David & Absalom’s Struggle

00:00:00 Speaker 1: He will turn again. He will have compassion upon us. He will subdue our iniquities, and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea Mica seven nineteen, God of our beginnings and our brokenness, You who speak into dust and summon forth breath, You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, and yet stoop low enough to hear the sigh of a father, draw near to us. Now we come, fractured, aching in places we've never named aloud. We don't always know how to love. When love costs too much, we grow tired of pretending, tired of circling the same unspoken wounds. Yet you, Lord, do not grow tired. You pursue the exiled, You sing o'er the sons who scheme and the daughters who mourn. You carry both justice and mercy like twin fires in your hands, unquenched by our chaos. Break the silence, God, unfreeze the courage inside our ribs. Teach us the kind of love that bends but does not vanish. Let our holmes mirror your mercy, and let the healing begin. Amen, thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Chosen People with y l exteen remain here for a dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Be sure to follow this podcast so you never miss an. 00:02:16 Speaker 2: Episode previously on The Chosen People. 00:02:23 Speaker 1: There is only one woman I want, ah Tamar, Absalom's. 00:02:30 Speaker 3: Sister, your half sister, you dog you. 00:02:39 Speaker 4: I can't eat, I can't sleep. 00:02:42 Speaker 5: Every night I see her, I feel like I'm dying. 00:02:48 Speaker 6: And take her. 00:02:50 Speaker 2: Amnon had taken Temar with lust and violence. Now Absalom would take Amnon with silence and patience. Vengeance is best served cold. Absalom pressed the tip of his blade closer to Amnon's throat. A drop of blood trickled down his chest. 00:03:12 Speaker 6: Would you really return. 00:03:14 Speaker 2: My evil with evil? 00:03:16 Speaker 4: Why what would father say when he finds out you killed his first born? 00:03:22 Speaker 6: Ha ha ha. 00:03:26 Speaker 4: I can't wait for father to hear about this. When he hears of this night, I want him to feel it in his chest like a spear. 00:03:39 Speaker 6: David knew what you. 00:03:41 Speaker 4: Did, and he was outraged, or so he said, but he did nothing nothing. 00:03:51 Speaker 2: Absalom's blade flicked in his hand. He rose and stepped back, eyes locked on Amnon's. Then, with a tilt of his chin, he signaled his men to strike the blades all descended at once. 00:04:07 Speaker 4: Oh, finally Justice, Tell the others that Amnon is dead. 00:04:15 Speaker 2: Let them fear, let them run. 00:04:18 Speaker 4: Let the House of David know what happens when they cross me at the mid. 00:04:26 Speaker 6: That's the longest to be exiled from Jerusalem. 00:04:29 Speaker 7: If he dares do what mercy. 00:04:32 Speaker 8: If I so much as here the hooves of his donkeys cross my gates. 00:04:35 Speaker 6: He shall die market Vaniah. Let the walls know he is banished. 00:04:50 Speaker 9: Shallo my friends from here in the Holy Land of Israel. I'm y l Extein with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning of life. Through israel story, we will find this truth that we are all chosen for something great. So take a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if you left us a review. I read every single one of them, and if you're interested in hearing more about the prophetic, life saving work of the Fellowship, you can visit IFCJ. Dot Org, let's begin. 00:05:40 Speaker 2: For three years, David's grief haunted the palace's stones like a ghost. He ruled still. Decrees were made, judgments past, but his heart was absent, locked somewhere far away in Geshur. Exiled alongside his son, David moaned each night, pining after Absalom. His emotions were like a flooded river, soaking the rest of the palace with melancholy. Day by day, Joe AB's patience for the king's whining wore thin. He and Joshabine were in the halls outside David's chambers, listening to the muffled cries from the other side of the door. Ah, he's like a child, Joshabein shrugged, not disagreeing. 