Messenger (3:21)

And what do you suppose we do? We lost an entire city's worth of soldiers today. Are you suggesting we risk the same tomorrow?

Elder (3:29)

Of course not. This isn't a Matter of our strength. It's a matter of the Lord's. Surely if we call upon his power, he will fight for us and lead us to victory.

Narrator (3:40)

The elder spoke with conviction. The others nodded in agreement.

Elder (3:44)

I say we bring back the Ark

Narrator (3:46)

of the Covenant here.

Elder (3:47)

If the Lord is with us in battle, the Philistines will undoubtedly fall like grass before the scythe.

Narrator (3:54)

The others refrained from their nods. They shuffled in their seats, a sign of their hesitancy.

Messenger (4:00)

You mean remove the Ark from Shiloh?

Narrator (4:04)

Are you sure?

Elder (4:05)

We need the Lord's power here and now. What other option do we have?

Narrator (4:10)

The mention of the Ark had stirred a mixture of hope and apprehension. None of the elders could disagree with their state of desperation. And the Ark, the symbol of God's presence, had delivered their ancestors in battles past. The elders grunted in agreement with the plan. In their minds, this was the only chance for their deliverance. But in their fervor, they had failed to reflect on the true nature of their defeat. God's presence hadn't left Israel. It was their hearts that had drifted far from the Lord as a fleet of ships lost to the raging seas. Would the presence of the Ark truly be enough to make up for the chasm that lay between the people and God? Was the Ark a weapon of destruction? Could it be used in such a way? Back at Shiloh, the sons of Eli stood proudly by the Ark. On the surface they looked every part the priests of God, but their pride was the only thing upholding them in their positions.

Messenger (5:16)

See, surely God is pleased with us. If we've been tasked with bringing the Ark of the Covenant to be

Elder (5:25)

the Ark is sure to silence the Philistines. And with their silence shall come shouts of praise for our hand in the triumph of Israel.

Narrator (5:33)

The brothers beamed with vanity and self indulgent pleasure. Their imaginations played visions of returning from the battlefield. Hailed as heroes, they gleefully prepared for the journey. Blinded to the reality of what lay ahead. Their hearts had become so clouded by their own personal gain, they gave no mind to considering the gravity of their actions. They barked orders to their servants to prepare for the journey ahead. At just past midday, the caravan bearing the Ark could be seen on the horizon. The Ark's golden facade glittered in the sun's rays. The camp had remained silent with bated breath throughout the morning. But as news spread of the Ark of the Covenant's arrival, men of renewed hope gathered at the edge of camp to herald the priests and the divine gift they brought. Their shouts rivaled that of the Philistines. That were heard only nights before. When the Ark finally arrived, the camp erupted with bellowing exaltations that seemed to quake the ground below. In the Philistine camp, spirits were beginning to fall as word of the Ark's arrival spread through the ranks. Grizzled warriors who had known no fear in the bloodiest of battles now whispered in fear among themselves. They did not know the God of Israel, but they had heard the stories of his terrifying power against the enemies of his people.

Messenger (7:07)

Have you heard?

Samuel (7:08)

Yes. The commander has just sent messengers out with the report. Though had I not received the message, the spirit light cries would have been

Philistine Commander (7:21)

enough to tell me. Something has brought those dogs renewed.

Messenger (7:26)

And the very thing that brings them home can only mean destruction for us.

Narrator (7:31)

He may have the greatest of warriors,

Messenger (7:33)

but the Israelites have brought their gods into the camp. The same gods that struck the Egyptians with unspeakable plagues. Just imagine what they'd do for us.

Narrator (7:45)

Whether or not the two soldiers jerked their heads around at the sound of heavy hooves trampling through the mountainous dirt. The captain of the army and his guard were riding to the center of the soldiers encampment. The captain was brawny and despite the dismay that had befallen the soldiers, looked rugged and indestructible. His bronze breastplate was marred with the evidence of many wars waged over the years. The man to his right called for attention. The camp went quiet save for the sound of clinking armor as men shifted their gaze towards their fearless leader. The captain cleared his throat as his horse reared in the sunlight.

Philistine Commander (8:28)

The Israelite dogs think they have the upper hand, but they're still gnats, I assure you. They shall face the terror of the Philistines once more.

