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Speaker 1: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evaner hosts for Heroes in the Bible.

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Speaker 1: If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please share it

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Speaker 1: with your family and friends and help us spread God's word.

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Speaker 1: Welcome to the Epic Adventure of David, a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal,

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

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

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Speaker 1: seems to unravel. The episode begins similarly to our last episode.

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Speaker 1: We're about to discover even more reasons to fear him.

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Speaker 1: He has a brilliant mind and the resources to carry

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Speaker 1: out his will. Absolom's rage rises in temperature with each

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Speaker 1: passing day, and David's own nature is used against him.

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Speaker 1: Absolom is a perfectly crafted enemy for David, leveraging every

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Speaker 1: weakness and strength against him. His rise to power is

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Speaker 1: a slow burn, and David ends up feeling the heat.

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Speaker 1: Temperature rises, and we all want to if this is

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Speaker 1: the end for David. However, the greatest metals are purified

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Speaker 1: in fire, and the greatest weapons are forged in the flame.

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Speaker 1: When the darkness closes in and seeks to consume our hero,

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Speaker 1: his true strength is revealed. However, this strength does not

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Speaker 1: come from where you might expect. Superhero movies and teen

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Speaker 1: fiction novels have told us that the greatest power comes

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Speaker 1: from within, not David's. His strength is found outside of himself,

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Speaker 1: through the sovereign power of his God and the loyalty

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Speaker 1: of his friends. This episode begins with our most important prelude. Yet,

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Speaker 1: we're in the same place as David, but in a

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Speaker 1: different time, a time when Jesus is faced with his enemy,

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Speaker 1: he models the strength of a true king. While others

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Speaker 1: may run from their problems, he faces them head on.

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Speaker 1: Jesus is not a victim to the villains that seek

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Speaker 1: his life. No, he is the ultimate hero. His episode

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Speaker 1: twenty six, The Exiled Father.

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Speaker 2: Prelude to Chapter twenty six. Jesus's shivering body walked to

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Speaker 2: the opening between the trees. He looked up to see

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Speaker 2: the moon peeking up from the clouds. His jaw quivered.

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Speaker 2: He closed his eyes and fell to the ground. Jesus's

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Speaker 2: face was on the floor. He clenched fistfuls of dirt

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Speaker 2: and grass as he prayed vigorously to the Lord. Tears

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Speaker 2: streamed down his wincing.

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Speaker 3: Face, my father, he cried, if it be possible, let

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Speaker 3: this cup pass from me.

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Speaker 2: My soft and steady stream of tears watered the grass below.

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Speaker 2: His weeping was quiet, but poured forth from a deep

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Speaker 2: well of pain within him. Since before time itself, Jesus

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Speaker 2: had existed in perfect unity with the Father. Yet now,

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Speaker 2: as he wept beside a cold stone in wet grass,

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Speaker 2: he was feeling the anticipation of separation. He looked to

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Speaker 2: Heaven again and.

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Speaker 3: Sighed, nevertheless, I will submit to.

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Speaker 4: Your will completely.

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Speaker 2: Jesus knew that if there was any other way besides death,

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Speaker 2: God would have supplied it. Yet this was the only

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Speaker 2: way one must die so all may live. Jesus buried

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Speaker 2: his face in his hands and took a deep breath.

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Speaker 2: He looked over to Peter, James, and John a few

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Speaker 2: yards away. They were leaning against the trees, fast asleep.

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Speaker 2: Jesus rose up, faltering towards them. He tapped Peter's foot

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Speaker 2: with his Peter arose with a gasp, drawing his sword.

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Speaker 2: He saw Jesus standing in front of him. Peter sheathed

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Speaker 2: his sword, embarrassed.

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Speaker 3: You could not watch with me for one hour.

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Speaker 2: Peter, Jesus said, with a sigh.

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Speaker 3: All of you pray lest you enter into temptation. You

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Speaker 3: may thank you have strength, and although the spirit is willing,

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Speaker 3: the flesh is weak.

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Speaker 2: John watched Jesus walk slowly back to the stone. He

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Speaker 2: rested his elbows against the flat part of the stone

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Speaker 2: and lifted his eyes to heaven.

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Speaker 4: Father.

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Speaker 2: Jesus prayed, if.

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Speaker 3: This cup is mind to drink, I shall drink it.

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Speaker 3: Your will be done.

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Speaker 2: His eyes winced shut. He prayed in agony into the night.

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Speaker 2: His hands shook, and from his forehead dropped blood from

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Speaker 2: his pores. His prayers were so deep and so powerful

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Speaker 2: that his very body was beginning to break. The clouds

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Speaker 2: above began to stir once again, and the moon disappeared.

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Speaker 2: Jesus banged his fist against the heardstone, allowing the sound

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Speaker 2: to echo through the garden. From the wind came an

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Speaker 2: angel from heaven. He came to minister to Jesus and

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Speaker 2: strengthen him. The entire cosmos was about to shift. Even

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Speaker 2: the angels themselves were preparing for what was to come.

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Speaker 2: Jesus stood up to his feet and inhaled the strength

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Speaker 2: of God's spirit. His weary eyes became more focused and intent.

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Speaker 2: He turned again to his disciples. Peter, James, and John

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Speaker 2: had fallen asleep again. Jesus smiled and turned his face

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Speaker 2: to heaven. He prayed a third time, being emboldened by God.

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Speaker 2: Then he walked over to the three. Jesus stood over them,

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Speaker 2: awhile James woke up to see Jesus.

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Speaker 3: Get your rest, James, you will need it, Jesus said,

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Speaker 3: the hour has come. The son of Man is about

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Speaker 3: to be delivered into the hands of sinners. Now rise,

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Speaker 3: my betrayer is at hand.

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Speaker 2: The ground shook underneath them. They could hear the marching

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Speaker 2: of soldiers approaching. Jesus turned calmly to his left, like

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Speaker 2: a wolf emerging from his den. Judas came forth from

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Speaker 2: the shadows of the trees. Behind him were over a

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Speaker 2: hundred torches. Jesus stood at a distance with his disciples.

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Speaker 2: The soldiers were about one hundred yards away. It was

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Speaker 2: enough distance for Jesus to run. If they fled now

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Speaker 2: to the wilderness, they could find shelter back in Bethany

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Speaker 2: with Lazarus. The blood stained brook Kidron trickled downhill. It

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Speaker 2: stood as a separator between Jesus and his betrayer. Jesus

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Speaker 2: went to the edge of the brook. He looked down

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Speaker 2: at the red water flowing loudly. He looked up, watching

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Speaker 2: dozens of temple soldiers line up behind Judas. With a

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Speaker 2: large step, Jesus crossed the brook Kidron and went towards

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Speaker 2: his enemies. The Son of God would not run from death.

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Speaker 2: He would face it with power. He plucked an olive

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Speaker 2: from the tree next to him. He pressed it tightly

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Speaker 2: in his hand. He opened his palm to see oil

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Speaker 2: spilling forth from the olive. Gathsemone means oil press fitting,

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Speaker 2: since Jesus was about to be pressed for everything he had.

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Speaker 2: Chapter twenty six, The Exiled Father, the Prince of Israel

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Speaker 2: was a sight to behold. Truly, there was no one

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Speaker 2: in all the land who knew how to make an

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Speaker 2: entrance quite like him. His long, curly, dark hair blew

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Speaker 2: in the wind as he rode back into Jerusalem. Mounted

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Speaker 2: on a white Egyptian stallion. He wore fine robes held

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Speaker 2: together with purple and gold strings. On top of his

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Speaker 2: robes was a gleaming breastplate with golden scales shimmering in

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Speaker 2: the sunlight. From the sole of his foot to the

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Speaker 2: crown of his head, there was no blemish in him.

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Speaker 2: He was renowned as the most handsome man in the East,

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Speaker 2: and he always showcased that fact with flare and enthusiasm.

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Speaker 2: People gathered around the city gates to greet him as

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Speaker 2: he rode in. The prince beamed with charisma, and the

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Speaker 2: people drank him in. Absalom was not like the other

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Speaker 2: sons of David. While they were content to live in anonymity,

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Speaker 2: he craved the attention of the masses. He was fueled

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Speaker 2: by it. His wife, three sons, and his daughter Tamar,

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Speaker 2: whom he named after his sister, rode in.

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Speaker 4: Behind him.

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Speaker 2: A sea of faces cheered Absalom, praising his return. Yet

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Speaker 2: David was nowhere to do. He would not validate the

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Speaker 2: people's love for Absalom by being there. In fact, he

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Speaker 2: would not great Absalom at all. David did not know

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Speaker 2: how to proceed with his son. His crime was great

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Speaker 2: and caused a great amount of grief among his household.

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Speaker 2: Yet he was still his son, whom he loved, and

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Speaker 2: he knew not how to both hold him accountable for

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Speaker 2: his sins and welcome him back in. So Absalom remained

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Speaker 2: in the heart of the city for two years without

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Speaker 2: stepping foot in his father's house. The two did not

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Speaker 2: see each other or send messengers. David's silence vexed Absalom.

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Speaker 2: With every passing month, the anger of the prince was

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Speaker 2: provoked even more. David was foolish to ignore his son,

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Speaker 2: for the distance between them only made Absalom more unhinged.

