1 00:00:00,360 --> 00:00:03,360 Speaker 1: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean 2 00:00:03,440 --> 00:00:08,039 Speaker 1: not unto thine own understanding in all thy ways. Acknowledge him, 3 00:00:08,720 --> 00:00:13,280 Speaker 1: and he shall direct thy paths Proverbs three five and six. 4 00:00:15,600 --> 00:00:19,759 Speaker 1: Gracious Father, as I begin a new day, give me 5 00:00:19,840 --> 00:00:24,000 Speaker 1: the courage to step out in faith. Teach me to 6 00:00:24,040 --> 00:00:31,360 Speaker 1: trust in you utterly and completely. Enlarge my faith, Deepen 7 00:00:31,440 --> 00:00:35,160 Speaker 1: my faith as you show me which direction to take. 8 00:00:36,920 --> 00:00:39,600 Speaker 1: I know that living by faith is a free fall 9 00:00:40,159 --> 00:00:43,760 Speaker 1: and not a bungee jump. In light of this truth, 10 00:00:43,800 --> 00:00:46,400 Speaker 1: I will no longer prepare a plan be as a 11 00:00:46,440 --> 00:00:51,880 Speaker 1: back up for your plane. I will commit myself fully. 12 00:00:52,960 --> 00:00:56,520 Speaker 1: I will direct all my attention and energy into fulfilling 13 00:00:56,560 --> 00:01:02,160 Speaker 1: your divine plan and purpose for me. When things seem 14 00:01:02,400 --> 00:01:05,520 Speaker 1: contrary to what you have shown me, I will not 15 00:01:05,640 --> 00:01:10,000 Speaker 1: deviate from your plan. I will make a conscious decision 16 00:01:10,040 --> 00:01:14,600 Speaker 1: to day to be determined to dig in my heels, 17 00:01:14,959 --> 00:01:18,680 Speaker 1: to wait and to watch you and what you are doing. 18 00:01:20,760 --> 00:01:21,039 Speaker 2: To day. 19 00:01:21,120 --> 00:01:26,160 Speaker 1: Heavenly Father, I will place everything into your almighty hands. 20 00:01:26,600 --> 00:01:28,960 Speaker 1: I will align my life with what you have shown me, 21 00:01:30,040 --> 00:01:33,600 Speaker 1: and step out by faith in whichever way you lead me. 22 00:01:35,760 --> 00:01:38,640 Speaker 1: As I do this, I thank you that I am 23 00:01:38,720 --> 00:01:43,399 Speaker 1: learning to become more and more dependent on you. I 24 00:01:43,520 --> 00:01:46,160 Speaker 1: pray that you will etch your word on to my 25 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:50,400 Speaker 1: heart like a tattoo, so that in all my ways 26 00:01:51,200 --> 00:01:57,520 Speaker 1: I acknowledge you and bring you glory in Jesus name. 27 00:02:02,240 --> 00:02:05,880 Speaker 1: Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever 28 00:02:05,960 --> 00:02:10,040 Speaker 1: told from prey dot COM's podcast, Heroes in the Bible. 29 00:02:11,840 --> 00:02:12,160 Speaker 3: Hello. 30 00:02:12,280 --> 00:02:15,040 Speaker 4: My name is Matthew Potter, co founder of Prey dot com, 31 00:02:15,240 --> 00:02:17,840 Speaker 4: and before we start today's episode of Heroes in the Bible, 32 00:02:18,000 --> 00:02:21,000 Speaker 4: I wanted to ask do you know what your bank 33 00:02:21,200 --> 00:02:24,720 Speaker 4: does with your money? At America's Christian Credit Union, your 34 00:02:24,800 --> 00:02:29,119 Speaker 4: everyday banking helps grow churches, expand the reach of missions agencies, 35 00:02:29,360 --> 00:02:33,160 Speaker 4: and supports fellow believers across the country. Learn more about 36 00:02:33,200 --> 00:02:38,080 Speaker 4: specials for switching to ACCU and their nationwide banking capabilities 37 00:02:38,400 --> 00:02:44,880 Speaker 4: at America's Christian su dot Com Forward slash Prey plus 38 00:02:44,919 --> 00:02:47,200 Speaker 4: the peace of mind knowing that this credit Union is 39 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:50,960 Speaker 4: federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. 40 00:02:52,960 --> 00:02:55,560 Speaker 5: Hi, I'm back to Tony Evans, your host for Heroes 41 00:02:55,600 --> 00:02:58,880 Speaker 5: in the Bible. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, 42 00:02:59,200 --> 00:03:01,440 Speaker 5: please share it with you family and friends and help 43 00:03:01,520 --> 00:03:05,880 Speaker 5: us spread God's word Welcome to the epic Adventure of David, 44 00:03:06,120 --> 00:03:11,240 Speaker 5: a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal, 45 00:03:11,320 --> 00:03:14,119 Speaker 5: and murder. While most people know of David the Myth, 46 00:03:14,200 --> 00:03:18,040 Speaker 5: few know about David the man. In this episode, everything 47 00:03:18,160 --> 00:03:22,880 Speaker 5: seems to unravel. The episode begins similarly to our last episode. 48 00:03:23,160 --> 00:03:26,280 Speaker 5: We're about to discover even more reasons to fear him. 49 00:03:26,800 --> 00:03:29,560 Speaker 5: He has a brilliant mind and the resources to carry 50 00:03:29,560 --> 00:03:34,080 Speaker 5: out his will. Absolom's rage rises in temperature with each 51 00:03:34,200 --> 00:03:38,520 Speaker 5: passing day, and David's own nature is used against him. 52 00:03:39,040 --> 00:03:43,160 Speaker 5: Absolom is a perfectly crafted enemy for David, leveraging every 53 00:03:43,160 --> 00:03:46,920 Speaker 5: weakness and strength against him. His rise to power is 54 00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:50,160 Speaker 5: a slow burn, and David ends up feeling the heat. 55 00:03:50,760 --> 00:03:53,440 Speaker 5: Temperature rises, and we all wonder if this is the 56 00:03:53,560 --> 00:03:57,520 Speaker 5: end for David. However, the greatest metals are purified in fire, 57 00:03:58,080 --> 00:04:02,160 Speaker 5: and the greatest weapons are forged in the flame. When 58 00:04:02,160 --> 00:04:05,000 Speaker 5: the darkness closes in and seeks to consume our hero, 59 00:04:05,920 --> 00:04:09,360 Speaker 5: his true strength is revealed. However, this strength does not 60 00:04:09,480 --> 00:04:13,400 Speaker 5: come from where you might expect. Superhero movies and teen 61 00:04:13,480 --> 00:04:16,479 Speaker 5: fiction novels have told us that the greatest power comes 62 00:04:16,480 --> 00:04:20,800 Speaker 5: from within, not David's. His strength is found outside of himself, 63 00:04:21,279 --> 00:04:24,279 Speaker 5: through the sovereign power of his God and the loyalty 64 00:04:24,320 --> 00:04:28,320 Speaker 5: of his friends. This episode begins with our most important prelude. 65 00:04:28,360 --> 00:04:31,000 Speaker 5: Yet we're in the same place as David, but in 66 00:04:31,040 --> 00:04:34,279 Speaker 5: a different time, a time when Jesus is faced with 67 00:04:34,360 --> 00:04:37,240 Speaker 5: his enemy, he models the strength of a true king. 68 00:04:37,839 --> 00:04:40,960 Speaker 5: While others may run from their problems, he faces them 69 00:04:41,000 --> 00:04:44,680 Speaker 5: head on. Jesus is not a victim to the villains 70 00:04:44,680 --> 00:04:47,880 Speaker 5: that seek his life. No, he is the ultimate hero. 71 00:04:48,400 --> 00:04:51,960 Speaker 5: His episode twenty six, The Exiled Father. 72 00:04:57,240 --> 00:05:02,080 Speaker 6: Prelude to Chapter twenty six. Jesus's shivering body walked to 73 00:05:02,120 --> 00:05:05,120 Speaker 6: the opening between the trees. He looked up to see 74 00:05:05,120 --> 00:05:08,440 Speaker 6: the moon peeking up from the clouds. His jaw quivered. 75 00:05:09,200 --> 00:05:12,680 Speaker 6: He closed his eyes and fell to the ground. Jesus's 76 00:05:12,720 --> 00:05:15,960 Speaker 6: face was on the floor. He clenched fistfuls of dirt 77 00:05:15,960 --> 00:05:19,760 Speaker 6: and grass as he prayed vigorously to the Lord. Tears 78 00:05:19,760 --> 00:05:21,480 Speaker 6: streamed down his wincing face. 79 00:05:22,000 --> 00:05:26,599 Speaker 3: My Father, he cried, if it be possible, let this 80 00:05:26,720 --> 00:05:27,640 Speaker 3: cup pass from me. 81 00:05:28,120 --> 00:05:31,240 Speaker 6: A soft and steady stream of tears watered the grass below. 82 00:05:32,120 --> 00:05:35,040 Speaker 6: His weeping was quiet, but poured forth from a deep 83 00:05:35,120 --> 00:05:39,760 Speaker 6: well of pain within him. Since before time itself, Jesus 84 00:05:39,839 --> 00:05:43,360 Speaker 6: had existed in perfect unity with the Father. Yet now, 85 00:05:43,880 --> 00:05:46,479 Speaker 6: as he wept beside a cold stone in wet grass, 86 00:05:46,920 --> 00:05:50,760 Speaker 6: he was feeling the anticipation of separation. He looked to 87 00:05:50,800 --> 00:05:52,880 Speaker 6: Heaven again inside. 88 00:05:53,640 --> 00:05:56,400 Speaker 3: Nevertheless, I will submit to. 89 00:05:56,440 --> 00:05:59,440 Speaker 6: Your will completely. Jesus knew that if there was any 90 00:05:59,440 --> 00:06:03,599 Speaker 6: other waysides death, God would have supplied it. Yet this 91 00:06:03,839 --> 00:06:07,640 Speaker 6: was the only way. One must die so all may live. 92 00:06:08,680 --> 00:06:11,400 Speaker 6: Jesus buried his face in his hands and took a 93 00:06:11,440 --> 00:06:14,760 Speaker 6: deep breath. He looked over to Peter, James and John 94 00:06:14,800 --> 00:06:18,120 Speaker 6: a few yards away. They were leaning against the trees, 95 00:06:18,160 --> 00:06:23,680 Speaker 6: fast asleep. Jesus rose up, faltering towards them. He tapped 96 00:06:23,680 --> 00:06:27,360 Speaker 6: Peter's foot with his Peter arose with a gasp, drawing 97 00:06:27,360 --> 00:06:30,720 Speaker 6: his sword. He saw Jesus standing in front of him. 98 00:06:31,040 --> 00:06:32,800 Speaker 6: Peter sheathed his sword, embarrassed. 