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Yael Eckstein
Previously on the Chosen People. Within the throne room, torches hissed as the elders of the eleven other tribes of Israel gathered. Ish Bosheth, the last son of Saul, now sat on the throne. To 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. I am Saul's son. Royal blood flows through my veins. My claim is not for debate. We should have David's head for his treachery. What threat do you see rising first? Joab didn't hesitate. Abner. Job and Abner have hated each other as long as I can remember. A civil war. Israel against Judah, Brother against brother. The armies crashed like storm tides. Blades met bone. Shields splintered. The field became a butcher's yard. Fall back. We'll live to fight another day. Scatter and regroup. Abner's getting away. Leave him to his shame. But I can end this now. Ashael, stop. Arshahel leapt, but the rain had made the rocks slick and his footing was unsure. Abner cocked his elbows and thrust. The spear met flesh with a sickening crunch. Know this, Abner. My brother's blood will not be forgotten. The day will come when you answer for it. Abner felt the words in his bones. Joab's words were no mere threat. They were a prophecy. This is an iHeart podcast. Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care. Shalom, my friends. From here in the holy land of Israel, I'm Yael Eckstein with 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 that we are all chosen for something great. So take a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if you left us a review. I read every single one of them and if you're interested in hearing more about the prophetic life saving work of the fellowship you can visit ifcj.org Lets begin. Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care. Naomi's leaving. I think she's going back to Bethlehem. My sweet daughters, you must go back. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. Naomi means pleasantness. Call me Mara. Bitterness. With me there's no nothing but bitterness. There is no doubt in my mind that you are a woman of strength, character and integrity. I am a redeemer and I will marry you. I'm Savannah Chrisley, your host and I'm so excited to be on this journey with you. You're in for a story that's got it all. Love, heartbreak, resilience and redemption. Listen to Heroes in the Bible Ruth with Savannah Chrisley on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to your meditative prayer on strength and focus. You can be happy even in weakness, for you'll be confident in the knowledge that Christ's power will be alive in you. Take a moment right now to sit back and be still for a moment. Be encouraged. You're not alone in this mission. You have God's Holy Spirit to help you and to guide you. Confess your troubles, your faults to your Father above so that he may be able to aid and assist you. Thank him for the areas of growth and understanding and maturity that have come your way. My friends, let us now reflect for a moment on the areas of your heart that need tending to, those thoughts and actions that maybe don't align with God's word to set aside your pride and to confess your sins to God to give him your arrogance and your presumption. Listen to meditative prayers on the iHeartRadio app, Epel podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. The morning sun crept through the narrow stone arch of Abner's window. The breeze carried the scent of wildflowers from the fields beyond Gibeah. It stirred the linen sheets that tangled around his legs, stirred his hair, stirred her rizpa. She lay beside him, bare and golden in the rising light. Her dark hair spilled like ink across the white pillow. Her breath was slow and warm against his shoulder. Abner watched her as one might watch the last leaf on a tree. Fragile, beautiful. He traced the curve of her shoulder with a calloused finger. Her eyes opened like the sun itself. His heart fluttered at the sight of it. Good morning. Good morning, my dove. Abner kissed her. Brief, tender. She rose with the grace of a queen, sheets wrapped around her like silk robes. At the window, the sunlight caught her face, her skin, her sorrow. These are the moments I never want to forget. Her eyes closed, her chin tilted to the sun. Abner came to her, strong arms encircling her waist. Moments like these are all we have. I hate that these moments have to be savored in secret. I want to be your wife. Then be my wife. You know I can't, no matter how much I long to. Rispa had once belonged to Saul, his concubine, his possession, and now, by the law of kings, belonged to Ish Bosheth. To lie with her was to lay claim to the throne. Throne itself. To defy order, to provoke a storm. And yet Abner did not care. He had raised Ishbo Sheth to his fragile throne with the strength of his sword arm. I ruled the kingdom in that boy's name and fought his wars. Why can't I have you, your only property to him? But you're not a thing to me, Mispah. You're the only thing. My warmth, the only softness left in the world, grown sharp as you are mine. Ispasheth has no gratitude. Therefore he doesn't feel he owes anything to anyone. It's why he's losing people's hearts to David. I hear David's name whispered by many. The lad had proven to be a capable king. Hebron stands tall with new towers, trade flows, and from allies along the coast and desert, Lebanon, Ammon, and the mountain nations to the south. You almost sound impressed. I can respect a man who's able to bring his vision to life. And I wonder what the future holds for Israel. Ish Bosheth continues to flail like a fish out of water. You've held him up for two years now, but he seems determined to sabotage your efforts. All the while, David's claim grows stronger, even worse. David has allied himself through marriage with prominent