Absalom’s Attack

Summary

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The Chosen People – "Absalom’s Attack" (July 12, 2026)

Podcast Host: Pray.com Team
Episode Theme: The betrayal and uprising led by Absalom against his father, King David; an exploration of ambition, heartbreak, and the power of influence and faith in times of crisis.

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Episode Overview

In this gripping and emotionally charged episode, "Absalom’s Attack," The Chosen People podcast dramatizes the tense and tragic story of Absalom’s rebellion against King David. Through vivid, cinematic storytelling, the episode explores themes of betrayal, political manipulation, the complexities of familial love, and what it means to trust in God during one’s darkest hour. Listeners are immersed into the world of ancient Jerusalem as the fragile peace within the royal household shatters and the kingdom teeters on the brink of civil war.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Restoring Tense Bonds (02:56–05:38)

• Context: Previously, King David had exiled Absalom but ultimately forgave and welcomed him home. Now, the relationship remains uneasy, setting the stage for Absalom’s calculated moves.
• Absalom’s Charisma: The episode opens with Absalom at the city gates, greeting travelers and ingratiating himself with the common people.
  • Notable Quote – Absalom to a farmer:
    "Had I been king, you would never have needed to make such a journey. Every village would have had a voice in the court. Every voice would be heard. But alas, I am not. King David still sits on the throne, plucking his lyre and reading with the pampered Prince Solomon." (05:14)
• Strategy: He convinces the people that he would be a more just and attentive king, gaining their trust through feigned humility and concern.

2. Gathering Political Power (06:11–07:33)

• Absalom’s Method: He dismisses violence as the path to power, favoring the hearts and minds of the people.
  • Notable Quote – Absalom to his guard:
    "Swords cannot cut what the heart holds dear. The throne is not won with blades alone. It is won with love." (06:29)
• Long-term Campaign: Absalom's morning ritual at the gate lasts four years, eroding David's popularity and sparking hope among the people for a new ruler.
  • Narrator:
    "...a lion cloaked in lamb's wool. And the people, one by one, forgot the shepherd king and began to dream of King Absalom." (07:07)

3. Conspiring with Ahithophel (09:02–13:53)

• Scene Setting: Absalom meets with Ahithophel (Bathsheba's grandfather), David’s former advisor, by the hearth, offering him wine and drawing out his grievances against David.
• Political Machinations:
  • Absalom:
    "We need to sway the hearts of the people and the courts. Someone trusted on the inside." (11:11)
  • Ahithophel’s Motivation: His hatred for David stems from the king’s actions with Bathsheba and the death of Uriah:
    • "He ruined my house. Bathsheba's my granddaughter. Her shame was my shame. Uriah was worth ten of David. Let the Lord judge between us, but let David die." (13:26)
• Launching the Coup: Plans are made for Absalom to stage a pious public sacrifice at Hebron and covertly spread news that he has been chosen as king, manipulating public perception.

4. The Coup Ignites: David Forced to Flee (14:18–18:32)

• Manoeuvring with Whispers:
  • Narrator:
    "And so the coup was not waged with swords or siegecraft. It was built on words, on whispers, on belief." (14:29)
• David Awakens in Peril:
  • Announcer:
    "My king, arise. They're coming for you." (15:26)
• David’s Response: Refusing to plunge Jerusalem into civil war, he decides to flee, instructing his loyal men to safeguard his family, especially Solomon.
  • David’s Resolution:
    "No, I'll not see Jerusalem become a field of civil war. That's what Absalom wants. We flee now... Solomon must live. He's the key to Israel's fortune." (16:18–16:40)
• Heroic Escape: David’s mighty men, Abishai and Jashabim, fight through Absalom’s mercenaries, enabling David and his household to escape towards the Brook Kidron.

