June 19, 2025 • 30 mins
# 175 - David The Vigilante - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, David risks everything to rescue a city abandoned by Saul—only to face betrayal by those he just saved. In the wilderness of Ziph, we see a leader refined not by power, but by restraint, trust, and the quiet courage to follow God's timing.
Episode 175 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.
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For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
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:
(01:04) Intro with Yael Eckstein
(01:54) David The Vigilante
(28:11) Reflection with Yael Eckstein
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the Chosen People.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Go go find the boy. Do not rest until he
has brought to me. I will have his head mounted.
Speaker 3 (00:10):
Over my throne. The world will know that I prevail
over the giant Slayer.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
A flock of misfits gathered under the staff of a
shepherd who knew what it was to be cast aside.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
I heard a whispers that the giant slayer himself had
become a huge day I in the caves of a dullam.
The men kept it the time secret. Far go from
the years of soul. That doesn't mean he won't find you.
I came to pledge my sword here, Old David.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
My sword is yours, Shepherd of Israel, my arm, my life,
my loyalty.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
These men were his flock, now not sheep, but six
hundred souls, and by the grace of God, he would
be their shepherd.
Speaker 4 (01:06):
Shello my friends from here in the holy Land of Israel.
I'm ya l Extein with the International Fellowship of Christians
and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day
we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories
filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning
of life. Through Israel's story, we will find this truth
(01:29):
that we are all chosen for something great. So take
a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling
extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if
you left us a review. I read every single one
of them, and if you're interested in hearing more about
the prophetic, life saving work of the Fellowship, you can
(01:49):
visit IFCJ dot Org. Let's begin.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
The night wind cut like knives through the trees, slipping
beneath the lion's cloak to claw at his skin. Each
breath was a struggle, sharp and cold in his throat,
but still he ran. He could not stop, not with
the fires of Kyla burning behind him, not with the
Philistines tearing through the streets of his city like wolves
(02:20):
in a sheep fold. The flicker of firelight glimmered through
the trees ahead. A lion forced his legs to move faster.
Speaker 5 (02:27):
David, David, Please find need David.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
The ground pitched beneath him, and his head spun. Two
shadows stepped into the light, one bearing a torch and
the other stooping to lift him from the dirt. Strong
arms carried him back to the fire wrapped him in
heavy bear skins and placed a cup of warm water
on his lips.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
Easy, now, drink first, then speak what brings you here?
Speaker 5 (02:56):
I have a message for David's ears alone.
Speaker 3 (02:59):
Now, how is it that everyone thinks David lives here?
Speaker 5 (03:03):
It's a secret kept from the king, but everyone who
needs a hero knows exactly where to run to.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
The fair haired man glanced at his companion with a
quiet smile.
Speaker 5 (03:14):
What is your message?
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Her Lim's mouth fell open in realization. He had expected
a giant, someone broader, fiercer, a man who wore his
glory like a second skin. But this man, this David,
looked more like a shepherd than a king. A lion
fell to his knees.
Speaker 5 (03:36):
My Lord, forgive me, I didn't know.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
Ha ha ha, Please enough, would this lord forgive me? Nonsense?
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Look at me?
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Do I look like a man worthy of such reverence?
Speak plainly? Why have you come here?
Speaker 5 (03:51):
I come from Callia. The Philistines have overrun the city.
He burned the farms and broke through the gates. Be
taken home, swimming children everything the eldest sent me to
find you. Saul has not answered our cries. We begged
him for eight days ago and still nothing. They said,
if anyone would come, it would be you. We need
(04:13):
a savior.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
David's jaw tightened.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
There's no savior but the Lord. Still, I will hear
it all. Tell me what happened.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
David crouched beside the fire, refilled the lion's cup, and listened.
A lion spoke of flames licking the city walls, of
the black wave of Philistine raiders, of cries in the dark,
and the silence that followed. They had withdrawn for now,
camped just beyond the city, waiting to strike again once
(04:48):
the fear had settled deep enough into the bones of
Kyla's people.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
They will be back in a few days with more men.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
This I swear, how many Philistines over a thousand sleep.
Now I will consult with my men.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
As soon as the boy's breathing slowed, David's smile faded.
He stood and walked into the dark alone, the woods
swallowing him whole. The air bit like steel as David
walked alone beneath the trees, each breath curling from his
(05:25):
lips like smoke. There was a place in these woods
no one else knew, not Jasherbine not abishi. David climbed
atop a stone and sat cross legged, hands on his knees.
He drew in a deep breath, filling his lungs with
the frosted air, and let it out slowly. His breath
(05:47):
swirled into nothingness.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
What shall I do, my Lord?
Speaker 3 (05:52):
I could gather my men and march to Kela before dawn,
but is that what I'm supposed to do. I'm not
in the ranks of Israel, I'm not charged with protecting
the city. But yet I feel like it's my duty
to respond.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
David shook his head and sighed.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Who am I to this nation? Am I still there
protecting their champion? And what if Saul hears? Will I
put the city in danger?
