1 00:00:00,400 --> 00:00:04,559 Speaker 1: For we walk by faith, not by sight, Second Corinthians 2 00:00:04,600 --> 00:00:09,440 Speaker 1: five seven. To day, Lord, I am asking you to 3 00:00:09,560 --> 00:00:13,400 Speaker 1: enlarge my vision. Help me to dream the dreams you 4 00:00:13,560 --> 00:00:18,599 Speaker 1: have for me. Big dreams. Show me the potential and 5 00:00:18,640 --> 00:00:24,040 Speaker 1: the possibilities, the opportunities. With you, there are no limits 6 00:00:24,239 --> 00:00:30,800 Speaker 1: and no boundaries. Nothing is impossible for me. Increase my faith, Lord, 7 00:00:31,880 --> 00:00:34,920 Speaker 1: and let that faith open all kinds of doors for me. 8 00:00:36,680 --> 00:00:39,240 Speaker 1: It's true that I don't always know where you're going. 9 00:00:40,080 --> 00:00:42,080 Speaker 1: I can't always see the path in front of me, 10 00:00:43,240 --> 00:00:45,800 Speaker 1: But I know that you are leading me and guiding 11 00:00:45,840 --> 00:00:49,880 Speaker 1: me every step of the way. You're the one who 12 00:00:49,920 --> 00:00:53,519 Speaker 1: called me on this journey. It's your voice that I 13 00:00:53,600 --> 00:00:57,080 Speaker 1: choose to listen to. It's your direction that I choose 14 00:00:57,120 --> 00:00:57,600 Speaker 1: to follow. 15 00:00:57,640 --> 00:00:57,960 Speaker 2: To day. 16 00:00:59,480 --> 00:01:02,240 Speaker 1: I know you will protect me and provide for me. 17 00:01:03,720 --> 00:01:06,640 Speaker 1: I know you will bring me to a glorious new place, 18 00:01:07,319 --> 00:01:11,720 Speaker 1: a place of freedom, a place of victory, a place 19 00:01:11,760 --> 00:01:17,639 Speaker 1: of destiny. I decree and declare that the best days 20 00:01:17,680 --> 00:01:21,200 Speaker 1: of my life are not behind me. The best days 21 00:01:21,360 --> 00:01:26,880 Speaker 1: are now and ahead of me. Your word says that 22 00:01:26,959 --> 00:01:29,360 Speaker 1: you have so many good things in store for me, 23 00:01:30,440 --> 00:01:35,280 Speaker 1: and I have faith that your word is true. So 24 00:01:35,440 --> 00:01:39,280 Speaker 1: I walk boldly and confidently into the next season of 25 00:01:39,280 --> 00:01:45,760 Speaker 1: my life, my work, my family, and my ministry. I 26 00:01:45,920 --> 00:01:49,920 Speaker 1: trust it all to you, and I pray in Jesus' name. 27 00:01:51,200 --> 00:01:51,560 Speaker 2: Amen. 28 00:01:52,920 --> 00:01:56,559 Speaker 1: Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever 29 00:01:56,600 --> 00:02:00,720 Speaker 1: told from Pray dot COM's podcast, Heroes in the Bible. 30 00:02:02,520 --> 00:02:02,800 Speaker 3: Hello. 31 00:02:02,960 --> 00:02:05,720 Speaker 4: My name is Matthew Potter, co founder of Prey dot Com, 32 00:02:05,880 --> 00:02:08,480 Speaker 4: and before we start today's episode of Heroes in the Bible, 33 00:02:08,639 --> 00:02:11,680 Speaker 4: I wanted to ask do you know what your bank 34 00:02:11,880 --> 00:02:15,359 Speaker 4: does with your money? At America's Christian Credit Union, your 35 00:02:15,440 --> 00:02:19,760 Speaker 4: everyday banking helps grow churches, expand the reach of missions agencies, 36 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:23,800 Speaker 4: and supports fellow believers across the country. Learn more about 37 00:02:23,840 --> 00:02:28,720 Speaker 4: specials for switching to ACCU and their nationwide banking capabilities 38 00:02:29,080 --> 00:02:35,640 Speaker 4: at America's christiancu dot Com Forward slash Prey plus the 39 00:02:35,680 --> 00:02:38,480 Speaker 4: peace of mind knowing that this credit union is federally 40 00:02:38,520 --> 00:02:41,600 Speaker 4: insured by the National Credit Union Administration. 41 00:02:42,880 --> 00:02:45,359 Speaker 5: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans. I'm excited for you to 42 00:02:45,480 --> 00:02:48,519 Speaker 5: join me in this series. Please be sure to follow 43 00:02:48,520 --> 00:02:52,359 Speaker 5: the podcast on Apple or Spotify so that you get 44 00:02:52,400 --> 00:02:56,120 Speaker 5: the newest episodes right as they come out. Welcome through 45 00:02:56,120 --> 00:03:03,760 Speaker 5: the epic Adventure of David, a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal, 46 00:03:03,800 --> 00:03:06,680 Speaker 5: and murder. While most people know of David the myth, 47 00:03:06,840 --> 00:03:10,200 Speaker 5: few know about David the man. This story is the 48 00:03:10,240 --> 00:03:13,840 Speaker 5: tale of two souls. The prelude to this episode features 49 00:03:13,840 --> 00:03:17,760 Speaker 5: Saul of Tasha's before he becomes Paul the Apostle, as 50 00:03:17,760 --> 00:03:20,880 Speaker 5: well as King Saul of the tribe of Benjamin. But 51 00:03:21,000 --> 00:03:23,720 Speaker 5: that's not the only reason it's the tale of two Sauls. 52 00:03:24,240 --> 00:03:27,919 Speaker 5: We see two different King Sauls in this episode. One 53 00:03:27,960 --> 00:03:30,920 Speaker 5: is the paranoid tyrant we have come to loathe, and 54 00:03:30,960 --> 00:03:33,760 Speaker 5: the other is a sober minded father finally coming to 55 00:03:33,840 --> 00:03:38,720 Speaker 5: his senses. This episode highlights Sauls inner turmoil and the 56 00:03:38,880 --> 00:03:43,680 Speaker 5: power forgiveness has over one's mind. This episode also features 57 00:03:43,760 --> 00:03:47,119 Speaker 5: David and a difficult choice set before him. He could 58 00:03:47,160 --> 00:03:50,000 Speaker 5: put it into his misery and kill the king, or 59 00:03:50,040 --> 00:03:53,720 Speaker 5: prolong his suffering and show him mercy. The answer would 60 00:03:53,720 --> 00:03:57,240 Speaker 5: be clear to any other man, kill Saul, but not David. 61 00:03:57,560 --> 00:03:59,640 Speaker 5: He does not see the world like other tyrants and 62 00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:03,400 Speaker 5: men of gonquest. Our hero is not a hammer who 63 00:04:03,400 --> 00:04:06,840 Speaker 5: only sees nails to be struck. We must not forget 64 00:04:06,960 --> 00:04:10,280 Speaker 5: David is both fierce and tender hearted. He is ruthless 65 00:04:10,320 --> 00:04:13,080 Speaker 5: in battle, but sensitive to the heart of God. He 66 00:04:13,120 --> 00:04:15,760 Speaker 5: does not tread the easy path of revenge as you 67 00:04:15,800 --> 00:04:18,600 Speaker 5: and I would. He takes the high road, even at 68 00:04:18,600 --> 00:04:22,120 Speaker 5: his own expense. Pay close attention to David's words in 69 00:04:22,200 --> 00:04:26,160 Speaker 5: this episode. He clings to his conviction even when pressure 70 00:04:26,240 --> 00:04:28,760 Speaker 5: to do otherwise. We can learn a lot from his 71 00:04:28,839 --> 00:04:33,240 Speaker 5: integrity and commitment to his values. His mercy transformed Saul, 72 00:04:33,520 --> 00:04:37,200 Speaker 5: even for a brief moment in time. Our prelude will 73 00:04:37,200 --> 00:04:40,359 Speaker 5: feature another Saul who, by the mercy of Jesus Christ, 74 00:04:40,400 --> 00:04:44,560 Speaker 5: went through his own transformation. Get ready for a heartfelt 75 00:04:44,600 --> 00:04:48,440 Speaker 5: episode with a foreboding title, Slit his Throat. 76 00:04:50,760 --> 00:04:55,479 Speaker 2: Prelude to Chapter twelve, Imprisonment and Death to the Church 77 00:04:55,600 --> 00:04:59,600 Speaker 2: of Jesus. That was the obsession of Saul's heart. As 78 00:04:59,640 --> 00:05:03,040 Speaker 2: a pharisee, Saul was filled with zealous rage against the 79 00:05:03,080 --> 00:05:06,520 Speaker 2: followers of Jesus. The disciples had become an affront to 80 00:05:06,600 --> 00:05:08,920 Speaker 2: his way of life and a threat to the religious 81 00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:13,120 Speaker 2: leader's power. The temple judge put pen to parchments giving 82 00:05:13,200 --> 00:05:16,480 Speaker 2: him complete authority to drag any man, woman, or child 83 00:05:16,600 --> 00:05:19,760 Speaker 2: who proclaimed the name of Jesus into the city streets 84 00:05:19,920 --> 00:05:23,160 Speaker 2: and end them. The letters were his license to kill. 85 00:05:23,640 --> 00:05:26,400 Speaker 2: He took those letters and left the temple, held bent 86 00:05:26,480 --> 00:05:29,560 Speaker 2: on rounding up Christians like lambs to the slaughter. He 87 00:05:29,600 --> 00:05:34,520 Speaker 2: mounted his horse and traveled to Damascus. Obsessive passion drove 88 00:05:34,600 --> 00:05:38,040 Speaker 2: saw forward. He rode through the night, anxious to destroy 89 00:05:38,120 --> 00:05:41,560 Speaker 2: the work of the Gospel. Saul rode with dynamic fury, 90 00:05:41,839 --> 00:05:44,320 Speaker 2: and the dim lights of Damascus were coming into view. 91 00:05:45,120 --> 00:05:48,400 Speaker 2: Then out of the night, a burst of light broke forth, 92 00:05:48,800 --> 00:05:52,440 Speaker 2: sending Saul onto his back. He was blinded by the light, 93 00:05:52,839 --> 00:05:55,560 Speaker 2: unable to see in front of him. He was caught 94 00:05:55,640 --> 00:05:59,000 Speaker 2: up in a whirlwind of holiness. From the radiant light, 95 00:05:59,320 --> 00:06:05,720 Speaker 2: a voice for Saul. Saul the boy said, why are 96 00:06:05,760 --> 00:06:09,640 Speaker 2: you persecuting me? The Pharisee was frantic and afraid. He 97 00:06:09,640 --> 00:06:13,640 Speaker 2: could not see anything. His voice trembled in panic. Who 98 00:06:13,680 --> 00:06:14,000 Speaker 2: are you? 99 00:06:14,560 --> 00:06:19,360 Speaker 3: It is I Jesus, the one whom you have persecuted. 