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Speaker 1: Every scripture is God breathed and profitable for teaching, for

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Speaker 1: a proof for correction, and for instruction and righteousness, that

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Speaker 1: each person who belongs to God may be complete thoroughly

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Speaker 1: equipped for every good work. Two Timothy three, sixteen and seventeen.

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Speaker 1: I love you Lord with all my heart. I want

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Speaker 1: to love you more and more. I want to know

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Speaker 1: you more. I want to learn and grow in every

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Speaker 1: way every single day.

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Speaker 2: To day.

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Speaker 1: Thank you for your word. It's such a help to me.

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Speaker 1: It clearly lights my way. I thank you that your

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Speaker 1: word teaches me and trains me. It corrects me and

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Speaker 1: disciplines me. It keeps me on the right path. It

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Speaker 1: prepares me for every opportunity and equips me for every

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Speaker 1: challenge I undertake, even when it's painful, even when it

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Speaker 1: means admitting that I've missed a turn or made a mistake.

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Speaker 1: I am so grateful to have your direction. I would

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Speaker 1: much rather turn around than keep going the wrong way.

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Speaker 1: Thank you for so faithfully leading me and guiding me.

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Speaker 1: As I spend time in your word today, I ask

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Speaker 1: you to reveal more of yourself to me. Help me

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Speaker 1: to see you and see myself the way you see me.

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Speaker 1: Transform my heart, renew my mind, refresh my spirit, and

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Speaker 1: empower me to live victoriously today in Jesus's name. Amen,

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Speaker 1: stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever

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Speaker 1: told from Pray dot COM's podcas cast Heroes in the Bible.

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Speaker 3: Hello.

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Speaker 4: My name is Matthew Potter, co founder of Prey dot Com,

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Speaker 4: and before we start today's episode of Heroes in the Bible,

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Speaker 4: I wanted to ask, do you know what your bank

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Speaker 4: specials for switching to ACCU and their nationwide banking capabilities

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Speaker 4: at America's christiancu dot Com Forward slash Prey plus the

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Speaker 4: peace of mind knowing that this credit union is federally

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Speaker 4: insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

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Speaker 2: Hi.

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Speaker 5: I'm doctor Tony Evans and I'm excited for you to

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Speaker 5: join me on Heroes in the Bible. Please be sure

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Speaker 5: to follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify so you

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Speaker 5: get the newest episodes right as they come out. Welcome

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Speaker 5: to the epic adventure of David a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal,

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Speaker 5: and murder. While most people know of David the myth,

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Speaker 5: few know about David the man. In this episode, the

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Speaker 5: stability of the nation is in peril. David is more

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Speaker 5: in the background of this episode, allowing us to get

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Speaker 5: more acquainted with a few key characters. Abner, the commander

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Speaker 5: of Saul's army, and the three brothers Joe, Abba, Abashah,

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Speaker 5: and Ashiel. They are on the front lines of a

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Speaker 5: new civil war that has broken out between Judah and israel. Isba,

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Speaker 5: Chef Sal's son plans to punish Judah for making David king.

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Speaker 5: The battle that we witness in this episode is not

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Speaker 5: conventional since they are Hebrews. No matter what the result

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Speaker 5: of this war turns out to be, it seems like

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Speaker 5: there will be no winners. Whoever is victorious will be

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Speaker 5: sold by killing their fellow Israelites. The difference between David's

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Speaker 5: army in Abner's army will become clear and reveal a

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Speaker 5: key difference between the old regime and the new regime.

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Speaker 5: David seeks to build his nation on a strong and

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Speaker 5: firm foundation. He will most likely succeed, but at what cost.

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Speaker 5: This episode features the death of a beloved figure, reminding

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Speaker 5: us that this is not a fairy tale. But first

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Speaker 5: we begin with the prelude. We will be taken forward

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Speaker 5: in time to Jesus. He will teach us about bearing

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Speaker 5: fruit and building on a firm foundation. His wisdom will

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Speaker 5: give us the correct lens by which to judge the

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Speaker 5: struggle of David and Abne. When we take Jesus's words

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Speaker 5: and apply them to the Old Testament, we are given

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Speaker 5: the greater perspective of each story. Listen carefully to Jesus's

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Speaker 5: words and hold them up as a filter by which

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Speaker 5: to see Episode nineteen, A civil war begins.

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Speaker 6: Prelude to Chapter nineteen. Us rose to his feet. The

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Speaker 6: wind began to pick up behind him. He took a

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Speaker 6: deep breath, being mindful of every word he was about

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Speaker 6: to say.

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Speaker 3: Next, treat others the way you wish to be treated.

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Speaker 3: This is the true heart behind the law of God.

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Speaker 3: And understand this that the gate to the Kingdom of

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Speaker 3: Heaven is narrow. There are many other paths that are

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Speaker 3: easy and wide open. However, its ease is deceptive. It

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Speaker 3: is the way of death, the true path of God

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Speaker 3: is hard. It requires sacrifice, struggle, and humility. This is

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Speaker 3: why many will choose to avoid it and ultimately perish.

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Speaker 6: Jesus began to walk down the hill and place his

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Speaker 6: hand on people's shoulders as he passed through the crowd.

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Speaker 3: Every healthy and good tree bears fruit that people can enjoy.

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Speaker 3: Every bad tree produces thorns and poison. The same as

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Speaker 3: with our hearts, a good heart will produce good actions.

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Speaker 3: Likewise a bad heart will produce corrupt actions.

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Speaker 2: Words are not enough.

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Speaker 3: Not everyone who declares to know God actually knows him personally.

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Speaker 3: Be mindful that you seek Him in spirit and truth.

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Speaker 6: Jesus was now behind the crowd. He looked down and

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Speaker 6: saw a stone the size of his palm on the ground.

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Speaker 6: He picked it up and held it up in the

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Speaker 6: air for all to see, and said.

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Speaker 3: Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts upon

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Speaker 3: them is like a wise person who built their house

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Speaker 3: on a firm foundation. When the rain fell and the

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Speaker 3: floods came, their house was sturdy and resilient. Yet there

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Speaker 3: will be those who do not listen and do not

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Speaker 3: do these things. They are like people who build their

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Speaker 3: homes on wavering sound. When troubles come, they will be

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Speaker 3: washed away.

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Speaker 6: Jesus looked at the crowd one final time, smiled, and

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Speaker 6: dropped the stone. He departed with his disciples. The crowd

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Speaker 6: simply stood there, astonished. Chapter nineteen, A civil war begins.

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Speaker 6: Resting on a high place overlooking the land of Gibea

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Speaker 6: was the palace of the dead King Saul. Its large

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Speaker 6: stone structure was a monument to Israel's first king. Within

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Speaker 6: its walls, the elders of Israel convene to choose the

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Speaker 6: next king. News of David's anointing over Judah had reached

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Speaker 6: the other tribes of Israel, and they knew there was

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Speaker 6: a choice that had to be made. Would they gather

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Speaker 6: around the newly anointed king David, or would they give

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Speaker 6: the throne to Sal's heir ishbosheth torchlights were mounted on

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Speaker 6: the dark stone wall of Sal's throne room. Ishboshaf sat

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Speaker 6: on the throne before the elders, listening to them deliberate.

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Speaker 6: Before him, Beside the prince was Abner, commander of Saul's armies.

