1 00:00:00,360 --> 00:00:04,280 Speaker 1: Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by 2 00:00:04,320 --> 00:00:07,520 Speaker 1: the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove 3 00:00:07,880 --> 00:00:11,600 Speaker 1: what is the good, well pleasing, and perfect will of 4 00:00:11,640 --> 00:00:18,599 Speaker 1: God Romans twelve two. Father to day, I am hungry 5 00:00:18,640 --> 00:00:22,079 Speaker 1: for more of you. I come to you with a 6 00:00:22,160 --> 00:00:26,840 Speaker 1: real desire to learn and grow. I come to you 7 00:00:26,960 --> 00:00:30,240 Speaker 1: with a teachable spirit, eager to be filled with your 8 00:00:30,320 --> 00:00:35,240 Speaker 1: wisdom your power. I will not step into this new 9 00:00:35,280 --> 00:00:40,440 Speaker 1: season of my life clinging to the old ways. I 10 00:00:40,520 --> 00:00:44,839 Speaker 1: declare that I am being transformed by the renewing of 11 00:00:44,920 --> 00:00:48,760 Speaker 1: my mind. As I look to you, I am becoming 12 00:00:48,800 --> 00:00:52,840 Speaker 1: increasingly aware of your infinite ability to bring new life, 13 00:00:53,280 --> 00:00:56,800 Speaker 1: new growth from what seems to be dead or dying. 14 00:00:58,720 --> 00:01:02,720 Speaker 1: I am excited the unlimited potential that will be realized. 15 00:01:04,240 --> 00:01:06,360 Speaker 1: I can't wait to see the renewal that will take 16 00:01:06,400 --> 00:01:11,400 Speaker 1: place in each of my life's assignments. I will walk 17 00:01:11,600 --> 00:01:16,560 Speaker 1: in your good and perfect will for me. I choose 18 00:01:16,600 --> 00:01:21,920 Speaker 1: to ignore any discouraging words from within or without that 19 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:25,560 Speaker 1: would seek to distract me and derail me from my destiny. 20 00:01:27,400 --> 00:01:30,319 Speaker 1: Conforming the low thinking will no longer be a part 21 00:01:30,360 --> 00:01:34,840 Speaker 1: of my life because I am being transformed. As I 22 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:40,280 Speaker 1: answer your highest calling. I confess that I'm no longer 23 00:01:40,280 --> 00:01:44,800 Speaker 1: the same. I've been forever changed. I'm a new creation 24 00:01:45,120 --> 00:01:50,280 Speaker 1: in Christ Jesus. I live for His kingdom and his 25 00:01:50,600 --> 00:01:59,960 Speaker 1: glory in Jesus name. Amen, stay tuned to immerse yourself 26 00:02:00,080 --> 00:02:04,080 Speaker 1: and the greatest stories ever told from prey dot COM's podcast, 27 00:02:04,520 --> 00:02:05,760 Speaker 1: Heroes in the Bible. 28 00:02:07,560 --> 00:02:10,160 Speaker 2: Hello. My name is Matthew Potter, co founder of Prey 29 00:02:10,160 --> 00:02:12,960 Speaker 2: dot com, and before we start today's episode of Heroes 30 00:02:12,960 --> 00:02:15,760 Speaker 2: in the Bible, I wanted to ask do you know 31 00:02:15,800 --> 00:02:19,520 Speaker 2: what your bank does with your money? At America's Christian 32 00:02:19,520 --> 00:02:23,320 Speaker 2: Credit Union, your everyday banking helps grow churches, expand the 33 00:02:23,360 --> 00:02:27,400 Speaker 2: reach of missions agencies, and supports fellow believers across the country. 34 00:02:28,120 --> 00:02:31,760 Speaker 2: Learn more about specials for switching to ACCU and their 35 00:02:31,880 --> 00:02:39,240 Speaker 2: nationwide banking capabilities at America's christiancu dot Com forward slash 36 00:02:39,320 --> 00:02:42,280 Speaker 2: Prey plus the peace of mind knowing that this credit 37 00:02:42,400 --> 00:02:46,639 Speaker 2: Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. 38 00:02:48,160 --> 00:02:50,880 Speaker 3: Hi, I'm back to Tony Evans, your host for Heroes 39 00:02:50,919 --> 00:02:54,040 Speaker 3: in the Bible. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, 40 00:02:54,240 --> 00:02:57,000 Speaker 3: please share it with your family and friends and help 41 00:02:57,080 --> 00:03:01,359 Speaker 3: us spread God's word. Welcome to the epic adventure of David, 42 00:03:01,639 --> 00:03:07,800 Speaker 3: a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal, 43 00:03:07,919 --> 00:03:10,799 Speaker 3: and murder. While most people know of David the myth, 44 00:03:10,880 --> 00:03:14,800 Speaker 3: few know about David the man. This is our final episode. 45 00:03:14,919 --> 00:03:16,840 Speaker 3: It has been a joy to go on this journey 46 00:03:16,880 --> 00:03:20,120 Speaker 3: with you. David's story is rich with deep truths about 47 00:03:20,120 --> 00:03:23,760 Speaker 3: the faithfulness of God, the fragility of man, and the 48 00:03:23,800 --> 00:03:27,200 Speaker 3: heart of a true hero. This episode is the final 49 00:03:27,280 --> 00:03:30,480 Speaker 3: seal on the scroll of David's life, conveying his last 50 00:03:30,480 --> 00:03:33,200 Speaker 3: words and wishes for the kingdom he gave his life 51 00:03:33,200 --> 00:03:37,280 Speaker 3: to protect. In this episode, David chooses his heir to 52 00:03:37,320 --> 00:03:39,720 Speaker 3: the throne, and we are given hope that he will 53 00:03:39,760 --> 00:03:43,160 Speaker 3: be a good steward of God's people. As the flickering 54 00:03:43,240 --> 00:03:46,560 Speaker 3: flame of David's life phase, we are left with one 55 00:03:46,640 --> 00:03:50,600 Speaker 3: resounding theme that prevails throughout scripture. David is not the 56 00:03:50,640 --> 00:03:54,560 Speaker 3: greatest hero of the Bible. However, as we listen to 57 00:03:54,600 --> 00:03:58,440 Speaker 3: his final poetic musings and contemplate his legacy, we can't 58 00:03:58,480 --> 00:04:01,120 Speaker 3: help but smile and conceive that while he may not 59 00:04:01,200 --> 00:04:04,400 Speaker 3: be the Bible's greatest hero, he certainly came the closest 60 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:07,160 Speaker 3: David's heir will have a lot to live up to, 61 00:04:07,640 --> 00:04:09,760 Speaker 3: and we are certain that he will have faith at 62 00:04:09,800 --> 00:04:13,080 Speaker 3: times and fall at times like his father. Isn't that 63 00:04:13,120 --> 00:04:15,680 Speaker 3: one of the greater themes of our story so far? 64 00:04:16,240 --> 00:04:21,159 Speaker 3: Faithfulness requires that we fail. God has called you and 65 00:04:21,320 --> 00:04:24,520 Speaker 3: I to a grand adventure, and it would be silly 66 00:04:24,560 --> 00:04:27,120 Speaker 3: to think that we can take risks without stumbling. Every 67 00:04:27,160 --> 00:04:30,920 Speaker 3: once in a while, David stumbled and God propped him 68 00:04:30,960 --> 00:04:34,159 Speaker 3: back up. David's story reminds us that we can be brave, 69 00:04:34,320 --> 00:04:37,080 Speaker 3: but when we aren't, God will be brave for us. 70 00:04:37,440 --> 00:04:39,920 Speaker 3: We can be wise, but when we aren't, God will 71 00:04:39,960 --> 00:04:42,480 Speaker 3: be wise for us. We can be righteous, but when 72 00:04:42,520 --> 00:04:46,159 Speaker 3: we aren't, God will be righteous on our behalf. God 73 00:04:46,240 --> 00:04:49,520 Speaker 3: bless the story of David. Let's finish up this glorious 74 00:04:49,600 --> 00:04:53,000 Speaker 3: series with episode thirty, The Death of a Hero. 75 00:04:58,960 --> 00:05:03,919 Speaker 4: Prelude to Chat thirty. Samuel picked up his staff and 76 00:05:04,040 --> 00:05:07,279 Speaker 4: wandered past the stables and up the grassy hill. The 77 00:05:07,320 --> 00:05:10,599 Speaker 4: wild flowers were in full bloom, arranged the grassy hills 78 00:05:10,640 --> 00:05:14,039 Speaker 4: in splendor. Soft music could be heard from a distance. 79 00:05:14,960 --> 00:05:17,520 Speaker 4: Samuel smiled as he looked at the flowers, swaying back 80 00:05:17,560 --> 00:05:20,000 Speaker 4: and forth, in the breeze. It was as if they 81 00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:23,160 Speaker 4: were dancing to the music. Samuel made his way up 82 00:05:23,160 --> 00:05:26,359 Speaker 4: the hill. Sheep were grazing lazily in the mild sun. 83 00:05:27,040 --> 00:05:30,440 Speaker 4: The music seemed to soothe them. Samuel looked around for 84 00:05:30,480 --> 00:05:33,520 Speaker 4: the source of the melodies. Underneath the cypress tree in 85 00:05:33,520 --> 00:05:37,400 Speaker 4: the shade was the shepherd boy Jesse spoke of. He 86 00:05:37,480 --> 00:05:40,120 Speaker 4: leaned his back against the trunk of the tree, strumming 87 00:05:40,200 --> 00:05:43,599 Speaker 4: his harp to the same tempo of the wind. Samuel 88 00:05:43,640 --> 00:05:46,680 Speaker 4: approached the tree, trying not to interrupt the boy's playing. 