Absalom's Demise

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Chosen People – "Absalom's Demise"

Host: Pray.com
Date: July 13, 2026
Episode Theme:
In this gripping installment of "The Chosen People," listeners are swept into the high-stakes conflict between King David and his son Absalom—a narrative of power, rebellion, loyalty, and tragic downfall. Through immersive storytelling and nuanced character portrayals, this episode explores not only the climactic military confrontation but the deeper emotional and spiritual dilemmas facing fathers, sons, and the nation of Israel.

---

Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Betrayal and Exile

• Recap of the Coup: The episode opens by recapping Absalom’s rebellion and David’s reluctant flight from Jerusalem (00:26-01:21).
• David’s Departure: David describes his unwillingness to fight in Jerusalem to avoid civil war (“No, I’ll not. See Jerusalem become a field of civil war. That’s what Absalom wants. We flee now.” – King David, 01:11).
• Hushai’s Loyalty: David commissions his trusted ally Hushai to return as a spy and frustrate Ahithophel, Absalom’s chief advisor (02:02-02:30).
  • “Frustrate Ahithophel. Feed him poison words. Learn Absalom's plans.” – King David (02:18)

2. Absalom’s Ambition and Palace Politics

• Absalom Proclaims Himself King: A vivid description of Absalom’s triumphant but precarious entry into power—his need for public legitimacy, and the opportunism of David’s former councilors (03:54-05:43).
  • “Ah, yes, King Absalom. Oh, and what a great king I shall be.” – Absalom (04:26)
• Hushai’s Deception: Hushai’s cunning loyalty to David while pretending allegiance to Absalom (05:43-06:22).
  • “My loyalty is to the throne, not the man. The Lord has clearly chosen you.” – Hushai (06:05)
• Ahithophel’s Ruthless Counsel: Ahithophel advises Absalom to claim total dominance by publicly dishonoring David, including taking his concubines, in order to sever ties and legitimacy (06:49-07:31).
  • “You must disgrace your father in the eyes of the nation… Ravish them. Do so in the light of the sun.” – Ahithophel

3. The Council Divides: Hushai vs. Ahithophel

• Debate over Strategy: As Absalom plans to pursue and kill David, a dramatic council unfolds:
  • Ahithophel urges a swift, targeted attack (09:24-09:57).
  • Hushai, acting on David’s behalf, argues for a slower, grander mobilization to buy David time (10:16-11:46).
    • “Your father is not a wounded deer, but a lion. He’s cornered.” – Hushai (10:34)
  • Absalom’s vanity prevails, adopting Hushai’s advice (11:52).
    • “Well said. Prepare the men. I will ride at the front.” – Absalom (11:52)

4. Warnings, Preparations, and David’s Humanity

• Hushai’s Urgent Warning: Secretly, Hushai arranges for word to reach David to flee across the Jordan at once (12:44-12:54).
• David’s Reflections and Fatherly Sorrow: David contemplates the loyalty of his followers and shares a poignant moment with his son Solomon and Bathsheba (13:40-14:16).
  • “Sleep, my little lion. May the Lord guard your dreams as I cannot.” – King David (14:16)
• Joab’s Loyalty and Battle Planning: David reunites with Joab, and the battle plan is set; his commanders refuse to let David fight personally, fearing his death would doom them all (16:19-18:08).
  • “Your presence would not save us, my king. It is your absence.” – Narrator (17:42)
  • David’s pained command: “Please deal gently with Absalom… But please spare his life if you can.” – King David (18:22)

5. The Battle in the Forest: Chaos and Reckoning

• Commencement of Battle: Absalom’s army enters the forest, unprepared for David’s guerrilla tactics; the setting becomes increasingly foreboding and deadly (20:09-21:48).
  • “Absalom charged with Israel’s host. In front of him, the armies clashed in chaos… David’s men were few, but they were devils in the trees.” – Narrator (20:57)
• Absalom’s Flight and Downfall: As the battle disintegrates, Absalom flees, only to be ensnared in an oak tree by his hair—left hanging, exposed, and helpless (23:04-25:10).
  • “Absalom, son of David, dangled like a cursed idol in the forest. And the Lord, who sees all things, looked down from the storm with silence.” – Narrator (24:13)

