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Speaker 1: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans and I'm excited for you

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Speaker 1: to join me on Heroes in the Bible. Please be

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Speaker 1: sure to follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify so

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Speaker 1: you get the newest episodes right as they come out.

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

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

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

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Speaker 1: stability of the nation is in peril. David is more

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Speaker 1: in the background of this episode, allowing us to get

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Speaker 1: more acquainted with a few key characters. Abner, the commander

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Speaker 1: of Saul's army, and the three brothers Joe, Abba, Abashah,

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Speaker 1: and Ashiel. They are on the front lines of a

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Speaker 1: new civil war that has broken out between Judah and Israel.

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Speaker 1: Ispra Chef SAAL's son plans to punish Judah for making

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Speaker 1: David king. The battle that we witness and this this

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Speaker 1: episode is not conventional since they are Hebrews. No matter

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Speaker 1: what the result of this war turns out to be,

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Speaker 1: it seems like there will be no winners. Whoever is

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Speaker 1: victorious will be sold by killing their fellow Israelites. The

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Speaker 1: difference between David's army and Abner's army will become clear

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Speaker 1: and reveal a key difference between the old regime and

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Speaker 1: the new regime. David seeks to build his nation on

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Speaker 1: a strong and firm foundation. He will most likely succeed,

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Speaker 1: but at what cost. This episode features the death of

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Speaker 1: a beloved figure, reminding us that this is not a

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Speaker 1: fairy tale. But first we begin with the prelude. We

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Speaker 1: will be taken forward in time to Jesus. He will

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Speaker 1: teach us about bearing fruit and building on a firm foundation.

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Speaker 1: His wisdom will give us the correct lens by which

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Speaker 1: to judge the struggle of David and Abne. When we

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Speaker 1: take Jesus's words and apply them to the Old Testament,

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Speaker 1: we are given the greater perspective of each story. Listen

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Speaker 1: carefully to Jesus's words and hold them up as a

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Speaker 1: filter by which to see Episode nineteen, A civil war begins.

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Speaker 2: Prelude to chapter nineteen. Jesus rose to his feet. The

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Speaker 2: wind began to pick up behind him. He took a

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Speaker 2: deep breath, being mindful of every word he was about

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Speaker 2: 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 2: Jesus began to walk down the hill and place his

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Speaker 2: 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. Words are

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Speaker 3: not enough. Not everyone who declares to know God actually

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Speaker 3: knows him personally. Be mindful that you seek him in

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Speaker 3: spirit and truth.

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Speaker 2: Jesus was now behind the crowd. He looked down and

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Speaker 2: saw a stone the size of his palm on the ground.

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Speaker 2: He picked it up and held it up in the

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Speaker 2: air for all to see, and said.

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

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Speaker 3: it 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 troubleds come, they will.

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Speaker 4: Be washed away.

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Speaker 2: Jesus looked at the crowd one final time, smiled, and

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Speaker 2: dropped the stone. He departed with his disciples. The crowd

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Speaker 2: simply stood there, astonished. Chapter nineteen, A civil war begins.

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Speaker 2: Resting on a high place overlooking the land of Gibea

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Speaker 2: was the palace of the dead King Saul. Its large

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Speaker 2: stone structure was a monument to Israel's first king. Within

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Speaker 2: its walls, the elders of Israel convened to choose the

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Speaker 2: next king. News of david It's anointing over Judah had

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Speaker 2: reached the other tribes of Israel, and they knew there

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Speaker 2: was a choice that had.

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Speaker 4: To be made.

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Speaker 2: Would they gather around the newly anointed king David, or

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Speaker 2: would they give the throne to Sal's heir ishbosheth torchlights

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Speaker 2: were mounted on the dark stone walls of SAAL's throne room,

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Speaker 2: Ishbosheth sat on the throne before the elders, listening to

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Speaker 2: them deliberate. Before him, Beside the prince was Abner, commander

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Speaker 2: of Saul's armies. He had escaped the onslaught of Mount

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Speaker 2: Gilboa and had returned to usher in the next king.

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Speaker 2: To him, Ishboshaf was the clear choice. He was of

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Speaker 2: Sal's bloodline and represented tradition and stability for the new kingdom.

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Speaker 2: Abner spoke to the elders, reassuring them that Ishboshaf was

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Speaker 2: the rightful and wise choice to be king.

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Speaker 5: Elders of Israel, if we pivot now from the royal

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Speaker 5: bloodline of King Salt, it communicates to the people that

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Speaker 5: any mongrel can become king if he is likable enough.

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Speaker 5: If we do not affirm Ishbashev as rightful king, we

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Speaker 5: set a precedent for every king that comes afterwards. We

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Speaker 5: do not want any commander, insurrectionist or shepherd thinking they

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Speaker 5: can claim the throne. The instability would ruin our nation

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Speaker 5: before it has a chance to flourish.

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Speaker 2: Many of the elders nodded in agreement. Ishbosheth, as unimpressive

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Speaker 2: and passive as he was, represented a sense of control. However,

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Speaker 2: not all were convinced.

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Speaker 6: Jonathan was the rightful heir before.

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Speaker 4: He was killed. One of them said, yet.

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Speaker 6: Even Jonathan recognized David as the next to take the throne,

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Speaker 6: he gave him his armor and ring. If I'm not mistaken,

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Speaker 6: what shall we say to those who believe David to

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Speaker 6: be the anointed king?

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Speaker 2: Ishbochef stirred in place. The throne seemed too large for him. Saul,

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Speaker 2: being a massive man in personality and stature, seemed to

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Speaker 2: fill it much better than he before Ishbosheth could respond,

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Speaker 2: Abner interjected.

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Speaker 7: Jonathan never wanted the throne to begin with.

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Speaker 5: His affirmation of David was purely because he did not

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Speaker 5: want the mantle himself.

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Speaker 6: Why say you, then, Ishboche, do you desire to be king?

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Speaker 2: The elders asked. Ishboschev gave a wry smile. Of course,

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Speaker 2: he said, in a condescending tone.

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Speaker 8: If anyone deserves to be king, it is I. I

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Speaker 8: am Sal's remaining's son, and all this deliberation between me

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Speaker 8: and David vexes me. I will continue my father's legacy,

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Speaker 8: mount further attacks on the Philistines, and reclaim the dignity

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Speaker 8: of our nation.

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Speaker 2: Ishboschef stood to his feet and walked among the elders.

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Speaker 8: You kentucktail and run to Judah for all I care. However,

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Speaker 8: the glory of Israel and the throne established by Samuel

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Speaker 8: and my father remains here in Gibeah with me.

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Speaker 4: The elder stirred.

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Speaker 2: Annoyed at Ishbosheth's tone, Abner cleared his throat and escorted

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Speaker 2: Ishboshev back to the king's quarters. The prince left, and

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Speaker 2: Abner was alone with the elders. He opened his arms

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Speaker 2: and shrugged.

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Speaker 4: My brothers.

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Speaker 7: We are at a crucial point.

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Speaker 5: The Philistines have delivered a devastating blow and taken parts of.

