David & Absalom’s Struggle

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on The Chosen People. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: There is only one woman I want. 00:00:07 Speaker 1: Ah, Tamar, Absalom's sister. 00:00:11 Speaker 3: Tamar, your half-sister? 00:00:14 Speaker 4: You dog, you! 00:00:16 Speaker 2: I can't eat, I can't sleep. 00:00:22 Speaker 5: Every night I see her, I feel like I'm dying. 00:00:26 Speaker 1: Then take her. Amnon had taken Tamar 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. 00:00:52 Speaker 4: Would you really. 00:00:53 Speaker 1: Return my evil with evil? 00:00:56 Speaker 6: Why? 00:00:56 Speaker 2: What would father say when he finds. 00:00:58 Speaker 1: Out you killed his firstborn? 00:01:05 Speaker 6: Oh, 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. 00:01:19 Speaker 4: David knew what. 00:01:21 Speaker 7: You did and he was outraged or so he said. But he did nothing. 00:01:29 Speaker 8: Nothing! 00:01:31 Speaker 1: 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. Finally. 00:01:50 Speaker 7: Justice. Tell the others that Amnon is dead. 00:01:54 Speaker 1: Let them fear. Let them run. 00:01:58 Speaker 6: Let the house of David know what happens when they cross me. 00:02:05 Speaker 7: And my home. 00:02:06 Speaker 4: Absalom is to be exiled from Jerusalem. If he dares step foot in my city, if I so much as hear the hooves of his donkeys cross my gates, he shall die. Mark it, Benaiah. Let the walls know. He is banished. 00:02:30 Speaker 1: For three years, David's grief haunted the palace's stones like a ghost. He ruled still. Decrees were made, judgments passed, 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, Joab's patience for the king's whining wore thin. He and Jasherbeam were in the halls outside David's chambers, listening to the muffled cries from the other side of the door. 00:03:16 Speaker 3: He's like a child! 00:03:18 Speaker 1: Jasherbeam shrugged, not disagreeing. 00:03:23 Speaker 8: He lost his firstborn. And now his most capable heir is banished. Cut him some slack. I refuse to cut him slack. He's a grown man, and this is all his fault anyway. He let Amnon get away with defiling his own daughter. He let Absalom's anger fester in secret. 00:03:44 Speaker 5: And speaking of Absalom, he was banished by David's own decree. It's idiotic and nothing more than a glorified time out. 00:03:54 Speaker 8: Then by all means, say something. Tell him he's being a baby. See how that goes? 00:04:05 Speaker 1: I will. Joab opened the doors to the king's chamber without warning or tact. David was crumpled on the floor, eyes red from tears. 00:04:17 Speaker 2: David, this is pathetic. Why do you torment yourself? 00:04:21 Speaker 9: Have some compassion, Joab. I've lost three sons. First, Bathsheba and I lost a baby. Then Amnon is murdered, and now Absalom is. 00:04:33 Speaker 7: is. 00:04:34 Speaker 5: You mourn the living like the dead. Bring Absalom home and end this. 00:04:40 Speaker 1: David, seated near the window, plucked a grim note from his harp. He was a pathetic sight, a shell of his former glorious self. 00:04:51 Speaker 4: And if I did... What would I say? 00:04:55 Speaker 9: What 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? 00:05:07 Speaker 3: It doesn't have to be poetry, David. 00:05:10 Speaker 2: Invite Absalom back. 00:05:12 Speaker 5: Tell him you were wrong and then bring him back into the fold. You don't want Absalom stewing as your enemy. We've seen what happens to those he hates. 00:05:23 Speaker 4: Perhaps I'll see nothing. 00:05:24 Speaker 1: Joab's jaw clenched. He had heard all this before, in a dozen different forms, all circling the same cowardice. 00:05:34 Speaker 2: You are the king. You do not have the luxury of silence. 00:05:39 Speaker 1: But David did not move. He returned to his lyre and plucked another sad note. Pathetic. Joab left the room with fire in his chest. Jashabim 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 bravely. 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 Tekoa. 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. 00:07:03 Speaker 10: Save me, O King. Please, I beg you, have mercy. 00:07:08 Speaker 5: Speak. 00:07:10 Speaker 4: Make your case. And if justice can be had, I'll see it done. 00:07:15 Speaker 10: 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, aye, 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? 