100 00:06:20,880 --> 00:06:24,599 Speaker 3: Why are you kicking against the goads? Why do you 101 00:06:24,720 --> 00:06:26,560 Speaker 3: deny who I have called you to be. 102 00:06:27,480 --> 00:06:31,320 Speaker 2: Saul was on his knees, taking in the majesty before him. 103 00:06:31,440 --> 00:06:34,359 Speaker 2: It was an experience unlike anything he had ever seen 104 00:06:34,520 --> 00:06:37,320 Speaker 2: or heard. The men who were behind Saul could hear 105 00:06:37,360 --> 00:06:39,839 Speaker 2: the voice, but they did not see the brilliance of 106 00:06:39,920 --> 00:06:43,720 Speaker 2: Jesus as Saul did. Then, as quickly as the light came, 107 00:06:44,040 --> 00:06:48,240 Speaker 2: it vanished. Saul opened his eyes to nothing but darkness. 108 00:06:48,640 --> 00:06:52,760 Speaker 2: He was completely blind. He was undone and confused. The 109 00:06:52,839 --> 00:06:55,120 Speaker 2: men who were traveling with him picked him up and 110 00:06:55,200 --> 00:06:58,919 Speaker 2: carried him to Damascus. There he laid in bed for 111 00:06:59,000 --> 00:07:02,560 Speaker 2: three days, unable to answer the questions reeling in his mind. 112 00:07:03,040 --> 00:07:06,760 Speaker 2: It was maddening. He hated Jesus, he hated the message 113 00:07:06,800 --> 00:07:09,479 Speaker 2: of Jesus, yet he could not deny what he had 114 00:07:09,520 --> 00:07:13,760 Speaker 2: seen and heard. Saul sat in a room, contemplating all 115 00:07:13,800 --> 00:07:16,520 Speaker 2: the ways he had failed to understand what God was doing. 116 00:07:17,120 --> 00:07:20,800 Speaker 2: When he heard the door creep open, Saul turned and panicked. 117 00:07:21,000 --> 00:07:24,440 Speaker 2: Who is there? He asked, Please do not hurt me. 118 00:07:25,280 --> 00:07:26,720 Speaker 2: I am not here to hurt you. 119 00:07:26,920 --> 00:07:31,360 Speaker 3: The voice said, I am Onnias, and Jesus sent me 120 00:07:31,480 --> 00:07:32,160 Speaker 3: to heal you. 121 00:07:32,680 --> 00:07:35,480 Speaker 2: Saul pushed away and shook his head. After all I 122 00:07:35,520 --> 00:07:38,320 Speaker 2: have done, do I deserve to be healed? 123 00:07:38,840 --> 00:07:41,480 Speaker 3: It is not a matter of deserving, my friend. 124 00:07:41,320 --> 00:07:44,720 Speaker 2: And Annias said. He stretched out his hands and laid 125 00:07:44,760 --> 00:07:48,600 Speaker 2: them on Saul's eyes. He prayed for him, and slowly 126 00:07:49,280 --> 00:07:52,840 Speaker 2: Saul's sight was restored to him. It was as if 127 00:07:52,880 --> 00:07:56,200 Speaker 2: scales were peeling away from Saul's eyes, and he could 128 00:07:56,240 --> 00:07:59,240 Speaker 2: see the truth of what God was truly doing. He 129 00:07:59,320 --> 00:08:03,680 Speaker 2: understood who Jesus was. Saul was eventually baptized and would 130 00:08:03,720 --> 00:08:06,720 Speaker 2: go on to be a force for good. God would 131 00:08:06,760 --> 00:08:09,160 Speaker 2: mold and shape him into a leader to the Gentiles, 132 00:08:09,480 --> 00:08:13,200 Speaker 2: preaching the Gospel to many nations and peoples. Saul would 133 00:08:13,240 --> 00:08:16,120 Speaker 2: eventually be named Paul and go on to be one 134 00:08:16,120 --> 00:08:19,440 Speaker 2: of the greatest leaders the Church of Jesus has ever seen. 135 00:08:22,080 --> 00:08:26,440 Speaker 2: Chapter twelve. Slit his throat. There would be no rest 136 00:08:26,520 --> 00:08:29,000 Speaker 2: until his head was resting on the end of his spear. 137 00:08:29,840 --> 00:08:33,000 Speaker 2: King Saul refused to end his search for David, even 138 00:08:33,040 --> 00:08:36,240 Speaker 2: if it meant abandoning all reason. He and his army 139 00:08:36,280 --> 00:08:39,920 Speaker 2: had searched tirelessly for days, upheaving every town and city 140 00:08:39,960 --> 00:08:43,679 Speaker 2: they entered. Saul's madden search for David left the nation 141 00:08:43,880 --> 00:08:47,240 Speaker 2: vulnerable to attack, so Jonathan was left to keep watch 142 00:08:47,240 --> 00:08:49,760 Speaker 2: over the kingdom while Saul sought out the object of 143 00:08:49,760 --> 00:08:53,320 Speaker 2: his obsession. The men questioned their king sanity As he 144 00:08:53,400 --> 00:08:57,679 Speaker 2: paced at night. Tormented by paranoid conspiracies, King Saul had 145 00:08:57,720 --> 00:09:00,240 Speaker 2: given in to a dark insanity that he could not 146 00:09:00,320 --> 00:09:03,400 Speaker 2: get out of. The King and his army marched against 147 00:09:03,440 --> 00:09:06,200 Speaker 2: the city of Keela in hopes to find him, but 148 00:09:06,280 --> 00:09:08,800 Speaker 2: the lord had provided warning to David and his men. 149 00:09:09,280 --> 00:09:12,720 Speaker 2: They fled for the wilderness of Zif. However, Saul had 150 00:09:12,760 --> 00:09:15,760 Speaker 2: a vast amount of power and resources. He sent his 151 00:09:15,800 --> 00:09:18,319 Speaker 2: scouts to search out the entire land for signs of 152 00:09:18,360 --> 00:09:22,720 Speaker 2: David and his army. All signs pointed toward Ziff, so 153 00:09:22,880 --> 00:09:26,840 Speaker 2: Saul marched forward, ransacking every village along the way and 154 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:31,440 Speaker 2: questioning them about his whereabouts. The paranoid king refused to 155 00:09:31,600 --> 00:09:34,600 Speaker 2: end his search. Like a dog fixated on a bone, 156 00:09:34,920 --> 00:09:38,920 Speaker 2: Saul remained focused on finding David. At the end of 157 00:09:38,960 --> 00:09:41,440 Speaker 2: the week, Saul and his army were remaining in the 158 00:09:41,480 --> 00:09:45,120 Speaker 2: city of Zif, hosted by the elders and nobles. The 159 00:09:45,200 --> 00:09:48,600 Speaker 2: elders were intimidated by Saul's presence. They could see in 160 00:09:48,600 --> 00:09:51,080 Speaker 2: his eyes the potential for a great amount of evil. 161 00:09:51,600 --> 00:09:53,960 Speaker 2: He was a king they did not desire to cross, 162 00:09:54,720 --> 00:09:57,720 Speaker 2: so they gave David up. As Saul dined with his 163 00:09:57,760 --> 00:10:01,400 Speaker 2: commanders and the elders. The meal was artist by Saul's standards, 164 00:10:01,600 --> 00:10:04,120 Speaker 2: but the best Sip had to offer on such short notice. 165 00:10:04,600 --> 00:10:06,760 Speaker 2: One of them leaned over to him and said. 166 00:10:07,120 --> 00:10:10,400 Speaker 6: We caught glimpses of the traitor you're looking for, my king. 167 00:10:10,800 --> 00:10:14,520 Speaker 2: The entire dining hall fell silent. Saul stopped eating mid 168 00:10:14,600 --> 00:10:17,560 Speaker 2: bite and grabbed the garment of the elder. He pulled 169 00:10:17,640 --> 00:10:21,200 Speaker 2: him in violently and brought him close. Tell me now, 170 00:10:21,320 --> 00:10:23,800 Speaker 2: The elder cleared his throat and laughed nervously. 171 00:10:24,920 --> 00:10:27,720 Speaker 6: We have it on strong authority that he and his 172 00:10:27,840 --> 00:10:31,320 Speaker 6: men are hiding in the caves beyond the woods near 173 00:10:31,320 --> 00:10:35,320 Speaker 6: the hill of Hakilah. They are deep and wide caves, 174 00:10:35,800 --> 00:10:38,319 Speaker 6: large enough to host an army of his size. 175 00:10:38,679 --> 00:10:43,080 Speaker 2: Where are these caves, Saul asked, shortly south of Jeshamon. 176 00:10:43,320 --> 00:10:45,160 Speaker 2: The man said, all you have to. 177 00:10:45,040 --> 00:10:48,480 Speaker 6: Do is be ready. We will serve him up to you. 178 00:10:49,280 --> 00:10:51,079 Speaker 6: We can find his exact location. 179 00:10:51,880 --> 00:10:55,920 Speaker 2: Saul scowl quickly turned into a beaming smile. He laughed 180 00:10:55,960 --> 00:10:59,520 Speaker 2: and slammed his fist against the table. The entire thing shook, 181 00:10:59,720 --> 00:11:01,800 Speaker 2: and paps of wine spilled onto the floor. 