89 00:05:47,760 --> 00:05:49,880 Speaker 4: He sat on a stone only a few yards away 90 00:05:49,920 --> 00:05:53,200 Speaker 4: from where the boy lounged. The old prophet leaned back 91 00:05:53,200 --> 00:05:56,359 Speaker 4: and observed him. He could not have been any older 92 00:05:56,400 --> 00:05:59,799 Speaker 4: than sixteen. His long hair was lighter than his brother's. 93 00:06:00,440 --> 00:06:04,200 Speaker 4: He was not as looming as his oldest brother Eliab. However, 94 00:06:04,480 --> 00:06:07,919 Speaker 4: he was very handsome and ruddy in appearance. Samuel was 95 00:06:07,960 --> 00:06:10,120 Speaker 4: content to be silent for a while and listened to 96 00:06:10,160 --> 00:06:13,240 Speaker 4: the music. The song was a bomb to his weary 97 00:06:13,279 --> 00:06:17,360 Speaker 4: and downcast sole. The boy's music was emotional and somber, 98 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:22,200 Speaker 4: yet filled with an unwavering joy. Clearly, it was a 99 00:06:22,240 --> 00:06:25,600 Speaker 4: song written from the heart As the song gently came 100 00:06:25,640 --> 00:06:28,719 Speaker 4: to a close, Samuel leaned over as he sat and 101 00:06:28,839 --> 00:06:32,960 Speaker 4: cleared his throat. The boy jumped back and grabbed his staff. 102 00:06:33,480 --> 00:06:37,960 Speaker 4: Who are you, the young shepherd said quickly. Samuel laughed 103 00:06:37,960 --> 00:06:39,000 Speaker 4: and waved his hands. 104 00:06:39,120 --> 00:06:42,280 Speaker 5: Ha ha ha. I'm sorry if I startled you, my son, 105 00:06:42,960 --> 00:06:44,200 Speaker 5: Please do not be alarmed. 106 00:06:44,240 --> 00:06:46,800 Speaker 4: I come in peace. The boy lowered his staff and 107 00:06:46,880 --> 00:06:48,240 Speaker 4: looked at the man up and down. 108 00:06:48,560 --> 00:06:52,120 Speaker 5: You must be the prophet I heard about. I could 109 00:06:52,160 --> 00:06:55,280 Speaker 5: hear my father clamoring to my family about you from here. 110 00:06:55,800 --> 00:06:59,280 Speaker 4: The boy bowed a knee in respect. Samuel peered at 111 00:06:59,279 --> 00:07:03,200 Speaker 4: the boy for a long while before speaking again. Tell 112 00:07:03,240 --> 00:07:05,880 Speaker 4: me why were you not in attendance at the feast, 113 00:07:06,320 --> 00:07:06,880 Speaker 4: he asked. 114 00:07:08,279 --> 00:07:11,520 Speaker 5: The boy shrugged. I am only a shepherd, he replied. 115 00:07:11,920 --> 00:07:14,480 Speaker 5: I suppose my place is among my sheep. 116 00:07:14,800 --> 00:07:18,119 Speaker 4: In that moment, Samuel felt a surge of God's joy 117 00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:21,000 Speaker 4: well up from within him, as if the voice of 118 00:07:21,040 --> 00:07:24,520 Speaker 4: God was striking like lightning in his mind. He could 119 00:07:24,560 --> 00:07:28,680 Speaker 4: hear the Lord say, arise anoint. 120 00:07:28,360 --> 00:07:31,800 Speaker 6: Him with This is the one I have chosen. 121 00:07:32,520 --> 00:07:34,040 Speaker 4: Samuel stood in front of the boy. 122 00:07:34,800 --> 00:07:36,679 Speaker 3: Surely you are not only a shepherd. 123 00:07:37,480 --> 00:07:38,200 Speaker 4: What is your name? 124 00:07:38,640 --> 00:07:39,040 Speaker 6: David. 125 00:07:39,200 --> 00:07:43,360 Speaker 7: He replied, kneel before the Lord, David, for the Lord 126 00:07:43,440 --> 00:07:44,640 Speaker 7: desires to bless you. 127 00:07:45,200 --> 00:07:48,200 Speaker 4: Samuel took his horn of oil and anointed David's head, 128 00:07:49,000 --> 00:07:51,600 Speaker 4: and the spirit of God rushed upon the shepherd boy 129 00:07:51,720 --> 00:07:55,680 Speaker 4: like a mighty tempest. A surge of courageous fire burned 130 00:07:55,720 --> 00:08:00,200 Speaker 4: within David's belly. Although David hadn't the slightest clue why 131 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:03,840 Speaker 4: Samuel had anointed him, he knew that from that day forward, 132 00:08:04,200 --> 00:08:10,160 Speaker 4: the Lord had destined him for great things, Chapter thirty, 133 00:08:10,840 --> 00:08:15,720 Speaker 4: Death of a Hero. Every moment was like being lost 134 00:08:15,720 --> 00:08:18,760 Speaker 4: in the dead of winter. His bones rattled and his 135 00:08:18,880 --> 00:08:22,480 Speaker 4: limbs felt numb. Every movement of his body was an 136 00:08:22,480 --> 00:08:28,520 Speaker 4: insurmountable task. The giant Slayer, the warrior King, laid awake 137 00:08:28,520 --> 00:08:32,240 Speaker 4: in his bed, unable to care for himself. His broad 138 00:08:32,280 --> 00:08:35,280 Speaker 4: shoulders that once held up the armies of Israel were 139 00:08:35,320 --> 00:08:38,480 Speaker 4: now sunk into a pillow, never to bear any weight again, 140 00:08:39,520 --> 00:08:42,400 Speaker 4: he moaned as he rolled on to his side. Slowly, 141 00:08:42,720 --> 00:08:46,000 Speaker 4: he lifted himself up and stepped off his bed. He 142 00:08:46,040 --> 00:08:49,040 Speaker 4: could not feel the cedar floor beneath him. The man 143 00:08:49,080 --> 00:08:51,880 Speaker 4: who once ran across the wilderness to save his family 144 00:08:52,400 --> 00:08:55,080 Speaker 4: could now barely make it from his bed to his fireplace. 145 00:08:56,080 --> 00:08:58,080 Speaker 4: He struggled to get to his seat by the fire 146 00:08:58,280 --> 00:09:01,320 Speaker 4: and groaned as he sat down. He held out his 147 00:09:01,400 --> 00:09:04,200 Speaker 4: hands to warm them, but it was no use. He 148 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:07,160 Speaker 4: was perpetually cold and shivered like he was caught up 149 00:09:07,160 --> 00:09:11,040 Speaker 4: in a snow storm. He stared into the fading fire. 150 00:09:11,720 --> 00:09:14,400 Speaker 4: It had been burning for a while, but the coals 151 00:09:14,440 --> 00:09:17,400 Speaker 4: broke off from one another, causing the flame to dissipate. 152 00:09:18,559 --> 00:09:21,160 Speaker 4: David took an iron rod and moved them closer together. 153 00:09:21,840 --> 00:09:24,520 Speaker 4: The small flame was stoked, and the fire began to 154 00:09:24,559 --> 00:09:28,520 Speaker 4: regain its height. David smiled and set down the rod 155 00:09:28,559 --> 00:09:32,320 Speaker 4: beside his chair. He drew a deep breath and coughed. 156 00:09:33,200 --> 00:09:36,559 Speaker 4: He continued to shiver beside the fire, contemplating the state 157 00:09:36,600 --> 00:09:39,480 Speaker 4: of his kingdom. The major enemies of the lord had 158 00:09:39,480 --> 00:09:43,320 Speaker 4: been vanquished, and Israel had established itself as the elder 159 00:09:43,360 --> 00:09:46,560 Speaker 4: brother of the region. Although there were more enemies on 160 00:09:46,600 --> 00:09:51,960 Speaker 4: the horizon, Israel's immediate safety was secure. The shivering king smiled, 161 00:09:52,360 --> 00:09:55,600 Speaker 4: content that his final years as king successfully brought a 162 00:09:55,640 --> 00:10:01,040 Speaker 4: decade of peace. The door knocked, Come in, David said, 163 00:10:01,040 --> 00:10:04,320 Speaker 4: in her raspy old voice. A young woman walked in. 164 00:10:04,920 --> 00:10:07,079 Speaker 4: She had dark skin that was tanned from the sun, 165 00:10:07,400 --> 00:10:09,760 Speaker 4: and her hair was pulled back behind her head covering. 166 00:10:10,360 --> 00:10:13,600 Speaker 4: She had a radiant smile, and hidden behind her eyes 167 00:10:13,840 --> 00:10:17,600 Speaker 4: was poetic wisdom. A younger David would have been intoxicated 168 00:10:17,640 --> 00:10:21,480 Speaker 4: by her. However, in his old age, David's desires for 169 00:10:21,559 --> 00:10:25,240 Speaker 4: pleasure had faded. She was his nurse and tended to 170 00:10:25,320 --> 00:10:28,120 Speaker 4: him day and night. She also slept with him in 171 00:10:28,120 --> 00:10:30,560 Speaker 4: his bed to keep him warm, but the two did 172 00:10:30,600 --> 00:10:33,679 Speaker 4: not know each other intimately. She was like a daughter 173 00:10:33,720 --> 00:10:35,960 Speaker 4: to him, and he trusted her with his health and 174 00:10:36,000 --> 00:10:43,120 Speaker 4: well being. Hello, Abishagg, David whispered, wrapping himself in his robes. 175 00:10:43,800 --> 00:10:46,840 Speaker 8: You are out of bed again, Abishag said sternly. 