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See full terms@mintmobile.com previously on the Chosen People within the throne room, torches hissed as the elders of the eleven other tribes of Israel gathered. Ish Bosheth, the last son of Saul, now sat on the throne.
Abner
To crown David would be to reward Judah for its show of dominance. By anointing a king. They communicated to the other tribes that they viewed themselves as a king of their own.
Joab
I am Saul's son.
David
Royal blood flows through my veins. My claim is not for debate. We should have David's head for his treachery. What threat do you see rising first?
Narrator
Joab didn't hesitate.
Jasharbeam
Abner.
David
Job and Abner have hated each other
Narrator
as long as I can remember.
David
A civil war. Israel against Judah. Brother against brother.
Narrator
The armies crashed like storm tides. Blades met bone. Shields splintered. The field became a butcher's yard.
Joab
Fall back.
Abner
We'll live to fight another day. Scatter and regroup.
David
Abner's getting away.
Joab
Leave him to his shame.
David
But I can end this now.
Joab
Ashael, stop.
Narrator
Arshahel leapt, but the rain had made the rocks slick and his footing was unsure. Abner cocked his elbows and thrust. The spear met flesh with a sickening crunch.
Joab
Know this, Abner. My brother's blood will not be forgotten. The day will come when you answer for it.
Narrator
Abner felt the words in his bones. Joab's words were no mere threat. They were a prophecy.
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Narrator
The morning sun crept through the narrow stone arch of Abner's window. The breeze carried the scent of wildflowers from the fields beyond Gibeah. It stirred the linen sheets that tangled around his legs, stirred his hair, stirred her Rizpa. She lay beside him, bare and golden in the rising light. Her dark hair spilled like ink across the white pillow. Her breath was slow and warm against his shoulder. Abner watched her as one might watch the last leaf on a tree, fragile, beautiful. He traced the curve of her shoulder with a calloused finger. Her eyes opened like the sun itself. His heart fluttered at the sight of it.
Rizpa
Good morning.
Abner
Good morning, my dove.
Narrator
Abner kissed her. Brief, tender. She rose with the grace of a queen, sheets wrapped around her like silk robes. At the window, the sunlight caught her face, her skin, her sorrow.
Rizpa
These are the moments I never want to forget.
Narrator
Her eyes closed, her chin tilted to the sun, Abner came to her, strong arms encircling her waist.
Abner
Moments like these are all we have.
Rizpa
I hate that these moments have to be savored in secret. I want to be your wife.
Abner
Then be my wife.
Rizpa
You know I can't, no matter how much I long to.
Narrator
Rizpa had once belonged to Saul, his concubine, his possession, and now, by the law of kings, belonged to Ishbosheth. To lie with her was to lay claim to the throne itself, to defy order, to provoke a storm. And yet Abner did not care. He had raised ish Bosheth to his fragile throne with the strength of his
Abner
sword arm, ruled the kingdom in that boy's name and fought his wars. Why can't I have you? You're only property to him. But you're not a thing to me, Rispah. You're the only thing. My warmth, the only softness left in the world, grown sharp as you are mine. Ispasheth has no gratitude. Therefore he doesn't feel he owes anything to anyone. It's why he's losing people's hearts to David.
Rizpa
I hear David's name whispered by many.
Abner
The lad had proven to be a capable king. Hebron stands tall with new towers. Trade flows. And from allies along the coast and desert Lebanon, Ammon, and the mountain nations to the south.
Rizpa
You almost sound impressed.
Abner
I can respect a man who's able to bring his vision to life. And I wonder what the future holds for Israel. Ish Bosheth continues to flail like a fish out of water.
Rizpa
You've held him up for two years now, but he seems determined to sabotage your efforts. All the while, David's claim grows stronger, even worse.
Abner
David has allied himself through marriage with prominent families. Six wives, more children. Ah. While Ispasheth fumbles about drunk. Too drunk to provide heirs, too drunk to govern. He has no idea how fragile the throne is.
Narrator
There was a silence, then a sigh from Abner. He wanted to retrieve the tender moment again. He drew Rizba in close, taking her in with a breath.
Abner
These moments are reprieve. You are my oasis.