99 00:06:33,320 --> 00:06:35,279 Speaker 3: You could not watch with me for one hour. 100 00:06:35,160 --> 00:06:37,440 Speaker 6: Peter, Jesus said, with a sigh, All. 101 00:06:37,320 --> 00:06:41,400 Speaker 3: Of you pray, blest you enter into temptation. You may 102 00:06:41,400 --> 00:06:44,000 Speaker 3: thank you have strang and although the spirit is willing, 103 00:06:44,600 --> 00:06:46,320 Speaker 3: the flesh is weak. 104 00:06:47,080 --> 00:06:50,599 Speaker 6: John watched Jesus walk slowly back to the stone. He 105 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:53,280 Speaker 6: rested his elbows against the flat part of the stone 106 00:06:53,440 --> 00:06:57,440 Speaker 6: and lifted his eyes to Heaven. Father, Jesus prayed. 107 00:06:57,560 --> 00:06:59,760 Speaker 3: If this cup is mine to drink me, I shall 108 00:07:01,000 --> 00:07:02,240 Speaker 3: your will be done. 109 00:07:02,440 --> 00:07:06,080 Speaker 6: His eyes winced shut. He prayed in agony into the night. 110 00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:10,440 Speaker 6: His hands shook, and from his forehead dropped blood from 111 00:07:10,480 --> 00:07:14,360 Speaker 6: his pores. His prayers were so deep and so powerful 112 00:07:14,840 --> 00:07:18,600 Speaker 6: that his very body was beginning to break. The clouds 113 00:07:18,600 --> 00:07:21,720 Speaker 6: above began to stir once again, and the moon disappeared. 114 00:07:22,600 --> 00:07:26,200 Speaker 6: Jesus banged his fist against the heartstone, allowing the sound 115 00:07:26,240 --> 00:07:29,360 Speaker 6: to echo through the garden. From the wind came an 116 00:07:29,400 --> 00:07:32,960 Speaker 6: angel from heaven. He came to minister to Jesus and 117 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:37,720 Speaker 6: strengthened him. The entire cosmos was about to shift. Even 118 00:07:37,760 --> 00:07:40,560 Speaker 6: the angels themselves were preparing for what was to come. 119 00:07:42,560 --> 00:07:45,200 Speaker 6: Jesus stood up to his feet and inhaled the strength 120 00:07:45,200 --> 00:07:49,400 Speaker 6: of God's spirit. His weary eyes became more focused and intent. 121 00:07:51,120 --> 00:07:54,680 Speaker 6: He turned again to his disciples. Peter, James, and John 122 00:07:54,720 --> 00:07:58,640 Speaker 6: had fallen asleep again. Jesus smiled and turned his face 123 00:07:58,680 --> 00:08:03,760 Speaker 6: to Heaven a third time, being emboldened by God. Then 124 00:08:03,800 --> 00:08:06,680 Speaker 6: he walked over to the three. Jesus stood over them, 125 00:08:06,680 --> 00:08:09,280 Speaker 6: awhile James woke up to see Jesus. 126 00:08:10,080 --> 00:08:12,360 Speaker 3: Get your rest, James, you will need. 127 00:08:12,240 --> 00:08:14,280 Speaker 6: It, Jesus said. 128 00:08:13,840 --> 00:08:17,120 Speaker 3: The hour has come. The son of Man is about 129 00:08:17,120 --> 00:08:20,840 Speaker 3: to be delivered into the hands of sinners. Now rise, 130 00:08:22,160 --> 00:08:23,720 Speaker 3: my betrayer is at hand. 131 00:08:24,400 --> 00:08:27,320 Speaker 6: The ground shook underneath them. They could hear the marching 132 00:08:27,360 --> 00:08:31,800 Speaker 6: of soldiers approaching. Jesus turned calmly to his left, like 133 00:08:31,840 --> 00:08:35,600 Speaker 6: a wolf emerging from his den. Judas came forth from 134 00:08:35,640 --> 00:08:38,480 Speaker 6: the shadows of the trees. Behind him were over one 135 00:08:38,559 --> 00:08:42,920 Speaker 6: hundred torches. Jesus stood at a distance with his disciples. 136 00:08:43,559 --> 00:08:46,559 Speaker 6: The soldiers were about one hundred yards away. It was 137 00:08:46,679 --> 00:08:49,760 Speaker 6: enough distance for Jesus to run. If they fled now 138 00:08:49,840 --> 00:08:52,760 Speaker 6: to the wilderness, they could find shelter back in Bethany 139 00:08:52,800 --> 00:08:57,720 Speaker 6: with Lazarus. The blood stained brook Kidron trickled downhill. It 140 00:08:57,760 --> 00:09:01,760 Speaker 6: stood as a separator between Jesus and his betrayer. Jesus 141 00:09:01,760 --> 00:09:04,120 Speaker 6: went to the edge of the brook. He looked down 142 00:09:04,160 --> 00:09:08,199 Speaker 6: at the red water flowing loudly. He looked up, watching 143 00:09:08,240 --> 00:09:11,880 Speaker 6: dozens of Temple soldiers line up behind Judas. With a 144 00:09:11,960 --> 00:09:15,720 Speaker 6: large step, Jesus crossed the brook Kidron and went towards 145 00:09:15,720 --> 00:09:19,679 Speaker 6: his enemies. The Son of God would not run from death. 146 00:09:20,200 --> 00:09:23,319 Speaker 6: He would face it with power. He plucked an olive 147 00:09:23,360 --> 00:09:26,040 Speaker 6: from the tree next to him. He pressed it tightly 148 00:09:26,080 --> 00:09:29,240 Speaker 6: in his hand. He opened his palm to see oil 149 00:09:29,280 --> 00:09:34,520 Speaker 6: spilling forth from the olive. Gathsemone means oil press, fitting, 150 00:09:35,000 --> 00:09:38,120 Speaker 6: since Jesus was about to be pressed for everything he had. 151 00:09:40,679 --> 00:09:45,920 Speaker 6: Chapter twenty six. The Exiled Father, the Prince of Israel, 152 00:09:46,000 --> 00:09:49,280 Speaker 6: was a sight to behold. Truly, there was no one 153 00:09:49,320 --> 00:09:51,160 Speaker 6: in all the land who knew how to make an 154 00:09:51,280 --> 00:09:55,480 Speaker 6: entrance quite like him. His long, curly, dark hair blue 155 00:09:55,600 --> 00:09:58,440 Speaker 6: in the wind as he rode back into Jerusalem mounted 156 00:09:58,520 --> 00:10:02,320 Speaker 6: on a white Egyptian stallion. He wore fine robes held 157 00:10:02,320 --> 00:10:05,360 Speaker 6: together with purple and gold strings. On top of his 158 00:10:05,480 --> 00:10:09,280 Speaker 6: robes was a gleaming breastplate with golden scales shimmering in 159 00:10:09,320 --> 00:10:12,480 Speaker 6: the sunlight. From the sole of his foot to the 160 00:10:12,520 --> 00:10:15,040 Speaker 6: crown of his head, there was no blemish in him. 161 00:10:15,960 --> 00:10:18,560 Speaker 6: He was renowned as the most handsome man in the East, 162 00:10:18,960 --> 00:10:22,199 Speaker 6: and he always showcased that fact with flair and enthusiasm. 163 00:10:22,880 --> 00:10:25,160 Speaker 6: People gathered around the city gates to greet him as 164 00:10:25,160 --> 00:10:28,520 Speaker 6: he rode in. The prince beamed with charisma, and the 165 00:10:28,520 --> 00:10:32,160 Speaker 6: people drank him in. Absalom was not like the other 166 00:10:32,240 --> 00:10:35,400 Speaker 6: sons of David. While they were content to live in anonymity, 167 00:10:35,840 --> 00:10:39,080 Speaker 6: he craved the attention of the masses. He was fueled 168 00:10:39,120 --> 00:10:43,040 Speaker 6: by it. His wife, three sons, and his daughter Tamar, 169 00:10:43,400 --> 00:10:46,800 Speaker 6: whom he named after his sister, rode in behind him. 170 00:10:47,720 --> 00:10:50,880 Speaker 6: A sea of faces cheer at Absalom, praising his return. 171 00:10:51,480 --> 00:10:54,280 Speaker 6: Yet David was nowhere to be seen. He would not 172 00:10:54,400 --> 00:10:58,200 Speaker 6: validate the people's love for Absalom by being there. In fact, 173 00:10:58,400 --> 00:11:01,480 Speaker 6: he would not great Absalom at all. David did not 174 00:11:01,600 --> 00:11:04,600 Speaker 6: know how to proceed with his son. His crime was 175 00:11:04,640 --> 00:11:07,720 Speaker 6: great and caused a great amount of grief among his household. 176 00:11:08,320 --> 00:11:11,120 Speaker 6: Yet he was still his son, whom he loved, and 177 00:11:11,200 --> 00:11:13,480 Speaker 6: he knew not how to both hold him accountable for 178 00:11:13,559 --> 00:11:17,920 Speaker 6: his sins and welcome him back in. So Absalom remained 179 00:11:17,920 --> 00:11:19,959 Speaker 6: in the heart of the city for two years without 180 00:11:19,960 --> 00:11:23,040 Speaker 6: stepping foot in his father's house. The two did not 181 00:11:23,120 --> 00:11:28,000 Speaker 6: see each other or send messengers. David's silence vexed Absalom. 182 00:11:28,040 --> 00:11:30,880 Speaker 6: With every passing month, the anger of the prince was 183 00:11:30,920 --> 00:11:34,440 Speaker 6: provoked even more David was foolish to ignore his son, 184 00:11:35,000 --> 00:11:38,240 Speaker 6: for the distance between them only made Absalom more unhinged. 185 00:11:39,800 --> 00:11:42,120 Speaker 6: Absalom looked out the window of his home with his 186 00:11:42,200 --> 00:11:45,480 Speaker 6: hands folded behind him. He stared out of the fields. 187 00:11:46,320 --> 00:11:49,080 Speaker 6: The golden ears of grains swayed to and fro from 188 00:11:49,080 --> 00:11:52,720 Speaker 6: the wind. He was deep in thought, considering the silence 189 00:11:52,760 --> 00:11:53,920 Speaker 6: between him and his father. 190 00:11:55,240 --> 00:11:58,280 Speaker 7: Shall the air of Israel be ignored for so long? 191 00:11:58,679 --> 00:12:01,960 Speaker 7: He whispered to himself, how long will I endure such 192 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:05,240 Speaker 7: dishonor how long will I endure the foolishness of my father? 193 00:12:05,920 --> 00:12:09,520 Speaker 6: Absalom beckoned for his servant. The boy bowed at a distance. 194 00:12:10,080 --> 00:12:12,840 Speaker 6: It was not uncommon for Absalom to be violent towards 195 00:12:12,840 --> 00:12:13,400 Speaker 6: his servants. 