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Ryan Reynolds
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Full terms@mintmobile.com previously on the People. A woman alone on the roof of a modest house was washing herself in a bronze basin.
King David
I must have her. She must be mine.
Joab
The woman you wanted me to find. Her name is Bathsheba. Granddaughter of General Ahithopel of your high council. She's also the wife of Uriah the Hittite.
King David
One of your own mighty men. I see Uriah is away with Joab fighting the AM nights.
Narrator
So she's alone. She stepped into the dim trembling light of the flames and the room itself seemed to still. I'm glad you came.
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And now that I'm here, what shall you do?
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The night unfolded in silence and sin.
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My king. I am with child.
King David
Are you certain? Could it be your husband's?
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My husband? You mean your Uriah? Uriah? One of your generals? Uriah has been on the battlefield since the snows melted. You know that. You sent him. It's your child. And now. Now I'm alone, exposed. And. And it's your fault.
King David
I. I'll make this right. It will be as if none of
Ryan Reynolds
foreign Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for 15amonth plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to do@mintmobile.com
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Narrator
Nothing beats tradition like weekly game nights at Mom's house and Tostitos crafted with
King David
masa made the traditional way, starting with whole corn kernels with flavors worth gathering
Narrator
around like a hint of lime and
King David
Mexican street corn, and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. That's the Tostitos way. Bring Tostitos to your next game night
Narrator
and you'll be winning either way. Tostitos tradition matters. Rain pounded relentlessly upon the hills of Rabah. The storm was like a siege, soaking the muddy ground until the very earth seemed to rot. What was once a battleground had become a mire. Horses stumbled. Spears sunk. Even firewood refused to burn. Inside a tent darkened with soot and steam, the generals of Israel leaned over a soaked and curling map. Joab, Uriah, Abishai, and Jashabim. Joab squinted through the smoke of a dying flame. His fingers traced a ridge near the western border of the Ammonite stronghold.
Joab
This should have been a quick battle, but this blasted rain has stalled us. If we move around the stronghold to the hill overlooking the Western gate, we may have better luck. But that leaves us vulnerable to their archers as we move. We've already bled them. Let them rot in this city while we pull back and wait for the next dry moon. Our men need rest.
Narrator
Uriah recoiled at that.
Uriah
We cannot rest. The Ammonites have enough rations to last them months. We have another week, tops.
Joab
It's true. We need more supplies. We need more men. What we need is for this rain to stop. We need the path to the Western gate to dry if we have any hope of surviving. If we trudge through the mud, we'll be sitting ducks.
Uriah
The weather is out of our control, Jash. The rain could last another month. And then what? First we need reinforcements and rations. Then we must press forward. They mocked our king. They disgraced our men. To turn now would not just be weakness, it would be dishonor.
Narrator
There was no fire in his voice. No pride, just conviction. That was Uriah's way. The others fell silent. Even Joab nodded in concession.
Joab
The west it is, but only if David sends reinforcements and supplies. These reins are thinning our bones faster than blades. Have you sent for him? Or has the king forgotten he has a war to finish?
Narrator
Joab grimaced. King David had been uncharacteristically separated from the battle. Joab's gut told him something was wrong, although he wouldn't Say anything to the others.
Joab
I've sent word thrice. No reply. Not even a bloody raven. It's not like him to stay in Jerusalem this long. Not while his men drown in blood and mud.
Narrator
Then the flap of the tent shifted and a man stepped inside, dripping with rain, his cloak soaked up.
King David
Commander Joab, I have a message from the king. He requests Uriah the Hittite to return to Jerusalem at once. He wishes to speak with him directly.
Narrator
The tent fell still. The only sound was the soft drum of rain on leather. Joab's eyes narrowed.
Joab
Speak with Uriah. What for?
King David
He seeks in a detailed report of the battle.
Joab
That's Jehoshaphim's job. Why not send for him? What's going on?
King David
It must be Uriah and no one else.
Narrator
I've been told the matter is urgent.
Joab
Something isn't right.
