July 6, 2025 • 33 mins
# 186 - Civil War: Judah vs. Israel - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, as David rules in Hebron, Israel fractures in two, with brother rising against brother in a brutal civil war. Join us for a sobering look at ambition, loyalty, and the heartbreaking cost of a kingdom divided.
Episode 186 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.
Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-up
For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/
Today's opening prayer is inspired by 2 Samuel 22:40, “You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued under me those who rose up against me.”
Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.
Show Notes:
(01:55) Intro with Yael Eckstein
(03:08 Civil War: Judah vs. Israel
(27:47) Reflection with Yael Eckstein
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the chosen people, and so saw the first
King of Israel pressed the hilt of his sword against
the earth, its point at his chest. He closed his eyes.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Was the first, but not the last. The battle was lost.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
The men scattered like lost sheep, But in the hills
of Judah a shepherd stood prepared to retrieve the scattered
sheep of Israel. The two figures approaching were none other
than his brothers, Joab and Arsahil. The three collided into
(00:54):
each other, embracing with tears and laughs.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
We've been sent by the elders of Jodah. A company
of men is just around a bend radiatives.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
When they came within a mile of the gates, they
could hear it, a low thrum. As they neared, the
sound grew louder. The crowd parted, revealing the elders of
Judah atop a high platform of carved stone.
Speaker 4 (01:20):
The giant Slayer, the harvest of Bethlehem, the warrior who
would not lift his hand against the king, the outlaw
who guarded our borders when our king would not. You
have been chosen by God and confirmed by the voice
of the people. David, son of Jesse, rise now as
(01:44):
King of Judah, not by birthright, but by divine anointing.
Speaker 5 (01:57):
They were all sons of Israel, Yet the Holy land
ran red with blood Shelloh, my friends, from here in
the Holy Land of Israel, i'm l extein with the
international Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the
Chosen People. Let me ask you something. What happens when
brothers go to war? What happens when loyalty to family
(02:20):
collides with loyalty to truth. In today's passage Second Samuel,
chapter two, verses nine through thirty two, we witness one
of the most painful moments in the Chosen People's story.
A kingdom, once bound by covenant, is torn apart by ambition.
A son of Saul clings to his father's throne, A
(02:41):
son of Jesse waits and head grown. Two kings, one promise,
and in the middle swords are drawn. We've seen David
rise from shepherd to fugitive to ruler of Judah. We've
watched Saul fall, But now the real fracture begins. His
story is not for the faint of heart. It's a
(03:02):
tale of honor, of grief, of pride, and the cost
of divided allegiance.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
The Palace of Saul loomed like a tomb atop the
heights of Gibea. Its high towers and black stone walls
bore the chill of death, the air inside still heavy
with the memory of the king who once brooded within
its halls. Within the throne room, torches hissed as the
(03:31):
elders of the eleven other tribes of Israel gathered. Ish Bosheth,
the last son of Saul, now sat on the throne.
He was a thin and long faced man, his limbs
too delicate for armor. He was near forty years old,
but still gave off the presence of a child. His
(03:53):
father's great throne seemed to swallow him. Beside him stood
Abnall's commander and right hand. He did not look at
Ishbosheth as he spoke to the elders, nor did he
need to. Everyone knew who was really in charge.
Speaker 6 (04:12):
Elders of Israel, we stand at a precipice. One misstep
and this nation fractures beyond repair. Throwne of Israel was
carved for sal by the prophet Samuel himself. To abandon
his blood now would be to spit upon that legacy.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
The elders listened, nodding with the hollow weight of old
men clinging to order. Some feared change, others feared David.
Abner pressed on.
Speaker 6 (04:40):
If we anoint David, this southern shepherd, this outlaw king
of Judah, we invite every ambitious sword to claim the
crown by force or flattery. Kings are made by birth,
not by ballads.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
And yet a wrinkled elder from Dan called out from
the back. He spoke with the same curiosity many of
the elders felt.
Speaker 7 (05:04):
Prince Jonathan laid down his rights for David. He gave
him his ring, his armor that cannot be ignored.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
There was silence. I ish bo Sheath shifted uncomfortably pale
and fidgeting. He cleared his throat, attempting regality.
Speaker 7 (05:23):
Ha ha, I am Soul's son. Royal blood flows through
my veins. My claim is not for debate. We should
have David's head for his treachery.
Speaker 1 (05:35):
The boy stepped down from the dais, trying to own
the room, but his words were thin and his confidence brittle.
Speaker 7 (05:44):
If David's allowed to ascend to the throne, that means
any mongrel off the streets will fake they ever claim
my father wanted him dead for a reason. He's a
treacherous little rat. He'll meet the edge of my blade
sooner or later.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Ishbau Sheth swung his father's sword around, clumsily, knocking over
a pitcher of wine, which splashed onto the servant girl's.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
Uh clean this up?
Speaker 7 (06:12):
Why is that here anyway?
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Abner's lip Twitchedhbaucheth's arrogance did little to lighten the elder's concern.
He needed the boy to remain silent. Ishbau Sheth did
little to help his claim by parading himself like a
spoiled child.
Speaker 6 (06:31):
My king, perhaps you should go rest and prepare for
to night's feast. You will settle this tonight over mead
and meat.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Is bau Sheth nodded at that, turning on his heels
and clapping for his attendants to follow. He exited the
throne room with a procession behind him. When the doors closed,
Abner let out a long sigh. He placed a single
hand on the throne, wanting to sit upon it, feeling
he deserved to, but restrained himself. He spoke to the
(07:02):
elders plainly.
Speaker 6 (07:04):
I'm not blind, brothers, I see what you see Isbashef
is a petulant child, but he is their rightful heir.
Speaker 8 (07:13):
Abner, the kingdom is young. It is not too late
to name another house to lead us.
Speaker 6 (07:20):
I agree, but the crown David would be to reward
Judah for its show of dominance by anointing a king.
They communicated to the other tribes that they viewed themselves
as a king of their own.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
The elders nodded Judah was the most prominent tribe in Israel.
Jacob himself had already appointed at the first among the tribes.
Speaker 6 (07:42):
And not only this, but word is that David worked
under the King of God. Do we really trust him
to march against the Philistines?
Speaker 1 (07:50):
More murmurs from the elders. Abner knew he was gaining momentum.