Speaker 1 (06:19):
David's breath became more labored. He tried to steady his heartbeat,
seeking counsel from above.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
I will not move unless you send me. I will
not go where your spirit does not lead.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
His voice faltered, and his hands curled into fists against
his knees. All the confidence he had shown before a
lion was gone, stripped away by the silence of the woods.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
I'm afraid afraid that Saul will find me, afraid that
my men will die for nothing, afraid that I will fail.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
His voice broke on that word, fail, and he shook
his head bitterly, opened his hands, palms up to the sky.
His fingers trembled from cold, but also from the weight
pressing down on him.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Shall I go and attack these philistines? Shall I risk
everything for a city? Saul himself is already abandoned.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
The forest gave no reply, No voice spoke from the heavens,
no sign blazed in the stars. There was only the
rustling of leaves, the creak of branches in the wind.
David clenched his jaw and wiped his eyes with the
back of his hand.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
Please, that's your servant, I need to know.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
He waited, breath held, listening so hard it hurt. Still nothing.
He exhaled, ragged and low, and turned to leave. But
then it wasn't a voice, not in the way Samuel
once spoke to him, nor in the way John Jonathan
had whispered reassurances in the dark. It was something deeper,
(08:05):
a warm thunfurling in his chest, like fire catching in
dry wood, a command written not in words, but in
the marrow of his bones.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Go.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
David opened his eyes. He knew the shepherd was sent
to gather the lost sheep. David ran back into camp.
Most of the camp had gone to sleep, but his
closest men were still awake, huddled near the fire Jashabine, Beniah, Abeshi,
(08:40):
and Uriah, faces flickering in the orange light. David's mighty
men often lingered longer, planning and praying. David dropped down
beside them without a word, at first, rubbing his hands
close to the flames. His smile was calm, easy, too
easy for men who knew him.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
Well, what's the verdict? Then? Shall we march? Shall we
coward and our hobbles and let Tayla burn might.
Speaker 5 (09:10):
As well march.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
We're already hiding in Judah, fearing for our lives.
Speaker 5 (09:14):
I'm tired of being this jumping. Yesterday I drew my
sword at the sound of a pheasant. Wow, big was
the pheasant taller than you?
Speaker 2 (09:23):
But that's not saying much.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
The men chuckled and leaned against the logs. Josh Ebine
winked at David, then drew a deep breath with his
hands behind his head.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
It's your coal, giants, layer Taylor needs us that soluble.
Almost certainly discover our location.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
That we will help them. Are any of you afraid?
Of course we're afraid.
Speaker 5 (09:48):
He has a whole army at his disposal.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
We have us.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
But fear is a poor reason not to do the
right thing.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
The men all nodded at that. David said nothing at first,
His lips moved without sound, whispering prayers. Only God could hear. Then,
from the heart of the fire itself, the answer came.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
Arise, go down to Colliah. I will give the Philistines
into your hand.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
David rose to his feet at once, as if his
body belonged to the command and not to himself. He
set a firm hand on abish Eye's shoulder.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
You're all madmen, and you, dear David, are the king
of us.
Speaker 5 (10:36):
All so are doing this.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
He strong and courageous, and all but tomorrow will march
to death to life good David.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
David's men reached the crest of a hill overlooking Kaylah.
The city lay in ruin beneath them. Smoke curled up
from the fields, black and bitter. The earth was scorched
and salted, the walls pock marked with scorch marks and
shattered stone. Beyond the gate, a camp of Philistines sprawled
(11:13):
across the plain like vultures on a carcass. There were
scores of them, and even from a distance, David could
see their cruel steel catching the light. David turned to
a lion.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Go down to the city. Tell the elders that salvation
stands at their gates. Tell the women and children to hide.
Any man with strength left in his arms must stand
ready at the gate. If the Philistines break through, they
must fight.
Speaker 1 (11:41):
A lion bowed his head and ran, feet slipping on
loose stones as he hurtled down the slope toward the
broken walls. David crouched low, beckoning, ABESHI, what's our count?
Speaker 5 (11:54):
For a thousand?
Speaker 3 (11:55):
Their armed for the slaughter, swords, spears, torches, more than.
Speaker 5 (12:00):
Any simple raid would need.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
They mean to kill everyone, women, children, They mean to erase.
Came out from the earth.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
They are number us two to one, But they don't
know we're here. If we strike them in the valley
between their camp and the city, we have the ground
and the surprise.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
David smiled faintly, the smile of a gambler who knows
the dice loaded, but rolls them anyway.
Speaker 5 (12:31):
Then the valley it is.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
He stepped back onto the ridge where the men had gathered,
raising his arms for silence.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
My brothers, I know many of you have no reason
to fight for this land. This is the land they
cast you out. This is the country that called you
thieves and murderers. Their king made you exiles and orphans.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
He let the words hang heavy, long enough for every
man to feel the truth of the man and his God.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
But today the Lord has called you to stand for
those who would never stand for you. That is who
we are. We are the ones who answer Christ for mercy,
even when no mercy was given to us. We are
chosen by God to tread the path of righteousness. The
God we serve is a refuge to all who call
(13:23):
upon him, and we we will be that refuge. Today.
We will defend the helpless, and we will bring judgment
to those who would destroy our brothers and sisters.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
The men leaned in every breath held.