5. Faith in Exile: The Ark, the Priests, and Prayer (18:32–22:33)

• Loyalty Tested: As David flees, loyal servants and the Levites bring the Ark of the Covenant to follow him into exile.
  • David’s Relinquishment:
    "No. Carry the Ark back to the city. If I find favor in the Lord's eyes, he'll bring me home again to see it. But if not, here I am. Let him do as he pleases." (21:17)
• Spiritual Reflection: Alone on the Mount of Olives, David prays, acknowledging the consequences of his past sins and despair while pleading for God’s mercy.

6. Levers of Power: Hushai and the Double Game (22:33–24:33)

• Reunion in Hiding: Hushai, David’s loyal counselor, seeks him out but is asked to remain in Jerusalem as a covert agent.
  • Hushai’s Protest:
    "You want me to...to spy for you, my king, I am no spy. Lying makes me so nervous…" (23:55)
  • David’s Directive:
    "Frustrate Ahithophel. Feed him poison words. Learn Absalom's plans..." (24:12)
• Hushai’s Resolve: Accepting his role as David’s secret informant, Hushai re-enters Jerusalem, ready to act as the “dagger in the dark” among Absalom’s new circle.

7. A King’s Lament – Psalms in Exile (24:33–27:14)

• David’s Psalm: In solitude, David turns to prayerful lament, singing a Psalm (Psalm 3) in the stillness of the night:
  • David:
    "O Lord, my foes are many. They're rising against me...But you, O Lord, are a shield about me..." (25:48–26:21)
  • With Strength and Sorrow: He invokes God as his shield, refusing fear, and seeks salvation for himself and his people.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Absalom’s Understanding of Power:
  "The throne is not won with blades alone. It is won with love." (06:29)
• Ahithophel’s Pain & Motive:
  "He ruined my house. Bathsheba's my granddaughter. Her shame was my shame. Uriah was worth ten of David. Let the Lord judge between us, but let David die." (13:26)
• David’s Refusal to Fight His Own:
  "I'll not see Jerusalem become a field of civil war. That's what Absalom wants." (16:18)
• David’s Submission to God's Will:
  "If I find favor in the Lord's eyes, he'll bring me home again to see it. But if not, here I am. Let him do as he pleases." (21:17)

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Timestamps for Key Moments

• Absalom’s Manipulation at the Gates: 02:56–05:38
• The Years of Gathering Support: 06:11–07:33
• Conspiracy with Ahithophel: 09:02–13:53
• Absalom’s Coup Begins: 14:18–15:58
• David’s Escape: 16:07–18:32
• The Ark and David’s Prayer: 18:32–22:33
• Hushai’s Double Role: 22:33–24:33
• David’s Psalm in Exile: 25:48–27:14

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Episode Tone & Style

• Dramatic and Reflective: The narration and performances balance tension and introspection, capturing both the urgency of political intrigue and the sorrow of familial rupture.
• Poetic Language: The dialogue is elevated and scriptural, merging drama with spiritual meditation.
• Music & Atmosphere: Subtle musical cues and sound design heighten the emotional impact of key scenes, especially during David’s lonely prayer.

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Final Reflections

"Absalom’s Attack" departs from mere biblical retelling, instead immersing listeners in the lived experience of David’s greatest heartbreak and the dangerous allure of Absalom’s ambition. The episode is a powerful reminder of the fragility of trust, the toll of unresolved sin, and faith’s role—in both defining moments of loss and the hope for redemption.

Next Episode Teaser: Listeners are left on a precipice as David, now an exile, places his fate—and the fate of all Israel—in God’s hands, with vengeance circling ever closer.

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Transcript

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[King David]

Absalom is to be exiled from Jerusalem if he dares step foot in my city. If I so much as hear the hooves of his donkeys cross my gates, he shall die. Mark it, Benaiah. Let the walls know he is banished. You mourn the living like the dead.

[Narrator]

Bring Absalom home and every.

[King David]

And if I did, what would I say?

[Narrator]

It doesn't have to be poetry, David. Invite Absalom back. Then Absalom fell to his knees. He spread his arms wide. His face turned to the ground. A single tear traced his cheek as he whispered,

[King David]

father, I am here. Forgive me.