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Speaker 2: Absalom looked out the window of his home with his

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Speaker 2: hands folded behind him. He stared out of the fields.

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Speaker 2: The golden ears of grain swayed to and fro from

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Speaker 2: the wind. He was deep in thought, considering the silence

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Speaker 2: between him and his father.

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Speaker 5: Shall the air of Israel be ignored for so long?

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Speaker 5: He whispered to himself, How long will I endure such

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Speaker 5: dishonor how long will I endure the foolishness of my father?

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Speaker 2: Absalom beckoned for his servant. The boy bowed at a distance.

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Speaker 2: It was not uncommon for Absalom to be violent towards

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Speaker 2: his servants.

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Speaker 5: Bring me, Joab. If my father will not speak with me,

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Speaker 5: then perhaps he will speak to him on my behalf.

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Speaker 5: Go and hurry back with news.

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Speaker 2: The young man departed only a mile ahead to Joab's estate.

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Speaker 2: His home rested at the end of the barley fields,

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Speaker 2: nestled between two hills. There, Joab enjoyed a moment of peace.

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Speaker 2: The quietness of the evening was a pleasant relief for

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Speaker 2: his chaotic life. Joab had many responsibilities in the kingdom,

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Speaker 2: and he was growing more advanced than years. He sat

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Speaker 2: back in the front of his home and closed his eyes. However,

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Speaker 2: his peace was disquieted when he saw Absalom's servant approaching.

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Speaker 2: The young boy bowed his head and spoke, saying.

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Speaker 6: I have come on behalf of my master Absalom, son

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Speaker 6: of David and Prince of Israel. He desires to speak

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Speaker 6: with you so you might intercede on his behalf with

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Speaker 6: King David.

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Speaker 2: Joab rubbed his forehead and groaned.

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Speaker 7: Tell your master that I am done playing middleman between

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Speaker 7: him and his father. I've got him here to Jerusalem

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Speaker 7: and that should be enough.

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Speaker 2: Joab waved the servant away, and he departed back into

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Speaker 2: his master's home. The boy brought the news to Absalom, saying.

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Speaker 6: Job has refused your request for a meeting, my lord.

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Speaker 2: The prince chuckled and nodded his head. He sighed and

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Speaker 2: walked over to the servant. He placed a hand on

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Speaker 2: his shoulders and squeezed. The young servant winced in pain.

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Speaker 2: Unable to break free from Absalom's grip, He leaned down

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Speaker 2: and said, I am.

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Speaker 5: Sure you forgot to tell him how important this is

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Speaker 5: to me.

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Speaker 2: He gritted his teeth and sunk his fingers down harder

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Speaker 2: into the boy's neck.

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Speaker 5: Now go again tomorrow and I expect a better result.

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Speaker 2: He released his grip and the boy fell to his knees.

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Speaker 2: Absalom cracked his neck to the side, straightened his robe,

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Speaker 2: and smiled.

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Speaker 5: Good night. I shall see you tomorrow afternoon when you

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Speaker 5: have a word from Joeab.

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Speaker 2: The prince retreated to his bedroom. The servant arose the

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Speaker 2: next morning before sunlight and ran to joe AB's estate.

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Speaker 2: He waited at the door, listening for any stirring from

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Speaker 2: within the home. Finally, one of Joab's servants opened the door.

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Speaker 2: Who are you, he asked.

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Speaker 6: I come from the house of Absalom, son of David

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Speaker 6: and Prince of Israel. He desires to speak with your

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Speaker 6: lord about meeting with the king.

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Speaker 2: The boy said nervously. Joab's servant went back into the

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Speaker 2: home and came back out moments later.

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Speaker 6: My lord coundnot see your lord. I am sorry. Wait,

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Speaker 6: Please tell Job that a refusal would be bad things

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Speaker 6: for me, him and his household.

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Speaker 4: My lord is a hinged and unpredictable.

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Speaker 6: You do not want to anger him. I am sorry.

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Speaker 2: The servant said again. There will be no meeting, and

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Speaker 2: he shut the door. The boy held his head low

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Speaker 2: in defeat and slowly trudged back home to his master.

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Speaker 2: The afternoon heat was harsh and unforgiving. The sun beat

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Speaker 2: down on the boy's scarred neck. He rubbed it and

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Speaker 2: winced in pain. He dreaded what awaited him at home.

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Speaker 2: The boy came before Absalom and gave him the news.

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Speaker 2: Instead of raging against him or screaming in anger, the

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00:12:32,840 --> 00:12:36,560
Speaker 2: prince nodded and retreated to his room. There was a calm,

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00:12:36,640 --> 00:12:39,880
Speaker 2: quietness about him that sent chills down the servant's spine.

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Speaker 5: Did you know my fields are next to joe.

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Speaker 2: Abs Absalom asked, yes, my lord. The boy said, quietly.

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Speaker 5: Burn his side.

225
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Speaker 6: Pardon me, my lord.

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Speaker 2: Absalom turned around and gave a sadistic smile.

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Speaker 5: Take a torch and set joe absfields on fire. So

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00:13:00,320 --> 00:13:02,360
Speaker 5: in the morning, before the sun rises.

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Speaker 2: Absalom could sense the confusion in the young boy, he

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Speaker 2: placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and said, you, who.

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Speaker 5: Of all people, should know that force, when used tactfully,

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Speaker 5: gets desired results.

233
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Speaker 2: So the servant left the following morning with a torch

234
00:13:17,720 --> 00:13:20,840
Speaker 2: in hand. He laced the perimeter of the fields with

235
00:13:20,920 --> 00:13:24,840
Speaker 2: animal grease, then let the entire field on fire. It

236
00:13:24,880 --> 00:13:27,880
Speaker 2: was only two weeks away from harvesting season, and all

237
00:13:27,920 --> 00:13:30,800
Speaker 2: of Joab's hard work rose in a torrent of flames.

238
00:13:32,040 --> 00:13:36,439
Speaker 2: The fire consumed everything, fueled by the dry air. When

239
00:13:36,520 --> 00:13:39,400
Speaker 2: Joeab awoke, he burst out of the door and screamed

240
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Speaker 2: for his workers to douse the fire. If they were

241
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Speaker 2: too late. The fire made quick work of the field,

242
00:13:46,520 --> 00:13:50,960
Speaker 2: and in only an hour he was completely devoured. Joab

243
00:13:51,080 --> 00:13:54,400
Speaker 2: kicked open the door to Absalom's home with rage.

244
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Speaker 7: What have you done, Absalom, he yelled, Of all the

245
00:13:59,040 --> 00:14:01,360
Speaker 7: petty and sedition the stick things you have done, this

246
00:14:01,440 --> 00:14:02,520
Speaker 7: one tops them all.

247
00:14:03,040 --> 00:14:06,680
Speaker 2: Joeab was fuming in anger, nearly ready to unsheathe his

248
00:14:06,720 --> 00:14:11,400
Speaker 2: sword and cut through Absalom's neck. However, the handsome prince

249
00:14:11,480 --> 00:14:15,679
Speaker 2: was unfazed by Joab's tantrum. He remained calm and gestured

250
00:14:15,720 --> 00:14:16,280
Speaker 2: to the table.

251
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Speaker 5: Please have a seat, Joab.

252
00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:25,160
Speaker 2: Absalom said cordially. Joab was disturbed by Absalom's calm demeanor.

253
00:14:25,640 --> 00:14:28,800
Speaker 2: He sat down, slightly, afraid of what may happen next.

254
00:14:29,640 --> 00:14:32,160
Speaker 2: Absalom gestured for his servants to bring joe Ab a

255
00:14:32,200 --> 00:14:35,440
Speaker 2: cup and some bread. It remained untouched in front of him.

256
00:14:36,000 --> 00:14:37,920
Speaker 5: Joab, why have I come out.

257
00:14:37,760 --> 00:14:39,960
Speaker 2: Of exile, Absalom asked.

258
00:14:40,200 --> 00:14:43,080
Speaker 5: Gesher was a lovely place, and I had everything I needed.

259
00:14:43,640 --> 00:14:45,360
Speaker 5: It would have been better for me to stay in

260
00:14:45,400 --> 00:14:48,800
Speaker 5: exile and thrive there rather than rot within the borders

261
00:14:48,800 --> 00:14:53,720
Speaker 5: of Jerusalem. I came back to engage in the life

262
00:14:53,760 --> 00:14:58,480
Speaker 5: of this nation, to convene with my father, to strategize

263
00:14:58,480 --> 00:15:02,160
Speaker 5: with you, and to leave this nation. How can I

264
00:15:02,200 --> 00:15:05,240
Speaker 5: do that when you and my father insist on ignoring me.

265
00:15:06,680 --> 00:15:09,960
Speaker 2: Joe AB's posture shifted. He relaxed his shoulders and thought.

266
00:15:10,000 --> 00:15:14,280
Speaker 2: For a moment. Absalom made a decent argument. There would

267
00:15:14,320 --> 00:15:16,400
Speaker 2: be no reason to allow him to return if he

268
00:15:16,480 --> 00:15:19,120
Speaker 2: was not allowed to engage in the political and military

269
00:15:19,160 --> 00:15:23,120
Speaker 2: life of the nation. Joe Ab shrugged and said.