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Speaker 6: He had escaped the onslaught of Mount Gilboa and had

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Speaker 6: returned to usher in the next king to him. Ishboshaf

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Speaker 6: was the clear choice. He was of Sal's bloodline and

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Speaker 6: represented tradition and stability for the new kingdom. Abner spoke

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Speaker 6: to the elders, reassuring them that Ishboshaf was the rightful

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Speaker 6: and wise choice to be king.

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Speaker 7: Elders of Israel, if we pivot now from the royal

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Speaker 7: bloodline of King Sault, it communicates to the people that

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Speaker 7: any mongrel can become king if he is likable enough.

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Speaker 7: If we do not affirm Ishbashev as rightful king, we

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Speaker 7: set a precedent for every king that comes afterwards.

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Speaker 8: We do not want.

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Speaker 7: Any commander, insurrectionist or shepherd thinking they can claim the throne.

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Speaker 7: The instability would ruin our nation before it has a

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Speaker 7: chance to flourish.

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Speaker 6: Many of the elders nodded in agreement. Ishbochef, as unimpressive

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Speaker 6: and passive as he was, represented a sense of control. However,

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Speaker 6: not all were convinced.

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Speaker 9: Jonathan was the rightful heir before.

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Speaker 2: He was killed. One of them said, yet, even.

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Speaker 9: Jonathan recognized David as the next to take the throne.

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Speaker 9: He gave him his armor and ring. If I'm not mistaken,

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Speaker 9: what shall we say to those who believed David to

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Speaker 9: be the anointed king.

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Speaker 6: Ishbochet stirred in place. The throne seemed too large for him. Saul,

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Speaker 6: being a massive man in personality and stature, seemed to

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Speaker 6: fill it much better than he. Before Ishboschev could respond,

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Speaker 6: Abner interjected.

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Speaker 8: Jonathan never wanted the throne to begin with. His affirmation of.

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Speaker 7: David was purely because he did not want the mantle himself.

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Speaker 2: Why say you, then, Ishbochet, do you desire to be king?

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Speaker 6: The elders asked Ishbosheth gave a wry smile.

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Speaker 2: Of course, he said, in a condescending tone.

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Speaker 10: If anyone deserves to be king, it is I. I

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Speaker 10: am Sal's remaining's son, and all this deliberation between me

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Speaker 10: and David vexes me. I will continue my father's legacy,

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Speaker 10: mount further attacks on the Philistines, and reclaim the dignity

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Speaker 10: of our nation.

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Speaker 6: Ishboschat stood to his feet and walked among the elders.

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Speaker 10: You kentucktail and run to Judah for all I care. However,

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Speaker 10: the glory of Israel and the throne established by Samuel

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Speaker 10: and my father remains here in Gibeah with me.

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Speaker 6: The elder stirred, annoyed at Ishbosheth's tone, Abner cleared his

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Speaker 6: throat and escorted Ishbosheth back to the king's quarters. The

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Speaker 6: prince left, and Abner was alone with the elders. He

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Speaker 6: opened his arms and shrugged.

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Speaker 8: My brothers, we are at a crucial point.

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Speaker 7: The Philistines have delivered a devastating blow and taken.

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Speaker 8: Parts of our country by force.

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Speaker 7: To uproot a system set by our king and established

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Speaker 7: David would be unwise. Our people need reassurance that what

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Speaker 7: Saul began will be finished. I assure you, as his

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Speaker 7: cousin and his commander, that I will get it done.

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Speaker 7: We are all aware of the rumors regarding Ishbashev's mother

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Speaker 7: and the sins.

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Speaker 8: He was born from them.

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Speaker 7: However, Ishbashev will be king in name only. I will

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Speaker 7: lead us to victory. Then, after the dust settled, we

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Speaker 7: can discuss the future of the throne.

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Speaker 6: The elders pondered Abner's words in front of the throne

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Speaker 6: where Saul once sat. They agreed to make Ishboschef king,

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Speaker 6: yet Abner would be the one to lead the nation.

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Speaker 6: The sun was high above Hebron and the heat of

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Speaker 6: the afternoon beat down on David's neck. Sweat dripped from

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Speaker 6: his forehead onto the dust below. He pulled back his

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Speaker 6: curls and gripped his sword firmly. He set his right

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Speaker 6: foot back, held his shield up with his left arm,

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Speaker 6: and swung violently down at a wooden beam beside him.

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Speaker 6: The metal split the wood and splinters went flying past

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Speaker 6: his face. He pulled his sword up and looked at

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Speaker 6: the men standing near him.

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Speaker 2: The power of your strike comes from the firmness of

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Speaker 2: your stance, he explained. If your feet are unstable, you

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Speaker 2: sacrifice momentum and your swing. Everything begins with your foundation.

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Speaker 2: If your foundation is not secure, you are destined to collapse.

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Speaker 2: It is like a house built on sand. If you

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Speaker 2: were not on solid ground, anything can blow you down.

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Speaker 6: The young men standing at attention nodded. They mimicked David's movements.

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Speaker 6: David was pleased with their improvements. It had only been

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Speaker 6: a few days since his coronation is king, and there

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Speaker 6: was much to be done. David knew that the safety

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Speaker 6: of his kingdom had to be his top priority, so

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Speaker 6: he attended to his army personally. However, now that he

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Speaker 6: was king, his time to train and command the men

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Speaker 6: would wane. He needed a commander. Abishi approached David and

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Speaker 6: bowed my king, he said reverently. David smirked and gave

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Speaker 6: a chuckle.

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Speaker 2: That will take getting used to Abishai forgive me if

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Speaker 2: I seamen barrist.

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Speaker 6: The two of them laughed and began walking towards the barracks.

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Speaker 6: Assahal Abishi's swift, younger brother joined them. I am eager

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Speaker 6: to meet your brother, David said, I hear he is

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Speaker 6: an excellent tactician and has served the tribe of Judah

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Speaker 6: well in training up their army.

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Speaker 3: Abishi nodded, yes, our brother Joe Ab has only ever

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Speaker 3: been good at one thing, warfare. He was a faithful

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Speaker 3: commander in Saul's army and more recently the leader of

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Speaker 3: the ranks of Judah.

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Speaker 2: David nodded, I am sure he will serve us well.

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Speaker 2: We will need a well trained leader to lead us

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Speaker 2: against the Philistines. They reached the barracks, where Joab was

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Speaker 2: giving orders to the blacksmiths. He instructed them on the

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Speaker 2: necessary mold and shape of the hilts. David was impressed

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Speaker 2: with the way he carried himself. He was clearly a

225
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Speaker 2: military man, rough, straight as an arrow, and serious. Along

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Speaker 2: with Abeshi and Assahal. Joab was his sister's son. However,

227
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Speaker 2: he was older than David and the two had never met.

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Speaker 2: Joe Ab stood a head taller than most of the men.

229
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Speaker 2: His broad shoulders were set back, revealing his muscular chest

230
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Speaker 2: and battle worn arms. David approached and Joab bowed immediately.

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Speaker 11: My king, it is good to finally have you here

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Speaker 11: to lead us.

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Speaker 2: David gestured for Joab to stand. I am in need

234
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Speaker 2: of a great deal of help. Joeab, and your two

235
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Speaker 2: brothers tell me you are the perfect man to lead

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Speaker 2: our army.

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Speaker 6: Abishai and Assahl smiled at their older brother. Joab smiled

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Speaker 6: in return and nodded to David.

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Speaker 11: Thank you for taking care of my brothers while they

240
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Speaker 11: were with you in the wilderness. I feared for their

241
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Speaker 11: safety often, but I knew they were in good hands.