6. Joab’s Ruthless Justice

• Joab Ignores David’s Plea: Joab kills Absalom with three spears despite David’s request for mercy (25:40-27:27).
  • “You want to know something? After all this, your father still wanted me to spare you.” – Joab (27:07)
  • “Shut up.” – Joab, silencing pleas for Absalom’s life (26:28)
• Mourning and Warning: Absalom’s corpse is buried in disgrace; Joab’s cold command sends the shamefaced soldiers home (27:53-28:42).
  • “Finish him.” – Joab (27:53)
  • “Back to your homes.” – Joab (28:40)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• David’s Fatherly Despair:
  • “Please deal gently with Absalom. Do not kill him. Capture him. But please spare his life if you can.” – King David (18:22)
    A pivotal moment where the king’s command is not just political but plaintively parental.
• Hushai’s Cunning Persuasion:
  • “Every enemy of Israel has made the same grave mistake, underestimating David and his men. Your father is not a wounded deer, but a lion.” – Hushai (10:34)
• Joab’s Cold Justice:
  • “You want to know something? After all this, your father still wanted me to spare you.” – Joab before delivering the fatal blow (27:07)
• Symbolic Imagery:
  • “Absalom, son of David, dangled like a cursed idol in the forest. And the Lord, who sees all things, looked down from the storm with silence.” – Narrator (24:13)

---

Important Timestamps

• 01:11 – David’s decision to flee instead of fighting a civil war
• 02:13 – The spy plot: Hushai commissioned to infiltrate Absalom’s court
• 04:26 – Absalom’s arrogant self-coronation
• 06:40-07:31 – Ahithophel’s shocking political advice
• 10:16-11:46 – Hushai’s critical intervention at Absalom’s council
• 14:16 – David’s tender moment with Solomon
• 18:22 – David’s desperate plea for gentleness towards Absalom
• 20:09-24:13 – The vivid battle sequence and Absalom’s fateful entrapment
• 25:40-27:27 – Joab’s execution of Absalom and its aftermath
• 28:40 – Joab’s cold dismissal of the defeated soldiers

---

Tone & Style

Immersive, poetic, and psychologically rich, this episode blends biblical grandeur with personal tragedy. The narrators and cast deliver lines with gravitas, illuminating not only the scale of palace intrigue and warfare but also the anguish of betrayal, the corruption of pride, and the agonies of parental love lost.

---

Conclusion

"Absalom’s Demise" stands as a powerful exploration of the tragic cost of rebellion, pride, and broken families. Through masterful dramatization and profound emotional depth, the episode reveals timeless truths about leadership, loyalty, and the pain of watching loved ones stray. The story ends not in triumph but in heavy silence—a king’s victory tinged with the immeasurable loss of a son.

Transcript

[Wayfair/Mint Mobile/Gold Belly/Meta Glasses/Zazzle/Stamps.com/Shopify/Simplisafe/Roe Co Advertisers]

Hey there. It's Wayfair here. Where delivery and setup are as easy as a few taps on your phone. You're relaxing in an old hammock, scrolling Wayfair's app when you spot it. A brand new patio set. Next thing you know, Wayfair delivers it right to your patio and sets it up. Oh, you need a new grill too. Alright, Wayfair's got you covered with Wayfair's room of choice delivery and fast expert setup on qualifying orders, life gets a little easier. Visit Wayfair.com or the Wayfair app.

[Narrator]

Wayfair Every style, Every home. Previously on the Chosen People. 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.

[King David]

What do you want, Absalom?

[Absalom]

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

[Narrator]

My king, arise.

[King David]

They're coming for you. What is the meaning of this, Absalom?

[Narrator]

The people have turned.

[King David]

They chant his name in the streets. He has declared himself king.

[Wayfair/Mint Mobile/Gold Belly/Meta Glasses/Zazzle/Stamps.com/Shopify/Simplisafe/Roe Co Advertisers]

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]

Under the hush of twilight, King David stood at the edge of the brook. Kidron. Its course was steady, 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.

[King David]

Husband, is that you?

[Hushai]

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

[King David]

Good. Then I need you to return to Jerusalem.

[Hushai]

You want me to spy for you?

[King David]

I need you to focus, Ushai. Frustrate Mehitophel. Feed him poison words. Learn Absalom's plans. Zadok and Abiathar will send their sons to bring me, which you discover.

[Hushai]

It will. It will be done.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. Now, I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made $15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a try at mintmobile.com/switch.