176 00:10:47,360 --> 00:10:50,559 Speaker 4: Her voice was gentle and soft. She could curse him 177 00:10:50,760 --> 00:10:54,360 Speaker 4: and it would still sound like a sweet blessing. David 178 00:10:54,400 --> 00:10:57,680 Speaker 4: smiled and gestured for her to sit beside him. The 179 00:10:57,760 --> 00:11:00,640 Speaker 4: king sighed and continued to look at the fire. I 180 00:11:00,800 --> 00:11:05,680 Speaker 4: fear that my final days are drawing near, he said, 181 00:11:06,400 --> 00:11:10,800 Speaker 4: as I lay in my bed. Sometimes I wish I 182 00:11:10,880 --> 00:11:16,720 Speaker 4: had died years ago in the glory of battle. 183 00:11:17,720 --> 00:11:20,280 Speaker 9: Passing at an old age in your bed is its 184 00:11:20,320 --> 00:11:24,040 Speaker 9: own glory. Abishak said, you have lived long and fought 185 00:11:24,080 --> 00:11:26,800 Speaker 9: many battles. You have earned a moment of peace. 186 00:11:27,440 --> 00:11:29,360 Speaker 4: David chuckled and began to cough again. 187 00:11:30,720 --> 00:11:35,480 Speaker 6: I have earned nothing, my dear. It is the Lord 188 00:11:35,520 --> 00:11:37,760 Speaker 6: who has given me everything. 189 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:41,480 Speaker 4: Abishak smiled and escorted David back to his bed. She 190 00:11:41,600 --> 00:11:43,960 Speaker 4: dressed him in another layer of robes and tucked him 191 00:11:44,000 --> 00:11:47,000 Speaker 4: under the blankets. She went to the fire and placed 192 00:11:47,040 --> 00:11:50,360 Speaker 4: another log in. The flame consumed it quickly, and the 193 00:11:50,440 --> 00:11:54,160 Speaker 4: room was filled with more warmth. However, the king continued 194 00:11:54,160 --> 00:11:58,280 Speaker 4: to shiver. His bones were brittle and losing life. Abishag 195 00:11:58,360 --> 00:12:01,440 Speaker 4: crawled into bed with him and kept her close. The 196 00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:06,920 Speaker 4: king sighed a breath of relief and fell asleep. Fifty 197 00:12:06,920 --> 00:12:10,560 Speaker 4: horsemen rode up the hills with brilliantly adorned armor. The 198 00:12:10,600 --> 00:12:14,280 Speaker 4: sound of galloping thoroughbreds echoed across the plains leading up 199 00:12:14,280 --> 00:12:18,319 Speaker 4: to joe AB's estate. Behind them was Prince Adenija, David's 200 00:12:18,320 --> 00:12:22,120 Speaker 4: eldest son after the death of Absalom. He was mounted 201 00:12:22,160 --> 00:12:24,880 Speaker 4: on a black horse and adorned with golden scaled armor. 202 00:12:25,760 --> 00:12:28,840 Speaker 4: His breastplate was laced with jewels, and his belt shimmered 203 00:12:28,840 --> 00:12:33,000 Speaker 4: with gemstones. Adanija was the most handsome man in all Israel. 204 00:12:33,600 --> 00:12:36,880 Speaker 4: His long curls gracefully blew in the wind, and his 205 00:12:37,000 --> 00:12:41,520 Speaker 4: broad shoulders and chest accentuated his decad and armour. Joeab 206 00:12:41,600 --> 00:12:43,560 Speaker 4: was standing in front of his home, leaning on his 207 00:12:43,640 --> 00:12:48,160 Speaker 4: cane for balance. Adnijah dismounted his horse and held out 208 00:12:48,160 --> 00:12:49,920 Speaker 4: his arms to embrace Joab. 209 00:12:50,400 --> 00:12:54,520 Speaker 8: Israel's greatest commander. Joe Ab, How are you, old friend. 210 00:12:55,200 --> 00:12:57,600 Speaker 4: Joab bowed his head and the two of them hugged. 211 00:12:58,480 --> 00:13:01,400 Speaker 10: Dear Prince Adnija, I see you have come with a 212 00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:03,280 Speaker 10: king like entourage. 213 00:13:02,840 --> 00:13:06,800 Speaker 4: He said, gesturing to the fifty men behind him. Adonijah 214 00:13:06,840 --> 00:13:07,880 Speaker 4: looked back and shrugged. 215 00:13:08,679 --> 00:13:10,880 Speaker 8: Well, if I am to be king soon, it is 216 00:13:10,960 --> 00:13:14,360 Speaker 8: best for me to begin preparing myself. These men are 217 00:13:14,400 --> 00:13:17,880 Speaker 8: the finest young warriors in Israel. I have recruited them 218 00:13:17,920 --> 00:13:19,280 Speaker 8: to be my personal guard. 219 00:13:20,320 --> 00:13:24,160 Speaker 10: Impressive, Joab exclaimed, Come in, we have much to discuss. 220 00:13:24,520 --> 00:13:28,400 Speaker 4: The two men walked into Joab's home. Abiathar, the priest, 221 00:13:28,559 --> 00:13:31,840 Speaker 4: was already inside waiting. The three of them sat down 222 00:13:31,880 --> 00:13:34,760 Speaker 4: to discuss the future of Israel and the succession of 223 00:13:34,800 --> 00:13:38,680 Speaker 4: the king. I will be king, Adanija said, plainly. 224 00:13:38,960 --> 00:13:41,840 Speaker 8: A king is in his final weeks. I have seen 225 00:13:41,880 --> 00:13:44,679 Speaker 8: it myself. He is near death, and it is time 226 00:13:44,760 --> 00:13:46,080 Speaker 8: for us to begin planning. 227 00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:51,360 Speaker 4: Abiathar nodded and said, has David given you his blessing 228 00:13:51,440 --> 00:13:54,240 Speaker 4: to succeed him? Adanaijah shook his head. 229 00:13:55,040 --> 00:13:57,720 Speaker 8: I am the oldest and the greatest warrior of my 230 00:13:57,840 --> 00:14:01,960 Speaker 8: father's sons. Although my father has not said so explicitly, 231 00:14:02,280 --> 00:14:05,640 Speaker 8: I have begun my preparations with you two behind me. 232 00:14:06,240 --> 00:14:09,280 Speaker 8: I am sure the nation will accept me as their king. 233 00:14:10,120 --> 00:14:14,040 Speaker 10: What if Solomon, Abiathar said, did not your father request 234 00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:15,600 Speaker 10: he succeed him on the throne. 235 00:14:16,200 --> 00:14:17,360 Speaker 4: Joe Ab scoffed and. 236 00:14:17,320 --> 00:14:20,080 Speaker 10: Said, Solomon does not have a steady enough hand to 237 00:14:20,120 --> 00:14:23,960 Speaker 10: be king. He wastes his time in scrolls, studying ancient 238 00:14:24,040 --> 00:14:26,960 Speaker 10: languages and philosophies. He reads more than he fights, and 239 00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:31,280 Speaker 10: he enjoys rhetoric more than action. Adnaija is the clear choice. 240 00:14:31,320 --> 00:14:34,800 Speaker 10: He is a warrior and the firstborn. I will support 241 00:14:34,880 --> 00:14:37,160 Speaker 10: him as king, even if David does not see it. 242 00:14:37,720 --> 00:14:40,440 Speaker 4: Joe Ab and Abiathar spoke from a place of bitterness. 243 00:14:41,160 --> 00:14:44,480 Speaker 4: Since the victory over the Philistines, Benaiah and Nathan, the 244 00:14:44,480 --> 00:14:48,960 Speaker 4: prophet had become David's closer, allies and confidants. They felt 245 00:14:49,000 --> 00:14:52,080 Speaker 4: cast aside and angry with David, so they conspired with 246 00:14:52,160 --> 00:14:52,560 Speaker 4: his son. 247 00:14:53,560 --> 00:14:53,720 Speaker 6: Joe. 248 00:14:53,760 --> 00:14:56,040 Speaker 4: Ab says is true. Adnija agreed. 249 00:14:57,080 --> 00:14:59,680 Speaker 8: Israel does not need a philosopher, it needs a king. 250 00:15:00,160 --> 00:15:02,720 Speaker 4: The prince placed a hand on each of them and said. 251 00:15:02,720 --> 00:15:05,600 Speaker 8: You too are trusted by my father and respected by 252 00:15:05,600 --> 00:15:08,600 Speaker 8: the nation. If I have you two by my side, 253 00:15:09,000 --> 00:15:11,520 Speaker 8: I know I can become a great king. 254 00:15:12,520 --> 00:15:14,800 Speaker 4: The three of them continued to speak about the future 255 00:15:14,840 --> 00:15:18,960 Speaker 4: of Israel. They strategized, drew maps, and dreamed about a 256 00:15:18,960 --> 00:15:22,480 Speaker 4: new Israel under a new rule. However, in all of 257 00:15:22,520 --> 00:15:25,400 Speaker 4: their planning, they did not think once to ask David 258 00:15:25,440 --> 00:15:28,360 Speaker 4: for permission. They kept him in the dark, hoping that 259 00:15:28,440 --> 00:15:31,320 Speaker 4: he would die before making his preference for Solomon known. 260 00:15:32,320 --> 00:15:35,680 Speaker 8: We must show the people that God favors us as well. 261 00:15:36,000 --> 00:15:37,800 Speaker 4: Ade Nija exclaimed. 