196 00:12:14,160 --> 00:12:17,240 Speaker 7: Bring me, Joab. If my father will not speak with me, 197 00:12:17,520 --> 00:12:19,480 Speaker 7: then perhaps he will speak to him on my behalf. 198 00:12:20,200 --> 00:12:21,920 Speaker 7: Go and hurry back with news. 199 00:12:22,280 --> 00:12:25,480 Speaker 6: The young man departed only a mile ahead to Joab's estate. 200 00:12:26,400 --> 00:12:28,600 Speaker 6: His home rested at the end of the barley fields, 201 00:12:28,600 --> 00:12:33,000 Speaker 6: nestled between two hills. There, Joab enjoyed a moment of peace. 202 00:12:34,040 --> 00:12:36,560 Speaker 6: The quietness of the evening was a pleasant relief for 203 00:12:36,640 --> 00:12:40,800 Speaker 6: his chaotic life. Joab had many responsibilities in the kingdom, 204 00:12:41,040 --> 00:12:44,440 Speaker 6: and he was growing more advanced than years. He sat 205 00:12:44,520 --> 00:12:48,360 Speaker 6: back in the front of his home and closed his eyes. However, 206 00:12:48,480 --> 00:12:51,800 Speaker 6: his peace was disquieted when he saw Absalom's servant approaching. 207 00:12:52,960 --> 00:12:55,640 Speaker 6: The young boy bowed his head and spoke, saying. 208 00:12:55,480 --> 00:12:58,440 Speaker 8: I have come on behalf of my master Absalom, son 209 00:12:58,480 --> 00:13:01,680 Speaker 8: of David and Prince of Israel. He desires to speak 210 00:13:01,720 --> 00:13:03,640 Speaker 8: with you so you might intercede on his behalf with 211 00:13:03,720 --> 00:13:04,280 Speaker 8: King David. 212 00:13:04,800 --> 00:13:07,120 Speaker 6: Joab rubbed his forehead and groaned. 213 00:13:07,720 --> 00:13:10,880 Speaker 9: Tell your master that I am done playing middleman between 214 00:13:10,960 --> 00:13:13,720 Speaker 9: him and his father. I've gotten him here to Jerusalem 215 00:13:13,760 --> 00:13:14,640 Speaker 9: and that should be enough. 216 00:13:15,320 --> 00:13:18,400 Speaker 6: Joab waved the servant away, and he departed back into 217 00:13:18,440 --> 00:13:21,960 Speaker 6: his master's home. The boy brought the news to Absalom, 218 00:13:22,000 --> 00:13:23,480 Speaker 6: saying Job. 219 00:13:23,200 --> 00:13:25,560 Speaker 8: Has refused your request for a meeting, my lord. 220 00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:29,720 Speaker 6: The prince chuckled and nodded his head. He sighed and 221 00:13:29,840 --> 00:13:32,960 Speaker 6: walked over to the servant. He placed a hand on 222 00:13:33,000 --> 00:13:36,400 Speaker 6: his shoulders and squeezed. The young servant winced in pain, 223 00:13:36,760 --> 00:13:40,360 Speaker 6: unable to break free from Absalom's grip. He leaned down 224 00:13:40,520 --> 00:13:41,920 Speaker 6: and said, I am. 225 00:13:41,840 --> 00:13:46,120 Speaker 7: Sure you forgot to tell him how important this is 226 00:13:46,520 --> 00:13:46,880 Speaker 7: to me. 227 00:13:47,440 --> 00:13:50,200 Speaker 6: He gritted his teeth and sunk his fingers down harder 228 00:13:50,200 --> 00:13:51,160 Speaker 6: into the boy's neck. 229 00:13:51,520 --> 00:13:55,520 Speaker 7: Now go again tomorrow and I expect a better result. 230 00:13:56,240 --> 00:13:58,839 Speaker 6: He released his grip and the boy fell to his knees, 231 00:14:00,360 --> 00:14:03,199 Speaker 6: cracked his neck to the side, straightened his robe, and 232 00:14:03,320 --> 00:14:04,840 Speaker 6: smiled good night. 233 00:14:05,200 --> 00:14:08,160 Speaker 7: I shall see you tomorrow afternoon when you have a 234 00:14:08,200 --> 00:14:09,680 Speaker 7: word from Joeab. 235 00:14:11,040 --> 00:14:14,120 Speaker 6: The prince retreated to his bedroom. The servant arose the 236 00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:17,000 Speaker 6: next morning before sunlight and ran to joe AB's estate. 237 00:14:18,080 --> 00:14:20,840 Speaker 6: He waited at the door, listening for any stirring from 238 00:14:20,840 --> 00:14:24,880 Speaker 6: within the home. Finally, one of Joab's servants opened the door. 239 00:14:26,080 --> 00:14:27,520 Speaker 6: Who are you, he asked. 240 00:14:28,280 --> 00:14:31,320 Speaker 8: I come from the house of Absalom, son of David 241 00:14:31,360 --> 00:14:33,880 Speaker 8: and Prince of Israel. He desires to speak with your 242 00:14:33,920 --> 00:14:35,680 Speaker 8: lord about meeting with the king. 243 00:14:36,040 --> 00:14:40,000 Speaker 6: The boy said nervously. Joab's servant went back into the 244 00:14:40,040 --> 00:14:41,880 Speaker 6: home and came back out moments later. 245 00:14:42,520 --> 00:14:46,280 Speaker 8: My lord cannot see your lord. I am sorry. Wait, 246 00:14:46,800 --> 00:14:49,720 Speaker 8: Please tell Job that a refusal would mean bad things 247 00:14:49,720 --> 00:14:53,200 Speaker 8: for me, him and his household. My lord is unhinged 248 00:14:53,200 --> 00:14:56,760 Speaker 8: and unpredictable. You do not want to anger him. I 249 00:14:56,840 --> 00:14:57,600 Speaker 8: am sorry. 250 00:14:57,800 --> 00:15:00,720 Speaker 6: The servant said again, there will be no meeting, and 251 00:15:00,800 --> 00:15:03,800 Speaker 6: he shut the door. The boy held his head low 252 00:15:03,800 --> 00:15:06,760 Speaker 6: in defeat and slowly trudged back home to his master. 253 00:15:07,720 --> 00:15:11,360 Speaker 6: The afternoon heat was harsh and unforgiving. The sun beat 254 00:15:11,440 --> 00:15:14,080 Speaker 6: down on the boy's scarred neck. He rubbed it and 255 00:15:14,120 --> 00:15:17,760 Speaker 6: winced in pain. He dreaded what awaited him at home. 256 00:15:19,240 --> 00:15:21,640 Speaker 6: The boy came before Absalom and gave him the news. 257 00:15:22,520 --> 00:15:25,520 Speaker 6: Instead of raging against him or screaming in anger, the 258 00:15:25,600 --> 00:15:29,280 Speaker 6: prince nodded and retreated to his room. There was a calm, 259 00:15:29,360 --> 00:15:32,720 Speaker 6: quietness about him that sent chills down the servant's spine. 260 00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:35,320 Speaker 7: Did you know my fields are next to joe. 261 00:15:35,200 --> 00:15:40,800 Speaker 6: Abs Absalom asked, yes, my lord. The boy said, quietly. 262 00:15:41,120 --> 00:15:42,120 Speaker 7: Burn his side. 263 00:15:42,440 --> 00:15:44,000 Speaker 4: Pardon me, my lord. 264 00:15:44,480 --> 00:15:47,120 Speaker 6: Absalom turned around and gave a sadistic smile. 265 00:15:47,880 --> 00:15:52,720 Speaker 7: Take a torch and set joe absfields on fire. Do 266 00:15:52,840 --> 00:15:54,760 Speaker 7: so in the morning before the sun rises. 267 00:15:55,040 --> 00:15:58,400 Speaker 6: Absalom could sense the confusion in the young boy. He 268 00:15:58,480 --> 00:16:01,560 Speaker 6: placed a gentle hand on his should and said, you. 269 00:16:01,720 --> 00:16:05,680 Speaker 7: Of all people, should know that force, when used tactfully, 270 00:16:06,280 --> 00:16:07,760 Speaker 7: gets desired results. 271 00:16:08,120 --> 00:16:10,400 Speaker 6: So the servant left the following morning with a torch 272 00:16:10,440 --> 00:16:13,560 Speaker 6: in hand. He laced the perimeter of the fields with 273 00:16:13,640 --> 00:16:17,520 Speaker 6: animal grease, then let the entire field on fire. It 274 00:16:17,600 --> 00:16:20,600 Speaker 6: was only two weeks away from harvesting season, and all 275 00:16:20,640 --> 00:16:24,760 Speaker 6: of Joab's hard work rose in a torrent of flames. 276 00:16:24,800 --> 00:16:29,160 Speaker 6: The fire consumed everything, fueled by the dry air. When 277 00:16:29,240 --> 00:16:32,120 Speaker 6: Joeab awoke, he burst out of the door and screamed 278 00:16:32,160 --> 00:16:34,960 Speaker 6: for his workers to douse the fire. If they were 279 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:39,160 Speaker 6: too late. The fire made quick work of the field, 280 00:16:39,240 --> 00:16:43,720 Speaker 6: and in only an hour he was completely devoured. Joab 281 00:16:43,800 --> 00:16:47,120 Speaker 6: kicked open the door to Absalom's home with rage. 282 00:16:47,440 --> 00:16:51,720 Speaker 9: What have you done, Absalom, he yelled, Of all the 283 00:16:51,800 --> 00:16:54,760 Speaker 9: petty and sadistic things you have done, this one tops 284 00:16:54,800 --> 00:16:55,280 Speaker 9: them all. 285 00:16:55,800 --> 00:16:59,400 Speaker 6: Joab was fuming in anger, nearly ready to unsheathe his 286 00:16:59,480 --> 00:17:04,120 Speaker 6: sword and cut through Absalom's neck. However, the handsome prince 287 00:17:04,200 --> 00:17:08,440 Speaker 6: was unfazed by Joab's tantrum. He remained calm and gestured 288 00:17:08,440 --> 00:17:09,000 Speaker 6: to the table. 289 00:17:10,160 --> 00:17:12,520 Speaker 7: Please have a seat, Joab. 290 00:17:12,560 --> 00:17:17,880 Speaker 6: Absalom said cordially. Joeab was disturbed by absalom calm demeanor. 291 00:17:18,400 --> 00:17:21,520 Speaker 6: He sat down, slightly, afraid of what may happen next. 292 00:17:22,359 --> 00:17:24,919 Speaker 6: Absalom gestured for his servants to bring joe Abb a 293 00:17:24,920 --> 00:17:28,200 Speaker 6: cup and some bread. It remained untouched in front of him. 294 00:17:28,720 --> 00:17:32,720 Speaker 7: Joab, why have I come out of exile? Absalom asked, 295 00:17:32,920 --> 00:17:35,800 Speaker 7: Gesher was a lovely place, and I had everything I needed. 