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Speaker 7: Our country by force.

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Speaker 5: To uproot a system set by our king and established

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Speaker 5: David would be unwise. Our people need reassurance that what

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Speaker 5: Saul began will be finished. I assure you, as his

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Speaker 5: cousin and his commander, that I will get it done.

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Speaker 5: We are all aware of the rumors regarding Ishbashev's mother

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Speaker 5: and the sins he was.

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Speaker 7: Born from them.

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Speaker 5: However, Ishbashev will be king in name only. I will

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Speaker 5: lead us to victory. Then, after the dust settled, we

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Speaker 5: can discuss the future of the throne.

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Speaker 2: The elders pondered Abner's words in front of the throne

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Speaker 2: where Saul once at. They agreed to make Apo chef king,

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Speaker 2: yet Abner would be the one to lead the nation.

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Speaker 2: The sun was high above hebron and the heat of

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Speaker 2: the afternoon beat down on David's neck. Sweat dripped from

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Speaker 2: his forehead onto the dust below. He pulled back his

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Speaker 2: curls and gripped his sword firmly. He set his right

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Speaker 2: foot back, held his shield up with his left arm,

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Speaker 2: and swung violently down at a wooden beam beside him.

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Speaker 2: The metal split the wood, and splinters went flying past

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Speaker 2: his face. He pulled his sword up and looked at

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Speaker 2: the men standing near him.

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Speaker 4: The power of your strike comes from the firmness of

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Speaker 4: your stance, he explained. If your feet are unstable, you

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Speaker 4: sacrifice momentum in your swing. Everything begins with your foundation.

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Speaker 4: If your foundation is not secure, you are destined to collapse.

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Speaker 4: It is like a house built on sand. If you

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Speaker 4: are not on solid ground, anything can blow you down.

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Speaker 2: The young men standing at attention nodded. They mimicked David's movements.

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Speaker 2: David was pleased with their improvements. It had only been

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Speaker 2: a few days since his coronation is king, and there

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Speaker 2: was much to be done. David knew that the safety

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Speaker 2: of his kingdom had to be his top priority, so

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Speaker 2: he attended to his army personally. However, now that he

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Speaker 2: was king, his time to train and command the men

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Speaker 2: would wane. He needed a commander. Abishi approached David and

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Speaker 2: bowed my king, he said reverently. David smirked and gave

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Speaker 2: a chuckle.

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Speaker 4: That would take getting used to. Abishai, forgive me if

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Speaker 4: I seemen barrissed.

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Speaker 2: The two of them laughed and began walking towards the barracks.

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Speaker 2: Assahal Abishai's swift younger brother joined them. I am eager

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Speaker 2: to meet your brother, David said, I hear he is

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Speaker 2: an excellent tactician and has served the tribe of Judah

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Speaker 2: well in training up their army.

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Speaker 4: Abishi nodded, Yes, our.

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Speaker 3: Brother, Joe ab has only ever been good at one thing, warfare.

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Speaker 3: He was a faithful commander in Saul's army and more

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Speaker 3: recently the leader of the.

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Speaker 4: Ranks of Judah. David nodded, I am sure he will

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Speaker 4: serve us well. We will need a well trained leader

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Speaker 4: to lead us against the Philistines. They reached the barracks,

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Speaker 4: where Joab was giving orders to the blacksmith. He instructed

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Speaker 4: them on the necessary mold and shape of the hilts.

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Speaker 4: David was impressed with the way he carried himself. He

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Speaker 4: was clearly a military man, rough, straight as an arrow,

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Speaker 4: and serious. Along with Abeshi and Assahal, Joab was his

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Speaker 4: sister's son. However, he was older than David, and the

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Speaker 4: two had never met. Joe Ab stood a head taller

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Speaker 4: than most of the men. His broad shoulders were set back,

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Speaker 4: revealing his muscular chest and battle worn arms. David approached

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Speaker 4: and Joab bowed immediately.

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Speaker 9: My king, it is good to finally have you here

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Speaker 9: to lead us.

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Speaker 4: David gestured for Joab to stand. I am in need

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Speaker 4: of a great deal of help. Joe Ab, and your

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Speaker 4: two brothers tell me you are the perfect man to

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Speaker 4: lead our army.

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Speaker 2: Abeshi and Assahl smiled at their older brother. Joab smiled

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Speaker 2: in return and nodded to David.

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Speaker 9: Thank you for taking care of my brothers while they

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Speaker 9: were with you in the wilderness. I feared for their

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Speaker 9: safety often, but I knew they were in good hands.

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Speaker 2: Joab broke his stern demeanor for a moment to bring

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Speaker 2: Assahl close under his arms.

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Speaker 9: My brothers are more important to me than any richest

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Speaker 9: one could gain. I am proud that they decided to

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Speaker 9: follow you.

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Speaker 2: David chuckled to see Assahl treated like a beloved child.

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Speaker 2: He did not receive such affection from his brother's growing up,

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Speaker 2: and now that he was king, never would. David gestured

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Speaker 2: for joe Ab to walk with him, and the two

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Speaker 2: spoke for a long while about strategy, security, and protecting

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Speaker 2: God's people. Where would you have us begin, Joab? There

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Speaker 2: are many threats coming from outside our borders. How do

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Speaker 2: we decide which requires our tension most? Joab answered immediately

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Speaker 2: and matter of factly. He did not pass words or

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Speaker 2: filter his thoughts politically. He spoke clearly, saying the.

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Speaker 9: Largest threat to you and your people are not from

224
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Speaker 9: the outside, but from within our borders. The rest of

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Speaker 9: Israel has chosen Ishbauschef as their king, and Abner is

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Speaker 9: at the command of his army. I have reliable sources

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Speaker 9: that tell me Abner is seeking to attack us soon.

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Speaker 9: He desires to secure the entire nation under Ishbaschev.

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Speaker 2: David pondered for a moment, he did not want to

230
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Speaker 2: march against the children of God. It seemed unsavory and divisive. However,

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Speaker 2: he could not ignore the threat. This means civil war,

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Speaker 2: David said quietly. Joe Ab nodded. The two men continued walking,

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Speaker 2: watching the men train and prepare. Our men are far

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Speaker 2: more skilled and loyal, David said, I know we will

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Speaker 2: be able to handle any attack with few casualties. I

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Speaker 2: say march up against Abner and make the first battle

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Speaker 2: as decisive as possible. Perhaps it will only take one

238
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Speaker 2: battle to establish our strength.

239
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Speaker 9: That is wise, my king. I shall gather about five

240
00:14:13,679 --> 00:14:16,199
Speaker 9: hundred of our best men and meet Abner in the middle.

241
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Speaker 2: Joab bowed and left, but David stopped and called for

242
00:14:19,960 --> 00:14:20,640
Speaker 2: Joab again.

243
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Speaker 4: Joab, in all things, remember that the Lord honors a

244
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Speaker 4: merciful heart.

245
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Speaker 2: Joab winced at the words, but bowed his head in deference.