262 00:15:37,480 --> 00:15:41,240 Speaker 8: Abiathar a range of sacrifice for us so that we 263 00:15:41,360 --> 00:15:44,320 Speaker 8: might worship the Lord. Then we will hold a great 264 00:15:44,360 --> 00:15:47,840 Speaker 8: feast for my siblings and the nobles of Israel. I 265 00:15:47,960 --> 00:15:50,440 Speaker 8: desire for them to recognize me as king. 266 00:15:50,920 --> 00:15:55,040 Speaker 4: Abiathar stood and bowed. It was a brilliant idea. So 267 00:15:55,080 --> 00:15:58,280 Speaker 4: they met on a hill called Serpent Stone. The sons 268 00:15:58,280 --> 00:16:01,400 Speaker 4: of David, the royal official of Judah, and the rich 269 00:16:01,480 --> 00:16:05,720 Speaker 4: nobles of Israel were all in attendance. Adenaija sacrificed sheep, 270 00:16:05,920 --> 00:16:09,840 Speaker 4: oxen and fattened cattle before the lord. They burned the 271 00:16:09,840 --> 00:16:12,160 Speaker 4: fat of the animals as an offering and cooked the 272 00:16:12,160 --> 00:16:16,320 Speaker 4: meat for themselves to feast. They gathered in celebrations of Adonaija. 273 00:16:17,240 --> 00:16:19,840 Speaker 4: They raised their cumps to his future reign as king 274 00:16:19,920 --> 00:16:24,040 Speaker 4: of Israel. However, David was not in attendance, nor did 275 00:16:24,040 --> 00:16:27,160 Speaker 4: he know of their gathering. All of David's sons were 276 00:16:27,200 --> 00:16:30,760 Speaker 4: there except for Solomon, and all of David's officials except 277 00:16:30,760 --> 00:16:35,440 Speaker 4: for Benaiah and Nathan. News of Adenaija's bid for the 278 00:16:35,520 --> 00:16:39,040 Speaker 4: throne reached the ears of Nathan the prophet. He leaned 279 00:16:39,040 --> 00:16:42,360 Speaker 4: on his cane and sighed deeply. This is not good, 280 00:16:42,800 --> 00:16:46,240 Speaker 4: he whispered. The old prophet put on his cloak and 281 00:16:46,320 --> 00:16:49,280 Speaker 4: made his way to the home of Bathsheba, David's wife. 282 00:16:50,080 --> 00:16:53,920 Speaker 4: Even in her advancing years, Bathsheba was a vision to behold. 283 00:16:54,520 --> 00:16:56,920 Speaker 4: Since the tragedy of Uriah and the birth of her 284 00:16:56,960 --> 00:17:00,280 Speaker 4: son Solomon, she had regained a sense of self assurreedance, 285 00:17:00,320 --> 00:17:03,840 Speaker 4: and strength. David trusted her more than his other wives, 286 00:17:04,240 --> 00:17:06,960 Speaker 4: and she was an influential voice in the decisions of 287 00:17:06,960 --> 00:17:10,240 Speaker 4: the nation. Nathan entered her home, bowing his head in 288 00:17:10,280 --> 00:17:15,560 Speaker 4: honor your grace. I have come with urgent news, he 289 00:17:15,640 --> 00:17:16,400 Speaker 4: said solemnly. 290 00:17:17,440 --> 00:17:19,800 Speaker 9: Dear Nathan, please sit and speak. 291 00:17:20,200 --> 00:17:24,480 Speaker 4: Bathsheba gestured for Nathan to sit. The prophet groaned as 292 00:17:24,480 --> 00:17:27,920 Speaker 4: he sat and sighed. He was a weary man. After 293 00:17:28,040 --> 00:17:30,760 Speaker 4: years of advising David, he had thought his work had 294 00:17:30,800 --> 00:17:33,879 Speaker 4: come to an end. Yet here he was once again 295 00:17:34,440 --> 00:17:36,280 Speaker 4: entangled in the drama of David's life. 296 00:17:37,040 --> 00:17:42,480 Speaker 6: Have you heard that Otu Niger's establishing himself as king? 297 00:17:43,400 --> 00:17:46,959 Speaker 4: Bathsheba's brow furrowed, her jaw clenched as she spoke. 298 00:17:47,600 --> 00:17:48,879 Speaker 9: Was this David's doing? 299 00:17:49,320 --> 00:17:49,879 Speaker 4: She asked? 300 00:17:50,800 --> 00:17:54,240 Speaker 6: No, the King does not seem to be aware this 301 00:17:54,280 --> 00:17:59,040 Speaker 6: has happened. You and I were both in attendant when 302 00:17:59,160 --> 00:18:04,359 Speaker 6: David promised the throne to Solomon. However, it seems that 303 00:18:04,440 --> 00:18:10,080 Speaker 6: Ada Niga has garnered the favor of Joab and Abiathar 304 00:18:10,280 --> 00:18:15,000 Speaker 6: the priests. If this is true, it is only a 305 00:18:15,040 --> 00:18:19,719 Speaker 6: matter of time before he comes for you and Solomon 306 00:18:20,320 --> 00:18:23,560 Speaker 6: to take you out the prophet leaned over and said, 307 00:18:24,240 --> 00:18:28,399 Speaker 6: you must go to the king and confirm that Solomon 308 00:18:28,720 --> 00:18:33,920 Speaker 6: is indeed his choice. Bathsheba nodded, her hands trembled in fear. 309 00:18:34,600 --> 00:18:37,560 Speaker 6: If ade Nija possessed even half the ambition as Absalom 310 00:18:37,600 --> 00:18:41,760 Speaker 6: once did, her and Solomon were in grave danger. Nathan, 311 00:18:42,040 --> 00:18:45,720 Speaker 6: sensing her feelings, took her hand gently. I will come 312 00:18:45,760 --> 00:18:50,280 Speaker 6: with you when you have spoken to the king. I 313 00:18:50,320 --> 00:18:55,960 Speaker 6: will enter as well and confirm your position. Fear not, 314 00:18:56,920 --> 00:19:01,720 Speaker 6: dear Bathsheba, The Lord will take care of you and 315 00:19:01,880 --> 00:19:02,480 Speaker 6: your son. 316 00:19:05,119 --> 00:19:08,800 Speaker 4: Solomon leaned against the stone wall, perusing scrolls ridden by 317 00:19:08,800 --> 00:19:12,040 Speaker 4: the thinkers of old. He was entranced by the hidden 318 00:19:12,080 --> 00:19:16,120 Speaker 4: knowledge captured in words. Beside him were the scrolls of Moses. 319 00:19:16,880 --> 00:19:19,560 Speaker 4: He had been reading all morning, losing track of time. 320 00:19:20,400 --> 00:19:22,760 Speaker 4: As he was lost in thought, he heard a small 321 00:19:22,800 --> 00:19:26,920 Speaker 4: thump in the other room. Solomon looked up and saw Abshag, 322 00:19:27,160 --> 00:19:29,919 Speaker 4: the Shumut woman, passing through with a cup of broth 323 00:19:29,960 --> 00:19:33,199 Speaker 4: with the king. She was as radiant as ever and 324 00:19:33,280 --> 00:19:39,800 Speaker 4: captured Solomon's complete attention. Abishag, Solomon said gently. The servant 325 00:19:39,800 --> 00:19:42,520 Speaker 4: of the king smiled when she saw Solomon. He was 326 00:19:42,560 --> 00:19:45,720 Speaker 4: taller than his brother's with a leaner face and shorter beard. 327 00:19:46,400 --> 00:19:48,879 Speaker 4: Although Solomon did not possess the same good looks as 328 00:19:48,920 --> 00:19:52,040 Speaker 4: his brother at Nijah, he had kind and wise eyes 329 00:19:52,359 --> 00:19:56,080 Speaker 4: that made Abishag curious. She blushed when she saw him 330 00:19:56,240 --> 00:19:57,200 Speaker 4: and greeted him with a. 331 00:19:57,119 --> 00:19:59,840 Speaker 9: Small bough Hello, Solomon. 332 00:20:00,920 --> 00:20:03,040 Speaker 4: The two lingered in the same room for a moment, 333 00:20:03,400 --> 00:20:07,080 Speaker 4: enjoying a brief moment together. They both felt the silence 334 00:20:07,119 --> 00:20:12,080 Speaker 4: with laughter, and Abishag bowed again, saying, I. 335 00:20:12,200 --> 00:20:15,119 Speaker 9: Must return to your father. It was nice seeing you. 336 00:20:15,920 --> 00:20:19,159 Speaker 4: Solomon waved goodbye and watched her leave the room. He 337 00:20:19,240 --> 00:20:21,440 Speaker 4: leaned his head against the stone wall and smiled. 338 00:20:22,520 --> 00:20:24,720 Speaker 10: Behold you are beautiful, my love. 339 00:20:25,400 --> 00:20:26,880 Speaker 1: Behold you are beautiful. 340 00:20:27,040 --> 00:20:28,960 Speaker 10: Your eyes are doves. 341 00:20:28,840 --> 00:20:33,199 Speaker 4: He whispered. Solomon put down the scrolls and picked up 342 00:20:33,240 --> 00:20:36,520 Speaker 4: a pen and parchment, writing poems about the love welling 343 00:20:36,600 --> 00:20:40,440 Speaker 4: up within him. Abishag walked up the stairs leading into 344 00:20:40,520 --> 00:20:44,000 Speaker 4: David's bedroom. She opened the door quietly, not wanting to 345 00:20:44,080 --> 00:20:48,160 Speaker 4: wake the king. However, he was already up, gazing longingly 346 00:20:48,200 --> 00:20:51,400 Speaker 4: out the window. The king turned to her and smiled, 347 00:20:51,880 --> 00:20:54,680 Speaker 4: thing graciously took the cup of broth in his hands. 348 00:20:55,520 --> 00:20:57,760 Speaker 4: Before he could take a moment to sip, the door 349 00:20:57,840 --> 00:21:02,159 Speaker 4: opened again. This time it was Bathsheba. David smiled and 350 00:21:02,240 --> 00:21:06,240 Speaker 4: gestured for her to come forward, my bride, he said, softly, 351 00:21:06,960 --> 00:21:10,600 Speaker 4: how can I serve you to day? Bathsheba was distraught 352 00:21:10,640 --> 00:21:13,680 Speaker 4: and unsure how to begin. She bout at the side 353 00:21:13,720 --> 00:21:16,600 Speaker 4: of his bed and kissed his hand. It was difficult 354 00:21:16,640 --> 00:21:18,720 Speaker 4: for her to see the king in such a frail state. 