Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans jehoasts for heroes in the Bible.
If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please share it
with your family and friends and help us spread God's word.
Welcome to the Epic Adventure of David, a story of honor, battle, jealousy, darkness, friendship, love, scandal,
and murder. While most people know of David the myth,
(00:22):
few know about David the man. In this story, our
hero's humility is tested. This episode reveals to us the
test of a true hero, which is does he still
show up even when the praise disappears. David has been
beloved by the entire nation for a few years, even
though he is an exile from Saul. He would still
(00:44):
like to think he is loved by the people. But
what does he do when the people turn on him?
Does he grow bitter and leave them to their own destruction?
Or does he rise above the hatred of fickled men
to fulfill the will of God. Thankfully, in the highs
and lows of David's life, he is no longer without companionship.
(01:06):
His mighty and faithful men are with him till the
bitter end. David's Shepherd's heart has inspired the Army of
Outcasts to become heroes. It's a beautiful thing to see
them fight, laugh, and strategize together in unity with David
at the helm. In this episode, you will see glimpses
of what it may look like to have David on
(01:27):
the throne as King. The first we will begin with
the prelude. This story takes us a few generations into
the future, when a prophet of God fights for his people,
all to be sent running into exile. This episode's epic hive,
followed by an isolating low, mirrors the journey David takes
(01:47):
in this episode. This episode then ends with sadness, but
it is not a sorrow without hope. The warrior poet
David sings a new lament and prays to God, touching
the hearts of everyone who listens. Let's listen together. In
episode eleven, An Army of Outcast, Part.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Two prelude to chapter eleven, the heavens swirled in the
air above the altars. Storm clouds galloped across the skies
like a herd of stallions. Elijah stood in opposition to
the prophets of Bale, men who had taken the innocence
(02:29):
of Israel and profaned the name of the Lord their child.
Sacrifices and blood rituals had gone far enough, and now
in front of the whole nation, Elijah would prove the
worthiness of God. The whole day had passed, and the
prophets of Ball were unable to cause a fire to
start on their altar. After their wailings and vein dancing,
(02:50):
Elijah knelt before his.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
God, Lord, God of Abraham. Isaac and Jacob hear me.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
All were silent as they watched the prophet pray. He
did not lift up lofty words or dance with a ritual.
He simply knelt before his God. Honestly.
Speaker 3 (03:08):
Let it be known this day that you are the
one true God of Israel. Let it be known to
them that I serve you. Hear me, O, Lord, hear me,
Act so that these people may know that you are
their Lord.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
As Elijah prayed, the skies began to rumble, the heavens
quaked with fury, and the wicked king Ahab stared in awe.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Turn their hearts back to you.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
God, Elijah shouted.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
Restore them back to you.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
Then the clouds burst forth a bolt of lightning, and
the power of God descended unto the sacrifices. The wood
and the stones used to build the altar well reduced
to ashes, and the blistering fire licked up the water
that was in the trench beside it. Everyone watched with
awe as the heavens began to shake and whirl around them,
(04:00):
feel the intense heat of the flames on their faces.
Their callous hearts were liberated, and the prophets of Baale
were executed. However, the prophet of the Lord was soon
cast into exile. In fear for his life, Elijah retreated
into the wilderness. The wicked king and his wife Jezebel
sought to destroy him. So the chosen hero of God
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fled for his life. In the safety of a cave,
Elijah wept. He had restored the people of Israel back
to the heart of God. However he remained an outcast.
Chapter eleven, An Army of Outcasts, Part two. The midnight
air jabbed at a Liam's skin like a dagger. As
(04:44):
he ran through the forest. A piercing winter wind blew
at the covering above, making the trees rustle violently. Aliam
was losing breath with every step. However, he had to
keep running. He needed to reach David before it was
too late. He flew past with great haste, jumping over
every fallen tree and root seeking to trip him up.
(05:07):
Piercing through the bustling wind, a Liam could hear wolves
howling in the distance. He quickened his already fast pace
until he could see the faint glimmering of camp fire.
Speaker 4 (05:18):
David.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
He shouted while running.
Speaker 4 (05:20):
Please, I need to see David.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
The Liam's heart was beating right out of his chest.
