David and Abigail

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on The Chosen People. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: Michael does she ask about me? 00:00:05 Speaker 3: Ah, David, My sister is young and my father hates you. There's no way he'd allow Michael to stay wedded to the son of Jesse. 00:00:17 Speaker 2: What did Saul do? 00:00:18 Speaker 3: Saul has given Michael's hand to another party, son of Leish, wealthy Benjamined, nobleman funding much of Saul's escapades. 00:00:28 Speaker 2: He's take everything. 00:00:31 Speaker 1: The king stepped inside, leaning back against the stone wall, closing his eyes, his head ached, he let himself drift. As he drifted into an uneasy slumber. He did not know that deep within the cave, hidden in the shadows, David and his men were watching, waiting. 00:00:54 Speaker 4: This is your moment, David, who could end the chase, end the exile, and him. 00:01:02 Speaker 2: Slit his throat, put an end to this madness once and for all. 00:01:07 Speaker 1: David knee beside him, Dagga poised. 00:01:11 Speaker 2: Vengeance belongs to the board. I will not take his life so that I may be lived in a. 00:01:21 Speaker 5: Shello, my friends, from here in the Holy Land of Israel, i'm ya l Exstein 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's 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 more about the prophetic, life saving work of the Fellowship, you can visit IFCJ dot org. Let's begin. 00:02:11 Speaker 1: The road from Pirun to Carmel wound like a serpent through the hills, cutting between clusters of gnarled trees and patches of sun burnt grass. The shepherds walked in a tight column, trembling. Their eyes darted to every shadow, every snapping twig in the underbrush. 00:02:33 Speaker 6: Mabel should have sent men with swords. These roads are filled with cutthroats. 00:02:39 Speaker 1: Just then, bandits poured from the trees like wolves. The boys fought back as best they could, swinging their staffs wildly, but they were outmatched. Rough hands threw them to the dirt. A dagger was pressed against a trembling throat. 00:02:57 Speaker 3: Did your master really send you out here without guards. Perhaps he wants you're dead. Maybe you'll pay me for your belts. 00:03:06 Speaker 1: Just then, a stone cracked through the air, whistling before striking the bandit in the forehead with a sickening crunch. He crumpled, blood spilling from the deep fracture in his skull. The other bandits turned in shock. That's when they saw him, a lone figure standing at the bend of the road, framed by the waning sunlight. His cloak billowed behind him in the wind, his hand already reaching for another stone. Beside him, his men were emerging from the undergrowth, swords glinting in the dim light. David the Giant Slayer, Israel's outlaw hero panic surged through the bandits. Some turned to run, others reached for their weapons too late. Abishee moved first, swift as a viper, closing the distance in a few bounding strides. His sword sliced through the tendons behind a fleeing man's knees, sending him sprawling. Then came Joshabem and Beniah, cutting down those who dared to resist. The road was awash with screens, then silence. The remaining bandits scattered, vanishing into the trees. David crouched beside the fire bit the bandits had left behind, and smiled. 00:04:29 Speaker 2: You're no better than the one of these bands unarmed. He was no master. 00:04:34 Speaker 6: Bab Oh, my lord, his land is at Carmel, and he. 00:04:37 Speaker 2: Sent you here without a guard or arms. 00:04:41 Speaker 6: Our master is often distracted. 00:04:46 Speaker 2: Well, we've been keeping watch over these roads for months. We've seen men like. 00:04:51 Speaker 1: These, David gestured to the dead bandits, shrugging. 00:04:57 Speaker 2: They strike at travelers, plundering those who are fenseless. But not once have we harmed an honest man. Not once have we taken a single lamb from the Ball's flock, though we have crossed his lands more than once. 00:05:09 Speaker 1: David pondered for a moment, trying to hide his desperation. He looked back to his men. They were beaten down by months in the wilderness. Their stomachs were empty, their clothes damp, and their spirits waning. David wanted to give them something, a small reprieve. 00:05:29 Speaker 2: The ceremonial time of feasting is drawing near, a time of hospitality. My men have been cold and hungry for many nights. I would very much appreciate it if your master showed us some kindness. As a gesture of gratitude. 00:05:45 Speaker 1: The shepherds exchanged another uneasy glance. 