Speaker 6 (07:55):
You know me, gentlemen, I led our armies under Saul.
I fought at Jilboah and lived.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
I do not ask you to kneel to that boy.
Speaker 6 (08:05):
I ask you to trust the sword that stands beside him.
Let Ishbosheth, wear the crown, let him speak the prayers
and ride at festivals, but the fight. Leave the fight
to me. Let me deliver Israel from the philistines. Let
me restore what we've lost, and when our enemies lie broken,
then we can speak again of appointing a new king,
(08:27):
one that will represent all the tribes, not just big
brother Judah.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
He let the silence settle like ash upon the room.
The elders looked at each other and nodded in agreement.
Speaker 8 (08:40):
So be it, The crown remains in Gabaya. Yeshkochev shall
be king.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
The others echoed him, some with resignation, others with relief.
Abnah stood tall. He had what he wanted for now,
but he knew how fragile the kingdom was. The sun
hung like a burning coin above the hills of Hebron.
(09:10):
Sweat slick David's brow, his curls damp against his forehead.
He stood in the yard behind the barracks, sword in hand.
He was training his men, modeling his movements with a
piece of staked timber. He brought his blade down upon
it with thunderous might. The woods split clean into sending
(09:31):
a spray of splinters into the air. David turned to
the young men who were watching him.
Speaker 7 (09:37):
The strength of your strike lies not in your arms.
It begins with your feet, Your stance is your truth.
Without it, all else fails. A warrior with unsteady footing
is like a house built upon sand. A gust of
wind and all comes down.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
He nodded and tried to mimic him some better than others.
He watched them with pride. David spent as much time
with his men as possible. Their hearts were united on
those training grounds. David turned to his left, seeing Joab
training with his younger brothers Arsahl and Abishai. Joab had intentional,
(10:22):
calculated movements. Every stroke of his sword had been planned.
Abishi was instinctual, responding to everything that came his way
with grace. Arsahl was quick, relying on his speed to
get the upper hand in all of it. David couldn't
help but feel regret, regret that he'd never shared these
(10:43):
relationships with his own brothers, not like that. He gathered
the brothers along with Jashabem and Beniah. Joab had been
named commander of David's armies, while Beniah had been named
captain of David's royal Guard. Tieds well earned titles that
would be put to the test. They leaned over a
(11:06):
large stone table with maps and ledgers scattered throughout.
Speaker 7 (11:10):
What threat do you see rising first?
Speaker 1 (11:13):
Joab didn't hesitate.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Abner. Job and Abner have hated each other as long
as I can remember. There has nothing to do with it.
The tribes have named Ishbosheth king. Abner commands what remains
of Saul's host. He gathers men, fortify cities, and speaks
of uniting the kingdom under his bubpet. I believe he
(11:39):
will strike before summer ends.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
David was quiet. The name Ishbosheth did not stir fear,
only a sense of pity. But Abner, Abner was a
different matter.
Speaker 7 (11:54):
Then the war is not with the son of Saul,
but with the sword that swings for him.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Aye. And if we strike first and strike hard, it
might end in a single blow.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Civil more.
Speaker 7 (12:10):
Israel against Judah, brother against brother.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
Josh Evine's ears perked at David's tone.
Speaker 8 (12:18):
David, I can feel your heart stirring. But this isn't
a matter up honor. You're the king of Judah. We
can't allow Abner the chance to march against our walls.
Speaker 7 (12:32):
I understand, but I will not allow blood to be
spilled carelessly. We'll meet them, show our strength and posture.
Against them, but we will not annihilate them. We'll show
them we can be dominated, and hopefully that will bring
us back to the negotiating table.
Speaker 3 (12:53):
I will take five hundred of our finest and meet
Abner on the field. A single victory may be all
that is needed.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
I'll go with you.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
No, no, David, this isn't the right time.
Speaker 8 (13:07):
If Israel and Judah are to unite again, you can't
have Israelia bland on your hands.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
David nodded and dismissed them all. Joab turned to leave,
but David's voice called him back. Joab, the commander paused.
Speaker 7 (13:25):
In all things, remember the Lord honors a merciful heart.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Joab's jaw flexed. He bowed low, but the winds that
passed across his face did not go unnoticed. Mercy was
not a language Joab spoke often. Still, he submitted, as
you command, my King. Then he was gone. Gathering the
chosen few, the blades, the spears, and the shields, they
(13:56):
would ride to meet Abner in the hills between two thrones,
one of blood and one of oil. The fog hung
low over the Brook of Gibeon, coiling around the roots
of ancient trees, The water flowed gently between the gathered
(14:18):
hosts of Israel and Judah, a quiet stream dividing one
nation into two. On opposite banks. The two armies waited, watched,
shifting uncomfortably with every gust of breeze. They were all
Hebrews kinsmen by blood, by covenant, by God himself, and
(14:40):
yet they stood on the edge of civil war. Blades sheathed,
hearts clenched. Joab of Judah and Abner of Israel both
stood beneath a weeping willow to negotiate terms of combat.
Joab's brothers were behind him. Arsahl couldn't sit still, while
Abhishi was cool as ice. The commanders had come to speak,
(15:05):
not to fight, But even as they sat there was
an old venom between them. It was Abna who spoke first.
His voice was calm, but laced with arrogance.
Speaker 6 (15:17):
Come a long way, Joe, ab But I must ask
why the throne rests beneath my banner. We have the tribes,
we have the numbers. The House of Saul yet stands.
We don't have to do this. Lay down your claim
and let the crown return to its rightful heir.
Speaker 9 (15:36):
Rightful Abner, You and I both know who is Bosa is,
and we also know that Judah alone could grind your
entire host and to duzed if David willed it.
Speaker 3 (15:48):
This isn't about numbers, not to us. This is about truth.
This is about who was chosen. Spare me the poetry.
I know what this is.
Speaker 6 (16:00):
You wanted command under Saul and were denied for me.
Now you throw your sword behind a shepherd because he'll
make you a commander.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
You don't care about the truth.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
You care for power.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Joab's hand tightened around the hilt at his side.
Speaker 3 (16:16):
I serve Saul's house then, because I serve our nation.
