David Spares Saul

Summary

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The Chosen People – David Spares Saul

Podcast Host: Pray.com
Episode Date: June 8, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode, David Spares Saul, recaps and dramatizes one of the most pivotal moments from the Old Testament: when David finds King Saul vulnerable in the wilderness but, guided by faith and honor, chooses mercy over vengeance. The narrative explores themes of leadership, restraint, betrayal, forgiveness, and the difficulty of maintaining righteousness when tested by pain and opportunity. Through vivid dramatization and rich dialogue, listeners are invited to reflect on what it means to reject vengeance and honor God's authority above personal ambition.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. David’s Exile and Leadership

• [01:04-02:12] The episode opens with David, the outcast shepherd, having become the de facto leader of a band of misfits and fugitives. The plight of the people and Saul’s abdication of his kingly duties set the stage for David’s rise.

  • Notable line (David):

    “I know many of you have no reason to fight for this land. [...] But today the Lord has called you to stand for those who would never stand for you.” (01:51)

• [02:12-06:01] Despite victories against Philistines, David and his men are betrayed by those they help, forced to keep running, underscoring the isolation and daily peril of their existence.

2. Jonathan’s Visit – Friendship and Prophecy

• [06:01-09:46] David’s closest friend, Jonathan, secretly visits him in the cave, offering comfort and assuring David of his destiny to become king.

  • Notable exchange:
    • Jonathan:

      "You look like dung." (06:32)

    • David:

      "I often feel like dung. How did you find me?" (06:35)

  • Jonathan calls out David’s self-pity, affirming his worth and future kingship:

    “Even dressed in rags, you look more like a king than [Saul] ever did. [...] I will stand beside you, sword in hand, fighting for the heart of our people.” (08:47-09:12)

• The two reconcile their frustrations and renew their brotherly covenant, underpinning the episode’s theme of loyalty.

3. Saul’s Descent & the Pursuit

• [10:56-13:06] Saul’s paranoia worsens:

  • He is tormented by the thought of David, feeling mocked and vulnerable even as he commands thousands.
  • Saul’s inner monologue and the voice gnawing at him show a leader unraveling:

    "As long as David's out there. You're never safe. [...] You need to gut that brat like a fish." (12:21)

• Saul’s mood swings between exhaustion and violent purpose, emphasizing his instability.

4. The Night at En Gedi – David’s Test

• [13:15-18:05] In the lush wilderness of En Gedi, Saul wanders alone into the very cave where David hides.

  • David’s men urge him to seize this chance to slay Saul and end their suffering:

    “This is your moment, David. You can end the chase, end the exile, end him. Slit his throat. Put an end to this madness once and for all.” (14:54-15:49)

• David approaches Saul as he sleeps, dagger poised, wrestling with temptation.

• Rather than murder, David cuts a piece from Saul’s robe, symbolically demonstrating his restraint.

5. David’s Conscience and Honor

• [18:05-20:42] David grieves not for sparing Saul, but for his own temptation toward vengeance:
  • David (to his men):

    “He is the Lord’s anointed. My tears are not for him. They’re for the part of me that even considered vengeance. Vengeance belongs to the Lord.” (19:44-20:27)

  • He binds his men by oath not to harm Saul, asserting the sanctity of God’s chosen, even when flawed.

6. The Confrontation: Mercy Declared

• [22:16-26:28] David reveals himself to Saul, returning the cloth remnant and declaring his innocence and refusal to harm the king:

  • David:

    “Look at the hem of your robe. Today the Lord delivered you into my hands. Some of my men urged me to kill you, but I would not. I spared your life.” (24:11-24:24)

  • In a moment of vulnerability, David kneels before Saul, offering himself to judgment.

• Saul is overcome by emotion, openly weeping:

  • Saul:

    “Is that you, my son? David? You are more righteous than I. For you have repaid my evil with kindness this day. You have shown why the Lord has chosen you. Israel will be yours, David. [...] You will be king.” (25:45-26:28)

7. Terms for the Future and Lingering Distrust

• Saul requests that David not destroy his lineage when he eventually assumes the throne.