270
00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:23,600
Speaker 4: You are right.

271
00:15:24,840 --> 00:15:28,000
Speaker 7: However, the king does not desire to see you. Absalom.

272
00:15:28,080 --> 00:15:30,280
Speaker 7: I do not need to remind you that your crimes

273
00:15:30,320 --> 00:15:33,240
Speaker 7: were grave. You killed his son.

274
00:15:34,280 --> 00:15:36,320
Speaker 5: You and I both know I did this nation a

275
00:15:36,360 --> 00:15:39,440
Speaker 5: favor by putting an end to that fool. Would you

276
00:15:39,520 --> 00:15:42,240
Speaker 5: really want am Non as your next king after David?

277
00:15:42,880 --> 00:15:46,160
Speaker 5: He was weak and a rapist pig. I did the

278
00:15:46,200 --> 00:15:48,040
Speaker 5: Lord's work and brought justice.

279
00:15:48,960 --> 00:15:52,640
Speaker 2: Joe Ab did not seem so certain. Absalom leaned forward

280
00:15:52,640 --> 00:15:54,400
Speaker 2: and reasoned with joe Ab, saying.

281
00:15:54,600 --> 00:15:56,960
Speaker 5: If my crimes were so grave, then let me go

282
00:15:57,040 --> 00:15:59,840
Speaker 5: before the king and have him judge me himself. If

283
00:15:59,880 --> 00:16:02,280
Speaker 5: he finds guilt still remaining in me, let me be

284
00:16:02,360 --> 00:16:04,440
Speaker 5: put to death. I will accept that fate.

285
00:16:05,680 --> 00:16:08,400
Speaker 2: Joe abstirred in his seat, wondering if it would be

286
00:16:08,440 --> 00:16:12,400
Speaker 2: a good idea. Finally, he nodded and took Absalom's hand

287
00:16:12,440 --> 00:16:16,240
Speaker 2: and shook it. It shall be done, he said. Then

288
00:16:16,280 --> 00:16:19,080
Speaker 2: he stood to exit the home. As he opened the door,

289
00:16:19,240 --> 00:16:20,920
Speaker 2: he turned back and looked at Absalom.

290
00:16:21,480 --> 00:16:24,160
Speaker 7: I expect to be paid for my burnt fields.

291
00:16:24,800 --> 00:16:28,720
Speaker 2: Absalom raised his cup to Joab and nodded. The commander groaned,

292
00:16:29,040 --> 00:16:33,200
Speaker 2: then left. Joab left immediately to the house of David.

293
00:16:33,680 --> 00:16:35,600
Speaker 2: He bowed before the king and said.

294
00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:39,680
Speaker 7: Your son, Absalom desires an audience with you, my king.

295
00:16:40,440 --> 00:16:42,479
Speaker 7: I think it would be wise to reconcile.

296
00:16:42,920 --> 00:16:45,920
Speaker 2: David was filled with inner doubt. There was a check

297
00:16:45,920 --> 00:16:48,720
Speaker 2: in his spirit about Absalom. But how could a father

298
00:16:48,800 --> 00:16:50,280
Speaker 2: deny his son for that long?

299
00:16:51,280 --> 00:16:55,080
Speaker 8: I long to forgive him, Joab, I just need to

300
00:16:55,120 --> 00:16:57,360
Speaker 8: see he has humbled himself.

301
00:16:58,080 --> 00:17:01,520
Speaker 7: Allow him the chance. If you still find fault in him,

302
00:17:01,560 --> 00:17:03,360
Speaker 7: he has opened himself up to judgment.

303
00:17:03,600 --> 00:17:07,040
Speaker 2: Joe Ab said, bring him to me. Then David said,

304
00:17:07,520 --> 00:17:11,600
Speaker 2: I will meet with my son. Joe Ab departed and

305
00:17:11,680 --> 00:17:15,000
Speaker 2: sent word for Absalom to come. The prince rode to

306
00:17:15,040 --> 00:17:18,040
Speaker 2: the palace on his white steed. The people awed as

307
00:17:18,040 --> 00:17:21,600
Speaker 2: he passed through the streets. They cheered his name and waved.

308
00:17:22,240 --> 00:17:25,080
Speaker 2: He drank in their praise. He needed it more than

309
00:17:25,119 --> 00:17:28,119
Speaker 2: the air he breathed. He finally passed the gardens of

310
00:17:28,160 --> 00:17:31,520
Speaker 2: his childhood home and dismounted his horse. He pushed open

311
00:17:31,560 --> 00:17:34,000
Speaker 2: the doors and walked down the hall leading to David's

312
00:17:34,000 --> 00:17:37,679
Speaker 2: throne room. Nothing had changed about it. He saw the

313
00:17:37,720 --> 00:17:42,359
Speaker 2: tapestries a past conquests, still illuminated by torchlight. He felt

314
00:17:42,359 --> 00:17:45,280
Speaker 2: the warmth of the fire in the iron basin and

315
00:17:45,520 --> 00:17:49,480
Speaker 2: just as spectacular as Absalom remembered him. King David sat

316
00:17:49,560 --> 00:17:53,080
Speaker 2: on his throne. The young prince walked slowly up to

317
00:17:53,119 --> 00:17:55,080
Speaker 2: the middle of the room and looked at his father.

318
00:17:55,960 --> 00:17:59,240
Speaker 2: Neither of them said a word. Absalom knew what he

319
00:17:59,280 --> 00:18:01,560
Speaker 2: had to do in order to gain David's trust again.

320
00:18:02,160 --> 00:18:04,440
Speaker 2: He knew how to tug at his father's sensitive heart.

321
00:18:05,280 --> 00:18:07,840
Speaker 2: He knew that his father was waiting for any excuse

322
00:18:07,880 --> 00:18:11,080
Speaker 2: to forgive him and look past his sins. So he

323
00:18:11,119 --> 00:18:13,879
Speaker 2: fell dramatically to his knees and opened up his arms.

324
00:18:14,600 --> 00:18:17,480
Speaker 2: His bottom lip quivered, and he forced a single tear

325
00:18:17,520 --> 00:18:18,520
Speaker 2: to fall down his cheek.

326
00:18:19,119 --> 00:18:22,960
Speaker 5: Father Absalom whispered, I am here, forgive me.

327
00:18:23,680 --> 00:18:26,159
Speaker 2: As he said this, the prince fell down on his

328
00:18:26,240 --> 00:18:31,280
Speaker 2: face and prostrated himself before David. The King's generous and

329
00:18:31,400 --> 00:18:34,360
Speaker 2: kind heart was ignited within him, and he rushed from

330
00:18:34,359 --> 00:18:37,200
Speaker 2: his throne down to his son. He wrapped his arms

331
00:18:37,240 --> 00:18:38,640
Speaker 2: around him and wept.

332
00:18:38,840 --> 00:18:42,119
Speaker 8: I forgive you, my son, Welcome home.

333
00:18:43,160 --> 00:18:46,480
Speaker 2: David kissed him and helped him to his feet. Absalom

334
00:18:46,520 --> 00:18:50,080
Speaker 2: embraced him again. The prince had his father write where

335
00:18:50,080 --> 00:18:52,280
Speaker 2: he wanted it, and now that he was back in

336
00:18:52,320 --> 00:18:58,800
Speaker 2: the palace again. All could go according to plan. The

337
00:18:58,880 --> 00:19:02,639
Speaker 2: old farmer slowly approached the gates of Jerusalem. He wiped

338
00:19:02,640 --> 00:19:04,480
Speaker 2: the sweat off his brow and let out a sigh

339
00:19:04,520 --> 00:19:08,200
Speaker 2: of relief. After days of travel, he had finally made

340
00:19:08,200 --> 00:19:11,320
Speaker 2: it to the city of David. The old man descended

341
00:19:11,359 --> 00:19:14,880
Speaker 2: down the hill leading to the gates. He was anxious

342
00:19:14,880 --> 00:19:17,320
Speaker 2: to see the king, and time was of the essence.

343
00:19:18,240 --> 00:19:20,720
Speaker 2: As the weary traveler came to the gate, he was

344
00:19:20,760 --> 00:19:23,800
Speaker 2: called to by a dashing young man adorned in royal clothing.

345
00:19:24,480 --> 00:19:26,280
Speaker 2: He sat in the shade with a few of his

346
00:19:26,320 --> 00:19:27,280
Speaker 2: guards beside him.

347
00:19:27,760 --> 00:19:31,280
Speaker 5: You there, traveler, he shouted, where do you come from.

348
00:19:31,640 --> 00:19:33,600
Speaker 2: The man bowed his head and said.

349
00:19:34,400 --> 00:19:37,960
Speaker 9: I am a farmer from the tribe of Ephraim. My

350
00:19:38,119 --> 00:19:41,280
Speaker 9: farm is just outside the village of Shiloh.

351
00:19:41,880 --> 00:19:44,160
Speaker 2: The young man beckoned him, saying, you.

352
00:19:44,160 --> 00:19:45,639
Speaker 5: Look weary from your travels.

353
00:19:46,160 --> 00:19:46,480
Speaker 4: Come.