I serve David now for the same reason. I'm a
servant of Israel, always will be. But you, Abner, you
serve only yourself with ishbosheth. You are a king in
all but name. That boy is a puppet, a palry
(16:40):
of a man whose spine is held up by your
will and ambissure.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
Tell me, Abner, Joab leaned forward, his voice barely above
a whisper. Is what they say true?
Speaker 3 (16:56):
That you've taken Rasbal Saul's concubine as your own. Was
she yours to lie with? Or do you wear the
king's crown when no one is watching.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
Abner drew his sword in an instant arsa helen. Abishi
were quick to draw theirs, but Joeab gestured for them
to lower.
Speaker 6 (17:16):
Say another word, and I'll gut you where you stand.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
The two men faced each other, warriors, both seasoned, both deadly.
A single lunge, a single misstep, and it would set
everything in motion. Neither wanted to make it more sloppy
than it needed to be. They were too wise for
such things. Even still, Joab loved that he could get
(17:43):
a rise out of Abner. Abna stepped back and sheathed
his sword.
Speaker 6 (17:48):
Let the young men rise and contend before us, my
men against yours.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
Joab smirked at that they weren't Joab's men, they were David's,
and that was a hidden strength Abner would soon discover.
Speaker 3 (18:04):
Yes, let them rise.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
The champions stood first, twelve from Judah, twelve from Israel.
They looked like statues beneath the trees, the fog coiling
around their armor. Then a single horn sounded low and mournful,
and they ran. The first collision was like a crack
of wood. Each man was matched blow for blow, step
(18:34):
for step. They grappled, locked arms, and fell into the muck.
Together again and again a sword found flesh, and again
the dying man drove his own blade home. They slew
each other with mirrored precision. By the end, not one stood.
Twenty four lay dead in the field, their corpses crisscrossed
(18:59):
like tangled roots. It was a grim omen For a time,
neither army moved. Joab stood tall upon a rise, his
hand resting on the hilt of his sword. His brothers,
Abishai and arsa Hel flanked him.
Speaker 3 (19:16):
Soldier for soldier were evenly matched, but are united. Army
is certainly better than theirs.
Speaker 6 (19:23):
If we kill Abner, we end this needless bloodshed.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
Agreed, my spear is poised for him. He see remember
your marks. Don't be hasty. He's seemed more battle in
his life than the two of you. In mind, obey
my command, understood.
Speaker 1 (19:43):
The brothers nodded. Then Joab drew his blade and shouted
to the rest of the men.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Today we fight for a new Israel. Today we fight
for a kingdom united not by blood lines, but by
the will of the Lord.
Speaker 9 (19:58):
For David onds anointed, for honor, for strength, for Judah
roar like lions.
Speaker 1 (20:07):
The cry roared up from the rants behind him. Abner,
jaw clenched, raised his sword and gestured forward advance. The
armies crashed like storm tides. Blades met bone, shields splintered.
The field became a butcher's yard. Joe ab had chosen
(20:28):
his ground well. Half his forces held the center, locking
Abner's men in place, while the rest surged in from
the flanks. It was not just a battle, it was
a trap. The men of Judah, trained by David's own hand,
moved with ruthless discipline. Abner's army, larger but less cohesive,
(20:51):
buckled under the weight of their assault. The brook of
Gibeon ran read that day. Abner's line collapsed. By the
time the sun reached its zenith, three hundred and sixty
of Israel's sons lay slain on the field, and the
rest were broken and retreating into the woods. Clouds whirl,
(21:14):
thunder cloud, and a storm had come.
Speaker 6 (21:17):
Abner yelled over the wind, far back, We'll live to
fight another day, scattered.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
Him and recruited.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
His command was bitter in his mouth, and one moment
he had stom with pride. Now he ran with shame,
noying at his heels, and Abner retreated up the jacket,
mounting side him and the larsa Hel saw Abner retreating.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
Abner's getting away leave him to a shame. But I
can end this now, ashall stop.
Speaker 1 (21:50):
But arsa Hel didn't listen. The youngest son of Zeaiah
flew like the wind, lightfooted and fearless, his sore drawn,
and I set with fire. Joe, ab and Abish I
ran after him, higher and higher. Arsa Hel climbed until
his feet touched the slick stones of the summit. The
(22:11):
rain had begun to fall.
Speaker 8 (22:13):
Is that you, s a Hell?
Speaker 3 (22:15):
You're mine to kill. You're a fool. Don't come any closer.
Speaker 6 (22:21):
Turn back. It's savor your triumphs not until I have
your head.
Speaker 1 (22:27):
Abna backed up all he could until he found the
edge of the plateau. There was nowhere else to go.
Arsa Hell was beneath him, approaching quickly. Abna turned slowly
and drew the spear from his back.
Speaker 6 (22:41):
Turn back, boy, I'm warning you, it doesn't need to
end like this.
Speaker 1 (22:47):
But ur sa Hell would not yield. His pride burned
brighter than the storm.
Speaker 9 (22:53):
If I say you this war ends, I'll bring your
body to my cake.
Speaker 7 (23:00):
The kingdom will be one again.
Speaker 3 (23:03):
Come closer and you die. It's simple as that. I
have the high ground.
Speaker 1 (23:08):
As Sir Hel continued, inching forward, poised to charge, Abner's
face twisted, not in rage but sorrow.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
You have no foundation. I'll kill you if you come forward.
Speaker 1 (23:23):
Yeah, Arseir Hel leaped, but the rain had made the
rock slick and his footing was unsure. Abner cocked his
elbows and thrust the spear met flesh with a sickening crunch.
Arsa Hel's breath caught. He did not scream. The spear
(23:44):
point burst from his back with a cry of anguish.
Abner wrenched the spear free, and the boy's body tumbled
from the plateau down down. It fell, landing with a
thud upon the rocks far below. The rain came harder
now then lightning forked across the sky.
Speaker 3 (24:05):
I warned you, God help me, I warned you.
Speaker 1 (24:10):
Abner fled, disappearing into the trees. Joab and Abishi finally
made it to the plateau. Joab stepped to the edge
and looked down there. Far below, his brother's body lay broken,
pierced through with a spear sprawled across the jagged rocks. Together,
(24:34):
they climbed down. When they reached Arsahl, Joab knelt and
cradled the corpse in his arms, drawing him close. Thunder
cracked overhead. Joab's chest heaved, not with sobs, but with rage.
