The Hunt for David Begins

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the Chosen People. They sang a song, one that rippled through the crowd like wildfire. Saul has sain his thousands, but David his ten thousands. 00:00:14 Speaker 2: He will take it. 00:00:18 Speaker 3: From me. 00:00:20 Speaker 4: Mike, my kingdom, my throng, my legacy. 00:00:26 Speaker 3: I will not let him. 00:00:27 Speaker 1: I will not let him. Saul rose from his throne, the spear held firmly in his grasp. David's eyes fluttered open, just as Saul whispered under his breath, clean him to the wall. Saul was already reaching for a third spear when David darted to the window. 00:00:51 Speaker 5: I hope we can put our disagreement yesterday behind. 00:00:54 Speaker 1: Us, and for a time peace returned. David was restored Saul's court. The boy did not hesitate. The moment Saul's hand twitched toward another spear, David turned and. 00:01:13 Speaker 6: Fled Shelloh, 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. 00:01:30 Speaker 7: A dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning of life. 00:01:38 Speaker 6: 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 hearing more about the prophetic, life saving work of the Fellowship, you can visit i FCJ dot org. Let's begin. 00:02:09 Speaker 1: The sun was bleeding out over the hills of Ramah, spilling its last crimson light across the dirt path. David had run hard and fast, his body aching from the journey away from sore. His lungs burned with every breath, But now as he neared the house on the hill, the air itself seemed to change. The scent of blood and burning incense drifted toward him. To his left, a stone altar stood dark with sacrifice, its surface streaked with fresh blood. To his right, smoke curled from the opening inner cottage, and the flickering of firelight danced in the windows. David took a steadying breath and approached the home he not. The door slowly creaked open, releasing the mingleed aroama of roasted meat and sacred oils. David fell to his knees, feeling himself breaking. 00:03:13 Speaker 8: I'm sorry for disturbing you. I had nowhere else to go. 00:03:19 Speaker 1: Her shadow leaned forward, and a gentle hand, thin gnarled with age, touched his shoulder. 00:03:27 Speaker 9: Come in, dear boy, You're safe. 00:03:30 Speaker 3: Here. 00:03:31 Speaker 1: There, with the soft glow of the fire. Dancing behind him stood Samuel. A wave of emotion crashed over David. Tears spilled down his cheeks unbidden. Samuel's withered hand grasped his arm, lifting him from the dust. 00:03:51 Speaker 8: Samuel saw he was so angry. 00:03:54 Speaker 9: He tried to I know what soul has done done. Come inside. We shall worship the Lord together, and he shall deliver you and the vengeance of Saul. 00:04:08 Speaker 1: David followed him. Inside. The house was warm, filled with the low murmur of voices. Samuel's students sat by the fire, sharing bread and meat. David sank to the floor among them, his body weary, but his mind still restless, and so he spoke. He told them everything. David's words poured out of him like water breaking free from a dam. When the telling was done, his voice was raw, his body spent. He leaned back against the wall, rubbing the heel of his palm against his tired eyes. Samuel's students rose. They brought him water, placed food in his hands, and prayed over him. There was nothing else to be done. Now. They knew Saul's men would come, That much was certain. But if David was truly the anointed king, then the Lord would provide he had to. Saul sat slouched on his throne, one hand gripping his goblet, the other drumming impatiently on the armrest, his jaw clenched. As Abner stepped forward, head bowed in deference. 00:05:30 Speaker 2: One of our men returned with word of David, my king, you seen near. 00:05:34 Speaker 4: Rama, Rama, No doubt that rad has gone to the old prophet. Is David Samuel's shiny new toy. Does he plan to annoy him as king? 00:05:49 Speaker 3: Or for me? 00:05:51 Speaker 5: Not? 00:05:51 Speaker 1: If I have anything the same about it. Saul rose, abruptly, stepping down from his throne. With slow, deliberate strides, His broad frame cast a long shadow over Abner. 00:06:06 Speaker 5: Go take as many men as you need, drag him from Samuel's speed if you must, but bring David temple. 