and followed David to fight the Amalekites. We were 536 00:30:50,240 --> 00:30:53,960 Speaker 8: the ones with enough strength to continue. Much of the 537 00:30:54,080 --> 00:30:57,040 Speaker 8: spoil is what was stolen from all of us. We 538 00:30:57,120 --> 00:30:59,640 Speaker 8: must share if we are to prosper. 539 00:30:59,360 --> 00:31:02,520 Speaker 2: The others reached hoarded, bickering and infighting emerged from the 540 00:31:02,600 --> 00:31:06,560 Speaker 2: ranks of David. A spirit of division rose like boiling water. 541 00:31:07,080 --> 00:31:09,920 Speaker 2: If David was not careful, he would have his own 542 00:31:09,960 --> 00:31:14,200 Speaker 2: civil war break out among his men. Among the furious 543 00:31:14,240 --> 00:31:17,200 Speaker 2: men was Dov, a brutish and wicked man who had 544 00:31:17,240 --> 00:31:20,800 Speaker 2: managed to stay among the ranks of David. He savagely 545 00:31:20,840 --> 00:31:23,520 Speaker 2: threw some of the men away from the spoils, insisting 546 00:31:23,640 --> 00:31:26,400 Speaker 2: that they had no right to them. He rowed up 547 00:31:26,440 --> 00:31:29,200 Speaker 2: some of the other men against them and suggested that 548 00:31:29,320 --> 00:31:32,920 Speaker 2: they take their families and leave. David watched the fighting 549 00:31:33,000 --> 00:31:36,720 Speaker 2: continue for a short while. He was thinking, praying, and 550 00:31:36,840 --> 00:31:40,560 Speaker 2: considering what the next move shall be. The next decision 551 00:31:40,600 --> 00:31:43,600 Speaker 2: he made would determine what type of king he would become. 552 00:31:44,240 --> 00:31:47,400 Speaker 2: Shall he signed with the strong or share the wealth 553 00:31:47,440 --> 00:31:48,840 Speaker 2: for the sake of prosperity. 554 00:31:49,680 --> 00:31:50,680 Speaker 4: He had little time to. 555 00:31:50,640 --> 00:31:54,080 Speaker 2: Consider these things, since Dob and the other worthless fellows 556 00:31:54,120 --> 00:31:55,560 Speaker 2: among the men stormed up to him. 557 00:31:55,840 --> 00:31:57,720 Speaker 7: Commander David a word. 558 00:31:57,640 --> 00:31:58,920 Speaker 4: Dov asked with rage. 559 00:32:00,040 --> 00:32:02,200 Speaker 2: David nodded and gestured for him to speak. 560 00:32:02,480 --> 00:32:05,080 Speaker 8: These weeklies were not able to cross a simple river 561 00:32:05,200 --> 00:32:08,120 Speaker 8: to fight with you. They were cowards and ran when 562 00:32:08,160 --> 00:32:09,120 Speaker 8: you needed them most. 563 00:32:09,560 --> 00:32:12,320 Speaker 7: They should not receive any of the spoil we labored 564 00:32:12,360 --> 00:32:13,360 Speaker 7: so hard to capture. 565 00:32:13,640 --> 00:32:16,120 Speaker 8: In fact, each man should lead his family out of 566 00:32:16,160 --> 00:32:16,720 Speaker 8: our sight. 567 00:32:17,480 --> 00:32:20,760 Speaker 2: A crowd had gathered around Dove and David. They were silent, 568 00:32:20,920 --> 00:32:26,240 Speaker 2: awaiting his final decision. David shook his head and smiled. Oh, 569 00:32:26,280 --> 00:32:30,040 Speaker 2: how he sometimes longed for the sheep pastures again. The sheep, 570 00:32:30,320 --> 00:32:32,720 Speaker 2: as wildly as they may have gotten from time to time, 571 00:32:33,160 --> 00:32:36,640 Speaker 2: were much more simple and easy to understand. David could 572 00:32:36,640 --> 00:32:39,760 Speaker 2: empathize with Dov and the others. They had bled for 573 00:32:39,800 --> 00:32:42,280 Speaker 2: the rewards and felt a great deal of pride in 574 00:32:42,320 --> 00:32:44,960 Speaker 2: what they had accomplished. The thought of sharing it with 575 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:47,600 Speaker 2: those who did not earn it could cheapen the experience 576 00:32:47,640 --> 00:32:50,640 Speaker 2: for them. He stood up tall and placed a hand 577 00:32:50,640 --> 00:32:51,479 Speaker 2: on Dov's shoulder. 