00:07:47 Speaker 1: David's jaw 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. 00:08:04 Speaker 4: Return to your home. You have my protection. No one shall harm your son. 00:08:10 Speaker 1: But the woman pressed further. Her voice trembled. 00:08:14 Speaker 10: Even though he's guilty of murdering his brother... Will you truly forgive such a thing? 00:08:20 Speaker 4: Circumstances demand leniency. 00:08:23 Speaker 2: Swear it, my king. 00:08:25 Speaker 10: Swear that my son will not be harmed, that the blood avenger shall not have him. 00:08:30 Speaker 4: As the Lord lives, not a hair on your son's head shall fall to the ground. 00:08:34 Speaker 1: The woman sank to the ground again, hands outstretched. 00:08:40 Speaker 10: Your words are balm to a wounded soul. 00:08:43 Speaker 1: The woman turned to leave, but then spun around once more. 00:08:47 Speaker 10: May I speak once more, my king? Would you humor a poor old widow? 00:08:53 Speaker 1: David gave a slow nod, sensing the shift in wind. 00:08:58 Speaker 10: 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 Gasher. You, my king, have shown wisdom today. Let that wisdom be turned inward. Let your banished son return. 00:09:27 Speaker 1: 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. 00:09:42 Speaker 3: Stop. 00:09:43 Speaker 1: The woman froze. 00:09:44 Speaker 4: Come closer. 00:09:45 Speaker 1: She obeyed, her hands shaking. David stepped down to her, his voice low and razor sharp. 00:09:53 Speaker 4: How much? 00:09:54 Speaker 10: I beg your pardon, my king? How much what? 00:09:58 Speaker 4: How much did Joab pay you to do this? 00:10:00 Speaker 9: Come here today and spin this tale? 00:10:03 Speaker 10: My king, 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. 00:10:16 Speaker 1: Enough. 00:10:18 Speaker 4: It's fine. 00:10:19 Speaker 5: Leave me. 00:10:20 Speaker 4: Joab waits outside. Send him to me. 00:10:23 Speaker 1: The woman fled, and moments later, Joab entered. 00:10:28 Speaker 5: It's truly wonderful that you still listen to the grievances of your citizens, good king. 00:10:33 Speaker 4: You're bold, Joab. Bolder than you have any right to be. 00:10:38 Speaker 5: You weren't listening to reason, so I figured pulling on your heartstrings was the only way to get through to you. 00:10:44 Speaker 4: You thought you could trick me? 00:10:46 Speaker 5: I figured either way. 00:10:47 Speaker 2: You're disturbed enough to have an actual conversation with me. Do I need to beg for forgiveness? 00:10:53 Speaker 8: No. 00:10:55 Speaker 4: You merely gave voice to what I would not admit to myself. 00:11:00 Speaker 2: Now there's the wise king I know and love. 00:11:03 Speaker 1: David rose to his feet and walked to the window, looking out over the city of David. His city. His kingdom. And yet, somehow not his own anymore. 00:11:15 Speaker 8: Go. 00:11:16 Speaker 4: Bring the prince home. 00:11:18 Speaker 1: Joab's relief was visible. Then he did something unexpected. Joab fell prostrate, hands to the floor before the king. 00:11:28 Speaker 5: May the Lord bless the king and may his mercy echo in the halls of Israel. 00:11:34 Speaker 1: 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 Geshur 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. 00:13:02 Speaker 7: Keep singing, Israel, from your lips to God's ears. 00:13:07 Speaker 1: Behind him rode 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, all warred within him. For two full years, the son of David dwelled in Jerusalem, honored by the people, adored by the streets, 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. 00:14:17 Speaker 7: Shall the heir of Israel be treated like a leper? Am I to sit like a ghost in my father's city, invisible and unheeded? 00:14:26 Speaker 2: Am I not a son? 00:14:28 Speaker 7: Am I not a prince? 00:14:31 Speaker 1: 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. 00:14:42 Speaker 7: You, go to Joab. Tell him the son of the king calls for him. If David will not open his doors, perhaps Joab will move him to action. And if not, then let him see what silence earns a man in my house. 