[Narrator]

It was a perfect performance.

[King David]

I forgive you, my son. Welcome home.

[Narrator]

The stage was set. Let the game begin.

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[Narrator]

The sun hung low over Jerusalem, painting the stones of the city gold. But the true light that day was Absalom. Glorious, charming. Deadly. Absalom was at the gates, waiting, Searching for something, someone. He saw an old farmer approaching the gates and smiled wide.

[Absalom]

You there, traveler. Where do you come from?

[Narrator]

The old man turned, startled, squinting beneath his hand.

[Farmer / Hushai]

I'm a farmer from Shiloh, of the tribe of Ephraim.

[Absalom]

Ah, yes, Ephraim. The ruby crown of Israel. Come, drink, my friend. Water from the well of Hezekiah. And wine to ease your legs. You've come a long way.

[Farmer / Hushai]

Well, yes, I thank you, my lord. But I must hurry. I've a matter for the king.

[Narrator]

Absalom tilted his head, feigning regret.

[Absalom]

Blast it. I'm afraid you've wasted the trip, my poor friend. You see, the king no longer sees petitioners. Too troubled, they say. Burdened with grief, sorrow and age.

[Narrator]

But I. Absalom placed a hand on the man's shoulder. His brow was low and earnest, meeting the farmer's gaze with compassion.

[Absalom]

I'm a son. Perhaps I can be of service to you.

[Farmer / Hushai]

You the son of King David?

[Absalom]

Yes, good fellow, I am Absalom, heir to the throne. Perhaps you've heard the name.

[Farmer / Hushai]

Forgive me, my prince, I did not know.

[Absalom]

Oh, please, no apologies necessary. You've been toiling in the soil of Israel with your head low and heart sturdy. Of course, you wouldn't recognize me. Now, please tell me your trouble.

[Narrator]

And so the man told his tale. Absalom listened with a deep frown, like a man burdened with sorrow for every wound in Israel.

[Absalom]

Oh, this is grievous indeed. I'm glad you brought this to me. Had I been king, you would never have needed to make such a journey. Every village would have had a voice in the court. Every voice would be heard. But alas, I am not. King David still sits on the throne, plucking his lyre and reading with the pampered Prince Solomon.

[Farmer / Hushai]

I wish you were king, Lord Absalom. You're a man of the people. Perhaps we'd have justice if you were king.

[Absalom]

Yes. One day. One day the Lord may sleep see fit to raise me up. For the people deserve a king who sees them until then, you know you have a prince at your side.

[Narrator]

The farmer left, and Absalom wore a tight grin on his face as he watched him leave. One of Absalom's guards tilted his head in confusion.

[King David]

My prince, why linger out here like a beggar?

[Absalom]

This is where I make my for the throne.

[King David]

You already have enough men to storm the castle. Why talk to peasants out here?

[Narrator]

Absalom scoffed and shook his head.

[Absalom]

Because swords cannot cut what the heart holds dear. The throne is not one with blades alone. It is one with love. When the people no longer remember the feel of David's hand, but only the one of mine, then and only then will the city be ripe for the taking.

[Narrator]

Each morning, Absalom came to the gates and did the same thing again and again. He stood with his guards, his robes flowing, his smile ever ready. When men came to seek David, he told them the king was too busy to hear them. Then he'd listen. For four years he rose before dawn and sat in the shadow of the gates, a lion cloaked in lamb's wool. And the people, one by one, forgot the shepherd king and began to dream of King Absalom.

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[David Singing / Narrator]

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[Narrator]

the wind whispered through the shuttered windows of Absalom's estate, carrying with it the chill of the oncoming winter. The room smelled of spiced Wine and cedar logs burning in the fireplace. Absalom was ruminating over the hearth, eyes as sharp as a serpent's. The door creaked open behind him. Absalom knew who it was. A smirk twitched at the edges of his face.

[Absalom]

I knew you'd answer my call. Ahithophel.