354
00:19:46,640 --> 00:19:48,560
Speaker 5: I have cool water from the well and wine for

355
00:19:48,600 --> 00:19:49,240
Speaker 5: you to enjoy.

356
00:19:49,680 --> 00:19:51,640
Speaker 2: The farmer shook his head and said.

357
00:19:51,640 --> 00:19:54,639
Speaker 9: Oh, thank you, my lord, but I I must be

358
00:19:54,880 --> 00:19:57,640
Speaker 9: on my way. I have to speak to the king.

359
00:19:58,640 --> 00:20:02,280
Speaker 9: I hear he allows citizens to entreat him once a month,

360
00:20:03,040 --> 00:20:04,320
Speaker 9: and hear their disputes.

361
00:20:05,119 --> 00:20:07,560
Speaker 5: Ah, it is a shame you have traveled so far

362
00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:10,840
Speaker 5: to be disappointed, the young man said. The king has

363
00:20:10,880 --> 00:20:15,560
Speaker 5: stopped seeing any citizens. He is overwhelmed with his own troubles.

364
00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:19,119
Speaker 5: He barely has time to listen to the people. Come

365
00:20:19,480 --> 00:20:22,159
Speaker 5: tell me your matter. Perhaps I can be of service

366
00:20:22,200 --> 00:20:22,399
Speaker 5: to you.

367
00:20:22,840 --> 00:20:24,960
Speaker 2: The farmer was confused and disappointed.

368
00:20:26,359 --> 00:20:29,480
Speaker 9: Who are you, How can you help me?

369
00:20:30,080 --> 00:20:32,880
Speaker 5: I am the prince and heir to the throne.

370
00:20:32,720 --> 00:20:35,240
Speaker 2: The young man said, my name is Absolom.

371
00:20:35,880 --> 00:20:36,919
Speaker 5: Perhaps you have heard of me.

372
00:20:37,280 --> 00:20:41,080
Speaker 9: The old man gasped and bowed, saying, I am sorry,

373
00:20:41,119 --> 00:20:44,359
Speaker 9: my lord. I am from a small village. I would

374
00:20:44,400 --> 00:20:45,560
Speaker 9: have never known it was you.

375
00:20:46,240 --> 00:20:49,359
Speaker 5: Please think nothing of it. Tell me your.

376
00:20:49,200 --> 00:20:53,920
Speaker 2: Trouble, Absalom said, with a smile. The farmer then began

377
00:20:53,960 --> 00:20:55,960
Speaker 2: to tell him of a dispute he had regarding the

378
00:20:56,080 --> 00:20:59,600
Speaker 2: land surrounding his farm. A noble from another village took

379
00:20:59,600 --> 00:21:02,040
Speaker 2: the land by force, even though it was given to

380
00:21:02,119 --> 00:21:05,320
Speaker 2: him by his father and his grandfather. Since the man

381
00:21:05,400 --> 00:21:08,159
Speaker 2: was rich and had mercenaries to enforce his will, he

382
00:21:08,200 --> 00:21:09,320
Speaker 2: could do nothing about it.

383
00:21:10,119 --> 00:21:12,280
Speaker 9: That is why I need to speak to the king.

384
00:21:12,320 --> 00:21:13,600
Speaker 2: The old man said.

385
00:21:13,760 --> 00:21:16,680
Speaker 9: I need his help to drive out the noble and

386
00:21:17,440 --> 00:21:18,800
Speaker 9: give me my land back.

387
00:21:19,200 --> 00:21:23,280
Speaker 2: Absalom feigned compassion and understanding. He nodded and placed a

388
00:21:23,320 --> 00:21:24,280
Speaker 2: hand on his shoulder.

389
00:21:24,840 --> 00:21:28,080
Speaker 5: I feel for you, good friend. You should not have

390
00:21:28,119 --> 00:21:31,399
Speaker 5: to travel so far just to inquire about this. The

391
00:21:31,520 --> 00:21:34,600
Speaker 5: King should have had representatives in your region to hear

392
00:21:34,640 --> 00:21:35,760
Speaker 5: you and act.

393
00:21:35,560 --> 00:21:36,280
Speaker 9: On his behalf.

394
00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:39,639
Speaker 5: That is what a wise king would do. That is

395
00:21:39,720 --> 00:21:41,800
Speaker 5: what I would do if I were king.

396
00:21:42,359 --> 00:21:47,000
Speaker 9: I wish you were King, good Absolom, then perhaps I

397
00:21:47,040 --> 00:21:49,159
Speaker 9: would not be so hopeless, the.

398
00:21:49,040 --> 00:21:51,440
Speaker 2: Farmer said, holding back tears.

399
00:21:52,040 --> 00:21:54,160
Speaker 5: One day soon I may be king.

400
00:21:54,480 --> 00:21:56,399
Speaker 2: He said, with a reassuring smile.

401
00:21:56,960 --> 00:22:01,040
Speaker 5: Have hope, and tell others hope as well, for the

402
00:22:01,080 --> 00:22:03,879
Speaker 5: Lord may cause my ascension to the throne sooner than

403
00:22:03,920 --> 00:22:08,160
Speaker 5: we think. For the king is quite mad and may

404
00:22:08,200 --> 00:22:10,160
Speaker 5: not be fit for the throne any longer.

405
00:22:10,640 --> 00:22:15,720
Speaker 2: The farmer left disappointed and infuriated at the king. Absalom's lies,

406
00:22:15,800 --> 00:22:19,000
Speaker 2: combined with his charisma and charm, were a perfect storm.

407
00:22:19,440 --> 00:22:21,520
Speaker 2: Day by day, he stood at the gates doing the

408
00:22:21,560 --> 00:22:24,239
Speaker 2: same thing he did with the farmer. He told them

409
00:22:24,280 --> 00:22:27,120
Speaker 2: that David did not have time for them, heard their troubles,

410
00:22:27,359 --> 00:22:29,960
Speaker 2: and sent them away, Hoping he would one day be king.

411
00:22:30,880 --> 00:22:34,080
Speaker 2: One of Absalom's guards watched the old man leave. He

412
00:22:34,119 --> 00:22:37,120
Speaker 2: shook his head and said, why must we be here

413
00:22:37,119 --> 00:22:41,359
Speaker 2: every day in the hot sun. You have horses, tariots

414
00:22:41,359 --> 00:22:43,919
Speaker 2: and mercenaries that were ready to storm the city.

415
00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:46,600
Speaker 8: Why not take you bar fools.

416
00:22:47,240 --> 00:22:48,840
Speaker 2: Absalom rolled his eyes and.

417
00:22:48,840 --> 00:22:53,440
Speaker 5: Scoffed, because there is no use taking the throne if

418
00:22:53,480 --> 00:22:57,119
Speaker 5: they still love the king. He said, the first battle

419
00:22:57,160 --> 00:23:00,800
Speaker 5: is for the hearts of the people, the second is

420
00:23:00,840 --> 00:23:05,320
Speaker 5: for the conquest of the city. Have patience, our time

421
00:23:05,359 --> 00:23:06,360
Speaker 5: will come, so.

422
00:23:06,440 --> 00:23:10,320
Speaker 2: Day by day, Absalom continued. He was a patient man,

423
00:23:10,760 --> 00:23:13,240
Speaker 2: willing to take years in order to enact his plan.

424
00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:16,719
Speaker 2: For four years, he rose early to be at the gates,

425
00:23:16,920 --> 00:23:20,119
Speaker 2: and as the travelers left Jerusalem, they brought stories of

426
00:23:20,160 --> 00:23:24,480
Speaker 2: his kindness and leadership. Absalom's good reputation was spreading like

427
00:23:24,520 --> 00:23:30,280
Speaker 2: a virus, as was the negative reputation of David. Winter

428
00:23:30,400 --> 00:23:33,520
Speaker 2: was approaching and the warm east breeze shifted into a

429
00:23:33,560 --> 00:23:36,760
Speaker 2: cool and biting wind from the west. Huddled near the

430
00:23:36,800 --> 00:23:40,919
Speaker 2: fireplace of his home was Absalom and a Hithefel the Gillanite,

431
00:23:41,080 --> 00:23:45,600
Speaker 2: one of King David's counselors. He had been conspiring alongside

432
00:23:45,680 --> 00:23:48,720
Speaker 2: him to overthrow the king. They spoke into the night,

433
00:23:49,040 --> 00:23:53,680
Speaker 2: planning and conniving against David. A Hithophel shared Absalom's vision.

434
00:23:54,200 --> 00:23:56,440
Speaker 2: They could not make it look like a military coup

435
00:23:56,600 --> 00:24:00,000
Speaker 2: or a treason. It needed to look like a natural secession.

436
00:24:00,960 --> 00:24:03,679
Speaker 2: They needed to control the message and make it common

437
00:24:03,680 --> 00:24:05,600
Speaker 2: sense to elevate Absalom as king.

438
00:24:06,080 --> 00:24:07,680
Speaker 5: Two hundred men should be enough.

439
00:24:07,960 --> 00:24:09,480
Speaker 2: Absalom said, we will.