00:06:15 Speaker 1: Abner bowed and left without another word. Saul exhaled through his nose, his shoulders rising and falling. With barely contained rage, he turned to the wall, where his spear leaned beside his throne. His fingers traced the cool metal of the shaft, and he gripped it tightly, feeling the familiar weight in his hands. 00:06:39 Speaker 3: I will have that boy spread, no matter what it takes. 00:06:52 Speaker 1: The next day, Saul's men made their way up the winding dirt path to niith in Rama. They marched with swords drawn, ready to seize David by force. Yet as they neared the dwelling, they heard voices, many voices raised not in battle, but in song. The warriors hesitated, their grips, tightening on their weapons. Before them stood Samuel and his students. Their hands lifted their voices, carrying across the hilltop in resounding praise. The very air seemed to tremble with the weight of their worship. The soldiers pressed forward, yet with each step an unseen force took hold of them. It wrapped around their hearts, filling them with warmth and light. Their hands, so eager for bloodshed, began to tremble. One by one. Their weapons fell to the ground. Then it happened a shudder ran through them. The presence of the Lord descended upon them with undeniable power, and their voices betrayed them. They too began to worship, their knees buckling beneath the weight of something far greater than themselves. God had built a wall around David, not of stone or steel, but of his spirit. No sword could breach it. The men returned to Gibea empty handed, their faces alight with something otherworldly. They had left as warriors, they returned as worshipers. Saul's face twisted in fury as he beheld them, his nails dug into the arms of his throne. What madness is this? 00:08:51 Speaker 3: Have you all turned into prophets? 00:08:55 Speaker 1: The men stood speechless before him, their hearts still from what they had experienced. Saul's rage was a wildfire, now consuming reason, scorching away the last of his patients. He could not trust his men to do what needed to be done. If he wanted David's head, he would have to take it himself. The king grabbed his spear and stormed from the palace, calling for his horse. The ride to Ramah was swift, Saul's body ached with tension, his fingers twitching at the mere thought of David standing beside Samuel, plotting, waiting for his moment to strike the traitor, thieve Surber. As they crested the final hill, Saul saw them there outside Samuel's house. The prophets still stood, their voices rising like the roar of a distant ocean. Samuel stood among them. Saul pressed his heels into his horse, charging forward with every intent to end this now that then something unseen reached for him. It was not a hand, it was not a blade. It was power. It crashed over Saw like a mighty wave, knocking the air from his lungs. Saw gasped the window, it driving him from his horse. His knees hid the earth hard, and he could do nothing but shake. His whole body convulsed as the spirit of the Lord poured over him like oil from an anointing horn. 00:10:39 Speaker 3: Ugh to me, matter, you do it to meh. 00:11:02 Speaker 1: The seer stood atop the hill, looking down at Saul, with the wind tugging at his robes. 00:11:10 Speaker 9: Enjoy this moment, song, This is what you're rejected. This is the spirit of our Lord. 00:11:17 Speaker 1: Saul, the Mighty King, the slayer of thousands, fell to his hands and wept The presence of the Lord was not unfamiliar to him, yet it had been so long, so painfully long, since he had known it. It filled him now, despite his anger, despite his hatred, and for the first time in years, Saul did not feel empty. His tears soaked the dirb beneath him. His breathing came in uneven gasps. His body could not bear the weight of it. Saul tore at his robes, whipping them from his chest, as if to lay himself bear before God. The Lord had come not to console him, not to forgive him, but to show him that David was untouchable. David stood by the window, watching as Saul stumbled back down the hill. His face was still streaked with tears, and his royal robes were left in tatters behind him. Saul was a man divided. The spirit had not come to change him. It had come to remind him of what he had lost. David turned away from the window and faced Samuel, who sat once more by the fire. The old prophet gestured for him to sit. For a long while. Neither of them spoke. Then David sighed, his voice quiet. 00:12:56 Speaker 8: Thank you for all you've done, but I've put you and your students in enough danger. I must leave tonight. 