00:05:49 Speaker 6: We could ask him. 00:05:51 Speaker 2: David's eyes flicked up. I'm sorry, but I must press do more than ask. Go up to the ball and greet him in my name. Say to him, long life to you, Nibbon, good health to you and your household. I humbly request your kindness towards my men. Since we have shown kindness to yours. We've safeguarded your flocks and kept them from harm. Now, in this time of plenty, spare what you can for those who have none. 00:06:20 Speaker 1: The shepherds hesitated. They knew their master, and they doubted he would receive the request with grace. But they owed their lives to David. So they gathered their flock, bowed in thanks, and departed down the road with a few of David's men. David watched them go longingly. Just one act of kindness, he thought, just one. Beyond the rolling hills, nestled against the forests, lay the estate of neighbor. Servants scurried like ants through the corridors, hauling platters of roasted lamb, fresh loaves of bread and flagons of wine to prepare for yet another of their master's feasts. At the center of it all sat Nebor. He sprawled across his great chair as if he were some petty king upon his throne. He was a grossly built man, his belly straining against his robe, his beard unkempt and tangled with remnants of past meals. His lips, stained red from drink, curled into a perpetual sneer, and his breath reeked of sour wine and decay. And beside him sat his wife, Abigail. She was a strong, quiet woman. Her father's debts had forced her into the household of Neiboor. She was young, too young to be shackled to such a creature. The doors of the hall opened and the shepherds entered. A few of David's men followed close Behind's bloodshot eyes locked onto them, his face twisting in suspicion. 00:08:05 Speaker 4: Not only do you return late with my flocks, when you bring strangers into my house, explain yourselves of our Throw you old to the dogs, my lord. 00:08:16 Speaker 6: We were attacked on the road by bandits. They would have taken everything, but David and his men came to our aid. They drove the bandits away and retrieved your flock, and in short we were turned safely to the land. David's men have come humbly to request your hospitality. 00:08:32 Speaker 1: Returning, one of David's servants opened his mouth to speak, but Nebels silenced him with a raised hand. 00:08:41 Speaker 2: David, who's David? Oh oh yes, oh yeah, yeah, that outlaw son of Jesse. I see many snaves running for their masters. 00:08:55 Speaker 7: These days, and you come here expecting me to take Margaret met my water mine. 00:09:03 Speaker 2: Give it, some vagabond in this merry band of outlaws. You must see me get out of our side. 00:09:17 Speaker 1: Nabel threw a chicken bone at them. David's men stood for a long while, jaws grinding, fists tightening around the hilts of their swords. 00:09:27 Speaker 4: Oh you know I of friends, You draw your swords. 00:09:31 Speaker 7: I dare you Bombit will flood into this place faster than you can say. Shepherd boy, get out of here, deliver this message thee of peasant prints. 00:09:46 Speaker 1: Nebels spread his legs and grabbed his manhood. Laughter spilled out of his belly like something from the sewers. He finished his carp and threw it at them. David's men turned before their an a boiled over Nebel laughed as they left, leaning back into his seat, his gut shaking with amusement. 00:10:09 Speaker 2: David wait till sor gets hold of the boy, he said. 00:10:16 Speaker 1: Will be on the king's mantle. Across the table, Abigail watched her husband with quiet disdain. 00:10:25 Speaker 8: Are you certain that you wish to insult the man who once cut down a giant with nothing but a sling and a stone. 00:10:32 Speaker 2: Loads of children's things? 00:10:34 Speaker 4: He's just a shepherd boy, a stray dog escaping from Saul's kennel. 00:10:39 Speaker 2: I've seen him with my own eyes. I'd hop him up Pip between both. 00:10:47 Speaker 8: He and his man have kept this region safe for months. Your flocks have doubled because of him. 00:10:54 Speaker 1: Neighbor's heavy brow furrowed. She met his gaze without flinching. For a moment, there was silence. Then Mabel let out a low grut, waving a hand dismissively. 00:11:07 Speaker 2: You're more pleasing, think he didn't hug by m huh. Now, be a good one and fetch me. 00:11:13 Speaker 1: Move worn, Abigail said nothing. She took the cup from his hands, rose from her seat, and walked toward the kitchens. David's messengers returned and relayed everything to Joshabin. When Beniah approached David with the news, his face was grim. 00:11:35 Speaker 2: What was Nobal's answer? 00:11:37 Speaker 3: He rejected the request? 00:11:39 Speaker 2: Why does it matter? Of course it does? Tell me what he said? 00:11:44 Speaker 3: Words were slurred out of his fat cheeks. 00:11:47 Speaker 2: They don't mean anything, Beniah, tell me what Nebal said. 00:11:52 Speaker 3: Apparently he doesn't want to waste the resources on a runaway slave peasant, prince nobody. 