440
00:24:09,280 --> 00:24:11,119
Speaker 5: Have them go throughout the city and declare that I

441
00:24:11,160 --> 00:24:13,640
Speaker 5: have been made king. They will say it as if

442
00:24:13,640 --> 00:24:16,600
Speaker 5: it were news coming from the palace itself. In fact,

443
00:24:16,920 --> 00:24:18,840
Speaker 5: they could make it sound like King David was the

444
00:24:18,880 --> 00:24:19,760
Speaker 5: one who wanted it.

445
00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:22,040
Speaker 2: A Hithofel smiled and said.

446
00:24:22,359 --> 00:24:25,280
Speaker 10: Once the city is chanting your name, we will find

447
00:24:25,359 --> 00:24:26,480
Speaker 10: David and kill him.

448
00:24:26,800 --> 00:24:28,080
Speaker 4: That will be the final piece.

449
00:24:28,680 --> 00:24:32,600
Speaker 2: A Hithopel had his own reasons for hating David. Bathsheba

450
00:24:32,760 --> 00:24:35,440
Speaker 2: was his granddaughter, and he hated what the king had

451
00:24:35,440 --> 00:24:38,320
Speaker 2: done to her and Uriah. He wanted vengeance.

452
00:24:39,119 --> 00:24:42,840
Speaker 5: It must be done secretly, Absalom said, and his closest

453
00:24:42,840 --> 00:24:44,520
Speaker 5: advisors must be killed as well.

454
00:24:45,080 --> 00:24:48,280
Speaker 2: Absalom poked the fire with the rod crushing the coals

455
00:24:48,320 --> 00:24:49,600
Speaker 2: and watching them break apart.

456
00:24:50,160 --> 00:24:52,360
Speaker 4: People must think you are elsewhere when this occurs.

457
00:24:52,400 --> 00:24:54,640
Speaker 2: Absalom, a Hithofel, warned, no.

458
00:24:54,600 --> 00:24:56,480
Speaker 10: One would expect you to be the culprit if you

459
00:24:56,520 --> 00:25:00,000
Speaker 10: are away. Perhaps you should be gone doing something wholy

460
00:25:00,160 --> 00:25:03,400
Speaker 10: and moral. Perhaps you can go to Hebron to make

461
00:25:03,400 --> 00:25:06,720
Speaker 10: a sacrifice. No one would suspect you to murder the

462
00:25:06,800 --> 00:25:08,760
Speaker 10: king while you are away worshiping the Lord.

463
00:25:09,480 --> 00:25:12,080
Speaker 2: The two of them agreed and gathered two hundred men

464
00:25:12,119 --> 00:25:15,440
Speaker 2: to proclaim their message. It had to be timed perfectly,

465
00:25:15,960 --> 00:25:18,399
Speaker 2: and all had to fall in place at the perfect moment.

466
00:25:20,440 --> 00:25:23,520
Speaker 2: The next morning, Absalom was enjoying a morning stroll with

467
00:25:23,560 --> 00:25:26,640
Speaker 2: his father. The two spoke of the future of Israel,

468
00:25:27,040 --> 00:25:31,119
Speaker 2: poetry and military strategy. David was pleased to have his

469
00:25:31,200 --> 00:25:34,119
Speaker 2: son back in his presence. He was ignorant to the

470
00:25:34,160 --> 00:25:38,399
Speaker 2: evil and corrupt works happening in secret. Absalom turned to

471
00:25:38,400 --> 00:25:39,679
Speaker 2: his father and said.

472
00:25:40,040 --> 00:25:42,359
Speaker 5: When I was in Gesher, I made a vow to

473
00:25:42,400 --> 00:25:44,639
Speaker 5: the Lord. I told him that if I ever was

474
00:25:44,680 --> 00:25:48,000
Speaker 5: able to return to Jerusalem and reconcile with you, that

475
00:25:48,119 --> 00:25:51,280
Speaker 5: I would make a sacrifice to him in Hebron. I

476
00:25:51,280 --> 00:25:53,520
Speaker 5: would very much like to follow through on that promise.

477
00:25:54,359 --> 00:25:56,160
Speaker 5: Would you allow me to leave for a few weeks

478
00:25:56,160 --> 00:25:57,080
Speaker 5: and worship the Lord.

479
00:25:57,840 --> 00:26:00,520
Speaker 2: David's heart leaped at the idea of his son honoring

480
00:26:00,520 --> 00:26:05,439
Speaker 2: the Lord. Of course, David said, enthusiastically, go in peace,

481
00:26:05,680 --> 00:26:10,560
Speaker 2: my son. Absalom bowed and left immediately to prepare He

482
00:26:10,600 --> 00:26:13,359
Speaker 2: and the two hundred secret messengers left the city gates

483
00:26:13,400 --> 00:26:16,800
Speaker 2: the next morning. The two hundred men separated into all

484
00:26:16,840 --> 00:26:17,920
Speaker 2: the tribes of Israel.

485
00:26:18,119 --> 00:26:21,560
Speaker 5: When the trumpets sound, declare to everyone, Absalom has been

486
00:26:21,560 --> 00:26:25,000
Speaker 5: made king at Hebron. Go and dwell in the homes

487
00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:28,399
Speaker 5: of innocent people. Tell them that Absalom has been named

488
00:26:28,480 --> 00:26:33,120
Speaker 5: king of the people, and David is no more. Tell

489
00:26:33,160 --> 00:26:36,920
Speaker 5: them so they may tell their friends, and their friends

490
00:26:37,400 --> 00:26:41,120
Speaker 5: and their friends. Allow the seeds of deception to spread

491
00:26:41,400 --> 00:26:42,960
Speaker 5: until it is true to them.

492
00:26:43,520 --> 00:26:46,920
Speaker 2: The messengers left and Absalom made the journey to Hebron.

493
00:26:47,359 --> 00:26:49,720
Speaker 2: It took him a day for him to arrive at Hebron.

494
00:26:50,480 --> 00:26:53,320
Speaker 2: There he made a sacrifice to the Lord, just as

495
00:26:53,320 --> 00:26:56,240
Speaker 2: he said he would. The trumpet sounded, and it was

496
00:26:56,280 --> 00:27:01,239
Speaker 2: time for chaos to ensue. It was late and the

497
00:27:01,280 --> 00:27:04,600
Speaker 2: moon's light trickled in through the lattice of David's bedroom.

498
00:27:04,840 --> 00:27:08,000
Speaker 2: The night was quiet, however, there was an uneasiness in

499
00:27:08,080 --> 00:27:12,080
Speaker 2: the air. David lay there asleep, content to dream of

500
00:27:12,119 --> 00:27:16,399
Speaker 2: battles fought and victory's won. However, his peaceful sleep was

501
00:27:16,440 --> 00:27:20,280
Speaker 2: swiftly interrupted as the large wooden door swung open violently.

502
00:27:20,920 --> 00:27:23,520
Speaker 2: My King David leaped out of his bed and grabbed

503
00:27:23,560 --> 00:27:28,240
Speaker 2: his sword. He pointed it forward. Illuminated by torchlight.

504
00:27:27,880 --> 00:27:30,240
Speaker 5: Was shamadies, they are coming for you.

505
00:27:30,720 --> 00:27:33,800
Speaker 2: David lowered his sword and shouted, what is the meaning

506
00:27:33,880 --> 00:27:37,200
Speaker 2: of this? As the king asked the question, he heard

507
00:27:37,200 --> 00:27:39,280
Speaker 2: a pounding at the front of the palace gate and

508
00:27:39,320 --> 00:27:43,760
Speaker 2: a clamoring of men. Shama grunted in frustration and looked

509
00:27:43,760 --> 00:27:44,399
Speaker 2: out the window.

510
00:27:45,040 --> 00:27:46,760
Speaker 5: We're here, David, we must go.

511
00:27:47,359 --> 00:27:48,159
Speaker 4: Who is here?

512
00:27:48,400 --> 00:27:52,320
Speaker 2: King David was flustered and frustrated. Shama grabbed him by

513
00:27:52,359 --> 00:27:53,160
Speaker 2: the shoulders and.

514
00:27:53,200 --> 00:27:55,320
Speaker 5: Yelled, it's absolute, your son.

515
00:27:56,160 --> 00:27:58,680
Speaker 6: The hearts of the people have been corrupted, David.

516
00:27:58,920 --> 00:28:02,280
Speaker 5: They are shouting his name in the streets, declaring him king.

517
00:28:02,760 --> 00:28:06,240
Speaker 2: All became clear to David in that moment. The peace

518
00:28:06,240 --> 00:28:09,680
Speaker 2: between him and Absalom was all a ruse and apt

519
00:28:09,720 --> 00:28:13,280
Speaker 2: to lull David to sleep. The king dressed himself in

520
00:28:13,359 --> 00:28:16,359
Speaker 2: Jonathan's old armor and strapped the sort of goliathe to

521
00:28:16,400 --> 00:28:16,840
Speaker 2: his back.

522
00:28:17,720 --> 00:28:20,920
Speaker 11: Charmack, listen to me, I will not make the city

523
00:28:20,960 --> 00:28:24,520
Speaker 11: a battleground for civil war. We will flee now and

524
00:28:24,560 --> 00:28:27,920
Speaker 11: live to fight another day. Now, where is Joab?