00:13:07 Speaker 1: Samuel did not argue. He simply tilted his head toward the fire and stared earnestly. The embers pulsed softly, glowing like tiny hearts in the darkness. It seemed that David had been tending to it. He was attentive to keep the coals burning. 00:13:27 Speaker 9: Let me ask you something, David, what will you do if Saul catches you? Will you slay him as you did the Giant? 00:13:37 Speaker 2: Of course not. 00:13:39 Speaker 8: Saul is troubled, but he isn't the monster. 00:13:43 Speaker 1: Samuel's eyes narrowed down at the young man, A deep sorrow within was illuminated by the nearby firelight. 00:13:51 Speaker 9: We all have monsters within us, young David, you'll best remember that. You'll find it as far easier to slay the on the battlefield than those in your own heart. 00:14:03 Speaker 1: David paused at that, taking it in, but knowing that there were pieces to Samuel's proverb that he couldn't quite grasp yet. But he would. 00:14:14 Speaker 8: May the Lord search my heart and seek out any wickedness within. 00:14:20 Speaker 1: Samuel studied him for a long moment, then placed a hand atop his head, just as he had done on the day he anointed him, He prayed with him, and then he let him go. David disappeared into the night, slipping down the same road Saul had taken. Gibea awaited him, Jonathan awaited him. There was still one more answer he needed. The moon hung low over the fields of Gibea, a pale silver coin cast adrift in the vast black of their hea heavens. Jonathan sat perched on the stone wall outside his home, gazing at the fields below. This was where he and David had always met, away from the watchful eyes of the court, from the endless expectations of war and duty. Then a voice whispered from the shadow of the war Jonathan. David leaned against the wall, hood over his head. Jonathan leaped from the war and rushed to him, embracing him tightly. 00:15:33 Speaker 2: I thought you had left forever. My father has been in search of you. 00:15:38 Speaker 8: What was my crime, Jonathan? What sin have I committed that your father seeks my life? Have I not fought for him, bled for him, served him. I've given him everything. 00:15:51 Speaker 2: My father swore to me that he would not kill you. 00:15:54 Speaker 1: Jonathan said the words, though even as he spoke they felt hollow in his mouth. 00:16:01 Speaker 2: Before you leave, I want to be certain there's no turning back for him. I want to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there's no reconciliation. 00:16:10 Speaker 8: He knows we're closer than brothers, Jonathan. He wouldn't tell you if he was plotting to kill me or not. You know he suspects you are the one who warned me. He'd soon a whisper to a viper. Then confide in you now. 00:16:22 Speaker 1: Jonathan flinched, but he did not argue. His father had grown secretive and erratic, his paranoia a sickness that spread deeper every day. David turned to him, his expressions softer. 00:16:37 Speaker 8: Now, I don't doubt you're loyalty, Jonathan, not for a moment. 00:16:43 Speaker 1: But David was silent, unnerved, and unsure of what to do next. Jonathan placed a hand on his shoulder. 00:16:53 Speaker 2: Tell me what you need. 00:16:55 Speaker 1: David exhaled slowly. He looked up at the sky, at the cold, the watching moon. 00:17:02 Speaker 8: Tomorrow's the new moon. Your father will expect me at the feast. To refuse his table would be an insult. But I'll not be there. I will hide in the hills beyond the fields, and you'll tell him I've gone to Bethlehem to make a sacrifice of my clan. If he accepts this without anger, then we'll know I'm safe. But if it's temper rises. 00:17:29 Speaker 1: David trailed off the unspoken words lingered between them, Jonathan's breath hitched. 00:17:36 Speaker 2: Then we will know that he truly means to kill you. 00:17:39 Speaker 8: You should have seen his face, Jonathan, the way he looked at me. I've seen that look before, in Goliath's eyes, before I cut him down. 00:17:51 Speaker 1: Jonathan's stomach twisted. David unsheathed his sword and placed it in Jonathan's hands. 00:17:59 Speaker 8: If you believe me guilty of any crime, then strike me down yourself. Better to die by a friend's hand than an enemy's. 00:18:08 Speaker 1: Jonathan shoved the sword back at him. 00:18:11 Speaker 2: Shut up about that stuff. 