246
00:14:32,240 --> 00:14:37,200
Speaker 2: He then gathered the men and marched towards Abner. The

247
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Speaker 2: two sister kingdoms of Israel and Judah met at Gibeon

248
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Speaker 2: beside a brook flowing into a small pool. Trees surrounded them,

249
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Speaker 2: and the morning fog slithered low beside the trunks. All

250
00:14:49,440 --> 00:14:52,320
Speaker 2: was calm, for a while. Both armies camped on either

251
00:14:52,360 --> 00:14:55,840
Speaker 2: side of the river, awkwardly staring at the others. There

252
00:14:55,880 --> 00:15:00,120
Speaker 2: was something ominous about this upcoming battle. The men were

253
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Speaker 2: about to fight against their fellow Hebrews. The thought of

254
00:15:03,280 --> 00:15:07,520
Speaker 2: slaying one another left them uneasy. The morning light shined

255
00:15:07,560 --> 00:15:10,560
Speaker 2: through the fog and dispersed in a thousand different directions.

256
00:15:11,280 --> 00:15:15,800
Speaker 2: The brook quietly trickled downstream into the pool. Dragonflies hovered

257
00:15:15,840 --> 00:15:19,080
Speaker 2: over the calm waters, and fish popped up to catch them.

258
00:15:19,360 --> 00:15:22,240
Speaker 2: Beside the tranquil water in the coolness of the morning

259
00:15:22,440 --> 00:15:26,440
Speaker 2: sat Joab and Abner. The two sat on either side

260
00:15:26,480 --> 00:15:29,160
Speaker 2: of the pool, with their swords securely in their sheaths.

261
00:15:29,600 --> 00:15:32,720
Speaker 2: They came to speak about the terms of battle. They

262
00:15:32,800 --> 00:15:35,640
Speaker 2: realized that if the nation was going to be united again,

263
00:15:36,080 --> 00:15:39,120
Speaker 2: they could not wipe each other out completely. They needed

264
00:15:39,160 --> 00:15:42,480
Speaker 2: ground rules. Abner and Joe Ab stared at each other

265
00:15:42,520 --> 00:15:46,280
Speaker 2: for a while, sizing each other up. Abner broke the silence.

266
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Speaker 5: First, we have more tribes on our side, Joab, there

267
00:15:50,200 --> 00:15:53,160
Speaker 5: is no need to battle at all. If Judah would

268
00:15:53,160 --> 00:15:55,480
Speaker 5: concede to Isbasha as king.

269
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Speaker 4: Joe Ab shook his head.

270
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Speaker 9: Abner, you and I both know that the tribe of

271
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Speaker 9: Judah alone matches the rest of the tribes in size.

272
00:16:03,960 --> 00:16:06,360
Speaker 9: It is not a matter of size or resource. It

273
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Speaker 9: is a matter of principle.

274
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Speaker 7: You and your principles.

275
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Speaker 4: Abner scoffed.

276
00:16:11,000 --> 00:16:13,240
Speaker 7: I know what this is really about, Joab.

277
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Speaker 5: You were passed up by me as commander of Saul's army.

278
00:16:17,120 --> 00:16:18,040
Speaker 7: Now you back an.

279
00:16:18,040 --> 00:16:21,000
Speaker 5: Illegitimate king because he will give you command of an

280
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Speaker 5: army when Saul would not.

281
00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:25,160
Speaker 2: Joeab gripped the hilt of his sword but did not

282
00:16:25,280 --> 00:16:28,600
Speaker 2: draw it. His jaw clenched as he tried to compose himself.

283
00:16:29,040 --> 00:16:31,080
Speaker 9: I do not think you wish to talk about the

284
00:16:31,160 --> 00:16:34,200
Speaker 9: legitimacy of kings, Abner, when you and I both know

285
00:16:34,400 --> 00:16:36,160
Speaker 9: Ishbochef is the son of a whore.

286
00:16:36,640 --> 00:16:39,680
Speaker 2: Abner stood abruptly to his feet in anger, but Joe

287
00:16:39,720 --> 00:16:40,960
Speaker 2: Ab did not back down.

288
00:16:41,520 --> 00:16:43,640
Speaker 9: And I do not think you want to accuse me

289
00:16:43,840 --> 00:16:48,200
Speaker 9: of being opportunistic, Abner. With Ishbochef on the throne, you

290
00:16:48,240 --> 00:16:51,800
Speaker 9: become a king without a crown. All the power is

291
00:16:51,840 --> 00:16:54,360
Speaker 9: yours to wield. And I even hear rumors about a

292
00:16:54,360 --> 00:16:57,240
Speaker 9: certain concubine you've been able to enjoy from the king's.

293
00:16:56,960 --> 00:16:59,960
Speaker 4: Harem Abner drew his sword and pointed it at Joe.

294
00:17:00,680 --> 00:17:03,720
Speaker 7: I suggest you see speaking, Joab.

295
00:17:04,240 --> 00:17:09,080
Speaker 2: The two stood with their swords drawn, considering attacking the other. However,

296
00:17:09,119 --> 00:17:13,200
Speaker 2: Abner knew his chances against Joab were small. He sheathed

297
00:17:13,240 --> 00:17:15,160
Speaker 2: his sword and pointed to the battlefield.

298
00:17:15,800 --> 00:17:18,360
Speaker 7: Let the young men arise and compete before.

299
00:17:18,119 --> 00:17:23,760
Speaker 2: Us, Yes, joeab said silently. Anger boiled deep within his belly.

300
00:17:24,280 --> 00:17:28,159
Speaker 2: Let us arise. The two armies began with sending champions.

301
00:17:28,680 --> 00:17:31,200
Speaker 2: Twelve men from the ranks of Abner stood at attention,

302
00:17:31,400 --> 00:17:34,840
Speaker 2: facing twelve men from the ranks of Joab. These were

303
00:17:34,840 --> 00:17:39,240
Speaker 2: some of the mightiest champions each army had. They composed themselves,

304
00:17:39,520 --> 00:17:43,880
Speaker 2: readied their swords, and began their attack. Twenty four men

305
00:17:43,960 --> 00:17:47,240
Speaker 2: ran with great speed, clashing in the middle of the battlefield.

306
00:17:47,960 --> 00:17:51,160
Speaker 2: The first strike sounded like thunder crashing from the skies.

307
00:17:51,800 --> 00:17:54,679
Speaker 2: Each champion carried the blows of the other. It was

308
00:17:54,720 --> 00:17:58,560
Speaker 2: a chaotic and beautiful dance of equal skill, so equal

309
00:17:58,880 --> 00:18:01,320
Speaker 2: that neither group could get in the advantage over the other.