families. Six wives, more children. All while Isposheth fumbles about, drunk. Too drunk to provide heirs, too drunk to govern. He has no idea how fragile the throne is. There was a silence, then a sigh from Abner he wanted to retrieve the tender moment again. He drew Rispa in close, taking her in with a breath. These moments are reprieve. You are my oasis. As you are mine. They leaned into each other, longing to steal another kiss before Abner had to leave. Then a knock came, and then the door opened. Before Abner could protest, a servant boy opened the door. My lord, I. The boy froze. He took one glance at Rispa, still half veiled in the sheets, and then back at Abner. Abner watched the boy's eyes then shift to the disheveled sheets and calculate what he was seeing. His eyes went wide with realization, then back to formality. His Grace, King Ishbosheth, he requests your presence at once. The boy bowed and fled as quickly as he could. The door clapping shut behind him. The room fell into stillness. Risba clutched the sheet tighter to her chest, already halfway across the chamber, gathering her scattered clothes. Her face was flushed, flushed with dread. He saw us. He'll tell the king. Let him tell. I'm not to be scolded like some common servant over the warmth of a woman. You forget yourself. You forget the laws. I'm bound to the king by law. What you've done is seen as a claim to the throne. Then let him believe it. Let him call it treason. Let him summon his guards. I made him king. I could unmake him. Rispa stepped close and pressed her palm to his chest. Don't speak so boldly. If he doesn't do anything to you, he may take it out on me. I won't let that happen. Abner caught her hand and kissed it, but said no more when she was gone. He stood in silence, watching the curtains sway in the breeze. A moment passed, then another, and then he dressed. Leather, linen, steel. He fixed his cloak, belted his sword, and left for the palace. Whatever Ish Bosheth wished to say, he would hear it. With a sword at his side and fury in his bones, Abner walked into the echoing halls of the palace. He pushed open the doors to the king's throne room and stepped inside. Ish Bosheth sat slouched on the throne, drowning in silk and sulk, a goblet of wine trembling in his soft hand. It wasn't even noon, and he had obviously downed several goblets. You sent for me, my lord? The boy king swirled his wine. He let the moment linger, as if testing the strength of the silence. I had called you to speak of yesterday's council. Another matter weighs heavier now. He set the goblet down and looked up with a gaze sharp as broken glass. It's not enough that half my kingdom bends the knee to a peasant shepherd, but now I find my father's concubines taking his whores by his commanders. Rizpa was mine by right. You shame yourself, Abner. Have you no respect for the throne? Abner's eyes met the king's. What Ish Bosheth expected meekness, apology he did not find. What he saw instead was rage. Abner stepped forward. No respect. Abner continued to stomp closer to Ish Bosheth. Their difference in stature became even more apparent as he approached the throne. I ask you, my king, am I a dog's head of Judah? Who fought beside your father in the caves and hills of Zeph? Who faced Goliath's kin in the valleys? Who kept the Philistines from tearing down your gates when they stormed Gibeah? Who? Who made you king, Ish Bosheth? The boy shifted in his seat, visibly shrinking with every word. I have bled for this realm. Bled for you, while you sit on your throne and speak to me of a woman. You have the gal to scold me over a woman you cast aside when your throne itself sits on foundations I built with sword and blood. Ishbo Sheth opened his mouth, but Abner drew steel. Before he could find a word, Abner slammed it into the wooden table that sat before the throne, splinters leaping like startled birds. Ishbo Sheth recoiled in his seat. Abner leaned in, his face inches from the king's. Listen well, boy. May the Lord strike me dead if I do not take this kingdom from your trembling hands and place it into the hands of the ones who earned it from Dan to Beersheba. David shall rule. He was chosen. You were placed. There was no reply. Ish Bosheth said nothing, could say nothing. His silence was all the answer Abner needed. With a scoff, the old war dog ripped his sword free from the table, splinters falling like rain. He turned his back to the king and walked away without waiting for a command or permission. At the threshold he paused, spat on the stone, and cast one final word over his shoulder. Sniveling coward. If only Saul could see what a miserable little brat you turned out to be. The doors groaned shut behind him. In the silence that followed, Ish Bosheth sat frozen, terrified of the fate that awaited him. King David sat at the long table with Jashabim, reviewing parchment rolls inked with law codes and rulings handed down from the tribal judges. The king's brow was furrowed, not in the grimace of war, but but in the quiet burden of governance. I want more than victories. I want peace to have roots here. Peace is the reward of kings who rule with wisdom, not just might. I fear we've drawn swords too quickly when diplomacy may have won us today. Before David could reply, the chamber doors swung open and a dusty, travel worn youth stepped through. Thus says my master, Abner. It has been my conviction that the Lord has anointed you, David, to steward his land and his people. Make a covenant with me and behold my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to your side. Chashabeem narrowed his eyes, instinctively suspicious. The two men exchanged wary glances. What does he gain by coming to us now? Abner is no fool. Why offer you the crown? He once bled to deny? Something must have fractured between him and