578 00:32:51,800 --> 00:32:56,200 Speaker 7: You shall not cast them out. You shall share the spoil. 579 00:32:56,800 --> 00:32:59,600 Speaker 2: There was a murmuring among some of the men. David 580 00:32:59,640 --> 00:33:02,760 Speaker 2: could say, them wrestling with their own selfish natures. He 581 00:33:02,880 --> 00:33:05,240 Speaker 2: waited for them to silence, then spoke again. 582 00:33:05,480 --> 00:33:07,760 Speaker 7: It is the Lord who has given us what we have. 583 00:33:08,640 --> 00:33:11,640 Speaker 7: He is the one who preserved us and gave us 584 00:33:11,720 --> 00:33:16,120 Speaker 7: victory over our enemies. The Lord causes the sun to 585 00:33:16,200 --> 00:33:20,080 Speaker 7: shine on those who fight and to those who remain 586 00:33:20,160 --> 00:33:24,440 Speaker 7: at home. So shall we not withhold blessing from our 587 00:33:24,440 --> 00:33:26,080 Speaker 7: brothers who did not fight with us? 588 00:33:26,680 --> 00:33:28,800 Speaker 6: Shall we reward cowards? 589 00:33:29,280 --> 00:33:33,920 Speaker 7: Dove shouted, what message are you giving? Shall weakness be 590 00:33:34,040 --> 00:33:35,680 Speaker 7: the prevailing posture. 591 00:33:35,240 --> 00:33:36,000 Speaker 4: Of this army? 592 00:33:36,720 --> 00:33:40,560 Speaker 2: David turned his head to Dove. His intense glare silenced 593 00:33:40,600 --> 00:33:44,520 Speaker 2: him at once. The future king of Israel stepped forward 594 00:33:44,560 --> 00:33:46,959 Speaker 2: towards his angry soldier and held out a finger. 595 00:33:47,640 --> 00:33:52,520 Speaker 7: Grace is never weak, he said. All the victories I 596 00:33:52,520 --> 00:33:56,840 Speaker 7: have acquired in my short life have benefited the people 597 00:33:57,040 --> 00:34:02,400 Speaker 7: I love and care for. It brings my heart gladness 598 00:34:02,720 --> 00:34:05,880 Speaker 7: that the blood I pour out on the battlefield brings 599 00:34:06,000 --> 00:34:12,839 Speaker 7: blessing to my Kinsmen, do you fight only for yourself? No, 600 00:34:14,040 --> 00:34:18,640 Speaker 7: you fight for your brothers, your wives, your children, and 601 00:34:18,719 --> 00:34:23,960 Speaker 7: your people. I will share my victory with others, as 602 00:34:24,000 --> 00:34:26,160 Speaker 7: the Lord shares his victory with me. 603 00:34:26,719 --> 00:34:29,440 Speaker 2: David then turned to his servants and gesture towards one 604 00:34:29,480 --> 00:34:30,960 Speaker 2: of the carts of gold and silver. 605 00:34:31,400 --> 00:34:34,280 Speaker 7: Not only will all of us receive some of the spoil, 606 00:34:34,760 --> 00:34:39,080 Speaker 7: but also the tribe of Judah. Go and present the 607 00:34:39,120 --> 00:34:45,880 Speaker 7: elders and Bethel Ramoth of the Negeb, Jatir Erroer seifhmoth Esh, 608 00:34:45,960 --> 00:34:50,480 Speaker 7: Temoah Raisel, the cities of the Jeremi Lights and Kennites 609 00:34:50,840 --> 00:34:56,760 Speaker 7: Hormah borishen Athich and in Hebron tell them that David 610 00:34:56,960 --> 00:35:00,320 Speaker 7: and his mighty men have taken it from their in semies. 611 00:35:01,320 --> 00:35:04,080 Speaker 2: So the servants departed and shared the spoils of war 612 00:35:04,160 --> 00:35:07,040 Speaker 2: with the elders of Judah. They shared the wealth with 613 00:35:07,120 --> 00:35:09,920 Speaker 2: the families in need, encouraged that they had a shepherd 614 00:35:09,920 --> 00:35:13,279 Speaker 2: out in the fields watching over them. David would soon 615 00:35:13,360 --> 00:35:16,560 Speaker 2: be named their king. He would be honored, respected, and 616 00:35:16,680 --> 00:35:20,400 Speaker 2: revered by many. However, David's men were the ones who 617 00:35:20,440 --> 00:35:23,200 Speaker 2: were able to see a glimpse into his heart. They 618 00:35:23,200 --> 00:35:26,319 Speaker 2: were able to see what the Lord saw, not just 619 00:35:26,360 --> 00:35:28,680 Speaker 2: a man who knew how to wield a sword, but 620 00:35:28,800 --> 00:35:32,319 Speaker 2: a true servant of the Lord and his people, a 621 00:35:32,440 --> 00:35:35,880 Speaker 2: shepherd willing to lay his life down for his sheep? 