Speaker 3 (13:39):
God is a god of mercy to those who seek him,
But to the Philistines he is a God of judgment,
and we are that judgment.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
The men roared in answer, a sound like a wave
crashing against a cliff. It echoed through the hills, a
warning to every enemy who had ever raised steel against
the people of Israel. David stood atop the hill. In
his hand a single smooth stone. He set it in
(14:12):
the cradle of his sling and began to whirl it
behind him, slow at first, then faster and faster, until
the air hummed with the sound. His hips twisted back,
and with a sharp snap, the stone flew. It whistled
across the valley and struck a Philistine officer clean in
(14:32):
the ribs. The man stumbled, clutching his side and falling
to the floor. The Philistines looked up toward the hill,
and there stood David, the sun burning behind him like
a crown of fire. They knew him even from this distance.
His name had been spat on their lips for years,
(14:55):
David the Giant Slayer. David did not shout for his
men to check. He did not sound a horn or
give a signal. He ran alone and wild. He burst forward,
his feet pounding against the earth behind him. The outcasts followed.
They had no orders, no banners, no formation, only rage, loyalty,
(15:20):
and the desire to belong to something greater than themselves.
David and Abereshi hit the enemy line like a falling star.
The first of four was a Philistine general, his legs
split open at the knee, his head torn from his
neck with a single brutal swing. Four men came at
David at once and found Benaia standing in their path.
(15:44):
His sword danced quick and savage, slicing tendon and shattering bone.
Beside him, Joshavin fought like a man who had nothing
left to lose. Together, they guarded David's back as he
cut a bloody path straight through the heart of the
Philistine line. They were David's mighty men. Two Philistines came
(16:08):
hard at David on horseback with blades drawn. David sidestepped
the first, slicing deep into the horse's foreleg as it
thundered past. The beasts screamed, toppling sideways into the dirt.
But the second came from his blind side. A sword
aimed to cleave him in two, but a spear struck
(16:30):
the Philistine's chest first, the point driving deep through his ribs,
bursting from his back in a spray of red. David
turned back to see Uriah, his eyes gleamed with loyal affection.
David exhaled breathless from the closeness of death. The five
of them, David, Jashabem, Baniah, Abeshi, and Uriah, became the
(16:55):
tip of the spear, driving through the Philistine ranks like
fire through dry grass.
Speaker 3 (17:02):
Do not lose that the Lord is giving them into
our hands. Stands a ground.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Do not fear.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
The men roared in reply, and pressed forward with renewed fury.
Blood slicked the earth, smoke choked the sky, and David
led the charge with the sword of a dead giant
in his hand and the breath of God burning in
his lungs. The elders of Kyler hid behind the gate.
(17:36):
Screams ripped through the air, roar and desperate, followed by
the clash of steel and the crunch of bone. The
gate shuddered violently, then silence. Every man at the gate
stood frozen, waiting for the next blow, the next shout,
the next horror. None came, then bray, making the painful silence.
(18:01):
A knock from a single man. A lion reached for
the latch, and with the help of trembling hands, dragged
the heavy gate open. There stood David, panting, bloodied and
grinning like a child. The bodies of Philistines lay sprawled
at his feet. Blood and dirt streaked David's face, and
(18:25):
his smile was feral, shining beneath the gore. It is
done behind him, the outcast cheered. The people of Kyla
poured out and raised their voices high in celebration. The
(18:47):
scent of roasted lamb and fresh bread drifted through the courtyard.
David sat back against the cool stone wall, his cup
of wine resting loosely in his hair, and the fires crackled,
and his men sang voices hoarse but jubilant, filling the
air with songs of home and glory. David watched them
(19:11):
with quiet pride. But in the shadows beyond the firelight,
where the warmth could not reach, four of Kayla's elders
stood huddled together, their faces drawn and anxious. They spoke
in hushed tones. Every few moments, one of them would
glance at David's men, not with admiration, but with wary caution.
(19:37):
David's grip tightened on the cup. He knew that look.
It was the look of men weighing their loyalties. They
were counting the cost of the debt they owed to
their rescuers. And wondering if Saul's wrath was a heavier
price to pay. Jashabine leaned against the wall, arms crossed
(19:57):
over his broad chest.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
I've had my eye on them too, I've been whispering
since we arrived.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
David did not look away from the elders.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
Shall I go, then we can be halfway to the
hills before sunrise.
Speaker 3 (20:13):
Not yet, these men have spent too long eating roots
and boiled fish. Let them have meat and wine while
they can. I won't tear them from their first real
rest just yet.
Speaker 1 (20:27):
As he spoke, one of the elders broke from the group.
The old man whispered to a servant, who bowed and
rushed off toward the city gate. A colt was saddled,
and the boy rode hard into the night, disappearing into
the shadows. David's jaw tightened.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
Find up you either.
Speaker 3 (20:47):
The priest is somewhere among us. I'll need him before
the night is done.
Speaker 1 (20:52):
David drained the rest of his cup and slipped away
from the laughter and singing. There was praying to be done,
the kind of praying that tasted of blood and fear.