Ishbosheth. Perhaps. But I'd still be cautious. If Abner truly wishes to join our cause, let him prove it. David gave a slow nod. He won't see my face until he brings me Michael. She will be my peace offering. This again, David? Please, for the love of God, let it rest. Mekal is with another man. She's my wife by right. I paid for her in Philistine blood. Saul gave her away like a trinket. I want her returned. Not only for love, though Once I loved her. But because she's Saul's daughter. The people will remember. Her return binds me tighter to the bloodline they once revered. Jashabeem sighed and rubbed his temples. Another wife, then? That's a lot to manage, my friend. I'd be cautious. How many strings can a man tie together before he strangles in them? I didn't take you for poet, Jash. I'm being earnest. I think taking McCall back would be inviting more chaos. She sold you out to Saul, David. My terms stand. Tell Abner he may have my favor when Michael stands beside me once more. The messenger bowed and departed. David sighed, then realized something. He had just initiated peace talks with Abner without consulting Joab. True to his word, Abner delivered. Mishal was torn from the arms of the man she had come to love. Her cries echoed through the streets as her husband followed her, weeping until Abner's hand shoved him back. Her place was beside David now, by rights of first marriage and by the slow, cruel arithmetic of kingship. And with that offering, trust was bought within the walled courts of his own estate. Abner summoned the elders of the northern tribes. My lords, we are Bleeding ourselves dry for a king. King too weak to command his own shadow. I once believed I can rule in his stead. But no more. Lord's wind turns to David. They stirred uneasily, suspicion in their eyes. You were Ish Bosheth's architect, Abner. Will you now dismantle your own design? My loyalty to Saul I pressed in vain. I was wrong. But remember, repentance is not weakness. When the Lord's hand moves, only a fool stands against it. David is the Lord's anointed. The Lord Himself, declared by the hand of my servant David, I will save my people from the Philistines and all their foes. We stand now at a crossroads, my brothers, to cling to a fading crown or to follow the one chosen to wear it. For a long moment, no one spoke. Then a single elder rose. Let it be so. Let David be king over all Israel. The others followed, some with resolve, others with heavy hearts. The tides of Israel had begun to shift, and in Hebron, a king waited. David hosted a great feast for Abner and his men. They dined not as enemies or rivals, but as warriors who knew the worth of peace. As the meal waned, Abner leaned forward, his voice low and purposeful. I will rise from here and gather the kingdom for you. The elders have bent the knee in spirit, but they still need to make public, public pledges to you. Governors and captains will follow, though some may need convincing. That's where I will need to be careful. These men are loyal to me and to me alone. Shifting their ties will take some work. David studied the man across from him. He saw no deceit, only weariness and conviction. But then he thought of Joab. His rage still burned for Abner. Why the change of heart, Abner, which made your hatred for me and Judah go cold? Abner grimaced, not at David, but at whatever memory he was retrieving to answer David honestly. I love my country, my people. My loyalty is to the good of Israel. I thought if I could control Israel, Basheth, I could steer this nation in a steady position. But while I build, the boy seems bent on sabotaging everything all the while. Here you are, leading like the king Jonathan always knew you'd be. Joab is my commander, and he will remain so once this is all done. Can you accept? Once this treaty is complete? My only desire is to remain. Retreat into the countryside with Rizpah. I've had enough battles. It's time for peace. If the Lord wills this union, then let it be done. The bloodshed must end, Abner nodded and rose, bowing before the king he now served. He took his leave, riding into the fading light with fire in his chest, bearing a dream of unity. Moments after Abner had left, the gates thundered open again. Joab entered Hebron, triumphant. Behind him marched his men, laughing and dragging calves laden with gold and cattle. They were bloodied, but exultant. My king, see what your army has done. The riches of your enemy lie at your feet. With this, we could strike down Abner and burn Ithbosheth's crown to ash. His men whooped behind him until David's voice stilled the air. We have no need for another strike. There will be no war with Abner. What do you mean? Abner struck a treaty with us. He rides now to gather Israel beneath my banner. Joab was silent for a moment. He looked around, seeing the feasting tables and goblets of fine wine spread out before them. You met with Abner? So? This feast isn't for us, you soldiers. It isn't for the men who've bled for you. It's for the dog that slayed our kin. You let him leave with his head. I refuse to choose vengeance when peace is an option. We have a chance to end the bloodshed. Joab turned to his men. Leave us. They obeyed without question. Now it was just the two of them. Joab was vibrating in place. How could you be so stupid? Mind your tongue, Joab. Cut the crap. You and I can speak plainly. David. I'm not your commander Because I kiss your backside. David tensed and rolled his shoulders back. Joab circled David like a wolf. Abner pledged loyalty. I say horse dung. Abner is a sober thinker. He knows what's best for Israel. He killed Asael. And now that we've brokered peace, no other brothers need to die. You dishonor our family and you're blinded by your rage. You're weak. How many times do I have to explain this before it gets into your head? Mercy