525
00:28:28,680 --> 00:28:31,320
Speaker 5: I do not know, but I do know that your

526
00:28:31,359 --> 00:28:35,040
Speaker 5: palace guards do not stand a chance against Absolom's hired mercenaries.

527
00:28:35,359 --> 00:28:37,040
Speaker 3: We must leave now.

528
00:28:37,520 --> 00:28:39,640
Speaker 2: The two of them jumped out the window and rolled

529
00:28:39,680 --> 00:28:43,360
Speaker 2: under the ground below. David grabbed his servants and said.

530
00:28:43,680 --> 00:28:45,840
Speaker 11: Gather the rest of the men and have them escort

531
00:28:45,880 --> 00:28:49,640
Speaker 11: my family to the brook Kidron. We will flee there go.

532
00:28:50,240 --> 00:28:53,760
Speaker 2: The servants did as they were told. The entire household

533
00:28:53,760 --> 00:28:56,120
Speaker 2: of David was taken out of their beds and escorted

534
00:28:56,120 --> 00:28:58,760
Speaker 2: out of the city. The concubines remained in care for

535
00:28:58,880 --> 00:29:02,800
Speaker 2: the house. David and Shama mounted their horses to escape,

536
00:29:03,080 --> 00:29:06,760
Speaker 2: but the mercenaries had already broken through the gates. David

537
00:29:06,840 --> 00:29:09,480
Speaker 2: unsheathed his sword and rode towards them with filed in

538
00:29:09,560 --> 00:29:13,360
Speaker 2: his belly. However, he was cut off by Abishai and Benaiah,

539
00:29:14,160 --> 00:29:17,720
Speaker 2: the two mighty men rode ferociously into the fray of mercenaries,

540
00:29:18,040 --> 00:29:20,920
Speaker 2: slashing at them and clearing away for David to escape.

541
00:29:21,680 --> 00:29:24,480
Speaker 2: The king smiled. He knew he could always count on

542
00:29:24,560 --> 00:29:28,360
Speaker 2: his mighty men. He and Shama broke through, knocking a

543
00:29:28,360 --> 00:29:31,800
Speaker 2: few mercenaries down in the process. Abishai and Benia were

544
00:29:31,840 --> 00:29:36,360
Speaker 2: close behind, covering their tail. Arrows whistled past them, just

545
00:29:36,520 --> 00:29:40,240
Speaker 2: like old times, Abishi jested. The men laughed and escaped

546
00:29:40,240 --> 00:29:43,760
Speaker 2: to the borders of the city. The men arrived at

547
00:29:43,800 --> 00:29:47,800
Speaker 2: the brook Kidron. There, David greeted his family and hugged them.

548
00:29:48,280 --> 00:29:50,960
Speaker 2: He held young Solomon closely and kissed him on the head.

549
00:29:51,440 --> 00:29:55,560
Speaker 2: Do not be afraid, my children, The Lord shall protect us.

550
00:29:56,120 --> 00:29:59,200
Speaker 2: As David comforted his family, there was a stirring coming

551
00:29:59,200 --> 00:30:02,000
Speaker 2: from the trees. All the servants of the king came

552
00:30:02,040 --> 00:30:05,880
Speaker 2: to him. Refugees and citizens of fallen nations that had

553
00:30:05,880 --> 00:30:10,280
Speaker 2: been servants of the king followed after him. The Cherathites,

554
00:30:10,400 --> 00:30:14,040
Speaker 2: the Pealethites, and the Gitdthites gathered near the brook. Hundreds

555
00:30:14,040 --> 00:30:16,640
Speaker 2: of people were there to follow the king into the wilderness.

556
00:30:17,240 --> 00:30:21,600
Speaker 2: David was overwhelmed. He shook his head, Oh why are

557
00:30:21,600 --> 00:30:22,040
Speaker 2: you here?

558
00:30:22,880 --> 00:30:26,880
Speaker 8: Go back and serve absolutely. You are a foreigner and

559
00:30:26,960 --> 00:30:30,760
Speaker 8: an exile from your homeland. Why upprooch yourself again and

560
00:30:30,880 --> 00:30:35,120
Speaker 8: join me in exile. Return, May the Lord show his

561
00:30:35,240 --> 00:30:36,600
Speaker 8: steadfast love to me.

562
00:30:37,200 --> 00:30:40,400
Speaker 2: Ittai, who was their chief, answered the king, saying.

563
00:30:40,640 --> 00:30:45,000
Speaker 3: As the Lord lives, and as you live, wherever you go,

564
00:30:45,720 --> 00:30:49,360
Speaker 3: we will follow to the death or to life.

565
00:30:49,880 --> 00:30:53,440
Speaker 4: We are forever your servants. We are here as well.

566
00:30:54,040 --> 00:30:58,360
Speaker 2: A voice called from behind David. It was Abiathar, the

567
00:30:58,520 --> 00:31:00,640
Speaker 2: very same priest who helped him when he was in

568
00:31:00,680 --> 00:31:04,840
Speaker 2: the wilderness. Behind him was Zaduk and the Levites. What

569
00:31:05,000 --> 00:31:09,200
Speaker 2: came after them overwhelmed David beyond all comprehension. Zaduk and

570
00:31:09,240 --> 00:31:12,520
Speaker 2: the Levites bore on their shoulders the ark of the Covenant.

571
00:31:13,160 --> 00:31:16,160
Speaker 2: Abiathar embraced David and held his face.

572
00:31:16,720 --> 00:31:20,560
Speaker 4: You are the Lord's King, David. We shall escort you

573
00:31:20,600 --> 00:31:21,160
Speaker 4: as you leave.

574
00:31:21,960 --> 00:31:25,440
Speaker 2: David looked at the brook Kidron. Its crystal clear water

575
00:31:25,520 --> 00:31:28,840
Speaker 2: reflected David's sorrow back at him. He was not the

576
00:31:28,880 --> 00:31:32,160
Speaker 2: type of man to run, but now he had no choice.

577
00:31:32,960 --> 00:31:35,240
Speaker 2: With tears in his eyes and fear in his heart,

578
00:31:35,800 --> 00:31:38,640
Speaker 2: King David stepped over the brook to run from his enemies.

579
00:31:39,880 --> 00:31:43,680
Speaker 2: He his family, his servants, and the priests fled into

580
00:31:43,720 --> 00:31:47,120
Speaker 2: the forest towards the Mount of Olives. As they approached

581
00:31:47,120 --> 00:31:49,680
Speaker 2: the bottom of the mount, David looked back at the

582
00:31:49,720 --> 00:31:53,720
Speaker 2: levites carrying the ark. He kept his distance and beheld it.

583
00:31:54,560 --> 00:31:57,800
Speaker 2: His heart was filled with intense sorrow and intense reverence.

584
00:31:58,520 --> 00:32:00,560
Speaker 2: He held back tears and tight in his grip.

585
00:32:01,320 --> 00:32:04,200
Speaker 8: He looked to Zaduk and said, carry the ark back

586
00:32:04,400 --> 00:32:08,440
Speaker 8: into the city. If I find favor in the eyes

587
00:32:08,480 --> 00:32:11,800
Speaker 8: of the Lord, he will bring me back and let

588
00:32:11,840 --> 00:32:15,800
Speaker 8: me see the temple. Then if the Lord is displeased

589
00:32:15,840 --> 00:32:18,520
Speaker 8: with me, then well.

590
00:32:19,440 --> 00:32:22,960
Speaker 2: Here I am. David stretched out his arms and chuckled.

591
00:32:23,600 --> 00:32:28,400
Speaker 8: Turn back, Zaduk. The ark needs to be among the people.

592
00:32:29,480 --> 00:32:32,600
Speaker 8: Go back with your sons and send word to me

593
00:32:32,760 --> 00:32:37,080
Speaker 8: of what happens. We will return, David abay Athar, and

594
00:32:37,120 --> 00:32:39,520
Speaker 8: I will send our sons to give you reports.

595
00:32:39,960 --> 00:32:42,920
Speaker 2: Rest assured, we will keep the Ark of God safe

596
00:32:43,000 --> 00:32:46,600
Speaker 2: until you return. David embraced them and sent them away.

597
00:32:47,320 --> 00:32:50,720
Speaker 2: He then looked forward. The Mount of Olives was before him.