The strength in his voice had been captured by the
wintry air, and he could no longer stand. He fell
onto his knees, gasping for breath.
Speaker 4 (05:33):
Please, David, are you there.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
Aliam asked again, with a weakened voice. His face fell
into the cold ground with a thud. The world was
spinning around him, and the sides of his eyes were
growing dim. Two figures appeared above him, one with a
torch in his hand and the other reaching down to
pick him up. The young man was limp and helpless
to carry any part of his own body. One of
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the men carried him back to the camp in his arms,
with the other beside him. The man laid Liam gently
by the fire and wrapped bare skins around his shoulders.
The two strangers came into focus and sat beside him.
One of them leaned over and held a cup of
warm water to Aliam's lips. His hair was lighter than
most hebrew men, and a few of his curls fell
(06:17):
over his light brown eyes. Here, my friend, drink ree.
Then tell me why you have come here. Alam noticed
the man's voice. He was gentle and soothing, like those
who would sing hymns of old in the temples. Aliam drank,
tightened the fur around his shoulders, and raised his hands
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to the fire. He drew a deep breath. Reinvigorated by
the warm water and fire, He looked at the man
beside him.
Speaker 4 (06:45):
I come with an urgent message for David.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
What is your message? The man asked.
Speaker 5 (06:50):
It's a matter of life and death. I have no
time to explain it to you and to David. Would
you get him for.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
Me, Aliam said, with haste in his voice. The fair
haired man looked over to his companion and smirked, very well,
then speak, I am listening. Alium realized that he was
indeed talking to the giant slayer himself. He somehow imagined
he would be taller, rougher, and more magnificent in appearance.
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He shook his head and went to his knees.
Speaker 5 (07:19):
I am sorry, my lord, I did not know I
was speaking with the man himself. Thank you for your hospitality.
Forgive me for invading your camp.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
He looked up to David and held out his arms.
Speaker 5 (07:29):
I come from the city of Kila. The Philistines have
overtaken the city. They have burnt up the farmland on
the outskirts of the city, and have now breached the stronghold.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Has the king done anything about this? David asked.
Speaker 5 (07:41):
Word was sent to him days ago when the Philistines
were seen marching towards us, But we have heard nothing
from him. We have received no aid and no word.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Alium replied, with sorrow in his voice.
Speaker 5 (07:52):
I was sent by the elders to find you. We
know that you would come to rescue us. You are
the true savior of Israel.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
David held up a finger and hustilum. His gaze was
stern and resolute. There is no savior but the Lord,
my friend. David stood up and gestured to the man
next to him. He whispered in his ear. The man
nodded and left to wake some others. David knelt down
next to Alam and refilled his cup with more hot
water from the pot. Tell me everything that has happened,
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from when the Philistines attacked to now, he said. Aliam
recounted the attack. He described to David, the fire surrounding
the city so none could escape. He told him of
how the Philistine army came through the front gates, completely
shattering their defenses. There were over a thousand of them
that came to ransack people's homes and take their women.
(08:43):
Then they retreated back to their camp on the outskirts
of the city.
Speaker 5 (08:47):
Now there camped only half a mile from the city.
They planned to make another raid in just a few days.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
David pondered the news and stared intently into the fire.
He sat there silently, with his gaze fixated on the flames.
How many men did you say there were, David asked, silently.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Just over a thousand, by my count.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Alim replied. David placed a hand on the young man's
shoulders and smiled. His grin was warm, men, reassuring he
held himself with great confidence, never allowing this swirling doubt
in his mind to scare others around him. Alium tucked
himself into the fur and rested by the fire. He
was asleep in a matter of seconds. David's smile retreated
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as the young man's eyes closed. He stood to his
feet and stepped into the dark of the forest. David
walked in the cold, with the moonlight peeking through the
top of the trees. There was a secret place David
would go to at night to seek the Lord, a
place where he would wrestle with doubt, wonder at the
majesty of God, and weep in his presence. A large
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stone sat in a clearing of trees, with the moonlight
shining down on it. David sat there and drew a
deep breath, allowing the frigid air to phil his lungs.
He breathed out a sigh and looked up to the sky. Ah,
what shall I do, David asked?