• David solemnly promises mercy to Saul’s descendants.

• Saul offers reconciliation, inviting David back to the palace. David declines, wisely noting that Saul’s instability and spiritual unrest make true peace premature:

  • David:

    “I believe there’s still work to be done between you and the Lord before I return.” (27:38-27:50)

• The episode closes with Saul’s retreat and David remaining vigilant, aware that the cycle of suspicion may not yet be broken.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Jonathan on David’s Destiny (08:47):
  “You will sit on the throne, David. And when that day comes, I will stand beside you, sword in hand, fighting for the heart of our people.”

• David on Righteousness (20:17):
  “He is the Lord’s anointed. My tears are not for him. There, for the part of me that even considered vengeance. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. I will not take his life so that I may be lifted up. I will not ascend the throne by blood and treachery. Do you understand what kind of king that would make me? I am not a man of blood.”

• David’s Confrontation with Saul (24:11-24:58):
  “Look at the hem of your robe. Today the Lord delivered you into my hands. [...] I held a blade inches from your throat, and I did not take your life. Let the Lord judge between you and me. [...] But as for me, I will never raise a hand against you.”

• Saul’s Admission (26:01-26:28):
  “You are more righteous than I. For you have repaid my evil with kindness this day. You have shown why the Lord has chosen you.”

• David’s Final Word to Saul (27:38-27:50):
  “If my country calls upon me to fight for its safety, I will come. But I believe there's still work to be done between you and the Lord before I return.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |----------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 01:04-02:12 | Recap of David’s fugitive band and their struggles | | 06:01-09:46 | Jonathan’s visit and affirmations of David’s destiny | | 10:56-13:06 | Saul’s unrest and pursuit of David | | 13:15-18:05 | The cave at En Gedi and David’s moment of testing | | 18:05-20:42 | David’s refusal to harm Saul and declaration of faith | | 22:16-24:58 | David confronts Saul and reveals his act of mercy | | 25:45-26:28 | Saul’s tearful confession and recognition of David | | 26:42-27:50 | Saul seeks reconciliation; David cautiously declines |

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Tone and Storytelling Approach

The episode is rich in poetic narration, emotional dialogue, and meditative pacing. It balances tension and release, highlighting both the external conflicts (pursuit, battle, confrontation) and inner moral struggles. The language is at turns raw ("You look like dung"), tender (the renewal of the oath with Jonathan), anguished (David's sobs after sparing Saul), and reverent (the repeated emphasis that Saul is still "the Lord’s anointed").

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Final Reflection

David Spares Saul invites listeners to contemplate the weight of power, the cost of conscience, and the faith-driven courage to reject vengeance in favor of mercy. By humanizing both David and Saul—focusing on their doubts, regrets, and flashes of hope—the episode provides fresh insight into why David is remembered not only as a warrior or king but as a man after God’s own heart.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

Previously on the Chosen People. A flock of misfits gathered under the staff of a shepherd who knew what it was to be cast aside. These men were his flock now, not sheep, but 600 souls. And by the grace of God, he would be their shepherd. I come from Keliah. The Philistines have overrun the city. They burned the farms and broke through the gates. They've taken homes, women, children, everything. The elder sent me to find you. Saul has not answered our cries. We begged him for eight days ago. In still nothing. They said if anyone would come, it would be you. We need a savior, my brothers.

[David]

I know many of you have no reason to fight for this land. This is the land. They cast you out. But today the Lord has called you to stand for those who would never stand for you. Kill them all. Let the walls of this house remember

[Saul]

what it means to betray the anointed king.

[Narrator]

David's heart caved in his chest. The very people they had saved would betray them to save themselves. So they fled into the night. 600 souls stumbling through fields and gullies, tripping over stones and tangled roots. The joy of their victory had turned to ash on their tongues.