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Speaker 6: Joab broke his stern demeanor for a moment to bring

243
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Speaker 6: assa Hal close under his arms.

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Speaker 11: My brothers are more important to me than any richest

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Speaker 11: one could gain. I am proud that they decided to

246
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Speaker 11: follow you.

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Speaker 6: David chuckled to see Assahl treated like a beloved child.

248
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Speaker 6: He did not receive such affection from his brother's growing

249
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Speaker 6: up and now that he was king, never would David

250
00:15:29,520 --> 00:15:32,080
Speaker 6: gestured for Joeab to walk with him, and the two

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Speaker 6: spoke for a long while about strategy, security, and protecting

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Speaker 6: God's people.

253
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Speaker 2: Where would you have us begin, Joab? There are many

254
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Speaker 2: threats coming from outside our borders. How do we decide

255
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Speaker 2: which requires our attention most?

256
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Speaker 6: Joab answered immediately and matter of factly. He did not

257
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Speaker 6: parse words or filter his thoughts politically. He spoke clearly, saying, the.

258
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Speaker 11: Largest threat to you and your people are not from

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Speaker 11: the outside, but from within our borders. The rest of

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Speaker 11: Israel has chosen Ishbauchef as their king, and Abner is

261
00:16:04,480 --> 00:16:07,800
Speaker 11: at the command of his army. I have reliable sources

262
00:16:07,800 --> 00:16:10,160
Speaker 11: that tell me Abner is seeking to attack us soon.

263
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Speaker 11: He desires to secure the entire nation under Ishbachef.

264
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Speaker 6: David pondered for a moment. He did not want to

265
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Speaker 6: march against the children of God. It seemed unsavory and divisive. However,

266
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Speaker 6: he could not ignore the threat. This means civil war,

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Speaker 6: David said quietly. Joe Ab nodded. The two men continued walking,

268
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Speaker 6: watching the men train and prepare. Our men are far

269
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Speaker 6: more skilled and loyal, David said, I know we will

270
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Speaker 6: be able to handle any attack with few casualties. I

271
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Speaker 6: say march up against Abner and make the first battle

272
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Speaker 6: as decisive as possible. Perhaps it will only take one

273
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Speaker 6: battle to establish our strength.

274
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Speaker 11: That is wise, my king, I shall gather about five

275
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Speaker 11: hundred of our best men and meet Abner.

276
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Speaker 6: And Joab bowed and left, but David stopped and called

277
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Speaker 6: for Joab again.

278
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Speaker 2: Joab, in all things, remember that the Lord honors a

279
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Speaker 2: merciful heart. Joab winced at the words, but bowed his

280
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Speaker 2: head in deference. He then gathered the men and marched

281
00:17:18,280 --> 00:17:23,800
Speaker 2: towards Abner. The two sister kingdoms of Israel and Judah

282
00:17:24,160 --> 00:17:27,399
Speaker 2: met at Gibeon beside a brook flowing into a small pool.

283
00:17:28,080 --> 00:17:31,800
Speaker 2: Trees surrounded them, and the morning fog slithered low beside

284
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Speaker 2: the trunks. All was calm for a while. Both armies

285
00:17:35,800 --> 00:17:38,639
Speaker 2: camped on either side of the river, awkwardly staring at

286
00:17:38,680 --> 00:17:42,320
Speaker 2: the others. There was something ominous about this upcoming battle.

287
00:17:43,480 --> 00:17:46,280
Speaker 2: The men were about to fight against their fellow Hebrews.

288
00:17:46,920 --> 00:17:50,679
Speaker 2: The thought of slaying one another left them uneasy. The

289
00:17:50,720 --> 00:17:53,359
Speaker 2: morning light shined through the fog and dispersed in a

290
00:17:53,440 --> 00:17:58,040
Speaker 2: thousand different directions. The brook quietly trickled downstream into the pool.

291
00:17:58,920 --> 00:18:02,280
Speaker 2: Dragonflies hovered over the calm waters, and fish popped up.

292
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Speaker 6: To catch them. Beside the tranquil water, in the coolness

293
00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:09,960
Speaker 6: of the morning sat Joab and Abner. The two sat

294
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Speaker 6: on either side of the pool, with their swords securely

295
00:18:12,640 --> 00:18:15,359
Speaker 6: in their sheaths. They came to speak about the terms

296
00:18:15,359 --> 00:18:18,800
Speaker 6: of battle. They realized that if the nation was going

297
00:18:18,840 --> 00:18:21,520
Speaker 6: to be united again, they could not wipe each other

298
00:18:21,560 --> 00:18:25,800
Speaker 6: out completely. They needed ground rules. Abner and Joe Ab

299
00:18:25,840 --> 00:18:28,560
Speaker 6: stared at each other for a while, sizing each other up.

300
00:18:29,160 --> 00:18:30,480
Speaker 6: Abner broke the silence.

301
00:18:30,480 --> 00:18:34,320
Speaker 7: First, we have more tribes on our side, Joab, there

302
00:18:34,400 --> 00:18:37,320
Speaker 7: is no need to battle at all. If Judah would

303
00:18:37,359 --> 00:18:39,680
Speaker 7: concede to Isbasha as king.

304
00:18:40,320 --> 00:18:41,480
Speaker 2: Joe Ab shook his head.

305
00:18:41,920 --> 00:18:45,280
Speaker 11: Abner, you and I both know that the tribe of

306
00:18:45,359 --> 00:18:48,159
Speaker 11: Judah alone matches the rest of the tribes in size.

307
00:18:48,160 --> 00:18:50,560
Speaker 11: It is not a matter of size or resource. It

308
00:18:50,640 --> 00:18:52,200
Speaker 11: is a matter of principle, you.

309
00:18:52,400 --> 00:18:53,800
Speaker 8: And your principles.

310
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Speaker 2: Abner scoffed.

311
00:18:55,200 --> 00:18:58,120
Speaker 7: I know what this is really about, Joab. You were

312
00:18:58,160 --> 00:19:01,560
Speaker 7: passed up by me as commander of Saul's army. Now

313
00:19:01,600 --> 00:19:04,560
Speaker 7: you back an illegitimate king, because he will give you

314
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Speaker 7: command of an army.

315
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Speaker 8: When Saul would.

316
00:19:06,400 --> 00:19:09,240
Speaker 6: Not, Joab gripped the hilt of his sword, but did

317
00:19:09,280 --> 00:19:11,879
Speaker 6: not draw it. His jaw clenched as he tried to

318
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Speaker 6: compose himself.

319
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Speaker 11: I do not think you wished to talk about the

320
00:19:15,359 --> 00:19:18,399
Speaker 11: legitimacy of kings, Abner, when you and I both know

321
00:19:18,600 --> 00:19:20,320
Speaker 11: Ishbochef is the son of a whore.

322
00:19:20,840 --> 00:19:24,160
Speaker 6: Abner stood abruptly to his feet in anger, but Joeab

323
00:19:24,240 --> 00:19:25,160
Speaker 6: did not back down.

324
00:19:25,680 --> 00:19:27,840
Speaker 11: And I do not think you want to accuse me

325
00:19:28,040 --> 00:19:29,280
Speaker 11: of being opportunistic.

326
00:19:29,359 --> 00:19:29,760
Speaker 2: Abner.

