Civil War: Judah vs. Israel

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the chosen people. And so Saul, the first king of Israel, pressed the hilt of his sword against the earth, its point at his chest. He closed his eyes. 00:00:17 Speaker 2: I was the. 00:00:19 Speaker 2: I was the first... but not the last. 00:00:28 Speaker 1: The battle was lost, the men scattered like lost sheep. But in the hills of Judah, a shepherd stood, prepared to retrieve the scattered sheep of Israel. The two figures approaching were none other than his brothers, Joab and Arsahel. The three collided into each other, embracing with tears and laughs. 00:00:57 Speaker 2: We've been sent by the elders of Judah. A company of men is just around the bend, ready to escort you down. 00:01:03 Speaker 1: When they came within a mile of the gates, they could hear it. A low thrum. As they neared, the sound grew louder. The crowd parted, revealing the elders of Judah atop a high platform of carved stone. 00:01:20 Speaker 4: The giant slayer! The harpist of Bethlehem! 00:01:25 Speaker 5: The warrior who would not lift his hand against the king, the outlaw who guarded our borders when our king would not. You have been chosen by God and confirmed by the voice of the people. David, son of Jesse, rise now as king of Judah, not by birthright, but by divine anointing. 00:01:57 Speaker 1: The palace of Saul loomed like a tomb atop the heights of Gibeah. Its high towers and black stone walls bore the chill of death, the air inside still heavy with the memory of the king who once brooded within its halls. Within the throne room, torches hissed as the elders of the eleven other tribes of Israel gathered. Ish-bosheth. The last son of Saul now sat on the throne. He was a thin and long-faced man, his limbs too delicate for armor. He was near forty years old, but still gave off the presence of a child. His father's great throne seemed to swallow him. Beside him stood Abner, Saul's commander and right hand. He did not look at Ish-bosheth as he spoke to the elders. nor did he need to. Everyone knew who was really in charge. 00:02:59 Speaker 6: Elders of Israel, we stand at a precipice. One misstep and this nation fractures beyond repair. 00:03:06 Speaker 7: The throne of. 00:03:07 Speaker 6: Israel was carved for Saul, but by the prophet Samuel himself, to abandon his blood now would be to spit upon that legacy. 00:03:15 Speaker 1: The elders listened, nodding with the hollow weight of old men clinging to order. Some feared change. Others feared David. Abner pressed on. 00:03:27 Speaker 6: If we anoint David, this southern shepherd, this outlaw king of Judah, we invite every ambitious sword to claim the crown by force or flattery. 00:03:37 Speaker 7: Kings are made by birth, not by ballads. And yet. 00:03:42 Speaker 1: A wrinkled elder from Dan called out from the back. He spoke with the same curiosity many of the elders felt. 00:03:51 Speaker 8: Prince Jonathan laid down his rights for David. He gave him his ring, his armour. That cannot be ignored. 00:03:59 Speaker 1: There was silence. Ish-bosheth shifted uncomfortably, pale and fidgeting. He cleared his throat, attempting regality. 00:04:09 Speaker 8: I am so, son. Royal blood flows through my veins. My claim is not for debate. We should have David's head for his treachery. 00:04:22 Speaker 1: The boy stepped down from the dais, trying to own the room, but his words were thin and his confidence brittle. 00:04:31 Speaker 8: If David's allowed to ascend to the throne, that means any mongrel off the streets will think they have a claim. My father wanted him dead for a reason. He's a treacherous little rat. He'll meet the edge of my blade sooner or later. 00:04:45 Speaker 2: Ha! 00:04:47 Speaker 1: Ish-Bosheth swung his father's sword around clumsily, knocking over a pitcher of wine, which splashed onto the servant girls. 00:04:58 Speaker 8: Clean this up! Why is that here anyway? 00:05:02 Speaker 1: Abner's lip twitched. Ish-Bosheth's arrogance did little to lighten the elder's concern. He needed the boy to remain silent. Ish-bosheth did little to help his claim by parading himself like a spoiled child. 