Rizpa
As you are mine.
Narrator
They leaned into each other, longing to steal another kiss before Abner had to leave. Then a knock came, and then the door opened. Before Abner could protest, a servant boy opened the door.
Joab
My lord, I.
Narrator
The boy froze. He took one glance at Rispa, still half veiled in the sheets, and then back at Abner. Abner watched the boy's eyes then shift to the disheveled sheets and calculate what he was seeing. His eyes went wide with realization, then back to formality.
Joab
His grace, King Ish Bosheth, he requests your presence at once.
Narrator
The boy bowed and fled as quickly as he could, the door clapping shut behind him. The room fell into stillness. Rizba clutched the sheet tighter to her chest, already halfway across the chamber, gathering her scattered clothes. Her face was flushed with dread.
Rizpa
He saw us. He'll tell the king.
Abner
Let him tell. I'm not to be scolded like some common servant over the warmth of a woman.
Rizpa
You forget yourself. You forget the laws. I'm bound to the King by law. What you've done is seen as a claim to the throne.
Abner
Then let him believe it. Let him call it treason. Let him summon his guards. I made him king. I could unmake him.
Narrator
Rispa stepped close and pressed her palm to his chest.
Rizpa
Don't speak so boldly. If he doesn't do anything to you, he may take it out on me.
Abner
I won't let that happen.
Narrator
Abner caught her hand and kissed it, but said no more. When she was gone. He stood in silence, watching the curtains sway in the breeze. A moment passed, then another, and then he dressed. Leather, linen, steel. He fixed his cloak, belted his sword, and left for the palace. Whatever Ish Bosheth wished to say, he would hear it. With a sword at his side and fury in his bones, Abner walked into the echoing halls of the palace. He pushed open the doors to the king's throne room and stepped inside. Ishbo Sheth sat slouched on the throne, drowning in silk and sulk, a goblet of wine trembling in his soft hand. It wasn't even noon, and he had obviously downed several goblets.
Abner
You sent for me, my lord?
Narrator
The boy king swirled his wine. He let the moment linger, as if testing the strength of the silence.
David
I had called you to speak of yesterday's council. Another matter weighs heavier now.
Narrator
He set the goblet down and looked up with a gaze sharp as broken glass.
David
It's not enough that half my kingdom bends the knee to a peasant shepherd, but now I find my father's concubines taken his whores by his commanders. Risper was mine by right. You shame yourself, Abner. Have you no respect for the throne?
Narrator
Abner's eyes met the king's. What Ishbo Sheth expected meekness, apology he did not find. What he saw instead was rage. Abner stepped forward.
Abner
No respect.
Narrator
Abner continued to stomp closer to Ish Bosheth. Their difference in stature became even more apparent as he approached the throne.
Abner
I ask you, my king, am I a dog's head of Judah? Who fought beside your father in the caves and hills of Zeph? Who faced Goliath's kin in the valleys? Who kept the Philistines from tearing down your gates when they stormed Gibeah? Who made you king Ish Bosheth?
Narrator
The boy shifted in his seat, visibly shrinking with every word.
Abner
I have bled for this realm. Bled for you, while you sit on your throne and speak to me of a woman. You have the gal to scold me over a woman you cast aside when your throne itself sits on foundations? I built with sword and blood.
Narrator
Ish Bosheth opened his mouth, but Abner drew steel. Before he could find a word, Abner slammed it into the wooden table that sat before the throne, splinters leaping like startled birds. Ishbo Sheth recoiled in his seat. Abner leaned in, his face, inches from the king's.
Abner
Listen well, boy. May the Lord strike me dead if I do not take this kingdom from your trembling hands and place it into the hands of the ones who earned it. For from Dan to Beersheba, David shall rule. He was chosen. You were placed.
Narrator
There was no reply. Ish Bosheth said nothing, could say nothing. His silence was all the answer Abner needed. With a scoff, the old war dog ripped his sword free from the table, splinters, flowers falling like rain. He turned his back to the king and walked away without waiting for a command or permission. At the threshold, he paused, spat on the stone, and cast one final word over his shoulder.
Abner
Sniveling coward. If only Saul could see what a miserable little brat you turned out to be.