00:11:59 Speaker 1: So silence, a slow, creeping silence, darker than the night it self. Then, without a word, David stood, He turned and strode toward his tent. Some of the men thought he would go inside, perhaps to pray to cool his rage, as he often did when tested. But when he emerged, David was fully armored. His sword was strapped to his waist, his dagger sheathed at his side. He was not going to pray. He was going to war. 00:12:33 Speaker 2: Strap on your swords, David. 00:12:35 Speaker 3: Nabel is a well known idiot. Are you gonna let him? 00:12:38 Speaker 2: The men deserve better than this. Two hundred will stay behind to guard the camp. The rest ride with me. Nabal will learn what it means to spit in our faces. Abishi, you run ahead and warn the shepherds that were coming, Tell them to retreat with anyone they love. Destruction is coming to Nabal's house. 00:12:58 Speaker 1: Abishai went ahead. The rest marched in silence. No one dared to speak, no one dared to question. David did not boil with fury often, but when he did, it consumed like wildfire. The heavy wooden door swung open with a crash, shaking the frame. As the shepherd stumbled inside, his face was pale with fear, his breath short. 00:13:26 Speaker 6: I'm sorry, mistress, but I must speak with you. 00:13:29 Speaker 8: What's wrong? Is someone hurt? 00:13:32 Speaker 6: Not yet, but perhaps if soon. If we don't do something, David's anger has been kindled against Abel. He plans to destroy the entire house. 00:13:41 Speaker 2: Ah. 00:13:42 Speaker 8: Is this David so fragile that he would kill my husband for mere insults. That doesn't sound like the man of legend and honor I have heard so much about. 00:13:51 Speaker 6: David and his men were good to us. They put their own lives at risk to protect us when they could have simply looked the other way. Had it not been, Neibel would have lost everything. This is about honor. 00:14:04 Speaker 1: The shepherd's voice trembled and Abigail could see it. David had left his mark. 00:14:09 Speaker 9: On the boy. 00:14:11 Speaker 1: She tilted her head, intrigued. 00:14:13 Speaker 8: Who is this David that he would engender so much loyalty? 00:14:17 Speaker 1: She shook her head, dismissing the thought. There was no time for intrigue. Mabel had doomed himself with his foolishness, and it fell upon her to right his wrongs. 00:14:28 Speaker 8: Ah, my husband is a stubborn man. Even if David marched to our gate sword in hand, he would not humble himself to apologize. He would rather die first. 00:14:41 Speaker 1: Abigail pursed her lips. Her mind worked quickly. She was not a woman prone to panic, nor was she one to stand idly by while disaster loomed on the horizon. She tied her hair up, rolled back her sleeves, and strode forward with purpose. 00:14:59 Speaker 8: Come with me, we shall make this right. 00:15:03 Speaker 1: The kitchen roared to life under Abigail's command. She clapped her hands, gathering the attention of every servant within earshot. 00:15:12 Speaker 8: You fetch the grain, You bring wine, skins, as many as you can carry the rest of you to the ovens. We need bread and cakes. 00:15:19 Speaker 1: Quickly the servants leaped into action. The fire in The great ovens blazed as they kneaded and shaped the dough. Two hundred loaves they poured out, wine, filling skin after skin. Five sheep were freshly dressed. Five seers of roasted grain were measured and packed into sacks. A hundred raisin cakes wrapped in warm cloths. Two hundred cakes of figs placed in baskets. 00:15:46 Speaker 8: Load them onto my darkey quickly. We have no time to waste. 00:15:50 Speaker 1: Her hands worked tirelessly alongside the servants, wrapping the food and securing the baskets. Once everything was prepared, she turned to two of her maids. 00:16:00 Speaker 8: Moves, go ahead of me, right up the hill toward the mountain ravine, and find them before they reach us. 00:16:05 Speaker 2: Tell them I. 00:16:06 Speaker 8: Am close below. 00:16:07 Speaker 1: The maid servants bowed their heads and set off into the night, the donkey's hoofs clattering softly against the dirt bath. Abigail exhaled. She had saved many lives that night, at least, she hoped she had. 00:16:23 Speaker 8: We'll see how fools a lot diff it really is. Will he come to his senses? 00:16:30 Speaker 1: The first light of dawn split the sky, casting long shadows over the narrow ravine where David and his men had gathered. Below them, Nable's vast estate waited for destruction. David had not slept. His hands trembled, not from weariness but from rage that had burned steady and unyielding through the night. 00:16:54 Speaker 3: Are you ready, David, after this, there's no turning back. 00:16:59 Speaker 2: He repaid, Good evil, May God deal with me severely if I leave even one of his men alive. By the time the sun sets. 00:17:06 Speaker 1: A ripple of agreement passed through the gathered men. David lifted his hand a silent command to advance. The men began their descent until a distant movement caught David's eye. Three figures approached, two women and a donkey, burdened with baskets. David signaled for the men to hold his fingers tightened around his sword. As he waited. The women came closer, then knelt before him, presenting an offering of cakes, bread and wine. 00:17:40 Speaker 9: Our Lord David, here is a gift from the house of Nebal. 