182 00:11:02,320 --> 00:11:07,680 Speaker 7: Blessed are you, he shouted, Ah Finally someone has compassion 183 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:10,360 Speaker 7: on this old and weary king. 184 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:14,440 Speaker 2: The man in attendants laughed. Saul released the man from 185 00:11:14,440 --> 00:11:16,120 Speaker 2: his grip and patted him on the back. 186 00:11:16,640 --> 00:11:20,560 Speaker 7: Please go and find that exact location. See where he 187 00:11:20,640 --> 00:11:26,600 Speaker 7: is hiding out, Be careful. He is crafty and escapes 188 00:11:27,160 --> 00:11:33,280 Speaker 7: like the demon into the night. Look for the lurking places. 189 00:11:34,160 --> 00:11:36,560 Speaker 8: No doubt he will be hiding like a rat in 190 00:11:36,640 --> 00:11:37,079 Speaker 8: a hole. 191 00:11:37,800 --> 00:11:40,680 Speaker 2: The man did as he was told. The elders sent 192 00:11:40,720 --> 00:11:43,040 Speaker 2: out some of their herders as spies in the wilderness. 193 00:11:43,600 --> 00:11:46,240 Speaker 2: They combed the forests and caves or signs of David. 194 00:11:47,040 --> 00:11:50,160 Speaker 2: Then in the distance they could see the flickering lights 195 00:11:50,160 --> 00:11:53,920 Speaker 2: of their camp. They finally knew exactly where David was hiding. 196 00:11:54,520 --> 00:11:57,920 Speaker 2: They returned immediately to tell Saul of what they found. 197 00:12:00,160 --> 00:12:04,360 Speaker 2: David sat outside the caves admiring the sunset splashes of 198 00:12:04,440 --> 00:12:08,120 Speaker 2: red and orange painted the skies. David loved the chaotic 199 00:12:08,160 --> 00:12:11,400 Speaker 2: beauty of the sky. Its color seemed to have no 200 00:12:11,679 --> 00:12:15,480 Speaker 2: order or direction, Yet every splash of red or orange 201 00:12:15,520 --> 00:12:19,280 Speaker 2: to the clouds seemed intentional, like the brushstrokes of an artist. 202 00:12:20,280 --> 00:12:24,040 Speaker 2: God's magnificence was put on display before him, and he 203 00:12:24,080 --> 00:12:26,199 Speaker 2: could not help, but awe at his handiwork. 204 00:12:26,720 --> 00:12:28,520 Speaker 8: The heavens declare the glory of. 205 00:12:28,480 --> 00:12:31,160 Speaker 2: God, David sang to himself. 206 00:12:30,960 --> 00:12:33,240 Speaker 8: The firmament shows his handiwork. 207 00:12:34,200 --> 00:12:38,120 Speaker 2: He smiled and soaked in every last moment of the sunset. 208 00:12:38,440 --> 00:12:40,640 Speaker 2: When the sun was out of view beyond the horizon, 209 00:12:41,080 --> 00:12:44,640 Speaker 2: David stepped back into the caves. His men were preparing 210 00:12:44,640 --> 00:12:47,360 Speaker 2: their beds for the night. Another night of sleeping in 211 00:12:47,400 --> 00:12:51,480 Speaker 2: a cold, jagged cave. David shook his head. He hoped 212 00:12:51,520 --> 00:12:54,840 Speaker 2: for better. His men deserved it after their heroic deeds 213 00:12:54,880 --> 00:12:58,360 Speaker 2: in Kayla. There were several fires lit within the cave, 214 00:12:58,720 --> 00:13:02,160 Speaker 2: each hosting ten to fill fifteen men around it. David 215 00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:05,600 Speaker 2: went to each camp, encouraging his men not to lose heart. 216 00:13:06,160 --> 00:13:08,920 Speaker 2: He reassured them that God would be faithful and good 217 00:13:08,920 --> 00:13:11,360 Speaker 2: to those who loved him. He made his way back 218 00:13:11,400 --> 00:13:14,280 Speaker 2: to the mouth of the cave, where Benaiah was standing. 219 00:13:13,960 --> 00:13:16,160 Speaker 8: Watch any signs of trouble. 220 00:13:16,160 --> 00:13:19,400 Speaker 2: David asked. Benyah shrugged and shook his head. 221 00:13:19,920 --> 00:13:22,520 Speaker 9: I have only seen shepherds and cattle. 222 00:13:22,200 --> 00:13:24,480 Speaker 2: Herders passing by, he said, with a grin. 223 00:13:24,960 --> 00:13:27,280 Speaker 9: So far, it does not seem like Saul knows where 224 00:13:27,280 --> 00:13:30,840 Speaker 9: we are, But we could never be too careful. Joshubeam 225 00:13:30,880 --> 00:13:32,600 Speaker 9: and a few other men will be taking the first 226 00:13:32,640 --> 00:13:34,120 Speaker 9: shift to ensure we are protected. 227 00:13:34,880 --> 00:13:38,439 Speaker 8: God has a great calling on your life, Benaya, David said, 228 00:13:38,440 --> 00:13:42,840 Speaker 8: with a smile, thank you for protecting us. Benya blushed 229 00:13:42,920 --> 00:13:46,240 Speaker 8: and shook off the compliment. However, David meant what he said. 230 00:13:46,720 --> 00:13:49,400 Speaker 8: Baniah had the heart of a guardian, and David took 231 00:13:49,440 --> 00:13:52,000 Speaker 8: note of it. He left the mouth of the cave 232 00:13:52,040 --> 00:13:56,080 Speaker 8: and retreated back. The fires made the entire inside warm. 233 00:13:56,480 --> 00:13:58,920 Speaker 8: David tucked himself in towards the end of the cave. 234 00:13:59,400 --> 00:14:02,400 Speaker 8: He closed his trying to remember the image of that 235 00:14:02,520 --> 00:14:06,720 Speaker 8: breath taking sunset. The night drew on and the only 236 00:14:06,840 --> 00:14:11,280 Speaker 8: sounds were of crackling fire and snoring. David was sound asleep, 237 00:14:11,600 --> 00:14:14,839 Speaker 8: dreaming of his wife back home. A shadow was cast 238 00:14:14,840 --> 00:14:18,440 Speaker 8: on David as a hooded figure stood above him. The 239 00:14:18,440 --> 00:14:20,640 Speaker 8: heat of the fire was blocked for a moment, and 240 00:14:20,680 --> 00:14:23,360 Speaker 8: it was enough to make David awake. He drew his 241 00:14:23,440 --> 00:14:25,840 Speaker 8: sword and pointed it upward. Who goes there? 242 00:14:26,160 --> 00:14:28,920 Speaker 2: He said, in a panic. David swiped and jumped to 243 00:14:28,960 --> 00:14:32,080 Speaker 2: his feet. The man stepped back behind the fire and 244 00:14:32,200 --> 00:14:33,600 Speaker 2: raised his hands in surrender. 245 00:14:34,480 --> 00:14:37,280 Speaker 9: Now, is that a way to treat a friend. 246 00:14:37,160 --> 00:14:42,040 Speaker 2: The man said. David knew that voice immediately. He did 247 00:14:42,040 --> 00:14:45,080 Speaker 2: not need to confirm my suspicions. He dropped his sword 248 00:14:45,120 --> 00:14:46,920 Speaker 2: and hugged the man with all his might. 249 00:14:47,240 --> 00:14:49,600 Speaker 8: Oh, oh, how I've missed you. 250 00:14:49,600 --> 00:14:51,920 Speaker 2: Brother, he said, with a cracking voice. 251 00:14:52,240 --> 00:14:53,600 Speaker 8: I am glad you are here. 252 00:14:53,720 --> 00:14:56,560 Speaker 2: Jonathan Jonathan laughed and removed his hood. 253 00:14:56,880 --> 00:14:59,200 Speaker 9: I could not risk your men seeing me and killing 254 00:14:59,200 --> 00:15:01,560 Speaker 9: me on sight. I am the son of a king. 255 00:15:01,440 --> 00:15:04,840 Speaker 2: After all, he said. The two of them sat down. 256 00:15:05,400 --> 00:15:09,000 Speaker 2: David drew his dirty hair back. Jonathan had not seen 257 00:15:09,080 --> 00:15:12,680 Speaker 2: David since he left in exile. David's hair was much longer, 258 00:15:13,000 --> 00:15:16,120 Speaker 2: and his beard was messy and tangled. You have changed 259 00:15:16,200 --> 00:15:20,760 Speaker 2: quite a bit, David, Jonathan said, lightheartedly. The wilderness suits you. 260 00:15:21,320 --> 00:15:24,560 Speaker 2: David chuckled, insighed. He gestured to the men sleeping. 261 00:15:24,760 --> 00:15:27,400 Speaker 8: We have gotten used to it out here, he said. 262 00:15:27,680 --> 00:15:30,480 Speaker 8: But what we lack in riches we make up for 263 00:15:30,920 --> 00:15:31,840 Speaker 8: in heart. 264 00:15:31,800 --> 00:15:33,120 Speaker 9: As has always been your. 265 00:15:33,000 --> 00:15:36,680 Speaker 2: Way, Jonathan replied with a smile. The two of them 266 00:15:36,720 --> 00:15:39,920 Speaker 2: talked for a while. They spoke of may call the 267 00:15:40,000 --> 00:15:43,280 Speaker 2: palace and all that had happened since David left. The 268 00:15:43,400 --> 00:15:47,600 Speaker 2: lighthearted conversation with his friend was just what David needed. However, 269 00:15:47,640 --> 00:15:49,560 Speaker 2: he knew Jonathan had come with a purpose. 270 00:15:49,960 --> 00:15:52,000 Speaker 8: Why have you come here, Jonathan. 271 00:15:51,720 --> 00:15:55,080 Speaker 2: David asked solemnly. Jonathan sighed and grinned. 272 00:15:55,320 --> 00:15:57,600 Speaker 9: My father will not stop his search. 273 00:15:57,520 --> 00:16:00,440 Speaker 2: He said, while shaking his head. He is obst with 274 00:16:00,440 --> 00:16:01,280 Speaker 2: finding you. David. 275 00:16:01,360 --> 00:16:04,360 Speaker 9: It is a madness I have never seen before. His 276 00:16:04,520 --> 00:16:06,680 Speaker 9: eyes look like they belonged to someone else. He's not 277 00:16:06,800 --> 00:16:09,240 Speaker 9: the Saul I once knew that, you once knew. 278 00:16:09,760 --> 00:16:13,200 Speaker 2: David nodded in agreement. He too had not seen Saul 279 00:16:13,280 --> 00:16:16,000 Speaker 2: since his last attempt on his life. He prayed for 280 00:16:16,080 --> 00:16:19,479 Speaker 2: him often. Jonathan looked up at David and said. 281 00:16:19,600 --> 00:16:22,480 Speaker 9: You have no need to fear him. He will not 282 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:25,560 Speaker 9: find you. He may try, but the Lord will always 283 00:16:25,560 --> 00:16:27,280 Speaker 9: protect you. He always has. 284 00:16:27,640 --> 00:16:30,360 Speaker 2: Jonathan paused for a moment and chuckled to himself. 