Narrator
The doors groaned shut behind him. In the silence that followed, Ish Bosheth sat frozen, terrified of the fate that awaited him. King David sat at the long table with Jashabim, reviewing parchment rolls inked with law codes and rulings handed down from the tribal judges. The king's brow was furrowed, not in the grimace of war, but in the quiet burden of governance.
David
I want more than victories. I want peace to have roots here.
Jasharbeam
Peace is the reward of kings who rule with wisdom, not just might. I fear we've drawn swords too quickly when diplomacy may have won us today.
Narrator
Before David could reply, the chamber doors swung open and a dusty travel worn youth stepped through.
Abner
Thus says my master, Abner. It has been my conviction that the Lord has anointed you, David, to steward his land and his people. Make a covenant with me and behold my hand shall be with you to
Narrator
bring all Israel over to your side. Jasherbeam narrowed his eyes, instinctively suspicious. The two men exchanged wary glances.
Jasharbeam
What does he gain by coming to us now? Abner is no fool. Why offer you the crown he once bled to deny?
David
Something must have fractured between him and Ishbosheth.
Jasharbeam
Perhaps. But I'd still be cautious. If Abner truly wishes to join our cause, let him prove it.
Narrator
David gave a slow nod.
David
He won't see my face until he brings me Michael. She will be my peace offering.
Jasharbeam
This again, David? Please, for the love of God, let it rest. Mekal is with another man.
David
She's my wife by right. I paid for her in Philistine blood. Saul gave her away like a trinket. I want her returned. Not only for love, though once I loved her, but because she's Saul's daughter. The people will remember. Her return binds me tighter to the bloodline they once revered.
Narrator
Jasherbeam sighed and rubbed his temples.
Jasharbeam
Another wife, then? That's a lot to manage, my friend. I'd be cautious. How many strings can a man tie together before he strangles in them?
David
I didn't take you for poet, Josh.
Jasharbeam
I'm being earnest. I think taking McCall back would be inviting more chaos. She sold you out to Saul, David.
David
My terms stand. Tell Abner he may have my favor when Michael stands beside me once more.
Narrator
The messenger bowed and departed. David sighed, then realized something. He had just initiated peace talks with Abner without consulting Joab. True to his word, Abner delivered. Michal was torn from the arms of the man she had come to love. Her cries echoed through the streets as her husband followed her, weeping until Abner's hand shoved him back. Her place was beside David now, by rights of first marriage and by the slow, cruel arithmetic of kingship. And with that offering, trust was bought. Within the walled courts of his own estate, Abner summoned the elders of the northern tribes.
Abner
My lords, we are bleeding ourselves dry for a king. King too weak to command his own shadow. I once believed I can rule in his stead, but no more. Lord's wind turns to David.
Narrator
They stirred uneasily, suspicion in their eyes.
Jasharbeam
You were Ish Bosheth's architect, Abner. Will you now dismantle your own design?
Abner
My loyalty to Saul I pressed in vain. I was wrong. But remember, repentance is not weakness. When the Lord's hand moves, only a fool stands against it. David is the Lord's anointed. The Lord Himself declared by the hand of my servant David, I will save my people from the Philistines and all their foes. We stand now at a crossroads, my brothers, to cling to a fading crown or to follow the one chosen to wear it.
Narrator
For a long moment no one spoke. Then a single elder rose.
Jasharbeam
Let it be so. Let David be king over all Israel.
Narrator
The others followed, some with resolve, others with heavy hearts. The tides of Israel had begun to shift, and in Hebron, a king waited. David hosted a great feast for Abner and his men. They dined not as enemies or rivals, but as warriors who knew the worth of peace. As the meal waned, Abner leaned forward, his voice low and purposeful.
Abner
I will rise from here and gather the kingdom for you. The elders have bent the knee in spirit, though they still need to make public pledges to you. The governors and captains will follow, though some may need convincing. That's where I will need to be careful. These men are loyal to me and to me alone. Shifting their ties will take some work.
Narrator
David studied the man across from him. He saw no deceit, only weariness and conviction. But then he thought of Joab. His rage still burned for Abner.
David
Why the change of heart, Abner? What's made your hatred for me and Judah grow cold?