[Wayfair/Mint Mobile/Gold Belly/Meta Glasses/Zazzle/Stamps.com/Shopify/Simplisafe/Roe Co Advertisers]

Upfront payment of $45 for 3 months $90 for 6 months or $180 for 12 month Plan required $15 per month equivalent taxes and fees Extra initial plan term only greater than 50 gigabytes me slow when network is busy See Terms

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hi, Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile. Are you looking for a beach read this summer? May I suggest your big wireless bill? It's got suspense, mystery, a slightly flat emotional arc, and a shocking twist where you realize you've been overpaying the entire time. Fortunately, though, Mint's story is better. Every plan $15 a month, even unlimited. That's it. Happy ending. Zero tears. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment

[Wayfair/Mint Mobile/Gold Belly/Meta Glasses/Zazzle/Stamps.com/Shopify/Simplisafe/Roe Co Advertisers]

of $45 for three months $90 for six months or $180 for a 12 month plan required $15 per month equivalent taxes and fees Extra initial plan term only greater than 50 gigabytes me slow when network is busy.

[King David]

See Terms I wrote a little song to remind you. Choice hotels get you more of the experiences you value. The Cambria Hotel's got it all. A rooftop bar. Have a ball. Bring a date, your squad, or even your mom. Book [e-mail]

[Narrator]

the Bronze Chariots thundered through the gates of Jerusalem. The hooves of Absalom's war horses crushed the garden paths beneath them, scattering petals like chaff in the wind. From the walls and windows, voices cried out, king Absalom. King Absalom. King Absalom. The prince dismounted slowly and with an air of regality. He took a breath and smiled.

[Absalom]

Ah, yes, King Absalom. Oh, and what a great king I shall be.

[Narrator]

Behind him, Ahithophel walked with hands clasped. He didn't bask in any of the victory. He knew nothing would be truly won until David was dead.

[Absalom]

Ahithophel gathered the remaining council. Any man who remained here instead of following my father into the dust, is welcome to swear fealty to me.

[Narrator]

Ahithophel bowed and did as he was commanded. Soon the throne room filled with murmuring men. All of them were former loyalists of David. Some remained out of fear, but many remained for the new opportunity for power and influence under Absalom's rule. Among them was one who bowed lower than all the rest, Hushai. He had been commanded by David to remain as his eyes and ears. The thought of playing such a crucial role made Hushai's stomach churn, but he was determined nonetheless. Hushai entered, ready for the battle of politics.

[Hushai]

Long live King Absalom. May his reign eclipse that of his father, David.

[Narrator]

Absalom narrowed his eyes.

[Absalom]

Hushai, I find your company here strange. My father was fond of you. Why did you not retreat with him?

[Narrator]

Hushai blinked, feigning sorrow.

[Hushai]

My loyalty is to the throne, not the man. The Lord has clearly chosen you. The people have obviously favored you. That makes you king. And so I am yours as I was your father's. Use me as you will.

[Narrator]

Absalom grinned. He wanted to believe it. Needed to. His ego lapped it up.

[Absalom]

Very well. Let us discuss how I might solidify my rule. The people know I've taken the throne, but how do we make them believe it belongs to me?

[Narrator]

He looked to Ahithophel. The old fox leaned forward, voice low and sharp as a dagger.

[King David]

Total claim. Nothing more, nothing less. If anything in this palace remains King David's, then he'll have a foothold here. You must disgrace your father in the eyes of the nation. Take what was his. Not only a city and his seat, but also a servant. His bed, his women, his concubines. Remain in the palace. Ravish them. Do so in the light of the sun. Let all Israel see that you're no pretender. And neither are you a bleeding heart hypocrite like your father. Everything you do, you do in the light. No secrets, no feigned righteousness. You're the king. Do what pleases you and never beg.

[Narrator]

For the room fell still. Hushai held his breath, and Absalom laughed.

[Absalom]

You've always had a taste for the dramatic, old man. But you're right. Pitch a tent on the palace roof. I'll show them who rules Jerusalem now.