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[David]

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[Narrator]

David sat outside the mouth of the cave, the wind curling through the rocks like a sigh from the earth itself. The sky was bleeding out in the west, streaked with red and copper and gold. There was a wildness to it that David loved, a beauty that seemed careless and perfect all at once. The heavens declare the glory of God. The firmament shows his handiwork. The sun dipped low over Ziph, swallowed by the earth, and David returned to the cave. Inside, his men were bedding, sharpening blades and huddling close to the fire. Smoke clung to the damp stone walls, mingling with the smell of sweat and cooked meat. It wasn't much of a home, but it was what they had. David moved from fire to fire, laying a hand on each man's shoulder, speaking quiet words of comfort. David then found his own corner deep inside the cave. He laid down, closed his eyes, and tried to summon the sunset back into his mind. Sleep came slowly. It was Sometime deep in the night when David stirred, sensing a shadow above him, his hand found the hilt of his sword before his eyes were even open. The blade flashed in the firelight as David leapt to his feet.

[David]

Who goes that name yourself?

[Narrator]

The figure stepped back, hands raised in surrender, his face still hidden beneath a hood.

[Jonathan]

There are fools who walk willingly into the lion's den.

[Narrator]

David's sword clattered to the ground as he stepped forward, embracing the man like a brother long lost.

[David]

Jonathan. Jonathan.

[Narrator]

They held each other for a moment before Jonathan stepped back, eyes scanning his friend from head to toe.

[Jonathan]

You look like dung.

[David]

I often feel like dung. How did you find me?

[Jonathan]

Saul has caught wind of your location. He'll probably march soon.

[David]

When will this madness end?

[Jonathan]

Saul won't stop. You can't stop. It's like a fever in his blood. He talks to himself now, muttering your name like a curse and a prayer all at once.

[Narrator]

David swallowed hard. He had prayed for Saul every night since his exile began, but with each new story, his prayers grew heavier with doubt.

[David]

What of Michael? Does she ask about me?

[Jonathan]

Ah, David. My sister is young and my father hates you. There's no way he'd allow Michael to stay wedded to the son of Jesse.

[David]

What did Saul do?

[Jonathan]

Saul has given Michael's hand to another Palti, son of Laish, wealthy Benjamin nobleman, funding much of Saul's escapades.

[David]

He's taken everything.

[Jonathan]

Don't give Saul more space in your mind than he's worth.

[David]

How can you say that? He's the reason I'm here.

[Jonathan]

On surface, yes. But he's not the true why, and you know it.

[David]

I'm too tired for your philosophizing, Jonathan. Look around you. I've been sleeping on rocks for months.

[Jonathan]

You're not seeing the bigger picture.

[Narrator]

David grabbed Jonathan by the tunic and pressed him against the stone. Jonathan didn't flinch. He only gripped David's wrists, hard, reminding him that he wouldn't be easy in a fight.

[David]

Don't try to enlighten me, you spoiled prince. I know the big picture. I'm the peasant son of a herder who forgot his place. These caves are where I belong. Saul's reminded me of that.

[Jonathan]

Stop feeling sorry for yourself and wake up.

[David]

Wake up to what?

[Jonathan]

You may be away from the sheets of a polished palace chamber, but lying here in the dirt, you're still more than a king than Saul will ever be.

[Narrator]

David's eyes widened at that. The words hit. Jonathan stepped closer and placed his hands on David's neck. He looked at him earnestly. With the affection that pierced beyond the bonds of blood and marriage.

[Jonathan]

You've drawn brave men from every tribe to unite under you. You've protected the people. Saul may hunt you to the ends of the earth, but God will shield you just as he always has. Even dressed in rags, you look more like a king than he ever did. You will sit on the throne, David. And when that day comes, I will stand beside you, sword in hand, fighting for the heart of our people.

[Narrator]

David turned away to wipe his eyes, but Jonathan saw the tears all the same.

[David]

Sorry I called you a spoiled prince.

