Narrator (3:12)

One by one, the elders of Jabesh were hauled into the square, their faces pale with fear, their robes smeared with dirt and blood. The soldiers threw them to the ground before Nahash, who dismounted his horse with practiced ease. He handed his sword and shield to an attendant, then stood over the Cowering men, his shadow long and menacing.

Nahash (3:38)

Look at you. A gathering of trembling sheep.

Samuel (3:43)

Please, King Nahash, have mercy.

Nahash (3:50)

I am not the king of mercy. I am the King of Ammon, the pride of the east and the Iron Army. I have no obligation to you.

Samuel (4:01)

Please, my lord, spare us. We will not resist you. We will serve you faithfully and pay tribute to your kingdom. Only do not destroy us.

Nahash (4:13)

And what would you give to me as a tribute? Do you see what has become of your village? Your crops are ash, your warriors are dead. Your blood has been spilled. And yet here you grovel.

Narrator (4:26)

Nahash's smile widened, a wolf baring its fangs. He crouched before one of the elders, seizing the man by his beard and tilting his head back.

Nahash (4:37)

You want a treaty? You want to be friends?

Narrator (4:42)

His free hand moves to the hilt of the dagger at his side. The elder quaked as Nahash unsheathed the blade and pressed its cold edge to his cheek.

Nahash (4:53)

I will grant you a treaty, but on my terms. I will gouge out the right eye of every man in this village. I will spare your lives and leave your women and children untouched. And you will pay me tribute and you will labor in my fields. Do this and you may live.

Narrator (5:16)

The cruelty of the demand struck like a blow. They knew what the king's condition meant. A one eyed man could not aim a bow nor fight in a line of soldiers. Nahash was not content to subjugate them. He would cripple them, rob them of any future hope of rebellion. It was a humiliation worse than chains, and the Ammonite king reveled in their despair. The elder, whose beard Nahash held began to sob, tears cutting tracks through the dirt on his face.

Samuel (5:49)

Please.

Saul (5:49)

No.

Samuel (5:50)

Spare us.

Narrator (5:54)

The elder's plea was cut short by screams as Nahash drove the dagger into the man's eye. Blood poured down his face as he writhed in agony, and the other elders recoiled in terror. Nahash stood, wiping the blade on his tunic.

Nahash (6:13)

Send for help if you think any will come. I will give you seven days. Seven days to summon your saviors. If no one comes, I will return and every man in this village will bow before me or burn in the flames.

Narrator (6:30)

With that, Nahash remounted his warhorse and signaled to his army. The Ammonites marched out of the village, leaving the elders scrambling to gather messengers. The people of Chabesh wept and screamed, the wails of the injured mingling with the cries of the desperate. The elders moved swiftly, dispatching riders to every corner of Israel. They knew that salvation would not come from within their walls. Only a united Israel could stand against Nahash. And Israel was far from united. The rhythmic scrape of the plough against the hardened soil gave Saul a moment of peace in the chaos of his thoughts. His hands gripped the reins of the oxen, steadying them as they pulled the plow through the churned up dirt. Saul's mind was consumed by doubts far larger than farming.

Saul (7:29)

King of Israel.

Narrator (7:32)

The people had shouted for him and cheered his name, but the path ahead seemed uncertain. He was no ruler. How could he unify a people who had been splintered for generations? Israel, a land of 12 tribes with 12 different minds, had been ruled by no king but God himself. Where could he even begin? Laws needed to be written, elders convened and armies raised. It all seemed strange. The people proclaimed him as king. They shouted and chanted his name. But then they departed back to their homes. Saul was alone, left to depart home and wait for the Lord to speak. The evening breeze rolled in, cooling Saul's sweat soaked back and shoulders. He tied off the oxen in the stable and hauled the heavy yoke over his broad shoulders, carrying it toward his father's house. But as he entered through the gate, a strange tension filled the air. The servants were gathered, their faces pale, their whispers frantic. Women clutched their children, some openly weeping.

Saul (8:45)

What's wrong?

Narrator (8:47)

One of the women turned to him, her eyes red rimmed from tears. She pointed toward the horizon, where a column of smoke rose into the darkening sky.

Saul (8:58)

Is that Jabesh? Gilead.

Messenger (9:00)

The messengers came through not long ago. Jabesh is under siege by the Ammonites. Nahash and his army have surrounded the village, and they've given the people only a few days. Seven days, and then they'll gouge out their eyes and enslave them. Or worse.

Narrator (9:19)

Saul's chest tightened. He said nothing and strode past her into the halls of his father's house. Inside, his father, Kish sat by the fire with Samuel and Saul's uncle, their faces grim with the weight of the news.

Saul (9:35)

Did you hear the messengers? Is Jabez truly under attack?