00:05:18 Speaker 6: My king, perhaps you should go rest and prepare for tonight's feast. We will settle this tonight over. 00:05:24 Speaker 2: Mead and meat. 00:05:26 Speaker 1: Ish-bosheth nodded at that, turning on his heels and clapping for his attendants to follow. He exited the throne room with a procession behind him. When the doors closed, Abner let out a long sigh. He placed a single hand on the throne, wanting to sit upon it, feeling he deserved to, but restrained himself. He spoke to the elders plainly. 00:05:51 Speaker 7: I'm not blind, brothers. I see what you see. 00:05:54 Speaker 6: Ispasheth is a petulant child, but he is their rightful heir. 00:06:00 Speaker 3: Abner, the kingdom is young. It is not too late to name another house to lead us. I agree. 00:06:08 Speaker 6: But to crown David would be to reward Judah for its show of dominance. By anointing a king, they communicated to the other tribes that they viewed themselves as a king of their own. 00:06:19 Speaker 1: The elders nodded. Judah was the most prominent tribe in Israel. Jacob himself had already appointed it the first among the tribes. 00:06:29 Speaker 6: And not only this, but word is that David worked under the king of Gath. Do we really trust him to march against the Philistines? 00:06:37 Speaker 1: More murmurs from the elders. Abner knew he was gaining momentum. 00:06:42 Speaker 6: You know me, gentlemen. I led our armies under Saul. I fought at Jeboah and lived. I do not ask you to kneel to that boy. I ask you to trust the sword that stands beside him. Let Ish-bosheth wear the crown. Let him speak the prayers and ride at festivals. But the fight, leave the fight to me. Let me deliver Israel from the Philistines. Let me restore what we've lost. And when our enemies lie broken, then we can speak again of appointing a new king. One that will represent all the tribes, not just Big Brother Judah. 00:07:19 Speaker 1: He let the silence settle like ash upon the room. The elders looked at each other and nodded in agreement. 00:07:27 Speaker 3: So be it. The crown remains in Gebea. His pusheth shall be king. 00:07:33 Speaker 1: The others echoed him, some with resignation, others with relief. Abner stood tall. He had what he wanted, for now, but he knew how fragile the kingdom was. The sun hung like a burning coin above the hills of Hebron. Sweat slicked David's brow. His curls damp against his forehead. He stood in the yard behind the barracks, sword in hand. He was training his men, modeling his movements with a piece of staked timber. He brought his blade down upon it with thunderous might. The wood split clean in two, sending a spray of splinters into the air. David turned to the young men who were watching him. 00:08:23 Speaker 8: The strength of your strike lies not in your arms,'. 00:08:29 Speaker 4: It begins with your feet. Your stance is your truth. Without it, all else fails. 00:08:37 Speaker 8: A warrior with unsteady footing is like a house built upon sand. A gust of wind and all comes down. 00:08:46 Speaker 1: They nodded and tried to mimic him, some better than others. He watched them with pride. David spent as much time with his men as possible. Their hearts were united on those training grounds. David turned to his left, seeing Joab training with his younger brothers, Arsahel and Abishai. Joab had intentional, calculated movements. Every stroke of his sword had been planned. Abishai was instinctual, responding to everything that came his way with grace. Arsahel was quick, relying on his speed to get the upper hand. In all of it, David couldn't help but feel regret. Regret that he'd never shared these relationships with his own brothers. Not like that. He gathered the brothers, along with Jashabim and Benaiah. Joab had been named commander of David's armies, while Benaiah had been named captain of David's royal guard. Titles well earned. titles that would be put to the test. They leaned over a large stone table with maps and ledgers scattered throughout. 00:09:57 Speaker 4: What threat do you see rising first? 00:10:00 Speaker 1: Joab didn't hesitate. Abner. 00:10:05 Speaker 2: Joab and Abner have hated each other as long as I can remember. There has nothing to do with it. The tribes have named Ish-bosheth king. Abner commands what remains of Saul's host. He gathers men, fortifies cities, and speaks of uniting the kingdom under his puppet. I believe he'll strike before summer ends. 00:10:29 Speaker 1: David was quiet. The name Ish-bosheth did not stir fear, only a sense of pity. But Abner, Abner was a different matter. 