310
00:18:02,440 --> 00:18:05,199
Speaker 2: Both Joab and Abner began to grow nervous as the

311
00:18:05,240 --> 00:18:10,000
Speaker 2: battle drug on. Eventually, men began to fall, yet not

312
00:18:10,119 --> 00:18:13,719
Speaker 2: without slend their opponent. In the process, each caught their

313
00:18:13,720 --> 00:18:16,119
Speaker 2: adversary by the heads and thrust their swords in their

314
00:18:16,119 --> 00:18:20,040
Speaker 2: opponent's sides. They collapsed on the wet ground together, and

315
00:18:20,080 --> 00:18:23,840
Speaker 2: the blood of slain Hebrews laced the entire field. All

316
00:18:23,920 --> 00:18:28,040
Speaker 2: twenty four men were dead. The champions of Abner and

317
00:18:28,080 --> 00:18:31,440
Speaker 2: the champions of Joab were so equally matched that neither

318
00:18:31,480 --> 00:18:35,520
Speaker 2: were victorious, an ironic and depressing symbol of the very

319
00:18:35,560 --> 00:18:40,840
Speaker 2: conflict they found himself in. Here, silence loomed over the

320
00:18:40,880 --> 00:18:44,680
Speaker 2: foggy forest for a long while. Joab, with his two

321
00:18:44,800 --> 00:18:48,760
Speaker 2: brothers beside him, waited with his army behind him. Abner

322
00:18:48,840 --> 00:18:52,120
Speaker 2: was also still waiting for Joab to make the first move.

323
00:18:53,040 --> 00:18:56,840
Speaker 2: Joab unsheathed his sword beside his brothers, Abeshi and Assahal.

324
00:18:57,760 --> 00:19:00,120
Speaker 2: He looked back to his men and shouted.

325
00:19:00,119 --> 00:19:04,200
Speaker 9: Today we fight for a new Israel. Today we fight

326
00:19:04,240 --> 00:19:07,359
Speaker 9: for a kingdom united under King David, the Lord's Anointed.

327
00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:11,359
Speaker 9: Today we fight to establish a kingdom of honor and strength.

328
00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:12,920
Speaker 4: Join me, brothers.

329
00:19:13,320 --> 00:19:17,360
Speaker 2: Battle cries erupted from Judah's ranks. The men unsheathed their

330
00:19:17,400 --> 00:19:21,919
Speaker 2: swords and ran behind Joab. Abner responded and gestured for

331
00:19:21,960 --> 00:19:25,600
Speaker 2: his men to advance. The two armies converged, and the

332
00:19:25,720 --> 00:19:28,359
Speaker 2: army of Judah overwhelmed the army of Israel. From the

333
00:19:28,480 --> 00:19:33,160
Speaker 2: very beginning, Joab proved himself as a worthy tactician. Half

334
00:19:33,160 --> 00:19:35,240
Speaker 2: his men met in the middle, while the other.

335
00:19:35,160 --> 00:19:36,520
Speaker 4: Half came in from the flanks.

336
00:19:37,160 --> 00:19:39,920
Speaker 2: Hundreds of israel Men fell at the swords of Judah.

337
00:19:40,640 --> 00:19:43,560
Speaker 2: Abner's men had speed on this side, but the army

338
00:19:43,600 --> 00:19:47,600
Speaker 2: trained by David had a firm foundation. They were unshakable

339
00:19:47,640 --> 00:19:51,679
Speaker 2: and immovable. Each blow was absorbed, then repaliated with a

340
00:19:51,720 --> 00:19:55,359
Speaker 2: swift and decisive swing of their swords. Joab held his

341
00:19:55,480 --> 00:19:58,000
Speaker 2: head high with pride as the men advanced towards the

342
00:19:58,040 --> 00:19:59,560
Speaker 2: other side of the battle felt him.

343
00:20:00,640 --> 00:20:04,440
Speaker 4: Seven of Joab's menhel but three hundred and sixty.

344
00:20:04,160 --> 00:20:08,760
Speaker 2: Of Abner's menthel Knowing he was outmatched, Abner called for

345
00:20:08,800 --> 00:20:10,200
Speaker 2: the rest of his men to retreat.

346
00:20:10,600 --> 00:20:13,320
Speaker 7: All black, there is no hope for us this day.

347
00:20:13,720 --> 00:20:16,119
Speaker 4: Favor strength and retreat, he cried.

348
00:20:16,760 --> 00:20:21,480
Speaker 2: The remaining Israelites ran away, afraid and desponded. Abner also

349
00:20:21,560 --> 00:20:25,040
Speaker 2: ran in shame, furious that Joab had bested him so easily.

350
00:20:25,920 --> 00:20:29,520
Speaker 2: The Israelite commander retreated to the rocky hills above the forest,

351
00:20:29,960 --> 00:20:34,280
Speaker 2: making his way to higher ground. Assahel watched Abner retreat

352
00:20:34,359 --> 00:20:35,720
Speaker 2: and began to run after him.

353
00:20:36,000 --> 00:20:38,040
Speaker 3: Asahel, do not pursue.

354
00:20:37,720 --> 00:20:43,640
Speaker 2: Him, Abishai yelled. However, Assahel would not listen. He ran

355
00:20:43,680 --> 00:20:46,680
Speaker 2: with his sword held firmly in his hand, dodging tree

356
00:20:46,680 --> 00:20:50,040
Speaker 2: branches and jumping over roots. He was the swiftest man

357
00:20:50,080 --> 00:20:53,600
Speaker 2: in the entire nation. Bridging the gap between him and Abner.

358
00:20:54,480 --> 00:20:57,000
Speaker 2: Joab and Abishi were running up the mountain to stop

359
00:20:57,040 --> 00:21:01,040
Speaker 2: their brother. They knew what Assahl did not, that Abner

360
00:21:01,240 --> 00:21:06,000
Speaker 2: was a formidable opponent, especially when provoked. Abner was halfway

361
00:21:06,080 --> 00:21:08,560
Speaker 2: up the mountain when he saw Assahel running after him.

362
00:21:09,080 --> 00:21:11,199
Speaker 4: Is that you, assa Hell, he yelled.

363
00:21:12,080 --> 00:21:15,119
Speaker 2: Assahel was climbing up the steep slope with ease, hopping

364
00:21:15,119 --> 00:21:19,280
Speaker 2: from rock to rock. It is I, assa Hell responded.

365
00:21:19,280 --> 00:21:20,320
Speaker 4: You are mine to kill.

366
00:21:20,720 --> 00:21:21,280
Speaker 7: You are a.

367
00:21:21,400 --> 00:21:23,560
Speaker 4: Fool, Abner yelled from above.

368
00:21:23,840 --> 00:21:26,640
Speaker 7: Turned back and enjoy your victory.

369
00:21:26,760 --> 00:21:29,240
Speaker 4: Not until I remove your head from your shoulders.

370
00:21:29,600 --> 00:21:33,800
Speaker 2: Assahl yelled in return. Abner reached the plateau of the mountain.

371
00:21:34,280 --> 00:21:39,359
Speaker 2: Storm clouds raged above him. Rain was coming. Abner looked

372
00:21:39,400 --> 00:21:43,800
Speaker 2: around him. The mountain's edge provided no escape. He was trapped.

373
00:21:44,760 --> 00:21:48,199
Speaker 2: Assahl reached him and pointed his sword. No more running,

374
00:21:48,320 --> 00:21:52,040
Speaker 2: he said, I have won. Thunder boomed from above, and

375
00:21:52,080 --> 00:21:56,119
Speaker 2: the clouds began to unbelop the mountain. Abner took the

376
00:21:56,160 --> 00:21:58,520
Speaker 2: spear from behind his back and redded himself.