296 00:17:36,400 --> 00:17:38,080 Speaker 7: It would have been better for me to stay in 297 00:17:38,119 --> 00:17:41,520 Speaker 7: exile and thrive there rather than rot within the borders 298 00:17:41,560 --> 00:17:46,399 Speaker 7: of Jerusalem. I came back to engage in the life 299 00:17:46,480 --> 00:17:51,240 Speaker 7: of this nation, to convene with my father, to strategize 300 00:17:51,240 --> 00:17:54,879 Speaker 7: with you, and to lead this nation. How can I 301 00:17:54,920 --> 00:17:57,960 Speaker 7: do that when you and my father insist on ignoring me. 302 00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:03,240 Speaker 6: Osture shifted, He relaxed his shoulders and thought. For a moment, 303 00:18:03,960 --> 00:18:07,639 Speaker 6: Absalom made a decent argument. There would be no reason 304 00:18:07,720 --> 00:18:09,879 Speaker 6: to allow him to return if he was not allowed 305 00:18:09,880 --> 00:18:12,640 Speaker 6: to engage in the political and military life of the nation. 306 00:18:13,720 --> 00:18:16,320 Speaker 6: Joe Ab shrugged and said, you are right. 307 00:18:17,560 --> 00:18:20,720 Speaker 9: However, the king does not desire to see you. Absalom. 308 00:18:20,800 --> 00:18:23,000 Speaker 9: I do not need to remind you that your crimes 309 00:18:23,040 --> 00:18:26,000 Speaker 9: were grave. You killed his son. 310 00:18:27,000 --> 00:18:29,080 Speaker 7: You and I both know I did this nation a 311 00:18:29,119 --> 00:18:32,159 Speaker 7: favor by putting an end to that fool. Would you 312 00:18:32,240 --> 00:18:34,959 Speaker 7: really want am Non as your next king after David? 313 00:18:35,640 --> 00:18:38,879 Speaker 7: He was weak and a rapist pig. I did the 314 00:18:38,920 --> 00:18:40,920 Speaker 7: lord's work and brought justice. 315 00:18:41,680 --> 00:18:45,359 Speaker 6: Joe Ab did not seem so certain. Absalom leaned forward 316 00:18:45,359 --> 00:18:47,119 Speaker 6: and reasoned with joe Ab, saying. 317 00:18:47,359 --> 00:18:49,679 Speaker 7: If my crimes were so grave, then let me go 318 00:18:49,800 --> 00:18:52,640 Speaker 7: before the king and have him judge me himself. If 319 00:18:52,680 --> 00:18:55,000 Speaker 7: he finds guilt still remaining in me, let me be 320 00:18:55,080 --> 00:18:57,200 Speaker 7: put to death. I will accept that fate. 321 00:18:58,400 --> 00:19:01,159 Speaker 6: Joe abstirred in his seat, wondering if it would be 322 00:19:01,160 --> 00:19:05,120 Speaker 6: a good idea. Finally, he nodded and took Absalom's hand 323 00:19:05,160 --> 00:19:09,000 Speaker 6: and shook it. It shall be done, he said. Then 324 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:11,840 Speaker 6: he stood to exit the home. As he opened the door, 325 00:19:11,960 --> 00:19:13,840 Speaker 6: he turned back and looked at Absalom. 326 00:19:14,240 --> 00:19:16,880 Speaker 9: I expect to be paid for my burnt fields. 327 00:19:17,520 --> 00:19:21,440 Speaker 6: Absalom raised his cup to Joab and nodded. The commander groaned, 328 00:19:21,760 --> 00:19:25,919 Speaker 6: then left. Joab left immediately to the house of David. 329 00:19:26,440 --> 00:19:28,399 Speaker 6: He bowed before the king and said. 330 00:19:28,800 --> 00:19:32,400 Speaker 9: Your son Absalom desires an audience with you, my king, 331 00:19:33,160 --> 00:19:35,240 Speaker 9: I think it would be wise to reconcile. 332 00:19:35,680 --> 00:19:38,640 Speaker 6: David was filled with inner doubt. There was a check 333 00:19:38,640 --> 00:19:41,440 Speaker 6: in his spirit about Absalom. But how could a father 334 00:19:41,520 --> 00:19:43,000 Speaker 6: deny his son for that long. 335 00:19:44,040 --> 00:19:47,800 Speaker 2: I long to forgive him, Joab, I just need to 336 00:19:47,840 --> 00:19:50,080 Speaker 2: see he has humbled himself. 337 00:19:50,800 --> 00:19:54,240 Speaker 9: Allow him the chance. If you still find fault in him, 338 00:19:54,280 --> 00:19:56,080 Speaker 9: he has opened himself up to judgment. 339 00:19:56,320 --> 00:19:59,760 Speaker 6: Joe Ab said, bring him to me. Then David said, 340 00:20:00,280 --> 00:20:04,640 Speaker 6: I will meet with my son. Joab departed and sent 341 00:20:04,680 --> 00:20:07,840 Speaker 6: word for Absalom to come. The prince rode to the 342 00:20:07,880 --> 00:20:10,879 Speaker 6: palace on his white steed. The people awed as he 343 00:20:10,960 --> 00:20:14,320 Speaker 6: passed through the streets. They cheered his name and waved. 344 00:20:14,960 --> 00:20:17,800 Speaker 6: He drank in their praise. He needed it more than 345 00:20:17,840 --> 00:20:20,840 Speaker 6: the air he breathed. He finally passed the gardens of 346 00:20:20,880 --> 00:20:24,240 Speaker 6: his childhood home and dismounted his horse. He pushed open 347 00:20:24,280 --> 00:20:26,720 Speaker 6: the doors and walked down the hall leading to David's 348 00:20:26,720 --> 00:20:30,399 Speaker 6: throne room. Nothing had changed about it. He saw the 349 00:20:30,440 --> 00:20:35,040 Speaker 6: tapestries of past conquests, still illuminated by torchlight. He felt 350 00:20:35,080 --> 00:20:38,040 Speaker 6: the warmth of the fire in the iron basin, and 351 00:20:38,240 --> 00:20:42,240 Speaker 6: just as spectacular as Absalom remembered him, King David sat 352 00:20:42,280 --> 00:20:45,840 Speaker 6: on his throne. The young prince walked slowly up to 353 00:20:45,880 --> 00:20:47,800 Speaker 6: the middle of the room and looked at his father. 354 00:20:48,680 --> 00:20:51,960 Speaker 6: Neither of them said a word. Absalom knew what he 355 00:20:52,040 --> 00:20:54,280 Speaker 6: had to do in order to gain David's trust again. 356 00:20:54,920 --> 00:20:57,200 Speaker 6: He knew how to tug at his father's sensitive heart. 357 00:20:58,040 --> 00:21:00,119 Speaker 6: He knew that his father was waiting for any he 358 00:21:00,160 --> 00:21:03,640 Speaker 6: excused to forgive him and look past his sins. So 359 00:21:03,680 --> 00:21:06,600 Speaker 6: he fell dramatically to his knees and opened up his arms. 360 00:21:07,359 --> 00:21:10,240 Speaker 6: His bottom lip quivered, and he forced a single tear 361 00:21:10,240 --> 00:21:13,920 Speaker 6: to fall down his cheek. Father Absalom whispered, I. 362 00:21:13,840 --> 00:21:15,679 Speaker 7: Am here, forgive me. 363 00:21:16,440 --> 00:21:18,879 Speaker 6: As he said this, the prince fell down on his 364 00:21:18,960 --> 00:21:24,000 Speaker 6: face and prostrated himself before David. The King's generous and 365 00:21:24,160 --> 00:21:27,080 Speaker 6: kind heart was ignited within him, and he rushed from 366 00:21:27,080 --> 00:21:29,920 Speaker 6: his throne down to his son. He wrapped his arms 367 00:21:29,960 --> 00:21:31,440 Speaker 6: around him and wept. 368 00:21:31,560 --> 00:21:33,200 Speaker 2: I forgive you, my son. 369 00:21:34,040 --> 00:21:34,840 Speaker 10: Welcome home. 370 00:21:35,880 --> 00:21:39,199 Speaker 6: David kissed him and helped him to his feet. Absalom 371 00:21:39,240 --> 00:21:42,760 Speaker 6: embraced him again. The prince had his father write where 372 00:21:42,800 --> 00:21:45,000 Speaker 6: he wanted it, and now that he was back in 373 00:21:45,040 --> 00:21:51,520 Speaker 6: the palace again, all could go according to plan. The 374 00:21:51,600 --> 00:21:55,359 Speaker 6: old farmer slowly approached the gates of Jerusalem. He wiped 375 00:21:55,400 --> 00:21:57,240 Speaker 6: the sweat off his brow and let out a sigh 376 00:21:57,240 --> 00:22:01,000 Speaker 6: of relief. After days of travel, it finally made it 377 00:22:01,040 --> 00:22:04,280 Speaker 6: to the city of David. The old man descended down 378 00:22:04,320 --> 00:22:07,679 Speaker 6: the hill leading to the gates. He was anxious to 379 00:22:07,680 --> 00:22:11,160 Speaker 6: see the king, and time was of the essence. As 380 00:22:11,200 --> 00:22:13,760 Speaker 6: the weary traveler came to the gate, he was called 381 00:22:13,800 --> 00:22:16,520 Speaker 6: to by a dashing young man adorned in royal clothing. 382 00:22:17,200 --> 00:22:19,000 Speaker 6: He sat in the shade with a few of his 383 00:22:19,080 --> 00:22:20,000 Speaker 6: guards beside him. 384 00:22:20,480 --> 00:22:24,040 Speaker 7: You there, traveler, he shouted, where do you come from. 385 00:22:24,400 --> 00:22:26,320 Speaker 6: The man bowed his head and said. 386 00:22:27,160 --> 00:22:30,679 Speaker 10: I am a farmer from the tribe of Ephraim. My 387 00:22:30,880 --> 00:22:34,080 Speaker 10: farm is just outside the village of shi Though. 388 00:22:34,640 --> 00:22:36,440 Speaker 6: The young man beckoned him, saying. 389 00:22:36,760 --> 00:22:39,920 Speaker 7: You look weary from your travels. Come. I have cool 390 00:22:39,960 --> 00:22:41,960 Speaker 7: water from the well and wine for you to enjoy. 391 00:22:42,440 --> 00:22:45,359 Speaker 6: The farmer shook his head and said, oh, thank you, 392 00:22:45,480 --> 00:22:48,320 Speaker 6: my lord. But I I must be on my way. 393 00:22:49,040 --> 00:22:52,000 Speaker 6: I have to speak to the king. I hear he 394 00:22:52,040 --> 00:22:56,240 Speaker 6: allows citizens to entreat him once a month, and hear 395 00:22:56,280 --> 00:22:57,080 Speaker 6: their dispute. 396 00:22:57,880 --> 00:23:00,320 Speaker 7: Ah, it is a shame you have traveled so far 397 00:23:00,359 --> 00:23:01,919 Speaker 7: to be disappointed. 398 00:23:01,320 --> 00:23:02,200 Speaker 6: The young man said. 399 00:23:03,040 --> 00:23:07,240 Speaker 7: The king has stopped seeing any citizens. He is overwhelmed 400 00:23:07,280 --> 00:23:10,480 Speaker 7: with his own troubles. He barely has time to listen 401 00:23:10,480 --> 00:23:14,119 Speaker 7: to the people. Come tell me your matter. Perhaps I 402 00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:15,159 Speaker 7: can be of service to you. 403 00:23:15,600 --> 00:23:17,680 Speaker 6: The farmer was confused and disappointed. 