598
00:32:51,240 --> 00:32:54,960
Speaker 2: The moon's light rested elegantly over the olive trees, shimmering

599
00:32:55,000 --> 00:32:58,400
Speaker 2: down on an opening at the top. Everyone behind him

600
00:32:58,480 --> 00:33:01,920
Speaker 2: was weeping with their heads covered. They suffered the cold

601
00:33:02,120 --> 00:33:05,640
Speaker 2: and followed David up the hill. David took off his

602
00:33:05,720 --> 00:33:09,360
Speaker 2: sandals and covered his head in penance to God. He

603
00:33:09,440 --> 00:33:11,600
Speaker 2: knew that this was part of the cursed Nathan spoke

604
00:33:11,640 --> 00:33:16,800
Speaker 2: of bloodshed had plagued his household. Before they reached the summit,

605
00:33:17,040 --> 00:33:20,600
Speaker 2: a figure came running towards him. David drew out his

606
00:33:20,680 --> 00:33:24,560
Speaker 2: sword and had his family get behind him. However, David

607
00:33:24,840 --> 00:33:27,960
Speaker 2: was pleased to see the face of Husheye, David's friend

608
00:33:28,000 --> 00:33:30,640
Speaker 2: and a member of his council. He was a tall

609
00:33:30,680 --> 00:33:33,520
Speaker 2: and gangly man with a short beard. He was clumsy

610
00:33:33,560 --> 00:33:37,200
Speaker 2: and quirky, but filled with hidden and unappreciated wisdom. While

611
00:33:37,200 --> 00:33:40,640
Speaker 2: others mocked Husheye, David saw him a special and worthy

612
00:33:40,640 --> 00:33:43,200
Speaker 2: of listening to. He had run for his life from

613
00:33:43,200 --> 00:33:46,000
Speaker 2: the city. His clothes were torn and his face was

614
00:33:46,080 --> 00:33:46,840
Speaker 2: covered in dirt.

615
00:33:47,160 --> 00:33:49,680
Speaker 4: My King, Thank the Lord, you are alive.

616
00:33:50,520 --> 00:33:53,000
Speaker 3: I thought Absalom would have killed you by now.

617
00:33:53,360 --> 00:33:56,480
Speaker 8: What are you doing here? David asked, why are you

618
00:33:56,520 --> 00:33:57,800
Speaker 8: not back in Jerusalem?

619
00:33:58,200 --> 00:34:01,959
Speaker 9: Because I am low to you, my king, to the

620
00:34:02,080 --> 00:34:02,600
Speaker 9: very end.

621
00:34:03,000 --> 00:34:06,080
Speaker 2: Hushai seemed offended at the question. Of course, he would

622
00:34:06,120 --> 00:34:08,920
Speaker 2: run to David's aid. He was one of David's counselors,

623
00:34:09,000 --> 00:34:13,520
Speaker 2: alongside a Hithafel. David smiled and hugged his friend.

624
00:34:13,600 --> 00:34:17,440
Speaker 8: Yes, you are a loyal friend, Hushai, but if you

625
00:34:17,560 --> 00:34:22,600
Speaker 8: follow me up this mountain, you are just another mouth defeed. However,

626
00:34:23,480 --> 00:34:26,359
Speaker 8: if you go back into the city and offer your

627
00:34:26,400 --> 00:34:31,520
Speaker 8: services to Absalom, you can frustrate a Hithephel and inform

628
00:34:31,600 --> 00:34:35,160
Speaker 8: me about Absolom's plans. Hashai nodded in agreement.

629
00:34:35,600 --> 00:34:39,320
Speaker 4: Yes, Mike, King, how should I contact.

630
00:34:38,840 --> 00:34:42,000
Speaker 8: You The sons of Abbi Athar and Zadok. The priests

631
00:34:42,200 --> 00:34:46,600
Speaker 8: will be bringing me information. Whatever you learn from Absalom,

632
00:34:46,840 --> 00:34:47,640
Speaker 8: bring back to me.

633
00:34:48,280 --> 00:34:52,800
Speaker 2: David said, Now go bring yourself up and go before

634
00:34:52,840 --> 00:34:56,239
Speaker 2: my son. So Hashai fled back into the city. He

635
00:34:56,360 --> 00:34:59,400
Speaker 2: entered through the gates unnoticed. The city streets were in

636
00:34:59,440 --> 00:35:03,319
Speaker 2: an uproar. Half the people were praising God for Absalom's

637
00:35:03,360 --> 00:35:06,279
Speaker 2: new reign. The other half were upset and confused about

638
00:35:06,320 --> 00:35:09,920
Speaker 2: King David. Hashai slipped back into his home and cleaned

639
00:35:09,960 --> 00:35:13,560
Speaker 2: himself up. Absalom would be taking the throne soon, and

640
00:35:13,640 --> 00:35:16,759
Speaker 2: Hashi needed to be there when it happened. As shy

641
00:35:16,840 --> 00:35:19,640
Speaker 2: looked at himself in the mirror. His gaze was intense.

642
00:35:20,360 --> 00:35:23,000
Speaker 2: He was determined to help his king restore peace to

643
00:35:23,040 --> 00:35:27,200
Speaker 2: the nation. God's spirit was upon him, and he exited

644
00:35:27,200 --> 00:35:32,120
Speaker 2: his home to go greet Absalom. They reached the summit

645
00:35:32,440 --> 00:35:35,840
Speaker 2: and David felt the cool breeze guiding him forward. He

646
00:35:35,920 --> 00:35:39,880
Speaker 2: felt the prompting of God, beckoning him to pray, so

647
00:35:40,080 --> 00:35:44,440
Speaker 2: David proceeded without his family into the trees. David's shivering

648
00:35:44,480 --> 00:35:47,560
Speaker 2: body walked to the opening between the trees. He looked

649
00:35:47,640 --> 00:35:49,840
Speaker 2: up to see the moon peeking out from the clouds.

650
00:35:50,480 --> 00:35:53,880
Speaker 2: His jaw quivered. It was cold and the air was unforgiving.

651
00:35:54,800 --> 00:35:58,200
Speaker 2: He closed his eyes and fell to the ground. David's

652
00:35:58,239 --> 00:36:01,520
Speaker 2: face was on the floor. He clenched fistfuls of dirt

653
00:36:01,520 --> 00:36:04,840
Speaker 2: and grass as he prayed vigorously to the Lord. Tears

654
00:36:04,840 --> 00:36:08,239
Speaker 2: streamed down his wincing face. He lifted up his head

655
00:36:08,280 --> 00:36:11,080
Speaker 2: to the skies and sang to God. It was all

656
00:36:11,120 --> 00:36:14,160
Speaker 2: he knew how to do. His worship was a fragrance

657
00:36:14,200 --> 00:36:16,360
Speaker 2: to God, a sweet smelling incense.

658
00:36:17,960 --> 00:36:22,400
Speaker 12: Lord, my foes are many. They are rising against me.

659
00:36:23,120 --> 00:36:27,000
Speaker 12: They say to my soul, there's no salvation for him

660
00:36:27,520 --> 00:36:32,000
Speaker 12: in God. But you, o Lord, are a shield about me.

661
00:36:32,800 --> 00:36:36,480
Speaker 12: You are the lifter of my head and my glory.

662
00:36:37,680 --> 00:36:41,560
Speaker 12: I cried aloud to you, and you answered me from

663
00:36:41,760 --> 00:36:43,000
Speaker 12: your holy hill.

664
00:36:44,000 --> 00:36:47,360
Speaker 2: David paused his singing and stood up, stretching his arms

665
00:36:47,400 --> 00:36:49,840
Speaker 2: out to the Lord. He raised his fists in the

666
00:36:49,880 --> 00:36:52,759
Speaker 2: air and sang with more fire and intensity than he

667
00:36:52,840 --> 00:36:53,920
Speaker 2: had ever before.

668
00:36:55,239 --> 00:36:59,120
Speaker 12: I will not be afraid of the thousands that pursue me.

669
00:37:00,160 --> 00:37:05,480
Speaker 13: Arise, O Lord, save me, Save me, Oh my God,

670
00:37:06,200 --> 00:37:10,239
Speaker 13: for you strike all my enemies on the cheek. You

671
00:37:10,560 --> 00:37:16,080
Speaker 13: break the teeth of the wicked. Arise, O Lord, Arise,

672
00:37:16,960 --> 00:37:21,880
Speaker 13: save me, Oh my God. Salvation belongs to the Lord.

673
00:37:22,560 --> 00:37:23,600
Speaker 8: Arise.

674
00:37:28,440 --> 00:37:32,040
Speaker 1: It looks like our king has finally returned. This episode

675
00:37:32,200 --> 00:37:35,920
Speaker 1: had us expecting the worst. Absolom is a formidable opponent

676
00:37:36,120 --> 00:37:40,120
Speaker 1: and perhaps more dangerous than any of the Philistines. Absalom

677
00:37:40,320 --> 00:37:44,759
Speaker 1: is a more sophisticated villain than someone like Goliath. The

678
00:37:44,840 --> 00:37:47,840
Speaker 1: giant was a threat for obvious reasons. The danger he

679
00:37:47,960 --> 00:37:51,080
Speaker 1: presented was clearly seen, and there was nothing hidden or

680
00:37:51,160 --> 00:37:54,800
Speaker 1: ambiguous about him. David knew what he was up against

681
00:37:54,840 --> 00:37:58,680
Speaker 1: when he faced Goliath. Absalom, however, is a much more

682
00:37:58,760 --> 00:38:03,640
Speaker 1: sinister and secretive villain. He is charismatic, shrewd, and conniving.

683
00:38:04,280 --> 00:38:07,680
Speaker 1: His greatest strength is his knowledge of David being his son.

684
00:38:08,239 --> 00:38:12,520
Speaker 1: Absalom knows all of David's strengths and weaknesses. For this reason,

685
00:38:12,880 --> 00:38:15,520
Speaker 1: he knows that he can't simply fight his father. He

686
00:38:15,560 --> 00:38:19,880
Speaker 1: would surely lose. Absolom needed to leverage his father's weaknesses

687
00:38:19,880 --> 00:38:23,840
Speaker 1: against him. First, he manipulated him with an apology. He

688
00:38:23,920 --> 00:38:26,960
Speaker 1: knew his father's tender heart could not help but forgive him.