00:06:32 Speaker 1: He lost his first born and now his most capable air is banished. 00:06:38 Speaker 2: Cut him some slack. 00:06:40 Speaker 5: I've refused to cut him slack. He's a grown man and this is all his fault anyway. He let Amnam get away with defiling his own daughter. He let Absalom's anger fester and secret, and speaking of Absalom, he was banished by David's own decree. It's idiot and nothing more than a glorified time out Ah. 00:07:04 Speaker 10: Then then by all means, Sir, say something, Tell him he's being a baby. See how that goes. 00:07:14 Speaker 2: I will. Joab opened the doors to the King's chamber without warning or tacked. David was crumpled on the floor, eyes red from tears. 00:07:26 Speaker 5: David, this is pathetic. 00:07:28 Speaker 2: Why do you torment yourself? 00:07:30 Speaker 6: Have some compassion, Joab. 00:07:33 Speaker 7: I've lost three sons, first Bashib and I lost a baby. Then Amnon is murdered. Now Absalom is He is moren. 00:07:45 Speaker 5: The living like the dead. 00:07:47 Speaker 2: Bring Absalom home and end this. David, seated near the window, plucked a grim note from his harp. He was a pathetic sight, a shell of his former Gloria. 00:08:01 Speaker 6: And if I did, what would I say? 00:08:05 Speaker 7: What? 00:08:05 Speaker 8: Father banishes his son and then greets him as if no time has passed, as if blood were never spilled, as if justice and mercy were the same thing. 00:08:17 Speaker 5: It doesn't have to be poetry, David, in my Absalom back, tell him you were wrong, and then bring him back into the fault. You don't want Absolom stewing as your enemy. We've seen what happens to those he hates. 00:08:32 Speaker 2: Perhaps I'll see nothing, Joe abscure clenched. He had heard all this before, in a dozen different forms, all circling the same cowardice. 00:08:44 Speaker 5: You are the king, you do not have the luxury of silence. 00:08:49 Speaker 2: But David did not move. He returned to his lyre and plucked another sad note poletic. Joab left the room with fire and his chest. Joshabine caught him in the halls. So how did it go? Joab stormed out of the palace. Absalom had always struck him as a man too dangerous to befriend, but too brilliant to ignore. He had always possessed a fire that Joab both admired and feared. Unlike his father, Absalom did not weep, He acted, and so would Joab. David sat on his throne, hearing the complaints and petitions of his subjects. One by one, the people of the city passed before him, laying their woes before the king. He was once a man of decisive action, but now he seemed more a relic of regret than a ruler of might. Then came the woman from Tekoah. She was veiled in black, ash pressed into her hair and garments, torn with the practiced hand of mourning. She flung herself to the ground before David's feet, her cries sharp and deliberate. 00:10:13 Speaker 3: Save me, O King, please, I beg you have mercy. 00:10:18 Speaker 10: Speak, make your case, and if justice can be had, I'll see it done. 00:10:25 Speaker 3: I am a widow, my lord. My husband is dead, buried with his kin. All I had left were my two sons until quarrel and rage turned one upon the other. Now one is dead, and the people demand the life of the one who remains. They seek justice. I but justice will leave me childless, destitute, a name forgotten among my husband's house. You are wise and all, knowing what am I to do. 00:10:57 Speaker 2: David's to your tightened. The tale struck too close. It twisted itself around memories he'd buried for three long years. He rose from his seat and descended the steps of the Dais like a father, not a king. 00:11:13 Speaker 10: Return to your home. You have my protection. No one shall harm your son. 00:11:20 Speaker 2: But the woman pressed further. Her voice trembled. 00:11:23 Speaker 3: Even though he is guilty of murdering his brother, Will you truly forgive such a thing? 00:11:30 Speaker 6: The circumstances demand leniency. 00:11:33 Speaker 3: Swear it, my king, Swear that my son will not be harmed, that the blood Avenger shall not have him. 00:11:40 Speaker 7: As the Lord lives, not a hair in your son's head shall fall to the ground. 