285 00:16:31,120 --> 00:16:33,920 Speaker 9: Even with your ragged beard and dusty clothes, you look 286 00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:37,080 Speaker 9: more like a king than he ever did. David, you 287 00:16:37,160 --> 00:16:40,760 Speaker 9: came from nothing, yet the Lord chose you to be 288 00:16:40,840 --> 00:16:43,920 Speaker 9: the king of Israel. You will be king, and I 289 00:16:44,040 --> 00:16:46,520 Speaker 9: shall be there next to you, fighting by your side 290 00:16:46,600 --> 00:16:47,720 Speaker 9: for the heart of our country. 291 00:16:48,440 --> 00:16:51,360 Speaker 2: David nodded and wiped a few tears away from his eyes. 292 00:16:52,360 --> 00:16:55,720 Speaker 2: It was good to hear Jonathan's encouraging words again. They 293 00:16:55,760 --> 00:16:58,640 Speaker 2: refreshed his soul like water in a dry desert. 294 00:16:59,200 --> 00:17:03,920 Speaker 8: Thank you, brother, you are the kindest man I have 295 00:17:04,040 --> 00:17:04,640 Speaker 8: ever known. 296 00:17:05,280 --> 00:17:07,959 Speaker 2: The two of them reaffirmed their covenant with one another, 297 00:17:08,560 --> 00:17:12,119 Speaker 2: being reminded of their commitment to each other. David was 298 00:17:12,119 --> 00:17:15,760 Speaker 2: strengthened by Jonathan's words of encouragement. He needed them now 299 00:17:15,960 --> 00:17:19,280 Speaker 2: more than ever. Jonathan stood to his feet and put 300 00:17:19,320 --> 00:17:21,960 Speaker 2: his hood back on. Be on guard, David, He. 301 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:24,919 Speaker 9: Warned, my father's men look around every corner. I have 302 00:17:25,080 --> 00:17:28,480 Speaker 9: no doubt he has discovered your whereabouts already. I would 303 00:17:28,560 --> 00:17:29,680 Speaker 9: move before it's too late. 304 00:17:30,119 --> 00:17:33,200 Speaker 2: The two embraced, and Jonathan slipped back into the shadows 305 00:17:33,200 --> 00:17:36,800 Speaker 2: to return to the palace. David rushed to the mouth 306 00:17:36,800 --> 00:17:39,280 Speaker 2: of the cave, where Beniah and the others were on watch. 307 00:17:39,920 --> 00:17:42,600 Speaker 2: They peered into the distance, seeing a faint trail of 308 00:17:42,600 --> 00:17:47,080 Speaker 2: torches coming from the north. It's him, David said. The 309 00:17:47,160 --> 00:17:51,359 Speaker 2: men responded immediately and woke the others. Every man was 310 00:17:51,400 --> 00:17:54,120 Speaker 2: ready in a matter of minutes, and the entire company 311 00:17:54,119 --> 00:17:56,600 Speaker 2: of six hundred men retreated from the caves. To the 312 00:17:56,640 --> 00:17:59,760 Speaker 2: other side of the mountain. The sun was rising and 313 00:17:59,840 --> 00:18:03,320 Speaker 2: they were losing the covering of night. Shama returned from 314 00:18:03,359 --> 00:18:07,800 Speaker 2: scouting the perimeter. Saul's army had created three companies to 315 00:18:07,840 --> 00:18:11,439 Speaker 2: surround the area. They were closing in on them. David 316 00:18:11,480 --> 00:18:13,720 Speaker 2: began to panic as the men climbed up the mountain 317 00:18:13,760 --> 00:18:16,919 Speaker 2: to get to the other side. They scaled the rocky 318 00:18:16,960 --> 00:18:20,400 Speaker 2: surface with gravel and stones falling behind them. They're coming, 319 00:18:20,680 --> 00:18:21,560 Speaker 2: Shama yelled. 320 00:18:21,840 --> 00:18:22,960 Speaker 8: They are nearly here. 321 00:18:23,400 --> 00:18:25,679 Speaker 2: David yelled for the men to quicken their pace up 322 00:18:25,680 --> 00:18:29,240 Speaker 2: the mountain on all fours. They climbed up, then slid 323 00:18:29,280 --> 00:18:32,560 Speaker 2: down the edge of the mountain, throwing themselves over. They 324 00:18:32,640 --> 00:18:36,200 Speaker 2: tumbled down ungracefully, frantically trying to find a place to hide. 325 00:18:36,880 --> 00:18:39,440 Speaker 2: David looked down to see Saul and his men emerging 326 00:18:39,480 --> 00:18:42,520 Speaker 2: from the forest at the base of the hill. He 327 00:18:42,600 --> 00:18:45,439 Speaker 2: paused and looked down to see the king. He was 328 00:18:45,480 --> 00:18:49,320 Speaker 2: paralyzed by fear and unable to move. Just as Saul 329 00:18:49,400 --> 00:18:51,639 Speaker 2: was about to look up the mountain and discover David, 330 00:18:51,960 --> 00:18:54,679 Speaker 2: josh Obim reached out from behind David and pulled him 331 00:18:54,720 --> 00:18:57,600 Speaker 2: over the edge. The two of them tumbled to the ground, 332 00:18:58,040 --> 00:19:00,679 Speaker 2: then were pulled into the small cave underneath the base. 333 00:19:00,720 --> 00:19:03,520 Speaker 2: On the other end, Saul and his army made their 334 00:19:03,560 --> 00:19:06,320 Speaker 2: way up the mountain, quickly. Sensing that David and his 335 00:19:06,400 --> 00:19:10,200 Speaker 2: men were close, Saul scaled up first, looking for any 336 00:19:10,240 --> 00:19:12,920 Speaker 2: sign of his prey. He paused at the top of 337 00:19:12,960 --> 00:19:16,320 Speaker 2: the mountain, looking out over the other side. He knew 338 00:19:16,320 --> 00:19:19,199 Speaker 2: they were close. He could almost hear the sound of 339 00:19:19,240 --> 00:19:22,679 Speaker 2: their breathing down below. Saul took a few steps forward 340 00:19:22,680 --> 00:19:25,399 Speaker 2: and leaned over the edge, looking down to see if 341 00:19:25,400 --> 00:19:28,879 Speaker 2: he could see anything. Little did he know, David and 342 00:19:28,920 --> 00:19:31,640 Speaker 2: his men were right under his nose, only a few 343 00:19:31,720 --> 00:19:35,400 Speaker 2: yards away. Underneath. Saul gestured for his men to follow 344 00:19:35,480 --> 00:19:38,879 Speaker 2: him down the mountain. Then, calling out from the bottom 345 00:19:38,920 --> 00:19:40,720 Speaker 2: of the mountain was one of Saul's. 346 00:19:40,440 --> 00:19:43,560 Speaker 6: Servants, My King, My King, I have urgent news. 347 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:45,560 Speaker 2: Saul looked down, frustrated. 348 00:19:46,280 --> 00:19:46,920 Speaker 7: What is it. 349 00:19:47,359 --> 00:19:49,920 Speaker 8: The Philistines have made an attack on Gibbea. 350 00:19:50,200 --> 00:19:52,040 Speaker 6: They know you and all your army have gone. 351 00:19:52,280 --> 00:19:56,359 Speaker 2: Saul's eyes widened, A sinking feeling came over him, and 352 00:19:56,480 --> 00:19:59,800 Speaker 2: he retreated down the hill. Immediately he mounted his horse 353 00:19:59,840 --> 00:20:02,239 Speaker 2: and he rode off with all his men in an 354 00:20:02,280 --> 00:20:06,199 Speaker 2: instant over a thousand of David's enemies were gone. The 355 00:20:06,280 --> 00:20:09,600 Speaker 2: men emerged from their hiding place and laughed. They cheered 356 00:20:09,600 --> 00:20:13,040 Speaker 2: and hugged one another, thankful that God had spared them, 357 00:20:13,320 --> 00:20:15,560 Speaker 2: even if it was just for a few more days. 358 00:20:17,480 --> 00:20:20,600 Speaker 2: David led the men to the wilderness of Engetti. The 359 00:20:20,680 --> 00:20:24,280 Speaker 2: lush vegetation, surrounded by rivers and waterfalls, was a pleasant 360 00:20:24,359 --> 00:20:28,240 Speaker 2: escape from the harsh desert landscape of Man. The men 361 00:20:28,280 --> 00:20:31,040 Speaker 2: made a refuge for themselves in the caves beside the river, 362 00:20:31,480 --> 00:20:35,720 Speaker 2: enjoying fish, fresh fruit, and roots from the forests. The 363 00:20:35,760 --> 00:20:38,159 Speaker 2: caves were deeper than the others they had resided in, 364 00:20:38,600 --> 00:20:40,680 Speaker 2: and the men made a camp for themselves a few 365 00:20:40,760 --> 00:20:44,360 Speaker 2: hundred yards deep. Even if someone were to find the caves, 366 00:20:44,680 --> 00:20:48,159 Speaker 2: they would never suspect anyone was living in them. The 367 00:20:48,240 --> 00:20:52,320 Speaker 2: stronghold was deep and winding. However, sunlight made its way 368 00:20:52,359 --> 00:20:55,160 Speaker 2: through cracks in the ceiling, illuminating the way for those 369 00:20:55,240 --> 00:20:59,080 Speaker 2: deep inside. Enough time passed for Saul to fend off 370 00:20:59,119 --> 00:21:02,240 Speaker 2: the Philistine attack and recruit more than three thousand men 371 00:21:02,280 --> 00:21:05,440 Speaker 2: to march in search of David. He led them across 372 00:21:05,480 --> 00:21:07,959 Speaker 2: the wilderness of Man and over the mountain they had 373 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:11,800 Speaker 2: almost captured David. They wandered for days in search of David, 374 00:21:11,840 --> 00:21:15,720 Speaker 2: to no avail. Whatever trail they had was lost with time, 375 00:21:16,200 --> 00:21:19,840 Speaker 2: and Saul grew more and more discouraged. He fell deeper 376 00:21:19,840 --> 00:21:23,399 Speaker 2: and deeper into his own self loathing. He hated himself 377 00:21:23,400 --> 00:21:26,240 Speaker 2: for what he had become. Yet he could not help 378 00:21:26,280 --> 00:21:29,320 Speaker 2: his paranoia. It gripped him like a beast to the 379 00:21:29,359 --> 00:21:32,840 Speaker 2: throat of its prey. At night, he would lay awake, 380 00:21:33,119 --> 00:21:36,200 Speaker 2: wrestling with the voices of doubts swirling around in his mind. 381 00:21:36,920 --> 00:21:39,520 Speaker 2: He was a tormented soul, and he could feel his 382 00:21:39,640 --> 00:21:44,320 Speaker 2: mind slipping into oblivion. Saul's army camped outside the forest 383 00:21:44,320 --> 00:21:48,360 Speaker 2: of Bengetti. The vibrant green surrounding them was pleasant and peaceful. 