David is Anointed

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on The Chosen People.... 00:00:03 Speaker 2: You can't see everything! 00:00:06 Speaker 3: You can't see my heart! 00:00:08 Speaker 4: The Lord can. 00:00:09 Speaker 5: He sees your soul. 00:00:11 Speaker 6: For all your strength, height, and stature. 00:00:15 Speaker 1: You are a pathetic, weak, small little man. 00:00:22 Speaker 6: Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king. No, no, no! As you have torn my robe, so the Lord has torn. 00:00:34 Speaker 5: The kingdom from you. 00:00:36 Speaker 6: He will give it to another. 00:00:38 Speaker 5: The Lord has already chosen him. He is a man that seeks after the heart of God. 00:00:45 Speaker 1: More than the heart of the people. A good shepherd always lays his life for the sheep. And young David, son of Jesse, was a good shepherd. The boy lifted his face to the sky and closed his eyes. The Lord is my shield. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. 00:01:15 Speaker 5: He leads me beside still waters. 00:01:18 Speaker 1: He restores my soul. The stars were unchanging. cold and distant, unmoved by the weight of the world below them. Samuel knelt beneath them, his hands pressed into the dirt, his forehead resting against the ground. His bones ached with age, but his heart ached far worse. He had anointed Saul with these very hands, had placed the crown upon his brow, had prayed over him, had whispered blessings as the young man trembled before God. Saul had been chosen, or at least he had been what the people had chosen. A king tall and strong, a warrior with a voice that could rattle shields and stir men's hearts. But now, now he was little more than a madman on a gilded throne, hiding his insecurities behind empty prayers and brash commands. 00:02:29 Speaker 5: Your spirit has left him, Lord, and I fear the kingdom will soon suffer the same fate. 00:02:38 Speaker 1: Samuel's hands curled into fists. He had pleaded with God, had wept for Saul's soul night after night, waiting for an answer that never came. Until now. 00:02:52 Speaker 4: How long will you mourn for Saul? I have rejected him as king. Now, rise, fill your horn with oil, and go to Jesse of Bethlehem. Among his sons, you'll find the king. 00:03:12 Speaker 1: I have chosen. Samuel let out a slow, shuddering breath. A new king. A true king. Not one demanded by the people, but one God had set apart. And yet, Saul was still on the throne. 00:03:31 Speaker 5: Lord, how can I go? If Saul hears of it, he'll have me killed. 00:03:37 Speaker 1: Saul's paranoia had worsened in recent months. The king had grown restless, suspicious of every whisper in his court. He sent his men to watch Samuel's home, had them patrol the roads leading in and out of Ramah, looking for signs of betrayal. If he so much as suspected Samuel was anointing another king, the prophet would be dead before he reached Bethlehem. But the voice of the Lord was steady. 00:04:10 Speaker 2: Take her ever with you and say, I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Invite Jesse and his sons to the feast. When you arrive, I will show you what to do. You will anoint the one I have chosen. 00:04:28 Speaker 1: A breath of wind stirred the leaves. The stars remained still. Samuel's lips pressed into a thin line. The Lord had spoken. For the first time in months, peace settled over the old prophet. Bethlehem was a small, quiet town nestled among the hills. It was known for its fertile lands and shepherding families. It was a place of simple men, hard labor, and few troubles. So when the prophet of Israel walked through the streets, leading a heifer behind him, the people noticed. They whispered in the marketplace, Women clutching baskets of grain glanced over their shoulders, murmuring behind their palms. The blacksmith's hammer slowed its rhythm, striking metal with half the force as its owner stared after the old man's hunched form. He was known to them, and they feared him. Word had travelled fast from Gilgal. Samuel had taken up Saul's own sword and hacked King Agag to pieces. Blood had painted the floor, splattered his face, and soaked the prophet's robes. A judge of Israel in every sense of the word. The town's elders gathered in his path, standing before him like a row of nervous birds. They were old men with weathered hands, men who had seen droughts and famines, but nothing like this. One of them stepped forward. Samuel smirked. He let the silence stretch just long enough to watch them shift uncomfortably, then spoke. 