00:10:41 Speaker 4: Then the war is not with the son of Saul. Or with the sword that swings for him? 00:10:47 Speaker 9: Aye. 00:10:48 Speaker 2: And if we strike first and strike hard, it might end in a single blow. 00:10:54 Speaker 4: A civil war. Israel against Judah. Brother against brother. 00:11:00 Speaker 1: Jasher Bean's ears perked at David's tone. 00:11:04 Speaker 3: David, I can feel your heart stirring, but this isn't a matter of honor. You're the king of Judah. We can't allow Abner the chance to march against our walls. 00:11:19 Speaker 2: I understand. 00:11:21 Speaker 8: But I will not allow blood to be spilled carelessly. We'll meet them, show our strength, and posture against them. But we will not annihilate them. We'll show them we can't be dominated, and hopefully that will bring. 00:11:38 Speaker 4: Us back to the negotiating table. 00:11:40 Speaker 2: I will take 500 of our finest and meet Abner on the field. A single victory may be all that is needed. 00:11:47 Speaker 7: I'll go with you. 00:11:50 Speaker 3: No, no, David, this isn't the right time. If Israel and Judah are to unite again, you can't have Israelite blood on your hands. 00:12:01 Speaker 1: David nodded and dismissed them all. Joab turned to leave, but David's voice called him back. 00:12:08 Speaker 3: Joab. 00:12:10 Speaker 1: The commander paused. 00:12:12 Speaker 4: In all things, remember, the Lord honors a merciful heart. 00:12:18 Speaker 1: Joab's jaw flexed. He bowed low, but the wince that passed across his face did not go unnoticed. Mercy was not a language Joab spoke often. Still, he submitted. 00:12:32 Speaker 2: As you command, my king. 00:12:35 Speaker 1: Then he was gone. Gathering the chosen few... the blades, the spears and the shields. They would ride to meet Abner in the hills between two thrones, one of blood and one of oil. The fog hung low over the brook of Gibeon, coiling around the roots of ancient trees. The water flowed gently between the gathered hosts of Israel and Judah, a quiet stream dividing one nation into two. On opposite banks, the two armies waited, watched, shifting uncomfortably with every gust of breeze. They were all Hebrews, kinsmen by blood, by covenant, by God himself. and yet they stood on the edge of civil war, blades sheathed, hearts clenched. Joab of Judah and Abner of Israel both stood beneath a weeping willow to negotiate terms of combat. Joab's brothers were behind him. Arsahel couldn't sit still while Abishai was cool as ice. The commanders had come to speak, not to fight, but even as they sat there was an old venom between them. It was Abner who spoke first. His voice was calm, but laced with arrogance. 00:14:04 Speaker 6: You've come a long way, Joab. But I must ask, why? The throne rests beneath my banner. We have the tribes. 00:14:12 Speaker 7: We have the numbers. The House of Saul yet stands. We don't have to do this. 00:14:18 Speaker 6: Lay down your claim and let the crown return to its rightful heir. 00:14:23 Speaker 2: Rightful heir? 00:14:25 Speaker 9: You and I both know who Ish-bosheth is. 00:14:28 Speaker 2: And we also know that Judah alone. 00:14:30 Speaker 9: Could grind your entire host into dust if David willed it. 00:14:35 Speaker 2: This isn't about numbers. Not to us. This is about truth. This is about who was chosen. 00:14:43 Speaker 7: Spare me the poetry. I know what this is. 00:14:46 Speaker 6: You wanted command under Saul and were denied from me. Now you throw your sword behind a shepherd because he'll make you a commander. 00:14:55 Speaker 2: You don't care about the truth. You care for power. 00:14:59 Speaker 1: Joab's hand tightened around the hilt at his side. 00:15:03 Speaker 2: I served Saul's house then because I serve our nation. I serve David now for the same reason. I'm a servant of Israel, always will be. But you, Abner... You serve only yourself. With Ish-bosheth, you are a king in all but name. That boy is a puppet, a pale reed of a man whose spine is held up. 00:15:30 Speaker 9: By your will and ambition. 00:15:34 Speaker 2: Tell me, Abner. 00:15:36 Speaker 1: Joab leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper. 00:15:41 Speaker 2: Is what they say true? That you've taken Rizpah, Sol's concubine, as your own? Was she yours to lie with? Or do you wear the king's crown when no one is watching? 00:15:54 Speaker 1: Abner drew his sword in an instant. Arsahel and Abishai were quick to draw theirs, but Joab gestured for them to lower. 