[Narrator]

And so it was done. By noon, the crimson banners of the House of David fluttered from the heights, and beneath them, Absalom defile his father's concubines one by one. The city whispered. The kingdom watched. The air stank of smoke and sin. It was a bold move. Too bold. Hushai saw cracks in Absalom's cool demeanor. He had been brewing this plan for years, allowing it to ferment. But now he was drunk on it. He was a fool, and Hushai would capitalize on every mistake. Absalom sat slouched on the throne like a serpent curled atop a warm stone. Behind him, Ahithophel and Hushai stood still as statues. This was no court of peace. It was a council of war. Hushai watched Ahithophel's eyes. There was hunger in them. Not ambition. Obsession. The old counselor clung to Absalom's shadow like a starved leech. It was clear he'd staked everything on the success of this coup, Hushai knew that was dangerous. Men like Ahithophel did not forgive failure. Not even their own.

[Absalom]

Ahithophel.

[King David]

Yes, my lord.

[Absalom]

David and his men are hiding somewhere beyond Kidron. I fear every moment they're away is a moment they have to plan. Is it time we strike?

[King David]

Choose. 12,000 men. I'll lead them myself. David's weary, his men scattered and his numbers few. We attack swiftly, with precision, and strike only at him. What's the king's den? His followers will have no heart left to resist. Let me bring the people back to you like a bride or a husband.

[Narrator]

Absalom liked the sound of it. Glory. Vengeance. A swift, surgical end. He turned to Hushai, expecting agreement. But Hushai stepped forward and bowed his head. What he was about to do was more dangerous than drawing a blade.

[Hushai]

Ahithrophel is wise, but today he is a fool.

[King David]

What did you say, rat?

[Narrator]

Ahithophel stiffened, his lips pulled tight. Hushai ignored the old man and met Absalom's gaze.

[Hushai]

Every enemy of Israel has made the same grave mistake, underestimating David and his men. Your father is not a wounded deer, but a lion. He's cornered. I'm willing to bet he isn't sleeping. Where his people sleep. He is probably hidden, watching, waiting for you to strike in secret. If you strike now, you will kill farmers, priests and children. Not. Not David. And the people will see you for what they fear. A butcher of your own blood.

[Narrator]

Then we wait.

[Absalom]

We give him more time to rally support.

[King David]

No.

[Hushai]

You assemble a host. An army greater than any seen in Israel. You must march at its head with banners and trumpets. No secrecy. No fear. Don't. Don't. Have Ahithophel do the work for you. You'll come across as a spoiled prince. March upon David with a flood. He will not withstand it. And if by some cursed chance he reaches the city? Then all Israel shall bring ropes to drag him from its gates until dust does not remain.

[Narrator]

That made Absalom smile. Vanity won where reason wavered.

[Absalom]

Well said. Prepare the men. I will ride at the front. And when we find my father, we shall grind his name into the earth.

[Narrator]

He swept from the hall, giddy with visions of triumph. Ahithophel did not follow immediately. He and Hushai stood alone. The silence between them crackled like embers.

[King David]

You think yourself clever.

[Hushai]

No. Only loyal.

[Narrator]

Yes, but to whom? They held each other's gaze like swords locked at the crossguard. Then Ahithophel turned and left in silence. Hushai moved. He rushed to the house of Abiathar and Zadok, his breath fast, his thoughts faster.

[Hushai]

Send word to David. Absalom marches with the full might of Israel. If the king tarries near the Jordan, he dies. He must cross tonight.

[Narrator]

The priest's sons took the message at once. The river's edge was quiet, but war thundered in the distance. The game was in motion. The blood would follow. The night was still, save for the soft ripple of water and the distant crackle of campfires. The moon cast a pale silver veil across the Jordan and David, knee deep in its chilled waters felt its gaze like judgment. He splashed water on his face, rinsing away the filth of exile. His breath fogged in the night air. But you, O Lord, are a shield

[King David]

about me, my glory and the lifter of my head.

[Narrator]

Behind him, the camp dozed in uneasy peace. Hundreds had followed him. His household, his guards, his loyal men. He didn't understand it, not truly. Not after everything. He caught sight of Bathsheba stepping from the shadows. Solomon cradled in her arms. The boy blinked sleepily, curls sticking to his brow. David approached gently pressing a kiss to his son's forehead.

[King David]

Sleep, my little lion. May the Lord guard your dreams as I cannot.

[Narrator]

When he returned to the fire, Abishai and the others sat waiting. But there was a notable absence from the men. Joab, David's commander, hadn't come to meet David. David wondered if Joab had abandoned him for Absalom. Given their messy past, David supposed it was possible. Where are you, Joab?

[King David]

When I need you most, you're gone.

