July 29, 2025 • 24 mins
# 203 - The Rebellion of Sheba - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, As the dust of Absalom’s rebellion settles, a new traitor named Sheba rises to fracture the fragile kingdom once more. But in 2 Samuel 20, the chaos is quieted—not by a warrior’s blade, but by the wisdom of an unnamed woman whose voice saves an entire city.
Episode 203 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 Proverbs 13:3, “The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
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:
(01:30) Intro with Yael Eckstein
(02:20) The Rebellion of Sheba
(23:02) Reflection with Yael Eckstein
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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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):
Absolu abs.
Speaker 3 (00:10):
My son, God, it should have been me instead, my
son David.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Joab didn't knock. He strode to the King's door and
kicked it open. David lunged up and stepped toward Joab
with rage. Did not speak of my tax soun that way?
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Have you no respect? Look out there, look at your men?
What about their respect?
Speaker 4 (00:43):
You do not go down there and speak to your men.
I swear by the Lord, they will not be a man.
Speaker 5 (00:48):
Left with you by nightfall.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
The King of Israel stepped down, paused, and raised his
hands to the heavens.
Speaker 6 (00:57):
Let's be the lords people and finds up the broken hearted.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
He has not forgotten us.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Oh law broke forth. Cheers echoed across the courtyard, like
thunder rolling through a valley. Joe Ab stood apart beneath
a fig tree. He spat, shook his head, and left
without a word. David watch Joe, I believe, clenching his
bull's jaw.
Speaker 7 (01:32):
Shello, my friends from here in the holy land of Israel.
I'm ya l Exstein with the International Fellowship of Christians
and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day
we'll hear 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
(01:54):
that we are all chosen for something great. So take
a moment to 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
(02:15):
visit IFCJ dot Org. Let's begin.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
The torchlight danced on the courtyard walls. A heavy, oppressive
heat hung over Jerusalem, the kind that makes a man
sweat through his tunic even at midnight. Most had taken
to their homes, shuttering windows and praying for a breeze.
But one man welcomed the heat. Sheiba, son of Biri,
(02:46):
a Benjamite with a soldier's gait and a traitor's tongue,
stood high above the courtyard, his voice breaking through the
thick air.
Speaker 6 (02:56):
We have no inheritance with David as our king. We
had no claim with the son of Jesse.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
The group of men stirred their spiteful scowls illuminated by torchlight.
They were farmers, mercenaries, and discontented nobles from northern tribes.
They were the restless and overlooked Siba fed their contempt.
He paced the platform like a warhound.
Speaker 6 (03:26):
Judah grows fat on David's blessings, while the rest.
Speaker 5 (03:32):
Of his flowl bleeds and rats in the fields.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Just you wait, it won't be long before the tribe of.
Speaker 6 (03:41):
Judah and slaves us all to work their fields and.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Stopped the covers of King David.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
Sheba paced the platform like a warhound.
Speaker 6 (03:53):
You saw how the men of Judah claimed the king
when he returned from exile. They think they have a
bigger claim on the throne because David sits there. Do
we not have ten shares in the throne? Judah has
(04:13):
become swollen with wealth and pride.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
I say, we knocked them down a peg.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
They shouted in agreement. Then more they came to Sheba
for promises, but stayed for rage.
Speaker 6 (04:30):
Let him rule Judah, Let him bathe in their gold
and feast in their vineyards. As for us, we are done.
We still have our own king. We have no share
in David.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
The chant caught fire. We have no share in David.
The cry echoed across the stones, growing louder and angrier.
It was a rebellion in its infancy, fangs just breaking
through the skin. Sheba smiled. He had no claim to
the throne or army at his back, but he had
(05:11):
the people's anger, and that was enough enough to start
a war. David paced the throne room like a lion
in a cage, his fingers twitching at his sides. The
sun had risen and fallen three times since Amesa had left,
(05:32):
and still no army, no riders, no word, only silence.
The war room was filled again, though this time the
air was hotter, thicker, with unspoken frustration. Abish I leaned
forward against the table, eyes narrowed, lips drawn tight.
Speaker 8 (05:52):
Three days, my king, three days, and still I'm garrison.
Sheba's numbers grow like weeds in a fallow field.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
David stared at the empty space on the map where
Judah's forces should have been, his jaw clenched.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
I sent word for General la Master, come with the
ranks of Judah that I've received no word?
Speaker 8 (06:14):
What did'nt reason he was loyal to Absalom?