isn't weakness. This isn't about mercy. We're on the heels of winning the throne. You can't just stand the thought of someone like Abner hating you. You need him to love you. I've honoured the nation by forging a path to peace without more violence. Accept it, Joab. I've already given my word to Abner. I also gave my word to Abner. I intend to keep it. You will be the ruin of peace before it can even be born. Joab said nothing. He turned on his heel and stalked into the night, his breath steaming in the cold air he vanished into the dark like a hound on the scent of blood. David knew those eyes. They were the eyes of Saul, the eyes of Cain. The hour was late, and the moon hid its face behind thick, sweeping clouds. Joab stalked through Hebron like a hound that had been kept from from its kill for too long. The blood of Ar Sahel still cried out from the ground, and Joab, who had carried his brother's broken body back from the mountain, had never stopped hearing it. He seized a young servant by the arm, near tearing it from the socket. Intercept Abner before he leaves Hebron. He rides east toward Mannerheim. Tell him the king has matters yet unsettled. Tell him to meet me at the Cisterna Serara. He must come alone. The boy went without question, and not long after, Abner turned from the road. He was not eager to delay. He was a man with a kingdom to unite. But a summons from David could not be ignored. He rode alone, torch in hand, the wind tugging at his cloak. The cistern of Sira was a lonely place, half swallowed by the walls of the outer city. When Abner arrived, he dismounted and walked into the narrow alley, the torchlight flickering against the damp stone walls. A sliver of moonlight broke through the clouds above. The moonlight illuminated a figure emerging from the dark, cloaked and still. My king David. Why here? Have we not spoken enough of peace already? The figure stepped forward, and something in the movement struck Abnerom. Too sharp. Too certain. His hand drifted toward the hilt of his sword. I've come to speak of peace. The things that must be done to win it. Abner was confused. He brought the torch closer. Its light flickered, revealing Joab's sneer under the hood. Abner gasped and reached for his blade, but he was too late. Joab was upon him in a breath, the dagger sinking deep beneath the ribs. Abner gasped, blood rushing to his throat. Joab leaned into Abner's ear. I told you this day would come. Unlike you, I keep my word. Abner groaned and growled, but couldn't speak. With a final twist of the dagger, Joab let the man fall. Abner crumpled beside the cistern. Blood spread across the stones as ink spilled across the parchment. The clouds above swallowed the moon, cloaking the world in shadow once again, and in the silence that followed, there was no sound but the wind. No peace. Only vengeance. We all know those GLP1 injections work wonders, but that price tag almost gave me a heart attack when my insurance denied coverage. I was staring at a choice between paying my mortgage or paying for weight loss. Talk about a rock and a hard place. I found Elevate Health Compounded semaglutide at just $58 with payment plans that don't require a second mortgage. Same medication, same results, but a price that real folks can actually afford. Visit joinelevate.com today. That's J-O-I-N-E-L-E-V-A-T-E.com. your wallet will be as happy as your waistline. This medication is not FDA approved. Naomi's leaving. I think she's going back to Bethlehem. My sweet daughter, you must go back. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. Naomi means pleasantness. Call me Mara. Bitterness. With me, there is nothing but bitterness. There is no doubt in my mind that you are a woman of strength, character and integrity. I am a redeemer and I will marry you. I'm Savannah Chrisley, your host, and I'm so excited to be on this journey with you. You're in for a story that's got it all. Love, heartbreak, resilience and redemption. Listen to Heroes in the Bible. Ruth with Savannah Chrisley on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to your meditative prayer on strength and focus. You can be happy even in weakness, for you'll be confident in the knowledge that Christ's power will be alive in you. Take a moment right now to sit back and be still for a moment. Be encouraged. You're not alone in this mission. You have God's Holy Spirit to help you and to guide you. Confess your troubles, your faults, to your Father above so that he may be able to aid and assist you. Thank him for the areas of growth and understanding and maturity that have come your way. My friends, let us now reflect for a moment on the areas of your heart that need tending to those thoughts and actions that maybe don't align with God's word to set aside your pride and to confess your sins to God to give him your arrogance and your presumption. Listen to meditative prayers on the iHeartRadio app, Epel podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and it has affected your life, we'd love it if you left a 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 6. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you. May he be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace. Amen. You can listen to the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the prey.com app today. This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein. Edited by Alberto Avila Narrated by Paul Coltofianu Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin Van Etten, Caleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller and the team at International Fellowship of Christy. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, please rate and leave a review. Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24? 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care. This is an iHeart podcast.