Transcript
Narrator (0:00)
The sun dipped low over the rolling plains of Benjamin, casting its golden light across the fields and the grazing herds that dotted them. Saul's journey had been long, but as he approached the gates of his father's pastures, he felt none of the fatigue that burdened Tavi. How can you have such a hop in your step?
Samuel (0:22)
I feel like we've been gone for months.
Narrator (0:25)
Saul shrugged, still not willing to share Samuel's prophetic words with him. How does one simply and humbly mention that he was just anointed as the first king of Israel? Saul walked steadily, each step carrying with it a renewed sense of purpose. The anointing oil may have long since dried on his skin, but the fire Samuel had kindled in his heart burned fiercely. And for years, Saul had walked taller than his brothers, his height and strength unmatched. He had carried heavier loads, run farther, and fought harder than any man in his tribe. Yet now, for the first time, his confidence was not rooted in his own strength. He could feel God's favor upon him, a presence so overwhelming it almost made his great frame feel small beneath its weight. As he passed through the gate, the familiar sight of his father's estate came into view. The scent of stew cooking over an open flame wafted on the breeze. Saul quickened his pace. Inside the house. Kish's brother sat by the fire, poking at the embers with a stick. His uncle's sharp features lit up at the sight of Saul stepping through the door, his expression a mixture of relief and curiosity.
Saul's Uncle (1:53)
Oh, where have you been? The Donkers were back mere hours after you departed. What on earth could you have been doing?
Narrator (2:02)
Saul embraced his uncle briefly, then sat down by the fire, stretching out his long legs.
Tavi (2:13)
We had no clue the donkeys had returned. We looked everywhere. When we didn't find them, we saw Samuel.
Saul's Uncle (2:19)
The Prophet Samuel himself. You met the man of God. What was he like? What did he tell you?
Narrator (2:28)
Saul hesitated. The fire popped loudly, a burning coal tumbling out of the hearth and onto the stone floor. Saul watched it for a moment, as though entranced by the way it smouldered and glowed. He nudged it back into the flames with the toe of his sandal, then glanced up at his uncle, his expression shifting into something easy and nonchalant.
Tavi (2:52)
Ah. He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found, so we made our way back away. It was a waste of time, really.