[Narrator]

The elderly general slowly approached, his white beard glowing orange from the firelight. He was a regal looking man, sturdy and stately. Ahithophel, the grandfather of Bathsheba.

[Absalom]

Sit share a drink with me. We have much to discuss.

[Narrator]

Ahithophel sat. Absalom poured him a cup and slid it gently across the table. The two sat for a while in silence, staring into the fire. Absalom loved the game of politics. He was born for it.

[Absalom]

I've been wondering something. What was it like for you when David wed? I mean, you must have known something was awry when they united so soon after Uriah's tragic death.

[King David]

What do you want, Absalom?

[Absalom]

The same thing you want. Ahithopel. David off the throne.

[King David]

So forward, so bold. You talk of treason so casually. What makes you think I want David off the throne?

[Absalom]

Let's agree not to insult each other's intelligence. H. I know you've wanted David off the throne ever since Uriah's death. I was there for the wedding. I saw the look of disgust on your face. You hate David, but even more you love Israel. Two traits we share. Well, two out of three.

[King David]

And what's the third?

[Absalom]

We both know how the game is played. I can buy all the hired hands I need to storm the palace and seize the throne for myself. But you and I both know that's not enough. We need to sway the hearts of the people and the courts. I've already done plenty of legwork for the former. It's the latter I need help with. Someone trusted on the inside.

[Narrator]

The old general stroked his beard and released a ragged sigh, one of resignation. He nodded, took a sip from the spiced wine and winced as it burned on the way down.

[King David]

It can't look like treason.

[David Singing / Narrator]

No.

[King David]

This must feel inevitable. As if the Lord himself handed you the throne. That's how David was able to ascend. But you, sir, don't have prophets anointing you with oil. No people singing songs about you.

[Absalom]

Perhaps it could be arranged.

[King David]

Write the script and the city will play its part. Find yourself 200 men chosen for their tongues, not their swords. They'll speak in every quarter, every alley, every house. A meeting. They'll say the king himself is named, his heir. Absalom.

[Absalom]

And what of the elders and courts.

[King David]

They'll think they've missed something vital, a meeting they weren't invited to. If enough people proclaim it, the elders will be too embarrassed to question it.

[Absalom]

I'll send them out at dawn. The king has chosen Absalom. They'll say. It is done. Rejoice.

[Narrator]

Absalom smirked, then jabbed at the fire with an iron rod, breaking the coals apart as if imagining David beneath it.

[Absalom]

And once the the chant is loud enough. Loud enough to drown out any truth we strike.

[Narrator]

There was a bitterness in Ahithophel's tone, one that went beyond politics. Absalom caught it and raised an eyebrow.

[Absalom]

My. My Ahithophel. You want him dead more than I do.

[King David]

He ruined my house. Bathsheba's my granddaughter. Her shame was my shame. Uriah was worth 10 of David. Let the Lord judge between us, but let David die.

[Narrator]

Absalom leaned back, considering.

[Absalom]

His advisors must fall with him. Benaiah, Jashubim, Abishai, Joab. Every pillar he leans upon must be snapped at the root.

[King David]

And you should go to Hebron. Raise an altar, offer a sacrifice. Make the people see your piety. Make them see your holiness and reverence for the Lord once more. David will be pleased to see you worship. While they watch you with incense and prayers will put the dagger in David's ribs. No one will suspect a man kneeling before the Lord to be the one wielding the blade.

[Narrator]

And so they plotted by firelight. In the days that followed, 200 men were sent, each carrying whispers like poison in their mouths. And the streets of Jerusalem, once loyal to David, began to murmur the name of Absalom as if it were already written upon the crown. And so the coup was not waged with swords or siegecraft. It was built on words, on whispers, on belief. The moon hung cold and pale over Jerusalem. All was still save for the faint crackling of coals in the hearth. David lay in peace beside Bathsheba, their breaths rising and falling. With little Solomon between them, the great doors of his chamber burst open. David shot up, sword in hand, before his eyes were fully open. In the doorway stood Benaiah, wild eyed and lit by torchlight.