David knew the truth. No city in Israel could serve
two kings not for long nights. Settled over Kayla like
(21:14):
a funeral shroud, Cold and breathless, David stood with Abiathar
in a narrow alley, their backs pressed to the cold
stone wall.
Speaker 5 (21:25):
Do you have the ivad?
Speaker 1 (21:27):
Abiathar pulled off his cloak, revealing the priestly garment beneath,
worn linen, embroidered with care. It seemed stained with the
blood of knob Upon its breast hung the Urim and Thummim,
the stones of inquiry, one pale as bone, the other
(21:47):
dark as spilled ink. These stones were a connection to
God's will, tools of faith and prayer. David knelt in
the dirt, fists pressed to the earth, and prayed through
gritted teeth.
Speaker 3 (22:03):
Oh Lord, God of Israel, tell your servant's true will
saw march against this city. Will he seek my head
and grind Kayla to dust because of me?
Speaker 1 (22:14):
Abiathar whispered the question to the stones, hands trembling slightly.
When he turned back, his face was pale. The stones
were clear Saul was coming. David's jaw tightened, muscles twitching
along his neck. Of course, Saul was coming. David could
(22:36):
feel it in his bones. Madness has assent, and Saul's
madness was already riding the wind, heavy with wine and steel.
But there was one more question. David had to ask
one more hope to strangle before it strangled him, and
he eld it.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Will they hand me over to him?
Speaker 1 (22:57):
Abiathar swallowed his mouth dry. He turned to the stones again. Yes,
David's heart caved in his chest. The very people they
had saved would betray them to save themselves. It was
the way of the world. David had seen it before,
(23:19):
and yet it tore at him all the same. He
wanted to scream, to curse, to strike something, anything to
dull the sting of it, but there was no time.
He grabbed the torch from the wall and strode into
the courtyard. His men lay sprawled across blankets and pallets,
stomachs full for the first time in weeks.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
On your feet. It's all us coming, and the elders
would not shield us. They mean to buy their own
lives with our blood.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
The men woke with a start, hands scrambling for swords
and shields. David moved among them, gripping arms, shaking shoulders,
urging speed.
Speaker 5 (24:01):
We leave it once.
Speaker 1 (24:02):
Habish eyes scaled the watchtower, peering into the dark expanse
that surrounded the city. In the distance, hundreds of torches
snaked through the trail.
Speaker 3 (24:13):
They're approaching from the south.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
Not it is there south. Before their jars could snap
shut around us. Pray the Lord blinds their eyes and
still there.
Speaker 1 (24:27):
So they fled into the night, six hundred souls, stumbling
through fields and gullies, tripping over stones and tangled roots.
The joy of their victory had turned to ash on
their tongues. They moved like shadows, silent and swift, hearts
hammering with every step. They found refuge in the caves
(24:51):
of Zip, jagged hollows carved into the cliffs like the
mouths of sleeping giants. The men built their fires low,
their laughter muted, their eyes darting to the shadows. Jashabeamed, Beniah, Abeshi,
and Uriah moved among them, settling families, sharpening blades, preparing
(25:14):
for the fight they all knew would come. David walked
alone to the back of the cave, where the firelight
couldn't reach. He knelt against the rough wall and pressed
his forehead to the stone. His shoulders shook with sorrow
that ran deeper than the marrow of his bones. His
(25:35):
chest heaved with silent sobs, tears darkening the dirt beneath him.
His men could hear him, but none dared speak. And
yet from that broken place a sound began to rise,
a low harm, at first, a trembling note that grew
(25:56):
into melody. David sang not for them, but for the
only one who still listened. His voice filled the cave,
echoing from the walls, trembling in the hearts of every
man who heard it. It was a song of anguish,
(26:16):
a cry of faith, clung to by bleeding fingers. The
words poured from him like oil from a broken jar.
Speaker 5 (26:27):
Might Who shall I fear? He is my fortress?
Speaker 3 (26:35):
Who shall I fear? The witness seek to you, army,
They shall stumble and fall. The armies rise against me.
My heart shall not hear. The war breaks upon me
like a flood.
Speaker 5 (26:56):
I was stand unshaken.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
One moan pass.
Speaker 5 (27:04):
One.
Speaker 3 (27:05):
I see above all others. I it's well in your house, forever.
Speaker 5 (27:18):
Beauty, to see.
Speaker 2 (27:21):
You in your You will find me in your shelter.
Speaker 3 (27:32):
You will live me high.
Speaker 1 (27:40):
The song faded, and silence returned to the cave, but
the silence felt different now, no longer empty but full.
Every man lay awake, staring at the rock above them,
holding that song like a shield in their hearts. They
were still outcasts, still hunted, still betrayed, but they were
(28:07):
not abandoned.
Speaker 4 (28:14):
If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and
it has affected your life, we'd love it if you
left her review. We read them, and me personally, I
cherish them as you venture forth boldly and faithfully. I
leave you with the biblical blessing from numbers six IV.
Hashem vischmrechra Yeah heir hashempanave ele y sa hashempanavele Shalon.
(28:44):
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the
Lord make his face shine upon you. May he be
gracious to you. Made the Lord turn his face towards
you and give you peace.
