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Narrator
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.
Absalom
What do you want, Absalom?
Ahithophel
The same thing you want. Ahithophel. David off the throne.
David
My king.
Narrator
Arise.
David
They're coming for you.
Absalom
What is the meaning of this, Absalom?
Narrator
The people have turned.
David
They chant his name in the streets.
Narrator
He has declared himself king.
Hushai
Are you going to fight them?
Narrator
No.
Absalom
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 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.
Absalom
Hushai, is that you?
Joab
I could never serve that snake while.
Narrator
You still draw breath.
Joab
I am loyal to you till the very end.
Narrator
Good.
Absalom
Then I need you to return to Jerusalem.
Joab
You want me to spy for you?
Narrator
I need you to focus, Ishai.
Absalom
Frustrate me. Poison words. Learn Absalom's plans. Zadok and Ebiathar will send their sons.
Narrator
To bring me what you discover.
Joab
It will. It will be done.
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Yael Eckstein
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 let's begin.
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Hushai
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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.
Ahithophel
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.
Ahithophel
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.
Joab
Long live King Absalom. May his reign eclipse that of his father, David.
Narrator
Absalom narrowed his eyes.
Ahithophel
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.
Joab
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.
Ahithophel
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 Ahithopel. The old fox leaned forward, voice low and sharp as a dagger.
Absalom
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 his city and his seat, but also his servants, 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 forgiveness.
Narrator
The room fell still. Hushai held his breath, and Absalom laughed.
Ahithophel
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 defiled 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 couple. Hush. I knew that was dangerous. Men like Ahithophel did not forgive failure. Not even their own.
Ahithophel
Ahithophel.
Absalom
Yes, my lord.
Ahithophel
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?
Absalom
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. Once the king's dead, his followers will have no heart left to resist. Let me bring the people back to you like a bride to her 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.
Joab
Ahithrophel is wise. But today he is a fool.
Absalom
What did you say, rat?
Narrator
Ahithophel stiffened, his lips pulled tight. Hushai ignored the old man and met Absalom's gaze.
Joab
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 is 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.
Narrator
Not.
Joab
Not David. And the people will see you for what they fear. A butcher of your own blood.
Narrator
Then we wait.
Ahithophel
We give him more time to rally support.
Narrator
No.
Joab
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.
Ahithophel
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.
Absalom
You think yourself clever?
Joab
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.
Joab
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.
Absalom
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.
Absalom
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, when I need you most? You're gone. 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.
Absalom
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.
Absalom
If we strike here, we lose. He has the numbers, but the forest has ground we can control.
Ahithophel
Yes, narrowing the terrain will even the odds.
Narrator
But we still won't get out of this without bleeding.
Absalom
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. Were you going to ride without me? I'm hurt. Joab.
Absalom
You're here. Did you think me a traitor? The boy burned my fields.
Narrator
That's not a slight I'll forget. David clasped his forearms and laughed in return.
Absalom
Then we are whole again together.
Narrator
The men stood over the map. The forest would be their battleground.
Absalom
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 in the front.
Narrator
But his captains did not cheer. They exchanged glances. No, you will not. I must.
Absalom
I'll not hide like a coward while others fight.
Narrator
My war is not your presence that would save us, my king. 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 and you know it. Besides, if I saw my son in the fray, I'm not sure I could.
Absalom
Do what must be done.
Narrator
I won't make you watch your son die, David. David clenched his fists, then drew a deep breath.
Absalom
Do as you think best. I trust you all.
Narrator
But David turned toward the enemy camp. Among them was Absalom. His enemy, yes.
Absalom
But his Son, 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. The false king sat atop his horse, golden laced armour shimmering in the dimmed light. Absalom's once poised and calculated demeanour 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.
Ahithophel
No mercy, no glory.
Narrator
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. From the first blow, Absalom knew he had made a grave miscalculation. Habishai's vanguard fell upon them like wolves loosed from a 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.
Ahithophel
Fall back. Reform ranks.
Narrator
Absalom turned. As he did, he saw Joab with his men, ready to pursue.
Ahithophel
Blasted. Scatter, men. Scatter 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 fled. 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 leaned low over his horse, urging it faster.
Ahithophel
Run. Run.
Narrator
Don't stop. Behind him came pursuit. The shouts of Joab's men rose in crescendo. 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 ducked. 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, look down from the storm 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. You're all cowards. I would have given you riches and.