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[King David]

What is the meaning of this?

[Narrator]

And then he heard it clamor, distant at first, then closer. The pounding at the palace gate, the shouting. A name carried in the wind like a curse. Absalom.

[Announcer]

Who's out there?

[King David]

Absalom.

[Meta Glasses User / Feeding America Narrator]

The people have turned. They chant his name in the streets.

[Narrator]

He has declared himself king. David Stood still, struck silent. And then realization dawned on him.

[Announcer]

He used the sacrifice as a decoy. He's been plotting this all along.

[King David]

It was still all a lie. A mask.

[Narrator]

David sprang up and donned Jonathan's armor, weathered but still noble, and strapped Goliath's sword across his back. The weight steadied him.

[Announcer]

Are you going to fight them?

[King David]

No, I'll not see Jerusalem become a field of civil war. That's what Absalom wants. We flee now. Where's Joab?

[Narrator]

Come.

[King David]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

Where? David nodded grimly.

[King David]

Then gather what men you can. Wake the servants. Escort my household to the brook Kidron.

[Announcer]

Solomon and I will be by your side.

[King David]

No. I'm too big a target. Go with Benaiah. My guards remain at their side. Solomon must live. He's the key to Israel's fortune. Benaiah. Take my wives and children. The company of guards will cross paths at the brook.

[Narrator]

The palace stirred with quiet panic as servants moved like shadows in the halls, rousing wives and children. The concubines remained behind, instructed to tend to the house. Absalom wouldn't harm them. David dropped from the window into the gardens below and mounted his horse hooves thudded on stone as they rode for the gates. But it was too late. Absalom's mercenaries had breached the walls. David drew steel, ready to fight them all himself. But before he could charge, two riders broke through the smoke and steel of the fray. Abishai and Jashabim, blades flashing in the firelight. Ride, my king. We'll cut your path.

[Farmer / Hushai]

Be strong and courageous.

[Narrator]

David's eyes glinted with pride as his mighty men rode by his side. They fell on the mercenaries like wolves among cattle, carving a sway through the chaos. Three of Absalom's men rode with spears poised to strike David. Jashabim threw a dagger at the man's eye, retrieved the spear and used it to flail the second with one swift swoop. Abishai rode fiercely, leaped off his horse and tackled the other to the ground. They scrambled before Abishai was able to gain the advantage. With his knee pressed against his throat. The three of them rode past the gates towards the Brook Kedron. Just like old times.

[Absalom]

Hey, Josh.

[Farmer / Hushai]

Hey. This old man needs another adventure.

[Narrator]

David, battered and broken hearted, rode from his own son. The king was fleeing, the usurper was rising, and war once more was coming to Israel. Under the hush of twilight, King David stood at the edge of the Brook Kedron. Its course was steady, gentle and tranquil. David looked out over the brook the olive groves and tall trees lay before him, the place that would one day be known as Gethsemane. David then looked behind him, where his betrayers hoarded and conspired to kill him. He was fleeing for his life, but it didn't feel right. David's family stood behind him, ready to follow wherever he led. He stepped over the brook. Then came a rustling from the trees. David turned, sword ready, but it was no enemy. The kerethites, the pelethites, the gittites. Foreigners and former exiles. Servants of the king. They had come not to pillage, but to follow. David stepped forward, brow furrowed, amazed. Then there was more movement. Abiathar emerged from the trees, then Zadok, and behind them, the rest of the Levites. Upon their shoulders, cloaked in reverence, rested the Ark of the Covenant. The presence of God had followed David into exile.

[King David]

Go back. Serve the new king. There's only pain where I go.

[Narrator]

Abiathar, no longer a boy but the high priest of Israel, stepped forward. David stepped back, shaking his head with tears brimming at the sides of his eyes.

[King David]

We go with you. You are the Lord's anointed.

[Narrator]

David turned his face to the brook. Its silver surface mirrored his grief. He clenched his jaw and looked again at the Ark. There was something small speaking within David, an inkling that the Lord was at work somehow. David turned to Zadok and Abiathar.