00:17:45 Speaker 1: The men peered into the baskets and laughed, their anger temporarily forgotten in the sight of such lavish offerings. But David did not laugh. 00:17:55 Speaker 2: Nibol Synthiz himself. 00:17:57 Speaker 9: Not nobl our mistress. She is on her way to greet you. 00:18:03 Speaker 8: Now. 00:18:04 Speaker 1: Abigail rode toward them, the wind tugging at her dark curls, making them cascade over her shoulders like flowing water. David studied her. He had expected the wife of a man like Mabel to be different, spoiled by wealth, swollen from a life of indulgence. But Abigail carried herself differently. Abigail looked him over as well, taking in the warrior before her. He was not as towering as she had imagined, but he stood like a king already, every movement commanding attention. His curls fell over his forehead, partially obscuring keen eyes that watched her with silent curiosity. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Then Abigail bowed. 00:18:58 Speaker 8: My Lord David, pardon the household of my husband, paying no attention to his wicked and ignorant words. Frankly, he's an idiot. 00:19:09 Speaker 1: David blinked, no false flattery, no attempt to make excuses. She saw her husband for what he was, and she did not shrink from the truth. She straightened and gestured. 00:19:23 Speaker 8: To his men, I have brought gifts for you and your warriors. May God bless you for your mercy toward the House of Nebal. May He grant you a long lasting dynasty. For you fight the Lord's battles, not petty squabbles against an obtuse and cranky man. I know that's above you. 00:19:40 Speaker 1: A smile tugged at the corner of David's mouth. But Abigail was not finished. 00:19:45 Speaker 8: I know that even as King Saul pursues you, your life is bounced securely by the Lord, your God. The lives of your enemies will be hurled away like a stone from your sling. 00:19:57 Speaker 1: At this, David's brow lifted a stone from your sling. It was a deliberate phrase, one that told him she knew exactly who he was. Abigail stepped closer, her voice softer now. She was speaking only to David. 00:20:16 Speaker 8: When God has fulfilled his column for you and made you king, do you truly want your conscience to be buried with needless bloodshed Swaying the ball would be like pushing a whining toddler. You'll get no satisfaction, only the guilt in knowing. 00:20:33 Speaker 1: That the act was beneath her words were like a cool stream washing over the fire in David's heart. He exhaled sharply and gestured for them to stand down. Immediately, the men relaxed and turned toward the baskets of bread and cakes. 00:20:50 Speaker 2: Blest be the Lord for sending you to me, Abigail, Your good judgment has saved me from her reckless revenge an empty bloodsh It's not like me to be kindled to wrath so easily. 00:21:04 Speaker 8: I can only imagine what you and your men had been doored. But you have gone beyond what others would have done. 00:21:11 Speaker 1: A slow smile spread across David's face, one he could not suppress. Abigail laughed at his expression, and David, for the first time that day, laughed with her. A moment of silence stretched between them, one that neither seemed eager to break, but David knew what had to be said. 00:21:32 Speaker 2: Go home in peace, Abigail. Your wisdom has not only saved your husband's life. Oh so, my God. 00:21:40 Speaker 1: Abigail bowed, then turned back to her donkey. David stood watching her as she rode away, resisting the urge to call her back. She did not turn to look at him, but she smiled the entire way home. Abigail returned to the great hall of her husband's house. She found him at the head of the table, slumped against his chair, already deep into his cups, though the sun still hung high in the sky. His beard was wet with wine, his lips stained crimson, his belly round with excess. 00:22:19 Speaker 2: Oh where have you been? Oh my cup is he's been in need of billy. 00:22:29 Speaker 8: Are you already drunk? It's not even higher. You have to meet with the elders of the synty. 00:22:36 Speaker 4: I didn't pay you further his weight in gold for whining in lectures. 00:22:43 Speaker 2: I wanted a young, pretty. 00:22:45 Speaker 1: Silent one. Nabel snapped, gripping her wrist with surprising strength and yanking her toward him. 00:22:57 Speaker 2: Because of your father's deaths, he could reveal, you'll buy you do what pleases me. Oh wait. 00:23:10 Speaker 1: Abigail recoiled, twisting away from him, but his fingers duved deeper into her flesh. She had endured this for years. The drunken advances, the slurred insults, the life of a woman bound to a man unworthy of her mind, her heart, her very presence. The house was grand, but she was a prisoner within it. 00:23:35 Speaker 8: You ought to thank me the ball. I stopped David the Giant Slayer and his men from reading our home and killing you. After you foolishly insulted him. He marched against you. If not for me and these servants, you would have met the tip of his spear. 