Speaker 2 (28:56):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (28:57):
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Previously on the Chosen People.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Go go find the boy. Do not rest until he
has brought to me. I will have his head mounted.
Speaker 3 (00:10):
Over my throne. The world will know that I prevail
over the giant Slayer.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
A flock of misfits gathered under the staff of a
shepherd who knew what it was to be cast aside.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
I heard a whispers that the giant slayer himself had
become a huge day I in the caves of a dullam.
The men kept it the time secret. Far go from
the years of soul. That doesn't mean he won't find you.
I came to pledge my sword here, Old David.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
My sword is yours, Shepherd of Israel, my arm, my life,
my loyalty.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
These men were his flock, now not sheep, but six
hundred souls, and by the grace of God, he would
be their shepherd.
Speaker 4 (01:06):
Shello my friends from here in the holy Land of Israel.
I'm ya l Extein with the International Fellowship of Christians
and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day
we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories
filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning
of life. Through Israel's story, we will find this truth
(01:29):
that we are all chosen for something great. So take
a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling
extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if
you left us a review. I read every single one
of them, and if you're interested in hearing more about
the prophetic, life saving work of the Fellowship, you can
(01:49):
visit IFCJ dot Org. Let's begin.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
The night wind cut like knives through the trees, slipping
beneath the lion's cloak to claw at his skin. Each
breath was a struggle, sharp and cold in his throat,
but still he ran. He could not stop, not with
the fires of Kyla burning behind him, not with the
Philistines tearing through the streets of his city like wolves
(02:20):
in a sheep fold. The flicker of firelight glimmered through
the trees ahead. A lion forced his legs to move faster.
Speaker 5 (02:27):
David, David, Please find need David.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
The ground pitched beneath him, and his head spun. Two
shadows stepped into the light, one bearing a torch and
the other stooping to lift him from the dirt. Strong
arms carried him back to the fire wrapped him in
heavy bear skins and placed a cup of warm water
on his lips.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
Easy, now, drink first, then speak what brings you here?
Speaker 5 (02:56):
I have a message for David's ears alone.
Speaker 3 (02:59):
Now, how is it that everyone thinks David lives here?
Speaker 5 (03:03):
It's a secret kept from the king, but everyone who
needs a hero knows exactly where to run to.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
The fair haired man glanced at his companion with a
quiet smile.
Speaker 5 (03:14):
What is your message?
Speaker 1 (03:17):
Her Lim's mouth fell open in realization. He had expected
a giant, someone broader, fiercer, a man who wore his
glory like a second skin. But this man, this David,
looked more like a shepherd than a king. A lion
fell to his knees.
Speaker 5 (03:36):
My Lord, forgive me, I didn't know.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
Ha ha ha, Please enough, would this lord forgive me? Nonsense?
Speaker 2 (03:44):
Look at me?
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Do I look like a man worthy of such reverence?
Speak plainly? Why have you come here?
Speaker 5 (03:51):
I come from Callia. The Philistines have overrun the city.
He burned the farms and broke through the gates. Be
taken home, swimming children everything the eldest sent me to
find you. Saul has not answered our cries. We begged
him for eight days ago and still nothing. They said,
if anyone would come, it would be you. We need
(04:13):
a savior.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
David's jaw tightened.
Speaker 3 (04:16):
There's no savior but the Lord. Still, I will hear
it all. Tell me what happened.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
David crouched beside the fire, refilled the lion's cup, and listened.
A lion spoke of flames licking the city walls, of
the black wave of Philistine raiders, of cries in the dark,
and the silence that followed. They had withdrawn for now,
camped just beyond the city, waiting to strike again once
(04:48):
the fear had settled deep enough into the bones of
Kyla's people.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
They will be back in a few days with more men.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
This I swear, how many Philistines over a thousand sleep.
Now I will consult with my men.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
As soon as the boy's breathing slowed, David's smile faded.
He stood and walked into the dark alone, the woods
swallowing him whole. The air bit like steel as David
walked alone beneath the trees, each breath curling from his
(05:25):
lips like smoke. There was a place in these woods
no one else knew, not Jasherbine not abishi. David climbed
atop a stone and sat cross legged, hands on his knees.
He drew in a deep breath, filling his lungs with
the frosted air, and let it out slowly. His breath
(05:47):
swirled into nothingness.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
What shall I do, my Lord?
Speaker 3 (05:52):
I could gather my men and march to Kela before dawn,
but is that what I'm supposed to do. I'm not
in the ranks of Israel, I'm not charged with protecting
the city. But yet I feel like it's my duty
to respond.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
David shook his head and sighed.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Who am I to this nation? Am I still there
protecting their champion? And what if Saul hears? Will I
put the city in danger?
Speaker 1 (06:19):
David's breath became more labored. He tried to steady his heartbeat,
seeking counsel from above.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
I will not move unless you send me. I will
not go where your spirit does not lead.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
His voice faltered, and his hands curled into fists against
his knees. All the confidence he had shown before a
lion was gone, stripped away by the silence of the woods.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
I'm afraid afraid that Saul will find me, afraid that
my men will die for nothing, afraid that I will fail.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
His voice broke on that word, fail, and he shook
his head bitterly, opened his hands, palms up to the sky.