00:11:44 Speaker 2: The woman sank to the ground again, hands outstretched. 00:11:49 Speaker 3: Your words are balm to a wounded soul. 00:11:53 Speaker 2: The woman turned to leave, but then spun around once more. 00:11:57 Speaker 3: May I speak once more, my king, would you humor a poor old widow? 00:12:03 Speaker 2: David gave a slow nod, sensing the shift in wind. 00:12:07 Speaker 3: You have graciously offered forgiveness for my son, who is guilty of murdering his brother. Why then, have you judged yourself unworthy of the very mercy you offer. You spare my son, but your own son Absalom remains banished, lost across the border of Gesher. You, my king, have shown wisdom to day. Let that wisdom be turned inward. Let your banished son return. 00:12:37 Speaker 2: The court was still. David did not rise or speak. He watched her carefully, his eyes narrowing like a hawk spotting movement in tall grass. The woman was clearly nervous, and then turned to leave. 00:12:52 Speaker 6: Stop. 00:12:52 Speaker 2: The woman froze. 00:12:54 Speaker 6: Come closer. 00:12:55 Speaker 2: She obeyed, her hands shaking. David stepped down to her, his voice low and razor sharp. 00:13:03 Speaker 3: How much I beg your pardon, my king? How much? 00:13:06 Speaker 7: What? 00:13:07 Speaker 6: How much did Joab pay you to come here today and spin this tear? 00:13:12 Speaker 7: My king? 00:13:13 Speaker 3: Yes, yes, it's true. Yes, my king, Joab bade me come and speak. But the words are true, nonetheless, are they not? Please don't punish me. I was following Joab's command enough. 00:13:27 Speaker 6: It's fine, leave me. Joab waits outside. Send him to me. 00:13:33 Speaker 2: The woman fled, and moments later Joab entered, it's. 00:13:38 Speaker 5: Truly wonderful that you still listen to the grievances of your citizens. 00:13:41 Speaker 6: Good King, you're bold, Joab bolder than you have any right to be. 00:13:48 Speaker 5: You weren't listening to reason, so I figured pulling on your heartstrings was the only way to get through to you. 00:13:53 Speaker 6: You thought you could trick me. 00:13:56 Speaker 5: I figured either way, you be stirred enough to have an actual conversation with me. 00:14:00 Speaker 2: Do I need to beg for forgiveness? 00:14:03 Speaker 7: No? 00:14:05 Speaker 6: He merely gave voice to what I would not admit to myself. 00:14:10 Speaker 2: Now there's the wise king I know in love. David rose to his feet and walked to the window, looking out over the city of David, his city, his kingdom, and yet somehow. 00:14:23 Speaker 6: Not his own anymore, go bring the prince home. 00:14:27 Speaker 2: Joab's relief was visible. Then he did something unexpected. Joab fell prostrate, hands to the floor before the King. 00:14:38 Speaker 5: May the Lord bless the King, and may his mercy echo in the halls of Israel. 00:14:44 Speaker 2: David peered down at Joab, confused and moved. For all Joab's hard edges, he had a soft heart for the safety and integrity of Israel. Joab stood, saluted, then departed at once, setting out for Gesture to retrieve the lion David had loosed and tried in vain to forget. The Prince was coming home, and with him a storm. The wind swept through the high gates of Jerusalem, as if summoned for spectacle alone. Absalom, son of David, rode like a conqueror returned from war. He was draped in silk and adorned in finery, a breastplate of gold scale armor, catching the sun like fire on water. Not a wrinkle touched his robe, not a blemish marred his face. His long curls flowed freely behind him from the gates to the plaza. The people shouted his name, Absalom, Absalom, and he drank in their adoration, like sweet wine. His smile was a polished blade, honed for performance. No heir of David stirred the hearts of the people like Absalom did. His charm was effortless, his pride infinite. 