355 00:21:19,440 --> 00:21:22,880 Speaker 4: She remembered how strong his arms used to be. They 356 00:21:22,920 --> 00:21:25,399 Speaker 4: were the arms of a warrior, and she melted in 357 00:21:25,480 --> 00:21:29,359 Speaker 4: his presence. However, his age had stolen his strength, and 358 00:21:29,440 --> 00:21:31,160 Speaker 4: Bathsheba dealt with him gently. 359 00:21:31,600 --> 00:21:33,600 Speaker 9: I have come to ask about your will, my lord, 360 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:37,400 Speaker 9: she said. You swore to me before God that Solomon 361 00:21:37,440 --> 00:21:41,119 Speaker 9: would reign after you and sit on your throne. Now 362 00:21:41,280 --> 00:21:44,120 Speaker 9: I hear word that Atanasia has made himself king. 363 00:21:44,600 --> 00:21:47,639 Speaker 4: What do you mean, David asked, I did not know 364 00:21:47,760 --> 00:21:50,919 Speaker 4: any of this. The king stirred in his bed and 365 00:21:51,040 --> 00:21:55,399 Speaker 4: tried to prop himself up, but fail ah. Bathsheba wiped 366 00:21:55,440 --> 00:21:57,960 Speaker 4: tears from her eyes and said, he has. 367 00:21:57,960 --> 00:22:01,800 Speaker 9: Gone up to sacrifice to the Lord. Your sons have 368 00:22:01,920 --> 00:22:07,280 Speaker 9: gone with him, as have Joab and Abiathur, My Lord, King, David, 369 00:22:08,080 --> 00:22:11,600 Speaker 9: the eyes of Israel are on. You tell them who 370 00:22:11,600 --> 00:22:14,840 Speaker 9: shall sit on the throne after you. If you do 371 00:22:14,960 --> 00:22:18,040 Speaker 9: not act soon, and you die without declaring an air, 372 00:22:18,520 --> 00:22:20,280 Speaker 9: you doom Solomon and I. 373 00:22:21,320 --> 00:22:25,040 Speaker 4: As Bathsheba said these things, Nathan entered the room. He 374 00:22:25,160 --> 00:22:26,800 Speaker 4: bowed to the king and said. 375 00:22:27,119 --> 00:22:31,679 Speaker 6: My lord, did I miss the message you sent about 376 00:22:31,720 --> 00:22:37,600 Speaker 6: Adanija being king. The last time we spoke, Solomon was 377 00:22:37,680 --> 00:22:43,600 Speaker 6: to be your heir. Now Adonijah has made a spectacle 378 00:22:43,960 --> 00:22:46,760 Speaker 6: then host to defeast in honor of his. 379 00:22:47,160 --> 00:22:50,280 Speaker 4: David rose his hand and interrupted Nathan. He looked at 380 00:22:50,280 --> 00:22:51,760 Speaker 4: Bathsheba and said. 381 00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:56,000 Speaker 6: My bones may be brittel that my word remains firm 382 00:22:56,840 --> 00:23:00,119 Speaker 6: as the Lord lives, who has saved my soul oh 383 00:23:00,200 --> 00:23:05,320 Speaker 6: from the clutches of every adversary. Solomon will reign after me. 384 00:23:06,440 --> 00:23:10,160 Speaker 6: He shall rule in my place and be the steward 385 00:23:10,240 --> 00:23:15,400 Speaker 6: over God's people. And when my body rests deepen the ground, 386 00:23:16,119 --> 00:23:20,199 Speaker 6: your son will listen to the throne. Bathsheba looked at 387 00:23:20,200 --> 00:23:24,080 Speaker 6: the king with tender admiration. His eyes were resolute and 388 00:23:24,200 --> 00:23:27,800 Speaker 6: filled with strength. In that moment she caught a glimpse 389 00:23:27,840 --> 00:23:31,240 Speaker 6: of his noble and heroic heart. She took his hand 390 00:23:31,280 --> 00:23:32,680 Speaker 6: in hers and bowed beside him. 391 00:23:33,359 --> 00:23:35,160 Speaker 9: May you live forever, she. 392 00:23:35,160 --> 00:23:42,280 Speaker 4: Said admiringly through our son I shall, David replied, gently, 393 00:23:42,320 --> 00:23:45,040 Speaker 4: placing a hand on her cheek. He looked to his servant, 394 00:23:45,040 --> 00:23:47,040 Speaker 4: who was standing at the door, and said. 395 00:23:47,280 --> 00:23:51,080 Speaker 6: Called Zadik the priest, and Benighah, my captain. 396 00:23:51,720 --> 00:23:54,800 Speaker 4: The servant did not delay. The two men were brought 397 00:23:54,840 --> 00:23:58,320 Speaker 4: before the king. David rose from his bed, with the 398 00:23:58,320 --> 00:24:02,240 Speaker 4: help of Abhishak, up straight and locked them in the eye, saying, 399 00:24:02,880 --> 00:24:03,359 Speaker 4: guy them. 400 00:24:03,280 --> 00:24:07,760 Speaker 6: My entire household and the remaining mighty men. Take my 401 00:24:07,880 --> 00:24:12,160 Speaker 6: horse and have Solomon sit on top of it, ride 402 00:24:12,200 --> 00:24:16,880 Speaker 6: him throughout the city, and sound the trumpets with loud voices. 403 00:24:16,960 --> 00:24:20,879 Speaker 6: Have all the servants shout, long Live King Solomon. 404 00:24:21,560 --> 00:24:23,760 Speaker 4: David leaned against the side of his bed and held 405 00:24:23,760 --> 00:24:26,960 Speaker 4: his ribs. He composed himself again and said. 406 00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:33,200 Speaker 6: Zaduk, anoint Solomon as king, just as I was anointed 407 00:24:33,240 --> 00:24:38,960 Speaker 6: by Samuel. After you have anointed him, place him on 408 00:24:39,160 --> 00:24:44,240 Speaker 6: my throat. For I hereby relinquish the title of king 409 00:24:45,320 --> 00:24:50,800 Speaker 6: and give it to my son Solomon. He shall reign 410 00:24:51,280 --> 00:24:54,159 Speaker 6: over Israel and Judah. 411 00:24:54,560 --> 00:24:56,960 Speaker 4: Beniah beamed with pride and saluted the king. 412 00:24:58,280 --> 00:24:58,920 Speaker 6: Amen. 413 00:24:59,359 --> 00:25:02,680 Speaker 10: He declared May the Lord agree with your words, as 414 00:25:02,680 --> 00:25:05,080 Speaker 10: he has been faithful to you. May he be even 415 00:25:05,240 --> 00:25:06,480 Speaker 10: more with King Solomon. 416 00:25:06,720 --> 00:25:08,639 Speaker 4: Beniah approached David and knelt at. 417 00:25:08,480 --> 00:25:11,880 Speaker 10: His feet, Thank you for your faithfulness as a king, 418 00:25:12,320 --> 00:25:14,000 Speaker 10: a brother, and a friend. 419 00:25:14,760 --> 00:25:17,560 Speaker 4: He stood up and kissed David on the cheek. The 420 00:25:17,600 --> 00:25:20,800 Speaker 4: two embraced his brothers, and Beniah went to retrieve the 421 00:25:20,840 --> 00:25:25,639 Speaker 4: next king of Israel. It was early in the morning, 422 00:25:25,800 --> 00:25:28,679 Speaker 4: and Solomon was overlooking the hill country of Jerusalem from 423 00:25:28,720 --> 00:25:31,399 Speaker 4: the balcony of his home. He was a young man, 424 00:25:31,880 --> 00:25:35,000 Speaker 4: just barely twenty years old, yet within him was an 425 00:25:35,000 --> 00:25:38,359 Speaker 4: old and contemplative soul. He would often stare out at 426 00:25:38,359 --> 00:25:41,480 Speaker 4: the horizon and think about the meaning of life. His 427 00:25:41,560 --> 00:25:46,199 Speaker 4: thoughts on existence, suffering, joy, and prosperity were continually on 428 00:25:46,280 --> 00:25:49,199 Speaker 4: his mind. He brought his ideas to the Lord and 429 00:25:49,280 --> 00:25:52,560 Speaker 4: weighed them against his law. He thirsted for knowledge as 430 00:25:52,560 --> 00:25:55,440 Speaker 4: some would thirst for glory and power, and he knew 431 00:25:55,440 --> 00:25:58,640 Speaker 4: that God alone was the source of all truth. As 432 00:25:58,680 --> 00:26:00,960 Speaker 4: the sun peeked over the valley and the birds began 433 00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:05,080 Speaker 4: their mourning song, Solomon enjoyed this silent and meditated practice 434 00:26:05,080 --> 00:26:08,240 Speaker 4: of prayer. The young prince closed his eyes and breathed 435 00:26:08,280 --> 00:26:11,119 Speaker 4: in the crisp morning air, then descended down the stairs 436 00:26:11,119 --> 00:26:14,159 Speaker 4: into the garden. As he walked the pathway leading to 437 00:26:14,200 --> 00:26:17,600 Speaker 4: the city, he was stopped by Benaia and Zaduk, the priest. 438 00:26:18,119 --> 00:26:19,920 Speaker 4: Solomon smiled and waved. 439 00:26:20,400 --> 00:26:23,240 Speaker 10: Hello, my friends, How might I be of service to you? 440 00:26:23,920 --> 00:26:27,400 Speaker 4: The two of them said nothing. Instead, they approached Solomon 441 00:26:27,440 --> 00:26:30,520 Speaker 4: with looks of reverence and bowed at his feet. Entering 442 00:26:30,600 --> 00:26:32,920 Speaker 4: the gates of Solomon's home were all the servants of 443 00:26:33,000 --> 00:26:37,640 Speaker 4: King David. The mighty men, the Cherathites and Pelethites, all 444 00:26:37,680 --> 00:26:40,680 Speaker 4: gathered and bowed at his feet. Beniah lifted his head 445 00:26:40,720 --> 00:26:41,879 Speaker 4: and declared. 