00:14:59 Speaker 1: The servant bowed again and departed at once, feet nearly silent against the tiled floor. The road to Joab's home meandered 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 servants stopped a few paces away and knelt, dust swirling around his knees. My lord Joab, I come on behalf of my master Absalom, son of David, prince of Israel. 00:15:42 Speaker 5: What does he want? 00:15:44 Speaker 7: He bids you come to him. 00:15:45 Speaker 1: He wishes for you to speak to the king on his behalf. Joab waved him off before the boy could finish. 00:15:53 Speaker 2: No, I've done enough for Absalom. 00:15:56 Speaker 3: Not some mage who can grant his every wish. 00:15:58 Speaker 5: I got him back into this city, did I not? That was no small feat. Let him make his peace with David himself. 00:16:07 Speaker 1: I'm no errand boy. The servant bowed once more, lips pressed tight, and turned back toward the estate. The boy brought the news with trembling lips. My lord, Joab has refused your request. 00:16:24 Speaker 2: For a meeting. 00:16:26 Speaker 1: Absalom listened, then said nothing. He turned to the windowsill, nodded once and sighed. 00:16:34 Speaker 7: Did you know my fields are beside Joab's? 00:16:38 Speaker 1: Yes, my lord. 00:16:39 Speaker 7: Burn his sight. 00:16:41 Speaker 1: Pardon me? Absalom turned. His smile was cruel, his eyes alight with fire. Take a torch. 00:16:51 Speaker 7: At dawn, set Joab's field ablaze. 00:16:54 Speaker 8: My lord. 00:16:55 Speaker 7: Force, when used wisely, gets results. 00:17:00 Speaker 1: Go. 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. Joab kicked open the door with fury in his eyes and fire on his tongue. 00:17:47 Speaker 3: You little rat! 00:17:50 Speaker 1: Joab flipped the first piece of furniture he could see. Absalom turned, impassive. 00:17:56 Speaker 7: Good morning, Joab. 00:17:59 Speaker 5: Of all your petty, twisted schemes, this one tops them all. 00:18:04 Speaker 3: You burned my fields like a petulant child. 00:18:08 Speaker 1: The prince of Israel did not flinch at Joab's outburst. He simply sipped from a silver cup, then set it softly upon the table. His voice was smooth, almost tender. 00:18:22 Speaker 7: Come now, Joab, calm your nerves. Men at your age shouldn't get so worked up. 00:18:29 Speaker 5: Have a seat. 00:18:30 Speaker 1: Joab 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. Joab did not touch it. Absalom leaned forward. 00:18:51 Speaker 7: Tell me, Joab, why was I brought out of exile? 00:18:56 Speaker 1: Joab said nothing. His jaw clenched. 00:19:00 Speaker 7: 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? 00:19:19 Speaker 3: You know why you haven't been invited back to the palace. 00:19:23 Speaker 2: You murdered the king's son. 00:19:25 Speaker 7: I executed the king's justice. Justice you should have carried out yourself, by the way. You and I both knew what Amnon was. 00:19:33 Speaker 1: A disgrace. A brute. And worse. Joab 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. 00:19:53 Speaker 7: 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 you're Little actress from Tekoa helped him believe. Then let him look me in the eyes. Let him face me. 00:20:17 Speaker 1: 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. 00:20:35 Speaker 2: Very well. 00:20:35 Speaker 1: I will speak with the king. He stood to leave, but as he reached the threshold, he glanced back. 00:20:43 Speaker 2: I expect repayment for my fields. 00:20:46 Speaker 1: Joab raised his cup with a half smile. 00:20:51 Speaker 7: Send the bill to the treasury. After all, it was for the good of the realm. 00:20:56 Speaker 1: Joab groaned and left without another word. The white stallion's hooves 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 gleaming 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 rains 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, 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 and He spread his arms wide, his face turned to the ground. A single tear traced his cheek as he whispered, Father, I am here. 00:22:26 Speaker 5: Forgive me. 00:22:28 Speaker 1: 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. 00:22:48 Speaker 4: I forgive you, my son. Welcome home. 00:22:51 Speaker 1: 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. This PrayDog.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager 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, 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.