His fingers trembled from cold, but also from the weight
pressing down on him.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Shall I go and attack these philistines? Shall I risk
everything for a city? Saul himself is already abandoned.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
The forest gave no reply, No voice spoke from the heavens,
no sign blazed in the stars. There was only the
rustling of leaves, the creak of branches in the wind.
David clenched his jaw and wiped his eyes with the
back of his hand.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
Please, that's your servant, I need to know.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
He waited, breath held, listening so hard it hurt. Still nothing.
He exhaled, ragged and low, and turned to leave. But
then it wasn't a voice, not in the way Samuel
once spoke to him, nor in the way John Jonathan
had whispered reassurances in the dark. It was something deeper,
(08:05):
a warm thunfurling in his chest, like fire catching in
dry wood, a command written not in words, but in
the marrow of his bones.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Go.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
David opened his eyes. He knew the shepherd was sent
to gather the lost sheep. David ran back into camp.
Most of the camp had gone to sleep, but his
closest men were still awake, huddled near the fire Jashabine, Beniah, Abeshi,
(08:40):
and Uriah, faces flickering in the orange light. David's mighty
men often lingered longer, planning and praying. David dropped down
beside them without a word, at first, rubbing his hands
close to the flames. His smile was calm, easy, too
easy for men who knew him.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
Well, what's the verdict? Then? Shall we march? Shall we
coward and our hobbles and let Tayla burn might.
Speaker 5 (09:10):
As well march.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
We're already hiding in Judah, fearing for our lives.
Speaker 5 (09:14):
I'm tired of being this jumping. Yesterday I drew my
sword at the sound of a pheasant. Wow, big was
the pheasant taller than you?
Speaker 2 (09:23):
But that's not saying much.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
The men chuckled and leaned against the logs. Josh Ebine
winked at David, then drew a deep breath with his
hands behind his head.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
It's your coal, giants, layer Taylor needs us that soluble.
Almost certainly discover our location.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
That we will help them. Are any of you afraid?
Of course we're afraid.
Speaker 5 (09:48):
He has a whole army at his disposal.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
We have us.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
But fear is a poor reason not to do the
right thing.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
The men all nodded at that. David said nothing at first,
His lips moved without sound, whispering prayers. Only God could hear. Then,
from the heart of the fire itself, the answer came.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
Arise, go down to Colliah. I will give the Philistines
into your hand.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
David rose to his feet at once, as if his
body belonged to the command and not to himself. He
set a firm hand on abish Eye's shoulder.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
You're all madmen, and you, dear David, are the king
of us.
Speaker 5 (10:36):
All so are doing this.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
He strong and courageous, and all but tomorrow will march
to death to life good David.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
David's men reached the crest of a hill overlooking Kaylah.
The city lay in ruin beneath them. Smoke curled up
from the fields, black and bitter. The earth was scorched
and salted, the walls pock marked with scorch marks and
shattered stone. Beyond the gate, a camp of Philistines sprawled
(11:13):
across the plain like vultures on a carcass. There were
scores of them, and even from a distance, David could
see their cruel steel catching the light. David turned to
a lion.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Go down to the city. Tell the elders that salvation
stands at their gates. Tell the women and children to hide.
Any man with strength left in his arms must stand
ready at the gate. If the Philistines break through, they
must fight.
Speaker 1 (11:41):
A lion bowed his head and ran, feet slipping on
loose stones as he hurtled down the slope toward the
broken walls. David crouched low, beckoning, ABESHI, what's our count?
Speaker 5 (11:54):
For a thousand?
Speaker 3 (11:55):
Their armed for the slaughter, swords, spears, torches, more than.
Speaker 5 (12:00):
Any simple raid would need.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
They mean to kill everyone, women, children, They mean to erase.
Came out from the earth.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
They are number us two to one, But they don't
know we're here. If we strike them in the valley
between their camp and the city, we have the ground
and the surprise.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
David smiled faintly, the smile of a gambler who knows
the dice loaded, but rolls them anyway.
Speaker 5 (12:31):
Then the valley it is.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
He stepped back onto the ridge where the men had gathered,
raising his arms for silence.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
My brothers, I know many of you have no reason
to fight for this land. This is the land they
cast you out. This is the country that called you
thieves and murderers. Their king made you exiles and orphans.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
He let the words hang heavy, long enough for every
man to feel the truth of the man and his God.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
But today the Lord has called you to stand for
those who would never stand for you. That is who
we are. We are the ones who answer Christ for mercy,
even when no mercy was given to us. We are
chosen by God to tread the path of righteousness. The
God we serve is a refuge to all who call
(13:23):
upon him, and we we will be that refuge. Today.
We will defend the helpless, and we will bring judgment
to those who would destroy our brothers and sisters.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
The men leaned in every breath held.