Narrator
Joab turned to Jashabim, who shook his head in confusion. Uriah exchanged a glance with Joab, his brows knit, his face unreadable.
Uriah
If the king calls, I will ride.
Narrator
Joab brought Uriah in close with intensity in his voice.
Joab
Jiraiya, you've always loved David. I know you admire him. But now is not the time for listening and doting like a little girl. You get out there and grab our king by the loins. Squeeze and tell him to send some blasted reinforcements. Press him for men and supplies. If we're to win this siege before the season turns, we'll need strength, and soon.
Narrator
Uriah nodded, gathered his gear and strapped his sword to his back. He mounted without delay and with the messenger at his side, vanished into the storm. Joab turned to Jashabim with worry on his face.
Joab
Something is not right.
Narrator
David's throne room was alive with deliberation and governance, but the king's mind was elsewhere on the baby, on his reputation, on how he would recover from this. David's gaze shifted to the heavy oaken doors. They creaked open with a groan and in stepped the man who haunted his sleep. Uriah. Mud still clung to his boots, his face worn from weeks beneath rain soaked skies. He walked with the gravity of a soldier, each step deliberate, his body bearing the fatigue of brutal weeks. And yet he bowed. David descended from his throne like a father greeting a son.
King David
Uriah, thank you for coming.
Uriah
Of course, my king. When you call, I answer.
Narrator
The scent of sweat and battle filled his nostrils as he approached Uriah, and something like shame stirred in his gut, but he swallowed it down.
King David
You've come far.
Narrator
Surely you're weary.
King David
Go bathe. Lie with your wife. Enjoy the peace we too, seldom taste. We'll speak of the war tomorrow.
Narrator
Uriah met the king's eyes, and for a brief moment David wondered if he knew.
Uriah
With respect, my king, I would rather make my report now. Joab requests reinforcements. The city of Rabah is strong and our resolve is thinning. I implore you to send me back with reinforcements and supplies for our men tomorrow.
King David
Brave Uriah, rest today. You have served me too well to be denied one night of warmth.
Uriah
David, Joab has urged me to.
King David
I insist, Uriah. Let's speak tomorrow. Go home and rest. I want your mind to be clear so that we can strategize together.
Narrator
Uriah remained for a long moment, though it seemed like an eternity to David. Uriah's jaw clenched and his fists tightened. David could feel his heart beating out of his chest.
Uriah
Very well, my king. We will speak tomorrow.
Narrator
Uriah bowed again and departed. David exhaled sharply, his palms slick with sweat. He turned from the throne and walked swiftly down the corridor, escaping the judging silence of his own house. That night, David waited. He imagined Uriah in Bathsheba's arms. One night with her, and his shame would be covered. The child would be called his the whispers would never begin. In all his fretting, David did not pray. He did not cry out as he had in the wilderness, nor sing songs of deliverance beneath the stars. The name of the Lord did not pass his lips, for he could not bear to speak it. At first light, as the mist rolled over the garden paths and the dew clung to the leaves, David slipped from his chambers to walk among the trees. Then, near the gate of his home, he saw a shape in the fog, dark, still upright. It was Uriah, sleeping on the ground, knees curled and head against the cold stone. A soldier's rest.
King David
Uriah, what are you doing here on the stone? Why haven't you gone home? Why not sleep beside your wife?
Uriah
David, the Ark of the Covenant dwells in a tent. Joab and the other servants of my Lord are camped in mud. Shall I then go to my house to eat, drink, and lie with my wife?
Narrator
I would feel the guilt in my
Uriah
very bones as the Lord lives. I would not do this thing.
Narrator
David forced a smile, though his teeth ground behind it. Righteousness poured from the man like sunlight, and David hated it. Uriah's very virtue mocked him.
King David
What a blessing to have you in my service. Come, sit with me. Tell me more about the war.
Narrator
They entered the courtroom, where the scent of old parchment and candle smoke lingered. David waved the scribes away. Alone. He poured wine into two Cups.
King David
How are the men?
Uriah
Suffering. We drove back the enemy, but they've locked themselves within their walls. The rains came early, and the ground has turned to mire. We rot while they rest.