00:06:22 Speaker 6: I come in peace. 00:06:25 Speaker 1: The elders exhaled as one. Shoulders relaxed, Samuel tugged at the rope and the heifer stepped forward, its hooves pressing into the dry earth. 00:06:37 Speaker 6: I have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and join me. We will worship together, and afterward we will feast in the house of Jesse. 00:06:50 Speaker 1: The name sent a ripple through the gathered men. Jesse, a man of good standing. Not nobility, not a warrior of renown, but well-respected nonetheless. A man whose sons were strong and capable. Eliab, the eldest, had already taken up arms in Saul's army. A family worth honouring. Samuel watched as they exchanged glances. He knew what they were thinking. A feast in Jesse's house, a prophet in their midst. What exactly had he come to do? Samuel gave them no answer. He simply turned and walked toward Jesse's house, leading the heifer behind him. The elders followed, and the whispers began again. The house of Jesse was vibrating with frenetic energy. Jesse had entertained guests before. Merchants from Hebron, visiting elders from Bethlehem's neighbouring villages, important men, men of wisdom, men of wealth. But never a man like this. Never a prophet. The prophet. The weight of it pressed into his chest, filling him with equal parts pride and anxiety. Samuel had shared meals with kings, he had walked with Saul in his earliest days, had anointed him, had counseled him, had rebuked him. Now the old prophet was coming to his house. Jesse could barely believe it. His wife bustled about the home, barking orders at her daughters as they scoured the floors and prepared the kitchen. The scent of roasting lamb and baking bread filled the air. mingling with the fresh scent of crushed rosemary and garlic. The wooden table was polished, and the cups scrubbed until they gleamed in the candlelight. Outside, an altar had been erected. Samuel would make his sacrifice before the meal, offering the first portions to the Lord before sharing the rest with the household. Jesse straightened his tunic and turned to his children. His sons stood in perfect formation. Their shoulders squared, their jaws set. His daughters knelt at his feet, their heads bowed, their hands folded neatly. 00:09:18 Speaker 4: In their laps. 00:09:19 Speaker 1: They had all been washed, anointed with oil, and dressed in their finest garments. All except one. Jesse barely noticed the absence. In fact, David hadn't even been told about Samuel's arrival. Jesse briefly thought about sending for him, then decided not to. David's muddy cheeks and unkempt hair would only distract Samuel from the impressive crop of children. Jesse fixed his eyes on Eliab. Tall, broad shoulders, a warrior, a man. Jesse placed his hands on his eldest son's shoulders, gripping them firmly. This was his pride, his strength, his firstborn. 00:10:07 Speaker 3: Eliab, you are the honor of this house. You are my firstborn, a warrior of Israel. Tonight, you shall sit beside the prophet himself. Hold yourself with dignity, my son, for I believe Samuel comes for more than a meal. 00:10:28 Speaker 1: Eliab nodded, his expression unreadable. The others did the same, though Jesse barely spared them a glance. He had already decided. If the prophet had come looking for someone, it would be Eliab. It had to be Eliab. And so... As the sun began its descent and the time for the feast approached, Jesse's mind was settled. Tonight, the prophet would sit at his table, and before the night was through, his eldest son would be chosen. For what, he did not know. The fire on the altar had burned low. the smoke curling lazily into the sky as the scent of roasted meat lingered in the air. Samuel stood over the embers, his hands lifted as he whispered his final prayers. The sacrifice had been made. Now it was