404 00:23:19,119 --> 00:23:22,199 Speaker 10: Who are you, How can you help me? 405 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:25,680 Speaker 7: I am the prince and heir to the throne. 406 00:23:25,440 --> 00:23:26,600 Speaker 6: The young man said. 407 00:23:26,960 --> 00:23:29,639 Speaker 7: My name is Absolom. Perhaps you have heard of me. 408 00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:32,320 Speaker 6: The old man gasped and bowed, saying. 409 00:23:33,040 --> 00:23:36,480 Speaker 10: I am sorry, my lord. I am from a small village. 410 00:23:36,520 --> 00:23:38,320 Speaker 10: I would have never known it was you. 411 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:42,080 Speaker 7: Please think nothing of it. Tell me your. 412 00:23:41,960 --> 00:23:46,639 Speaker 6: Trouble, Absalom said, with a smile. The farmer then began 413 00:23:46,680 --> 00:23:48,720 Speaker 6: to tell him of a dispute he had regarding the 414 00:23:48,800 --> 00:23:52,360 Speaker 6: land surrounding his farm. A noble from another village took 415 00:23:52,359 --> 00:23:54,760 Speaker 6: the land by force, even though it was given to 416 00:23:54,840 --> 00:23:58,040 Speaker 6: him by his father and his grandfather. Since the man 417 00:23:58,160 --> 00:24:01,240 Speaker 6: was rich and had mercenaries to enforce, he could do 418 00:24:01,320 --> 00:24:02,080 Speaker 6: nothing about it. 419 00:24:02,840 --> 00:24:05,000 Speaker 10: That is why I need to speak to the king. 420 00:24:05,040 --> 00:24:06,320 Speaker 6: The old man said. 421 00:24:06,480 --> 00:24:09,399 Speaker 10: I need his help to drive out the noble and 422 00:24:10,160 --> 00:24:11,520 Speaker 10: give me my land back. 423 00:24:11,920 --> 00:24:16,040 Speaker 6: Absalom feigned compassion and understanding. He nodded and placed a 424 00:24:16,080 --> 00:24:17,000 Speaker 6: hand on his shoulder. 425 00:24:17,560 --> 00:24:20,800 Speaker 7: I feel for you, good friend. You should not have 426 00:24:20,840 --> 00:24:24,159 Speaker 7: to travel so far just to inquire about this. The 427 00:24:24,240 --> 00:24:27,320 Speaker 7: king should have had representatives in your region to hear 428 00:24:27,400 --> 00:24:30,280 Speaker 7: you and act on his behalf. That is what a 429 00:24:30,320 --> 00:24:33,280 Speaker 7: wise king would do. That is what I would do 430 00:24:33,720 --> 00:24:34,520 Speaker 7: if I were king. 431 00:24:35,080 --> 00:24:39,720 Speaker 6: I wish you were King, good Absolom, then perhaps I 432 00:24:39,760 --> 00:24:44,040 Speaker 6: would not be so hopeless, the farmer said, holding back tears. 433 00:24:44,800 --> 00:24:46,880 Speaker 7: One day soon I may be king. 434 00:24:47,200 --> 00:24:49,119 Speaker 6: He said, with a reassuring smile. 435 00:24:49,680 --> 00:24:53,800 Speaker 7: Have hope, and tell others hope as well, for the 436 00:24:53,800 --> 00:24:56,640 Speaker 7: Lord may cause my ascension to the throne sooner than 437 00:24:56,680 --> 00:25:00,920 Speaker 7: we think, for the king is quite mad and may 438 00:25:00,960 --> 00:25:02,880 Speaker 7: not be fit for the throne any longer. 439 00:25:03,359 --> 00:25:08,480 Speaker 6: The farmer left disappointed and infuriated at the king. Absalom's lies, 440 00:25:08,520 --> 00:25:11,680 Speaker 6: combined with his charisma and charm, were a perfect storm. 441 00:25:12,160 --> 00:25:14,240 Speaker 6: Day by day, he stood at the gates doing the 442 00:25:14,280 --> 00:25:17,000 Speaker 6: same thing he did with the farmer. He told them 443 00:25:17,000 --> 00:25:19,840 Speaker 6: that David did not have time for them, heard their troubles, 444 00:25:20,119 --> 00:25:22,680 Speaker 6: and sent them away, hoping he would one day be king. 445 00:25:23,600 --> 00:25:26,800 Speaker 6: One of Absalom's guards watched the old man leave. He 446 00:25:26,840 --> 00:25:29,800 Speaker 6: shook his head and said, why must we be here 447 00:25:29,840 --> 00:25:34,199 Speaker 6: every day? The hawk sun, You have horses, tariots, and 448 00:25:34,359 --> 00:25:38,440 Speaker 6: mercenaries are ready to storm the city. Why not take 449 00:25:38,520 --> 00:25:41,600 Speaker 6: you bar fools? Absalom rolled his eyes and. 450 00:25:41,600 --> 00:25:46,200 Speaker 7: Scoffed, because there is no use taking the throne if 451 00:25:46,200 --> 00:25:47,680 Speaker 7: they still love the king. 452 00:25:47,960 --> 00:25:48,480 Speaker 6: He said. 453 00:25:48,960 --> 00:25:51,320 Speaker 7: The first battle is for the hearts of the people. 454 00:25:52,000 --> 00:25:54,919 Speaker 7: The second battle is for the conquest of the city. 455 00:25:56,080 --> 00:25:59,000 Speaker 7: Have patience, our time will come. 456 00:25:58,920 --> 00:26:03,040 Speaker 6: So day by day, Absalom continued. He was a patient man, 457 00:26:03,480 --> 00:26:05,960 Speaker 6: willing to take years in order to enact his plan. 458 00:26:06,920 --> 00:26:09,439 Speaker 6: For four years. He rose early to be at the gates, 459 00:26:09,680 --> 00:26:12,840 Speaker 6: and as the travelers left Jerusalem, they brought stories of 460 00:26:12,880 --> 00:26:17,199 Speaker 6: his kindness and leadership. Absalom's good reputation was spreading like 461 00:26:17,240 --> 00:26:23,000 Speaker 6: a virus, as was the negative reputation of David. Winter 462 00:26:23,160 --> 00:26:26,240 Speaker 6: was approaching and the warm east breeze shifted into a 463 00:26:26,280 --> 00:26:29,520 Speaker 6: cool and biting wind from the west. Huddled near the 464 00:26:29,520 --> 00:26:33,800 Speaker 6: fireplace of his home was Absalom and a Hithethel the Gillinite, 465 00:26:33,840 --> 00:26:38,359 Speaker 6: one of King David's counselors. He had been conspiring alongside 466 00:26:38,400 --> 00:26:41,480 Speaker 6: him to overthrow the king. They spoke into the night, 467 00:26:41,800 --> 00:26:46,440 Speaker 6: planning and conniving against David. A Hithophel shared Absalom's vision. 468 00:26:46,960 --> 00:26:49,120 Speaker 6: They could not make it look like a military coup 469 00:26:49,320 --> 00:26:52,800 Speaker 6: or a treason. It needed to look like a natural secession. 470 00:26:53,680 --> 00:26:56,399 Speaker 6: They needed to control the message and make it common 471 00:26:56,440 --> 00:26:58,320 Speaker 6: sense to elevate Absalom as king. 472 00:26:58,800 --> 00:27:00,400 Speaker 7: Two hundred men should be enough. 473 00:27:00,680 --> 00:27:02,200 Speaker 6: Absalom said, we will. 474 00:27:02,000 --> 00:27:03,840 Speaker 7: Have them go throughout the city and declare that I 475 00:27:03,880 --> 00:27:06,359 Speaker 7: have been made king. They will say it as if 476 00:27:06,400 --> 00:27:09,359 Speaker 7: it were news coming from the palace itself. In fact, 477 00:27:09,680 --> 00:27:11,560 Speaker 7: they could make it sound like King David was the 478 00:27:11,600 --> 00:27:12,479 Speaker 7: one who wanted it. 479 00:27:12,720 --> 00:27:14,760 Speaker 6: A Hithofel smiled and said. 480 00:27:15,119 --> 00:27:18,000 Speaker 3: Once the city is chanting your name, we will find 481 00:27:18,080 --> 00:27:20,800 Speaker 3: David and kill him. That will be the final piece. 482 00:27:21,440 --> 00:27:25,320 Speaker 6: A Hithopel had his own reasons for hating David. Bathsheba 483 00:27:25,480 --> 00:27:28,160 Speaker 6: was his granddaughter, and he hated what the king had 484 00:27:28,200 --> 00:27:31,040 Speaker 6: done to her and Uriah. He wanted vengeance. 485 00:27:31,840 --> 00:27:35,560 Speaker 7: It must be done secretly, Absalom said, and his closest 486 00:27:35,600 --> 00:27:37,280 Speaker 7: advisors must be killed as well. 487 00:27:37,840 --> 00:27:41,040 Speaker 6: Absalom poke the fire with the rod, crushing the coals 488 00:27:41,040 --> 00:27:42,359 Speaker 6: and watching them break apart. 489 00:27:42,880 --> 00:27:45,639 Speaker 3: People must think you are elsewhere when this occurs, Absalom 490 00:27:45,760 --> 00:27:48,399 Speaker 3: a Hithopel warned, no one would expect you to be 491 00:27:48,440 --> 00:27:51,520 Speaker 3: the culprit. If you are away, Perhaps you should be 492 00:27:51,560 --> 00:27:55,280 Speaker 3: gone doing something holy and moral. Perhaps you can go 493 00:27:55,320 --> 00:27:58,760 Speaker 3: to Hebron to make a sacrifice. No one would suspect 494 00:27:58,760 --> 00:28:01,000 Speaker 3: you to murder the king while you are away worshiping 495 00:28:01,040 --> 00:28:01,480 Speaker 3: the Lord. 496 00:28:02,200 --> 00:28:04,840 Speaker 6: The two of them agreed and gathered two hundred men 497 00:28:04,880 --> 00:28:08,160 Speaker 6: to proclaim their message. It had to be timed perfectly, 498 00:28:08,680 --> 00:28:11,159 Speaker 6: and all had to fall in place at the perfect moment. 499 00:28:13,200 --> 00:28:16,280 Speaker 6: The next morning, Absalom was enjoying a morning stroll with 500 00:28:16,320 --> 00:28:19,400 Speaker 6: his father. The two spoke of the future of Israel, 501 00:28:19,760 --> 00:28:23,879 Speaker 6: poetry and military strategy. David was pleased to have his 502 00:28:23,960 --> 00:28:26,840 Speaker 6: son back in his presence. He was ignorant to the 503 00:28:26,880 --> 00:28:31,119 Speaker 6: evil and corrupt works happening in secret. Absalom turned to 504 00:28:31,160 --> 00:28:32,360 Speaker 6: his father and said. 505 00:28:32,760 --> 00:28:35,119 Speaker 7: When I was in Gesher, I made a vow to 506 00:28:35,160 --> 00:28:37,359 Speaker 7: the Lord. I told him that if I ever was 507 00:28:37,440 --> 00:28:40,720 Speaker 7: able to return to Jerusalem and reconcile with you, that 508 00:28:40,840 --> 00:28:44,000 Speaker 7: I would make a sacrifice to him in Hebron. I 509 00:28:44,000 --> 00:28:46,240 Speaker 7: would very much like to follow through on that promise. 