[Narrator]

Then came the thunder of hooves. Two messengers sent from Hushai dismounted in a storm of dust and breathless warning. My king, Absalom is on the march. The host is vast. The blood is hot. They will cross in days. David stood. The fire painted him in bronze and black.

[King David]

Where?

[Narrator]

Gilead. David looked across the river at the shadowed bank. Beyond Gilead was familiar ground. But it would not be a homecoming. It would be a reckoning. David wrapped his cloak tighter, his face set against the east wind as he and his captains marched the ridge. Below them sprawled the valley, vast and open, treacherous in its promise. At the edge of the Forest of Ephraim, tents of enemy banners fluttered like vultures circling the carcass of a kingdom. Absalom was there, somewhere beneath those canopies of silken steel plotting the fall of his father. David's eyes narrowed.

[King David]

If we strike here, we lose. He has the numbers, but the forest has ground we can control.

[Narrator]

Yes, narrowing the terrain will even the odds.

[King David]

But we still won't get out of this without bleeding. Then we bleed together.

[Narrator]

As he spoke, the sound of horns rang out behind them. David and his men drew their swords, prepared for an ambush. Then he burst from the shadows. Joab rode in like thunder, flanked by hundreds of battle hardened men in scarred armour, dust rising behind them. He dismounted with a smirk and opened his arms.

[King David]

Were you going to ride without me? I'm hurt. Joab. You're here. Did you think me a traitor? The boy burned my fields. That's not a slight I'll forget.

[Narrator]

David clasped his forearms and laughed in return.

[King David]

Then we are whole again.

[Narrator]

Together. The men stood over the map. The forest would be their battleground.

[King David]

We're split into three companies. Abishai, you lead the charge. Ittai will flank. Joab, lie in wait. Strike once the battle's joined. I'll ride with the front.

[Narrator]

But his captains did not cheer. They exchanged glances.

[King David]

No, you will not. I must. I'll not hide like a coward while others fight. My war is not your presence that would save us, my king.

[Narrator]

It is your absence. If you fall, we fall. They will ignore us for a chance at your head. You're worth 10,000 of us in you know it.

[King David]

Besides, if I saw my son in the fray, I'm not sure I could do what must be done. I won't make you watch your son die, David.

[Narrator]

David clenched his fists, then drew a deep breath.

[King David]

Do as you think best. I trust you all.

[Narrator]

But David turned toward the enemy camp. Among them was Absalom. His enemy, yes, but his son.

[King David]

Please deal gently with Absalom. Do not kill him. Capture him. But please spare his life if you can.

[Narrator]

It was a king's command, but it sounded far more like a father's plea. The captains bowed and then they vanished into the trees. The storm had begun.

[Wayfair/Mint Mobile/Gold Belly/Meta Glasses/Zazzle/Stamps.com/Shopify/Simplisafe/Roe Co Advertisers]

Hey guys, have you heard of Gold Belly? It's this amazing site where they ship the most iconic famous foods from restaurants across the country, anywhere nationwide. I've never found a more perfect gift than food. Gold Belly Ship Chicago deep dish pizza, New York bagels, Maine lobster rolls and even Ina Garten's famous cakes. So if you're looking for a gift for the food lover in your life, head to goldbelly.com and get 20% off your first order with promo code GIFT. That's goldbelly.com promo code GIFT. Tomorrow morning is knocking. Stock your fridge now. How about a creamy mocha frappuccino drink? Or a sweet vanilla smooth caramel maybe? Or a white chocolate mocha? Whichever you choose, delicious coffee awaits. Find Starbucks, Frappuccino, drinks wherever you buy your groceries. Introducing Meta Glasses.

[Hushai]

Hey, Meta, any last minute tables for two tonight?

[Wayfair/Mint Mobile/Gold Belly/Meta Glasses/Zazzle/Stamps.com/Shopify/Simplisafe/Roe Co Advertisers]

Sure. There's a great Italian restaurant 15 minutes away.

[Hushai]

Hey, Meta, where's the nearest flower shop?

[Wayfair/Mint Mobile/Gold Belly/Meta Glasses/Zazzle/Stamps.com/Shopify/Simplisafe/Roe Co Advertisers]

Five minutes away, straight down Broadway, past the bodega. Their lilies are trending on Instagram. Just saying.

[Hushai]

Hey, Meta, am I forgetting anything else?