377
00:21:58,760 --> 00:21:59,880
Speaker 7: Turned back to assa Hell.

378
00:22:00,240 --> 00:22:03,320
Speaker 4: Abner warned, I do not want to kill you.

379
00:22:03,359 --> 00:22:06,680
Speaker 7: Go back and enjoy the spoils of war. You burned it.

380
00:22:06,920 --> 00:22:09,359
Speaker 4: Assahel was filled with the prideful glow.

381
00:22:09,760 --> 00:22:12,439
Speaker 9: If I kill you, I end this civil war and

382
00:22:12,520 --> 00:22:14,399
Speaker 9: the country can be united again.

383
00:22:14,840 --> 00:22:17,960
Speaker 7: But you will not kill me, you fool. Leave me.

384
00:22:18,560 --> 00:22:21,439
Speaker 7: I do not wish to kill you and provoke the

385
00:22:21,480 --> 00:22:22,480
Speaker 7: wrath of your brother.

386
00:22:22,840 --> 00:22:25,080
Speaker 2: Abner truly did not want to harm the young man.

387
00:22:25,760 --> 00:22:28,920
Speaker 2: He knew that it would only spark more trouble. However,

388
00:22:28,960 --> 00:22:32,640
Speaker 2: he would do what he must to stay alive. Assahll

389
00:22:32,720 --> 00:22:35,760
Speaker 2: burst forward with speed, without setting his feet on the ground.

390
00:22:36,400 --> 00:22:40,399
Speaker 2: He was swift, but lacked a foundation. He leaped forward

391
00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:43,640
Speaker 2: at Abner with his sword in a strike position. Abner

392
00:22:43,720 --> 00:22:48,120
Speaker 2: widened his stance, took a single step backwards, and thrust

393
00:22:48,160 --> 00:22:52,439
Speaker 2: his spear forward. Assahl landed on the tip of abner spear.

394
00:22:53,160 --> 00:22:55,480
Speaker 2: It pierced his stomach and went out through his back.

395
00:22:56,280 --> 00:22:58,919
Speaker 2: Abner pushed forward, throwing Assahll's body.

396
00:22:58,680 --> 00:23:01,680
Speaker 4: Over the edge of the mountain. The boy fell down

397
00:23:01,720 --> 00:23:02,679
Speaker 4: on the rocks below.

398
00:23:03,560 --> 00:23:06,520
Speaker 2: Abner yelled in agony, knowing full well what he had

399
00:23:06,600 --> 00:23:10,760
Speaker 2: just done. The storm clouds broke and the rain descended

400
00:23:10,760 --> 00:23:15,359
Speaker 2: from above violently. Abner looked over the edge at Assahl's body,

401
00:23:15,880 --> 00:23:18,639
Speaker 2: then escaped down the side before Joeab reached the top.

402
00:23:21,119 --> 00:23:24,399
Speaker 2: Joe Ab and Abershy climbed up to the plateau. The

403
00:23:24,520 --> 00:23:27,480
Speaker 2: rain caused water to stream down the mountain, making the

404
00:23:27,520 --> 00:23:31,239
Speaker 2: climb slippery and dangerous. When they reached the top, they

405
00:23:31,320 --> 00:23:34,600
Speaker 2: found Assahl's sword on the floor. They looked over the

406
00:23:34,720 --> 00:23:37,080
Speaker 2: edge to see their brother lying at the bottom with

407
00:23:37,160 --> 00:23:40,480
Speaker 2: a spear through him. The two brothers climbed down to

408
00:23:40,520 --> 00:23:42,000
Speaker 2: their brother and held him tight.

409
00:23:42,920 --> 00:23:43,480
Speaker 4: The glow of.

410
00:23:43,520 --> 00:23:47,960
Speaker 2: Lightning burst above them. Joab's entire body shook with rage.

411
00:23:48,280 --> 00:23:52,080
Speaker 2: Anger boiled from within him. He rested his brother down

412
00:23:52,160 --> 00:23:55,280
Speaker 2: and took out his sword. In the distance, he could

413
00:23:55,320 --> 00:23:58,320
Speaker 2: see Abner escaping to the valley where his men had retreated.

414
00:23:58,960 --> 00:24:02,680
Speaker 4: Dabner, Joe Ab whispered, the blood.

415
00:24:02,480 --> 00:24:04,680
Speaker 9: Of my brother will be avenged.

416
00:24:05,400 --> 00:24:08,080
Speaker 2: Abershan drew his sword as well, and the two of

417
00:24:08,080 --> 00:24:11,639
Speaker 2: them ran into the pouring rain towards their target. The

418
00:24:11,760 --> 00:24:15,639
Speaker 2: gray storm clouds blocked the setting sun. No color filled

419
00:24:15,640 --> 00:24:20,480
Speaker 2: the skies. There was only darkness. Joe Abin Abishi pursued

420
00:24:20,520 --> 00:24:24,800
Speaker 2: Abner like a pair of ravenous wolves. Abner ran up

421
00:24:24,800 --> 00:24:29,360
Speaker 2: the hill overlooking the valley and halted. Joe Abin Abishire

422
00:24:29,440 --> 00:24:32,040
Speaker 2: reached the bottom of the hill and saw Abner looking

423
00:24:32,080 --> 00:24:35,640
Speaker 2: down at them. Abner panted and stuck his sword into

424
00:24:35,680 --> 00:24:39,240
Speaker 2: the ground. Stretching his arms wide, he yelled through the rain.

425
00:24:39,760 --> 00:24:44,080
Speaker 7: Show the sword devower us forever. If you keep pursuing me,

426
00:24:44,680 --> 00:24:46,200
Speaker 7: you know the end will be bitter.

427
00:24:46,560 --> 00:24:49,200
Speaker 2: As Abner said this, the rest of his men came

428
00:24:49,240 --> 00:24:52,199
Speaker 2: into sight behind him. A few hundred men with their

429
00:24:52,240 --> 00:24:54,480
Speaker 2: swords drawn, stared down at the two brothers.

430
00:24:55,359 --> 00:24:58,760
Speaker 5: It will end in pain, Joe ab My man will

431
00:24:58,880 --> 00:25:02,720
Speaker 5: kill you, and your men will consume mine. It will

432
00:25:02,760 --> 00:25:05,199
Speaker 5: continue until we are all destroyed.

433
00:25:05,800 --> 00:25:09,320
Speaker 2: Joab's fiery glare was not doused by the storm. His

434
00:25:09,400 --> 00:25:13,560
Speaker 2: blood still boiled with hatred towards Abner. Abesshi held his

435
00:25:13,640 --> 00:25:16,120
Speaker 2: brother's shoulder. He shouted through the rain.

436
00:25:16,680 --> 00:25:19,399
Speaker 3: There is no victory in this pursuit, Joab. They are

437
00:25:19,440 --> 00:25:22,479
Speaker 3: all ready defeated. They would strike us down and then

438
00:25:22,520 --> 00:25:25,919
Speaker 3: be consumed by our men. We would be dead and

439
00:25:26,000 --> 00:25:27,160
Speaker 3: no peace would be attained.