510 00:28:47,080 --> 00:28:48,880 Speaker 7: Would you allow me to leave for a few weeks 511 00:28:48,880 --> 00:28:49,800 Speaker 7: and worship the Lord. 512 00:28:50,600 --> 00:28:53,240 Speaker 6: David's heart leaped at the idea of his son honoring 513 00:28:53,280 --> 00:28:58,200 Speaker 6: the Lord. Of course, David said, enthusiastically, go in peace, 514 00:28:58,400 --> 00:29:03,400 Speaker 6: my son, lombout and left immediately to prepare he and 515 00:29:03,440 --> 00:29:06,200 Speaker 6: the two hundred secret messengers left the city gates. The 516 00:29:06,240 --> 00:29:09,680 Speaker 6: next morning, the two hundred men separated into all the 517 00:29:09,720 --> 00:29:10,640 Speaker 6: tribes of Israel. 518 00:29:10,880 --> 00:29:14,280 Speaker 7: When the trumpets sound, declare to everyone, Absalom has been 519 00:29:14,320 --> 00:29:17,720 Speaker 7: made king at Hebron. Go and dwell in the homes 520 00:29:17,760 --> 00:29:21,120 Speaker 7: of innocent people. Tell them that Absalom has been named 521 00:29:21,200 --> 00:29:25,840 Speaker 7: king of the people, and David is no more. Tell 522 00:29:25,920 --> 00:29:29,640 Speaker 7: them so they may tell their friends, and their friends 523 00:29:30,120 --> 00:29:33,840 Speaker 7: and their friends. Allow the seeds of deception to spread 524 00:29:34,160 --> 00:29:35,680 Speaker 7: until it is true to them. 525 00:29:36,240 --> 00:29:39,640 Speaker 6: The messengers left and Absalom made the journey to Hebron. 526 00:29:40,120 --> 00:29:42,480 Speaker 6: It took him a day for him to arrive at Hebron. 527 00:29:43,240 --> 00:29:46,040 Speaker 6: There he made a sacrifice to the Lord, just as 528 00:29:46,080 --> 00:29:48,960 Speaker 6: he said he would. The trumpet sounded, and it was 529 00:29:49,040 --> 00:29:54,000 Speaker 6: time for chaos to ensue. It was late, and the 530 00:29:54,000 --> 00:29:56,840 Speaker 6: moon's light trickled in through the lattice of David's bedroom. 531 00:29:57,560 --> 00:30:00,800 Speaker 6: The night was quiet, however, there was an uneasiness in 532 00:30:00,840 --> 00:30:04,800 Speaker 6: the air. David lay there asleep, content to dream of 533 00:30:04,840 --> 00:30:09,120 Speaker 6: battles fought and victory's won. However, his peaceful sleep was 534 00:30:09,160 --> 00:30:13,040 Speaker 6: swiftly interrupted as the large wooden door swung open violently. 535 00:30:13,680 --> 00:30:16,320 Speaker 6: My King David leaped out of his bed and grabbed 536 00:30:16,320 --> 00:30:21,080 Speaker 6: his sword. He pointed it forward. Illuminated by torchlight, was Shama. 537 00:30:21,520 --> 00:30:23,000 Speaker 7: Yes, they are coming for you. 538 00:30:23,440 --> 00:30:26,560 Speaker 6: David lowered his sword and shouted, what is the meaning 539 00:30:26,600 --> 00:30:29,920 Speaker 6: of these? As the king asked the question, he heard 540 00:30:29,960 --> 00:30:32,000 Speaker 6: a pounding at the front of the palace gate and 541 00:30:32,040 --> 00:30:36,480 Speaker 6: a clamoring of men. Shama grunted in frustration and looked 542 00:30:36,520 --> 00:30:37,160 Speaker 6: out the window. 543 00:30:37,800 --> 00:30:39,480 Speaker 7: We're here, David, we must go. 544 00:30:40,120 --> 00:30:40,880 Speaker 2: Who is here? 545 00:30:41,160 --> 00:30:45,080 Speaker 6: King David was flustered and frustrated. Shama grabbed him by 546 00:30:45,120 --> 00:30:45,880 Speaker 6: the shoulders and. 547 00:30:45,920 --> 00:30:49,760 Speaker 7: Yelled, it's Absolom, your son. The hearts of the people 548 00:30:49,760 --> 00:30:53,200 Speaker 7: have been corrupted, David. They are shouting his name in 549 00:30:53,240 --> 00:30:55,040 Speaker 7: the streets, declaring him king. 550 00:30:55,520 --> 00:30:58,960 Speaker 6: All became clear to David in that moment. The peace 551 00:30:59,000 --> 00:31:02,400 Speaker 6: between him and Absolent was all a ruse and apt 552 00:31:02,440 --> 00:31:06,040 Speaker 6: to lull David to sleep. The king dressed himself in 553 00:31:06,120 --> 00:31:09,080 Speaker 6: Jonathan's old armor and strapped the sort of beliathe to 554 00:31:09,160 --> 00:31:09,560 Speaker 6: his back. 555 00:31:10,440 --> 00:31:13,680 Speaker 11: Charmah, listen to me. I will not make the city 556 00:31:13,680 --> 00:31:17,239 Speaker 11: a battleground for civil war. We will flee now and 557 00:31:17,320 --> 00:31:21,520 Speaker 11: live to fight another day. Now, where is Joe abb I? 558 00:31:21,600 --> 00:31:24,400 Speaker 7: Do not know, but I do know that your palace 559 00:31:24,440 --> 00:31:27,760 Speaker 7: guards do not stand a chance against Absolom's hired mercenaries. 560 00:31:28,120 --> 00:31:29,800 Speaker 7: We must leave now. 561 00:31:30,240 --> 00:31:32,360 Speaker 6: The two of them jumped out the window and rolled 562 00:31:32,400 --> 00:31:37,000 Speaker 6: under the ground below. David grabbed his servants and said, gather. 563 00:31:36,760 --> 00:31:38,720 Speaker 2: The rest of the men and have them escort my 564 00:31:38,800 --> 00:31:42,400 Speaker 2: family to the brook Kidron. We will flee there go. 565 00:31:42,960 --> 00:31:46,480 Speaker 6: The servants did as they were told. The entire household 566 00:31:46,480 --> 00:31:48,840 Speaker 6: of David was taken out of their beds and escorted 567 00:31:48,880 --> 00:31:51,560 Speaker 6: out of the city. The concubines remained to care for 568 00:31:51,600 --> 00:31:55,520 Speaker 6: the house. David and Shama mounted their horses to escape, 569 00:31:55,840 --> 00:31:59,520 Speaker 6: but the mercenaries had already broken through the gates. David 570 00:31:59,560 --> 00:32:02,240 Speaker 6: unsheathed his sword and rode towards them with fire in 571 00:32:02,320 --> 00:32:06,120 Speaker 6: his belly. However, he was cut off by Abishi and Benaiah. 572 00:32:06,920 --> 00:32:10,440 Speaker 6: The two mighty men rode ferociously into the fray of mercenaries, 573 00:32:10,760 --> 00:32:13,640 Speaker 6: slashing at them and clearing away for David to escape. 574 00:32:14,400 --> 00:32:17,240 Speaker 6: The king smiled, he knew he could always count on 575 00:32:17,280 --> 00:32:21,080 Speaker 6: his mighty men. He and Shama broke through, knocking a 576 00:32:21,080 --> 00:32:24,560 Speaker 6: few mercenaries down in the process. Abishi and Benia were 577 00:32:24,600 --> 00:32:29,080 Speaker 6: close behind, coverling their tail Arnolds whistled past them, just 578 00:32:29,240 --> 00:32:32,960 Speaker 6: like old times, Abishi jested. The men laughed and escaped 579 00:32:33,000 --> 00:32:36,520 Speaker 6: to the borders of the city. The men arrived at 580 00:32:36,520 --> 00:32:40,520 Speaker 6: the brook Kidron. There, David greeted his family and hugged them. 581 00:32:41,000 --> 00:32:43,720 Speaker 6: He held young Solomon closely and kissed him on the head. 582 00:32:44,160 --> 00:32:48,280 Speaker 2: Do not be afraid, my children, The Lord shall protect us. 583 00:32:48,840 --> 00:32:51,920 Speaker 6: As David comforted his family, there was a stirring coming 584 00:32:51,960 --> 00:32:54,720 Speaker 6: from the trees. All the servants of the king came 585 00:32:54,760 --> 00:32:58,600 Speaker 6: to him. Refugees and citizens of fallen nations that had 586 00:32:58,600 --> 00:33:03,040 Speaker 6: been servants of the king followed after him. The Cherathhites, 587 00:33:03,160 --> 00:33:06,760 Speaker 6: the Pealethites, and the Gidthites gathered near the brook. Hundreds 588 00:33:06,800 --> 00:33:09,360 Speaker 6: of people were there to follow the king into the wilderness. 589 00:33:10,000 --> 00:33:12,880 Speaker 6: David was overwhelmed. He shook his head. 590 00:33:13,080 --> 00:33:17,720 Speaker 2: No, why are you here, Go back and serve absolutely. 591 00:33:18,440 --> 00:33:21,480 Speaker 2: You are a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. 592 00:33:21,720 --> 00:33:26,040 Speaker 2: Why uproot yourself again and join me in exile. Return? 593 00:33:26,800 --> 00:33:29,320 Speaker 2: May the Lord show his steadfast love to me. 594 00:33:29,920 --> 00:33:33,080 Speaker 6: Ittai, who was their chief, answered the king, saying. 595 00:33:33,360 --> 00:33:37,760 Speaker 12: As the Lord lives, and as you live, wherever you go, 596 00:33:38,440 --> 00:33:42,760 Speaker 12: we will follow to the death or to life. We 597 00:33:42,800 --> 00:33:46,200 Speaker 12: are forever your servants, we are here as well. 598 00:33:46,760 --> 00:33:51,120 Speaker 6: A voice called from behind David. It was Abiathar, the 599 00:33:51,280 --> 00:33:53,360 Speaker 6: very same priest who helped him when he was in 600 00:33:53,400 --> 00:33:57,600 Speaker 6: the wilderness. Behind him was Zaduk and the Levites. What 601 00:33:57,720 --> 00:34:01,920 Speaker 6: came after them overwhelmed David beyond all comprehension. Zaduk and 602 00:34:01,960 --> 00:34:05,240 Speaker 6: the Levites bore on their shoulders the Ark of the Covenant. 