384 00:21:49,280 --> 00:21:52,040 Speaker 2: Saul could feel a pull towards the river for refreshment. 385 00:21:52,640 --> 00:21:55,840 Speaker 2: He needed to seek time alone to rest and compose himself. 386 00:21:58,280 --> 00:22:01,320 Speaker 7: I am going to the river to bathe do not 387 00:22:01,520 --> 00:22:07,760 Speaker 7: follow me. I shall be back tonight or tomorrow. 388 00:22:07,200 --> 00:22:10,240 Speaker 2: The king said to his servants. So he ventured off 389 00:22:10,240 --> 00:22:13,200 Speaker 2: into the forest, breathing in the fresh air and listening 390 00:22:13,240 --> 00:22:16,960 Speaker 2: to the gentle babbling of streams nearby, as if he 391 00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:20,000 Speaker 2: was in a Feverish days Saul wandered up the river 392 00:22:20,080 --> 00:22:22,919 Speaker 2: towards the mouth of a large cave. The sun was 393 00:22:22,920 --> 00:22:26,000 Speaker 2: peeking in through the trees, splashing rays of light down 394 00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:29,480 Speaker 2: on the water below. Saul removed his clothes and waded 395 00:22:29,520 --> 00:22:32,919 Speaker 2: into the river. He washed himself and rested on the shore. 396 00:22:33,720 --> 00:22:36,359 Speaker 2: Even with the cool earth below him and the gentle 397 00:22:36,400 --> 00:22:40,119 Speaker 2: sunlight above him, his mind was still fogged with paranoia 398 00:22:40,160 --> 00:22:43,679 Speaker 2: and hatred. It consumed him even when he did not 399 00:22:43,840 --> 00:22:47,600 Speaker 2: want it. Saul dressed himself and walked into the mouth 400 00:22:47,640 --> 00:22:50,480 Speaker 2: of the cave. He rested his back against the wall 401 00:22:50,520 --> 00:22:53,399 Speaker 2: of the cave and rested his eyes. He allowed his 402 00:22:53,520 --> 00:22:57,919 Speaker 2: mind to drift and wander. He imagined himself capturing David 403 00:22:58,000 --> 00:23:01,199 Speaker 2: and dragging him into the streets by his bed. He 404 00:23:01,240 --> 00:23:04,480 Speaker 2: imagined his spear going straight through his heart. Even in 405 00:23:04,520 --> 00:23:08,040 Speaker 2: the midst of a peaceful and serene atmosphere, Saul's mind 406 00:23:08,119 --> 00:23:12,240 Speaker 2: still clung to violence. The king fell asleep there, and 407 00:23:12,320 --> 00:23:17,960 Speaker 2: the large cave protected him from the evening breeze. He 408 00:23:18,040 --> 00:23:22,280 Speaker 2: is here, David, whispered, Eliezar. David turned his head to 409 00:23:22,280 --> 00:23:26,040 Speaker 2: see his faithful three behind him. King Saul is asleep 410 00:23:26,080 --> 00:23:28,720 Speaker 2: at the mouth of the cave. Josh obeim confirmed. 411 00:23:28,880 --> 00:23:31,200 Speaker 10: Didn't the Lord tell you he would give the enemy 412 00:23:31,280 --> 00:23:34,359 Speaker 10: into your hands? This is what he was talking about. 413 00:23:34,600 --> 00:23:37,800 Speaker 10: God has given you Saul on a silver platter, and 414 00:23:37,920 --> 00:23:39,640 Speaker 10: you can do with him what you please. 415 00:23:40,280 --> 00:23:43,800 Speaker 2: David said nothing. He simply stared at the dark curves 416 00:23:43,800 --> 00:23:47,199 Speaker 2: of the cave leading to the entrance. Shama placed his 417 00:23:47,280 --> 00:23:49,199 Speaker 2: hand on his shoulder and gestured forward. 418 00:23:50,119 --> 00:23:51,320 Speaker 6: You can be King, David. 419 00:23:52,040 --> 00:23:53,879 Speaker 8: All you have to do is kill him before he 420 00:23:54,000 --> 00:23:54,439 Speaker 8: kills you. 421 00:23:55,359 --> 00:23:58,960 Speaker 2: Slit his throat, David, Elizar said, put an end to 422 00:23:59,080 --> 00:24:03,320 Speaker 2: this madness. He placed a dagger in David's hands. He 423 00:24:03,359 --> 00:24:05,960 Speaker 2: gripped it tight and walked forward toward the mouth of 424 00:24:06,000 --> 00:24:06,399 Speaker 2: the cave. 425 00:24:07,160 --> 00:24:07,840 Speaker 8: Kill Saul. 426 00:24:08,400 --> 00:24:12,280 Speaker 2: David thought to himself, is it really that song? David 427 00:24:12,320 --> 00:24:15,359 Speaker 2: approached the mouth of the cave. Saul was leaning against 428 00:24:15,400 --> 00:24:19,040 Speaker 2: the wall, sound asleep. The light of the late afternoon 429 00:24:19,119 --> 00:24:23,520 Speaker 2: exposed his aging face. He looked older than David remembered him. 430 00:24:23,880 --> 00:24:26,119 Speaker 2: It was as if all these months of hatred and 431 00:24:26,200 --> 00:24:30,520 Speaker 2: jealousy had aged him more rapidly. David stood over the 432 00:24:30,600 --> 00:24:33,320 Speaker 2: king with the blade in his hands. He was an 433 00:24:33,359 --> 00:24:36,760 Speaker 2: easy target. It would be nothing for David to cut 434 00:24:36,800 --> 00:24:40,080 Speaker 2: his throat and be done with the madness. He stood 435 00:24:40,119 --> 00:24:42,159 Speaker 2: over Saul in the darkness of the cave for a 436 00:24:42,160 --> 00:24:45,600 Speaker 2: few moments. The echoes of the streams beside the cave 437 00:24:45,680 --> 00:24:49,560 Speaker 2: bounced off the cave walls. Sweat beat down David's brow 438 00:24:49,840 --> 00:24:52,639 Speaker 2: as he knelt down and raised the dagger to Saul's throat. 439 00:24:53,840 --> 00:24:58,240 Speaker 2: Only one slash, that is all it obtain. The throne 440 00:24:58,280 --> 00:25:02,040 Speaker 2: of Israel, the armies, God, and the affection of the 441 00:25:02,040 --> 00:25:05,280 Speaker 2: people could all be his. All he had to do 442 00:25:05,920 --> 00:25:11,639 Speaker 2: was pressed the blade against the king's throat. Quietly, David 443 00:25:11,640 --> 00:25:15,399 Speaker 2: lowered his blade. He grabbed a part of his robe 444 00:25:15,680 --> 00:25:18,720 Speaker 2: and cut off a small sliver of its edge. He 445 00:25:18,720 --> 00:25:21,280 Speaker 2: held the small piece of garment in his hand and 446 00:25:21,359 --> 00:25:24,520 Speaker 2: stood to his feet. His hands were shaking as he 447 00:25:24,560 --> 00:25:28,720 Speaker 2: looked down at it. Then David leafed quietly and did 448 00:25:28,760 --> 00:25:33,720 Speaker 2: not disturb Saul any further. David retreated back deeper into 449 00:25:33,760 --> 00:25:36,400 Speaker 2: the cave and stopped. He looked down to the piece 450 00:25:36,440 --> 00:25:39,679 Speaker 2: of Saul's robe in his hands. He gripped it tightly 451 00:25:39,840 --> 00:25:43,760 Speaker 2: and leaned his head against the cave and wept. He 452 00:25:43,800 --> 00:25:49,080 Speaker 2: silently sobbed, pounding his fist against his chest. His men 453 00:25:49,160 --> 00:25:49,679 Speaker 2: walked up to. 454 00:25:49,720 --> 00:25:51,200 Speaker 8: Him, did you do it? 455 00:25:51,320 --> 00:25:54,159 Speaker 2: They asked, is the king dead? David held up the 456 00:25:54,200 --> 00:25:55,280 Speaker 2: piece of Saul's robe. 457 00:25:55,680 --> 00:25:58,800 Speaker 8: I shall not put my hand against God's anointed. I 458 00:25:58,840 --> 00:26:02,440 Speaker 8: should not have laid on him. He is the king 459 00:26:02,480 --> 00:26:05,320 Speaker 8: of God's people. He does not deserve such a slight 460 00:26:05,480 --> 00:26:06,120 Speaker 8: against him. 461 00:26:06,520 --> 00:26:10,080 Speaker 10: A slight against him, joshall be masked. You did not 462 00:26:10,200 --> 00:26:13,320 Speaker 10: kill him, You didn't even harm him. Look, you trimmed 463 00:26:13,359 --> 00:26:17,000 Speaker 10: off a piece of his robe. Does this deserve such tears? 