Speaker 1 (06:18):
What did you expect?
Speaker 4 (06:21):
I expected contrition, repentance.
Speaker 8 (06:26):
Ah, my King, you extend mercy far too swiftly, makes
the threat of your justice seem less.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
Shut second Genesis. He seemed to bite back at me
every time.
Speaker 8 (06:42):
Then let me deal with justice. Give me a command,
and I will crush Sheba and Amasa before he crowns
himself in the north.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
David turned away, rubbing the bridge of his nose. His
voice low, Ovid, take the mighty name, sue him before
he disappears at the hills.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
If she but crosses the fortifyed cities with.
Speaker 9 (07:08):
We will.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Every dorsy.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
Abishi bowed and turned to leave, but David caught his
arm and Abishai this time, take Joe ab with you,
Abishi Froze.
Speaker 8 (07:24):
I love my brother, but he's a rogue. I can't
control him, and neither Canoe.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
David's eyes were tired, rimmed in red, but his voice
was steady.
Speaker 4 (07:38):
I know, and though I may not lack the wolf,
he knows how to hunt Brillian. I know he'll do
what it needs to be done.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Within the hour, the king's guard was armed and riding.
Abishi led from the front, Joab close behind behind them.
In the high towers of Jerusalem, David watched from a
narrow window, his hand gripping the stone. Mercy, he thought,
had once again placed him in the hands of men
(08:12):
he could neither trust nor do without. Sheba moved through
his rail like a plague of fire. Quick, unruly and
without mercy. He knew what strings to pull. He preyed
on the bitterness of the poor, the disillusioned, and the
war weary. He offered no vision of God's promise, only
(08:36):
the thrill of rebellion and the false hope of a
kingdom reborn from chaos. He didn't care for legacy, for governance,
or law, only that he was seen, heard, and followed.
The movement swelled behind him, though Judah stood apart, loyal
still to David. Sheba's numbers were a parade of the
(08:59):
desert britinly angry. There were soldiers, they were just a mob,
intoxicated by the notion of change. His voice echoed like
a prophets, but the message was hollow. He had roused
the nation, but built nothing to sustain it. Then came
a rider, dust trailing behind him like smoke.
Speaker 6 (09:22):
Sheiba, They're coming, David, Towns, The mighty men ride for you.
Speaker 1 (09:28):
A chill swept through Sheba's spying. He turned to his followers.
The crowd faltered murmurs, rippled like wind across a field
of wheat. Abel, a quiet northern stronghold, became their refuge. There,
Sheba claimed governorship, seized homes, and ordered the kitchens raided.
(09:51):
He sat atop his stolen from with a goblet of
wine and a mouthful of stolen meat, feasting as if
he'd earned it. But the elders of Abel met in
whispers beneath stone walls. The wise woman of Abel presided
over them. Her eyes were sharp, calculated. But gentle, we.
Speaker 5 (10:13):
Can't let this serpent destroy us. David's wrath will fall
on all of us if we shield.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Him, and if we move against Sheba, his blades already
ear We risked that either way. They argued fear, waged
war with reason, until they heard thunder at the door,
a pounding like judgment. The elders looked at each other
before anyone could move, Sheba's men thirst in steel, flashing
(10:40):
and eyes wild. The city of Abel had become a
powder keg, and Sheba stood with the match under the
looming shadow of a great stone. The mighty men of
David camped in the rocky lowlands of Gibeon. There beneath
(11:01):
its cover waited warriors who had fought giants and crashed armies.
Among them stood the Karathites and the Pelethites, hard and
foreign born soldiers loyal to the crown. They ate quietly,
cleaned their blades, and prepared to march. Habesh I and
Joab sat close to the fire, their faces lit by
(11:23):
flickering flame. The first light of dawn was trickling in
from the highlands.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Sheba may not have an army, but he's clever.
Speaker 8 (11:32):
He's got the poor, the angry, and the desperate, and
that may be worse.
Speaker 9 (11:37):
Mad dog with no lage, cut off their head quickly
and clean, no storm of blood.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
Just one strike.
Speaker 8 (11:46):
You think he'll face us.
Speaker 4 (11:48):
He'll run. He's no warrior.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
He's a coward with a charismatic voice.
Speaker 9 (11:53):
He'll run into some poor city in hide behind a
wall of frightened men.