327
00:19:30,680 --> 00:19:33,440
Speaker 11: With Ishbochef on the throne, you become a king without

328
00:19:33,440 --> 00:19:37,280
Speaker 11: a crown. All the power is yours to wield. And

329
00:19:37,320 --> 00:19:39,800
Speaker 11: I even hear rumors about a certain concubine you've been

330
00:19:39,800 --> 00:19:41,359
Speaker 11: able to enjoy from the king's.

331
00:19:41,119 --> 00:19:44,400
Speaker 2: Harem Abner drew his sword and pointed it at Joab.

332
00:19:44,880 --> 00:19:47,880
Speaker 8: I suggest you cease speaking, Joab.

333
00:19:48,440 --> 00:19:53,280
Speaker 6: The two stood with their swords drawn, considering attacking the other. However,

334
00:19:53,320 --> 00:19:57,400
Speaker 6: Abner knew his chances against Joeab were small. He sheathed

335
00:19:57,400 --> 00:19:59,360
Speaker 6: his sword and pointed to the battlefield.

336
00:20:00,080 --> 00:20:02,600
Speaker 8: Let the young men arise and compete before.

337
00:20:02,320 --> 00:20:07,919
Speaker 6: Us, Yes, Joab said silently. Anger boiled deep within his belly.

338
00:20:08,440 --> 00:20:12,359
Speaker 6: Let us arise. The two armies began with sending champions.

339
00:20:12,840 --> 00:20:15,399
Speaker 6: Twelve men from the ranks of Abner stood at attention,

340
00:20:15,600 --> 00:20:19,000
Speaker 6: facing twelve men from the ranks of Joab. These were

341
00:20:19,040 --> 00:20:23,399
Speaker 6: some of the mightiest champions each army had. They composed themselves,

342
00:20:23,720 --> 00:20:28,080
Speaker 6: readied their swords, and began their attack. Twenty four men

343
00:20:28,160 --> 00:20:31,440
Speaker 6: ran with great speed, clashing in the middle of the battlefield.

344
00:20:32,119 --> 00:20:35,359
Speaker 6: The first strike sounded like thunder crashing from the skies.

345
00:20:36,000 --> 00:20:38,840
Speaker 6: Each champion carried the blows of the other. It was

346
00:20:38,920 --> 00:20:42,760
Speaker 6: a chaotic and beautiful dance of equal skill, so equal

347
00:20:43,080 --> 00:20:45,520
Speaker 6: that neither group could gain the advantage over the other.

348
00:20:46,640 --> 00:20:48,920
Speaker 6: Both Joab and Abner began to grow.

349
00:20:48,720 --> 00:20:50,240
Speaker 2: Nervous as the battle drug on.

350
00:20:51,200 --> 00:20:55,600
Speaker 6: Eventually, men began to fall, yet not without slend their oppone.

351
00:20:55,640 --> 00:20:56,320
Speaker 2: In the process.

352
00:20:57,280 --> 00:20:59,679
Speaker 6: Each caught their adversary by the head and thrust their

353
00:20:59,720 --> 00:21:02,920
Speaker 6: sword and their opponent's sides. They collapsed on the wet

354
00:21:02,960 --> 00:21:06,159
Speaker 6: ground together, and the blood of slain Hebrews laced the

355
00:21:06,359 --> 00:21:11,520
Speaker 6: entire field. All twenty four men were dead, The champions

356
00:21:11,520 --> 00:21:14,520
Speaker 6: of Abner and the champions of Joab were so equally

357
00:21:14,600 --> 00:21:19,080
Speaker 6: matched that neither were victorious, an ironic and depressing symbol

358
00:21:19,200 --> 00:21:24,280
Speaker 6: of the very conflict they found himself in. Here, silence

359
00:21:24,320 --> 00:21:28,200
Speaker 6: loomed over the foggy forest for a long while Joab,

360
00:21:28,400 --> 00:21:31,320
Speaker 6: with his two brothers beside him, waited with his army

361
00:21:31,359 --> 00:21:35,399
Speaker 6: behind him. Abner was also still waiting for Joab to

362
00:21:35,400 --> 00:21:39,680
Speaker 6: make the first move. Joeab unsheathed his sword beside his brothers,

363
00:21:39,720 --> 00:21:44,320
Speaker 6: Abeshi and Essahal. He looked back to his men and shouted.

364
00:21:44,280 --> 00:21:48,359
Speaker 11: Today we fight for a new Israel. Today we fight

365
00:21:48,440 --> 00:21:51,560
Speaker 11: for a kingdom united under King David, the Lord's Anointed.

366
00:21:51,840 --> 00:21:55,520
Speaker 11: Today we fight to establish a kingdom of honor and strength.

367
00:21:56,160 --> 00:21:57,120
Speaker 11: Join me, brothers.

368
00:21:57,520 --> 00:22:01,560
Speaker 6: Battle cries erupted from Judah's ranks. The men unsheathed their

369
00:22:01,600 --> 00:22:06,119
Speaker 6: swords and ran behind Joab. Abner responded and gestured for

370
00:22:06,160 --> 00:22:09,800
Speaker 6: his men to advance. The two armies converged, and the

371
00:22:09,920 --> 00:22:12,520
Speaker 6: army of Judah overwhelmed the army of Israel. From the

372
00:22:12,680 --> 00:22:17,320
Speaker 6: very beginning, Joad proved himself as a worthy tactician. Half

373
00:22:17,359 --> 00:22:19,160
Speaker 6: his men met in the middle, while the.

374
00:22:19,080 --> 00:22:20,720
Speaker 2: Other half came in from the flanks.

375
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Speaker 6: Hundreds of Israel men fell at the swords of Judah.

376
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Speaker 6: Abner's men had speed on their side, but the army

377
00:22:27,800 --> 00:22:31,800
Speaker 6: trained by David at a firm foundation, they were unshakable

378
00:22:31,840 --> 00:22:35,879
Speaker 6: and immovable. Each blow was absorbed, then retaliated with a

379
00:22:35,880 --> 00:22:39,560
Speaker 6: swift and decisive swing of his swords. Joab held his

380
00:22:39,640 --> 00:22:42,199
Speaker 6: head high with pride as the men advanced towards the

381
00:22:42,240 --> 00:22:42,960
Speaker 6: other side of the.

382
00:22:42,880 --> 00:22:44,639
Speaker 2: Battle felt him.

383
00:22:44,840 --> 00:22:48,280
Speaker 6: Seven of Joab's men fell, but three hundred and sixty

384
00:22:48,320 --> 00:22:52,840
Speaker 6: of Abner's men fell. Knowing he was outmatched, Abner called

385
00:22:52,880 --> 00:22:54,359
Speaker 6: for the rest of his men to retreat.

386
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Speaker 8: All that there is no hope for us this day.

387
00:22:57,880 --> 00:22:59,440
Speaker 8: Favor strength and retreat.

388
00:23:00,960 --> 00:23:05,680
Speaker 6: The remaining Israelites ran away, afraid and desponded. Abner also

389
00:23:05,760 --> 00:23:09,240
Speaker 6: ran in shame, furious that Joab had bested him so easily.

390
00:23:10,080 --> 00:23:13,720
Speaker 6: The Israelite commander retreated to the rocky hills above the forest,

391
00:23:14,119 --> 00:23:18,480
Speaker 6: making his way to higher ground. Assahel watched Abner retreat

392
00:23:18,520 --> 00:23:19,920
Speaker 6: and began to run after him.

393
00:23:20,200 --> 00:23:22,240
Speaker 3: Asahel, do not pursue.