622 00:35:38,360 --> 00:35:42,120 Speaker 1: Why does God compare himself to a shepherd? All throughout 623 00:35:42,120 --> 00:35:45,080 Speaker 1: the Old and New Testament, God is drawing parallels between 624 00:35:45,160 --> 00:35:49,280 Speaker 1: him and a shepherd. Shepherds were not particularly noble back then, 625 00:35:49,600 --> 00:35:54,000 Speaker 1: nor were they respected professions. In fact, it was the opposite. 626 00:35:54,120 --> 00:35:57,279 Speaker 1: Shepherds were often social outcasts, living on the fringes of 627 00:35:57,400 --> 00:36:01,640 Speaker 1: society because they traveled so much with their sheep. They 628 00:36:01,640 --> 00:36:05,319 Speaker 1: were transient and unknown people that drew much skepticism from 629 00:36:05,360 --> 00:36:08,640 Speaker 1: merchants and traders. So I will ask the question again, 630 00:36:09,200 --> 00:36:12,719 Speaker 1: why does God compare himself to a shepherd? It might 631 00:36:12,800 --> 00:36:15,200 Speaker 1: not be because he is exactly like a shepherd in 632 00:36:15,239 --> 00:36:18,880 Speaker 1: the worldly sense, but because we are so much like sheep. 633 00:36:19,560 --> 00:36:23,000 Speaker 1: Sheep are vulnerable creatures and the perfect target for predators. 634 00:36:23,760 --> 00:36:28,200 Speaker 1: They have large, puffy bodies and small, skinny legs. They 635 00:36:28,239 --> 00:36:32,719 Speaker 1: can't outrun, outfight, or outwit wolves alliance. Because they are 636 00:36:32,719 --> 00:36:36,840 Speaker 1: so vulnerable, they're also extra skittish and prone to wonder. 637 00:36:37,600 --> 00:36:40,600 Speaker 1: Sheep could also become very unhealthy if not cared for 638 00:36:40,680 --> 00:36:45,000 Speaker 1: properly by shepherds. Most conventional sheep wouldn't be able to 639 00:36:45,040 --> 00:36:48,200 Speaker 1: survive on their own in the wild. They are completely 640 00:36:48,239 --> 00:36:52,480 Speaker 1: dependent on the shepherd's guidance, provision, and protection to survive. 641 00:36:53,320 --> 00:36:56,000 Speaker 1: So Jesus doesn't compare himself to a shepherd because he 642 00:36:56,080 --> 00:36:59,840 Speaker 1: shares qualities with the shepherds of his time, but rather 643 00:37:00,320 --> 00:37:03,840 Speaker 1: because we are so much like sheep in need of guidance, provision, 644 00:37:04,160 --> 00:37:08,799 Speaker 1: and protection. Considering how difficult sheep can be, it is 645 00:37:08,840 --> 00:37:11,640 Speaker 1: a wonder wise shepherd would care so much about any 646 00:37:11,680 --> 00:37:15,600 Speaker 1: of them, let alone astray. But a good shepherd does 647 00:37:15,680 --> 00:37:20,080 Speaker 1: anything to protect and provide for his sheep. Jesus demonstrated 648 00:37:20,080 --> 00:37:22,840 Speaker 1: the heart of a shepherd on the Cross, and David 649 00:37:22,880 --> 00:37:26,520 Speaker 1: demonstrated the heart of a shepherd by venturing off on 650 00:37:26,640 --> 00:37:30,120 Speaker 1: his own to save his people. After the prelude, we 651 00:37:30,200 --> 00:37:33,239 Speaker 1: pick up where we left off in the last episode. 