Speaker 8 (11:58):
You'll need to drag him out without drawing too much
Israelite blood. Country is fragile enough.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
The brothers fell silent again, watching the fire hiss and snap,
sipping on warm broth. The silence was broken when they
heard the thunder of hoofs beat across the stones. Dust
rose at the southern edge of camp, and the sun
newly risen caught the glint of armor. The men of
(12:26):
Judah had finally arrived at their head, proud and smiling
Rhode Armasa. Joab's jaw clenched, his fingers curled instinctively to
his blade.
Speaker 8 (12:39):
Where he is the man who failed the king. He's
been trying to sabotage David for months.
Speaker 4 (12:47):
Another miss I.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Have to clean up. Abish eye turned to him, Seeing
the wild light flash in his brother's eye. For once,
he didn't offer restraint.
Speaker 8 (12:58):
Do what you will. I won't stop you.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Joab smiled and stepped forward. Amesa dismounted, laughing job.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
I'm surprised to see you in armor again.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
I thought your days and the ranks of David were through.
Speaker 8 (13:15):
Shall I kneel and kiss your feets?
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Joab smiled back. Amesa opened his arms out wide. I
hope there aren't any hard feelings between you and me.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
David needed a commander more fit for our times.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
You understand, don't you.
Speaker 5 (13:32):
A Maasa?
Speaker 2 (13:33):
We fight for the same king. Let there be no
enmity between us, brother.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
He stepped in close, arms open.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Disarming, come greet me as a brother.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Amesa came close to Joab in a flash. Joab seized
answer by the beard and tugged his head downward. Joab
drew the hidden blade from his thigh and drove it
deep into the soft Armacer's belly. The blade sank to
the hilt. Joab leaned in close, breath hot in Armace's ear.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
You failed the king I want.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
He twisted the knife. Armece had gasped, blood fountaining from
his wound. He collapsed, clutching at the gash as his
entrails spilled into the dust. Joab wiped his blade clean,
turned and walked away without a backward glance. Abishaik gave
the Army of Juda a nod. No apologies, no explanations,
(14:37):
only the weight of inevitability. Then Joad's armor bearer stepped forward,
his voice booming like a war horn.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
Who is loyal to Joab? Who is loyal to King David?
Follow now and fight for the thaw of Israel.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
There was a long pause, then one by one the
soldiers followed. Armasa's body twitched on the ground. The mighty
men of David passed him, spitting on the ground. A
few broke ranks to drag the corpse aside and cast
a cloak over it. His blood seeped into the dirt
(15:16):
between Gibeon and Abel. That patch of earth would never
grow anything again, and Joab marched northward. Sheba's men guarded
Abel's outer fences. Joab led David's men toward them.
Speaker 9 (15:35):
Take out the front guard first, no fatalities, disarm and
bind them.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Abshire led the charge swiftly as a hawk. He moved
with purpose, striking not to kill, but to incapacitate. Four
guards dropped to the ground by the blunt of his blade.
He swept through more than once, their cries echoing down
the stone passage. His breath was steady. These were not enemies,
(16:02):
they were brothers. Misled, the guard of the gate broke
in moments. Cries of pain turned to screams, screams to silence.
Joe Ab approached the gate. He lifted his hand bring
the rams. The first struck with the sound of thunder.
The gate shuddered, crack splintered through the grain again again
(16:29):
a stop. Joe Ab stepped forward and shouted to whoever
was watching over the wall were.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
Two blows away from breaking down the doors.
Speaker 9 (16:40):
I will burn this citied ash, I'll tear it down,
stone by stone, bring out suber silence.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
Joe AB's jaw tightened. He nodded to the ram crews.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Again.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
Out again, the great trunks swung, wood cracked, dust shook
from the battlements. Just one more strike and David's men
would storm the city.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Wait.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Joab turned his gaze up, eyes narrowing. Above him, a
woman stood atop the wall. Her hair was streaked with gray,
No fear in her voice, only command, are you joe.
Speaker 5 (17:23):
Ab, the wolf of Judah?
Speaker 2 (17:25):
I am, and who are you?
Speaker 5 (17:30):
A citizen of Abel?
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Do you speak on Abel's behalf?
Speaker 5 (17:36):
I do, and I ask that you stop this attack.
Speaker 6 (17:39):
We have done nothing to you.
Speaker 9 (17:42):
The rabbit dog you kennel behind your walls as otherwise.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
The woman continued, calm and poised as a queen.