446 00:26:42,119 --> 00:26:44,200 Speaker 10: Long Live King Solomon. 447 00:26:44,880 --> 00:26:47,760 Speaker 4: Solomon looked out at the sea of faces, all of 448 00:26:47,760 --> 00:26:50,120 Speaker 4: them joining in one voice, singing. 449 00:26:50,040 --> 00:26:58,800 Speaker 6: Long Live King Solomon, Long Live King Solomon, Long King Solomon. 450 00:26:59,320 --> 00:27:02,280 Speaker 4: The choir mixtures of the congregation were in attendance, and 451 00:27:02,440 --> 00:27:05,880 Speaker 4: music was lifted into the heavens. They mounted Solomon onto 452 00:27:05,960 --> 00:27:08,840 Speaker 4: David's horse and rode him through the city. The earth 453 00:27:08,880 --> 00:27:12,119 Speaker 4: shook from the thousands of voices declaring his name. The 454 00:27:12,200 --> 00:27:14,520 Speaker 4: sun made its way over the valley and was now 455 00:27:14,520 --> 00:27:18,840 Speaker 4: emerging over the walls of Jerusalem. Its rays joned directly 456 00:27:18,920 --> 00:27:26,320 Speaker 4: onto Solomon, signaling a new era in Israel. Meanwhile, at 457 00:27:26,320 --> 00:27:29,200 Speaker 4: the Serpent Stone, ad the Nija lay on his back, 458 00:27:29,320 --> 00:27:33,159 Speaker 4: asleep with his belly full of food. The party lasted 459 00:27:33,200 --> 00:27:35,760 Speaker 4: for days, and the rich young men of Israel had 460 00:27:35,800 --> 00:27:39,480 Speaker 4: their bellies filled with wine. Each person in attendance was 461 00:27:39,560 --> 00:27:44,399 Speaker 4: fast asleep, recovering from several nights of drunken festivities. However, 462 00:27:44,440 --> 00:27:47,600 Speaker 4: all of them awoke to the same noise. Trumpets and 463 00:27:47,680 --> 00:27:50,679 Speaker 4: cheers cracked the skies like thunder, and ad A Nija 464 00:27:50,760 --> 00:27:54,040 Speaker 4: startled awake. He stood up and rubbed his eyes. He 465 00:27:54,080 --> 00:27:55,640 Speaker 4: walked out of his tent and looked out. 466 00:27:55,960 --> 00:27:58,080 Speaker 8: What is God such an uproar in the city. 467 00:27:58,240 --> 00:27:58,720 Speaker 6: He asked. 468 00:27:59,480 --> 00:28:02,000 Speaker 4: Joe Apple, already awake and looking down to the city 469 00:28:02,040 --> 00:28:06,240 Speaker 4: as well, he wondered the same thing. Jonathan, the son 470 00:28:06,280 --> 00:28:09,280 Speaker 4: of Abiathar, ran up the mountain to greet them. 471 00:28:09,359 --> 00:28:12,280 Speaker 8: Jonathan, Ada, Nija, yell, have you come from the city? 472 00:28:12,800 --> 00:28:15,560 Speaker 4: I have, my lord, he replied, solemnly. 473 00:28:15,400 --> 00:28:18,040 Speaker 8: What news do you have? Why are people cheering? 474 00:28:18,480 --> 00:28:20,719 Speaker 4: The man who is to replace David has been chosen, 475 00:28:21,000 --> 00:28:21,840 Speaker 4: Jonathan said. 476 00:28:22,160 --> 00:28:23,960 Speaker 10: Solomon now sits on the throne. 477 00:28:24,359 --> 00:28:26,240 Speaker 4: When the rest of Adda the Knyg's guests heard what 478 00:28:26,320 --> 00:28:29,600 Speaker 4: Jonathan had said. They quickly gathered their things and fled. 479 00:28:30,359 --> 00:28:32,840 Speaker 4: They trembled in fear of being caught in a conspiracy 480 00:28:32,840 --> 00:28:36,439 Speaker 4: against the king. Adam Nige's heart began to beat quickly. 481 00:28:36,880 --> 00:28:39,160 Speaker 4: He realized now that he had made a grave mistake 482 00:28:39,200 --> 00:28:41,120 Speaker 4: assuming his place as heir to the throne. 483 00:28:42,280 --> 00:28:45,320 Speaker 8: He will surely kill me, he whispered, I must speak 484 00:28:45,360 --> 00:28:46,440 Speaker 8: with him and beg for mercy. 485 00:28:46,880 --> 00:28:49,160 Speaker 4: He grabbed Jonathan by the robe frantically and. 486 00:28:49,120 --> 00:28:51,800 Speaker 8: Said, go and tell the king. I need to speak 487 00:28:51,800 --> 00:28:54,880 Speaker 8: with him. Tell him to not put me to death. 488 00:28:56,480 --> 00:29:00,440 Speaker 4: King Solomon stood alone in the throne room. Tapestry telling 489 00:29:00,480 --> 00:29:03,480 Speaker 4: stories of David's life lace the walls. In the middle 490 00:29:03,520 --> 00:29:06,000 Speaker 4: of the room was an iron pit. In it a 491 00:29:06,080 --> 00:29:10,040 Speaker 4: fire burned. Solomon stood over it, allowing himself to be 492 00:29:10,200 --> 00:29:13,440 Speaker 4: entranced by the flames. He held the crown in his hand. 493 00:29:14,000 --> 00:29:17,040 Speaker 4: The flickering light from the flames bounced off the golden crown. 494 00:29:17,800 --> 00:29:20,800 Speaker 4: He ran his fingers over the engravings, admiring the fine 495 00:29:20,840 --> 00:29:24,680 Speaker 4: detail and handiwork. The crown seemed heavy in his hands. 496 00:29:25,320 --> 00:29:28,160 Speaker 4: He looked up at the throne and stepped forward. When 497 00:29:28,160 --> 00:29:30,760 Speaker 4: he was a child. The throne of his father always 498 00:29:30,800 --> 00:29:35,080 Speaker 4: seemed so large and terrifying. Now it seemed larger than ever. 499 00:29:35,920 --> 00:29:38,920 Speaker 4: He took another hesitant step toward the throne and paused again. 500 00:29:39,800 --> 00:29:41,040 Speaker 10: Am I worthy of this? 501 00:29:41,600 --> 00:29:45,800 Speaker 4: He whispered. A voice from behind broke the silence. My 502 00:29:46,000 --> 00:29:50,840 Speaker 4: King Solomon turned around. It was Beniah. He bowed and said. 503 00:29:51,080 --> 00:29:54,720 Speaker 10: Forgive my intrusion, but your brother ad Anijah has sent 504 00:29:54,800 --> 00:29:58,400 Speaker 10: word begging for your mercy. He requests you allow him 505 00:29:58,400 --> 00:30:02,560 Speaker 10: to live despite his pursuit of the throne. What do 506 00:30:02,640 --> 00:30:03,080 Speaker 10: you say? 507 00:30:03,480 --> 00:30:06,600 Speaker 4: This was Solomon's first decision as king. He looked down 508 00:30:06,640 --> 00:30:09,480 Speaker 4: at his father's crown, then back up at his father's throne. 509 00:30:09,920 --> 00:30:12,040 Speaker 10: David would show mercy, he. 510 00:30:12,040 --> 00:30:15,680 Speaker 4: Thought to himself. Solomon placed the crown on his head. 511 00:30:16,000 --> 00:30:18,920 Speaker 10: If he shows himself a worthy man, not one hair 512 00:30:19,000 --> 00:30:22,760 Speaker 10: on his head shall be touched. However, if wickedness is 513 00:30:22,800 --> 00:30:25,000 Speaker 10: found in him, he shall be punished. 514 00:30:25,280 --> 00:30:29,160 Speaker 4: Beniga bowed and began to leave. However, he stopped then 515 00:30:29,200 --> 00:30:30,400 Speaker 4: turned around to Solomon. 516 00:30:31,160 --> 00:30:35,320 Speaker 10: I actually had another message for you, King Solomon. Banya said, 517 00:30:36,040 --> 00:30:41,440 Speaker 10: David requires your presence in his chambers. Solomon nodded, thank you, Beniah, 518 00:30:41,960 --> 00:30:43,200 Speaker 10: I shall go at once. 519 00:30:44,720 --> 00:30:48,000 Speaker 4: The young king slowly creaked open the chamber doors. A 520 00:30:48,080 --> 00:30:50,760 Speaker 4: rush of warm air blew against his face as he entered. 521 00:30:51,640 --> 00:30:54,320 Speaker 4: The room was dry and smelled of spikenard and cedar. 522 00:30:55,160 --> 00:30:58,040 Speaker 4: The fire continued to burn in the fireplace, painting the 523 00:30:58,080 --> 00:31:01,480 Speaker 4: room with flickering light. His father lay in the bed 524 00:31:01,720 --> 00:31:05,320 Speaker 4: with abish acts, standing beside him. She gave Solomon a 525 00:31:05,320 --> 00:31:08,920 Speaker 4: gentle smile and waved. She kissed David's cheek and left 526 00:31:08,920 --> 00:31:13,320 Speaker 4: his side, touching Solomon's arm before leaving. Now it was 527 00:31:13,360 --> 00:31:16,560 Speaker 4: only he and David in the room, the glorious King 528 00:31:16,640 --> 00:31:20,080 Speaker 4: David and his heir, King Solomon. He stood beside his 529 00:31:20,160 --> 00:31:23,160 Speaker 4: father and reached out to hold his hand. David looked 530 00:31:23,240 --> 00:31:27,040 Speaker 4: up and smiled. His breathing was labored and his eyes 531 00:31:27,080 --> 00:31:32,240 Speaker 4: were weary. I am about to go the way of 532 00:31:32,400 --> 00:31:37,040 Speaker 4: all the earth, David whispered. Solomon felt tears about to break, 533 00:31:37,320 --> 00:31:39,160 Speaker 4: but he held them back to listen to his father 534 00:31:39,240 --> 00:31:44,440 Speaker 4: speak his final words. Be strong, my son, David said, 535 00:31:44,480 --> 00:31:50,040 Speaker 4: squeezing his hand. Show yourself a man, and keep the 536 00:31:50,240 --> 00:31:54,880 Speaker 4: charge of the Lord your God. Walk in his ways 537 00:31:56,680 --> 00:32:02,040 Speaker 4: and keep his commandments. Go but your heart with his rules, 538 00:32:02,720 --> 00:32:08,720 Speaker 4: his testimonies, and the law of Moses. If you keep 539 00:32:08,760 --> 00:32:15,960 Speaker 4: his word close, all that you do will prosper wherever 540 00:32:16,040 --> 00:32:21,600 Speaker 4: you go, and whatever you do, God will bless you. 541 00:32:22,800 --> 00:32:25,920 Speaker 4: David turned his gaze to his window and side. 542 00:32:26,160 --> 00:32:27,920 Speaker 5: AH. 543 00:32:28,440 --> 00:32:33,080 Speaker 6: For all my triumph in life, I have also had failure. 