440
00:25:28,160 --> 00:25:31,280
Speaker 2: Joe Ab knew he was right. Joab's men were not

441
00:25:31,320 --> 00:25:34,679
Speaker 2: far behind him. The fight would be brutal, and the

442
00:25:34,720 --> 00:25:38,480
Speaker 2: only thing accomplished would be his own demise. Joab took

443
00:25:38,520 --> 00:25:41,240
Speaker 2: out his dagger and gripped the blade with his bare hands.

444
00:25:42,000 --> 00:25:45,800
Speaker 2: The blood dripped down his wrist and forearm. Stretching out

445
00:25:45,800 --> 00:25:48,840
Speaker 2: his blood and rain soaked hand to Abner, he said.

446
00:25:49,280 --> 00:25:54,080
Speaker 9: As God lives, If you had not spoken, surely my

447
00:25:54,200 --> 00:25:57,040
Speaker 9: men would not have given up until all your soldiers

448
00:25:57,040 --> 00:25:57,760
Speaker 9: were destroyed.

449
00:25:58,800 --> 00:25:59,680
Speaker 4: Hear me, Abner.

450
00:26:00,840 --> 00:26:05,000
Speaker 9: The day will come when my brother's blood will be avenged.

451
00:26:05,359 --> 00:26:08,440
Speaker 2: Joab could not see the chills crawling up Abner's spine.

452
00:26:08,920 --> 00:26:11,119
Speaker 2: He knew in his bones that Joab was not a

453
00:26:11,160 --> 00:26:14,520
Speaker 2: man of empty threats. Joab took the trumpet from his

454
00:26:14,560 --> 00:26:17,880
Speaker 2: belt and blew it into the air. His men heard

455
00:26:17,880 --> 00:26:19,879
Speaker 2: it and knew it was a signal to call off

456
00:26:19,960 --> 00:26:24,000
Speaker 2: the attack. Abner and his men left and marched all

457
00:26:24,119 --> 00:26:28,280
Speaker 2: night through the Araba. They crossed the Jordan, dragging their

458
00:26:28,280 --> 00:26:32,400
Speaker 2: weary feet the whole morning until coming to Mahanaem. Joab

459
00:26:32,440 --> 00:26:35,720
Speaker 2: returned with his men back to Judah. The entire time,

460
00:26:36,119 --> 00:26:40,240
Speaker 2: Joab carried Assahal's body in his arms. Streaks of tears

461
00:26:40,280 --> 00:26:43,000
Speaker 2: and dirt were caked onto his face as he entered hebron.

462
00:26:43,720 --> 00:26:46,919
Speaker 2: When David came out to greet them, his grin was

463
00:26:46,960 --> 00:26:51,520
Speaker 2: replaced with sorrow. Joab's beloved baby brother and one of

464
00:26:51,600 --> 00:26:55,960
Speaker 2: David's most faithful warriors, had been slain. The servants attended

465
00:26:56,000 --> 00:26:58,680
Speaker 2: to the body while David took in Abeshi and Joab.

466
00:26:59,480 --> 00:27:01,560
Speaker 2: The three of them sat by the fire with cups

467
00:27:01,600 --> 00:27:05,639
Speaker 2: in their hands. Abeshi was despondent, while joe Ab stared

468
00:27:05,680 --> 00:27:07,920
Speaker 2: blankly at the flames with quiet rage.

469
00:27:08,400 --> 00:27:10,639
Speaker 10: If they did not know our strength before, they know

470
00:27:10,760 --> 00:27:15,040
Speaker 10: it now, Joab said quietly. Our men were equal in number,

471
00:27:15,680 --> 00:27:19,159
Speaker 10: but clearly different in skill. We bested them in a

472
00:27:19,200 --> 00:27:20,040
Speaker 10: matter of minutes.

473
00:27:20,600 --> 00:27:24,800
Speaker 4: David gave a satisfied nod. Well, Dog, joe AaB, David said,

474
00:27:25,600 --> 00:27:29,040
Speaker 4: now it is time to mourn your brother.

475
00:27:30,119 --> 00:27:33,760
Speaker 2: That next morning, the storm clouds retreated and the sun's

476
00:27:33,840 --> 00:27:38,160
Speaker 2: rays splashed the sky with bright pink and purple. Joeab

477
00:27:38,160 --> 00:27:40,560
Speaker 2: and Abeshi lowered their brother into the tomb of their

478
00:27:40,600 --> 00:27:44,760
Speaker 2: father in Bethlehem. David breathed in the crisp air, filling

479
00:27:44,760 --> 00:27:48,159
Speaker 2: his lungs with the breath of home. The rest of

480
00:27:48,240 --> 00:27:51,000
Speaker 2: David's mighty men were in attendance to mour nasa Hel,

481
00:27:52,200 --> 00:27:54,920
Speaker 2: as was custom. When one of them fell, David sang

482
00:27:54,960 --> 00:27:59,080
Speaker 2: a hymn of lament. His sorrowful tune resonated deeply with

483
00:27:59,160 --> 00:28:03,080
Speaker 2: the men. Assa Hell's death represented the pain a civil

484
00:28:03,119 --> 00:28:07,439
Speaker 2: war can cause, an unnecessary casualty in the struggle for power.

485
00:28:08,280 --> 00:28:11,720
Speaker 2: David was determined to end it quickly, either by diplomacy

486
00:28:12,480 --> 00:28:13,480
Speaker 2: or by force.

487
00:28:17,840 --> 00:28:21,840
Speaker 1: Is God's nation doomed. Not only are there Philistines waiting

488
00:28:21,880 --> 00:28:24,720
Speaker 1: to attack, but now a civil war is broken out

489
00:28:24,760 --> 00:28:28,159
Speaker 1: within their borders. This episode doesn't begin or end on

490
00:28:28,200 --> 00:28:31,000
Speaker 1: a high note for Israel, who is more divided now

491
00:28:31,080 --> 00:28:34,640
Speaker 1: than ever. On one end, you have Isbachef, the harmless

492
00:28:34,640 --> 00:28:37,480
Speaker 1: and corruptible son of a king. On the other end,

493
00:28:37,520 --> 00:28:40,600
Speaker 1: you have David, the humble and courageous son of a herdsman.