Samuel (9:39)

Nahash and his host have come. The elders of Jabesh sent messengers, but no one has answered. People of Israel tremble in their homes.

Narrator (9:51)

Saul held Samuel's gaze.

Samuel (9:54)

What are you looking at me for? This seems to be the job of a king.

Narrator (10:00)

Saul turned back to his home. He burst into his room and flung open the chest at the foot of his bed. Within lay his armor, old and battered but still sturdy. He strapped the leather tightly over his tunic, securing the buckles. His sword was Dull, its edge worn. But his hand was steady as he belted it at his side. Saul stepped out of his house and into the gathering dusk. He could feel something stirring within him, a fire burning in his chest. The spirit of the Lord surged through his veins like a storm, filling him with a holy rage. Saul climbed over the fence into the stables, where the oxen he had worked with earlier now stood quietly. He seized their reins and led them outside, their hooves thudding against the dirt. In one hand he held the rope, in the other, his sword. With a mighty thrust, he drove the blade into the oxen, blood spraying onto the ground. The animals fell, their bodies lifeless beneath him. Saul panted, his chest heaving, as he tore the oxen apart limb by limb. Blood pooled at his feet, matching the crimson streaks in the sky above.

Saul (11:14)

Tavi, come up here.

Narrator (11:17)

Tavi crept forward from behind the stables.

Saul (11:20)

Gather the servants. Take these pieces of oxen to the tribes of Israel. Tell them this. Whoever does not follow Saul and Samuel into battle will be torn apart. Like these oxen are threats.

Samuel (11:32)

The way you want to give your first call to arms.

Saul (11:35)

The call has been sent already, yet nobody has risen up. If courage doesn't rouse them, then fear must.

Narrator (11:45)

The servants gathered the bloody remains, bundling them into sacks. The messengers rode hard, carrying Saul's words to every corner of Israel. Town after town heard the proclamation, and with it came the fear of the Lord. The spirit moved among the people, stirring them to action. Men who had cowered behind their walls now took up their swords. From 11 tribes, 300,000 men came forward. From Judah, 30,000. They gathered at Bezec, where Saul awaited them. When the men arrived, they found their king standing at the head of the camp. His armor was scarred and weathered, his sword dulled with age, yet he stood like a figure from legend. His presence commanded respect, and the men who saw him knew this was a man they could follow. That night, Saul convened his commanders. In his tent by the fire, they laid out their strategy. Abner, Saul's cousin and lifelong friend, had been appointed as his commander. He leaned over a crudely drawn map and traced his finger on a circle drawn in charcoal.

Nahash (12:58)

Our scouts have returned with reports. Nahasha's men are already celebrating their victory. They've posted no sentries and established no garrisons.

Saul (13:07)

They'll never see us coming. Send messengers to Jabesh with a promise. By the time the sun is high tomorrow, you will have salvation. And to the elders, give them these commands. Tell Nahash you surrender. Give yourselves up, but hold fast. We will come before he can Strike.

Narrator (13:28)

The people of Jabesh did as Saul instructed. Their messengers rode to Nahash's camp, proclaiming their surrender. The Ammonites laughed and jeered, their spirits buoyed by what they saw as an inevitable victory. That night, they feasted, their fires blazing against the dark sky. But in the hills beyond, Saul stood watch. He did not sleep. He sat by the fire, staring into the flames, his eyes reflecting the burning coals. His men rested around him, their bodies weary but their spirits ready. Saul's thoughts were heavy. He thought of the people of Jabesh, trembling behind their walls. He thought of the tribes of Israel, scattered and broken, in need of strength and unity. He thought of his son Jonathan, sleeping soundly by the fire. Saul gripped his sword tightly. The kingdom would not last if their enemies saw them as weak. Tomorrow the Ammonites would learn what it meant to cross the people of God. The mist hung thick and low over the forest outside Jabesh, twisting and curling between the trees. In that forest, hidden by the mist and shadows, the army of Israel crouched. Three companies of men, over 300,000 warriors from the tribes of Israel and Judah, lay in wait. They had moved into position under cover of darkness, each company stationed at their left, right, and rear of the enemy encampment. Saul led the right flank, while Abner led the left and Jonathan led the rear. They waited in silence, crouched low beneath the trees. The faint glow of the ammonite campfires flickered ahead, their light just enough to show the outlines of tents and the figures of soldiers lounging lazily. Saul stood motionless at the head of his company, his eyes fixed on the horizon as the first rays of dawn pierced through the mist, bathing the tree trail in golden light. He rose to his feet and drew his sword. The sound of steel rang out in the still air, sharp and clear, cutting through the morning. Saul lifted his blade high and bellowed, his voice rolling across the forest and into the camp beyond.