00:16:03 Speaker 6: Say another word, and I'll gut you where you stand. 00:16:07 Speaker 1: The two men faced each other. Warriors, both seasoned, both deadly. A single lunge, a single misstep, and it would set everything in motion. Neither wanted to make it more sloppy than it needed to be. They were too wise for such things. Even still, Joab loved that he could get a rise out of Abner. Abner stepped back and sheathed his sword. 00:16:35 Speaker 6: Let the young men rise and contend before us. My men against yours. 00:16:41 Speaker 1: Joab smirked at that. They weren't Joab's men. They were David's. And that was a hidden strength Abner would soon discover. 00:16:51 Speaker 2: Yes, let them rise. 00:16:57 Speaker 1: The champions stood first. Twelve from Judah, twelve from Israel. They looked like statues beneath the trees, the fog coiling around their armor. Then a single horn sounded, low and mournful, and they ran. The first collision was like a crack of thunder. Each man was matched. Blow for blow, step for step. They grappled, locked arms, and fell into the muck together. Again and again, a sword found flesh. And again, the dying man drove his own blade home. They slew each other with mirrored precision. By the end, not one stood. Twenty-four lay dead in the field. Their corpses crisscrossed like tangled roots. It was a grim omen. For a time, neither army moved. Joab stood tall upon a rise, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. His brothers, Abishai and Arsahel, flanked him. 00:18:03 Speaker 2: If we kill Abner, we end this needless bloodshed. 00:18:05 Speaker 3: Agreed. 00:18:14 Speaker 2: My spear is poised for him. Easy. Remember your marks. Don't be hasty. He's seen more battle in his life than the two of you combined. Obey my command. Understood? 00:18:29 Speaker 1: The brothers nodded. Then Joab drew his blade and shouted to the rest of the men. 00:18:36 Speaker 9: Today we fight for a new Israel! Today we fight for. 00:18:40 Speaker 2: A kingdom united, not by bloodlines! By the will of the Lord, for. 00:18:45 Speaker 9: David, God's anointed, for honor, for strength, for Judah, roar like lions! 00:18:54 Speaker 1: The cry roared up from the ranks behind him. Abner, jaw clenched, raised his sword and gestured forward. 00:19:02 Speaker 9: Advance! 00:19:03 Speaker 3: Advance! 00:19:05 Speaker 1: The armies crashed like storm tides. Blades met bone, shields splintered, the field became a butcher's yard. Joab had chosen his ground well. Half his forces held the center, locking Abner's men in place while the rest surged in from the flanks. It was not just a battle, it was a trap. The men of Judah, trained by David's own hand, moved with ruthless discipline. Abner's army, larger but less cohesive, buckled under the weight of their assault. The Brook of Gibeon ran red that day. Abner's line collapsed. By the time the sun reached its zenith, 360 of Israel's sons lay slain on the field, and the rest were broken and retreating into the woods. 00:19:59 Speaker 10: Clouds whirled, thunder clapped, and a storm had come. Abner yelled over the wind, Fall back. We'll live to fight another day. Scatter and recruit. 00:20:11 Speaker 1: His command was bitter in his mouth. One moment he had stood with pride. Now he ran with shame gnawing at his heels. Abner retreated up the jagged mountainside. Arsahel saw Abner retreating. 00:20:27 Speaker 2: Abner is getting away. 00:20:30 Speaker 3: Leave him to his shame. 00:20:33 Speaker 7: But I can end this. 00:20:34 Speaker 8: Now! 00:20:34 Speaker 3: No! 00:20:35 Speaker 1: Asahel, stop! But Asahel didn't listen. The youngest son of Zeruiah flew like the wind, light-footed and fearless, his sword drawn and eyes set with fire. Joab and Abishai ran after him. Higher and higher Asahel climbed until his feet touched the slick stones of the summit. The rain had begun to fall. 00:21:00 Speaker 3: Is that you, Asahel? 00:21:02 Speaker 2: You're mine, Jekiel. You're a fool. 00:21:06 Speaker 7: Don't come any closer. Turn back and savor your triumph. 00:21:11 Speaker 2: Not until I have your head! 00:21:14 Speaker 1: Abner backed up all he could until he found the edge of the plateau. There was nowhere else to go. Arsahel was beneath him, approaching quickly. Abner turned slowly and drew the spear from his back. 00:21:28 Speaker 3: Turn back, boy! 00:21:29 Speaker 7: I'm warning you, it doesn't need. 00:21:32 Speaker 1: To end like this. But Arsahel would not yield. His pride burned brighter than the storm. 