He laid his brother down gently on the cold earth,
(24:54):
pressed his forehead to arsa Hel's, and then stood Abnah,
the name curdled in Joab's mouth. He gripped the hilt
of his blade, drew steel, and began to run. Abishi followed,
sword in hand, the storm roaring around them. The two
(25:17):
of them tore through the forest like wolve, scenting blood.
When they finally reached the edge of the woods where
Abner was, the commander turned and lifted his arms.
Speaker 3 (25:27):
Stop stop, Joab, I'm warning you.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
Behind him, Abner's men emerged, hundreds of them, weary but armed.
You've won, joe Ab.
Speaker 6 (25:38):
If you seek vengeance on me now, your victory will
be hollow.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
Your chest will be hollowed out. Will I rip your
heart from its place?
Speaker 1 (25:50):
Asahl gave me no choice.
Speaker 6 (25:52):
You know that the boy should have never pursued me.
Speaker 3 (25:55):
I begged him not to.
Speaker 1 (25:57):
Abner's tone softened, heeled to Joeab's reason.
Speaker 6 (26:02):
Shall the sword devour forever? If you pursue me, you
know how this ends. You may strike me down, but
your death will follow, and my men will be slain,
and yours will answer in kind. There will be no
kingdom joe Ab, only corpses.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
Joe Ab said nothing. Abish I laid a hand on
his brother's arm.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
He's right, brother, there's no victory here.
Speaker 3 (26:26):
Let him go.
Speaker 1 (26:28):
Thunder clapped again, revealing the shadows underneath Joeab's scowl.
Speaker 3 (26:34):
As the Lord lives, Ibner, If your tongue had not spoken,
my sword would have not stopped until your men were
drowned in blood.
Speaker 1 (26:45):
Slowly, Joeab drew his dagger and clenched the blade in
his bare hand. Blood trickled down his palm and dripped
onto the stones. He held out the bloodied blade.
Speaker 3 (26:59):
Know this, My brother's blood will not be forgotten. The
day will come when you answer for it.
Speaker 1 (27:08):
Abnah felt the words in his bones. Joab's words were
no mere threat. They were a prophecy. Joab lifted his horn.
It sounded. Joab's men heard and obeyed. The pursuit ended.
Abnah turned without another word and marched through the night.
(27:30):
He and his men crossed the Jordan and dragged themselves
into Mahonaim with blood on their boots and weariness in
their bones. Joab carried arsa hell home in his arms
the entire way.
Speaker 5 (27:49):
Why do the greatest wounds often come from those closest
to us. This wasn't Egypt, this wasn't Babylon, This was Gibeon,
a quiet stream. This was a battlefield, not of nations,
but of neighbors. All of them were the same covenant,
all them bled from the same promise given to Abraham.
So what happened? Obner was the field marshal of ish
(28:14):
Bushitt Saul's sun and the second king of Israel, and
Job was David's field marshal. Verse fourteen tells us then
Obner said to Job, let's have some of the young
men get up and fight hand to hand in friend
of us. All right, let them do it. Job said
or say just suggests that Obner was later killed as
(28:36):
a punishment for suggesting these war games, which quickly turned
serious into a kind of civil war.
Speaker 7 (28:44):
Well.
Speaker 5 (28:44):
The English translation of this verse reads as fight hand
to hand, but the original Hebrew is bay ysach kou,
which literally translates to to play. That would read. Then
Obner said to John, let's have some of the young
men go to play hand in hand in front of us.
(29:06):
All right, then let them do it, Job says, So
what we learned from this is deep. What began as
a kind of playful duel quickly turned into real battles
and could even be called a civil war among the
Chosen people. There is a serious lesson here. War is
not a game. The spilling of blood is a very
(29:27):
serious matter. Obner's suggestion brought about real bloodshed the idea.
Our modern Israeli army has a beautiful concept called Tohar haneshek,
which means purity of arms. Every soldier is taught how
serious a matter it is to bear arms, and how
he or she must conform to a strict code of
(29:50):
the use of weapons, to really use them only when
your life is threatened, to bring peace, not more war.
And it's a lesson learned from our story today. Our
study of the Bible so far has taught us something deep.
Division among brothers is one of the oldest wounds. From
Cain and Able to Jacob and Esau, to Joseph and
(30:12):
his envious kin. The fractured brotherhood haunts the Chosen People's story,
and each time it begins with one thing, the struggle
for blessing, and we see it again in this story,
a story of a fractured kingdom, but also a slow
and aching movement towards a greater kingdom. This is not
(30:35):
an easy Bible story, the stories of flawed men, this
story of a deeply fractured nation. But it's also a
story of our patient God. In our fast paced modern
world of instant gratification, sometimes we get impatient in God's timing,
don't we. We think God is able to make things
happen quickly, so we question when he doesn't answer us immediately. Now,
(30:59):
David was just a shepherd boy when he received God's
promise that one day he would become king. But that
promise wasn't fulfilled until David was thirty years old. It
took patience, discipline, and trusting God's plan, but David waited
upon the Lord, even after Saul's death, when it seemed
like the path to the throne was finally clear, even
(31:22):
after the nation broke out in civil war and the
kingdom was divided between those following Saul's son Ish Boshitt
and those who followed David. David could have resolved matters
by force, by defeating his enemies, by driving a permanent
wedge between the Chosen People, but instead he waited and
(31:43):
he trusted in God. David's patience and reliance on God
is a model for all of us, because when God
seems slow to answer, we can still trust that his
plan will be fulfilled in his perfect time. So what
else does today's story teach us for us living today
(32:05):
in this modern world? Well, where in your life are
you tempted to reach for the sword instead of mercy.
Maybe it's a family feud, a workplace tension, a political disagreement,
or even a silent war inside your own heart. Don't
fight like job when God has calling you to wait
like David, you can be strung and merciful. You can't
(32:28):
tell the truth and preserve peace. The goal is not
to win, argument is to reflect God's heart. Be slow
to speak, quick to listen, and steady to love. Shaloam
from here in the Holy Land.
Speaker 1 (32:46):
You can listen to the Chosen People with the isl
e stein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the
pray dot Com app. Today. This Prey dog comproduction is
only made possible by our dedicated team of cre creative talents.
Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are
the executive producers of The Chosen People with Yiele Eckstein,
(33:09):
Edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are
voiced by Jonathan Gotten, 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
(33:33):
Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paulinier, Robin van Ettin,
kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International 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
(33:55):
leave a review,
Previously on the chosen people, and so saw the first
King of Israel pressed the hilt of his sword against
the earth, its point at his chest. He closed his eyes.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Was the first, but not the last. The battle was lost.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
The men scattered like lost sheep, But in the hills
of Judah a shepherd stood prepared to retrieve the scattered
sheep of Israel. The two figures approaching were none other
than his brothers, Joab and Arsahil. The three collided into
(00:54):
each other, embracing with tears and laughs.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
We've been sent by the elders of Jodah. A company
of men is just around a bend radiatives.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
When they came within a mile of the gates, they
could hear it, a low thrum. As they neared, the
sound grew louder. The crowd parted, revealing the elders of
Judah atop a high platform of carved stone.
Speaker 4 (01:20):
The giant Slayer, the harvest of Bethlehem, the warrior who
would not lift his hand against the king, the outlaw
who guarded our borders when our king would not. You
have been chosen by God and confirmed by the voice
of the people. David, son of Jesse, rise now as
(01:44):
King of Judah, not by birthright, but by divine anointing.
Speaker 5 (01:57):
They were all sons of Israel, Yet the Holy land
ran red with blood Shelloh, my friends, from here in
the Holy Land of Israel, i'm l extein with the
international Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the
Chosen People. Let me ask you something. What happens when
brothers go to war? What happens when loyalty to family
(02:20):
collides with loyalty to truth. In today's passage Second Samuel,
chapter two, verses nine through thirty two, we witness one
of the most painful moments in the Chosen People's story.
A kingdom, once bound by covenant, is torn apart by ambition.
A son of Saul clings to his father's throne, A
(02:41):
son of Jesse waits and head grown. Two kings, one promise,
and in the middle swords are drawn. We've seen David
rise from shepherd to fugitive to ruler of Judah. We've
watched Saul fall, But now the real fracture begins. His
story is not for the faint of heart. It's a
(03:02):
tale of honor, of grief, of pride, and the cost
of divided allegiance.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
The Palace of Saul loomed like a tomb atop the
heights of Gibea. Its high towers and black stone walls
bore the chill of death, the air inside still heavy
with the memory of the king who once brooded within
its halls. Within the throne room, torches hissed as the
(03:31):
elders of the eleven other tribes of Israel gathered. Ish Bosheth,
the last son of Saul, now sat on the throne.
He was a thin and long faced man, his limbs
too delicate for armor. He was near forty years old,
but still gave off the presence of a child. His
(03:53):
father's great throne seemed to swallow him. Beside him stood
Abnall's commander and right hand. He did not look at
Ishbosheth as he spoke to the elders, nor did he
need to. Everyone knew who was really in charge.
Speaker 6 (04:12):
Elders of Israel, we stand at a precipice. One misstep
and this nation fractures beyond repair. Throwne of Israel was
carved for sal by the prophet Samuel himself. To abandon
his blood now would be to spit upon that legacy.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
The elders listened, nodding with the hollow weight of old
men clinging to order. Some feared change, others feared David.
Abner pressed on.
Speaker 6 (04:40):
If we anoint David, this southern shepherd, this outlaw king
of Judah, we invite every ambitious sword to claim the
crown by force or flattery. Kings are made by birth,
not by ballads.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
And yet a wrinkled elder from Dan called out from
the back. He spoke with the same curiosity many of
the elders felt.
Speaker 7 (05:04):
Prince Jonathan laid down his rights for David. He gave
him his ring, his armor that cannot be ignored.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
There was silence. I ish bo Sheath shifted uncomfortably pale
and fidgeting. He cleared his throat, attempting regality.
Speaker 7 (05:23):
Ha ha, I am Soul's son. Royal blood flows through
my veins. My claim is not for debate. We should
have David's head for his treachery.
Speaker 1 (05:35):
The boy stepped down from the dais, trying to own
the room, but his words were thin and his confidence brittle.
Speaker 7 (05:44):
If David's allowed to ascend to the throne, that means
any mongrel off the streets will fake they ever claim
my father wanted him dead for a reason. He's a
treacherous little rat. He'll meet the edge of my blade
sooner or later.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Ishbau Sheth swung his father's sword around, clumsily, knocking over
a pitcher of wine, which splashed onto the servant girl's.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
Uh clean this up?
Speaker 7 (06:12):
Why is that here anyway?
Speaker 1 (06:15):
Abner's lip Twitchedhbaucheth's arrogance did little to lighten the elder's concern.
He needed the boy to remain silent. Ishbau Sheth did
little to help his claim by parading himself like a
spoiled child.
Speaker 6 (06:31):
My king, perhaps you should go rest and prepare for
to night's feast. You will settle this tonight over mead
and meat.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Is bau Sheth nodded at that, turning on his heels
and clapping for his attendants to follow. He exited the
throne room with a procession behind him. When the doors closed,
Abner let out a long sigh. He placed a single
hand on the throne, wanting to sit upon it, feeling
he deserved to, but restrained himself. He spoke to the
(07:02):
elders plainly.
Speaker 6 (07:04):
I'm not blind, brothers, I see what you see Isbashef
is a petulant child, but he is their rightful heir.
Speaker 8 (07:13):
Abner, the kingdom is young. It is not too late
to name another house to lead us.
Speaker 6 (07:20):
I agree, but the crown David would be to reward
Judah for its show of dominance by anointing a king.
They communicated to the other tribes that they viewed themselves
as a king of their own.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
The elders nodded Judah was the most prominent tribe in Israel.
Jacob himself had already appointed at the first among the tribes.
Speaker 6 (07:42):
And not only this, but word is that David worked
under the King of God. Do we really trust him
to march against the Philistines?
Speaker 1 (07:50):
More murmurs from the elders. Abner knew he was gaining momentum.
Speaker 6 (07:55):
You know me, gentlemen, I led our armies under Saul.
I fought at Jilboah and lived.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
I do not ask you to kneel to that boy.
Speaker 6 (08:05):
I ask you to trust the sword that stands beside him.