394
00:23:21,920 --> 00:23:27,840
Speaker 6: Him, Abishi yelled. However, Assahel would not listen. He ran

395
00:23:27,880 --> 00:23:30,840
Speaker 6: with his sword held firmly in his hand, dodging tree

396
00:23:30,880 --> 00:23:34,240
Speaker 6: branches and jumping over roots. He was the swiftest man

397
00:23:34,280 --> 00:23:37,800
Speaker 6: in the entire nation. Bridging the gap between him and Abner.

398
00:23:38,680 --> 00:23:41,200
Speaker 6: Joab and Abishi were running up the mountain to stop

399
00:23:41,240 --> 00:23:45,240
Speaker 6: their brother. They knew what Assahel did not, that Abner

400
00:23:45,440 --> 00:23:50,199
Speaker 6: was a formidable opponent, especially when provoked. Abner was halfway

401
00:23:50,280 --> 00:23:52,760
Speaker 6: up the mountain when he saw Assahel running after him.

402
00:23:53,280 --> 00:23:55,399
Speaker 2: Is that you, he yelled.

403
00:23:56,280 --> 00:23:59,320
Speaker 6: Assahel was climbing up the steep slope with ease, hopping

404
00:23:59,320 --> 00:24:03,479
Speaker 6: from rock to r It is I, assa Hell responded.

405
00:24:03,480 --> 00:24:04,520
Speaker 2: You are mine to kill.

406
00:24:04,920 --> 00:24:05,480
Speaker 5: You are a.

407
00:24:05,600 --> 00:24:07,719
Speaker 2: Fool, Abner yelled from above.

408
00:24:08,040 --> 00:24:10,840
Speaker 8: Turned back and enjoy your victory.

409
00:24:10,960 --> 00:24:13,440
Speaker 2: Not until I remove your head from your shoulders.

410
00:24:13,800 --> 00:24:17,520
Speaker 6: Assa Hell yelled in return. Abner reached the plateau of

411
00:24:17,520 --> 00:24:21,840
Speaker 6: the mountain. Storm clouds raged above him. Rain was coming.

412
00:24:22,920 --> 00:24:26,760
Speaker 6: Abner looked around him. The mountain's edge provided no escape.

413
00:24:27,200 --> 00:24:31,040
Speaker 6: He was trapped. Assa Hell reached him and pointed his sword.

414
00:24:31,560 --> 00:24:35,600
Speaker 6: No more running, he said, I have won. Thunder boomed

415
00:24:35,600 --> 00:24:38,200
Speaker 6: from above, and the clouds began to unvelop the mountain.

416
00:24:39,280 --> 00:24:42,720
Speaker 6: Abner took the spear from behind his back and redded himself.

417
00:24:42,960 --> 00:24:44,080
Speaker 8: Turned back Hell.

418
00:24:44,440 --> 00:24:47,520
Speaker 2: Abner warned, I do not want to kill you.

419
00:24:47,520 --> 00:24:50,800
Speaker 8: Go back and enjoy the spoils of war. You burned it.

420
00:24:51,160 --> 00:24:53,560
Speaker 2: Assa Hell was filled with the prideful glow.

421
00:24:53,960 --> 00:24:56,639
Speaker 1: If I kill you, I end this civil war and

422
00:24:56,720 --> 00:24:58,560
Speaker 1: the country can be united again.

423
00:24:59,040 --> 00:25:02,159
Speaker 8: But you will not kill me, you fool. Leave me.

424
00:25:02,760 --> 00:25:05,639
Speaker 8: I do not wish to kill you and provoke the

425
00:25:05,680 --> 00:25:06,679
Speaker 8: wrath of your brother.

426
00:25:07,040 --> 00:25:09,280
Speaker 6: Abner truly did not want to harm the young man.

427
00:25:09,960 --> 00:25:13,120
Speaker 6: He knew that it would only spark more trouble. However,

428
00:25:13,160 --> 00:25:16,840
Speaker 6: he would do what he must to stay alive. Assahal

429
00:25:16,920 --> 00:25:19,919
Speaker 6: burst forward with speed, without setting his feet on the ground.

430
00:25:20,600 --> 00:25:24,600
Speaker 6: He was swift, but lacked a foundation. He leaped forward

431
00:25:24,600 --> 00:25:27,840
Speaker 6: at Abner with his sword in a strike position. Abner

432
00:25:27,880 --> 00:25:32,320
Speaker 6: widened his stance, took a single step backwards, and thrust

433
00:25:32,359 --> 00:25:36,639
Speaker 6: his spear forward. Assahel landed on the tip of Abner's spear.

434
00:25:37,320 --> 00:25:39,680
Speaker 6: It pierced his stomach and went out through his back.

435
00:25:40,440 --> 00:25:43,600
Speaker 6: Abner pushed forward, throwing Assahal's body over the edge of

436
00:25:43,600 --> 00:25:46,879
Speaker 6: the mountain. The boy fell down on the rocks below.

437
00:25:47,760 --> 00:25:50,720
Speaker 6: Abner yelled in agony, knowing full well what he had

438
00:25:50,800 --> 00:25:54,920
Speaker 6: just done. The storm clouds broke and the rein descended

439
00:25:54,960 --> 00:25:59,520
Speaker 6: from above violently. Abner looked over the edge at Assahal's body,

440
00:26:00,119 --> 00:26:02,840
Speaker 6: then escaped down the side before Joe Ab reached the top.

441
00:26:05,320 --> 00:26:08,600
Speaker 6: Joe Ab and Abishy climbed up to the plateau. The

442
00:26:08,720 --> 00:26:11,679
Speaker 6: rain caused water to stream down the mountain, making the

443
00:26:11,720 --> 00:26:15,480
Speaker 6: climb slippery and dangerous. When they reached the top, they

444
00:26:15,520 --> 00:26:18,800
Speaker 6: found Asseahal's sword on the floor. They looked over the

445
00:26:18,920 --> 00:26:21,280
Speaker 6: edge to see their brother lying at the bottom with

446
00:26:21,359 --> 00:26:24,680
Speaker 6: a spear through him. The two brothers climbed down to

447
00:26:24,720 --> 00:26:28,120
Speaker 6: their brother and held him tight. The glow of lightning

448
00:26:28,160 --> 00:26:32,840
Speaker 6: burst above them. Joab's entire body shook with rage. Anger

449
00:26:32,920 --> 00:26:36,439
Speaker 6: boiled from within him. He rested his brother down and

450
00:26:36,480 --> 00:26:39,720
Speaker 6: took out his sword. In the distance, he could see

451
00:26:39,720 --> 00:26:43,600
Speaker 6: Abner escaping to the valley where his men had retreated Dabner.

452
00:26:44,200 --> 00:26:46,880
Speaker 6: Joe Ab whispered, the blood.

453
00:26:46,680 --> 00:26:48,880
Speaker 11: Of my brother will be avenged.

454
00:26:49,560 --> 00:26:52,280
Speaker 6: Abishan drew his sword as well, and the two of

455
00:26:52,280 --> 00:26:55,920
Speaker 6: them ran into the pouring rain towards their target. The

456
00:26:55,920 --> 00:26:59,760
Speaker 6: gray storm clouds blocked the setting sun. No collar filled

457
00:26:59,760 --> 00:27:04,639
Speaker 6: the sky. There was only darkness. Joe Abin Abshi pursued

458
00:27:04,720 --> 00:27:09,000
Speaker 6: Abner like a pair of ravenous wolves. Abner ran up

459
00:27:09,000 --> 00:27:13,560
Speaker 6: the hill overlooking the valley and halted. Joe Abin Abershire

460
00:27:13,600 --> 00:27:16,240
Speaker 6: reached the bottom of the hill and saw Abner looking

461
00:27:16,240 --> 00:27:19,840
Speaker 6: down at them. Abner panted and stuck his sword into

462
00:27:19,840 --> 00:27:23,440
Speaker 6: the ground. Stretching his arms wide, he yelled through the rain.