Speaker 5 (17:52):
We are peaceable people, faithful to Israel, known for wisdom,
not war, they used to say. Let us ask counsel
at Abel, why would you destroy a heritage like ours?
Speaker 2 (18:08):
You think I came here to raise your walls. I
have no.
Speaker 9 (18:12):
Quarrel with Abel, only with the man who hides within.
Speaker 5 (18:17):
So it is only Sheba you're after.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
Why else would I be. He's a trader.
Speaker 9 (18:23):
Surrender him and not one torch to touch your homes.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Do I have your word blasted? Of course you have
my word.
Speaker 5 (18:34):
Then I will see his head thrown.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Over the wall.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
Joe Abs smirked. Impressed, he turned to Abhishi.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
She'd make a fine general. Maybe she can take your job.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
The soldiers lowered their weapons and waited. The city held
its breath. Joe Abs stepped back, staring up at the rampart,
waiting for justice to fall. The room was dim lit
by flickering lanterns and thick with the scent of sweat
(19:09):
and unease. The elders of Abel sat hunched like crows,
whispering around the wise woman as she spoke with measured fire.
Speaker 8 (19:19):
Joab has given his word.
Speaker 5 (19:21):
We hand him Sheba and he leaves us in peace.
Speaker 8 (19:25):
He's barricaded himself, surrounded by brutes. Last arm we tried
to speak against him, we lost three men.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
He's mad. Mad men don't die easy.
Speaker 8 (19:35):
Then let him live and let Joab storm the walls,
burn your.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Homes and put your children to the sword.
Speaker 5 (19:43):
That's the alternative.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
Would Joeb really do that.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
Of course he would.
Speaker 1 (19:48):
Why wouldn't he?
Speaker 5 (19:50):
If we refuse to act, we show that our loyalty
is to the rebel.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Her words hung in the air like smoke. The elder
looked away, ashamed.
Speaker 8 (20:02):
I want peace, and I'll cut it out of Sheba's
throat myself.
Speaker 1 (20:06):
I must. There were no more objections. They called Sheba
to a feast. Wine flowed, platters were laid out, and
warriors lined the chamber's edge. Sheba entered, wary eyed but
hungry as ever. His guards came in first. They didn't
(20:28):
last long. Two blades flashed from the shadows, silent, precise.
The guards dropped like sacks of grain, and Shebar bolted.
Sheba screamed, stumbling over benches.
Speaker 6 (20:42):
Save them.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
What followed was chaos. Shebar tore through the marketplace, toppling cars,
scattering vegetables, and flinging open chicken coops. Feathers flew like snow.
A child screamed, a merchant cursed. He scrambled up a
vender's awning, hoisting himself onto the roof like a frantic cat.
(21:05):
Across the city, he sprinted, hopping from rooftop to rooftop,
robes flapping behind him like a banner of disgrace. At last,
he reached the top of the city wall, panting eyes
darting for an escape. Sheba's eyes widened when he saw
Joab and David's mighty men waiting below. Shiba turned to
(21:27):
find another route of escape, but was halted. The spear
came fast, whistling through the air like a viper. It
pierced clean through his side. Shebar dropped hard onto the stone,
gasping like a fish out of water. The city's warriors
caught up moments later. They didn't hesitate, one stroke, clean
(21:51):
and final. Joab peered up at the sinking sun.
Speaker 9 (22:00):
Almost up prepare the ram.
Speaker 1 (22:03):
Just then, an object flew from the wall, briefly eclipsing
the sun, then landed in the sand with a dull
thud in front of Joab's feet. Joab nudged it with
his foot and turned it over. Sheba's severed heads stared back,
mouth agape in eternal protest. Joab chuckled under his breath
(22:25):
and gave a deep mocking bow to the wall. Somewhere above,
the wise woman smirked without a word. Joab took the
trumpet from his belt, raised it to his lips and blew.
The call rang out across the hills, sharp and final.
The rebellion was over.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Time to go home.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
Joab turned to Abishai.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
I'm officially retired.
Speaker 7 (22:57):
Sure, 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.
(23:18):
I leave you with the biblical blessing from numbers six
Iva hashem vishmerechra Yeah heir hashempanave eleven ye sa hachempanave lera.
Speaker 1 (23:33):
Salon.
Speaker 7 (23:34):
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. Amen.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
You can listen to The Chosen People with Isle Exstein
add free by downloading and subscribing to the Pray dot
Com app today. This prey dot Com production is only
made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger, and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of the Chosen People with Yil Eckstein, edited by
(24:10):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotten, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald,
Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and the opening
prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith,
(24:31):
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
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(24:53):
Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review,
Previously on the Chosen People.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Absolu abs.