00:18:13 Speaker 1: Jonathan grabbed David's arm and pulled him to his feet. 00:18:18 Speaker 2: Come with me. 00:18:19 Speaker 1: They walked in silence down to the fields, where the wind stirred the grass into hushed whispers. Jonathan pointed to the caves nestled in the distant hills. 00:18:30 Speaker 2: Do you remember what I told you the night I gave you my armor? 00:18:35 Speaker 8: You said I would be king. 00:18:37 Speaker 2: I still believe it. And I'm certain my father believes it too. That's why he hates you. 00:18:43 Speaker 1: The wind died down, the night seemed suddenly quiet. Jonathan inhaled sharply, his voice thick with emotion. 00:18:53 Speaker 2: Sometimes I linger in the halls and listen to you play your songs. They speak of things beyond war and blood. There is a love in them, a love for the Lord that my father no longer understands. That is why the Lord is with. 00:19:08 Speaker 3: You, David. 00:19:09 Speaker 2: That is why he will raise you up. 00:19:12 Speaker 1: His fingers curled into a fist and pounded his chest. 00:19:17 Speaker 2: When that day comes, when my father is dust and you sit on the throne, I ask only this, show mercy to my house, protect my wife, my children. 00:19:28 Speaker 1: David stared at him. He wanted to deny it, to tell Jonathan that he was wrong, that he had no desire for the throne, But he had come to understand the truth of his anointing. The Lord had chosen him, and Saul knew it. 00:19:46 Speaker 8: I swear it by the Lord's name. I will show your house kindness. 00:19:52 Speaker 1: Jonathan turned towards the palace. 00:19:55 Speaker 2: In three days time, I will go to the fields and practice with my bow. It is my father, his heart has softened. I will shoot three arrows and tell my servant the arrows are on that side. That will mean the dangerous past, and you may return. But if I call out, go further, run, and you will know you must flee. 00:20:15 Speaker 8: I will wait for your word. 00:20:17 Speaker 2: There are friends who stick closer than brothers. 00:20:20 Speaker 8: And there are fools who walk willingly into the lions den. 00:20:24 Speaker 1: The two embraced. Jonathan turned and made his way back to the city. David stood alone in the fields, the hills stretching out before him. He turned toward the dark mouth of the cave, setting his pack down inside. The stone was cold against his back. As he leaned into it, he sighed, the sound of it echoing through the cavern's depths. Then softly he began to sing, Oh Lord, my God, to you. 00:21:01 Speaker 8: Save me from those who chase after O Lord, if guilt is found in my. 00:21:09 Speaker 10: Hands, if I have done were justice bands, and let my foe hunt me down, tremble my soul, claim my crown, let them tear me like lions might, and lay my honor in dust at night. 00:21:34 Speaker 1: So now the words carried through the cave, filling the silence with something holy. David closed his eyes. Though the world had cast him out, the lord had not even here in the cold darkness, he was not alone, and so he slept. The torches burned low, casting flickering shadows over the long table where Saul's court had gathered. The scent of roasted lamb and spiced wine filled the air, mingling with the murmur of conversation. The nobles of Israel drank deeply and laughed loudly. But Saul sat at the head of the table, watching. He paraded his family through the halls, smiling, nodding, his voice warm with false affection. But his eyes, his eyes never stopped searching. And then he saw it, the empty seat where David was meant to sit. Saul's goblet paused near his lips, The smile on his face twitched and faded. His fingers tapped against the table's edge. 00:22:53 Speaker 8: Where is the sun of Jesse? 00:22:56 Speaker 1: He turned his gaze to Jonathan. 00:23:00 Speaker 5: First he threatens my daughter's life, and now he has the gull to shirk his royal duties. 00:23:07 Speaker 1: The table fell into a hush. Jonathan met his father's gaze across the table, careful, measured. He could feel the weight of every eye upon him. 00:23:19 Speaker 2: David asked me to leave, to go to Bethlehem. His fathers and brothers demanded it of him, so I allowed it. 00:23:26 Speaker 1: For a moment, there was nothing. Then a crack, the sound of saws dacker driving into the wood of the table. 00:23:35 Speaker 8: Good, stupid ay. 00:23:38 Speaker 1: The words rang through the hall, silencing every murmuring noble, every shifting servant. The air was thick with the scent of wine and tension. All eyes turned toward Jonathan, who sat motionless, unflinching beneath his father's fury. Saul's nostrils flared, his breath came heavy and sharp. 