689
00:38:27,200 --> 00:38:30,680
Speaker 1: If Absalom gave an emotional show, he knew David would

690
00:38:30,680 --> 00:38:35,120
Speaker 1: fall for it, hook line and sinker. Second, Absloum knew

691
00:38:35,160 --> 00:38:39,560
Speaker 1: he needed to corrupt David's reputation. His father's good reputation

692
00:38:39,760 --> 00:38:42,160
Speaker 1: was his greatest strength. Even if he was able to

693
00:38:42,160 --> 00:38:45,319
Speaker 1: defeat David in battle, nobody would accept him as king.

694
00:38:45,880 --> 00:38:49,800
Speaker 1: He needed to ruin his father's name, then march against him.

695
00:38:50,160 --> 00:38:53,400
Speaker 1: Absalom brilliantly says, the first battle is for the hearts

696
00:38:53,440 --> 00:38:58,399
Speaker 1: of the people. Familiar imagery made its way into this episode.

697
00:38:58,480 --> 00:39:01,720
Speaker 1: There was a scene where was scheming against his father

698
00:39:01,800 --> 00:39:05,080
Speaker 1: by a fire. Absolom poked the fire with the rod,

699
00:39:05,520 --> 00:39:09,560
Speaker 1: crushing the coals and watching them break apart. This is

700
00:39:09,640 --> 00:39:15,520
Speaker 1: foreboding imagery. Saul neglected the coals, David tended to the coals,

701
00:39:15,960 --> 00:39:19,400
Speaker 1: but Absolom crushed the coals. He is a new type

702
00:39:19,400 --> 00:39:23,480
Speaker 1: of character and harder to predict. He isn't just evil

703
00:39:23,640 --> 00:39:29,120
Speaker 1: or troubled. He's chaotic, unhinged, brilliant, and self interested. We've

704
00:39:29,160 --> 00:39:33,800
Speaker 1: often admired how David isn't simple, but nuanced, layered, and unpredictable.

705
00:39:34,320 --> 00:39:39,400
Speaker 1: Those qualities that make David interesting make Absolom dangerous. His

706
00:39:39,520 --> 00:39:44,239
Speaker 1: motivations are deep, his resources are vast, and his intelligence

707
00:39:44,360 --> 00:39:47,760
Speaker 1: is unparalleled. He even has the wit to hide behind

708
00:39:47,800 --> 00:39:50,760
Speaker 1: religion so nobody would suspect him to be a villain.

709
00:39:51,239 --> 00:39:53,919
Speaker 1: He made a sacrifice to God to throw people off

710
00:39:53,920 --> 00:39:57,600
Speaker 1: the scent. Many evil people do this in church today.

711
00:39:58,120 --> 00:40:01,600
Speaker 1: They hide their greedy, power hum hungry, and worthless motives

712
00:40:01,880 --> 00:40:06,720
Speaker 1: under the guise of religion and righteousness. Beware of opportunistic

713
00:40:06,920 --> 00:40:11,600
Speaker 1: and self interested leaders. When the chaos ensues and David

714
00:40:11,680 --> 00:40:14,799
Speaker 1: is forced to run, we are pleased that David is

715
00:40:14,880 --> 00:40:18,200
Speaker 1: strapping Jonathan's armor to his chest and the sword of

716
00:40:18,280 --> 00:40:21,600
Speaker 1: Goliath to his back. We have been longing to see

717
00:40:21,600 --> 00:40:24,960
Speaker 1: our hero again, and this might be the circumstances to

718
00:40:25,000 --> 00:40:28,000
Speaker 1: bring him back. We're also pleased to see his mighty

719
00:40:28,040 --> 00:40:31,439
Speaker 1: men coming to the rescue. Where David had been weak

720
00:40:31,520 --> 00:40:35,680
Speaker 1: and vulnerable, they have been strong and dependable. David escapes

721
00:40:35,719 --> 00:40:38,200
Speaker 1: with his family and is greeted by the tribes of

722
00:40:38,320 --> 00:40:42,560
Speaker 1: outcasts he rescued and the priest, His family, his mighty men,

723
00:40:42,680 --> 00:40:45,480
Speaker 1: his priest, and his friends are all beside him. They

724
00:40:45,520 --> 00:40:50,200
Speaker 1: hold him up, declare their loyalty, and vow to protect him. David,

725
00:40:50,239 --> 00:40:53,680
Speaker 1: you strength from his allies. This is why we make alliances,

726
00:40:54,120 --> 00:40:57,520
Speaker 1: show kindness to the outcast, and devote ourselves to the people.

727
00:40:57,960 --> 00:41:01,799
Speaker 1: When we fall, they can help lift us up. As

728
00:41:01,920 --> 00:41:06,279
Speaker 1: David flees, he passes the Brook Kidron, and immediately we

729
00:41:06,320 --> 00:41:09,759
Speaker 1: are supposed to be taken back to the prelude. It

730
00:41:09,880 --> 00:41:12,160
Speaker 1: was at this time. It was at this same place

731
00:41:12,600 --> 00:41:16,520
Speaker 1: Jesus was pursued by his enemies. A legion of soldiers

732
00:41:16,560 --> 00:41:20,920
Speaker 1: marched to take him captive. Jesus stood over the Brook Kidron,

733
00:41:21,520 --> 00:41:25,080
Speaker 1: just as David did. Hundreds of years prior. Jesus saw

734
00:41:25,120 --> 00:41:28,319
Speaker 1: his enemies just as David did, but Jesus did not

735
00:41:28,480 --> 00:41:31,520
Speaker 1: cross the brook to run from his enemies. He crossed

736
00:41:31,560 --> 00:41:35,640
Speaker 1: the brook to face them. With a large step, Jesus

737
00:41:35,680 --> 00:41:39,200
Speaker 1: crossed the brook cadron and went toward his enemies. The

738
00:41:39,200 --> 00:41:41,680
Speaker 1: Son of God would not run from death, he would

739
00:41:41,719 --> 00:41:44,759
Speaker 1: face it with power. The King of Israel stood at

740
00:41:44,760 --> 00:41:48,080
Speaker 1: the brook beside the ark of the Covenant, the manifest

741
00:41:48,120 --> 00:41:51,520
Speaker 1: presence of God to run from his enemies, and hundreds

742
00:41:51,520 --> 00:41:55,480
Speaker 1: of years later, the manifest presence of God, Jesus and

743
00:41:55,520 --> 00:41:58,840
Speaker 1: the promised descendant of King David, stood by the brook

744
00:41:58,880 --> 00:42:01,920
Speaker 1: to run toward his enemy. If you haven't heard me before,

745
00:42:02,000 --> 00:42:06,320
Speaker 1: hear me now. Jesus is the greater David. The episode

746
00:42:06,440 --> 00:42:09,400
Speaker 1: ends with David in the presence of God. He kneels

747
00:42:09,400 --> 00:42:12,440
Speaker 1: in the dirt atop the Mount of Olives, just as

748
00:42:12,520 --> 00:42:16,120
Speaker 1: Jesus did, and seeks the Lord. He sings Psalm three

749
00:42:16,200 --> 00:42:19,040
Speaker 1: to God, begging him to rescue and fight for him.

750
00:42:19,400 --> 00:42:22,279
Speaker 1: The passion is mounting at the end of the episode,

751
00:42:22,560 --> 00:42:25,520
Speaker 1: and the warrior king shouts to the heavens for his

752
00:42:25,640 --> 00:42:29,800
Speaker 1: God to move. It's an emotional and compelling song sung

753
00:42:30,000 --> 00:42:34,240
Speaker 1: from the core of David's heart. He shouts a final arise,

754
00:42:34,760 --> 00:42:36,880
Speaker 1: and we all know for certain that the King of

755
00:42:37,000 --> 00:42:40,200
Speaker 1: Israel Is coming back. If Absalom had paid attention to

756
00:42:40,280 --> 00:42:43,120
Speaker 1: David's life as closely as we have, he would have

757
00:42:43,120 --> 00:42:46,759
Speaker 1: been very afraid. Exile is what turned David into a king.

758
00:42:47,440 --> 00:42:51,399
Speaker 1: Witness God move for his chosen hero in our next episode,

759
00:42:51,640 --> 00:42:55,160
Speaker 1: Hanging on a Tree. Thanks again for listening. For more

760
00:42:55,160 --> 00:42:58,880
Speaker 1: inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom to last a lifetime,

761
00:42:59,320 --> 00:43:02,560
Speaker 1: go to pray to and to expand your heroes in

762
00:43:02,600 --> 00:43:06,160
Speaker 1: the Bible Journey. Download the Heroes of the Faith devotional

763
00:43:06,440 --> 00:43:11,560
Speaker 1: at Tonyevans dot org. Forward Slash Heroes. Share this podcast

764
00:43:11,600 --> 00:43:14,480
Speaker 1: with a family member or friend and help us spread

765
00:43:14,560 --> 00:43:16,360
Speaker 1: God's word. God bless