Speaker 3 (00:10):
My son, God, it should have been me instead, my
son David.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Joab didn't knock. He strode to the King's door and
kicked it open. David lunged up and stepped toward Joab
with rage. Did not speak of my tax soun that way?
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Have you no respect? Look out there, look at your men?
What about their respect?
Speaker 4 (00:43):
You do not go down there and speak to your men.
I swear by the Lord, they will not be a man.
Speaker 5 (00:48):
Left with you by nightfall.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
The King of Israel stepped down, paused, and raised his
hands to the heavens.
Speaker 6 (00:57):
Let's be the lords people and finds up the broken hearted.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
He has not forgotten us.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Oh law broke forth. Cheers echoed across the courtyard, like
thunder rolling through a valley. Joe Ab stood apart beneath
a fig tree. He spat, shook his head, and left
without a word. David watch Joe, I believe, clenching his
bull's jaw.
Speaker 7 (01:32):
Shello, my friends from here in the holy land of Israel.
I'm ya l Exstein with the International Fellowship of Christians
and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day
we'll hear 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
(01:54):
that we are all chosen for something great. So take
a moment to 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
(02:15):
visit IFCJ dot Org. Let's begin.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
The torchlight danced on the courtyard walls. A heavy, oppressive
heat hung over Jerusalem, the kind that makes a man
sweat through his tunic even at midnight. Most had taken
to their homes, shuttering windows and praying for a breeze.
But one man welcomed the heat. Sheiba, son of Biri,
(02:46):
a Benjamite with a soldier's gait and a traitor's tongue,
stood high above the courtyard, his voice breaking through the
thick air.
Speaker 6 (02:56):
We have no inheritance with David as our king. We
had no claim with the son of Jesse.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
The group of men stirred their spiteful scowls illuminated by torchlight.
They were farmers, mercenaries, and discontented nobles from northern tribes.
They were the restless and overlooked Siba fed their contempt.
He paced the platform like a warhound.
Speaker 6 (03:26):
Judah grows fat on David's blessings, while the rest.
Speaker 5 (03:32):
Of his flowl bleeds and rats in the fields.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Just you wait, it won't be long before the tribe of.
Speaker 6 (03:41):
Judah and slaves us all to work their fields and.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Stopped the covers of King David.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
Sheba paced the platform like a warhound.
Speaker 6 (03:53):
You saw how the men of Judah claimed the king
when he returned from exile. They think they have a
bigger claim on the throne because David sits there. Do
we not have ten shares in the throne? Judah has
(04:13):
become swollen with wealth and pride.
Speaker 2 (04:17):
I say, we knocked them down a peg.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
They shouted in agreement. Then more they came to Sheba
for promises, but stayed for rage.
Speaker 6 (04:30):
Let him rule Judah, Let him bathe in their gold
and feast in their vineyards. As for us, we are done.
We still have our own king. We have no share
in David.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
The chant caught fire. We have no share in David.
The cry echoed across the stones, growing louder and angrier.
It was a rebellion in its infancy, fangs just breaking
through the skin. Sheba smiled. He had no claim to
the throne or army at his back, but he had
(05:11):
the people's anger, and that was enough enough to start
a war. David paced the throne room like a lion
in a cage, his fingers twitching at his sides. The
sun had risen and fallen three times since Amesa had left,
(05:32):
and still no army, no riders, no word, only silence.
The war room was filled again, though this time the
air was hotter, thicker, with unspoken frustration. Abish I leaned
forward against the table, eyes narrowed, lips drawn tight.
Speaker 8 (05:52):
Three days, my king, three days, and still I'm garrison.
Sheba's numbers grow like weeds in a fallow field.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
David stared at the empty space on the map where
Judah's forces should have been, his jaw clenched.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
I sent word for General la Master, come with the
ranks of Judah that I've received no word?
Speaker 8 (06:14):
What did'nt reason he was loyal to Absalom?
Speaker 1 (06:18):
What did you expect?
Speaker 4 (06:21):
I expected contrition, repentance.
Speaker 8 (06:26):
Ah, my King, you extend mercy far too swiftly, makes
the threat of your justice seem less.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
Shut second Genesis. He seemed to bite back at me
every time.