Let Ishbosheth, wear the crown, let him speak the prayers
and ride at festivals, but the fight. Leave the fight
to me. Let me deliver Israel from the philistines. Let
me restore what we've lost, and when our enemies lie broken,
then we can speak again of appointing a new king,
(08:27):
one that will represent all the tribes, not just big
brother Judah.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
He let the silence settle like ash upon the room.
The elders looked at each other and nodded in agreement.
Speaker 8 (08:40):
So be it, The crown remains in Gabaya. Yeshkochev shall
be king.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
The others echoed him, some with resignation, others with relief.
Abnah stood tall. He had what he wanted for now,
but he knew how fragile the kingdom was. The sun
hung like a burning coin above the hills of Hebron.
(09:10):
Sweat slick David's brow, his curls damp against his forehead.
He stood in the yard behind the barracks, sword in hand.
He was training his men, modeling his movements with a
piece of staked timber. He brought his blade down upon
it with thunderous might. The woods split clean into sending
(09:31):
a spray of splinters into the air. David turned to
the young men who were watching him.
Speaker 7 (09:37):
The strength of your strike lies not in your arms.
It begins with your feet, Your stance is your truth.
Without it, all else fails. A warrior with unsteady footing
is like a house built upon sand. A gust of
wind and all comes down.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
He nodded and tried to mimic him some better than others.
He watched them with pride. David spent as much time
with his men as possible. Their hearts were united on
those training grounds. David turned to his left, seeing Joab
training with his younger brothers Arsahl and Abishai. Joab had intentional,
(10:22):
calculated movements. Every stroke of his sword had been planned.
Abishi was instinctual, responding to everything that came his way
with grace. Arsahl was quick, relying on his speed to
get the upper hand in all of it. David couldn't
help but feel regret, regret that he'd never shared these
(10:43):
relationships with his own brothers, not like that. He gathered
the brothers along with Jashabem and Beniah. Joab had been
named commander of David's armies, while Beniah had been named
captain of David's royal Guard. Tieds well earned titles that
would be put to the test. They leaned over a
(11:06):
large stone table with maps and ledgers scattered throughout.
Speaker 7 (11:10):
What threat do you see rising first?
Speaker 1 (11:13):
Joab didn't hesitate.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Abner. Job and Abner have hated each other as long
as I can remember. There has nothing to do with it.
The tribes have named Ishbosheth king. Abner commands what remains
of Saul's host. He gathers men, fortify cities, and speaks
of uniting the kingdom under his bubpet. I believe he
(11:39):
will strike before summer ends.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
David was quiet. The name Ishbosheth did not stir fear,
only a sense of pity. But Abner, Abner was a
different matter.
Speaker 7 (11:54):
Then the war is not with the son of Saul,
but with the sword that swings for him.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Aye. And if we strike first and strike hard, it
might end in a single blow.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Civil more.
Speaker 7 (12:10):
Israel against Judah, brother against brother.
Speaker 1 (12:13):
Josh Evine's ears perked at David's tone.
Speaker 8 (12:18):
David, I can feel your heart stirring. But this isn't
a matter up honor. You're the king of Judah. We
can't allow Abner the chance to march against our walls.
Speaker 7 (12:32):
I understand, but I will not allow blood to be
spilled carelessly. We'll meet them, show our strength and posture.
Against them, but we will not annihilate them. We'll show
them we can be dominated, and hopefully that will bring
us back to the negotiating table.
Speaker 3 (12:53):
I will take five hundred of our finest and meet
Abner on the field. A single victory may be all
that is needed.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
I'll go with you.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
No, no, David, this isn't the right time.
Speaker 8 (13:07):
If Israel and Judah are to unite again, you can't
have Israelia bland on your hands.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
David nodded and dismissed them all. Joab turned to leave,
but David's voice called him back. Joab, the commander paused.
Speaker 7 (13:25):
In all things, remember the Lord honors a merciful heart.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Joab's jaw flexed. He bowed low, but the winds that
passed across his face did not go unnoticed. Mercy was
not a language Joab spoke often. Still, he submitted, as
you command, my King. Then he was gone. Gathering the
chosen few, the blades, the spears, and the shields, they
(13:56):
would ride to meet Abner in the hills between two thrones,
one of blood and one of oil. The fog hung
low over the Brook of Gibeon, coiling around the roots
of ancient trees, The water flowed gently between the gathered
(14:18):
hosts of Israel and Judah, a quiet stream dividing one
nation into two. On opposite banks. The two armies waited, watched,
shifting uncomfortably with every gust of breeze. They were all
Hebrews kinsmen by blood, by covenant, by God himself, and
(14:40):
yet they stood on the edge of civil war. Blades sheathed,
hearts clenched. Joab of Judah and Abner of Israel both
stood beneath a weeping willow to negotiate terms of combat.
Joab's brothers were behind him. Arsahl couldn't sit still, while
Abhishi was cool as ice. The commanders had come to speak,
(15:05):
not to fight, But even as they sat there was
an old venom between them. It was Abna who spoke first.
His voice was calm, but laced with arrogance.
Speaker 6 (15:17):
Come a long way, Joe, ab But I must ask
why the throne rests beneath my banner. We have the tribes,
we have the numbers. The House of Saul yet stands.
We don't have to do this. Lay down your claim
and let the crown return to its rightful heir.
Speaker 9 (15:36):
Rightful Abner, You and I both know who is Bosa is,
and we also know that Judah alone could grind your
entire host and to duzed if David willed it.
Speaker 3 (15:48):
This isn't about numbers, not to us. This is about truth.
This is about who was chosen. Spare me the poetry.
I know what this is.
Speaker 6 (16:00):
You wanted command under Saul and were denied for me.
Now you throw your sword behind a shepherd because he'll
make you a commander.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
You don't care about the truth.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
You care for power.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Joab's hand tightened around the hilt at his side.
Speaker 3 (16:16):
I serve Saul's house then, because I serve our nation.
I serve David now for the same reason. I'm a
servant of Israel, always will be. But you, Abner, you
serve only yourself with ishbosheth. You are a king in
all but name. That boy is a puppet, a palry
(16:40):
of a man whose spine is held up by your
will and ambissure.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
Tell me, Abner, Joab leaned forward, his voice barely above
a whisper. Is what they say true?