Narrator (8:41)

A half hearted cheer spread through the soldiers. More out of respect than conviction, the captain leered at the troops. Giving no effort to hide his disappointment, he pulled his sword from his side and raised it upwards.

Philistine Commander (8:55)

If you will not be men, then you can be slaves to the Hebrew just as they have been to us. Or you can stand with the boldness of our people and fight. We are the people of the land and the sea. We are the followers of Dagon. Zok Aroth Amakoth Zok Aroth El Dagon Zakaroth Imargoth.

Narrator (9:21)

Zakaroth el Dagon. Victory for the kingdoms. Victory for Dagon. The men gave a more hearty hurrah at their people's battle cry. The gargantuan captain stood before them, pounding his chest and beginning the chant of Earth and Storm.

Philistine Commander (9:40)

Our blades shall Taste the blood of the Israelites. Our necks shall be adorned with the severed hands of their leaders.

Narrator (9:50)

Cheers broke through as anxiety gave way to camaraderie.

Philistine Commander (9:55)

The Israelites believe their God can grant them salvation. They believe glory can be delivered in a golden box. But today, oh mighty Philistines, the Israelites shall see that glory is not carried into battle. No glory is forged in battle through fire and blood.

Narrator (10:20)

The captain had been successful. His words had steadied the hearts of the Philistine warriors. Though traces of fear still lingered in the unknown God of the Israelites. Their worries were being choked out by sprouting determination. A rediscovered sense of hunger for conquest now reigned. The captain smirked, though his boldness erred on a mixture of naivety and arrogance. But it had been enough to light a fire under the feet of his daring soldiers. The camp burst back into life as the Philistines sharpened their blades. They envisioned the terror they would strike on the Israelites and howled like wolves before the hunt. The coming battle would not be easily won, but neither would they easily yield. The battlefield stretched wide under a relentless sun. The Israelites marched from their camp with the Ark of the Covenant mindfully set at the center of their ranks. They looked to it as a beacon of hope for the army. It seemed to radiate power as the intricate cherubim protruded boldly from either side of the mercy seat. Men raised swords above their heads, not unlike Moses raising his staff in the fight against the Amalekites in the battle of Rephidim. Ironically, the mere sight of the Ark was more of an encouragement to them than the word of God inscribed on the stone tablets within. Hophni and Phinehas walked beside the Ark with arms crossed. However, the confidence they carried into the camp was quickly fled them as the roars of the Philistines echoed in the distance. They clutched their hands tightly around their forearms and murmured empty prayers. The army stopped and assumed positions. In neat rows. They watched and waited for the enemy's arrival. The tree line shuffled. The Israelites lowered their swords at the sound and planted their feet firmly on the ground. Gallant warriors began to break through and marched onto the opposite side of the battlefield, pounding the earth. Earth in unison. With each step forward, the Israelites fervor began to dwindle. They looked towards the Ark. To them it had lost its shine. Though this was only a projection of their own spirits. The Philistine army stopped. Brittle leaves blew through the sun, scorched grass. Under different circumstances, the field would have been a tranquil scene. Across the battlefield. A Philistine commander shouted. In an instant, thousands of arrows whirled through the sky as bows cracked in the release of tension. In an instant, the Philistine army swept forward like a wave. The Israelite leaders bellowed their commands to advance. With one last glance at the Ark, the soldiers darted onward with swords and shields at the ready. The two armies clashed head on, swords hurled overhead onto wooden shields left and right men were falling. The Philistines plowed through the Israelites like young oxen under the goad. A Philistine growled over the sound of the frenzy.

Philistine Commander (13:36)

Press forward. Their God is in our grasp.

Narrator (13:41)

He pointed menacingly at the Ark between Phinehas and Hophni.

Philistine Commander (13:45)

Fight for your lives, men. Fight for your honor. Take down the Israelites and their God.

Sofi Ad Voice (13:52)

Zakharoth.

Philistine Commander (13:53)

Amikos. Zakaroth El Dagon.