544 00:32:34,400 --> 00:32:40,520 Speaker 6: Yet God remained faithful to me. He promised me that 545 00:32:41,120 --> 00:32:46,120 Speaker 6: if my sons paid close attention to his ways and 546 00:32:46,280 --> 00:32:53,440 Speaker 6: walked before him in faithfulness with all their hearts and souls, 547 00:32:53,920 --> 00:32:55,080 Speaker 6: they would lack nothing. 548 00:32:56,280 --> 00:32:58,480 Speaker 4: He beckoned for Solomon to lean down next to him. 549 00:32:59,240 --> 00:33:02,320 Speaker 4: Solomon knelt down beside his father. He laid a hand 550 00:33:02,320 --> 00:33:05,560 Speaker 4: on his son and said a prayer. Then he kissed 551 00:33:05,600 --> 00:33:09,960 Speaker 4: him on the forehead. Keep the call in the flame, 552 00:33:10,560 --> 00:33:13,840 Speaker 4: he said, with a smile. David then pulled out a 553 00:33:13,840 --> 00:33:16,920 Speaker 4: scroll and placed it in Solomon's hand. He patted him 554 00:33:16,960 --> 00:33:18,000 Speaker 4: on the hand and let go. 555 00:33:18,360 --> 00:33:24,720 Speaker 7: I am tired, he said, I think I shall rest now. 556 00:33:26,000 --> 00:33:30,520 Speaker 7: David closed his eyes and fell asleep. Solomon leaned over 557 00:33:30,560 --> 00:33:33,520 Speaker 7: and kissed his father on the forehead, stroking his hair. 558 00:33:33,560 --> 00:33:36,080 Speaker 7: As he watched him fall deeper and deeper into sleep. 559 00:33:37,160 --> 00:33:40,600 Speaker 7: He knew in his heart that David would not wake. 560 00:33:43,120 --> 00:33:45,760 Speaker 7: Solomon walked down the stairs With the scroll in his hand, 561 00:33:46,480 --> 00:33:48,680 Speaker 7: he walked into the library and sat at the desk. 562 00:33:49,880 --> 00:33:53,520 Speaker 7: He held a candle close to the scroll and unraveled it. 563 00:33:53,520 --> 00:33:58,200 Speaker 7: It was David's handwriting in the scroll was the final Song, 564 00:33:59,800 --> 00:34:04,000 Speaker 7: the last words of David, the son of Jesse, the 565 00:34:04,040 --> 00:34:06,719 Speaker 7: oracle of a man raised on high and anointed by 566 00:34:06,760 --> 00:34:12,239 Speaker 7: the God of Jacob, the sweet Psalmist of Israel. Solomon 567 00:34:12,280 --> 00:34:15,839 Speaker 7: smiled and ran his fingers over the words and. 568 00:34:15,840 --> 00:34:19,440 Speaker 10: Read, the Spirit of the Lord speaks to me. His 569 00:34:19,600 --> 00:34:23,080 Speaker 10: word is on my lips. The God and Rock of 570 00:34:23,160 --> 00:34:27,440 Speaker 10: Israel has spoken, saying, when one rules with justice and 571 00:34:27,520 --> 00:34:30,200 Speaker 10: fear of God, he dawns on the people like the 572 00:34:30,239 --> 00:34:33,920 Speaker 10: morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, 573 00:34:34,400 --> 00:34:37,680 Speaker 10: like rain that makes grass sprout on the earth. For 574 00:34:37,840 --> 00:34:41,719 Speaker 10: my house stands with God. He has made me an 575 00:34:41,800 --> 00:34:46,919 Speaker 10: everlasting covenant that is secure and trustworthy. Worthless men are 576 00:34:46,960 --> 00:34:50,200 Speaker 10: like thorns that are thrown away, for they cannot be 577 00:34:50,280 --> 00:34:53,439 Speaker 10: taken with the hand. Do not touch them, and keep 578 00:34:53,440 --> 00:34:56,640 Speaker 10: your distance, For all a wicked man is good for 579 00:34:57,400 --> 00:34:59,880 Speaker 10: is to be consumed with fire. 580 00:35:01,280 --> 00:35:03,920 Speaker 4: Solomon leaned back in his chair and rolled up the scroll. 581 00:35:05,239 --> 00:35:07,160 Speaker 4: He tucked it in his cloak and kept it close. 582 00:35:08,000 --> 00:35:12,000 Speaker 4: He leaned over the desk and blue bunk canal. That evening, 583 00:35:12,480 --> 00:35:15,520 Speaker 4: David went to be with his forefathers. He was buried 584 00:35:15,520 --> 00:35:20,560 Speaker 4: in the city of Jerusalem, his shining achievement. He never 585 00:35:20,600 --> 00:35:24,040 Speaker 4: did get the chance to see Solomon build the Temple. However, 586 00:35:24,080 --> 00:35:27,960 Speaker 4: one day he would witness something even more glorious. He 587 00:35:28,000 --> 00:35:32,320 Speaker 4: would witness the promised Messiah, a son of David, would 588 00:35:32,400 --> 00:35:35,959 Speaker 4: raise up and new Jerusalem and establish the perfect will 589 00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:41,440 Speaker 4: of God, lasting into all the tyranny. One day David 590 00:35:41,440 --> 00:35:44,560 Speaker 4: would hear the trumpets of victory sound once again and 591 00:35:44,680 --> 00:35:47,400 Speaker 4: be welcomed home into the loving embrace of his God. 592 00:35:48,719 --> 00:35:51,440 Speaker 4: The man after God's own heart would be close to 593 00:35:51,480 --> 00:35:57,120 Speaker 4: the heart of God forevermore. God's chosen hero and anointed 594 00:35:57,200 --> 00:36:01,319 Speaker 4: King was a flawed and fractured image, ultimately pointing to 595 00:36:01,360 --> 00:36:04,919 Speaker 4: a greater hero and a greater king. One who would 596 00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:08,400 Speaker 4: be brave and never stumble, One who would be tempted 597 00:36:08,600 --> 00:36:11,760 Speaker 4: and never give in, One who would feel the sting 598 00:36:11,800 --> 00:36:16,120 Speaker 4: of death but rise again to conquer it. This hero 599 00:36:16,560 --> 00:36:20,080 Speaker 4: was the one David hoped for. From David's seed, this 600 00:36:20,160 --> 00:36:23,360 Speaker 4: hero would be born. However, he would not fight with 601 00:36:23,400 --> 00:36:26,520 Speaker 4: a sling before shepherd's staff, Nor would he march with 602 00:36:26,560 --> 00:36:30,640 Speaker 4: a sword and shield. He would meet his enemy bearing 603 00:36:30,640 --> 00:36:34,520 Speaker 4: a cross on his shoulders and vanquish death once and 604 00:36:34,600 --> 00:36:35,000 Speaker 4: for all. 605 00:36:41,400 --> 00:36:44,920 Speaker 3: There you have it, the beautiful end to David's grand adventure. 606 00:36:45,480 --> 00:36:48,400 Speaker 3: The prelude took us back to the beginning, when Samuel 607 00:36:48,440 --> 00:36:51,200 Speaker 3: walked up the hill to the sound of music. What 608 00:36:51,320 --> 00:36:54,680 Speaker 3: a glorious life David lived after that moment. After he 609 00:36:54,760 --> 00:36:58,400 Speaker 3: was anointed as king, opportunities presented themselves at every corner, 610 00:36:58,920 --> 00:37:02,200 Speaker 3: Opportunities to the life God's people, seek his character and 611 00:37:02,239 --> 00:37:06,080 Speaker 3: obey his commands. Although David was not always perfect, he 612 00:37:06,160 --> 00:37:09,760 Speaker 3: was always pure. Even in his greatest failures. He returned 613 00:37:09,800 --> 00:37:12,440 Speaker 3: to the heart of God like a deer returns to 614 00:37:12,520 --> 00:37:15,719 Speaker 3: a stream of water. Another slemist would go on to sing, 615 00:37:16,239 --> 00:37:19,640 Speaker 3: as a deer pants for flowing streams, So pants my 616 00:37:19,719 --> 00:37:23,080 Speaker 3: soul for you, Oh God, my soul thirst for God, 617 00:37:23,239 --> 00:37:27,280 Speaker 3: for the living God. David, from beginning to end thirsted 618 00:37:27,360 --> 00:37:30,600 Speaker 3: after the heart of God, and after his story is complete, 619 00:37:30,680 --> 00:37:33,480 Speaker 3: we are invited to do the same. I hope this 620 00:37:33,560 --> 00:37:37,160 Speaker 3: series inspired you to seek God just like David did, 621 00:37:37,560 --> 00:37:41,480 Speaker 3: honestly with a pure heart. And a courageous spirit. This 622 00:37:41,600 --> 00:37:45,400 Speaker 3: episode brought back the flame. Its light was slowly fading away, 623 00:37:45,960 --> 00:37:49,960 Speaker 3: but David meticulously cared for it, even though there was 624 00:37:50,000 --> 00:37:52,400 Speaker 3: a brief time in his life when he ignored the coals. 