00:23:51 Speaker 1: The hall fell silent. Nobel's drunken haze lifted just enough for the words to register. His eyes widened, bloodshot and unfocused, and then rage. 00:24:04 Speaker 2: You exsolent, childish disobedience. 00:24:08 Speaker 1: His words strangled themselves in his throat, his chest, heaved, His breath came in short, panicked gasps. One hand clutched at his tunic, the other stretched toward Abigail as if to grasp her, But before his fingers could reach, his legs gave out. He collapsed forward, his heavy body hitting the stone floor with a sickening thud. Abigail watched as Mabel's face twisted in pain, his lips parting in silent horror. The great fool of Carmel was dead, and Abigail was finally free. The news of Mabel's death came swiftly, carried by one of David's messengers, who rode hard through the wilderness to bring word. David exhales slowly, a weight lifting from his chest. Not relief that Mabel was dead, but that he had not been the one to stain his hands with the fool's blood. 00:25:11 Speaker 2: Praise you, Lord, Praise you for your justice and kindness. You upheld my cause against Nabole, You kept me from mindless bloodshed. 00:25:22 Speaker 1: You sent Abigail to He hesitated. Abigail. The name alone sent a flutter through his chest. David smiled, shaking his head, What a breathtaking woman. Without another word, he turned back to camp, saddled a horse, and rode. He told no one where he was going. He did not need to. The stars stretched wide above him, a vast canopy of silver, guiding him over the hills toward Carmel. The cool night air pressed against his skin, but there was a warmth burning deep in his chest. He reached Nebor's house, its great stone walls, standing quiet in the moonlight. The feasts were over, the drunken revelry silenced. David looked up to the window above. She was there. Abigail sat at the ledge, her hair loose, her chin resting in her hand. She stared into the night, lost in thought, until she noticed the lone rider below David. Their eyes met, A slow smile spread across her lips, and she rose from her seat, disappearing from the window. Moments later, the heavy wooden door creaked open, and there she was, standing before him in the golden glow of torchlight. David had fought battles against giants and kings, had mud arch through war and wilderness, had stood before Saul himself and lived to tell of it. But standing before Abigail now he felt unarmed, vulnerable. She tilted her head, bemused by his nervous grin Come. 00:27:18 Speaker 8: For more fig cakes if you have any despair. 00:27:22 Speaker 1: She stepped aside, and he entered. The great hall, once filled with neighbles drunken boasts, was quiet. They walked together, speaking in hush tones, sharing stories and laughter, as if they had known each other their whole lives. Abigail watched David intently, drawn not only to his words, but to the way he spoke them. 00:27:49 Speaker 2: His voice was rich. 00:27:50 Speaker 1: And warm, laced with a melody that made her heart tremble. He was unlike any man she had known, brave yet gentle, fierce yet kind, and above all, he listened. He truly listened. David watched her with equal wonder. As the fire in the hearth crackled and the night stretched on, there came a moment, a perfect, fragile moment, where the world outside no longer mattered. David leaned forward and Abigail did not pull away. Their lips met soft and uncertain at first, then deepening into something neither of them could deny. Her hands pressed lightly against his chest, his fingers tangled in her dark curls. For the first time in what felt like decades, David did not feel like a man on the run. For the first time in years, Abigail did not feel like a forgotten bride. That night, they fell in love. By morning, Abigail gathered her things, mounted her horse, and rode into the wilderness, not as Mabel's widow, but as David's bride. 00:29:21 Speaker 5: If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and it has affected your life, we'd love it if you left her of youew 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 vischmurechra Yeah, Heir hashempanave ele y Sa Hachempanavelera Shalon. 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. 00:30:03 Speaker 1: 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 preydog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, 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 Salvado, 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 Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at inter National 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.