[Jonathan]

Sorry I called you a whiny child.

[David]

You didn't call me a whiny child.

[Jonathan]

I thought it then thought about hitting you with the hilt of my sword.

[Narrator]

Together they laughed and swore the old oath again. A covenant forged between brothers unshaken by war, exile, or the madness of a king. Jonathan stood and drew his hood once more.

[Jonathan]

Saul's men are closer than you think. Move.

[Narrator]

Soon they embraced one last time, and Jonathan slipped into the shadows, leaving David alone once more. David led his men south into the wilderness of En Gedi, where the air was fresh with wildflowers. The damp earth beside the river gave way beneath their feet. After so many days of running through jagged hills and barren wastes, En Gedi felt like a sliver of Eden. They set their fires deep within the cave, far from prying eyes.

[David]

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[Jonathan]

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[David]

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[Narrator]

Saul marched through the wilderness like a man chasing shadows. 3,000 men rode at his back, the best of Israel's warriors. Yet none could silence the voices gnawing at his mind.

[Saul]

The desert has swallowed David whole. He's out there somewhere, laughing at you. He's mocking you. They're all mocking you.

[Narrator]

Every time Saul thought he had him cornered, the boy vanished, as if the very earth conspired to hide him. The king could feel his mind unraveling thread by thread. At night, he lay awake, staring into the blackness of his tent, listening to the wind whistle through the rocks like mocking laughter. Then there was the voice. The incessant drip of venom poisoning his mind and resolve. As long as David's out there. You're never safe. Your men conspire against you. They'll leave.

[Saul]

They'll leave you free for him. You need to gut that brat like a fish.

[Narrator]

Saul and his men rode through the dry, cracked wastes of Maun, over the ridges and through the valleys until they reached the forest of En Gedi. The land was different here, lush and green with. With waterfalls that tumbled from the cliffs like silver ribbons. Saul sat on a rock outside his tent, staring into the trees, his spear resting across his lap. He felt weary to his bones, as if his very soul had been carved out. He needed to be alone.

[Saul]

I am going to the river. Do not follow me. I shall return when I'm ready.

[Narrator]

He walked into the woods. The deeper he went, the cooler the air became. He followed the winding stream past boulders slick with moss and trees stretching skyward like sentinels until he found a place where the river widened into a deep, clear pool. Saul stripped off his royal robes and tossed the them onto a rock. He stepped into the water, feeling the cold bite at his skin, washing away the dust and sweat of the hunt. He dipped his head beneath the surface, the silence swallowing him whole. For a moment, there was nothing. No voices, no whispers, no conspiracies. Just water and breath. He surfaced, blinking against the sunlight, running a hand through his wet hair. His limbs ached, his body worn from sleepless nights, from the madness gnawing at his mind like a hungry wolf. Saul dressed himself and wandered up the riverbank towards the mouth of a vast, yawning cave. The king stepped inside, leaning back against the stone wall, closing his eyes. His head ached. He let himself drift as he drifted into an uneasy slumber. He did not know that deep within the cave, hidden in the shadows, David and his men were watching, waiting. He's here. David. David turned. His three most trusted men crouched in the shadows behind him. Habishai, Jashabim, and Benaiah. Saul sleeps at the mouth of the cave. Didn't the Lord tell you he would give your enemy into your hands? This is what he meant. The old fool has delivered himself to you, and now you can do what you please. David said nothing. Abishai placed a steady hand on his shoulder, his voice low and urgent. This is your moment, David. You can end the chase, end the exile, End him. Slit his throat. Put an end to this madness once and for all. Benaiah handed David a dagger. David gripped the blade, still silent. He felt the weight of it, the certainty in its sharp edge. Kill Saul.

[David]

Is it really that easy?