Speaker 8 (06:42):
Then let me deal with justice. Give me a command,
and I will crush Sheba and Amasa before he crowns
himself in the north.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
David turned away, rubbing the bridge of his nose. His
voice low, Ovid, take the mighty name, sue him before
he disappears at the hills.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
If she but crosses the fortifyed cities with.
Speaker 9 (07:08):
We will.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Every dorsy.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
Abishi bowed and turned to leave, but David caught his
arm and Abishai this time, take Joe ab with you,
Abishi Froze.
Speaker 8 (07:24):
I love my brother, but he's a rogue. I can't
control him, and neither Canoe.
Speaker 1 (07:31):
David's eyes were tired, rimmed in red, but his voice
was steady.
Speaker 4 (07:38):
I know, and though I may not lack the wolf,
he knows how to hunt Brillian. I know he'll do
what it needs to be done.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Within the hour, the king's guard was armed and riding.
Abishi led from the front, Joab close behind behind them.
In the high towers of Jerusalem, David watched from a
narrow window, his hand gripping the stone. Mercy, he thought,
had once again placed him in the hands of men
(08:12):
he could neither trust nor do without. Sheba moved through
his rail like a plague of fire. Quick, unruly and
without mercy. He knew what strings to pull. He preyed
on the bitterness of the poor, the disillusioned, and the
war weary. He offered no vision of God's promise, only
(08:36):
the thrill of rebellion and the false hope of a
kingdom reborn from chaos. He didn't care for legacy, for governance,
or law, only that he was seen, heard, and followed.
The movement swelled behind him, though Judah stood apart, loyal
still to David. Sheba's numbers were a parade of the
(08:59):
desert britinly angry. There were soldiers, they were just a mob,
intoxicated by the notion of change. His voice echoed like
a prophets, but the message was hollow. He had roused
the nation, but built nothing to sustain it. Then came
a rider, dust trailing behind him like smoke.
Speaker 6 (09:22):
Sheiba, They're coming, David, Towns, The mighty men ride for you.
Speaker 1 (09:28):
A chill swept through Sheba's spying. He turned to his followers.
The crowd faltered murmurs, rippled like wind across a field
of wheat. Abel, a quiet northern stronghold, became their refuge. There,
Sheba claimed governorship, seized homes, and ordered the kitchens raided.
(09:51):
He sat atop his stolen from with a goblet of
wine and a mouthful of stolen meat, feasting as if
he'd earned it. But the elders of Abel met in
whispers beneath stone walls. The wise woman of Abel presided
over them. Her eyes were sharp, calculated. But gentle, we.
Speaker 5 (10:13):
Can't let this serpent destroy us. David's wrath will fall
on all of us if we shield.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Him, and if we move against Sheba, his blades already
ear We risked that either way. They argued fear, waged
war with reason, until they heard thunder at the door,
a pounding like judgment. The elders looked at each other
before anyone could move, Sheba's men thirst in steel, flashing
(10:40):
and eyes wild. The city of Abel had become a
powder keg, and Sheba stood with the match under the
looming shadow of a great stone. The mighty men of
David camped in the rocky lowlands of Gibeon. There beneath
(11:01):
its cover waited warriors who had fought giants and crashed armies.
Among them stood the Karathites and the Pelethites, hard and
foreign born soldiers loyal to the crown. They ate quietly,
cleaned their blades, and prepared to march. Habesh I and
Joab sat close to the fire, their faces lit by
(11:23):
flickering flame. The first light of dawn was trickling in
from the highlands.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Sheba may not have an army, but he's clever.
Speaker 8 (11:32):
He's got the poor, the angry, and the desperate, and
that may be worse.
Speaker 9 (11:37):
Mad dog with no lage, cut off their head quickly
and clean, no storm of blood.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
Just one strike.
Speaker 8 (11:46):
You think he'll face us.
Speaker 4 (11:48):
He'll run. He's no warrior.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
He's a coward with a charismatic voice.
Speaker 9 (11:53):
He'll run into some poor city in hide behind a
wall of frightened men.
Speaker 8 (11:58):
You'll need to drag him out without drawing too much
Israelite blood. Country is fragile enough.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
The brothers fell silent again, watching the fire hiss and snap,
sipping on warm broth. The silence was broken when they
heard the thunder of hoofs beat across the stones. Dust
rose at the southern edge of camp, and the sun
newly risen caught the glint of armor. The men of
(12:26):
Judah had finally arrived at their head, proud and smiling
Rhode Armasa. Joab's jaw clenched, his fingers curled instinctively to
his blade.