652 00:37:33,440 --> 00:37:36,840 Speaker 1: David and his men dragged their feet back to Ziglag 653 00:37:37,239 --> 00:37:41,480 Speaker 1: after being saved from a life altering mistake. David is 654 00:37:41,560 --> 00:37:46,040 Speaker 1: ashamed beyond consolation and spends most of his nights curled 655 00:37:46,040 --> 00:37:49,160 Speaker 1: in a ball. We can have a little sympathy for David, 656 00:37:49,520 --> 00:37:53,799 Speaker 1: but he is correctly brooding over his failure. He was 657 00:37:53,840 --> 00:37:56,520 Speaker 1: steps away from murdering his own people to save his 658 00:37:56,560 --> 00:38:00,000 Speaker 1: own skin. This is the opposite of a shepherd, which 659 00:38:00,000 --> 00:38:02,759 Speaker 1: which is why David takes it so harshly. Have you 660 00:38:02,800 --> 00:38:06,080 Speaker 1: ever experienced anything like this? I hope you haven't been 661 00:38:06,120 --> 00:38:10,680 Speaker 1: on David's level, but perhaps on a smaller scale, you 662 00:38:10,760 --> 00:38:14,040 Speaker 1: have known this type of pain. David has become the 663 00:38:14,080 --> 00:38:17,240 Speaker 1: opposite of who he is meant to be. He nearly 664 00:38:17,280 --> 00:38:21,600 Speaker 1: became the enemy he fought so hard to destroy. There 665 00:38:21,600 --> 00:38:24,879 Speaker 1: are times when we look in the mirror and realize 666 00:38:25,120 --> 00:38:28,400 Speaker 1: our past selves would have hated the person we become. 667 00:38:29,360 --> 00:38:33,160 Speaker 1: David is right to be ashamed, but shame ought always 668 00:38:33,280 --> 00:38:37,120 Speaker 1: to be given to God. When the men return, their 669 00:38:37,160 --> 00:38:40,640 Speaker 1: worst fears are realized their homes have been reduced to ashes, 670 00:38:41,080 --> 00:38:45,280 Speaker 1: and their families have been taken captive. Their painful mourns 671 00:38:45,360 --> 00:38:49,359 Speaker 1: fill the skies, and they collectively curse David for causing this. 672 00:38:49,960 --> 00:38:54,440 Speaker 1: Why is it David's fault? Well, there are two reasons. First, 673 00:38:54,440 --> 00:38:58,279 Speaker 1: he rated the Amlekites unprovoked. Two, he led his men 674 00:38:58,320 --> 00:39:02,120 Speaker 1: away on a sinful mission and leaving the families vulnerable. 675 00:39:02,960 --> 00:39:06,080 Speaker 1: As if David couldn't be brought lower, his own men 676 00:39:06,200 --> 00:39:10,080 Speaker 1: say he should be stoned. David retreats and falls into 677 00:39:10,080 --> 00:39:13,520 Speaker 1: a pile of ash. The ash is symbolic, and it 678 00:39:13,600 --> 00:39:16,840 Speaker 1: is imagery we are all very familiar with. It is 679 00:39:16,840 --> 00:39:20,719 Speaker 1: a cliche to portray heroes rising from the ashes, but 680 00:39:20,800 --> 00:39:24,520 Speaker 1: that is exactly what it is about to happen to David. 681 00:39:25,160 --> 00:39:28,600 Speaker 1: As David sits in the ash metaphorically soaking in a 682 00:39:28,640 --> 00:39:32,120 Speaker 1: pool of his own loathing, a dear friend approaches him. 683 00:39:32,880 --> 00:39:36,720 Speaker 1: Abishad does the same thing Jonathan once did in the Caves, 684 00:39:37,160 --> 00:39:40,680 Speaker 1: reminds David of his calling. Abershah tells him about a 685 00:39:40,719 --> 00:39:45,280 Speaker 1: shepherd boy who sacrifices everything to save just one sheep. 686 00:39:45,760 --> 00:39:48,239 Speaker 1: Abishad reminds David of who he is and what he 687 00:39:48,360 --> 00:39:51,600 Speaker 1: is called to do. He ties a lasso around our 688 00:39:51,760 --> 00:39:54,640 Speaker 1: hero's heart and tries to pull him back to a 689 00:39:54,680 --> 00:39:58,279 Speaker 1: simpler time. We need people like Abashur and Jonathan in 690 00:39:58,320 --> 00:40:01,640 Speaker 1: our lives, people who tell our souls to their roots 691 00:40:01,960 --> 00:40:05,359 Speaker 1: and holds us accountable to our convictions. Life can get 692 00:40:05,360 --> 00:40:08,839 Speaker 1: complicated and we can lose ourselves in the rushing tide 693 00:40:08,880 --> 00:40:11,879 Speaker 1: of life, which is why we need anchors to keep 694 00:40:11,920 --> 00:40:15,600 