463
00:27:23,920 --> 00:27:28,280
Speaker 8: Show the sword devour us forever. If you keep pursuing me,

464
00:27:28,880 --> 00:27:30,399
Speaker 8: you know the end will be bitter.

465
00:27:30,760 --> 00:27:33,400
Speaker 6: As Abner said this, the rest of his men came

466
00:27:33,440 --> 00:27:36,399
Speaker 6: into sight behind him. A few hundred men with their

467
00:27:36,440 --> 00:27:38,680
Speaker 6: swords drawn, stared down at the two brothers.

468
00:27:39,560 --> 00:27:41,760
Speaker 8: It will end in pain, Joe Ab.

469
00:27:42,119 --> 00:27:45,200
Speaker 7: My men will kill you, and then your men will

470
00:27:45,200 --> 00:27:49,440
Speaker 7: consume mine. It will continue until we are all destroyed.

471
00:27:50,000 --> 00:27:52,800
Speaker 6: Joe AB's fiery glare was not doused by the storm,

472
00:27:53,400 --> 00:27:57,640
Speaker 6: his blood still boiled with hatred towards Abner. Abhishi held

473
00:27:57,680 --> 00:28:01,919
Speaker 6: his brother's shoulder. He shouted through the.

474
00:28:00,880 --> 00:28:03,760
Speaker 3: There is no victory in this pursuit, Joab. They're all

475
00:28:03,840 --> 00:28:06,800
Speaker 3: ready defeated. They would strike us down and then be

476
00:28:06,840 --> 00:28:10,240
Speaker 3: consumed by our men. We would be dead and no

477
00:28:10,359 --> 00:28:11,360
Speaker 3: peace would be attained.

478
00:28:12,359 --> 00:28:15,439
Speaker 6: Joe Ab knew he was right. Joab's men were not

479
00:28:15,520 --> 00:28:18,879
Speaker 6: far behind him. The fight would be brutal, and the

480
00:28:18,920 --> 00:28:22,680
Speaker 6: only thing accomplished would be his own demise. Joab took

481
00:28:22,680 --> 00:28:25,439
Speaker 6: out his dagger and gripped the blade with his bare hands.

482
00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:30,080
Speaker 6: Blood dripped down his wrist and forearm. Stretching out his

483
00:28:30,160 --> 00:28:33,040
Speaker 6: blood and rain soaked hand to Abner, he said.

484
00:28:33,440 --> 00:28:38,240
Speaker 11: As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely my

485
00:28:38,400 --> 00:28:41,240
Speaker 11: men would not have given up until all your soldiers

486
00:28:41,240 --> 00:28:46,800
Speaker 11: were destroyed. Hear me, Abner, The day will come when

487
00:28:46,800 --> 00:28:49,200
Speaker 11: my brother's blood will be avenged.

488
00:28:49,560 --> 00:28:52,600
Speaker 6: Joab could not see the chills crawling up Abner's spine.

489
00:28:53,120 --> 00:28:55,320
Speaker 6: He knew in his bones that Joab was not a

490
00:28:55,320 --> 00:28:58,720
Speaker 6: man of empty threats. Joab took the trumpet from his

491
00:28:58,760 --> 00:29:02,200
Speaker 6: belt and blew it into their His men heard it

492
00:29:02,360 --> 00:29:04,600
Speaker 6: and knew it was a signal to call off the attack.

493
00:29:06,080 --> 00:29:08,760
Speaker 6: Abner and his men left and marched all night through

494
00:29:08,800 --> 00:29:13,080
Speaker 6: the Araba. They crossed the Jordan, dragging their weary feet

495
00:29:13,120 --> 00:29:17,120
Speaker 6: the whole morning until coming to Mahanaeem. Joab returned with

496
00:29:17,200 --> 00:29:21,080
Speaker 6: his men back to Judah. The entire time, Joab carried

497
00:29:21,120 --> 00:29:24,880
Speaker 6: Assahal's body in his arms. Streaks of tears and dirt

498
00:29:24,920 --> 00:29:28,080
Speaker 6: were caked onto his face as he entered Hebron. When

499
00:29:28,160 --> 00:29:31,640
Speaker 6: David came out to greet them, his grin was replaced

500
00:29:31,640 --> 00:29:36,240
Speaker 6: with sorrow. Joab's beloved baby brother and one of David's

501
00:29:36,240 --> 00:29:40,240
Speaker 6: most faithful warriors, had been slain. The servants attended to

502
00:29:40,280 --> 00:29:43,760
Speaker 6: the body while David took in Abeshi and Joab. The

503
00:29:43,840 --> 00:29:45,840
Speaker 6: three of them sat by the fire with cups in

504
00:29:45,880 --> 00:29:50,280
Speaker 6: their hands. Abishai was despondent, while joe Ab stared blankly

505
00:29:50,320 --> 00:29:52,080
Speaker 6: at the flames with quiet rage.

506
00:29:52,600 --> 00:29:55,200
Speaker 11: If they did not know our strength before, they know it.

507
00:29:55,120 --> 00:29:56,840
Speaker 2: Now, Joab said quietly.

508
00:29:57,480 --> 00:30:01,360
Speaker 11: Our men were equal in number, clearly different in skill.

509
00:30:02,240 --> 00:30:04,200
Speaker 11: We bested them in a matter of minutes.

510
00:30:04,800 --> 00:30:09,280
Speaker 2: David gave a satisfied nod. Well done, joe Ab. David said,

511
00:30:09,760 --> 00:30:13,240
Speaker 2: now it is time to mourn your brother.

512
00:30:14,320 --> 00:30:17,960
Speaker 6: That next morning, the storm clouds retreated and the sun's

513
00:30:18,040 --> 00:30:22,320
Speaker 6: rays splashed the sky with bright pink and purple. Joeab

514
00:30:22,360 --> 00:30:24,760
Speaker 6: and Abeshy lowered their brother into the tomb of their

515
00:30:24,800 --> 00:30:28,959
Speaker 6: father in Bethlehem. David breathed in the crisp air, filling

516
00:30:28,960 --> 00:30:32,360
Speaker 6: his lungs with the breath of home. The rest of

517
00:30:32,440 --> 00:30:35,200
Speaker 6: David's mighty men were in attendance to mourn aasa Hell,

518
00:30:36,360 --> 00:30:39,120
Speaker 6: as was custom. When one of them fell, David sang

519
00:30:39,160 --> 00:30:43,280
Speaker 6: a hymn of lament. His sorrowful tune resonated deeply with

520
00:30:43,360 --> 00:30:47,520
Speaker 6: the men. Assahel's death represented the pain a civil war

521
00:30:47,600 --> 00:30:51,640
Speaker 6: can cause, an unnecessary casualty in the struggle for power.

522
00:30:52,440 --> 00:30:55,880
Speaker 6: David was determined to end it quickly, either by diplomacy

523
00:30:56,680 --> 00:30:57,680
Speaker 6: or by force.