[Wayfair/Mint Mobile/Gold Belly/Meta Glasses/Zazzle/Stamps.com/Shopify/Simplisafe/Roe Co Advertisers]

How about setting a calendar reminder for next year? Meta Glasses, available in more than 20 styles.

[Narrator]

The false king sat atop his horse, golden laced armor shimmering in the dimmed light. Absalom's once poised and calculated demeanor was cracking. He should have known better than to challenge David's mighty men. But pride had moved him where his mind knew he shouldn't go. And pride kept him from turning back. Pride is the death of us all. The wind tore east to west, and the forest before him howled with fury. A storm was awaiting him. Absalom called for his men to charge the forest.

[King David]

No mercy, no glory.

[Narrator]

Absalom charged with Israel's host. In front of him, the army's climbing clashed in chaos. David's men were few, but they were devils in the trees. From the first blow, Absalom knew he had made a grave miscalculation. Abishai's vanguard fell upon them like wolves loosed from the cage. Archers were perched in the trees and spearmen lunged from the shadows of each oak. Absalom, watching from behind the front, felt the chill creep into his chest.

[King David]

Fall back. Reform. Ra.

[Narrator]

Absalom turned. As he did, he saw Joab with his men, ready to pursue.

[Absalom]

Blast.

[Narrator]

Scatter, men.

[Absalom]

Scatter.

[King David]

And regroup at the gates.

[Narrator]

But the forest swallowed orders. Shouts were lost to the wind. Arrows hissed like serpents from the trees. Men screamed and vanished. The woods turned on them. Trees became traps, shadows became enemies. Then came Joab. His men were fierce and fast, crashing through brush. With brutal precision, they hid Absalom's line like a boulder dropped from heaven. Shields cracked, swords splintered, men fell. Absalom turned. This wasn't a battle. This was a reckoning. His pride was a noose, tightening with every blow struck by David's men. So he fl. Absalom tore through the trees on his mount. The thunder roared and rain began to fall. Light at first, then heavy, blurring his vision. Branches lashed his cheeks, tore at his robe. He kneeled low over his horse, urging it faster.

[Absalom]

Run.

[King David]

Run. Don't stop.

[Narrator]

Behind him came pursuit. The shouts of Joab's men rose in crescend. Swords ran in the distance. He knew they were coming. He had to escape. He would live and fight again. Regroup, rebuild, and take the throne properly. But the forest did not let him go. The trees closed around him. A tunnel of oak and bramble stretched ahead. The branches twisted together in a wicked embrace. Absalom dug one branch, sliced through another. But he could not see the snare waiting above. With a sickening crack, his head struck between two thick limbs. The horse galloped forward, but Absalom did not. The momentum tore him backward. His neck wrenched as the full weight of his body snapped into suspension. The world spun. His arms flailed. His legs kicked at the air. Absalom was hanging there, caught between two branches, choking, gasping, fingers clawing for freedom. The rain poured now, soaking his cloak, blinding his eyes. He writhed like a fish caught in a net. Below, the battle raged on. But he was alone. Absalom, son of David, dangled like a cursed idol in the forest. And the Lord, who sees all things, looked down from the storm with. With silence. Joab gripped the hilt of his spear as he strode through the mud and moss. Each step was a beat in the drum of judgment. The men had found Absalom, but dared not touch him. The king had given orders not to harm the prince.

[King David]

You're all cowards. I would have given you riches and medals if you'd killed the boy.

[Narrator]

Her head hanging like cursed fruit from twisted branches was Absalom. His cloak tangled in the limbs of the oak, his body dangling, royal garments torn and smeared in sweat and blood. The prince was still alive. Barely gasping, gagging, clawing for breath. Joab stepped into the clearing, boots cracking over the wet roots.

[King David]

Your Majesty.

[Narrator]

Absalom's eyes found him wide with fear. Joab. Help. Get me down, please.

[King David]

Your wish is my command.

[Narrator]

Joab wound his arm back and hurled the first spear within deadly precision. It struck Absalom clean through the shoulder, cracking the limb that held him. The prince tumbled to the ground in a heap. Coughing and choking, he rolled onto his hands and knees, limbs trembling. For a heartbeat, he could breathe.

[Hushai]

No.

[King David]

No.

[Hushai]

No.

[King David]

No joy.

[Hushai]

Please. I.

[King David]

Shut up.