Speaker 6 (10:09):
Here, I stand with the ability to protect the city
of Keelah, but I will not move unless you tell
me to. I will not go where you have not
sent me.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
David stretched his arms out and bowed his head. A
few small tears fell from his eyes and fell onto
the freezing earth below. David's shivering palms were opened to
the Lord. He shook his head and said, with a
trembling breath, I am afraid, Lord, I'm afraid that Saul
will find me. Shall I go and attack these Philistines
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and risk being taken by the king. David's cries for
guidance were whispered into the dark, cold night. He was
met with silence. The only sounds were from the gentle
rustling of leaves above him. David wiped his eyes and
looked up and see, your servant, tell me what I
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should do. David listened for a voice of reply. He
anxiously held his ear to the forest, seeking any whisper
from the darkness. Yet there was no voice. David remained
in the cold, the biting winter air rested deep in
his chest. As he was about to give up and
retreat back to camp, he felt the warm presence of
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a familiar friend. It was not a voice, nor was
it a sign written in the stars. Rather, it was
a prompting in the deepest parts of his soul, Like
a flame being stoked by breath. David's heart began to
burn with a clear and resolved answer from God, go
and attack the Philistines. David go and save Kayla. The
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shepherd heart of God was impressed upon David, like a
seal stamped on a royal decree. God branded David's heart
with a mission to seek out and save his people. Go,
Odd said to David, go and save my children. David arose,
Determined to obey the spirit within him, David ran back
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to camp. Most of the men were asleep in their tents,
some of them laying beside their wives and children. However,
his three faithful were speaking by the fire. Josh Obein
and Liaisar and Shama spoke in hush tones, debating whether
they should march to Kayla or not. David sat beside
them and smiled. What do you say, then, he asked, frankly,
(12:32):
do not be shy. Tell me your worries.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
We are already afraid for our lives here in Judah.
Joshubein said, we've put our lives in much more danger
marching towards Kayla, not to mention, Saul will find us.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
And Liaisar said he wants your head, David, we must
protect you. David nodded, hearing the words of warning. He
gestured to Shama, what say you, Shama? The young man
shifted on the log he was sitting on. He stared
intently at the fire and shook his head. I am scared, David.
Speaker 4 (13:03):
The thought of marching up against an army is terrifying.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
But I will follow you if you choose to lead
us there. David smiled at Shama and looked to the
other side of the fire. Joshuabin Eliezon. If the Lord
commands us to fight, will you fight? The two of
them looked at each other, then back at David.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
Of course, does the Lord lead you, we will follow.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
David was silent for a long while he watched the
fire closely, counting every single coal flickering. Shall we march,
David whispered to the Lord. Then, as if it was
shouting from the flame straight into his mind, David heard
the prompting voice of God's spirit say, Arise, go down
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to Kayla. I will give the Philistines into your hand.
David stood up abruptly and put a hand on Shama's shoulder.
Tomorrow we march. The three of them nodded and want
their commander retreat back into his tent. Although the three
men were terrified and knew that the others would be terrified,
as well. They trusted David completely, rather, they trusted the
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lords anointing over him. The next morning, David gathered his
men together. Six hundred of them stood before their commander
with swords and spears held at their sides. The forest
had been their home for months, and this would be
their first time venturing out of the wilderness and into danger.
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David stood on a stone overlooking his men. He raised
his voice to them, encouraging them in their calling. So
the men made their way out of the wilderness and
marched west towards the city of Calah. David ran ahead
with the Liam, Shama, and Joshubin. The three of them
scaled the hills overlooking the city below. They could see
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scorched earth surrounding the city walls. Camped just outside the
gate or the Philistines. David turned to William and pointed
to the city, go and tell your people that we
are here to defend them. Have the women and children
hide themselves, and tell any of the men to arm
themselves at the gate in case any make their way inside.
(15:14):
Aliam nodded and left David to prepare his people. David
had Joshabin run ahead and scout out the Philistine camp.
He remained hidden in the trees south of the camp.
Behind the brush, he was able to see the small
army preparing to raid the city again. Every man had
a sword strapped to his waist and a spear in
his hand. Although it was daylight, many of the men
(15:38):
held torches in their hands. Joshabin counted as many men
and weapons as he could, then retreated back north into
the hills where the rest of the men waited. He
came back to David and pointed to the camp.