625 00:37:52,920 --> 00:37:56,560 Speaker 3: At the very end, he kept them burning. Solomon stood 626 00:37:56,600 --> 00:38:00,000 Speaker 3: by the fire as well. He was curiously staring at it, 627 00:38:00,320 --> 00:38:02,719 Speaker 3: but we didn't get to see what he did with it. 628 00:38:03,320 --> 00:38:06,800 Speaker 3: This is a purposeful cliffhanger, for we don't know yet 629 00:38:06,840 --> 00:38:09,919 Speaker 3: what type of king Solomon will be. If you want 630 00:38:09,960 --> 00:38:12,359 Speaker 3: to see if he keeps the fire burning, then you 631 00:38:12,440 --> 00:38:16,160 Speaker 3: can read for yourself. His story, along with hundreds of others, 632 00:38:16,200 --> 00:38:19,440 Speaker 3: are available to you. Isn't that beautiful? The story of 633 00:38:19,480 --> 00:38:22,480 Speaker 3: God's heroes and chosen people are available to you and I. 634 00:38:23,200 --> 00:38:25,759 Speaker 3: We can learn from their victories and defeats, and we 635 00:38:25,840 --> 00:38:28,399 Speaker 3: can discover the heart of God. The Word of God 636 00:38:28,480 --> 00:38:31,680 Speaker 3: is available to us. Within it lie the rich truths 637 00:38:31,680 --> 00:38:34,040 Speaker 3: of what it means to be human, wrestle with our 638 00:38:34,080 --> 00:38:38,680 Speaker 3: God and prevail over sin, shame, and lies. Truth was 639 00:38:38,719 --> 00:38:41,600 Speaker 3: an important part of this episode. For the bulk of 640 00:38:41,600 --> 00:38:45,320 Speaker 3: the story, we are led to believe that Adonijah's lies 641 00:38:45,400 --> 00:38:48,399 Speaker 3: were going to prevail, but truth won in the Inn 642 00:38:48,480 --> 00:38:53,399 Speaker 3: and Solomon became king. Adenijah's character was supposed to tease us. 643 00:38:53,880 --> 00:38:56,799 Speaker 3: He bore more resemblance to Saul than David, and we 644 00:38:56,800 --> 00:38:59,720 Speaker 3: were led to believe we might have another gory mess 645 00:38:59,719 --> 00:39:02,239 Speaker 3: on a hands, But that is no way to end 646 00:39:02,320 --> 00:39:06,000 Speaker 3: David's story. The crowning of Solomon was a perfect final 647 00:39:06,040 --> 00:39:09,320 Speaker 3: act for David, who needed to be reassured that God's 648 00:39:09,320 --> 00:39:11,920 Speaker 3: flock would be taken care of. He is a shepherd, 649 00:39:11,920 --> 00:39:15,280 Speaker 3: after all, and he would not be able to depart 650 00:39:15,440 --> 00:39:18,880 Speaker 3: unless he knew the sheep were okay. Before we depart, 651 00:39:19,360 --> 00:39:22,840 Speaker 3: I want to revisit an old theme, mercy. At the 652 00:39:22,920 --> 00:39:27,000 Speaker 3: end of the episode, Solomon shows at Nija mercy because 653 00:39:27,000 --> 00:39:29,600 Speaker 3: that is what his father would have done. David was 654 00:39:29,640 --> 00:39:33,240 Speaker 3: criticized by people close to him that he always showed 655 00:39:33,320 --> 00:39:37,920 Speaker 3: too much mercy. He showed too much mercy to saw Abna, Michael, 656 00:39:38,080 --> 00:39:41,920 Speaker 3: Joe Ab and Absolom. But those critics don't understand David 657 00:39:41,960 --> 00:39:44,880 Speaker 3: as well as they think they do. David showed mercy 658 00:39:44,920 --> 00:39:47,800 Speaker 3: because he was a shepherd. He knew that sheep tended 659 00:39:47,800 --> 00:39:50,799 Speaker 3: to stray away from the pasture. When one sheep leaves 660 00:39:50,840 --> 00:39:53,279 Speaker 3: the flock, most people would assume it's fine to let 661 00:39:53,320 --> 00:39:55,840 Speaker 3: the sheep leave, better to let it die in the 662 00:39:55,840 --> 00:39:58,640 Speaker 3: wilderness than to risk your own life. But that is 663 00:39:58,680 --> 00:40:01,399 Speaker 3: not how David saw the word. He was a good 664 00:40:01,400 --> 00:40:04,680 Speaker 3: shepherd and always left the flock to pursue his lost sheep. 665 00:40:05,360 --> 00:40:09,120 Speaker 3: David believed that nobody was too far gone or beyond saving. 666 00:40:09,840 --> 00:40:12,680 Speaker 3: He always believed that the heart of God could prevail 667 00:40:12,880 --> 00:40:16,680 Speaker 3: in the most wicked hearts. He always showed mercy because 668 00:40:16,719 --> 00:40:19,600 Speaker 3: a good shepherd never abandons a sheep to the wilderness, 669 00:40:20,000 --> 00:40:23,480 Speaker 3: He goes after them. God is a good shepherd. He 670 00:40:23,560 --> 00:40:26,240 Speaker 3: went after us when we strayed from him. He pursued 671 00:40:26,280 --> 00:40:29,120 Speaker 3: David when he strayed from him as well. You see, 672 00:40:29,360 --> 00:40:31,719 Speaker 3: David is not just a picture of Jesus, He is 673 00:40:31,760 --> 00:40:35,640 Speaker 3: a picture of us. David failed misteps and got lost, 674 00:40:35,960 --> 00:40:39,520 Speaker 3: but God always brought him back. When we fail, misstep 675 00:40:39,600 --> 00:40:42,040 Speaker 3: and lose our way, we have a good shepherd who 676 00:40:42,080 --> 00:40:45,040 Speaker 3: will endure the wilderness and wolves to find us again. 677 00:40:45,680 --> 00:40:48,480 Speaker 3: You have a God who fights for you, believes in you, 678 00:40:48,920 --> 00:40:51,800 Speaker 3: and will never let you go. The final words of 679 00:40:51,880 --> 00:40:56,200 Speaker 3: David are another song. This beautiful hymn perfectly summarizes the 680 00:40:56,239 --> 00:40:59,279 Speaker 3: heart of our hero. He called God the Rock of 681 00:40:59,400 --> 00:41:02,880 Speaker 3: Israel and gave his final advice to anyone who desires 682 00:41:02,880 --> 00:41:06,279 Speaker 3: to rule. His words were for Solomon, but also for us, 683 00:41:06,680 --> 00:41:10,040 Speaker 3: so let's soak them in together. The spirit of the 684 00:41:10,040 --> 00:41:13,160 Speaker 3: Lord speaks to me. His word is on my lips. 685 00:41:13,719 --> 00:41:17,040 Speaker 3: The God and Rock of Israel has spoken, saying, when 686 00:41:17,080 --> 00:41:20,320 Speaker 3: one rules with justice and fear of God, he dawns 687 00:41:20,480 --> 00:41:23,960 Speaker 3: on the people like the morning light, like the sun 688 00:41:24,080 --> 00:41:28,280 Speaker 3: shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes 689 00:41:28,440 --> 00:41:32,440 Speaker 3: grass sprout on the earth. For my house stands with God. 690 00:41:33,120 --> 00:41:36,400 Speaker 3: He has made with me an everlasting covenant that is 691 00:41:36,440 --> 00:41:40,759 Speaker 3: secure and trustworthy. Worthless men are like thorns that are 692 00:41:40,800 --> 00:41:43,800 Speaker 3: thrown away, for they cannot be taken with the hand. 693 00:41:44,320 --> 00:41:47,479 Speaker 3: Do not touch them, and keep your distance, for all 694 00:41:47,560 --> 00:41:50,040 Speaker 3: a wicked man is good for is to be consumed 695 00:41:50,040 --> 00:41:53,040 Speaker 3: with fire. I wanted to thank you again for embarking 696 00:41:53,040 --> 00:41:55,480 Speaker 3: on this journey with me. My hope is that the 697 00:41:55,480 --> 00:41:58,919 Speaker 3: life of David stoked your love for Jesus, our ultimate hero. 698 00:41:59,480 --> 00:42:03,880 Speaker 3: But I hope that David's life inspired you to be brave, courageous, 699 00:42:03,960 --> 00:42:07,520 Speaker 3: and merciful. I hope that you drew inspiration from his 700 00:42:07,640 --> 00:42:10,880 Speaker 3: life and found hope that we can all be heroes 701 00:42:10,920 --> 00:42:13,680 Speaker 3: in our own way. If you ever find yourself in 702 00:42:13,760 --> 00:42:16,279 Speaker 3: need of valor, I pray these stories stir you to 703 00:42:16,360 --> 00:42:19,239 Speaker 3: seek God. If you find yourself in need of more 704 00:42:19,280 --> 00:42:23,239 Speaker 3: inspiring stories, daily prayers, and wisdom to last a lifetime, 705 00:42:23,640 --> 00:42:26,640 Speaker 3: go to pray dot com. Please leave a review and 706 00:42:26,760 --> 00:42:30,120 Speaker 3: let us know how this series impacted your life. Follow 707 00:42:30,160 --> 00:42:32,799 Speaker 3: the podcast so you get the newest release on the 708 00:42:32,880 --> 00:42:37,279 Speaker 3: Story of Jesus coming out soon. Thank you again and 709 00:42:37,400 --> 00:42:38,160 Speaker 3: God bless you.