Absalom
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. Your Majesty. Absalom's eyes found him wide with fear. Joab. Help. Get me down, please. Your wish is my command. Joab wound his arm back and hurled the first spear with 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. No. No. Joab, please. Shut up. 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 in 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. You want to know something? After all this, your father still wanted me to spare you. Please. Please have. Have mercy. You received mercy, Absalom.
David
Your father gave it.
Narrator
Twice. He raised the third spear high over his shoulder and thrust him 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. Finish him. 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 usage 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 score speech. He didn't raise his voice. He just turned, eyes cold back to your homes. 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 the God rolling across the heavens. He spat at the grave, then turned his back on it. Long live the king.
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Hushai
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Yael Eckstein
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 Sixem panavelecha ve' asem lecha Shalom. 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.
Narrator
You can listen to the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the pray.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 Al 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 Bague. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin Van Etten, Caleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Pray.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.
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Summary of "Absalom's Demise" – The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein
Episode: Absalom's Demise
Release Date: July 27, 2025
Podcast: The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein
Host/Author: Pray.com
In this episode of The Chosen People, Yael Eckstein delves into the dramatic and tragic story of Absalom, the son of King David, whose rebellion against his father leads to his ultimate demise. Through captivating storytelling, the episode explores themes of ambition, loyalty, pride, and the consequences of political maneuvering within the context of the Old Testament narrative.
The episode opens with a tense confrontation between Absalom and his advisor, Ahithophel. Absalom declares his intention to seize the throne from King David, igniting turmoil within Jerusalem. The narrator paints a vivid picture of David's plight as he flees, highlighting his internal struggle and the betrayal he faces from those he once trusted.
Notable Quote:
"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... He was fleeing for his life, but it didn't feel right."
[01:29]
As Absalom gains support, he orchestrates a bold move to solidify his claim over Jerusalem by publicly defiling his father’s concubines. This act is intended to demonstrate his complete takeover and disownal of King David. However, this decision proves to be a pivotal mistake, sowing the seeds for his downfall.
Notable Quote:
"Absalom narrowed his eyes."
[07:35]
"Then we wait."
[13:01]
"No mercy, no glory."
[21:22]
Hushai, a loyalist to David, plays a crucial role by undermining Absalom's strategies. His clever advice convinces Absalom to pursue a direct and aggressive attack against David, leading to a disastrous confrontation in the Forest of Ephraim. Despite Absalom's initial confidence, the strategic prowess of David's forces, led by Joab, exposes the weaknesses in Absalom's plans.
Notable Quote:
"If anything in this palace remains King David's, then he'll have a foothold here."
[08:35]
"Every enemy of Israel has made the same grave mistake, underestimating David and his men."
[12:46]
The climax of the episode centers around the fierce battle in the forest. Absalom's overconfidence and pride lead him into a vulnerable position, where Joab ambushes him. The ensuing confrontation is brutal and swift, culminating in Absalom's tragic death. The episode poignantly portrays the futility of Absalom's rebellion and the heavy cost of his ambition.
Notable Quote:
"Do what must be done."
[19:54]
"Absalom's eyes found him wide with fear. Joab. Help. Get me down, please."
[25:40]
"Twice. He raised the third spear high over his shoulder and thrust him down with a brutal grunt."
[27:56]
Absalom's Demise offers profound insights into the destructive nature of pride and ambition. It underscores the importance of wisdom and humility, contrasting Absalom's flawed strategies with David's seasoned leadership. The episode also highlights the complexities of loyalty and the devastating impact of internal strife on a nation.
Notable Quote:
"And the Lord, who sees all things, look down from the storm with silence."
[20:20]
"Pride is the death of us all."
[22:20]
The episode concludes with Joab solidifying David's position as king, demonstrating the restoration of rightful leadership and the end of Absalom's ill-fated rebellion. Through this narrative, Yael Eckstein reinforces the timeless lessons from the Old Testament, emphasizing faith, leadership, and the consequences of our choices.
Notable Quote:
"Long live the king."
[27:54]
"As you venture forth boldly and faithfully, I leave you with the Biblical blessing from Numbers Sixem panavelecha ve' asem lecha Shalom."
[31:50]
Absalom's Demise is a powerful episode that brings to life the intense emotional and political struggles of a pivotal moment in biblical history. Yael Eckstein's narration, combined with dramatic reenactments, offers listeners a deep and engaging exploration of Absalom's tragic end and its lasting implications.
Join Yael Eckstein and The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews for more episodes that bring the Old Testament stories to life, offering wisdom and insights relevant to modern-day faith and life challenges.
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