Narrator (13:57)

The Philistines roar hit the Israelites like an avalanche. The enemy pressed through their ranks like a hot iron through ice. The Israelites struggled to defend their ground, having abandoned any attempts at an offensive strike. As the Philistines neared the Ark, panic ripped through the Israelite ranks like wildfire. They stumbled backward over their fallen brethren before chaos completely swept over them. The Philistines now surrounded the Ark completely. Hophni and Phinehas turned to flee, but were quickly trampled by the fleeing soldiers. The colossal Philistine commander stood over them. He cackled at the sight of the priests shaking on the ground. He spat at them before swinging his sword above his helmet. Hophni and Phinehas closed their eyes as the blade swung down. Crimson blood swept soaked the ground at the base of the Ark that stood over them like a judge. Their vision blurred as they watched Philistine soldiers lift the Ark from its place. With a final sigh, Hophni and Phinehas joined the ranks of the dead. In the peace of Shiloh. Eli sat in his usual spot by the gate of the Tabernacle. Though his eyes had failed him, he often sat and listened to the sound of the city. His frail frame was bent over under the weight of both his years and his sorrows. That morning he had watched his sons carry off the Ark, ignorant to the covenant that it represented. Their failure had brought about impending judgment, and Eli feared this day would be be the final strike of the gavel. No word had come from the battle. As the sun now dipped below the horizon, Eli heaved a weary breath and closed his eyes. Death seemed more welcoming than this current agony. Samuel walked up behind Eli and gently laid a hand on his shoulder. Eli placed his withered fingers on Top and patted Samuel's hand lightly. Samuel hesitated to speak, for he knew no words could comfort the old man. Both men raised their heads as cries rang out in the distance. Samuel took a few steps forward. Down the road, a disheveled soldier ran with a limp. His clothes were torn and spotted with blood from his gaping wounds. He raced towards the tabernacle.

Philistine Commander (16:35)

Samuel, would you.

Samuel (16:37)

What is it?

Philistine Commander (16:38)

It's such a terrifying sound.

Narrator (16:40)

Before Samuel could answer, a wounded soldier approached. Eli. He panted as he pressed his hand to a cut on his side.

Messenger (16:49)

I've just come from the battle.

Philistine Commander (16:51)

What happened? My son?

Messenger (16:53)

Lost. Everything is lost. Israel fled from the Philistines. Their numbers were too many, their strength too great. I barely had a chance to. To escape. There are many others. Many, many others who did not experience the same fate.

Narrator (17:10)

Eli waited. He knew this wasn't the only news the messenger carried with him.

Samuel (17:16)

Tell me, boy. What of the priests who carried the Ark? What of my sons?

Messenger (17:22)

Of the amphibious?

Elder (17:24)

They.

Messenger (17:26)

They've fallen. And with them the Ark. It's been captured by the Philistines.

Narrator (17:34)

Eli had expected the fate of his sons, but he hadn't prepared himself for the possibility of what might become of the Ark of God. His lip trembled and his body quaked. He heaved out a blood curdling cry. The messenger jumped back and Samuel darted towards him. Eli's legs jerked and kicked hard against the ground. His seat went toppling backward. Both wood and bones splintered upon impact. Eli lay motionless, his neck bent at an unsightly angle. Samuel dropped to the ground and beat his chest. What little life was left had already left the poor priest. He's gone. The mournful news of both Eli and his sons was sent swiftly to the family. Phinehas's wife, Abigail, was the first to hear. She bore a now fatherless son and was due to deliver soon. But upon hearing of the tragedy that had befallen the Ark and her husband, her body wrenched with agony. She fell to her knees as servants ran to respond to her cries. Before they could assist her to her tent, labor pains set in. Her breath quickened and her heart raced. The servant called for help and several women carried her inside. Within the hour she had given birth, the baby's wails were drowned out by his mother's. Abigail's attendants stroked her sweat soaked hair. It was a son. Abigail looked at the babe callously. She pressed her palms against her tired red eyes. She spoke, though no one knew if she was addressing the room or herself.

Narrator (19:20)

A son. Such a shame. He shall be called Ichabod. For the glory has departed from Israel.

Narrator (19:28)

Everyone in the room simply watched the grieving mother.

Narrator (19:31)

The Ark of God has been captured and all glory has departed.

Narrator (19:38)

Abigail's head dropped weightily back as she joined in Phinehas and Eli's fall. Word of all that had happened that day rolled across Israel. The nation fell into despair. The glory had departed, but even though the battle had been lost, the war was not over.

Producer (20:03)

This prey.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.

Narrator (20:48)

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Narrator (20:51)

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