Narrator
David sipped his cup, eyes never leaving.
King David
Uriah, is there no way forward? We have numbers on our side.
Uriah
Not on terrain like this. There is a plan. Joab means to strike from the west. With reinforcements and more supplies. We could end this quickly.
King David
Quickly? Yes, I would like that.
Narrator
David stood.
King David
You'll have your supplies and reinforcements, Uriah. You've convinced me. But before you go tonight, eat with me. Drink. Let's enjoy each other's company once more.
Uriah
I shouldn't.
King David
I insist. As your king.
Narrator
The matter was settled. The hall was filled with meats and soft bread, spiced wine and strong liquor. David watched closely, signaling the servants to keep Uriah's cup brimming. Slowly, deliberately, he tried to drown the man's clarity.
King David
To you, dear Uriah. To your bravery. To your legacy. To your wife and future children.
Narrator
David toasted his smile like a blade. Uriah grinned dreamily.
Uriah
Ah, yes, Bathsheba. She is the love of my life. A cool spring in a desolate desert.
Narrator
David flinched at the words.
King David
Go home. Then embrace her. You must be eager to rekindle your passion.
Narrator
But even in drunkenness, Uriah's spine did not bend.
Uriah
No, I can't. I won't. Now, while my brothers are still in the muck.
Narrator
Sheesh.
Uriah
A delicacy. And I'll not taste honey while others chew on bitter roots. What kind of a man would I be to sleep with her in a warm bed while Jash and Joab are shivering in the mud?
Narrator
Uriah stumbled to his feet, knocking over a goblet. With no further ceremony. He collapsed onto a pile of cushions by the fire, snoring before his head even hit the cloth. David stared down at him for a long moment. He said nothing. Then he tried to shake him awake. Once, twice, nothing.
King David
Blast it.
Narrator
David turned from the sleeping man and kicked over the iron pit of coals. In his rage, they spilled like blood across the stone. One rolled onto his foot. He cried out and cursed, limping back as servants scrambled to clean the mess, clear the hall. He stormed out, slamming the great cedar doors behind him. His fists balled so tight his knuckles cracked. He walked into the garden and screamed into the dawn.
Joab
All he had to do was lie with her.
King David
Why must he be so righteous?
Narrator
His words echoed, and what came back was a voice resembling that of saw. He pounded a fist against the stone wall. Then, in silence, he stood Panting, lost. And in that void, an idea came. Hideous, simple. He returned to his chambers, grabbed a fresh parchment, dipped his quill in ink, and began to write to Joab. To war. To murder Joab.
King David
It's come to my attention that the front lines are in need of more soldiers.
Narrator
The words were clean. No trace of his desperation, no hint of the guilt that poisoned his veins.
King David
I will grant your request at once. With this letter, I also send supplies and enough rations to last through the rainy spring. However, I'm also requesting something from you. It is a matter of great importance and will require your secrecy as my commander and right hand.
Narrator
David paused, but only for a moment. Not long enough for the whispers of conviction to reach his heart.
King David
Set Uriah at the forefront for charge when he marches in. Order the other soldiers to delay before following. I need Uriah to fall on that battlefield. Considering my forgiveness of your crimes against Abner, I trust that you will obey me without question. Burn this litter.
Narrator
Upon receiving it, David's hand trembled as he rolled the scroll. He melted the wax and pressed his seal into the red his emblem. A lion growled at him as he touched it to the wax. He handed the message to the courier in a calm voice.
King David
This will go to Joab, along with Uriah and the supplies he requested. At once.
Narrator
With no delay, the boy bowed, took the scroll, and vanished into the dawn mist. David stood alone now, the room empty but for his thoughts. He had chosen to spill the blood of one of his own mighty men, a man who once shielded him in battle, who would have died for him without hesitation. He knew Joab was as ruthless as he was loyal. He would not ask questions. He would see the game board for what it was. A king's whim was law, after all. David leaned forward, pressing his palms against the table. He wanted to weep. He wanted to scream. But he did neither. Instead, he whispered to no one, it is finished. And in that moment, the giant slayer had lost his greatest battle yet.