524
00:31:02,040 --> 00:31:06,040
Speaker 5: Is God's nation doomed. Not only are there Philistines waiting

525
00:31:06,080 --> 00:31:08,920
Speaker 5: to attack, but now a civil war is broken out

526
00:31:08,960 --> 00:31:12,320
Speaker 5: within their borders. This episode doesn't begin or end on

527
00:31:12,360 --> 00:31:15,200
Speaker 5: a high note for Israel, who is more divided now

528
00:31:15,280 --> 00:31:18,800
Speaker 5: than ever. On one end, you have Isbaschef, the harmless

529
00:31:18,840 --> 00:31:21,680
Speaker 5: and corruptible son of a king. On the other end,

530
00:31:21,720 --> 00:31:24,800
Speaker 5: you have David, the humble and courageous son of a herdsman.

531
00:31:25,640 --> 00:31:29,280
Speaker 5: We are reintroduced to the concept of contrast in this episode,

532
00:31:29,520 --> 00:31:33,080
Speaker 5: especially in the opening scenes. The placement of these two

533
00:31:33,160 --> 00:31:37,640
Speaker 5: individuals is purposeful. Isbachef is sitting on his father's throne,

534
00:31:37,800 --> 00:31:41,920
Speaker 5: pompous and spoil David is training with his men, attentive

535
00:31:41,960 --> 00:31:46,240
Speaker 5: and energetic. The Bible isn't necessarily a book about merit

536
00:31:46,480 --> 00:31:49,320
Speaker 5: and earning your status. Since many kings are placed on

537
00:31:49,360 --> 00:31:53,200
Speaker 5: the throne by birthright. However, we can't help but appreciate

538
00:31:53,280 --> 00:31:56,400
Speaker 5: the fact that David has definitely earned the right to

539
00:31:56,480 --> 00:32:00,080
Speaker 5: be king, or at least he's living up to the privilege.

540
00:32:00,240 --> 00:32:03,640
Speaker 5: He has proven himself to be a strong, wise passionate

541
00:32:03,680 --> 00:32:07,960
Speaker 5: protector of Israel. Isbachef, on the other hand, seems only

542
00:32:08,000 --> 00:32:10,120
Speaker 5: concerned about the title of king.

543
00:32:10,840 --> 00:32:11,880
Speaker 2: He wants to sit.

544
00:32:11,760 --> 00:32:14,520
Speaker 5: On the throne and pretend to be in charge, while

545
00:32:14,600 --> 00:32:18,040
Speaker 5: all the while letting Abner run his kingdom. David is

546
00:32:18,040 --> 00:32:21,080
Speaker 5: in the dirt and among his men, training and preparing.

547
00:32:21,720 --> 00:32:24,040
Speaker 5: We can learn a lot from David and Ishbaschef in

548
00:32:24,080 --> 00:32:27,360
Speaker 5: this episode. While one is concerned about his people, the

549
00:32:27,400 --> 00:32:30,760
Speaker 5: other is concerned about his title. These are two fundamental

550
00:32:30,800 --> 00:32:36,760
Speaker 5: differences between godly and worldly leaders. Isbachef shirks his responsibility

551
00:32:36,760 --> 00:32:40,640
Speaker 5: and allows Abner to have control over the army. David, however,

552
00:32:40,760 --> 00:32:43,640
Speaker 5: is hands on with his men. He teaches the newer

553
00:32:43,720 --> 00:32:47,120
Speaker 5: soldiers about the fundamentals of fighting. He reminds them that

554
00:32:47,320 --> 00:32:51,600
Speaker 5: everything begins with your foundation. If your foundation is not secure,

555
00:32:51,720 --> 00:32:54,560
Speaker 5: you are destined to collapse. It is like a house

556
00:32:54,600 --> 00:32:57,600
Speaker 5: built on sand. If you are not on solid ground,

557
00:32:57,800 --> 00:33:01,400
Speaker 5: anything can blow you down. This is an obvious call

558
00:33:01,560 --> 00:33:04,479
Speaker 5: back to the prelude and a fundamental tenet of our

559
00:33:04,520 --> 00:33:08,520
Speaker 5: spiritual life. Our foundation must be firm in the Word

560
00:33:08,560 --> 00:33:11,640
Speaker 5: of God, so that when the storms hit, we won't

561
00:33:11,640 --> 00:33:15,480
Speaker 5: be shaken. Later on in the episode, the foundations of

562
00:33:15,600 --> 00:33:19,600
Speaker 5: David's men are tested and they come out victorious. A

563
00:33:19,640 --> 00:33:23,360
Speaker 5: reliance on God and a foundation set on his commandments

564
00:33:23,840 --> 00:33:26,880
Speaker 5: sets David apart from other kings, and it will set

565
00:33:27,000 --> 00:33:31,040
Speaker 5: us apart as well when the world descends into disorder

566
00:33:31,080 --> 00:33:34,120
Speaker 5: and corruption. We want to be people with a firm foundation.

567
00:33:34,680 --> 00:33:36,920
Speaker 5: We don't want to be blown away by the tempest

568
00:33:36,960 --> 00:33:40,600
Speaker 5: of culture and ideology. We meet a new character in

569
00:33:40,600 --> 00:33:45,560
Speaker 5: this episode, Joe ab, the brother of eshel Anna Abershid.

570
00:33:46,240 --> 00:33:49,920
Speaker 5: Joeab is an interesting character. He's a military man through

571
00:33:49,960 --> 00:33:52,840
Speaker 5: and through. He seems a little rough around the edges,

572
00:33:52,880 --> 00:33:56,040
Speaker 5: and I wonder how his personality will mesh with David's

573
00:33:56,080 --> 00:33:59,840
Speaker 5: in the future episodes. David is a brilliant tactician and

574
00:34:00,200 --> 00:34:03,480
Speaker 5: skilled warrior, but he is a lover before he is

575
00:34:03,520 --> 00:34:06,560
Speaker 5: a fighter. It will be interesting to see if there

576
00:34:06,560 --> 00:34:11,080
Speaker 5: are two temperaments clash or cooperate for now. Joi proves

577
00:34:11,120 --> 00:34:14,640
Speaker 5: to be a faithful commander of David's army. He provides

578
00:34:14,719 --> 00:34:17,719
Speaker 5: the King of Judah with sound wisdom by saying, the

579
00:34:17,840 --> 00:34:20,239
Speaker 5: largest threat to you and your people are not from

580
00:34:20,280 --> 00:34:24,200
Speaker 5: the outside, but from within our borders. Joi is correct,

581
00:34:24,600 --> 00:34:27,120
Speaker 5: and we would be wise to pay attention to his words.

582
00:34:27,560 --> 00:34:31,160
Speaker 5: The world around us is filled with catastrophe, corruption, and chaos.

583
00:34:31,680 --> 00:34:34,759
Speaker 5: There are many threats out in the world. However, none

584
00:34:34,840 --> 00:34:38,360
Speaker 5: of us stand a chance against these threats unless we

585
00:34:38,480 --> 00:34:43,000
Speaker 5: have secured our own spaces. The nation of Israel represents

586
00:34:43,040 --> 00:34:46,680
Speaker 5: our inner world and faith in God. We have our

587
00:34:46,800 --> 00:34:49,480
Speaker 5: own civil wars within us that need to be fought

588
00:34:49,760 --> 00:34:53,080
Speaker 5: before we can take on the outside world. Paul the

589
00:34:53,160 --> 00:34:57,680
Speaker 5: Apostle calls this the war between the flesh and the spirit.