464 00:26:17,119 --> 00:26:20,919 Speaker 2: David? The men were angry. Saul was the reason they 465 00:26:20,960 --> 00:26:23,919 Speaker 2: were outcasts and on the run. Saul had hunted them 466 00:26:23,960 --> 00:26:27,760 Speaker 2: and treated them like animals, yet David refused to kill him. 467 00:26:28,280 --> 00:26:29,360 Speaker 2: It made them angry. 468 00:26:29,720 --> 00:26:34,480 Speaker 8: He is God's anointed, David replied aggressively. My tears are 469 00:26:34,520 --> 00:26:37,639 Speaker 8: for the heart within me that would even consider vengeance. 470 00:26:38,680 --> 00:26:42,600 Speaker 8: Vengeance is the lord's. I will not take his life 471 00:26:42,840 --> 00:26:44,480 Speaker 8: so that I may be elevated. 472 00:26:45,160 --> 00:26:48,679 Speaker 2: When the men saw David's passion, they ceased their protests. 473 00:26:49,400 --> 00:26:51,160 Speaker 2: David raised a finger to them and. 474 00:26:51,119 --> 00:26:54,719 Speaker 8: Said, I order you to stay away from him. Do 475 00:26:54,840 --> 00:26:57,520 Speaker 8: not disturb him or lay a hand on him. 476 00:26:58,080 --> 00:27:01,320 Speaker 2: The men restrain themselves and allowed the king to rest 477 00:27:01,400 --> 00:27:05,600 Speaker 2: until he awoke later that day. David leaned against the 478 00:27:05,640 --> 00:27:08,960 Speaker 2: cave walls, looking out at Saul from the shadows. His 479 00:27:09,080 --> 00:27:11,800 Speaker 2: mind erased with a thousand different reasons to kill him, 480 00:27:12,480 --> 00:27:15,600 Speaker 2: yet his heart broke for the king. He longed to 481 00:27:15,640 --> 00:27:18,800 Speaker 2: be in his courts again, playing melodies of hope for 482 00:27:18,840 --> 00:27:22,920 Speaker 2: his weary soul. King Saul was like a father to him, 483 00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:25,320 Speaker 2: and it pained him that he even raised a dagger 484 00:27:25,359 --> 00:27:29,320 Speaker 2: close to him. David wanted Saul rise from his slumber 485 00:27:29,480 --> 00:27:33,000 Speaker 2: and stretch. The king stood up and began walking outside. 486 00:27:33,760 --> 00:27:37,240 Speaker 2: He knelt down to splash water on his face. As 487 00:27:37,280 --> 00:27:41,160 Speaker 2: he was kneeling over, David stepped out from the shadows. 488 00:27:41,800 --> 00:27:46,040 Speaker 2: My lord k he shouted. Saul jolted up and drew 489 00:27:46,080 --> 00:27:51,960 Speaker 2: his sword. You, he yelled with a scowl. Saul shifted 490 00:27:51,960 --> 00:27:55,880 Speaker 2: his feet and prepared himself to fight. David looked into 491 00:27:55,920 --> 00:27:59,920 Speaker 2: Saul's eyes. They glared at him with pure and boiling hatred. 492 00:28:00,840 --> 00:28:02,960 Speaker 2: It was not the gaze of a man questioning his 493 00:28:03,040 --> 00:28:07,679 Speaker 2: own heart. Saul had determined to kill David, yet even still, 494 00:28:08,520 --> 00:28:12,240 Speaker 2: he could not bring himself to fight. David slowly drew 495 00:28:12,280 --> 00:28:15,280 Speaker 2: his sword from his back and raised it up. Saul 496 00:28:15,440 --> 00:28:19,320 Speaker 2: gnashed his teeth, bracing himself for an attack. David did 497 00:28:19,320 --> 00:28:22,520 Speaker 2: not advance. He took his sword and threw it on 498 00:28:22,600 --> 00:28:23,920 Speaker 2: to the ground in front of Saul. 499 00:28:24,560 --> 00:28:26,960 Speaker 8: I will not fight you, King Saul. 500 00:28:27,160 --> 00:28:31,480 Speaker 2: He said, His voice was trembling, and why should I 501 00:28:31,560 --> 00:28:35,800 Speaker 2: trust you? Saul asked, why should you trust me? David 502 00:28:35,840 --> 00:28:39,960 Speaker 2: replied He fell to his knees and stretched out his arms. 503 00:28:40,200 --> 00:28:44,360 Speaker 8: Who has whispered lies into your ears? Who has told 504 00:28:44,360 --> 00:28:47,400 Speaker 8: you that I seek to do you harm? 505 00:28:47,760 --> 00:28:50,080 Speaker 2: David took out the ripped piece of Saul's cloak and 506 00:28:50,120 --> 00:28:50,880 Speaker 2: showed it to him. 507 00:28:51,320 --> 00:28:55,840 Speaker 8: Look and see the torn part of your garment. To day, 508 00:28:55,960 --> 00:28:59,400 Speaker 8: the Lord delivered you into my hand in that cave. 509 00:29:00,280 --> 00:29:02,800 Speaker 8: Some of my men urged me to kill you, Yet 510 00:29:02,800 --> 00:29:04,160 Speaker 8: I restrained myself. 511 00:29:04,200 --> 00:29:05,160 Speaker 7: I spared you. 512 00:29:06,200 --> 00:29:09,400 Speaker 8: I showed you a kindness you would not have shown me. 513 00:29:10,320 --> 00:29:14,840 Speaker 2: Saul could not believe his eyes. He had obsessed over 514 00:29:14,880 --> 00:29:16,960 Speaker 2: a false image of David in his mind for so 515 00:29:17,160 --> 00:29:20,760 Speaker 2: long he found it hard to believe he could spare him. 516 00:29:21,800 --> 00:29:24,400 Speaker 7: Why spare me when I have been hunting you for 517 00:29:24,480 --> 00:29:25,840 Speaker 7: all this time. 518 00:29:25,680 --> 00:29:27,040 Speaker 2: Saul asked, suspiciously. 519 00:29:27,520 --> 00:29:31,320 Speaker 8: Why because I will not stretch out my hand against 520 00:29:31,320 --> 00:29:32,320 Speaker 8: the lords anointed. 521 00:29:33,800 --> 00:29:35,360 Speaker 2: I've considered you like a father. 522 00:29:36,480 --> 00:29:40,560 Speaker 8: Neither rebellion or evil lies within my heart against you. 523 00:29:41,920 --> 00:29:45,520 Speaker 8: I have done nothing to warrant your hatred, yet you 524 00:29:45,640 --> 00:29:47,240 Speaker 8: hunt me like an animal. 525 00:29:47,760 --> 00:29:52,240 Speaker 2: Saul shook his head, His tormented soul stirred like stormy waters. 526 00:29:52,880 --> 00:29:55,080 Speaker 2: He found it hard to judge for himself what was 527 00:29:55,160 --> 00:29:59,040 Speaker 2: real and what was not. David continued his questioning in 528 00:29:59,120 --> 00:30:01,040 Speaker 2: hopes to win a Saul's heart. 529 00:30:01,320 --> 00:30:04,000 Speaker 8: I held the blade inches from your throat, but did 530 00:30:04,040 --> 00:30:07,640 Speaker 8: not take your life. As long as I live, I 531 00:30:07,880 --> 00:30:12,720 Speaker 8: will not raise a hand against you. As the proverb 532 00:30:12,840 --> 00:30:19,000 Speaker 8: of the ancients says, wickedness proceeds from the wicked. Look 533 00:30:19,040 --> 00:30:24,640 Speaker 8: at me, Saul, am I a wicked man? Who have 534 00:30:24,760 --> 00:30:31,240 Speaker 8: you spent months pursuing a dead dog? A flea? Let 535 00:30:31,320 --> 00:30:33,360 Speaker 8: God be the judge between you and I. 536 00:30:34,720 --> 00:30:37,600 Speaker 2: David then lowered his face to the ground and pressed 537 00:30:37,600 --> 00:30:41,080 Speaker 2: his nose against the dirt. He waited in silence for 538 00:30:41,160 --> 00:30:45,000 Speaker 2: Saul to respond, either with a word or with the 539 00:30:45,040 --> 00:30:50,440 Speaker 2: swing of his sword. When Saul watched David bow, something 540 00:30:50,600 --> 00:30:53,840 Speaker 2: changed in his heart. The fog that had filled his 541 00:30:54,000 --> 00:30:59,240 Speaker 2: mind for so long began to clear, like the sun 542 00:30:59,360 --> 00:31:04,400 Speaker 2: breaking away the mourning clouds. Clarity of thought was restored 543 00:31:04,440 --> 00:31:07,680 Speaker 2: to him. It was as if scales were peeling away 544 00:31:07,720 --> 00:31:11,040 Speaker 2: from Saul's eyes, and he could see the truth of 545 00:31:11,120 --> 00:31:15,400 Speaker 2: what God was truly doing. For a brief moment, Saul 546 00:31:15,520 --> 00:31:18,960 Speaker 2: was able to see clearly. He saw before him not 547 00:31:19,040 --> 00:31:23,160 Speaker 2: an enemy, but a faithful son and a devoted servant 548 00:31:23,160 --> 00:31:26,880 Speaker 2: of God. He looked down at the humility of David. 549 00:31:28,200 --> 00:31:31,880 Speaker 2: It was a humility he never had, but God desired. 550 00:31:33,120 --> 00:31:36,960 Speaker 2: Tears began to stream down satisfies, and his shoulders began 551 00:31:37,040 --> 00:31:40,680 Speaker 2: to tremble. He dropped his sword, and the dam of 552 00:31:40,720 --> 00:31:45,200 Speaker 2: his soul burst open violently. For the first time in months, 553 00:31:45,720 --> 00:31:48,520 Speaker 2: Saul was no longer blind to what God was doing. 554 00:31:49,200 --> 00:31:54,880 Speaker 2: Is that you, my son, David. David looked up. Saul's 555 00:31:54,920 --> 00:31:59,280 Speaker 2: dark and callous gaze was replaced with vulnerability and weakness. 556 00:32:00,200 --> 00:32:02,400 Speaker 2: The king fell to his knees and wept with his 557 00:32:02,480 --> 00:32:03,600 Speaker 2: face in his hands. 