Speaker 8 (12:39):
Where he is the man who failed the king. He's
been trying to sabotage David for months.
Speaker 4 (12:47):
Another miss I.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Have to clean up. Abish eye turned to him, Seeing
the wild light flash in his brother's eye. For once,
he didn't offer restraint.
Speaker 8 (12:58):
Do what you will. I won't stop you.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Joab smiled and stepped forward. Amesa dismounted, laughing job.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
I'm surprised to see you in armor again.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
I thought your days and the ranks of David were through.
Speaker 8 (13:15):
Shall I kneel and kiss your feets?
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Joab smiled back. Amesa opened his arms out wide. I
hope there aren't any hard feelings between you and me.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
David needed a commander more fit for our times.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
You understand, don't you.
Speaker 5 (13:32):
A Maasa?
Speaker 2 (13:33):
We fight for the same king. Let there be no
enmity between us, brother.
Speaker 1 (13:39):
He stepped in close, arms open.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Disarming, come greet me as a brother.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Amesa came close to Joab in a flash. Joab seized
answer by the beard and tugged his head downward. Joab
drew the hidden blade from his thigh and drove it
deep into the soft Armacer's belly. The blade sank to
the hilt. Joab leaned in close, breath hot in Armace's ear.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
You failed the king I want.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
He twisted the knife. Armece had gasped, blood fountaining from
his wound. He collapsed, clutching at the gash as his
entrails spilled into the dust. Joab wiped his blade clean,
turned and walked away without a backward glance. Abishaik gave
the Army of Juda a nod. No apologies, no explanations,
(14:37):
only the weight of inevitability. Then Joad's armor bearer stepped forward,
his voice booming like a war horn.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
Who is loyal to Joab? Who is loyal to King David?
Follow now and fight for the thaw of Israel.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
There was a long pause, then one by one the
soldiers followed. Armasa's body twitched on the ground. The mighty
men of David passed him, spitting on the ground. A
few broke ranks to drag the corpse aside and cast
a cloak over it. His blood seeped into the dirt
(15:16):
between Gibeon and Abel. That patch of earth would never
grow anything again, and Joab marched northward. Sheba's men guarded
Abel's outer fences. Joab led David's men toward them.
Speaker 9 (15:35):
Take out the front guard first, no fatalities, disarm and
bind them.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Abshire led the charge swiftly as a hawk. He moved
with purpose, striking not to kill, but to incapacitate. Four
guards dropped to the ground by the blunt of his blade.
He swept through more than once, their cries echoing down
the stone passage. His breath was steady. These were not enemies,
(16:02):
they were brothers. Misled, the guard of the gate broke
in moments. Cries of pain turned to screams, screams to silence.
Joe Ab approached the gate. He lifted his hand bring
the rams. The first struck with the sound of thunder.
The gate shuddered, crack splintered through the grain again again
(16:29):
a stop. Joe Ab stepped forward and shouted to whoever
was watching over the wall were.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
Two blows away from breaking down the doors.
Speaker 9 (16:40):
I will burn this citied ash, I'll tear it down,
stone by stone, bring out suber silence.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
Joe AB's jaw tightened. He nodded to the ram crews.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Again.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
Out again, the great trunks swung, wood cracked, dust shook
from the battlements. Just one more strike and David's men
would storm the city.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Wait.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Joab turned his gaze up, eyes narrowing. Above him, a
woman stood atop the wall. Her hair was streaked with gray,
No fear in her voice, only command, are you joe.
Speaker 5 (17:23):
Ab, the wolf of Judah?
Speaker 2 (17:25):
I am, and who are you?
Speaker 5 (17:30):
A citizen of Abel?
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Do you speak on Abel's behalf?
Speaker 5 (17:36):
I do, and I ask that you stop this attack.
Speaker 6 (17:39):
We have done nothing to you.
Speaker 9 (17:42):
The rabbit dog you kennel behind your walls as otherwise.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
The woman continued, calm and poised as a queen.
Speaker 5 (17:52):
We are peaceable people, faithful to Israel, known for wisdom,
not war, they used to say. Let us ask counsel
at Abel, why would you destroy a heritage like ours?
Speaker 2 (18:08):
You think I came here to raise your walls. I
have no.
Speaker 9 (18:12):
Quarrel with Abel, only with the man who hides within.