Speaker 3 (13:39):
God is a god of mercy to those who seek him,
But to the Philistines he is a God of judgment,
and we are that judgment.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
The men roared in answer, a sound like a wave
crashing against a cliff. It echoed through the hills, a
warning to every enemy who had ever raised steel against
the people of Israel. David stood atop the hill. In
his hand a single smooth stone. He set it in
(14:12):
the cradle of his sling and began to whirl it
behind him, slow at first, then faster and faster, until
the air hummed with the sound. His hips twisted back,
and with a sharp snap, the stone flew. It whistled
across the valley and struck a Philistine officer clean in
(14:32):
the ribs. The man stumbled, clutching his side and falling
to the floor. The Philistines looked up toward the hill,
and there stood David, the sun burning behind him like
a crown of fire. They knew him even from this distance.
His name had been spat on their lips for years,
(14:55):
David the Giant Slayer. David did not shout for his
men to check. He did not sound a horn or
give a signal. He ran alone and wild. He burst forward,
his feet pounding against the earth behind him. The outcasts followed.
They had no orders, no banners, no formation, only rage, loyalty,
(15:20):
and the desire to belong to something greater than themselves.
David and Abereshi hit the enemy line like a falling star.
The first of four was a Philistine general, his legs
split open at the knee, his head torn from his
neck with a single brutal swing. Four men came at
David at once and found Benaia standing in their path.
(15:44):
His sword danced quick and savage, slicing tendon and shattering bone.
Beside him, Joshavin fought like a man who had nothing
left to lose. Together, they guarded David's back as he
cut a bloody path straight through the heart of the
Philistine line. They were David's mighty men. Two Philistines came
(16:08):
hard at David on horseback with blades drawn. David sidestepped
the first, slicing deep into the horse's foreleg as it
thundered past. The beasts screamed, toppling sideways into the dirt.
But the second came from his blind side. A sword
aimed to cleave him in two, but a spear struck
(16:30):
the Philistine's chest first, the point driving deep through his ribs,
bursting from his back in a spray of red. David
turned back to see Uriah, his eyes gleamed with loyal affection.
David exhaled breathless from the closeness of death. The five
of them, David, Jashabem, Baniah, Abeshi, and Uriah, became the
(16:55):
tip of the spear, driving through the Philistine ranks like
fire through dry grass.
Speaker 3 (17:02):
Do not lose that the Lord is giving them into
our hands. Stands a ground.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Do not fear.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
The men roared in reply, and pressed forward with renewed fury.
Blood slicked the earth, smoke choked the sky, and David
led the charge with the sword of a dead giant
in his hand and the breath of God burning in
his lungs. The elders of Kyler hid behind the gate.
(17:36):
Screams ripped through the air, roar and desperate, followed by
the clash of steel and the crunch of bone. The
gate shuddered violently, then silence. Every man at the gate
stood frozen, waiting for the next blow, the next shout,
the next horror. None came, then bray, making the painful silence.
(18:01):
A knock from a single man. A lion reached for
the latch, and with the help of trembling hands, dragged
the heavy gate open. There stood David, panting, bloodied and
grinning like a child. The bodies of Philistines lay sprawled
at his feet. Blood and dirt streaked David's face, and
(18:25):
his smile was feral, shining beneath the gore. It is
done behind him, the outcast cheered. The people of Kyla
poured out and raised their voices high in celebration. The
(18:47):
scent of roasted lamb and fresh bread drifted through the courtyard.
David sat back against the cool stone wall, his cup
of wine resting loosely in his hair, and the fires crackled,
and his men sang voices hoarse but jubilant, filling the
air with songs of home and glory. David watched them
(19:11):
with quiet pride. But in the shadows beyond the firelight,
where the warmth could not reach, four of Kayla's elders
stood huddled together, their faces drawn and anxious. They spoke
in hushed tones. Every few moments, one of them would
glance at David's men, not with admiration, but with wary caution.
(19:37):
David's grip tightened on the cup. He knew that look.
It was the look of men weighing their loyalties. They
were counting the cost of the debt they owed to
their rescuers. And wondering if Saul's wrath was a heavier
price to pay. Jashabine leaned against the wall, arms crossed
(19:57):
over his broad chest.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
I've had my eye on them too, I've been whispering
since we arrived.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
David did not look away from the elders.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
Shall I go, then we can be halfway to the
hills before sunrise.
Speaker 3 (20:13):
Not yet, these men have spent too long eating roots
and boiled fish. Let them have meat and wine while
they can. I won't tear them from their first real
rest just yet.
Speaker 1 (20:27):
As he spoke, one of the elders broke from the group.
The old man whispered to a servant, who bowed and
rushed off toward the city gate. A colt was saddled,
and the boy rode hard into the night, disappearing into
the shadows. David's jaw tightened.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
Find up you either.
Speaker 3 (20:47):
The priest is somewhere among us. I'll need him before
the night is done.
Speaker 1 (20:52):
David drained the rest of his cup and slipped away
from the laughter and singing. There was praying to be done,
the kind of praying that tasted of blood and fear.
David knew the truth. No city in Israel could serve
two kings not for long nights. Settled over Kayla like
(21:14):
a funeral shroud, Cold and breathless, David stood with Abiathar
in a narrow alley, their backs pressed to the cold
stone wall.
Speaker 5 (21:25):
Do you have the ivad?