00:21:40 Speaker 9: If I slay you, this war ends. 00:21:44 Speaker 8: I'll bring your body to my king. 00:21:47 Speaker 2: The kingdom will. 00:21:48 Speaker 7: Be won again. Come closer and you die. It's simple as that. I have the high ground. 00:21:55 Speaker 1: Arsahel continued inching forward, poised to charge. Abner's face twisted, not in rage, but sorrow. 00:22:05 Speaker 7: You have no foundation. I'll kill you if you come forward. 00:22:10 Speaker 2: Yeah! 00:22:12 Speaker 1: Arsahel leapt, but the rain had made the rock slick and his footing was unsure. Abner cocked his elbows and thrust. The spear met flesh with a sickening crunch. Arsahel's breath caught. He did not scream. The spear point burst from his back. With a cry of anguish, Abner wrenched the spear free, and the boy's body tumbled from the plateau. Down, down it fell, landing with a thud upon the rocks far below. The rain came harder now, then lightning forked across the sky. 00:22:51 Speaker 2: I warned you. 00:22:54 Speaker 7: God help me. 00:22:55 Speaker 2: I warned you. 00:22:57 Speaker 1: Abner fled, disappearing into the trees. Joab and Abishai finally made it to the plateau. Joab stepped to the edge and looked down. There, far below, his brother's body lay broken, pierced through with a spear, sprawled across the jagged rocks. Together they climbed down. When they reached Arsahel, Joab knelt and cradled the corpse in his arms, drawing him close. Thunder cracked overhead. Joab's chest heaved, not with sobs, but with rage. He laid his brother down gently on the cold earth, pressed his forehead to Arsahel's, and then stood. The name curdled in Joab's mouth. He gripped the hilt of his blade, drew steel, and began to run. Abishai followed, sword in hand, the storm roaring around them. The two of them tore through the forest like wool-scenting blood. When they finally reached the edge of the woods where Abner was, the commander turned and lifted his arms. 00:24:14 Speaker 7: Stop! Stop, Joab! I'm warning you! 00:24:17 Speaker 1: Behind him, Abner's men emerged, hundreds of them, weary but armed. 00:24:24 Speaker 7: You've won, Joab. If you seek vengeance on me now... Your victory will be hollow. 00:24:31 Speaker 9: Your chest will be hollowed out when I rip your heart from its place. 00:24:37 Speaker 7: Asahel gave me no choice. You know that the boy should have never pursued me. I begged him not to. 00:24:44 Speaker 1: Abner's tone softened. He appealed to Joab's reason. 00:24:49 Speaker 6: Shall the sword devour forever? If you pursue me, you know how this ends. You may strike me down, but your death will follow, and my men will be slain, and yours will answer in kind. 00:25:00 Speaker 7: There will be no kingdom, Joab, only corpses. 00:25:05 Speaker 1: Joab said nothing. Abishai laid a hand on his brother's arm. 00:25:10 Speaker 2: He's right, brother. There's no victory here. Let him go. 00:25:15 Speaker 1: Thunder clapped again. revealing the shadows underneath Joab's scowl. 00:25:21 Speaker 2: As the Lord lives, Erbner, if your tongue had not spoken, my sword would have not stopped until your men were drowned in blood. 00:25:32 Speaker 1: Slowly, Joab drew his dagger and clenched the blade in his bare hand. Blood trickled down his palm and dripped onto the stones. He held out the bloodied blade. 00:25:46 Speaker 2: Know this, Abner. My brother's blood will not be forgotten. The day will come when you answer for it. 00:25:55 Speaker 1: Abner felt the words in his bones. Joab's words were no mere threat. They were a prophecy. Joab lifted his horn. It sounded. Joab's men heard and obeyed. The pursuit ended. Abner turned without another word and marched through the night. He and his men crossed the Jordan and dragged themselves into Mahanaim with blood on their boots and weariness in their bones. Joab carried Arsahel home in his arms the entire way. Steve Gatina, Max Bard, Zach Schelleberger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr., Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Lashinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan-Smith. written by Aaron Salvato, Brie Rosely, and Chris Baig. You can hear more Prey.com productions on the Prey.com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.