time to meet the new king. He turned to Jesse, his voice calm but firm. 00:11:36 Speaker 5: Gather your sons. 00:11:38 Speaker 3: Come. 00:11:39 Speaker 1: Jesse obeyed without question, gathering his children with the pride of a man displaying his finest wares. Samuel watched as they assembled before him, tall, broad-shouldered men with keen eyes and strong hands. They stood with the posture of warriors, sons of a man who had raised them to carry the weight of his name. They were impressive, no doubt, but Samuel had seen impressive before. As the feast began, Samuel took his place at the table. Eliab, Jesse's eldest, sat beside him. The young man was everything a king should be, or at least everything men thought a king should be. He had his father's stature, Saul's easy charm, and the quiet confidence of a man who expected to command. Samuel listened as Eliab spoke Weaving effortlessly between politics and war, his voice carrying a natural authority. He gestured with the elders, his words balanced between wit and wisdom. His laughter was loud and strong, his presence undeniable. 00:12:54 Speaker 5: Surely this is the one. He has all the makings of a good king. 00:12:59 Speaker 2: Look past his height and appearance, Samuel. I have rejected the man before you. Man sees the strength of the arms and the bearing of the shoulders, but I see the heart. 00:13:15 Speaker 1: Samuel's stomach twisted. How many times had he seen men like this? Men who looked like kings, men who carried themselves like kings, men who became kings only to let power rot them from the inside out. He had spent years watching Saul darken under the weight of his own pride. He had no desire to anoint another like him. Samuel lowered his gaze, exhaling slowly. Not this one. He turned to Jesse. 00:13:49 Speaker 5: Bring all your sons to me. I wish to see them. 00:13:53 Speaker 1: Jesse's face shone with pride as he called them forward. Samuel rose, walking slowly down the line, his old eyes searching each man as if he could see past flesh and bone into the very core of them. He stood before Abinadab, gripping the young man's hands, staring deep into his eyes. 00:14:16 Speaker 4: Nothing. 00:14:17 Speaker 5: Neither has the Lord chosen this one. 00:14:21 Speaker 1: Samuel didn't say the words out loud. Instead, he moved his gaze onto Shammah, The young man was shorter than Eliab, but more thickly built, his hands scarred from his time in Saul's ranks. He was a soldier, hardened and battle-tested. Samuel studied him, but once again, the answer was clear. One by one, he passed through Jesse's sons. Strong men, capable men. Not one of them was chosen. Samuel sighed, rubbing his temple. 00:15:00 Speaker 6: Jesse, are these all your sons? 00:15:04 Speaker 1: Jesse hesitated, then let out a small chuckle. 00:15:11 Speaker 3: There is still no mystery, but he is out with the sheep. 00:15:15 Speaker 1: You wouldn't want to meet him, though. 00:15:16 Speaker 5: He's unruly. 00:15:19 Speaker 1: Eliab and the others chuckled with their father. Samuel's brow furrowed. 00:15:25 Speaker 6: Where is your pasture? 00:15:27 Speaker 1: Jesse waved vaguely toward the outskirts of his land. Beyond the stables, past me. The boy wanders with the sheep. 00:15:37 Speaker 3: He plays his little harp on the disciples. It's best not to bother him. 00:15:43 Speaker 1: Samuel frowned. Jesse spoke of his youngest as if he were some stray dog, a boy barely worth mentioning. He had paraded the others before him with pride. But this son had been forgotten, dismissed before he was even considered. That alone was enough to pique Samuel's interest. 00:16:06 Speaker 6: I shall be on my own way then. Thank you for your hospitality. May the Lord bless you. 00:16:12 Speaker 1: And keep you. 00:16:14 Speaker 2: So soon? 00:16:15 Speaker 3: We have more of the meal still. 00:16:17 Speaker 2: And wine. 00:16:18 Speaker 1: Please stay a while. 