494
00:28:41,440 --> 00:28:45,080
Speaker 1: We are reintroduced to the concept of contrast. In this episode,

495
00:28:45,320 --> 00:28:48,920
Speaker 1: especially in the opening scenes, the placement of these two

496
00:28:48,960 --> 00:28:53,360
Speaker 1: individuals is purposeful. Isbachef is sitting on his father's throne,

497
00:28:53,600 --> 00:28:57,720
Speaker 1: pompous and spoil David is training with his men, attentive

498
00:28:57,760 --> 00:29:01,240
Speaker 1: and energetic. The Bible is is it necessarily a book

499
00:29:01,240 --> 00:29:04,719
Speaker 1: about merit and earning your status, since many kings are

500
00:29:04,720 --> 00:29:08,120
Speaker 1: placed on the throne by birthright. However, we can't help

501
00:29:08,200 --> 00:29:11,760
Speaker 1: but appreciate the fact that David has definitely earned the

502
00:29:11,840 --> 00:29:14,680
Speaker 1: right to be king, or at least he's living up

503
00:29:14,720 --> 00:29:17,640
Speaker 1: to the privilege. He has proven himself to be a strong,

504
00:29:18,120 --> 00:29:22,720
Speaker 1: wise passionate protector of Israel. Isbachef, on the other hand,

505
00:29:23,040 --> 00:29:27,120
Speaker 1: seems only concerned about the title of king. He wants

506
00:29:27,160 --> 00:29:29,560
Speaker 1: to sit on the throne and pretend to be in charge,

507
00:29:30,080 --> 00:29:33,680
Speaker 1: while all the while letting Abner run his kingdom. David

508
00:29:33,760 --> 00:29:36,880
Speaker 1: is in the dirt and among his men, training and preparing.

509
00:29:37,520 --> 00:29:39,840
Speaker 1: We can learn a lot from David and Ishbaichef in

510
00:29:39,880 --> 00:29:43,160
Speaker 1: this episode. While one is concerned about his people, the

511
00:29:43,200 --> 00:29:46,600
Speaker 1: other is concerned about his title. These are two fundamental

512
00:29:46,600 --> 00:29:52,560
Speaker 1: differences between godly and worldly leaders. Isbachef shirks his responsibility

513
00:29:52,560 --> 00:29:56,440
Speaker 1: and allows Abner to have control over the army. David, however,

514
00:29:56,560 --> 00:29:59,480
Speaker 1: is hands on with his men. He teaches the newest

515
00:29:59,480 --> 00:30:02,920
Speaker 1: soldiers about the fundamentals of fighting. He reminds them that

516
00:30:03,160 --> 00:30:07,400
Speaker 1: everything begins with your foundation. If your foundation is not secure,

517
00:30:07,520 --> 00:30:10,360
Speaker 1: you are destined to collapse. It is like a house

518
00:30:10,400 --> 00:30:13,400
Speaker 1: built on saying, if you are not on solid ground,

519
00:30:13,600 --> 00:30:17,240
Speaker 1: anything can blow you down. This is an obvious call

520
00:30:17,360 --> 00:30:20,320
Speaker 1: back to the prelude and a fundamental tenet of our

521
00:30:20,320 --> 00:30:24,320
Speaker 1: spiritual life. Our foundation must be firm in the Word

522
00:30:24,360 --> 00:30:27,440
Speaker 1: of God so that when the storms hit, we won't

523
00:30:27,440 --> 00:30:31,320
Speaker 1: be shaken. Later on in the episode, the foundations of

524
00:30:31,440 --> 00:30:35,400
Speaker 1: David's men are tested and they come out victorious. A

525
00:30:35,440 --> 00:30:39,160
Speaker 1: reliance on God and a foundation set on his commandments

526
00:30:39,640 --> 00:30:42,680
Speaker 1: sets David apart from other kings, and it will set

527
00:30:42,800 --> 00:30:46,840
Speaker 1: us apart as well when the world descends into disorder

528
00:30:46,880 --> 00:30:49,920
Speaker 1: and corruption. We want to be people with a firm foundation.

529
00:30:50,520 --> 00:30:52,720
Speaker 1: We don't want to be blown away by the tempest

530
00:30:52,760 --> 00:30:56,400
Speaker 1: of culture and ideology. We meet a new character in

531
00:30:56,400 --> 00:31:01,360
Speaker 1: this episode, Joe Ab, the brother of shl and Abashid.

532
00:31:02,080 --> 00:31:05,720
Speaker 1: Joab is an interesting character. He's a military man, through

533
00:31:05,760 --> 00:31:08,640
Speaker 1: and through. He seems a little rough around the edges,

534
00:31:08,680 --> 00:31:11,840
Speaker 1: and I wonder how his personality will mesh with David's

535
00:31:11,880 --> 00:31:15,840
Speaker 1: in the future episodes. David is a brilliant tactician and

536
00:31:15,960 --> 00:31:19,280
Speaker 1: skilled warrior, but he is a lover before he is

537
00:31:19,320 --> 00:31:22,360
Speaker 1: a fighter. It will be interesting to see if there

538
00:31:22,360 --> 00:31:26,920
Speaker 1: are two temperaments clash or cooperate. For now, Joi proves

539
00:31:26,920 --> 00:31:30,440
Speaker 1: to be a faithful commander of David's army. He provides

540
00:31:30,520 --> 00:31:33,520
Speaker 1: the King of Judah with sound wisdom by saying, the

541
00:31:33,680 --> 00:31:36,080
Speaker 1: largest threat to you and your people are not from

542
00:31:36,080 --> 00:31:40,000
Speaker 1: the outside, but from within our borders. Job is correct,

543
00:31:40,400 --> 00:31:42,920
Speaker 1: and we would be wise to pay attention to his words.

544
00:31:43,400 --> 00:31:46,960
Speaker 1: The world around us is filled with catastrophe, corruption, and chaos.

545
00:31:47,480 --> 00:31:50,640
Speaker 1: There are many threats out in the world. However, none

546
00:31:50,640 --> 00:31:54,200
Speaker 1: of us stand a chance against these threats unless we

547
00:31:54,280 --> 00:31:58,840
Speaker 1: have secured our own spaces. The nation of Israel represents

548
00:31:58,880 --> 00:32:02,520
Speaker 1: our inner world and faith in God. We have our

549
00:32:02,600 --> 00:32:05,280
Speaker 1: own civil wars within us that need to be fought

550
00:32:05,600 --> 00:32:08,920
Speaker 1: before we can take on the outside world. Paul the

551
00:32:08,960 --> 00:32:13,479
Speaker 1: Apostle calls this the war between the flesh and the spirit.

552
00:32:14,160 --> 00:32:17,520
Speaker 1: Our own desires can war against God's desires and our

553
00:32:17,560 --> 00:32:20,200
Speaker 1: desire to do the right thing in war against our

554
00:32:20,280 --> 00:32:24,120
Speaker 1: bent toward wickedness. If we can't fight the good fight

555
00:32:24,200 --> 00:32:27,880
Speaker 1: within our own hearts, then we are doomed outside our borders.