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Narrator
With Instacart, the War horns bellowed through the hills as Israel's army rose over the ridge. But there was no glory in Joab's heart. In his gloved hand was a crumpled letter, creased, sweat stained and heavy as a noose. King David's seal had been broken, but its contents echoed like a curse in his mind. Set Uriah at the front. Leave him there. Let him fall beside him. Abishai adjusted the leather of his bracers to Joab's other side. Uriah rode with calm dignity, unaware that death followed closely behind. His eyes were steady, fixed on the battlements of Rabah, where the Ammonites waited, bristling with iron and arrows. The gates were shut tight, the outer ranks thick and ready to bleed.
Joab
They've reinforced the wall. We'll lose men taking that gate.
Narrator
Joab nodded. His lips twitched, but he made no words. Instead, he raised a hand and pointed forward.
Joab
Abishai. Jehoshaphim, take your company straight at the gates. Split them wide open. Uriah, you with me. Come. We'll sweep the perimeter with a hundred. Clean the flanks.
Narrator
Abishai and Jashabim nodded. Uriah grunted in approval, already turning his horse. There was no hesitation in him, no suspicion, no fear. The command was given. Abishai's horns sounded and the front lines surged. The clash was immediate. Screams, steel and chaos. Joab pulled his men off to the side, wheeling around the west wall of the city where the ground sloped in their favor. Uriah rode just ahead, sword in hand, shield strapped to his back.
Joab
Uriah, you lead the charge, my friend. Go. And don't look back.
Uriah
For the glory of God.
Narrator
For Israel. For King David. Joab winced at that.
Joab
Yes, for King David.
Narrator
Uriah charged around the west end of the wall. The men began to charge with him, but Joab gave the second command.
Joab
Hold.
Narrator
His men skidded to a halt, but Uriah didn't. He charged on alone. The air was still for a breath. Then came the whisper of bowstrings. Joab's eyes lifted just in time to see the Ammonite archers emerge on the battlements. A volley descended from the heavens like a murder of crows, black feathered and whistling. Uriah saw them a moment before they fell. He raised his shield, but it was too late. Three arrows found his chest, one buried deep in his thigh, and the last slammed into his between breastplate and mail. He stumbled forward, fell to his knees and pitched face first into the blood soaked earth. There was no cry of pain, just silence. Joab did not speak. He turned his horse sharply, face like stone, and called for the withdrawal. The rest of the day was blood and fire. The siege continued, and Israel was victorious. That night, while the men drank sour wine and mourned the day's dead, Joab sat alone in his command tent, eyes fixed on the letter still clenched in his fist. The parchment had crumpled to softness now, almost like cloth.
Joab
The blood of Uriah is on David's hands, not mine.
Narrator
Joab tossed David's letter into the fire.
Joab
Now we're even. The Ammonites gained a brief advantage over the army, but we managed to drive them back to the city gates. Commander Job is confident that another charge will breach the wall.
Narrator
King David, seated on the edge of his throne, gave a nod. His gaze was far off, somewhere beyond the limestone walls of Jerusalem, out toward a bloodied corner of the world where his sins lay buried under dust.
King David
And were any of our men lost?
Joab
Yes, my king. A volley of arrows fell down on us. We lost many men.
Narrator
David's voice caught in his throat, but he steadied it.
King David
Anyone of note?
Joab
Just one, my king. Uriah the Hittite. One of your mighty men.
Narrator
There it was, the name spoken aloud, and with it the weight of consequence.
Joab
Master Job sends his condolences. He knows you two were close.