Speaker 3 (15:50):
As far as they know, there is no guard to
fight against them, yet they are all heavily armed with swords, spears,
and torches.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Joshabin said. He stroked his beard and furrowed his brow.
They are planning on killing everyone in the city, he said,
Why else would they arm themselves so heavily. Joshall be nodded.
Speaker 3 (16:09):
They outnumber us about two to one. However, they do
not know we are here. If we meet them in
the middle of the valley between their camp and the city,
we can catch them by surprise.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
Then that is what we will do, David said. He
turned back to the other men. My brothers, he shouted.
David stood up on the top of the hill, with
Jonathan's breastplates trapped around his chest and glimmering in the sun.
Strapped to his back was the sword of Goliath, and
on his side was the sling he used to slay him.
(16:41):
He raised his arms to the warriors standing at attention
before him.
Speaker 6 (16:45):
Not many of you have reason to fight in defense
of your country, he said, Like me, many of you
have been cast aside and treated like a stranger in
your own home. Yet today God chooses you to be
the defender of those who once persecuted you. He calls
you to rise and fight for those who would not
(17:06):
do the same for you.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
We serve a God of mercy.
Speaker 6 (17:12):
We serve a God who is a refuge to all
who would cry out to him.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Therefore we will do the same. We will come to
the aid of those who cry out.
Speaker 6 (17:24):
We will defend the helpless and provide judgment to those
who would oppress our brothers and sisters. God is a
god of mercy to those who seek him, But to
the Philistines, he is a god of judgment, and we
will bring that judgment with our swords and spears.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
A booming cheer rushed from the crowd like crushing waves.
David yelled with his sword held high, and the mighty
men shouted to their God. The Philistine army had made
its move. Slowly, they assembled and marched from their camp
towards the city. David took a smooth stone out of
his pouch and began to swing it behind him. He
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threw his hips back, cocked his elbow, then let the
stone fly from the sling towards the Philistines. The stone
traveled over fifty yards, hitting one of the commanders in
the saw. He stumbled back and looked up. With the
sun fixed behind him, David rose the sword of Goliath
high in the air for all the Philistines to see.
(18:26):
They knew immediately who had come out against them. It
was David, the giant slayer. David did not call to
his men to charge. He did not release archers or
send out people in front of him. He ran in first,
and he did not care who would follow him. He
simply burst forward with the passion come God. David ballowed
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out of battle cry that sent chills down the enemy's spine.
Then right behind him descended the army of outcasts. The
men who had been cast out by their country now
ran to its defense. David and Joshubine the first to
throw themselves into the throng of Philistines. David delivered the
first blow to one of the genders, slashing him at
(19:07):
the legs, then removing his head from his shoulders. Four
Philistines charged David, but were quickly met with Eliezar sword.
He furiously defended his commander Beside josh Olby, Together they
protected David's back as he marked forward through the fray
of Philistines and David's command, the six hundred men created
a barrier between the Philistines and Kayla. With all their might,
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they protected this small city from the enemy. Three hundred
of them formed a wall. Of them all, a man
named Benia stood out from all the rest. His broad
frame and protective spirit was unleashed against the enemy. None
made it by him alive, but within Denia was the
heart to protect his people and honor his commander, David.
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The other three hundred advanced on the perimeters of the
Philistine army. Led by David and his mighty three three hundred,
A young warrior named Abishai showed himself to be faithful.
Two Philistines pursued David on horseback, with swords drawn and
aimed at his head. He dodged the first advance, slashing
the horse's ankles with the side of his sword. However,
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the other had David's blind spot and nearly killed him
if it weren't for Abishai's spear being delivered straight through
his side. From that moment forward, Abishai stood at David's
side with Joshubi at Liezar and Shama, pressing forward into
the enemy lines. Do not move, heart, David shouted to
his men. God has given us this victory. You need
(20:37):
only to remain faithful. The men shouted in agreement, pressing
through the struggle. Meanwhile, within the gates of Kayla, Alam
helped the women and children find safety, while also arming
himself with the other men. At the gates, the sounds
of war could be heard over one hundred yards from
where they stood. Many of the elders hid themsel else behind,
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the young men trembling with fear.
Speaker 4 (21:03):
Elia, how many men did you say David came with?