Speaker 3 (16:56):
That you've taken Rasbal Saul's concubine as your own. Was
she yours to lie with? Or do you wear the
king's crown when no one is watching.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
Abner drew his sword in an instant arsa helen. Abishi
were quick to draw theirs, but Joeab gestured for them
to lower.
Speaker 6 (17:16):
Say another word, and I'll gut you where you stand.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
The two men faced each other, warriors, both seasoned, both deadly.
A single lunge, a single misstep, and it would set
everything in motion. Neither wanted to make it more sloppy
than it needed to be. They were too wise for
such things. Even still, Joab loved that he could get
(17:43):
a rise out of Abner. Abna stepped back and sheathed
his sword.
Speaker 6 (17:48):
Let the young men rise and contend before us, my
men against yours.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
Joab smirked at that they weren't Joab's men, they were David's,
and that was a hidden strength Abner would soon discover.
Speaker 3 (18:04):
Yes, let them rise.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
The champions stood first, twelve from Judah, twelve from Israel.
They looked like statues beneath the trees, the fog coiling
around their armor. Then a single horn sounded low and mournful,
and they ran. The first collision was like a crack
of wood. Each man was matched blow for blow, step
(18:34):
for step. They grappled, locked arms, and fell into the muck.
Together again and again a sword found flesh, and again
the dying man drove his own blade home. They slew
each other with mirrored precision. By the end, not one stood.
Twenty four lay dead in the field, their corpses crisscrossed
(18:59):
like tangled roots. It was a grim omen For a time,
neither army moved. Joab stood tall upon a rise, his
hand resting on the hilt of his sword. His brothers,
Abishai and arsa Hel flanked him.
Speaker 3 (19:16):
Soldier for soldier were evenly matched, but are united. Army
is certainly better than theirs.
Speaker 6 (19:23):
If we kill Abner, we end this needless bloodshed.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
Agreed, my spear is poised for him. He see remember
your marks. Don't be hasty. He's seemed more battle in
his life than the two of you. In mind, obey
my command, understood.
Speaker 1 (19:43):
The brothers nodded. Then Joab drew his blade and shouted
to the rest of the men.
Speaker 3 (19:49):
Today we fight for a new Israel. Today we fight
for a kingdom united not by blood lines, but by
the will of the Lord.
Speaker 9 (19:58):
For David onds anointed, for honor, for strength, for Judah
roar like lions.
Speaker 1 (20:07):
The cry roared up from the rants behind him. Abner,
jaw clenched, raised his sword and gestured forward advance. The
armies crashed like storm tides. Blades met bone, shields splintered.
The field became a butcher's yard. Joe ab had chosen
(20:28):
his ground well. Half his forces held the center, locking
Abner's men in place, while the rest surged in from
the flanks. It was not just a battle, it was
a trap. The men of Judah, trained by David's own hand,
moved with ruthless discipline. Abner's army, larger but less cohesive,
(20:51):
buckled under the weight of their assault. The brook of
Gibeon ran read that day. Abner's line collapsed. By the
time the sun reached its zenith, three hundred and sixty
of Israel's sons lay slain on the field, and the
rest were broken and retreating into the woods. Clouds whirl,
(21:14):
thunder cloud, and a storm had come.
Speaker 6 (21:17):
Abner yelled over the wind, far back, We'll live to
fight another day, scattered.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
Him and recruited.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
His command was bitter in his mouth, and one moment
he had stom with pride. Now he ran with shame,
noying at his heels, and Abner retreated up the jacket,
mounting side him and the larsa Hel saw Abner retreating.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
Abner's getting away leave him to a shame. But I
can end this now, ashall stop.
Speaker 1 (21:50):
But arsa Hel didn't listen. The youngest son of Zeaiah
flew like the wind, lightfooted and fearless, his sore drawn,
and I set with fire. Joe, ab and Abish I
ran after him, higher and higher. Arsa Hel climbed until
his feet touched the slick stones of the summit. The
(22:11):
rain had begun to fall.
Speaker 8 (22:13):
Is that you, s a Hell?
Speaker 3 (22:15):
You're mine to kill. You're a fool. Don't come any closer.
Speaker 6 (22:21):
Turn back. It's savor your triumphs not until I have
your head.
Speaker 1 (22:27):
Abna backed up all he could until he found the
edge of the plateau. There was nowhere else to go.
Arsa Hell was beneath him, approaching quickly. Abna turned slowly
and drew the spear from his back.
Speaker 6 (22:41):
Turn back, boy, I'm warning you, it doesn't need to
end like this.
Speaker 1 (22:47):
But ur sa Hell would not yield. His pride burned
brighter than the storm.
Speaker 9 (22:53):
If I say you this war ends, I'll bring your
body to my cake.
Speaker 7 (23:00):
The kingdom will be one again.
Speaker 3 (23:03):
Come closer and you die. It's simple as that. I
have the high ground.
Speaker 1 (23:08):
As Sir Hel continued, inching forward, poised to charge, Abner's
face twisted, not in rage but sorrow.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
You have no foundation. I'll kill you if you come forward.
Speaker 1 (23:23):
Yeah, Arseir Hel leaped, but the rain had made the
rock slick and his footing was unsure. Abner cocked his
elbows and thrust the spear met flesh with a sickening crunch.
Arsa Hel's breath caught. He did not scream. The spear
(23:44):
point burst from his back with a cry of anguish.
Abner wrenched the spear free, and the boy's body tumbled
from the plateau down down. It fell, landing with a
thud upon the rocks far below. The rain came harder
now then lightning forked across the sky.
Speaker 3 (24:05):
I warned you, God help me, I warned you.
Speaker 1 (24:10):
Abner fled, disappearing into the trees. Joab and Abishi finally
made it to the plateau. Joab stepped to the edge
and looked down there. Far below, his brother's body lay broken,
pierced through with a spear sprawled across the jagged rocks. Together,
(24:34):
they climbed down. When they reached Arsahl, Joab knelt and
cradled the corpse in his arms, drawing him close. Thunder
cracked overhead. Joab's chest heaved, not with sobs, but with rage.
He laid his brother down gently on the cold earth,
(24:54):
pressed his forehead to arsa Hel's, and then stood Abnah,
the name curdled in Joab's mouth. He gripped the hilt
of his blade, drew steel, and began to run. Abishi followed,
sword in hand, the storm roaring around them. The two
(25:17):
of them tore through the forest like wolve, scenting blood.