556
00:32:28,480 --> 00:32:31,080
Speaker 1: David would later on say, and so on, one on one,

557
00:32:31,240 --> 00:32:34,160
Speaker 1: I will ponder the way that is blameless. I will

558
00:32:34,200 --> 00:32:37,360
Speaker 1: walk with integrity of heart within my house. I will

559
00:32:37,400 --> 00:32:40,640
Speaker 1: not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. A

560
00:32:40,720 --> 00:32:44,000
Speaker 1: perverse heart shall be far from me. I will know

561
00:32:44,160 --> 00:32:48,320
Speaker 1: nothing of evil. David understood the importance of preserving integrity

562
00:32:48,320 --> 00:32:51,000
Speaker 1: within his own house. If he was able to keep

563
00:32:51,040 --> 00:32:53,560
Speaker 1: the evil in his own heart at day, then it

564
00:32:53,720 --> 00:32:56,480
Speaker 1: gave him more strength when fighting the evil out in

565
00:32:56,520 --> 00:32:59,840
Speaker 1: the world. Is your heart in order? Have you cons

566
00:33:00,280 --> 00:33:03,720
Speaker 1: the compelling values in your own heart before criticizing the

567
00:33:03,760 --> 00:33:06,920
Speaker 1: differences in the world. Maybe not fall into the trap

568
00:33:07,000 --> 00:33:09,960
Speaker 1: Jesus warned us about. Why do you see the speck

569
00:33:10,320 --> 00:33:12,600
Speaker 1: that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice

570
00:33:12,640 --> 00:33:15,880
Speaker 1: the log that is in your own eye, You hypocrite.

571
00:33:16,240 --> 00:33:18,960
Speaker 1: First take the log out of your own eye, and

572
00:33:19,000 --> 00:33:21,640
Speaker 1: then you will see clearly to take the speck out

573
00:33:21,640 --> 00:33:24,800
Speaker 1: of your brother's eye. David sends Joe ab and his

574
00:33:24,920 --> 00:33:28,800
Speaker 1: brothers to leave the charge against Abner. The dialogue between

575
00:33:28,920 --> 00:33:31,920
Speaker 1: Joeb and Abner is tense, and it seems clear that

576
00:33:31,960 --> 00:33:34,960
Speaker 1: these two are destined to be enemies. The funny thing

577
00:33:35,000 --> 00:33:38,080
Speaker 1: about this is that they seem to have similar personalities.

578
00:33:38,680 --> 00:33:41,200
Speaker 1: This is a common irony we see in the world today.

579
00:33:41,880 --> 00:33:44,960
Speaker 1: We often hate people who exemplify the same flaws we

580
00:33:45,040 --> 00:33:48,720
Speaker 1: refuse to see in ourselves. Joe, ab and Abner are

581
00:33:48,800 --> 00:33:51,440
Speaker 1: mocking each other, unaware that they are both the same.

582
00:33:52,200 --> 00:33:55,400
Speaker 1: This is a small introduction to another theme in this episode,

583
00:33:55,720 --> 00:33:58,240
Speaker 1: and that is the theme of cutting off your nose

584
00:33:58,520 --> 00:34:02,480
Speaker 1: to spite your face. When Joe AB's best men are

585
00:34:02,520 --> 00:34:06,120
Speaker 1: pitted against Abner's best men, they are so equal that

586
00:34:06,200 --> 00:34:09,320
Speaker 1: they all end up dead. This is supposed to reveal

587
00:34:09,360 --> 00:34:11,439
Speaker 1: to us that there are no winners in this war,

588
00:34:11,760 --> 00:34:16,000
Speaker 1: since they are fighting against themselves. Israel fighting Judah is

589
00:34:16,080 --> 00:34:18,400
Speaker 1: like a hand trying to cut off his own fingers.

590
00:34:18,960 --> 00:34:22,799
Speaker 1: Even if the hand succeeds, it is worse off. This

591
00:34:22,880 --> 00:34:26,680
Speaker 1: war will have no winners since they are countrymen and brothers.

592
00:34:27,560 --> 00:34:31,040
Speaker 1: Abner and the Israelite army are defeated in flee, but

593
00:34:31,120 --> 00:34:35,120
Speaker 1: Ashiel doesn't want Abner to get away. In Ashiel's perspective,

594
00:34:35,440 --> 00:34:37,680
Speaker 1: if he can defeat Abner, he can end the war.

595
00:34:38,239 --> 00:34:41,200
Speaker 1: We can respect his passion, but he was given ample

596
00:34:41,239 --> 00:34:44,439
Speaker 1: warning not to attack. Sometimes we need to know when

597
00:34:44,600 --> 00:34:47,840
Speaker 1: enough is enough and acknowledge that some wars can't be

598
00:34:48,000 --> 00:34:52,960
Speaker 1: won right away. Ashiel, being the fastest among David's mighty men,

599
00:34:53,239 --> 00:34:57,440
Speaker 1: wants to rush victory. To Abner's credit, he knows killing

600
00:34:57,440 --> 00:35:00,000
Speaker 1: the boy is a bad idea. There is a subtle

601
00:35:00,239 --> 00:35:03,320
Speaker 1: undertone in this episode that neither party wants to fight,

602
00:35:03,719 --> 00:35:07,160
Speaker 1: but are doing what they think they must do. Abner

603
00:35:07,239 --> 00:35:10,640
Speaker 1: does what he must do, which is defend himself. Both

604
00:35:10,680 --> 00:35:14,000
Speaker 1: brothers are despondent, but Joe ab in particular is filled

605
00:35:14,040 --> 00:35:18,560
Speaker 1: with rage. Job introduces a new theme to our story, vengeance.

606
00:35:19,200 --> 00:35:22,160
Speaker 1: In our story so far, vengeance hasn't been too much

607
00:35:22,160 --> 00:35:24,840
Speaker 1: of a theme. Besides the time David almost killed in

608
00:35:24,920 --> 00:35:27,719
Speaker 1: the ball. For the most part, David has been a

609
00:35:27,719 --> 00:35:30,600
Speaker 1: man of mercy. We will see in the coming episodes

610
00:35:30,840 --> 00:35:35,040
Speaker 1: that vengeance is Pandora's box. Once it has opened, a

611
00:35:35,120 --> 00:35:39,520
Speaker 1: cycle of chaos ensues and it is nearly impossible to stop.

612
00:35:39,960 --> 00:35:42,400
Speaker 1: Will David be able to rein in Joe ab and

613
00:35:42,520 --> 00:35:45,200
Speaker 1: keep him from making a mistake. Is the Kingdom of

614
00:35:45,280 --> 00:35:48,960
Speaker 1: Israel doomed to destroy itself? Or will the Philistines destroy

615
00:35:49,080 --> 00:35:51,880
Speaker 1: them before they get the chance. Find out in our

616
00:35:51,920 --> 00:35:55,720
Speaker 1: next episode, The Blood of Abner. Thanks again for listening.

617
00:35:56,200 --> 00:35:59,439
Speaker 1: For more inspiring stories, daily prayers and wisdom to last

618
00:35:59,440 --> 00:36:03,200
Speaker 1: a lifetime, go to pray dot com and to expand

619
00:36:03,239 --> 00:36:06,480
Speaker 1: your heroes in the Bible Journey, download the Heroes of

620
00:36:06,520 --> 00:36:10,880
Speaker 1: the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward slash Heroes.

621
00:36:11,320 --> 00:36:14,640
Speaker 1: Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the

622
00:36:14,680 --> 00:36:17,680
Speaker 1: newest episodes right as they come out, and always be

623
00:36:17,800 --> 00:36:21,040
Speaker 1: inspired by the Bible. God bless.

624
00:36:22,719 --> 00:36:25,319
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625
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626
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