558 00:32:04,560 --> 00:32:08,160 Speaker 7: You are a more righteous man than I him, for 559 00:32:08,280 --> 00:32:12,800 Speaker 7: you have rewarded all my evil with good. You have 560 00:32:12,920 --> 00:32:17,480 Speaker 7: shown this day why God has chosen you to be 561 00:32:17,680 --> 00:32:18,400 Speaker 7: king over me. 562 00:32:19,000 --> 00:32:22,360 Speaker 2: As the words came out of Sal's mouth, David knew 563 00:32:22,440 --> 00:32:24,880 Speaker 2: that the Lord had indeed called him to be king. 564 00:32:25,400 --> 00:32:30,760 Speaker 8: Whatever comes will come, David said. However, at this present moment, 565 00:32:31,680 --> 00:32:36,000 Speaker 8: you are my king. I will not harm you. Saul 566 00:32:36,040 --> 00:32:38,800 Speaker 8: stood to his feet and wiped his eyes. It is 567 00:32:38,880 --> 00:32:43,000 Speaker 8: clear that Israel shall be yours. This is all I 568 00:32:43,080 --> 00:32:46,480 Speaker 8: ask that you will not cut off my descendants after me. 569 00:32:47,280 --> 00:32:51,120 Speaker 8: Please do not destroy the name of my father. A 570 00:32:51,200 --> 00:32:55,040 Speaker 8: quiet resolve came over David. Now that Saul had acknowledged 571 00:32:55,120 --> 00:32:58,680 Speaker 8: David's calling, he felt the freedom to truly carry himself 572 00:32:58,840 --> 00:32:59,320 Speaker 8: like a king. 573 00:33:00,280 --> 00:33:04,560 Speaker 2: You have my word, David said. Saul stepped forward to David. 574 00:33:05,240 --> 00:33:08,400 Speaker 7: Return with me to the palace. David, return to my 575 00:33:08,600 --> 00:33:12,240 Speaker 7: daughter and to your men. We may find a way 576 00:33:12,280 --> 00:33:13,040 Speaker 7: to have peace. 577 00:33:14,080 --> 00:33:17,440 Speaker 2: However, David took a step back, not allowing Saul to 578 00:33:17,560 --> 00:33:22,600 Speaker 2: move any further. He truly believed Saul meant what he said. However, 579 00:33:22,640 --> 00:33:25,120 Speaker 2: he had seen Saul's mind shift and move like the 580 00:33:25,200 --> 00:33:28,200 Speaker 2: tide in his storm. He did not trust him. 581 00:33:28,640 --> 00:33:32,280 Speaker 8: I will remain here, my king. If called upon to 582 00:33:32,320 --> 00:33:36,520 Speaker 8: fight for the safety of my country, I will respond. However, 583 00:33:37,000 --> 00:33:39,520 Speaker 8: I believe there is work to be done between you 584 00:33:39,720 --> 00:33:45,040 Speaker 8: and the Lord. Before I return. Saul looked disappointed. I see, 585 00:33:45,480 --> 00:33:49,280 Speaker 8: he said, then I shall be going. 586 00:33:50,040 --> 00:33:53,240 Speaker 2: The two nodded at one another. David bowed his head 587 00:33:53,280 --> 00:33:56,640 Speaker 2: and sent the king on his way. Saul made his 588 00:33:56,680 --> 00:33:59,400 Speaker 2: way out of the forest, and David retreated back into 589 00:33:59,400 --> 00:34:03,800 Speaker 2: the caves. His men were waiting for him eagerly. What 590 00:34:03,840 --> 00:34:06,040 Speaker 2: did the king say, Josha be masked. 591 00:34:07,240 --> 00:34:09,200 Speaker 8: He offered for me to return with him to the 592 00:34:09,239 --> 00:34:11,320 Speaker 8: palace and live in peace. 593 00:34:11,960 --> 00:34:17,040 Speaker 2: David said, plainly, is that good news? Beniah asked, perhaps. 594 00:34:17,520 --> 00:34:21,560 Speaker 8: David replied, however, there is still much for the king 595 00:34:21,680 --> 00:34:26,240 Speaker 8: to wrestle with. I fear his contempt for me may return. 596 00:34:28,239 --> 00:34:32,319 Speaker 8: We must be on God. The men agreed and fortified 597 00:34:32,320 --> 00:34:36,600 Speaker 8: the stronghold. David walked with his head held higher. He 598 00:34:36,680 --> 00:34:39,839 Speaker 8: knew deep down that he was now being groomed by 599 00:34:39,880 --> 00:34:42,120 Speaker 8: the Lord to be a king. 600 00:34:44,840 --> 00:34:47,040 Speaker 5: We almost got to see the end of King Saul. 601 00:34:47,719 --> 00:34:51,160 Speaker 5: David was so close. What kept him from following through 602 00:34:51,200 --> 00:34:55,080 Speaker 5: with it? Was it cowardice? Weakness? Did he chicken out 603 00:34:55,080 --> 00:34:58,480 Speaker 5: at the last minute? We know enough about David by 604 00:34:58,560 --> 00:35:01,799 Speaker 5: now to know he is no weekly. David is the 605 00:35:01,840 --> 00:35:05,120 Speaker 5: bravest man alive, and that is precisely why he spared 606 00:35:05,160 --> 00:35:08,720 Speaker 5: Saul's life. Much had to be taken place before David 607 00:35:08,719 --> 00:35:11,440 Speaker 5: and Saul could meet each other again face to face, 608 00:35:11,920 --> 00:35:14,440 Speaker 5: and it all began with a visit from an old friend. 609 00:35:14,960 --> 00:35:18,880 Speaker 5: In this episode, the dynamic duo of David and Jonathan 610 00:35:19,000 --> 00:35:23,520 Speaker 5: makes another appearance. Jonathan comes at the perfect time, first 611 00:35:23,560 --> 00:35:27,280 Speaker 5: to warn the giant slayers of his father's plans, second 612 00:35:27,320 --> 00:35:30,960 Speaker 5: to encourage his soul and given straight. The way Jonathan 613 00:35:31,040 --> 00:35:34,280 Speaker 5: refreshes David in this episode brings a smile to my face. 614 00:35:34,840 --> 00:35:38,279 Speaker 5: We all need people like Jonathan in our lives, don't we. 615 00:35:38,280 --> 00:35:40,719 Speaker 5: We need people to remind us of who we are, 616 00:35:41,160 --> 00:35:45,320 Speaker 5: especially when life is uncertain and unsteady. The Young Prince 617 00:35:45,400 --> 00:35:49,160 Speaker 5: reminded our hero that his identity was secured in the heavens, 618 00:35:49,200 --> 00:35:53,880 Speaker 5: despite whatever circumstances took place. Friends like Jonathan secure our 619 00:35:53,960 --> 00:35:58,440 Speaker 5: minds when life knocks us off balance. We need Jonathan's 620 00:35:58,480 --> 00:36:02,040 Speaker 5: in our lives to anchor us in our callings. In 621 00:36:02,120 --> 00:36:06,840 Speaker 5: our trials, we may stray with the rising and falling tide. Friends, 622 00:36:07,239 --> 00:36:10,919 Speaker 5: real friends keep our souls tied to who we really are. 623 00:36:11,920 --> 00:36:14,960 Speaker 5: Jonathan lees and David is in powered and not a 624 00:36:15,040 --> 00:36:18,520 Speaker 5: moment too soon, Saul is on the move and bloodthirsty. 625 00:36:19,120 --> 00:36:22,000 Speaker 5: The army of outcast is forced once again to pick 626 00:36:22,080 --> 00:36:22,640 Speaker 5: up and leave. 627 00:36:23,360 --> 00:36:24,680 Speaker 7: The king nearly. 628 00:36:24,400 --> 00:36:27,680 Speaker 5: Captures him, but luckily they are able to evade him. 629 00:36:28,160 --> 00:36:32,200 Speaker 5: The perspective shifts back and forth between David and Saul, 630 00:36:32,239 --> 00:36:35,000 Speaker 5: and we are giving more looks into the fragile psyche 631 00:36:35,400 --> 00:36:38,560 Speaker 5: of the first King of Israel. He is consumed with 632 00:36:38,800 --> 00:36:42,400 Speaker 5: irrational rage against David, but he is also filled with 633 00:36:42,440 --> 00:36:46,319 Speaker 5: self loathing and guilt. Here's a small glimpse into his 634 00:36:46,400 --> 00:36:50,760 Speaker 5: inner dialogue from the episode. He fell deeper and deeper 635 00:36:50,840 --> 00:36:54,080 Speaker 5: into his own self loathing. He hated himself for what 636 00:36:54,160 --> 00:36:57,719 Speaker 5: he had become, Yet he could not help his paranoia. 637 00:36:58,280 --> 00:37:00,560 Speaker 5: It gripped him like a beast to the throat of 638 00:37:00,600 --> 00:37:03,880 Speaker 5: its prey. At night, he would lay awake, wrestling with 639 00:37:03,920 --> 00:37:07,200 Speaker 5: the voices of doubts swirling around his mind. He was 640 00:37:07,239 --> 00:37:10,720 Speaker 5: a tormented soul and he could feel his mind slipping 641 00:37:10,840 --> 00:37:15,440 Speaker 5: into oblivion. Paranoia and rage are dragging Saul into a 642 00:37:15,480 --> 00:37:18,719 Speaker 5: pit of despair, and he is helpless to help himself. 643 00:37:19,360 --> 00:37:21,520 Speaker 5: If you don't feel a little bit sad for Saul, 644 00:37:21,640 --> 00:37:24,920 Speaker 5: then you are attune to the heart of the Biblical authors. 