Saul (15:53)

Fight, you mighty men of Israel. Fight is one nation under God.

Narrator (15:58)

The Israelites surged forward, their battle cries split in the quiet. The Ammonite camp erupted in chaos. Saul led the charge, his legs churning like a stallion's as he broke through the trees. The first Ammonite he encountered was seated by a fire, barely awake, his eyes wide with shock as Saul's blade sliced clean through his neck. Blood sprayed across the ground as the man slumped forward, lifeless. Behind Saul, the rest of his company charged into the camp from the left and rear. The other two companies stormed forward, enclosing the ammunition in a deadly pincer. Cries of alarm rose from the enemy soldiers as they scrambled for weapons and armor. Their fires were kicked over, tents collapsed in the melee, and the earth trembled beneath the thunder of Israelite marching. Saul's sword moved like an extension of his arm, each swing guided by the fury of the spirit of God. He cut down one soldier after another, his blade cleaving through flesh and bone. Two ammonites charged him, spears raised. The first thrust grazed Saul's shoulder, tearing through his armor, But Saul grabbed the shaft of the spear and snapped it in two with its blade. He spun, slashing the man's throat, and turned to face the second. The soldier lunged, and Saul sidestepped the strike, bringing his sword down on the man's calf. The ammonite fell to his knees, and Saul kicked him onto his back. Saul pressed his knee into the man's throat, his bloodied blade hovering over.

Saul (17:42)

Is your king?

Narrator (17:44)

The ammonite choked on his own breath, his eyes wide with terror. He lifted a trembling hand and pointed across the chaos of the battlefield. Saul followed the man's gaze and saw him. Nahash, the king of Ammon, A dark figure clad in thick armor, wielding a massive sword. With brutal precision, Nahash cut down an Israelite soldier With a single swing. Saul released the man beneath him and rocked to his feet. His grip tightened on his sword, his heart pounded in his chest, and the blood in his veins burned like fire. The Ammonite king turned, his dark eyes locking onto Saul as the Israelite king strode toward him. For a moment, the battlefield seemed to shrink, the cries of men and the clash of steel fading into the distance. The two kings stood only a dozen yards away from each other, face to face, circling each other like animals. His jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he raised his sword. Nahash surged forward, swinging his massive blade in a powerful arc. Saul barely had time to lift his shield, and the force of the blow sent him stumbling backward. The shield was torn from his arm, splintering against the ground.

Nahash (19:09)

Come, king of sheep. Let's see what you're made of.

Narrator (19:14)

Nahash advanced, swinging again with brutal speed. Saul stepped forward with an upward swing to meet his advance. Nahash recoiled. He wasn't accustomed to fighting men his size. Nahash swung from his right to his left. Saul surged forward with his shoulder, halting the swing. The Ammonite king faltered, and Saul pressed his advantage, charging forward. The two clashed in a fight flurry of strikes, their blades ringing out like hammers on an anvil. Sparks flew as steel met steel, each man fighting with the desperation of one who knows the cost of defeat. Nahash's strength was monstrous, his blows heavy enough to shatter shields, but Saul stood eye to eye with him, willing to go the distance. Finally, Saul saw his opening. Nahash overextended, his blade swinging wide, and Saul jabbed his sword into the Ammonite king's side, piercing through his armor. Nahash staggered, but with a roar of fury he swung down at Saul with all his might. Saul sidestepped the strike and thrust his sword forward, driving it deep into Nahash's stomach. The Ammonite king's weapon fell from his hands, clattering to the ground. He staggered back, blood pouring from the w. He sank to his knees. Nahash looked up at Saul, his face pale and streaked with blood. He said nothing, his lips moving soundlessly as his strength failed him. Saul leaned in closer to the king, removed a dagger from his side and drove it into Nahash's right eye. There was a final, blood curdling scream, then silence. The king fell forward, his body hitting the dirt with a dull th. Saul stood over the lifeless body of Nahash, his chest heaving, his arms trembling with exhaustion. Behind him, the Israelites surged forward, their battle cries echoing across the battlefield. The tide of the fight had turned and the Ammonites were in full retreat. Saul turned to face his men, his gaze sweeping across the blood soaked field. The sun was high in the sky now, its light piercing through the lingering smoke. The earth beneath him was painted red, the bodies of the enemy scattered like fallen leaves. A cheer rose from the Israelite ranks, a deafening roar of triumph. They had fought with the fury of God and they had prevailed. Saul's heart swelled as he lifted his sword high, the blade glinting in the sunlight. He had promised the people of Jabesh salvation, and he had delivered. The battle was over. The day belonged to Israel.

Narrator/Announcer (22:20)

This pray.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, 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.