00:16:11 Speaker 4: Keep singing Israel from your lips to God's ears. 00:16:17 Speaker 2: Behind him, wrote his wife and their three sons, followed by a small entourage. They were a family sculpted from marble, too perfect to be real, too poised to be trusted. The royal family stood in front of the gates to welcome him, but one face was absent. David, King of Israel, did not descend the hill to greet his son. He remained within the walls of his house, curtains drawn, pride, grief, guilt, or ward within him. For two full years, the son of David dwelled in Jerusalem, honored by the people, adored by the street, but barred from his father's presence. He waited in a manner fit for a prince. But it was not enough, not for Absalom. Three years in exile, two years ignored, seven years of silence and slight. Absalom turned slowly from his window, clasping his hands behind his back. 00:17:26 Speaker 4: Shall the air of Israel be treated like a leper? Am I to sit like a ghost in my father's city, invisible and unheeded. Am I not a son? Am I not a prance? 00:17:40 Speaker 2: A low growl of frustration escaped his lips. He summoned one of his attendants with a flick of his fingers. He summoned his servant, who approached with trepidation. 00:17:51 Speaker 4: You go to Joab, Tell him the son of the king calls for him. If David will not open his doors, perhaps joe h Abb will move him to action. And if not, then let him see what silence earns a man in my house. 00:18:09 Speaker 2: The servant bowed again and departed at once feet, nearly silent against the tiled floor. The road to Joab's home he andaned past fields and vineyards. It was a quiet place, Joab's land, his prize after years of war and loyalty, nestled peacefully between two hills, like a secret kept safe from the clamor of the city, a home for a soldier grown weary of blood. The servant stopped a few paces away and knelt, the dust swirling around his knees. 00:18:44 Speaker 7: My Lord Joab, I come on behalf of a master, Absalom, son of David, Prince of Israel. 00:18:52 Speaker 2: What does he want? He bids you come to him. He wishes for you to speak to the king on his behalf. Joab waved him off before the boy could finish. 00:19:02 Speaker 5: No, I've done enough for Absalom. Not some maids who can grant us every wish. I got him back into this city, did I not? That was no small feat. Let him make his peace with David himself, and no errand boy. 00:19:19 Speaker 2: The servant bowed once more, lips pressed tight, and turned back toward the estate. The boy brought the news with trembling lips. 00:19:31 Speaker 4: My Lord Joab has refused your request for meeting. 00:19:36 Speaker 2: Absalom listened, then said nothing. He turned to the window Sill, nodded once, and sighed, did you. 00:19:44 Speaker 4: Know my fields are beside Joe Abs Yes, my lord burn his. 00:19:50 Speaker 2: Side, pardon me, Absalom turned. His smile was cruel, his eyes alight with fire. 00:19:59 Speaker 4: Take a tort at dawn set Joe Abbs feel the blaze. My Lord, force, when used wisely, gets results. 00:20:10 Speaker 10: Go. 00:20:10 Speaker 2: So the servant rose before first light. He smeared animal grease along the edge of Joab's barley fields, then lit a torch. The flames swallowed the field, two weeks from harvest gone in a roar of fire and smoke. The dry summer winds fed the inferno, and by the time Joab burst from his house, roaring commands, it was too late. Ash filled the sky. His harvest lay in ruin, and in its place only the echo of Absalom's laughter. Joeab kicked open the door with fury in his eyes and fire on his tongue. 00:20:57 Speaker 10: You little rat. 00:21:00 Speaker 2: Flipped the first piece of furniture he could see. Absalom turned impassive. 00:21:06 Speaker 4: Good morning, joe Ab. 00:21:09 Speaker 5: Of all your petty, twisted schemes, this one tops them all. You burned my fields like a petulant child. 00:21:18 Speaker 2: The Prince of Israel did not flinch at Joab's outburst. He simply sipped from a silver cup, then settled softly upon the table. His voice was smooth, almost tender. 00:21:31 Speaker 4: Come now, joe Ab, calm your nerves. Men at your age shouldn't get so worked up. Have a seat. 00:21:40 Speaker 2: Joe Ab hesitated. The rage had not left him, but the calm in Absalom's eyes made him wary. He sat slow and stiff, servants arrived, placing warm bread and wine before the commander. Joeab did not touch it. Absalom leaned for. 00:22:00 Speaker 4: Would tell me, joe Ab, why was I brought out of exile. 