Speaker 1 (21:27):
Abiathar pulled off his cloak, revealing the priestly garment beneath,
worn linen, embroidered with care. It seemed stained with the
blood of knob Upon its breast hung the Urim and Thummim,
the stones of inquiry, one pale as bone, the other
(21:47):
dark as spilled ink. These stones were a connection to
God's will, tools of faith and prayer. David knelt in
the dirt, fists pressed to the earth, and prayed through
gritted teeth.
Speaker 3 (22:03):
Oh Lord, God of Israel, tell your servant's true will
saw march against this city. Will he seek my head
and grind Kayla to dust because of me?
Speaker 1 (22:14):
Abiathar whispered the question to the stones, hands trembling slightly.
When he turned back, his face was pale. The stones
were clear Saul was coming. David's jaw tightened, muscles twitching
along his neck. Of course, Saul was coming. David could
(22:36):
feel it in his bones. Madness has assent, and Saul's
madness was already riding the wind, heavy with wine and steel.
But there was one more question. David had to ask
one more hope to strangle before it strangled him, and
he eld it.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Will they hand me over to him?
Speaker 1 (22:57):
Abiathar swallowed his mouth dry. He turned to the stones again. Yes,
David's heart caved in his chest. The very people they
had saved would betray them to save themselves. It was
the way of the world. David had seen it before,
(23:19):
and yet it tore at him all the same. He
wanted to scream, to curse, to strike something, anything to
dull the sting of it, but there was no time.
He grabbed the torch from the wall and strode into
the courtyard. His men lay sprawled across blankets and pallets,
stomachs full for the first time in weeks.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
On your feet. It's all us coming, and the elders
would not shield us. They mean to buy their own
lives with our blood.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
The men woke with a start, hands scrambling for swords
and shields. David moved among them, gripping arms, shaking shoulders,
urging speed.
Speaker 5 (24:01):
We leave it once.
Speaker 1 (24:02):
Habish eyes scaled the watchtower, peering into the dark expanse
that surrounded the city. In the distance, hundreds of torches
snaked through the trail.
Speaker 3 (24:13):
They're approaching from the south.
Speaker 2 (24:15):
Not it is there south. Before their jars could snap
shut around us. Pray the Lord blinds their eyes and
still there.
Speaker 1 (24:27):
So they fled into the night, six hundred souls, stumbling
through fields and gullies, tripping over stones and tangled roots.
The joy of their victory had turned to ash on
their tongues. They moved like shadows, silent and swift, hearts
hammering with every step. They found refuge in the caves
(24:51):
of Zip, jagged hollows carved into the cliffs like the
mouths of sleeping giants. The men built their fires low,
their laughter muted, their eyes darting to the shadows. Jashabeamed, Beniah, Abeshi,
and Uriah moved among them, settling families, sharpening blades, preparing
(25:14):
for the fight they all knew would come. David walked
alone to the back of the cave, where the firelight
couldn't reach. He knelt against the rough wall and pressed
his forehead to the stone. His shoulders shook with sorrow
that ran deeper than the marrow of his bones. His
(25:35):
chest heaved with silent sobs, tears darkening the dirt beneath him.
His men could hear him, but none dared speak. And
yet from that broken place a sound began to rise,
a low harm, at first, a trembling note that grew
(25:56):
into melody. David sang not for them, but for the
only one who still listened. His voice filled the cave,
echoing from the walls, trembling in the hearts of every
man who heard it. It was a song of anguish,
(26:16):
a cry of faith, clung to by bleeding fingers. The
words poured from him like oil from a broken jar.
Speaker 5 (26:27):
Might Who shall I fear? He is my fortress?
Speaker 3 (26:35):
Who shall I fear? The witness seek to you, army,
They shall stumble and fall. The armies rise against me.
My heart shall not hear. The war breaks upon me
like a flood.
Speaker 5 (26:56):
I was stand unshaken.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
One moan pass.
Speaker 5 (27:04):
One.
Speaker 3 (27:05):
I see above all others. I it's well in your house, forever.
Speaker 5 (27:18):
Beauty, to see.
Speaker 2 (27:21):
You in your You will find me in your shelter.
Speaker 3 (27:32):
You will live me high.
Speaker 1 (27:40):
The song faded, and silence returned to the cave, but
the silence felt different now, no longer empty but full.
Every man lay awake, staring at the rock above them,
holding that song like a shield in their hearts. They
were still outcasts, still hunted, still betrayed, but they were
(28:07):
not abandoned.
Speaker 4 (28:14):
If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and
it has affected your life, we'd love it if you
left her review. We read them, and me personally, I
cherish them as you venture forth boldly and faithfully. I
leave you with the biblical blessing from numbers six IV.
Hashem vischmrechra Yeah heir hashempanave ele y sa hashempanavele Shalon.
(28:44):
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the
Lord make his face shine upon you. May he be
gracious to you. Made the Lord turn his face towards
you and give you peace.
Speaker 2 (28:56):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (28:57):
You can listen to the Chosen People with Youle Eckstein
ad free by downloading and subscribing to the prey dot
Com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made
possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabager and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of the Chosen People with Yaiele Eckstein, edited by
(29:21):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotten, 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,
(29:41):
written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special
thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows,
Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at 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
(30:03):
Chosen People with Yil Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.
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