Speaker 5 (18:17):
So it is only Sheba you're after.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
Why else would I be. He's a trader.
Speaker 9 (18:23):
Surrender him and not one torch to touch your homes.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Do I have your word blasted? Of course you have
my word.
Speaker 5 (18:34):
Then I will see his head thrown.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Over the wall.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
Joe Abs smirked. Impressed, he turned to Abhishi.
Speaker 2 (18:43):
She'd make a fine general. Maybe she can take your job.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
The soldiers lowered their weapons and waited. The city held
its breath. Joe Abs stepped back, staring up at the rampart,
waiting for justice to fall. The room was dim lit
by flickering lanterns and thick with the scent of sweat
(19:09):
and unease. The elders of Abel sat hunched like crows,
whispering around the wise woman as she spoke with measured fire.
Speaker 8 (19:19):
Joab has given his word.
Speaker 5 (19:21):
We hand him Sheba and he leaves us in peace.
Speaker 8 (19:25):
He's barricaded himself, surrounded by brutes. Last arm we tried
to speak against him, we lost three men.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
He's mad. Mad men don't die easy.
Speaker 8 (19:35):
Then let him live and let Joab storm the walls,
burn your.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Homes and put your children to the sword.
Speaker 5 (19:43):
That's the alternative.
Speaker 1 (19:45):
Would Joeb really do that.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
Of course he would.
Speaker 1 (19:48):
Why wouldn't he?
Speaker 5 (19:50):
If we refuse to act, we show that our loyalty
is to the rebel.
Speaker 1 (19:56):
Her words hung in the air like smoke. The elder
looked away, ashamed.
Speaker 8 (20:02):
I want peace, and I'll cut it out of Sheba's
throat myself.
Speaker 1 (20:06):
I must. There were no more objections. They called Sheba
to a feast. Wine flowed, platters were laid out, and
warriors lined the chamber's edge. Sheba entered, wary eyed but
hungry as ever. His guards came in first. They didn't
(20:28):
last long. Two blades flashed from the shadows, silent, precise.
The guards dropped like sacks of grain, and Shebar bolted.
Sheba screamed, stumbling over benches.
Speaker 6 (20:42):
Save them.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
What followed was chaos. Shebar tore through the marketplace, toppling cars,
scattering vegetables, and flinging open chicken coops. Feathers flew like snow.
A child screamed, a merchant cursed. He scrambled up a
vender's awning, hoisting himself onto the roof like a frantic cat.
(21:05):
Across the city, he sprinted, hopping from rooftop to rooftop,
robes flapping behind him like a banner of disgrace. At last,
he reached the top of the city wall, panting eyes
darting for an escape. Sheba's eyes widened when he saw
Joab and David's mighty men waiting below. Shiba turned to
(21:27):
find another route of escape, but was halted. The spear
came fast, whistling through the air like a viper. It
pierced clean through his side. Shebar dropped hard onto the stone,
gasping like a fish out of water. The city's warriors
caught up moments later. They didn't hesitate, one stroke, clean
(21:51):
and final. Joab peered up at the sinking sun.
Speaker 9 (22:00):
Almost up prepare the ram.
Speaker 1 (22:03):
Just then, an object flew from the wall, briefly eclipsing
the sun, then landed in the sand with a dull
thud in front of Joab's feet. Joab nudged it with
his foot and turned it over. Sheba's severed heads stared back,
mouth agape in eternal protest. Joab chuckled under his breath
(22:25):
and gave a deep mocking bow to the wall. Somewhere above,
the wise woman smirked without a word. Joab took the
trumpet from his belt, raised it to his lips and blew.
The call rang out across the hills, sharp and final.
The rebellion was over.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Time to go home.
Speaker 1 (22:50):
Joab turned to Abishai.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
I'm officially retired.
Speaker 7 (22:57):
Sure, 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.
(23:18):
I leave you with the biblical blessing from numbers six
Iva hashem vishmerechra Yeah heir hashempanave eleven ye sa hachempanave lera.
Speaker 1 (23:33):
Salon.
Speaker 7 (23:34):
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. Amen.
Speaker 1 (23:47):
You can listen to The Chosen People with Isle Exstein
add free by downloading and subscribing to the Pray dot
Com app today. This prey dot Com production is only
made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger, and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of the Chosen People with Yil Eckstein, edited by
(24:10):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotten, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald,
Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and the opening
prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith,
(24:31):
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
(24:53):
Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review,
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