00:16:21 Speaker 6: I have a long journey ahead of me. These old knees of mine make it seem any longer. It's best for me to move now and beat the sun. 00:16:31 Speaker 1: The old prophet turned and strode past the stables and up the hill. The wildflowers swayed gently in the breeze, dotting the green hills with splashes of white and yellow. The wind carried with it the sound of soft music, light and airy, rising and falling as if carried by the breath of the earth itself. Samuel followed the melody, letting it guide him. At the top of the hill, he found the boy. He was under the cypress tree, half reclined against its trunk, fingers dancing across the strings of his lyre. He was younger than Samuel had expected, no older than sixteen, His build was lean, not yet touched by the weight of war or the burdens of men. His hair was sun-kissed and wild, his skin ruddy from the days spent in open fields. There was nothing outwardly remarkable about him, and yet he played his instrument as if the sky itself was listening. Samuel did not interrupt. He sat on a stone a few yards away, closing his eyes, letting the music sink into his weary bones. There was something in it, something deep, something honest. The song was raw, brimming with sorrow and joy in equal measure. This was not the song of a child. This was the song of a heart that had known both hardship and wonder, both wounds and healing. The final notes faded and Samuel leaned forward, clearing his throat. David startled, eyes sharp, staff in hand before Samuel could blink. The boy was quick on his feet. Samuel took notice. 00:18:34 Speaker 3: Who are you? 00:18:36 Speaker 5: Peace, my son. 00:18:38 Speaker 2: I mean no harm. 00:18:40 Speaker 6: I am the prophet Samuel. I was just enjoying a meal with your family. 00:18:45 Speaker 4: Oh. I see. 00:18:48 Speaker 1: David lowered his staff, his lips pursed. Clearly he hadn't been told about the event. Samuel saw that flash of hurt. He was a forgotten son, unseen by his father. But it appears that the Lord saw him. 00:19:06 Speaker 5: Tell me, why were you not in attendance at the feast? 00:19:11 Speaker 1: I'm only a shepherd. 00:19:13 Speaker 3: I suppose my place is among the sheep. 00:19:16 Speaker 1: Samuel inhaled sharply, and in that instant the voice of the Lord came. 00:19:22 Speaker 2: Arise, anoint him, for this is the one I have chosen. 00:19:30 Speaker 1: The prophet exhaled, closing his eyes. He could see it now, the fire buried deep within this boy's soul, the wild heart that refused to be tamed. The strength that did not come from height or steel, but from something far greater. This was no Saul. This was no Eliab. This was something entirely different. 00:19:58 Speaker 5: Surely you are not only a shepherd. What is your name? 00:20:03 Speaker 2: David. 00:20:05 Speaker 5: Dear David, the Lord desires to bless you. 00:20:10 Speaker 1: The boy's eyes glistened at that. Samuel hadn't told him anything new. David had known the Lord. David knelt down as Samuel commanded. The aging prophet lifted the horn of oil, tilting it forward. The thick liquid poured over David's head, running down his face and soaking into his tunic. And in that moment... The spirit of the Lord rushed upon him like a mighty storm. David gasped. His hands gripped the earth as his breath came in ragged gulps, his body trembling under the weight of something vast, something beyond him. Samuel stepped back, watching. The boy's fingers curled into the dirt. His shoulders heaved, and then slowly he lifted his head, eyes burning like the rising sun. He did not know what this meant. Not yet. But he felt it. Samuel turned, satisfied. 00:21:13 Speaker 3: Ah, yes. 00:21:16 Speaker 4: There it is. 00:21:18 Speaker 6: A man after God's own heart. 00:21:21 Speaker 5: It was a pleasure to meet you, young David. I have a feeling we will meet again. 00:21:27 Speaker 1: Samuel departed without explaining the significance of what happened. He did not need to bring David before the people as he had with Saul. The Lord would unfold his plan in time. One day, David would be more than just a shepherd. One day, he would rule. But for now, Samuel left him in the fields, left him with his sheep, with his songs, with his simple joys. For the time would come soon enough When David would no longer be tending sheep, his life would become wildly more complicated. The time would come when he would shepherd a nation. 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.