Speaker 1: us from drifting away. Abashaw acts as an anchor for David, 695 00:40:16,000 --> 00:40:19,600 Speaker 1: and he takes it to heart. When Abersha leaves, David 696 00:40:19,640 --> 00:40:22,360 Speaker 1: has a profound moment of clarity. He says for the 697 00:40:22,400 --> 00:40:25,399 Speaker 1: first time out loud, I am a man anointed by God, 698 00:40:25,800 --> 00:40:28,279 Speaker 1: called by God, and promised by God to be the 699 00:40:28,320 --> 00:40:30,960 Speaker 1: next King of Israel. I have a high calling and 700 00:40:31,080 --> 00:40:34,200 Speaker 1: promise from God, and He hasn't taken it away. I 701 00:40:34,239 --> 00:40:37,759 Speaker 1: need to start living according to that destiny. There is 702 00:40:37,880 --> 00:40:41,840 Speaker 1: power and declaration. Sometimes we have a hard time believing 703 00:40:41,960 --> 00:40:45,719 Speaker 1: anything until we're willing to say it out loud. There 704 00:40:45,760 --> 00:40:50,640 Speaker 1: is profound power in praise, proclamation, and profession. What God 705 00:40:50,680 --> 00:40:52,960 Speaker 1: has shown you in the dark, speak in the light. 706 00:40:53,520 --> 00:40:55,960 Speaker 1: Have you been running from your calling? Have you been 707 00:40:56,040 --> 00:40:59,400 Speaker 1: keeping things bottled up inside? Afraid to speak up and 708 00:40:59,440 --> 00:41:02,400 Speaker 1: speak out? Take a cue from David and shout to 709 00:41:02,440 --> 00:41:06,040 Speaker 1: the heavens. David has been reminded that deep down he 710 00:41:06,160 --> 00:41:09,200 Speaker 1: is still the shepherd who chased after the lion. He 711 00:41:09,280 --> 00:41:12,759 Speaker 1: is still the righteous and ready boy who ran after Goliath. 712 00:41:13,120 --> 00:41:16,600 Speaker 1: He equips himself with Jonathan's armor, the sword of Goliath, 713 00:41:16,920 --> 00:41:20,840 Speaker 1: his headband, and his sling. These are icons used to 714 00:41:20,880 --> 00:41:24,759 Speaker 1: demonstrate what's happening inside of David. He is going back 715 00:41:24,800 --> 00:41:27,839 Speaker 1: to the core values he strayed from. With all these 716 00:41:27,880 --> 00:41:31,440 Speaker 1: things secured to him. He runs off with or without 717 00:41:31,480 --> 00:41:35,319 Speaker 1: his men. He knows God has his back, so he 718 00:41:35,360 --> 00:41:38,440 Speaker 1: doesn't feel the need to beg his men to follow him. 719 00:41:38,719 --> 00:41:41,520 Speaker 1: He runs into the darkness as if he's racing the 720 00:41:41,560 --> 00:41:45,040 Speaker 1: sun to rise. His men eventually follow, but they are 721 00:41:45,040 --> 00:41:49,280 Speaker 1: really following the anointing of God. The rescue was swift 722 00:41:49,280 --> 00:41:53,040 Speaker 1: and decisive, but not for the feign of heart. Two 723 00:41:53,120 --> 00:41:55,480 Speaker 1: hundred men had to go back because they were unable 724 00:41:55,520 --> 00:41:58,279 Speaker 1: to complete the journey. This turned out to be an 725 00:41:58,280 --> 00:42:01,200 Speaker 1: important wrinkle for the end of the up So when 726 00:42:01,239 --> 00:42:04,240 Speaker 1: they bring back the women, children and spoils, and argument 727 00:42:04,400 --> 00:42:07,680 Speaker 1: erupts about whether they should share the plunder or if 728 00:42:07,680 --> 00:42:10,160 Speaker 1: it should only go to those who fought, it is 729 00:42:10,200 --> 00:42:12,480 Speaker 1: a tense moment that throws a wet blanket on what 730 00:42:12,600 --> 00:42:16,359 Speaker 1: should have been a unifying experience. David had a tough 731 00:42:16,360 --> 00:42:19,279 Speaker 1: decision to make. Should he side with the strongest men 732 00:42:19,360 --> 00:42:22,040 Speaker 1: and let them keep the spoils, or should he divvy 733 00:42:22,200 --> 00:42:24,720 Speaker 1: up the spoils or everyone can share in the victory. 