Speaker 2 (21:06):
They asked. Aliam turned with a look of disgust. It
matters not how many, Alam responded.
Speaker 4 (21:14):
I have seen the fire in their eyes. God has
chosen them to protect us.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
Screams of agony, internets with plain metal to be heard
from behind the gates. Alim gripped his sword tightly, prepared
for whatever might come. A large wooden age began to
laud the battle had made its way to them. The
men stepped back and lifted their swords. The gates shook violently,
and Liam could hear the pounding of fists and swords
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against the wood. Then, with a final scream of pain,
the pounding ceased. All was silent for what seemed like
an eternity. Then a loud cheer bellowed into the skies.
Shouts of victory and praise lifted into the heavens. Trumpets sounded,
and the men let out a sigh of relief. Aliam
went to the gates and slowly opened it with a
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few others. On the other side was David, panting over
dozens of fallen Philistines. Blood and dirt caked his smiling face.
All the men of Caleb lifted their hands in praise.
The Redeemer of Israel had come to their aid, even
when their own king had forsaken them. Yet the redeemer
was not David. It was the Lord God who fought
(22:25):
for them. They shouted God's name throughout the city streets,
proclaiming liberation and freedom from fear. David and his men
beamed with gladness. They held each other up and enjoyed
a brief moment of victory. They were dancing in the streets.
The women and children emerged from their places of hiding
to greet the heroic men who had delivered them. For
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the first time in a long while, David and his
men finally felt like they were accepted by their people.
No longer simple outcasts running from the law, they were
true heroes who were loved for their selfless deeds. That night,
David and his men joined a banquet in their honor.
The people of Keela lavished them with wine, fresh bread,
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and broth. It was a welcome change to the simplicity
of the forest. They gladly accepted the gifts and laughed
amongst themselves. The courtyard was filled with music and dancing,
and David leaned back against the wall, overlooking his men.
He was proud to be their leader and relished in
their success. He found great satisfaction getting the best out
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of them and calling them to a higher purpose. He
sipped his wine and joyfully sat back, taking in the
sounds of victory. However, something caught David's eye. Standing in
the dark corner, barely illuminated by firelight, four elders of
the city stood speaking quietly to one another. They were
in intense discussion, looking over their shoulders and whispering. David
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peered at them, wondering what they might be saying. As
he was observing the odd encounter. Beniah leaned against the
wall beside David, with his arms folded. He leaned over
to David. I have been watching them as well, he
said quietly. They have clearly been reeling over something. David
looked at Beniah.
Speaker 6 (24:15):
You have a good eye, Baniah, he said, I fear
they may not have the best intentions for us, or
else they would be celebrating as well.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
Benyah nodded. Shall we gather the men and leave?
Speaker 6 (24:28):
He asked, not yet, David said, we do not want
to leave warm beds and good food unnecessarily.
Speaker 2 (24:36):
The men need what Kayla has been offering. I want
to be sure we are in danger before leaving. As
David said this, he and Beniah watched one of the
elders leave the group whisper to his servant and send
him on a colt outside the city. David leaned over
to Baniah and whispered, someone find me Abbiathar. He is
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among us somewhere. I am in need of a priest.
Beniah left, and David retreated back to pray. Ah yelled
the king, drawing his sword and slashing it through the air.
He laughed from his belly and drew a sigh of relief. Ah,
(25:18):
at last, I will have the dog in my hands.
David is in Kayla, a fortified city with one way
in and one way out. Yes, the king was violently happy.
He raised his sword in the air, then slashed it
downward with a powerful swing. The Lord has done this.
(25:39):
He has given David into my hand. He is practically
behind bars for me to come in and slit his throat.
King Saul looked down at the servant from Kayla who
had delivered him the news. He stepped forward and grabbed
him by the face. Thank you, my child, you've done well.
(26:01):
Now go and tell the elders that I am coming
to march against the city. The young servant's eyes widened.
Speaker 7 (26:09):
Pardon, my king, did you just say you were going
to march against the city.
Speaker 2 (26:14):
King Saul sat back on his throne and took a
sip of wine. Of course, you are currently hosting my
greatest enemy within your walls. Him and the army of
rebels he is a mast, are eating your food and
sleeping in your beds. The servant trembled in fear.