When they finally reached the edge of the woods where
Abner was, the commander turned and lifted his arms.
Speaker 3 (25:27):
Stop stop, Joab, I'm warning you.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
Behind him, Abner's men emerged, hundreds of them, weary but armed.
You've won, joe Ab.
Speaker 6 (25:38):
If you seek vengeance on me now, your victory will
be hollow.
Speaker 3 (25:44):
Your chest will be hollowed out. Will I rip your
heart from its place?
Speaker 1 (25:50):
Asahl gave me no choice.
Speaker 6 (25:52):
You know that the boy should have never pursued me.
Speaker 3 (25:55):
I begged him not to.
Speaker 1 (25:57):
Abner's tone softened, heeled to Joeab's reason.
Speaker 6 (26:02):
Shall the sword devour forever? If you pursue me, you
know how this ends. You may strike me down, but
your death will follow, and my men will be slain,
and yours will answer in kind. There will be no
kingdom joe Ab, only corpses.
Speaker 1 (26:18):
Joe Ab said nothing. Abish I laid a hand on
his brother's arm.
Speaker 2 (26:23):
He's right, brother, there's no victory here.
Speaker 3 (26:26):
Let him go.
Speaker 1 (26:28):
Thunder clapped again, revealing the shadows underneath Joeab's scowl.
Speaker 3 (26:34):
As the Lord lives, Ibner, If your tongue had not spoken,
my sword would have not stopped until your men were
drowned in blood.
Speaker 1 (26:45):
Slowly, Joeab drew his dagger and clenched the blade in
his bare hand. Blood trickled down his palm and dripped
onto the stones. He held out the bloodied blade.
Speaker 3 (26:59):
Know this, My brother's blood will not be forgotten. The
day will come when you answer for it.
Speaker 1 (27:08):
Abnah felt the words in his bones. Joab's words were
no mere threat. They were a prophecy. Joab lifted his horn.
It sounded. Joab's men heard and obeyed. The pursuit ended.
Abnah turned without another word and marched through the night.
(27:30):
He and his men crossed the Jordan and dragged themselves
into Mahonaim with blood on their boots and weariness in
their bones. Joab carried arsa hell home in his arms
the entire way.
Speaker 5 (27:49):
Why do the greatest wounds often come from those closest
to us. This wasn't Egypt, this wasn't Babylon, This was Gibeon,
a quiet stream. This was a battlefield, not of nations,
but of neighbors. All of them were the same covenant,
all them bled from the same promise given to Abraham.
So what happened? Obner was the field marshal of ish
(28:14):
Bushitt Saul's sun and the second king of Israel, and
Job was David's field marshal. Verse fourteen tells us then
Obner said to Job, let's have some of the young
men get up and fight hand to hand in friend
of us. All right, let them do it. Job said
or say just suggests that Obner was later killed as
(28:36):
a punishment for suggesting these war games, which quickly turned
serious into a kind of civil war.
Speaker 7 (28:44):
Well.
Speaker 5 (28:44):
The English translation of this verse reads as fight hand
to hand, but the original Hebrew is bay ysach kou,
which literally translates to to play. That would read. Then
Obner said to John, let's have some of the young
men go to play hand in hand in front of us.
(29:06):
All right, then let them do it, Job says, So
what we learned from this is deep. What began as
a kind of playful duel quickly turned into real battles
and could even be called a civil war among the
Chosen people. There is a serious lesson here. War is
not a game. The spilling of blood is a very
(29:27):
serious matter. Obner's suggestion brought about real bloodshed the idea.
Our modern Israeli army has a beautiful concept called Tohar haneshek,
which means purity of arms. Every soldier is taught how
serious a matter it is to bear arms, and how
he or she must conform to a strict code of
(29:50):
the use of weapons, to really use them only when
your life is threatened, to bring peace, not more war.
And it's a lesson learned from our story today. Our
study of the Bible so far has taught us something deep.
Division among brothers is one of the oldest wounds. From
Cain and Able to Jacob and Esau, to Joseph and
(30:12):
his envious kin. The fractured brotherhood haunts the Chosen People's story,
and each time it begins with one thing, the struggle
for blessing, and we see it again in this story,
a story of a fractured kingdom, but also a slow
and aching movement towards a greater kingdom. This is not
(30:35):
an easy Bible story, the stories of flawed men, this
story of a deeply fractured nation. But it's also a
story of our patient God. In our fast paced modern
world of instant gratification, sometimes we get impatient in God's timing,
don't we. We think God is able to make things
happen quickly, so we question when he doesn't answer us immediately. Now,
(30:59):
David was just a shepherd boy when he received God's
promise that one day he would become king. But that
promise wasn't fulfilled until David was thirty years old. It
took patience, discipline, and trusting God's plan, but David waited
upon the Lord, even after Saul's death, when it seemed
like the path to the throne was finally clear, even
(31:22):
after the nation broke out in civil war and the
kingdom was divided between those following Saul's son Ish Boshitt
and those who followed David. David could have resolved matters
by force, by defeating his enemies, by driving a permanent
wedge between the Chosen People, but instead he waited and
(31:43):
he trusted in God. David's patience and reliance on God
is a model for all of us, because when God
seems slow to answer, we can still trust that his
plan will be fulfilled in his perfect time. So what
else does today's story teach us for us living today
(32:05):
in this modern world? Well, where in your life are
you tempted to reach for the sword instead of mercy.
Maybe it's a family feud, a workplace tension, a political disagreement,
or even a silent war inside your own heart. Don't
fight like job when God has calling you to wait
like David, you can be strung and merciful. You can't
(32:28):
tell the truth and preserve peace. The goal is not
to win, argument is to reflect God's heart. Be slow
to speak, quick to listen, and steady to love. Shaloam
from here in the Holy Land.
Speaker 1 (32:46):
You can listen to the Chosen People with the isl
e stein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the
pray dot Com app. Today. This Prey dog comproduction is
only made possible by our dedicated team of cre creative talents.
Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are
the executive producers of The Chosen People with Yiele Eckstein,
(33:09):
Edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are
voiced by Jonathan Gotten, 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
(33:33):
Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paulinier, Robin van Ettin,
kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International 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
(33:55):
leave a review,
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.