734 00:42:25,320 --> 00:42:28,320 Speaker 1: It is not an easy decision. As a ruler, David 735 00:42:28,360 --> 00:42:31,759 Speaker 1: does not want to incentivize hard working carriage. However, he 736 00:42:31,800 --> 00:42:35,000 Speaker 1: does not want to isolate anyone or leave them without means. 737 00:42:35,480 --> 00:42:39,000 Speaker 1: He makes the case that nothing is earned, rather, everything 738 00:42:39,080 --> 00:42:42,000 Speaker 1: is given by God. Since we are all recipients of 739 00:42:42,040 --> 00:42:46,000 Speaker 1: his grace, we should not take undue ownership over our wealth. 740 00:42:46,800 --> 00:42:49,440 Speaker 1: We are to be generous to others as God has 741 00:42:49,480 --> 00:42:53,200 Speaker 1: been generous to us. This naturally irks a few people. 742 00:42:53,719 --> 00:42:57,680 Speaker 1: Shall we reward cowards? Dove shouted, what message are you giving? 743 00:42:58,480 --> 00:43:02,520 Speaker 1: Shall weakness be the prevailed posture of this army. David 744 00:43:02,600 --> 00:43:07,480 Speaker 1: responds with a decisive declaration that becomes the ethos of 745 00:43:07,520 --> 00:43:10,680 Speaker 1: his reign as king. Grace is never weak, he said, 746 00:43:11,280 --> 00:43:13,960 Speaker 1: All the victories I have acquired in my short life 747 00:43:14,000 --> 00:43:17,480 Speaker 1: have benefited the people I love and cared for. It 748 00:43:17,520 --> 00:43:20,239 Speaker 1: brings my heart gladness that the blood I poured out 749 00:43:20,239 --> 00:43:23,719 Speaker 1: on the battlefield brings blessing to my Kinsmen, do you 750 00:43:23,800 --> 00:43:27,120 Speaker 1: fight only for yourself? No, you fight for your brothers, 751 00:43:27,239 --> 00:43:30,360 Speaker 1: your wives, your children, and your people. I will share 752 00:43:30,400 --> 00:43:33,880 Speaker 1: my victory with others, as the Lord shares his victory 753 00:43:33,920 --> 00:43:37,880 Speaker 1: with me. David makes one of his first kingly decisions 754 00:43:37,920 --> 00:43:41,120 Speaker 1: here and shares the spoils with the tribe of Judah 755 00:43:41,160 --> 00:43:44,680 Speaker 1: as well. This episode is a turning point in David's life. 756 00:43:45,239 --> 00:43:48,279 Speaker 1: His identity as a shepherd is re established and confirmed, 757 00:43:48,600 --> 00:43:52,120 Speaker 1: but he is also blossoming into a king. The episode 758 00:43:52,280 --> 00:43:55,359 Speaker 1: after this will not just feature David the shepherd Boy, 759 00:43:55,719 --> 00:43:59,360 Speaker 1: but David the King of Israel. From this moment forward, 760 00:43:59,600 --> 00:44:02,359 Speaker 1: the state will be higher. God will never stop being 761 00:44:02,360 --> 00:44:06,000 Speaker 1: faithful to his anointed. But will his anointed stop being 762 00:44:06,000 --> 00:44:09,319 Speaker 1: faithful to God? We will find out in the coming episodes. 763 00:44:09,560 --> 00:44:12,879 Speaker 1: Stay tuned for our next episode, the Death of a King, 764 00:44:13,360 --> 00:44:17,319 Speaker 1: as the throne finally shifts and changes forever. Thanks again 765 00:44:17,320 --> 00:44:21,240 Speaker 1: for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom 766 00:44:21,320 --> 00:44:24,319 Speaker 1: to last a lifetime, go to pray dot com. And 767 00:44:24,400 --> 00:44:27,920 Speaker 1: to expand your heroes in the Bible Journey, download the 768 00:44:27,960 --> 00:44:30,680 Speaker 1: Heroes of the Faith devotional at Tony Evans dot org. 769 00:44:31,040 --> 00:44:35,200 Speaker 1: Forward slash Heroes. Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify 770 00:44:35,719 --> 00:44:38,200 Speaker 1: to get the newest episodes right as they come out, 771 00:44:38,480 --> 00:44:41,280 Speaker 1: and always be inspired by the Bible. God bless