Speaker 7 (26:36):
Please, my King, have mercy on us. They defended us
from the Philistines. But we are loyal to you. That
is why I'm here, so that you may retrieve David yourself.
Speaker 2 (26:46):
Do you find me foolish, child, Saul exclaimed David in
six hundred armed men are within your walls, and you
expect me to simply walk in there without an army
to get him. If he is within your walls, I
must storm it with my entire army, or else he
(27:08):
will escape. The king stood to his feet and pointed
his sword at the boy. Go and tell the elders
of Kaylah that the king is coming with his army.
I suggest they find a way to deliver David to
me on a silver platter, or else I will destroy
the city. Go. The boy wasted no time. He mounted
(27:30):
his colt and trotted back to Kaylah to warn them.
The sun had tucked itself into the horizon, giving way
to the cold night. To settle in, David and Abiathar
hid themselves in an alleyway, dimly lit by torchlight. Do
you have an aphad, Abiathar? I must seek an answer
(27:52):
from the Lord. Abiathar nodded and took off his coat.
Underneath was an elaborately designed garment. On it were the
Urim and Thummim, two stones, one light and one dark.
David needed a yes or no answer from the Lord,
and the priestly Efod was the best way to inquire
of his will. David bowed a knee before God and prayed, O, Lord,
(28:17):
the God of Israel, is Saul coming to seek my
head and destroy the city on my account? Abiathar used
the effort to ask of God. His answer was clear
and bone chilling. Yes, Saul is coming. David's fist clenched
and his jaw tightened. His instincts were correct. The men
(28:39):
of Caelah had told Saul of his location. He asked
the Lord again, are they planning to surrender me and
my men into his hand before the attack. Yes, they
will surrender you, the Lord said. David's heart sank. The
people he had just saved were now planning to give
(28:59):
him up. It took everything in him not to lash
out in frustration. However, he had no time. He grabbed
a torch and stepped into the courtyard. His men were
asleep with full bellies. Horis. David shouted, Saul is marching
up against us. There's no time to waste. We must
leave now. The men woke up in a panic. David
(29:21):
helped them up and told them to gather their belongs.
Each man armed himself and fell in line behind David Elieza.
Speaker 6 (29:28):
David shouted, I need you to scale the tower and
see if there are torch lights in the distance.
Speaker 2 (29:35):
We must know how close Saul's army is. Elizar nodded
and scaled the highest building in the city he could find.
He reached the top and looked out. The horizon was dark,
barely illuminated by the stars above. However, coming in from
the north was a caravan of torches, and Liaisar's eyes widened.
(29:57):
The night is our ally, David said, Saul is coming
from Gibeah, which is north of here. We shall head
south towards the wilderness of Zif. Pray to the Lord
for refuge, So David and his six hundred men arose
and departed from Kayla under the covering of night. The
joy of saving the village was replaced with fear of
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being captured once again. David anguished over the loss of
freedom for him and his men. After hours of stumbling
in the dark, they finally found a safe place in
the caves of Zif. The men felt safe enough to
light fires once again, and josh obem A, Liaeizar, Shama,
and Benaiah helped them settle in for the night. Once
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the men were settled in, David walked to the back
of the cave and knelt before God. He wept in silence,
but the echoes of his sobbing traveled to the men,
breaking their hearts For their despondent leader. David leaned against
the jagged walls of the cave and closed his eyes.
He breathed in deeply and remembered the faithness of the Lord.
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In the cold and dark chasm of their exile. The
anointed One of God began to sing. David's poetry and
music was honest, raw and filled with praise. In the
stillness of the evening, the men lay down and listened
to David's voice echo throughout the caves as he sung
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the Lord is my life. Who shall I hear? He
is my fortress? Who shall I fear?
Speaker 8 (31:33):
When the wicked seek to du Vabi it is lay fall,
the army seek my life, my heart shall hear.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
The war comes to me. I will be confident.
Speaker 6 (31:51):
Just one thing I answer is that I made well
in the presence of the Lord.
Speaker 8 (32:03):
All the days of my life, high days, on the
beauty of.
Speaker 2 (32:08):
My four of the day of trouble, he will keep these.
He is my shelter forever.