[Narrator]

Joab slammed a second spear into Absalom's back and punched through his side. The scream that followed was more animal than man. Blood gushed, soaking the earth. Still, Absalom moved, barely dragging himself backwards, leaving a crimson trail on the forest soil. Joab approached, slow and steady. The rain had gone. The clouds were beginning to part. A single ray of sunlight broke through, bouncing off Absalom's armor.

[King David]

You want to know something? After all this, your father still wanted me to spare you.

[Narrator]

Please.

[Hushai]

Please.

[Narrator]

Have mercy. You received mercy, Absalom.

[King David]

Your father gave it twice.

[Narrator]

He raised the third spear high over his shoulder and thrust it down with a brutal grunt. The iron point sank deep into Absalom's gut. The prince jerked, gasped, and then slowly fell still. Joab watched the life drain from his eyes. He stepped back and gestured to the soldiers behind him.

[King David]

Finish him.

[Narrator]

They came forward without a word. One after another, they drove their blades into the body. When it was done, Joab stood alone above the body of the usurper prince. He ordered a pit to be dug. They rolled the corpse in and heaped stones over it, not as an honor, but as a warning. And then silence. The men who had followed Absalom, the soldiers who once bore his banner, gathered in silence, waiting for Joab's judgment. He didn't give them a speech. He didn't raise his voice. He just turned, eyes cold.

[King David]

Back to your homes.

[Narrator]

And they went silent, ashamed, defeated. Joab remained behind for a moment longer, standing in the rain beside the mound of stones. The thunder rumbled like the wrath of God rolling across the heavens. He spat at the grave, then turned his back on it.

[King David]

Long live the king.

[Narrator]

This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavager 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, Steven Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Brie Rosely and Chris Baig. 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, please rate and leave a review.

[Wayfair/Mint Mobile/Gold Belly/Meta Glasses/Zazzle/Stamps.com/Shopify/Simplisafe/Roe Co Advertisers]

The most memorable gifts aren't found, they're made. Zazzle is a custom marketplace where you pick any product, a mug, a card, a tote, a phone case and make it personal. A photo, a name, an inside joke. The kind of gift that actually fits the person. That's what 30 million customers have been coming back to Zazzle for over 20 years to find. Right now, save 25% on your first [e-mail] that's zazzle.com make it zamazing Shipping, billing, admin, payroll, marketing. You're managing all the things, so why waste time sending important documents the old fashioned way? Mail and ship when you want, how you want with stamps.com print postage on demand 24, 7 and schedule pickups from your office or home. Save up to 90% with automated rate shopping. That's why over 1 million small businesses trust stamps.com go to stamps.com and use code podcast to try stamps.com risk free for 60 days starting a business can seem like a daunting task unless you have a partner like Shopify. They have the tools you need to start and grow your business. From designing a website to marketing to selling and beyond, Shopify can help with everything you need. There's a reason millions of companies like Mattel, Heinz and Allbirds continue to trust and use them. With Shopify on your side, turn your big business idea into Sign up for your $1 per month [e-mail] specialoffer in the US there's a break in every 26 seconds, but when intruders step near Simplisafe, home Security steps up.

[King David]

Stop. This is Simplisafe. Police are on the way.

[Wayfair/Mint Mobile/Gold Belly/Meta Glasses/Zazzle/Stamps.com/Shopify/Simplisafe/Roe Co Advertisers]

Using AI alerts, US based live agents help deter break ins. SimpliSafe no long term contracts. Save 50% on your new system with professional [e-mail] Spotify or with promo code

[King David]

Spotify Outdoor Deterrence requires a Simplisafe Active Guard outdoor protection plants starting at $49.99 a month. Visit simplisafe.com licenses for alarm license information.

[Wayfair/Mint Mobile/Gold Belly/Meta Glasses/Zazzle/Stamps.com/Shopify/Simplisafe/Roe Co Advertisers]

Tennessee 2012 Want a thousand dollar weight loss medication for $50? It all starts with RO's free GLP1 insurance check. Just upload your insurance card to see if you have coverage. Then relax. Over 200,000 people have qualified for a $50 copay through Roe. Go to Roe Co Health. Half of covered patients have a $50 per month copay or less for medication plus 145 months monthly row membership fee. Deductible cost may apply and final cost varies by insurance plan. For safety information about GLP1 medications including Boxed Warning, go to ro co safetyrxonly.