603 00:34:05,880 --> 00:34:08,920 Speaker 6: Abiathar embraced David and held his face. 604 00:34:09,480 --> 00:34:13,319 Speaker 3: You are the Lord's King, David. We shall escort you 605 00:34:13,360 --> 00:34:13,879 Speaker 3: as you leave. 606 00:34:14,680 --> 00:34:18,160 Speaker 6: David looked at the Brook Kidron. Its crystal clear water 607 00:34:18,239 --> 00:34:21,600 Speaker 6: reflected David's sorrow back at him. He was not the 608 00:34:21,640 --> 00:34:24,880 Speaker 6: type of man to run, but now he had no choice. 609 00:34:25,680 --> 00:34:27,959 Speaker 6: With tears in his eyes and fear in his heart, 610 00:34:28,520 --> 00:34:32,680 Speaker 6: King David stepped over the brook to run from his enemies. He, 611 00:34:33,200 --> 00:34:36,520 Speaker 6: his family, his servants, and the priests fled into the 612 00:34:36,600 --> 00:34:39,920 Speaker 6: forest towards the Mount of Olives. As they approached the 613 00:34:39,960 --> 00:34:42,960 Speaker 6: bottom of the mount, David looked back at the Levites 614 00:34:43,000 --> 00:34:46,440 Speaker 6: carrying the ark. He kept his distance and beheld it. 615 00:34:47,280 --> 00:34:50,520 Speaker 6: His heart was filled with intense sorrow and intense reverence. 616 00:34:51,239 --> 00:34:54,520 Speaker 6: He held back tears and tightened his grip. He looked to. 617 00:34:54,600 --> 00:34:57,920 Speaker 2: Zaduk and said, carry the art back into the city. 618 00:34:59,040 --> 00:35:01,680 Speaker 2: If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, 619 00:35:02,560 --> 00:35:05,759 Speaker 2: he will bring me back and let me see the temple. Man. 620 00:35:07,280 --> 00:35:09,840 Speaker 2: If the Lord is displeased with me, then. 621 00:35:10,560 --> 00:35:15,680 Speaker 6: Well here I am. David stretched out his arms and chuckled. 622 00:35:16,320 --> 00:35:21,120 Speaker 2: Turn back, Zaduk. The ark needs to be among the people. 623 00:35:22,239 --> 00:35:25,360 Speaker 2: Go back with your sons and send word to me 624 00:35:25,480 --> 00:35:26,360 Speaker 2: of what happens. 625 00:35:27,000 --> 00:35:30,640 Speaker 6: We will return, David abay Athar and I will send 626 00:35:30,680 --> 00:35:33,960 Speaker 6: our sons to give you reports. Rest assured, we will 627 00:35:34,040 --> 00:35:37,640 Speaker 6: keep the Ark of God safe until you return. David 628 00:35:37,640 --> 00:35:41,080 Speaker 6: embraced them and sent them away. He then looked forward. 629 00:35:41,640 --> 00:35:44,719 Speaker 6: The Mount of Olives was before him. The moon's light 630 00:35:44,840 --> 00:35:48,279 Speaker 6: rested elegantly over the olive trees, shimmering down on an 631 00:35:48,280 --> 00:35:51,759 Speaker 6: opening at the top. Everyone behind him was weeping with 632 00:35:51,840 --> 00:35:55,760 Speaker 6: their heads covered. They suffered the cold and followed David 633 00:35:55,840 --> 00:35:59,560 Speaker 6: up the hill. David took off his sandals and covered 634 00:35:59,560 --> 00:36:02,880 Speaker 6: his head penance to God. He knew that this was 635 00:36:02,920 --> 00:36:06,240 Speaker 6: part of the curse. Nathan spoke of bloodshed had plagued 636 00:36:06,280 --> 00:36:10,480 Speaker 6: his household. Before they reached the summit, a figure came 637 00:36:10,560 --> 00:36:14,239 Speaker 6: running towards him. David drew out his sword and had 638 00:36:14,239 --> 00:36:18,160 Speaker 6: his family get behind him. However, David was pleased to 639 00:36:18,160 --> 00:36:21,320 Speaker 6: see the face of Husheye, David's friend and a member 640 00:36:21,320 --> 00:36:24,200 Speaker 6: of his council. He was a tall and gangly man 641 00:36:24,239 --> 00:36:27,000 Speaker 6: with a short beard. He was clumsy and quirky, but 642 00:36:27,120 --> 00:36:31,040 Speaker 6: filled with hidden and unappreciated wisdom. While others mocked Husheye, 643 00:36:31,440 --> 00:36:34,040 Speaker 6: David saw him a special and worthy of listening to. 644 00:36:34,520 --> 00:36:37,000 Speaker 6: He had run for his life from the city. His 645 00:36:37,080 --> 00:36:39,560 Speaker 6: clothes were torn and his face was covered in dirt. 646 00:36:39,880 --> 00:36:43,760 Speaker 7: My King, Thank the Lord you are alive. I thought 647 00:36:43,800 --> 00:36:45,760 Speaker 7: Absalom would have killed you by now. 648 00:36:46,120 --> 00:36:49,200 Speaker 2: What are you doing here? David asked, why are you 649 00:36:49,280 --> 00:36:50,520 Speaker 2: not back in Jerusalem? 650 00:36:50,920 --> 00:36:54,680 Speaker 10: Because I am loyal to you, my king, to the 651 00:36:54,840 --> 00:36:55,359 Speaker 10: very end. 652 00:36:55,760 --> 00:36:58,799 Speaker 6: Hushie seemed offended at the question. Of course, he would 653 00:36:58,880 --> 00:37:01,680 Speaker 6: run to David's aid he was one of David's counselors, 654 00:37:01,719 --> 00:37:06,640 Speaker 6: alongside a Hithafel. David smiled and hugged his friend. Yes, 655 00:37:06,840 --> 00:37:10,600 Speaker 6: you are a loyal friend, Hushai, but if you follow 656 00:37:10,680 --> 00:37:15,360 Speaker 6: me up this mountain, you're just another mouth defied. However, 657 00:37:16,200 --> 00:37:19,080 Speaker 6: if you go back into the city and offer your 658 00:37:19,120 --> 00:37:24,240 Speaker 6: services to Absalom. You can frustrate a Hithepahel and inform 659 00:37:24,360 --> 00:37:27,880 Speaker 6: me about Absalom's plans. Hashi nodded in agreement. 660 00:37:28,360 --> 00:37:32,000 Speaker 10: Yes, my king, how should I contact. 661 00:37:31,560 --> 00:37:35,120 Speaker 2: You the sons of Abiathar and Zadok. The priests will 662 00:37:35,160 --> 00:37:39,839 Speaker 2: be bringing me information. Whatever you learn from Absalom, bring 663 00:37:39,920 --> 00:37:40,400 Speaker 2: back to me. 664 00:37:41,000 --> 00:37:45,560 Speaker 6: David said, Now go bring yourself up or go before 665 00:37:45,600 --> 00:37:48,960 Speaker 6: my son. So Hashai fled back into the city. He 666 00:37:49,080 --> 00:37:52,160 Speaker 6: entered through the gates unnoticed. The city streets were in 667 00:37:52,200 --> 00:37:56,080 Speaker 6: an uproar. Half the people were praising God for Absalom's 668 00:37:56,080 --> 00:37:59,000 Speaker 6: new reign. The other half were upset and confused about 669 00:37:59,080 --> 00:38:02,680 Speaker 6: King David. Hashay slipped back into his home and cleaned 670 00:38:02,719 --> 00:38:06,319 Speaker 6: himself up. Absalom would be taking the throne soon, and 671 00:38:06,400 --> 00:38:09,279 Speaker 6: ha Shi needed to be there when it happened. As 672 00:38:09,280 --> 00:38:12,400 Speaker 6: Shy looked at himself in the mirror, his gaze was intense. 673 00:38:13,120 --> 00:38:15,759 Speaker 6: He was determined to help his king restore peace to 674 00:38:15,760 --> 00:38:19,920 Speaker 6: the nation. God's spirit was upon him, and he exited 675 00:38:19,960 --> 00:38:24,840 Speaker 6: his home to go greet Absalom. They reached the summit 676 00:38:25,160 --> 00:38:28,600 Speaker 6: and David felt the cool breeze guiding him forward. He 677 00:38:28,640 --> 00:38:32,640 Speaker 6: felt the prompting of God, beckoning him to pray. So 678 00:38:32,800 --> 00:38:37,200 Speaker 6: David proceeded without his family into the trees. David's shivering 679 00:38:37,200 --> 00:38:40,319 Speaker 6: body walked to the opening between the trees. He looked 680 00:38:40,400 --> 00:38:42,560 Speaker 6: up to see the moon peeking out from the clouds. 681 00:38:43,200 --> 00:38:46,640 Speaker 6: His jaw quivered. It was cold and the air was unforgiving. 682 00:38:47,560 --> 00:38:50,960 Speaker 6: He closed his eyes and fell to the ground. David's 683 00:38:50,960 --> 00:38:54,240 Speaker 6: face was on the floor. He clenched fistfuls of dirt 684 00:38:54,280 --> 00:38:57,520 Speaker 6: and grass as he prayed vigorously to the Lord. Tears 685 00:38:57,600 --> 00:39:00,960 Speaker 6: streamed down his wincing face. He lifted up his head 686 00:39:01,000 --> 00:39:03,839 Speaker 6: to the skies and sang to God. It was all 687 00:39:03,880 --> 00:39:06,880 Speaker 6: he knew how to do. His worship was a fragrance 688 00:39:06,920 --> 00:39:09,120 Speaker 6: to God, a sweet smelling incense. 689 00:39:10,680 --> 00:39:15,120 Speaker 13: Lord, my foes are many. They are rising against me. 690 00:39:15,880 --> 00:39:19,719 Speaker 13: They say to my soul, there's no salvation for him 691 00:39:20,239 --> 00:39:24,759 Speaker 13: in God. But you, o Lord, are a shield about me. 692 00:39:25,520 --> 00:39:29,200 Speaker 13: You are the lifter of my head and my glory. 693 00:39:30,400 --> 00:39:34,280 Speaker 13: I cried aloud to you, and you answered me from 694 00:39:34,480 --> 00:39:35,760 Speaker 13: your holy hill. 695 00:39:36,719 --> 00:39:40,080 Speaker 6: David paused his singing and stood up, stretching his arms 696 00:39:40,120 --> 00:39:42,600 Speaker 6: out to the Lord. He raised his fists in the 697 00:39:42,640 --> 00:39:45,520 Speaker 6: air and sang with more fire and intensity than he 698 00:39:45,560 --> 00:39:46,640 Speaker 6: had ever before. 699 00:39:47,960 --> 00:39:51,840 Speaker 13: I will not be afraid of the thousands that pursue me. 700 00:39:52,840 --> 00:39:58,160 Speaker 14: Arise O, Lord save me, Save me, Oh my God, 701 00:39:58,920 --> 00:40:03,000 Speaker 14: for you strike all my enemies on the cheek, You 702 00:40:03,280 --> 00:40:05,320 Speaker 14: break the teeth of the wicked. 703 00:40:06,360 --> 00:40:09,480 Speaker 10: Arise O, Lord Arise. 