[Narrator]

It could Be just one stroke of the blade and we can all go home. You will be king. Abishai wasn't wrong. But was he truly right? David could end it. But should he? Slowly, he rose to his feet and moved toward the cave's mouth, the dagger pulsing in his grip like a living

[David]

thing, his soul truly different from Goliath,

[Narrator]

the throne of Israel, the armies of God, the love of the people. All of it would be his with a single stroke of the blade. No more running. No more hiding in caves like a common bandit. No more fearing the next dawn. He could be free. He could be king. David's breath was steady as he stepped into the sea. Slanting light. Saul lay against the rock, his back to the cave wall, his chin dipped against his chest in sleep. David had not seen him in months, but now, so close, he hardly recognized the man who had once been his king. Saul had aged. The once great warrior of Israel looked gaunt. His beard slipped, streaked with gray, his lips slightly parted in restless slumber. The lines of his face had deepened, carved by sleepless nights and the slow decay of his own mind. David knelt beside him, dagger poised. It would be easy. A single stroke, a slit across the throat, swift and silent. Saul wouldn't even wake before he was gone. David stared at the king's neck. The pulse was faint, steady. The very breath of the man who had tried to kill him. David's fingers trembled on the hilt. His heart pounded against his ribs, each beat whispering a choice.

[David]

You can end it. End him. End this.

[Narrator]

You can be king. David's blade did not move. He closed his eyes. Then, without a sound, he lowered his dagger to Saul. He brought the dagger down, not against flesh, but against the cloth of his robe, slicing a small sliver from the edge. The fabric felt weightless in his palm, yet heavier than any sword. He stared at it, breathless, his hands shaking. Then, without a word, David turned and disappeared back into the darkness of the cave, leaving Saul to his restless dreams. David stumbled back into the darkness of the cave, his breath uneven, his hands shaking. He could still feel the weight of the blade in his grip, the cold steel meant for Saul's throat. Instead, all he held was the torn fragment of the king's robe, fluttering in his fingers like a broken promise. He leaned against the jagged stone wall and let out a shuddering breath. Then, without warning, the grief overtook him. Silent sobs wracked his chest as he pounded his fist against his ribs as if to beat the weakness from his heart. His men surrounded him, their faces grim with expectation. Did you do it? Is the king dead. David held up the torn cloth, his fingers curling around it as though it might disappear.

[David]

I shouldn't have even touched him. He is the Lord's appointed. I should never have raised a hand against him.

[Jonathan]

What are you talking about? You didn't even kill him. What is this self loathing?

[Narrator]

Over a scrap of cloth, Benaiah spat onto the cave floor.

[Jonathan]

Sal is the reason we are hunted like animals. He's the reason we live in the shadows and sleep on stone. Man would gut you with a second thought, yet you weep over his robes.

[Narrator]

David lifted his gaze, and when he spoke, his voice was iron.

[David]

He is the Lord's anointed. My tears are not for him. There, for the part of me that even considered vengeance.

[Narrator]

His hand tightened around the fabric.

[David]

Vengeance belongs to the Lord. I will not take his life so that I may be lifted up. I will not ascend the throne by blood and treachery. Do you understand what kind of king that we mean? I am not a man of blood.

[Jonathan]

Yes, you are.

[David]

We all are.

[Jonathan]

We shed blood in defense of our nation because Saul had abandoned it. He shouldn't be King David.

[David]

But he is King Benaiah. If I can't honor that, then what does the throne even mean?

[Narrator]

Benaiah's jaw twitched. He wanted to curse Saul's name and tell David that he was too noble for his own good. But David raised a finger to them.

[David]

Swear to me now. None of you will harm the king. None of you will disturb him in his slumber.

[Narrator]

There was hesitation, but slowly, one by one, they nodded. Saul slept on, unaware that death had been so close, that it had stood over him and then turned away. David remained in the shadows, watching. How many reasons could he find to kill him? A thousand more. And yet, watching the old king stir in his sleep, David did not feel hatred. He felt something worse. Pity. Saul stirred. Then he woke. The king blinked against the light, stretching his aching limbs. He ran a hand through his greying beard, sighed, and stepped outside into the morning sun. He knelt by the stream, cupping the water in his hands, splashing it over his face. And then David stepped out from the shadows.