645 00:37:25,360 --> 00:37:28,080 Speaker 5: We are supposed to pity Saul at least a bit. 646 00:37:28,760 --> 00:37:32,040 Speaker 5: This episode is a reminder that not every villain is 647 00:37:32,080 --> 00:37:36,560 Speaker 5: worthy of our disdain. Stories about knights fighting dragons sit 648 00:37:36,680 --> 00:37:39,959 Speaker 5: better with us because the enemies aren't human. We don't 649 00:37:39,960 --> 00:37:43,080 Speaker 5: ever feel sorry for the dragon that's slain or the 650 00:37:43,120 --> 00:37:46,200 Speaker 5: troll that's killed, but we do feel bad for the 651 00:37:46,280 --> 00:37:50,040 Speaker 5: descending sanity of Saul. He is not a dragon to 652 00:37:50,080 --> 00:37:53,360 Speaker 5: be slain. He's a man, a king, a tortured soul 653 00:37:53,400 --> 00:37:56,279 Speaker 5: that was once filled with the passion of God. Not 654 00:37:56,400 --> 00:38:01,040 Speaker 5: everybody understands this, but David does. All is vulnerable and 655 00:38:01,160 --> 00:38:05,239 Speaker 5: ripe for the taking. David's closest companions earnestly beg him 656 00:38:05,239 --> 00:38:08,720 Speaker 5: to end his life, and by doing so, in their misery, 657 00:38:09,640 --> 00:38:12,600 Speaker 5: David stands over sleeping Saul with the blade in his hand. 658 00:38:13,200 --> 00:38:16,040 Speaker 5: Instead of taking his life, he takes a piece of 659 00:38:16,040 --> 00:38:19,920 Speaker 5: his cloak. Why couldn't David do it? Saul had caused 660 00:38:19,920 --> 00:38:23,839 Speaker 5: so much pain and suffering, so why not in all 661 00:38:23,880 --> 00:38:27,200 Speaker 5: of the heartache. Wouldn't the entire nation be better off 662 00:38:27,239 --> 00:38:31,040 Speaker 5: if Saul were dead and David were king? Perhaps, but 663 00:38:31,160 --> 00:38:34,440 Speaker 5: there was something greater at work in this story. Like 664 00:38:34,480 --> 00:38:38,320 Speaker 5: many stories in scripture, the real important events are taking 665 00:38:38,360 --> 00:38:42,000 Speaker 5: place within the character. David was staring at the man 666 00:38:42,280 --> 00:38:45,480 Speaker 5: who was supposed to be like him. Saul was supposed 667 00:38:45,520 --> 00:38:48,440 Speaker 5: to be the warrior, king and hero of Israel. Saul 668 00:38:48,560 --> 00:38:51,400 Speaker 5: was supposed to lead his men with passion and worship 669 00:38:51,480 --> 00:38:55,920 Speaker 5: his God with righteousness. But Saul let small compromises of 670 00:38:55,960 --> 00:39:00,400 Speaker 5: his convictions tally up and eventually found himself in slave 671 00:39:00,480 --> 00:39:04,320 Speaker 5: to his pride and self indulgence. This scene with David 672 00:39:04,440 --> 00:39:07,640 Speaker 5: so close shows us that the veil between us and 673 00:39:07,680 --> 00:39:11,399 Speaker 5: our enemies is paper thin. David is only a few 674 00:39:11,520 --> 00:39:14,839 Speaker 5: choices away from becoming like Saul, so in a way, 675 00:39:15,440 --> 00:39:19,320 Speaker 5: killing Saul would be like killing his own virtue. David 676 00:39:19,360 --> 00:39:22,680 Speaker 5: retreats silently back into the cave and brings the torn 677 00:39:22,719 --> 00:39:27,120 Speaker 5: piece of fabric back to his companions. They are understandably 678 00:39:27,200 --> 00:39:30,279 Speaker 5: upset that David refused to kill him. If we were 679 00:39:30,280 --> 00:39:33,520 Speaker 5: in their positions, we might think that the giant Slayer 680 00:39:33,560 --> 00:39:36,239 Speaker 5: had a moment of weakness here. Perhaps he lost his 681 00:39:36,360 --> 00:39:39,480 Speaker 5: nerve or didn't have the carriage to swipe the blade. 682 00:39:39,640 --> 00:39:41,839 Speaker 5: We know enough about David now to know it is 683 00:39:41,920 --> 00:39:45,400 Speaker 5: not cowardice that drives him. David is the most fierce 684 00:39:45,480 --> 00:39:48,720 Speaker 5: and capable warrior in all of is Real and perhaps 685 00:39:48,840 --> 00:39:52,840 Speaker 5: the world He is courageous, bold, fearless in the face 686 00:39:52,880 --> 00:39:56,120 Speaker 5: of danger, so it is not weakness that compels him, 687 00:39:56,480 --> 00:40:00,799 Speaker 5: but meekness. Meekness is different from weakness. Those who are 688 00:40:00,800 --> 00:40:04,640 Speaker 5: weak are incapable of harming anyone, so they can't claim 689 00:40:04,719 --> 00:40:08,080 Speaker 5: moral virtue when they refuse to fight. They can't fight, 690 00:40:08,400 --> 00:40:12,720 Speaker 5: so their decision not to fight isn't noble, it's self preservation. However, 691 00:40:12,760 --> 00:40:15,800 Speaker 5: those who can fight, or perhaps are the best at fighting, 692 00:40:15,920 --> 00:40:19,840 Speaker 5: like David, prove their strength when they put their blades away. 693 00:40:20,600 --> 00:40:23,160 Speaker 5: David knows it would be easier to fight and when, 694 00:40:23,840 --> 00:40:27,960 Speaker 5: but instead chooses the more difficult path of peace. Meetness 695 00:40:28,080 --> 00:40:32,680 Speaker 5: is having the capacity to do harm but instead doing good. 696 00:40:33,440 --> 00:40:36,400 Speaker 5: David releases Sault, but does not let him get away 697 00:40:36,480 --> 00:40:40,280 Speaker 5: with ignorance. He needs to know that David spared his life. 698 00:40:40,960 --> 00:40:43,160 Speaker 5: The two meet face to face for the first time 699 00:40:43,239 --> 00:40:46,680 Speaker 5: since its exile, and David reminds Saul that he could 700 00:40:46,719 --> 00:40:50,719 Speaker 5: have harmed him but chose not to. The shepherd makes 701 00:40:50,760 --> 00:40:53,480 Speaker 5: a case to the King, imploring him to see the 702 00:40:53,640 --> 00:40:56,760 Speaker 5: error of his ways. I have done nothing to warrant 703 00:40:56,800 --> 00:41:01,040 Speaker 5: your hatred, yet you hunt me like an animal. David says, 704 00:41:01,440 --> 00:41:04,279 Speaker 5: the very fact that David could have killed Saul in 705 00:41:04,360 --> 00:41:07,759 Speaker 5: his sleep, but chose not to its proof that he 706 00:41:07,960 --> 00:41:11,560 Speaker 5: is not the enemy. All of Saul's hatred for David 707 00:41:12,239 --> 00:41:16,120 Speaker 5: was a product of delusion and paranoia. This leads us 708 00:41:16,680 --> 00:41:19,960 Speaker 5: to an important point to be taken from Saul's sad story. 709 00:41:20,680 --> 00:41:25,120 Speaker 5: Contempt comes from within. The hatred we often experience toward 710 00:41:25,239 --> 00:41:28,759 Speaker 5: others comes from within our own hearts. First we feel 711 00:41:28,840 --> 00:41:32,319 Speaker 5: hatred in our hearts, then we look for someone to hate. 712 00:41:32,560 --> 00:41:36,200 Speaker 5: That is the order, not the other way around. This 713 00:41:36,280 --> 00:41:39,080 Speaker 5: leads us to the final scene and call back to 714 00:41:39,120 --> 00:41:43,600 Speaker 5: our prelude. The mercy David showed Saul was enough to 715 00:41:43,680 --> 00:41:47,800 Speaker 5: momentarily melt his pride and sober his mind. Like scales 716 00:41:47,800 --> 00:41:51,759 Speaker 5: pulling away from his eyes, Saul sees David clearly. He 717 00:41:51,880 --> 00:41:56,440 Speaker 5: recognizes him as king and bows to him. Mercy opens 718 00:41:56,520 --> 00:41:59,840 Speaker 5: up our eyes. That is what happened to Saul of Tarsus, 719 00:41:59,920 --> 00:42:03,080 Speaker 5: or on the road to Damascus, when he experienced the 720 00:42:03,120 --> 00:42:07,560 Speaker 5: mercy of Jesus, his blind eyes were finally open. This 721 00:42:07,640 --> 00:42:11,200 Speaker 5: happens to Saul, and like the sun's rays shining through 722 00:42:11,280 --> 00:42:14,480 Speaker 5: a few storm clouds, he has a moment of clarity. 723 00:42:15,160 --> 00:42:19,280 Speaker 5: Mercy can do wonderful things to a man. Unfortunately for David, 724 00:42:19,800 --> 00:42:23,200 Speaker 5: Saul's moment of clarity is short lived. David is noble 725 00:42:23,320 --> 00:42:26,680 Speaker 5: enough to forgive Saul, but not dumb enough to trust him. 726 00:42:27,239 --> 00:42:29,480 Speaker 5: He knows that Saul can change back at any moment, 727 00:42:30,239 --> 00:42:33,960 Speaker 5: so he remains in the wilderness. He promises to always 728 00:42:33,960 --> 00:42:36,880 Speaker 5: be a deliverer for Israel. When they need him, he 729 00:42:36,880 --> 00:42:40,440 Speaker 5: will come. They will need him. The hero of God 730 00:42:40,520 --> 00:42:43,640 Speaker 5: will rise up to defend his flock, and Saul will 731 00:42:43,640 --> 00:42:47,840 Speaker 5: eventually meet his end. In our next episode, David carries 732 00:42:47,880 --> 00:42:51,240 Speaker 5: himself with a newfound confidence and meets an interesting woman. 733 00:42:52,040 --> 00:42:55,280 Speaker 5: He carries himself more like a king, and the small 734 00:42:55,360 --> 00:42:58,240 Speaker 5: shepherd boy we have come to know and love seems 735 00:42:58,280 --> 00:43:01,680 Speaker 5: to be further in the distance. Is David maturing or 736 00:43:01,840 --> 00:43:04,800 Speaker 5: is he slipping? These are questions that will be answered 737 00:43:04,800 --> 00:43:09,120 Speaker 5: in our next episode. Abigail, thanks again for listening. For 738 00:43:09,239 --> 00:43:13,160 Speaker 5: more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom to last the lifetime, 739 00:43:13,719 --> 00:43:16,800 Speaker 5: go to pray dot com and to expand your heroes 740 00:43:16,840 --> 00:43:19,600 Speaker 5: in the Bible Journey, download the Heroes of the Faith 741 00:43:19,640 --> 00:43:24,840 Speaker 5: devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward Slash Heroes. Follow the 742 00:43:24,880 --> 00:43:28,960 Speaker 5: podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the newest episodes 743 00:43:29,120 --> 00:43:33,080 Speaker 5: right as they come out, and always be inspired by 744 00:43:33,120 --> 00:43:33,640 Speaker 5: the Bible.