Speaker 1 (32:27):
Let's track the journey of David. So far. He began
as the shepherd, then the king's musician, the young commander,
the exile, and now the vigilante. Despite being hunted by
the king and his men, David comes to the aid
of a small Israelite city. A messenger boy named Ilium
sought David out and called him the Savior of Israel. David,
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true to character, tells him that there is no savior
but the Lord. This is an important lesson of true faithfulness.
If David is overly concerned about people's perception of him,
then he will eventually become beholden to their opinion that
was a downfall of Saul. David, however, is only concerned
about the name of God and the safety of his people.
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If he were a people pleaser, he would immediately ride
to their aid, but he isn't. David's primary aim is
to please God. He seeks the Lord's counsel in the
cool of night, earnestly asking if it is the right
thing to do. There is a tender moment under the
moonlight that gives us a more intimate understanding of his
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relationship with God. He gets the go ahead from God
as well as the counsel of his companions, then decides
to make a move against the Philistines. Before the battle,
David raises his sword and shouts to his men. He says,
not many of you have reason to fight in defense
of your country. Like me, Many of you have been
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cast aside and treated like a stranger in your own home.
Yet today God chooses you to be the of those
who once persecuted you. He calls you to rise and
fight for those who would not do the same for you.
We serve a God of mercy. We serve a God
who is a refuge to all who would cry out
to him. Therefore we will do the same. We will
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come to the aid of those who cry out. This
is a profound statement and resonating image of Christ. Jesus
died for those who rejected him and openly mocked him.
The prophet Isaiah said this about the Messiah. He was
despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and
acquainted with grief, and as one from whom men hide
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their faces. He was despised, and we esteemed him not
surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.
Yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was peers for our transgressions. He was crushed
for our iniquities. Upon him was the chastisement that brought
us peace. And with his wounds we are healed. This
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is a famous passage that depicts Jesus as a suffering servant,
mocked by men, but chosen by God to redeem mankind. David,
in this episode rallies his men have the same heart.
They have all in some way been rejected by their nation,
but now they march to save it. The heart of
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a hero is revealed when the applause ceases and cheers
fall silent. The men marched and the battle ensues. This
is our first glance at David's army of outcast. As
it turns out they're pretty skilled warriors and tacticians. They
fight valiantly and passionately, moving the Philistines back to the
city gates. In the throng of battle, we meet a
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few new characters, the brothers Abeshi and Ashiel. We will
meet their other brother later, and Benanaya. These three men
prove themselves in battle and will continue to be important
figures moving forward. The battle is won, the men get
to celebrate with comforts they have been deprived of in
the wilderness. The men celebrate, but David is uneasy. He
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and Ben and Aiah have the same suspicion that they
are about to be given up to Saul. Now that
the city has been saved, the elders seek to stack
their fortune by giving David up to the king. Saul
is in hot pursuit, and the army of outcasts are
forced back into the wilderness once again. This was an
emotional blow for David and his men. It is a
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raw and vulnerable thing to help those who have hurt
you all to be hurt again if left unchecked. A
moment like this can make you extremely bitter. Think about
times you have been hurt in your life by someone.
Think about mustering up the carriage to finally help them
all for them to hurt you again. Who knows this
feeling better than God? Time and time again, he saves
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all to be rejected and cast aside again. This episode
is a picture of Israel's relationship with God. They call
out to him when they need him, receive his blessing
and celebrate, then betray him again. Elijah feels this pain
in the prelude. He delivers Israel from the clutches of
the prophets of Bail, then is forced to run for
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his life to the wilderness. Elijah will come back, as
will David, because God will always come back. He always
runs to the aid of his beloved children. There is
no amount of rejection, sin or idolatry that will keep
our God from loving us and coming to our defense.
True strength is shown when an opportunity for vengeance is
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met with mercy. This is the heart of Christ. In
our next episode, David will have an opportunity to enact
his revenge on Saul, the throne, the glory, and the
comfort of Israel can all be his once again? With
one small swipe of a blade. Does our hero take debate?
Does he see the opportunity for power and fame? We
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will find out in our next episode titled Slit His Throat.
Thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers
and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to pray dot com.
And to expand your heroes in the Bible journey, download
the Heroes of the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org.
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