[King David]

No. Carry the Ark back to the city. If I find favor in the Lord's eyes, he'll bring me home again to see it. But if not, here I am. Let him do as he pleases. Then we will remain in the city. We will send our sons to bring you word. We will be your eyes and ears within the walls of Jerusalem.

[Narrator]

David embraced them, whispered blessings, and sent them back. Then he turned toward the forest, bleak and solemn under moonlight. The Mount of Olives awaited. His family waited at the base of the mountain while David pressed in further to be with the Lord. The sound of weeping faded as he found a solitary place. David, under the dancing shadows cast by moonlight through trees, prayed to God.

[King David]

Yes, this was the curse. Nathan spoke of violence and blood within my house. This is what I deserve. I ask, Lord, have mercy on me.

[Narrator]

Just then, a figure stumbled from the trees behind him. David drew his blade. But the face that emerged from the dark was no enemy.

[King David]

Hushai, is that you?

[Narrator]

One of David's most trusted counselors removed his hood. He was caked in dirt, his garments torn and his breath ragged.

[Farmer / Hushai]

My king, Praise be to the Lord, you are safe. I thought Absalom had already struck you down.

[David Singing / Narrator]

Why are you here, friend?

[King David]

Why not remain in the city?

[Farmer / Hushai]

I could never serve that snake while you still draw breath. I am loyal to you till the very end.

[Narrator]

Hushai was a dutiful man, filled with integrity nearly to a fault. It is what made the other counselors, like Ahithophel, hate him so much. It's why David needed him.

[King David]

Does the council know you've gone to heavens?

[Farmer / Hushai]

No. Ahithophel has poisoned their minds. They have no idea where I am.

[King David]

Good. Then I need you to return to Jerusalem.

[Farmer / Hushai]

No. No, my king.

[King David]

If you follow me up this mountain, you'll but another mouth to feed. But if you go back, if you serve Absalom, you may yet be the blade. His council.

[Farmer / Hushai]

You want me to. To spy for you, my king, I am no spy. Lying makes me so nervous, my hands shit and I begin to stammer.

[King David]

I need you to focus, Ushai. Frustrate the Hitophel. Feed him poison words. Learn Absalom's plans. Zadok and Ebbie Mark. I will send their sons to bring me what you discovered.

[Narrator]

It will.

[King David]

It will be done. Then go clean yourself. And serve your true king.

[Narrator]

Hushai vanished into the shadows, back toward Jerusalem where chaos reigned. Half the city cheered for the traitor prince. The other half wept for the fleeing king. At his home, Hushai washed the dirt from his face. He looked into the mirror and saw not a fool, as others claimed, but a servant of God and king. He tightened his belt, squared his shoulders and went out to greet Absalom. War was coming, not of swords alone but of whispers and masks and counsel in candlelit halls. And Hushai would be the dagger in the dark. David's jaw quivered at the summit. It was cold and the air was unforgiving. He closed his eyes and fell to the ground. He clenched fistfuls of dirt and grass as he prayed vigorously to the Lord. Tears streamed down his wincing face. He lifted up his head to the skies and sang to God.

[David Singing / Narrator]

O Lord, my foes are many. They're rising against me. They say to my soul there's no salvation for him and God. But you, O Lord, are a shield about me. You're the lifter of my head and my glory. You, O Lord, are a shield about me. You're the lifter of my head and my glory. I cried aloud to you and you answered me from your holy hill.

[Narrator]

David paused his singing and stood up, stretching his arms out to the Lord. He raised his fists in the air and sang with more fire and intensity than he had ever before.

[David Singing / Narrator]

I'll not be afraid of the thousands that Arise, O Lord, save me, save me, oh my God. For you strike all my enemies on the cheek, you break the teeth of the wicked. Arise, O Lord, arise. Save me, O my God. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Arise.

[Production Credits Narrator]

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. 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 Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review.

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