[David]

My lord King Saul.

[Narrator]

Saul jolted up, whirling, his sword, scraping from its scabbard. His eyes found David, and for a moment there was nothing but raw fury in them. His knuckles whitened around the grip of his blade. David's wound. Men stood behind him in the shadows, wanting to pounce, but heeding David's orders to stay.

[David]

You.

[Narrator]

David met his gaze. He saw the rage there, the hatred burning Just beneath the surface. Slowly, he drew his own sword. Saul shifted his feet and charged. David rolled his neck back and and drew a deep breath. Saul was coming for his head. Saul swung downward first, but David dodged it and slid to his right. Saul turned and jabbed twice, once at David's neck and then down to his ribs. David parried each advance, twisted, and jumped backward to create distance between them.

[Saul]

Fight me like a man.

[Narrator]

David did not not move to attack. Instead, he lifted the blade high, then threw it down at Saul's feet. The metal clattered against the stones, and David took a step back.

[David]

I will not fight you, my king. Neither will my men.

[Narrator]

Saul narrowed his eyes and saw David's men slowly creep from the shadows. None of them had their swords drawn.

[Saul]

What kind of trick is this?

[Narrator]

This. David exhaled his breath steady, his heart hammering against his ribs.

[David]

Who has whispered lies into your ears? Who has told you that I seek your life?

[Narrator]

He reached into his cloak and withdrew the torn piece of fabric.

[David]

Look at this. Look at the hem of your robe. Today the Lord delivered you into my hands. Some of my men urged me to kill you, but I would not. I spared your life.

[Narrator]

Saul stared at the fabric, as if seeing his own madness laid bare before him. His grip on his sword slackened.

[David]

You were like a father to me. More of a father than mine ever was. I've loved you. And yet you hurt me like a wild beast. I held a blade inches from your throat, and I did not take your life. Let the Lord judge between you and me. Let him be the one to decide my fate. But as for me, I will never raise a hand against you.

[Narrator]

Then, with slow deliberation, David fell to his knees. He bowed his head, stretched his hands outward and pressed his forehead into the dirt. He did not move, and he did not breathe. He waited for a word, for a blade, for judgment. And then Saul wept. It came suddenly, violently, as though the dam of his soul had finally burst. His sword slipped from his grasp and clattered to the ground. His shoulders shook as he collapsed to his knees, his face buried in his hands.

[Saul]

Is that you, my son? David?

[Narrator]

David lifted his head. He saw the tears streaming down Saul's face, saw the anguish carved into the lines of his features.

[Saul]

You are more righteous than I. For you. You have repaid my evil with kindness this day. You have shown why the Lord has chosen you. Israel will be yours, David. It is clear as the sun in the sky. You will be king.

[Narrator]

David's breath hitched. The words Saul's own lips had spoken. Them Whatever comes will come, he thought. Saul stood, wiping at his eyes.

[Saul]

Swear to me when your day comes and the throne is yours, do not cut off my descendants. Do not erase the name of my father.

[Narrator]

David looked him in the eye, wary of Saul's sudden change in demeanor. You have my word. Saul exhaled a long breath. He stepped forward, hesitant.

[Saul]

Return with me to the palace, David. Return to my daughter. To your home. Perhaps there may yet be peace between us.

[Narrator]

David took a step back. He wanted to believe Saul's words. He saw the sincerity in his eyes. But he had also seen how quickly Saul's mind could shift, how easily his paranoia could consume him again.

[David]

I will remain here, my king. If my country calls upon me to fight for its safety, I will come. But I believe there's still work to be done between you and the Lord before I return.

[Narrator]

Saul's face fell. I see, the king said no more. But David could see a slight shift in his eyes. Something sinister was still there. He only nodded and turned away, disappearing into the trees, back to his men. David watched him go. He lingered for a long moment before retreating back into the caves. This Pray dogcon production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catina, 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, 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.