590
00:34:58,360 --> 00:35:01,719
Speaker 5: Our own desires can war against God's desires and our

591
00:35:01,760 --> 00:35:04,400
Speaker 5: desire to do the right thing, in war against our

592
00:35:04,480 --> 00:35:08,319
Speaker 5: bent toward wickedness. If we can't fight the good fight

593
00:35:08,400 --> 00:35:12,080
Speaker 5: within our own hearts, then we are doomed outside our borders.

594
00:35:12,680 --> 00:35:15,279
Speaker 5: David would later on say and saw one on one,

595
00:35:15,440 --> 00:35:18,359
Speaker 5: I will ponder the way that is blameless. I will

596
00:35:18,400 --> 00:35:21,560
Speaker 5: walk with integrity of heart within my house. I will

597
00:35:21,600 --> 00:35:24,799
Speaker 5: not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. A

598
00:35:24,920 --> 00:35:28,200
Speaker 5: perverse heart shall be far from me. I will know

599
00:35:28,360 --> 00:35:32,520
Speaker 5: nothing of evil. David understood the importance of preserving integrity

600
00:35:32,520 --> 00:35:35,160
Speaker 5: within his own house. If he was able to keep

601
00:35:35,200 --> 00:35:37,799
Speaker 5: the evil in his own heart at day, then it

602
00:35:37,920 --> 00:35:40,680
Speaker 5: gave him more strength when fighting the evil out in

603
00:35:40,719 --> 00:35:44,360
Speaker 5: the world. Is your heart in order? Have you considered

604
00:35:44,400 --> 00:35:47,920
Speaker 5: the compelling values in your own heart before criticizing the

605
00:35:47,960 --> 00:35:51,120
Speaker 5: differences in the world. Maybe not fall into the trap

606
00:35:51,200 --> 00:35:54,120
Speaker 5: Jesus warned us about. Why do you see the speck

607
00:35:54,520 --> 00:35:56,800
Speaker 5: that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice

608
00:35:56,800 --> 00:36:00,160
Speaker 5: the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite.

609
00:36:00,440 --> 00:36:03,160
Speaker 5: First take the log out of your own eye, and

610
00:36:03,200 --> 00:36:05,839
Speaker 5: then you will see clearly to take the speck out

611
00:36:05,840 --> 00:36:09,000
Speaker 5: of your brother's eye. David sends Joe ab and his

612
00:36:09,080 --> 00:36:13,040
Speaker 5: brothers to lead the charge against Abner. The dialogue between

613
00:36:13,080 --> 00:36:16,120
Speaker 5: Joeb and Abner is tense, and it seems clear that

614
00:36:16,160 --> 00:36:19,120
Speaker 5: these two are destined to be enemies. The funny thing

615
00:36:19,160 --> 00:36:22,280
Speaker 5: about this is that they seem to have similar personalities.

616
00:36:22,880 --> 00:36:25,400
Speaker 5: This is a common irony we see in the world today.

617
00:36:26,080 --> 00:36:29,160
Speaker 5: We often hate people who exemplify the same flaws we

618
00:36:29,239 --> 00:36:32,920
Speaker 5: refuse to see in ourselves. Joe, ab and Abner are

619
00:36:33,000 --> 00:36:35,600
Speaker 5: mocking each other, unaware that they are both the same.

620
00:36:36,360 --> 00:36:39,600
Speaker 5: This is a small introduction to another theme in this episode,

621
00:36:39,920 --> 00:36:42,440
Speaker 5: and that is the theme of cutting off your nose

622
00:36:42,719 --> 00:36:46,640
Speaker 5: to spite your face. When Joe AB's best men are

623
00:36:46,719 --> 00:36:50,319
Speaker 5: pitted against Abner's best men, they are so equal that

624
00:36:50,360 --> 00:36:53,520
Speaker 5: they all end up dead. This is supposed to reveal

625
00:36:53,560 --> 00:36:55,640
Speaker 5: to us that there are no winners in this war,

626
00:36:55,960 --> 00:37:00,239
Speaker 5: since they are fighting against themselves. Israel fighting Judah is

627
00:37:00,280 --> 00:37:02,560
Speaker 5: like a hand trying to cut off his own fingers.

628
00:37:03,120 --> 00:37:06,960
Speaker 5: Even if the hand succeeds, it is worse off. This

629
00:37:07,080 --> 00:37:10,880
Speaker 5: war will have no winners since they are countrymen and brothers.

630
00:37:11,760 --> 00:37:15,239
Speaker 5: Abner and the Israelite army are defeated and flee, but

631
00:37:15,320 --> 00:37:19,320
Speaker 5: Ashiel doesn't want Abner to get away. In Ashiel's perspective,

632
00:37:19,640 --> 00:37:21,879
Speaker 5: if he can defeat Abner, he can end the war.

633
00:37:22,440 --> 00:37:25,400
Speaker 5: We can respect his passion, but he was given ample

634
00:37:25,440 --> 00:37:28,640
Speaker 5: warning not to attack. Sometimes we need to know when

635
00:37:28,760 --> 00:37:32,040
Speaker 5: enough is enough and acknowledge that some wars can't be

636
00:37:32,160 --> 00:37:37,200
Speaker 5: won right away. Ashiel, being the fastest among David's mighty men,

637
00:37:37,440 --> 00:37:41,600
Speaker 5: wants to rush victory To Abner's credit, he knows killing

638
00:37:41,640 --> 00:37:44,320
Speaker 5: the boy is a bad idea. There is a subtle

639
00:37:44,400 --> 00:37:47,520
Speaker 5: undertone in this episode that neither party wants to fight,

640
00:37:47,920 --> 00:37:51,360
Speaker 5: but are doing what they think they must do. Abner

641
00:37:51,400 --> 00:37:54,840
Speaker 5: does what he must do, which is defend himself. Both

642
00:37:54,880 --> 00:37:58,200
Speaker 5: brothers are despondent, but Joe Ab in particular is filled

643
00:37:58,200 --> 00:38:02,759
Speaker 5: with rage. Introduces a new theme to our story, vengeance.

644
00:38:03,400 --> 00:38:06,319
Speaker 5: In our story so far, vengeance hasn't been too much

645
00:38:06,360 --> 00:38:09,040
Speaker 5: of a theme. Besides the time David almost killed in

646
00:38:09,080 --> 00:38:11,920
Speaker 5: the ball. For the most part, David has been a

647
00:38:11,920 --> 00:38:14,799
Speaker 5: man of mercy. We will see in the coming episodes

648
00:38:15,040 --> 00:38:19,239
Speaker 5: that vengeance is Pandora's box. Once it has opened, a

649
00:38:19,280 --> 00:38:23,720
Speaker 5: cycle of chaos ensues and it is nearly impossible to stop.

650
00:38:24,160 --> 00:38:26,560
Speaker 5: Will David be able to rein in Joe ab and

651
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Speaker 5: keep him from making a mistake? Is the Kingdom of

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Speaker 5: Israel doomed to destroy itself? Or will the Philistines destroy

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Speaker 5: them before they get the chance. Find out in our

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Speaker 5: next episode, The Blood of Abner. Thanks again for listening.

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Speaker 5: For more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom to last

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Speaker 5: your heroes in the Bible Journey. Download the Heroes of

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Speaker 5: Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the

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Speaker 5: newest episodes right as they come out, and always be

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Speaker 5: inspired by the Bible. God bless.

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