Narrator
David would have felt a sting at that, but there was no time. The work wasn't done, not until he wed Bathsheba to hide their affair. It wouldn't be tidy, but it would be enough. When the morning was done, Bathsheba removed her black veil and donned a white one. Her eyes were still rimmed with red, but she sat tall in the ceremonial wedding seat. As she was carried through the streets, the people whispered. Some admired her beauty. Others gossiped with furrowed brows and knowing glances. She said nothing. She only kept her gaze fixed forward, her hand pressed against the place where new life stirred within her. In the palace courtyard, beneath garlands of myrrh and cedar branches, David stood waiting. He wore royal robes, Jonathan's robes. At his sides were his most loyal captains, Abishai, Benaiah, Jashabim, and Joab. They weren't all privy to what Joab knew, but they felt it. They knew David. Once more, the Lord knew David, and he saw everything. And in the back, by the fountain where the ivy hung low, stood Nathan the Prophet. He watched the king take Bathsheba's hand and place it gently in his hand, watched him lift the veil and whisper something no one else could hear, watched his gaze fall from her face to her belly. A stillness crept through the prophet's bones. It was not the silence of ceremony, nor awe, nor reverence. It was the whisper of wrath. God's voice came not as thunder, but as a breath in Nathan's soul, cold, unrelenting, and the Lord's anger burned. This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, 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, Bree Rosalie 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.
Date: July 5, 2026
Podcast Host: Pray.com
Episode Theme: The unraveling of King David’s sin with Bathsheba, and its far-reaching consequences, culminating in the tragic orchestration of Uriah’s death and the chilling aftermath.
This episode, “David & Bathsheba Part II,” takes listeners deep into one of the Old Testament’s most dramatic and agonizing narratives. Through evocative sound design and impassioned performances, the story continues from Bathsheba’s fateful encounter with David to the king’s increasingly desperate—and ultimately murderous—attempts to conceal his sin. The episode investigates themes of power, guilt, and virtue, contrasting David’s downward moral spiral with Uriah’s unwavering integrity, all set against the thunderous backdrop of war and divine judgment.
David (09:24): “Go bathe. Lie with your wife. Enjoy the peace we too, seldom taste. We’ll speak of the war tomorrow.”
Uriah (12:01): “David, the Ark of the Covenant dwells in a tent. Joab and the other servants of my Lord are camped in mud. Shall I then go to my house to eat, drink, and lie with my wife?”
Uriah (15:01): “No, I can’t. I won’t. Not while my brothers are still in the muck…what kind of a man would I be to sleep with her in a warm bed while Jash and Joab are shivering in the mud?”
Narrator (18:09): “David’s hand trembled as he rolled the scroll…He handed the message to the courier in a calm voice.”
Joab (24:15): “The blood of Uriah is on David’s hands, not mine.”
Narrator (26:40): “It was not the silence of ceremony, nor awe, nor reverence. It was the whisper of wrath. God’s voice came not as thunder, but as a breath in Nathan’s soul, cold, unrelenting, and the Lord’s anger burned.”
| Timestamp | Event/Discussion | |--------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:33–06:18 | Battlefield hardships; Joab and Uriah discuss siege logistics | | 08:15–11:50 | Uriah summoned to Jerusalem, David’s nervous, manipulative hospitality | | 11:50–12:30 | Uriah’s honorable refusal to enjoy home while comrades suffer | | 13:41–15:28 | The feast; David tries to get Uriah drunk; Uriah resists | | 16:25–18:33 | David devises and dispatches the fatal letter to Joab | | 20:06–22:41 | Joab’s conflicted execution of David’s command, Uriah’s final charge | | 24:40–26:56 | Report of Uriah’s death, sorrowful marriage to Bathsheba, Nathan’s view | | 26:56 | Closing: The impending judgment, God’s wrath awakens |
The episode uses atmospheric narration, character-driven dialogue, and a blend of psychological and spiritual tension. The tone is somber, raw, and reflective, embracing the emotional complexity of guilt, loyalty, betrayal, and fate. The voices of the characters are authentic to their biblical context, with poetic descriptions that bring ancient events to vivid life.
“David & Bathsheba Part II” is a dramatic, unsettling journey through an Old Testament moment of profound moral collapse. The episode highlights the price of unchecked power, the tragedy of lost virtue, and the certainty of divine justice—leaving listeners to contemplate the depth of repentance, the wounds of sin, and the hope of future redemption awaiting in the stories to come.