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