00:22:06 Speaker 2: Joe Ab said nothing, his jaw clenched. 00:22:10 Speaker 4: Gesher was peaceful, My flocks multiplied, my sons grew strong. I lacked for nothing, Yet I was summoned home, and for what to sit in silence, to rot within while David pretends I don't exist. 00:22:28 Speaker 5: You know why you haven't been invited back to Ballas you murdered. 00:22:33 Speaker 4: The king's son, I executed the King's justice. 00:22:37 Speaker 7: Justice. 00:22:38 Speaker 4: You should have carried out yourself. By the way you and I both knew what Amnon was a disgrace, a brute and worse. 00:22:47 Speaker 2: Joeab looked away. He had no defense. Joab would have done the same thing in Absalom's shoes he did long ago to Abner. Absalom leaned in again, his voice as smooth as silk. 00:23:02 Speaker 4: If I am still guilty, then bring me before the king. Let him judge me. If he finds guilt, let him have my head. I will not resist. But if he has truly forgiven me as your little actress, from Deacoah helped him believe. Then let him look me in the eyes, let him face me. 00:23:27 Speaker 2: Joab stared at the young man. His arrogance grated at him, but beneath it was something sharp, dangerous and true. Finally, the old warrior sighed. He reached across the table and gulped all the wine in the goblet. Very well, I will speak with the king. He stood to leave, but as he reached the threshold, he glanced back. I expect repayment for my fields. Joab raised his cap with a half smile. 00:24:00 Speaker 4: Send the bill to the treasury, after all, it was for the good of the realm. 00:24:06 Speaker 2: Joab groaned and left without another word. The white stallion's hoofs clacked against the stone as Absalom rode through the streets of Jerusalem, basking in the adoration of the crowd. The people loved him, how could they not. With his golden skin and glooming robes, his lion's mane of black curls, he looked every inch the king he wished to be. When he reached the gates of the palace, Absalom dismounted and let the reins fall. He walked through the gardens where he had once played as a boy, through the corridors lined with the old war banners, beneath high stone arches that bore the weight of his father's legacy, and there upon the throne of Israel he sat. David Absalom walked forward without haste, his steps measured and silent. In the heart of the room, he stopped for a moment. Neither father nor son spoke. The stillness between them was heavy as iron. Then Absalom fell to his knees. He spread his arms wide, his face turned to the ground. A single tear traced his cheek as he whispered, Father, I am here, forgive me. It was a perfect performance. David rose slowly at first, then with sudden urgency he descended the steps of his throne. When he reached his son, he dropped to his knees and gathered him into his arms, tears spilling freely. 00:25:58 Speaker 6: I forgive you, my sir. 00:26:01 Speaker 2: He kissed Absalom's brow like he had when he was a child, and held him tight, not knowing that in his embrace he had welcomed a viper into his own house. Absalom embraced him in return, warm, devoted, smiling into his father's shoulder. The stage was set. Let the game begin. 00:26:29 Speaker 9: If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and it has affected your life, we'd love it if you left her review. We read them, and me personally, I cherish them as you venture forth boldly and faithfully. I leave you with the biblical blessing from numbers six Iva Hashem vishmerecher Yeah heir hashempanave ele y sa hashempanavelera. 00:26:58 Speaker 2: Shalom. 00:27:00 Speaker 9: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you. May he be gracious to you. Made the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace. 00:27:11 Speaker 2: Amen. You can listen to The Chosen People with Isle Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the prey dot Com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore, music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baige. Special thanks to Bishop Paulinier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review,