00:24:02 Speaker 5: Do you take me for a fool? I know what you're doing. You and the Shepherd have been conspiring against me. You wanted him to take my place. 00:24:20 Speaker 1: Oh what then, is. 00:24:21 Speaker 3: He gonna make you? 00:24:22 Speaker 5: His queen certainly played the part by giving him so much favor. 00:24:29 Speaker 1: Jonathan said nothing. Saul grabbed his plate and hold it against the wall. The clatter of broken pottery echoed through the chamber. Then his hand found the spear beside him. He gripped it, his knuckles white, and pointed the sharp and tip at his own son. 00:24:49 Speaker 3: You've shamed me, You shamed yourself. You shamed your mother. You want him to take the kingdom from me? 00:25:01 Speaker 1: His hand trembled as he tightened his grip on the spear. Jonathan stood slowly, his chair scraping against the floor. He looked his father in the eye, his expression unreadable. 00:25:14 Speaker 2: Is the lord who will take your kingdom away? 00:25:17 Speaker 1: Not David? 00:25:18 Speaker 3: Saul? Lord? 00:25:20 Speaker 1: The spear left his hand in an instant, whistling through the air, Jonathan moved just enough. The spear struck the wall behind him, the impact sending a tremor through the stone. The hale fell deathly silent. Saul stood there, panting, his fingers still curled, as if the weapon had never left his grasp. His eyes darted to Abner. 00:25:47 Speaker 3: Go find the boy. 00:25:49 Speaker 2: Do not rest until he has brought to me. 00:25:52 Speaker 5: I will have his head mounted over my throne. The world will know that I prevail over the giants. 00:26:00 Speaker 3: There. 00:26:02 Speaker 1: Jonathan slammed his hand against the table. The goblets rattled. 00:26:07 Speaker 3: You won't. 00:26:10 Speaker 2: What, Jonathan, you want to stab me? 00:26:14 Speaker 3: Will? 00:26:14 Speaker 1: Will you drive a sword into my chest? 00:26:18 Speaker 5: No, you don't have the manhood. 00:26:22 Speaker 3: A king makes the hard decisions. 00:26:25 Speaker 5: A king takes the action for his nation, no matter what. 00:26:30 Speaker 1: With that The king turned and stormed from the chamber, his fury echoing in the halls. The hunt had begun. Jonathan walked through the tall grass with measured steps, his bow slung over his shoulder, his quiver full. His servant followed close behind, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, unaware of the weight in his master's heart. Jonathan knew David was watching. He knew his friend was crouched in the caves beyond the field, waiting for the sign that would seal his fate. He knocked an arrow, drawing the bowstring back until the wood creaked beneath his fingers. He loosed it. The arrow sang through the morning air, vanishing into the distance. Go fetch it for me, The servant nodded and ran forward. Jonathan watched him go, then lifted another arrow, his hands steady in war, trembled. Now he shot again. The boy neared the place where the arrows had fallen, but Jonathan called out, his voice, sharp, urgent. 00:27:41 Speaker 2: Keep running. The arrow is still ahead of you. Hurry, hurry, do not wait even a moment. 00:27:46 Speaker 1: The words rang through the empty field, carried on the wind. They were meant for David, hidden in the shadows, David pressed his forehead against the cool stone of the cave. The moment had come. There would be no returning to Gibeah, no feasting in the king's hall, no playing his harp beneath Saul's throne. He was a fugitive now. David pulled his cloak tight around him, braced himself, and ran through the fields into the wilderness, into exile. But he was not alone. The Lord was with him, his shepherd. 00:28:38 Speaker 7: If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and it has affected your life, we'd love it if you left her view. 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 Ivar hashem viischmercher Yeah, Heir hashempanave ilehave ye sa hashempanavelechra saloon. 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. 00:29:19 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 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 Estein. 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 Salvado, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paulinier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. 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