704 00:40:09,680 --> 00:40:10,239 Speaker 13: Save me. 705 00:40:10,440 --> 00:40:11,400 Speaker 10: Oh my God. 706 00:40:12,080 --> 00:40:14,600 Speaker 2: Salvation belongs to the Lord. 707 00:40:15,280 --> 00:40:16,280 Speaker 10: Arise. 708 00:40:21,160 --> 00:40:24,719 Speaker 5: It looks like our king has finally returned. This episode 709 00:40:24,920 --> 00:40:28,640 Speaker 5: had us expecting the worst. Absolom is a formidable opponent 710 00:40:28,840 --> 00:40:32,839 Speaker 5: and perhaps more dangerous than any of the Philistines. Absalom 711 00:40:33,040 --> 00:40:37,520 Speaker 5: is a more sophisticated villain than someone like Oliath. The 712 00:40:37,560 --> 00:40:40,600 Speaker 5: giant was a threat for obvious reasons. The danger he 713 00:40:40,680 --> 00:40:43,799 Speaker 5: presented was clearly seen, and there was nothing hidden or 714 00:40:43,920 --> 00:40:47,560 Speaker 5: ambiguous about him. David knew what he was up against 715 00:40:47,560 --> 00:40:51,439 Speaker 5: when he faced Goliath. Absolom, however, is a much more 716 00:40:51,520 --> 00:40:56,360 Speaker 5: sinister and secretive villain. He is charismatic, shrewd, and conniving. 717 00:40:57,040 --> 00:41:00,399 Speaker 5: His greatest strength is his knowledge of David being his son. 718 00:41:01,000 --> 00:41:05,280 Speaker 5: Absalom knows all of David's strengths and weaknesses. For this reason, 719 00:41:05,600 --> 00:41:08,239 Speaker 5: he knows that he can't simply fight his father. He 720 00:41:08,280 --> 00:41:12,600 Speaker 5: would surely lose. Abslom needed to leverage his father's weaknesses 721 00:41:12,640 --> 00:41:16,560 Speaker 5: against him. First, he manipulated him with an apology. He 722 00:41:16,640 --> 00:41:19,680 Speaker 5: knew his father's tender heart could not help but forgive him. 723 00:41:19,920 --> 00:41:23,359 Speaker 5: If Absalom gave an emotional show, he knew David would 724 00:41:23,400 --> 00:41:27,879 Speaker 5: fall for it, hook line and sinker. Second, Abslom knew 725 00:41:27,920 --> 00:41:32,320 Speaker 5: he needed to corrupt David's reputation. His father's good reputation 726 00:41:32,480 --> 00:41:34,880 Speaker 5: was his greatest strength. Even if he was able to 727 00:41:34,920 --> 00:41:38,040 Speaker 5: defeat David in battle, nobody would accept him as king. 728 00:41:38,600 --> 00:41:42,520 Speaker 5: He needed to ruin his father's name, then march against him. 729 00:41:42,880 --> 00:41:46,160 Speaker 5: Absalom brilliantly says, the first battle is for the hearts 730 00:41:46,160 --> 00:41:51,120 Speaker 5: of the people. Familiar imagery made its way into this episode. 731 00:41:51,239 --> 00:41:54,080 Speaker 5: There was a scene where Absalom was scheming against his 732 00:41:54,160 --> 00:41:57,799 Speaker 5: father by a fire. Abslom poked the fire with the rod, 733 00:41:58,239 --> 00:42:02,000 Speaker 5: crushing the coals and war watching them break apart. This 734 00:42:02,200 --> 00:42:07,640 Speaker 5: is foreboding imagery. Saul neglected the cols, David tended to 735 00:42:07,719 --> 00:42:11,600 Speaker 5: the coals, but Absolom crushed the coals. He is a 736 00:42:11,640 --> 00:42:15,520 Speaker 5: new type of character and harder to predict. He isn't 737 00:42:15,640 --> 00:42:20,880 Speaker 5: just evil or troubled. He's chaotic, unhinged, brilliant, and self interested. 738 00:42:21,640 --> 00:42:25,480 Speaker 5: We've often admired how David isn't simple, but nuanced, layered, 739 00:42:25,560 --> 00:42:31,480 Speaker 5: and unpredictable. Those qualities that make David interesting make Absolom dangerous. 740 00:42:32,000 --> 00:42:36,120 Speaker 5: His motivations are deep, his resources are vast, and his 741 00:42:36,239 --> 00:42:40,080 Speaker 5: intelligence is unparalleled. He even has the wit to hide 742 00:42:40,120 --> 00:42:43,480 Speaker 5: behind religion so nobody would suspect him to be a villain. 743 00:42:44,000 --> 00:42:46,640 Speaker 5: He made a sacrifice to God to throw people off 744 00:42:46,640 --> 00:42:50,320 Speaker 5: the scind Many evil people do this in church today. 745 00:42:50,840 --> 00:42:54,839 Speaker 5: They hide their greedy, power hungry, and worthless motives under 746 00:42:54,880 --> 00:42:59,680 Speaker 5: the guise of religion and righteousness. Beware of opportunistic and 747 00:42:59,719 --> 00:43:04,520 Speaker 5: self interested leaders. When the chaos ensues and David is 748 00:43:04,560 --> 00:43:08,120 Speaker 5: forced to run, we are pleased that David is strapping 749 00:43:08,239 --> 00:43:11,600 Speaker 5: Jonathan's armor to his chest and the sword of Goliath 750 00:43:11,680 --> 00:43:14,480 Speaker 5: to his back. We have been longing to see our 751 00:43:14,480 --> 00:43:17,919 Speaker 5: hero again, and this might be the circumstances to bring 752 00:43:18,000 --> 00:43:20,960 Speaker 5: him back. We're also pleased to see his mighty men 753 00:43:21,040 --> 00:43:25,000 Speaker 5: coming to the rescue. Where David had been weak and vulnerable, 754 00:43:25,320 --> 00:43:28,680 Speaker 5: they have been strong and dependable. David escapes with his 755 00:43:28,760 --> 00:43:32,360 Speaker 5: family and is greeted by the tribes of outcasts he rescued, 756 00:43:32,440 --> 00:43:35,920 Speaker 5: and the priest his family, his mighty men, his priest, 757 00:43:36,000 --> 00:43:38,960 Speaker 5: and his friends are all beside him. They hold him up, 758 00:43:39,400 --> 00:43:43,000 Speaker 5: declare their loyalty and vow to protect him. David, you 759 00:43:43,160 --> 00:43:46,400 Speaker 5: strength from his allies. This is why we make alliances, 760 00:43:46,840 --> 00:43:50,240 Speaker 5: show kindness to the outcast, and devote ourselves to the people. 761 00:43:50,719 --> 00:43:54,520 Speaker 5: When we fall, they can help lift us up. As 762 00:43:54,640 --> 00:43:58,879 Speaker 5: David flees, he passes the brook kid drawn, and immediately 763 00:43:58,920 --> 00:44:02,319 Speaker 5: we are supposed to be taken back to the prelude. 764 00:44:02,360 --> 00:44:04,520 Speaker 5: It was at this time. It was at this same 765 00:44:04,560 --> 00:44:08,719 Speaker 5: place Jesus was pursued by his enemies. A legion of 766 00:44:08,760 --> 00:44:12,719 Speaker 5: soldiers marched to take him captive. Jesus stood over the 767 00:44:12,760 --> 00:44:16,400 Speaker 5: brook Kidron, just as David did hundreds of years prior. 768 00:44:17,239 --> 00:44:20,720 Speaker 5: Jesus saw his enemies just as David did. But Jesus 769 00:44:20,719 --> 00:44:23,520 Speaker 5: did not cross the brook to run from his enemies. 770 00:44:23,680 --> 00:44:27,280 Speaker 5: He crossed the brook to face them. With a large step, 771 00:44:27,920 --> 00:44:31,480 Speaker 5: Jesus crossed the brook Cadron and went toward his enemies. 772 00:44:31,800 --> 00:44:34,160 Speaker 5: The Son of God would not run from death. He 773 00:44:34,160 --> 00:44:37,200 Speaker 5: would face it with power. The King of Israel stood 774 00:44:37,360 --> 00:44:40,239 Speaker 5: at the brook, beside the ark of the Covenant, the 775 00:44:40,280 --> 00:44:43,759 Speaker 5: manifest presence of God. To run from his enemies, and 776 00:44:43,880 --> 00:44:48,040 Speaker 5: hundreds of years later, the manifest presence of God, Jesus 777 00:44:48,080 --> 00:44:51,239 Speaker 5: and the promised descendant of King David, stood by the 778 00:44:51,280 --> 00:44:54,080 Speaker 5: brook to run toward his enemies. If you haven't heard 779 00:44:54,160 --> 00:44:57,600 Speaker 5: me before, hear me now. Jesus is the greater David. 780 00:44:58,360 --> 00:45:01,640 Speaker 5: The episode ends with in the presence of God. He 781 00:45:01,719 --> 00:45:04,960 Speaker 5: kneels in the dirt atop the mount of Olives, just 782 00:45:05,040 --> 00:45:08,480 Speaker 5: as Jesus did, and seeks the Lord. He sings Psalm 783 00:45:08,600 --> 00:45:11,600 Speaker 5: three to God, begging him to rescue and fight for him. 784 00:45:12,120 --> 00:45:15,000 Speaker 5: The passion is mounting at the end of the episode, 785 00:45:15,320 --> 00:45:18,279 Speaker 5: and the warrior king shouts to the heavens for his 786 00:45:18,360 --> 00:45:22,520 Speaker 5: God to move. It's an emotional and compelling song sung 787 00:45:22,760 --> 00:45:26,960 Speaker 5: from the core of David's heart. He shouts a final arise, 788 00:45:27,480 --> 00:45:29,640 Speaker 5: and we all know for certain that the King of 789 00:45:29,719 --> 00:45:32,960 Speaker 5: Israel is coming back. If Absalom had paid attention to 790 00:45:33,040 --> 00:45:35,840 Speaker 5: David's life as closely as we have, he would have 791 00:45:35,880 --> 00:45:39,480 Speaker 5: been very afraid. Exile is what turned David into a king. 792 00:45:40,160 --> 00:45:44,160 Speaker 5: Witness God move for his chosen hero in our next episode, 793 00:45:44,360 --> 00:45:47,879 Speaker 5: Hanging on a Tree. Thanks again for listening for more 794 00:45:47,920 --> 00:45:51,640 Speaker 5: inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom to last a lifetime. 795 00:45:52,080 --> 00:45:55,200 Speaker 5: Go to pray dot com and to expand your heroes 796 00:45:55,239 --> 00:45:58,280 Speaker 5: in the Bible journey, download the Heroes of the Faith 797 00:45:58,320 --> 00:46:04,320 Speaker 5: devotional at tony Eva Forward Slash Heroes. Share this podcast 798 00:46:04,320 --> 00:46:07,240 Speaker 5: with a family member or friend and help us spread 799 00:46:07,280 --> 00:46:09,080 Speaker 5: God's words. God bless