Narrator
Abner grimaced, not at David, but at whatever memory he was retrieving to answer David honestly.
Abner
I love my country, my people. My loyalty is to the good of Israel. I thought if I could control Ish Bosheth, I could steer this nation into a steady position. But while I build, the boy seems bent on sabotaging everything all the while. Here you are, leading like the king Jonathan always knew you'd be Joab is
David
my commander, and he will remain so once this is all done.
Narrator
Can you accept that?
Abner
Once this treaty is complete, my only desire is to retreat into the countryside with Rispah had enough battles. It's time for peace.
David
If the Lord wills this union, then let it be done. The bloodshed must end.
Narrator
Abner nodded and rose, bowing before the king he now served. He took his leave, riding into the fading light with fire in his chest, bearing a dream of ye unity. Moments after Abner had left, the gates thundered open again. Joab entered Hebron, triumphant. Behind him marched his men, laughing and dragging carts laden with gold and cattle. They were bloodied but exultant.
Joab
My king, see what your army has done. The riches of your enemy lie at your feet. With this, we could strike down Abner and burn Ithbojeth's crown to ash.
Narrator
His men whooped behind him until David's voice stilled the air.
David
We have no need for another strike. There will be no war with Abner.
Joab
What do you mean?
David
Abner struck a treaty with us. He rides now to gather Israel beneath my banner.
Narrator
Joab was silent for a moment. He looked around, seeing the feasting tables and goblets of fine wine spread out before them.
Joab
You met with Abner.
Narrator
So?
Joab
This feast isn't for us. You're soldiers. You're it isn't for the men who've bled for you. It's for the dog that slayed our kin. You let him leave with his head.
David
I refuse to choose vengeance when Peace is an option. We have a chance to end the bloodshed.
Narrator
Joab turned to his men.
Joab
Leave us.
Narrator
They obeyed without question. Now it was just the two of them. Joab was vibrating in place.
Joab
How could you be so stupid?
David
Mind your tongue, Joab.
Joab
Cut the crap. You and I can speak plainly, David. I'm not your commander because I kiss your backside.
Narrator
David tensed and rolled his shoulders back. Joab circled David like a wolf.
David
Abner. Abner pledged loyalty.
Joab
I say horse dung.
David
Abner is a sober thinker. He knows what's best for Israel.
Joab
He killed Asael.
David
And now that we've brokered peace, no other brothers need to die.
Joab
You dishonor our family, and you're blinded by your rage.
Narrator
You're weak.
David
How many times? How many times do I have to explain this before it gets into your head? Mercy isn't weakness.
Joab
This isn't about mercy. We're on the heels of winning the throne. You can't just stand the thought of someone like Abner hating you. You need him to love you.
David
I've honored the nation by forging a path to peace without more violence. Accepted, Joab. I've already given my word to Abner.
Joab
I also gave my word to Abner. I intend to keep it.
David
You will be the ruin of peace before it can even be born.
Narrator
Joab said nothing. He turned on his heel and stalked into the night, his breath steaming in the cold air. He vanished into the dark like a hound on the scent of blood. David knew those eyes. They were the eyes of Saul. The eyes of Cain.
Abner
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Narrator
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Abner
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Jasharbeam
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Joab
Mmm.
Narrator
Delicious.
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Narrator
the hour was late and the moon hid its face behind thick, sweeping clouds. Joab stalked through Hebron like a hound that had been kept from its kill for too long. The blood of Ar Sahel still cried out from the ground, and Joab, who had carried his brother's broken body back from the mountain, had never stopped hearing it. He seized a young servant by the arm, near tearing it from the socket.
Joab
Intercept Abner before he leaves Hebron. He rides east toward Mannerheim. Tell him the king has matters yet unsettled. Tell him to meet me at the Cisterna Serara. He must come alone.
Narrator
The boy went without question, and not long after, Abner turned from the road. He was not eager to delay. He was a man with a kingdom to unite. But a summons from David could not be ignored. He rode alone, torch in hand, the wind tugging at his cloak. The cistern of Seira was a lonely place, half swallowed by the walls of the outer city. When Abner arrived, he dismounted and walked into the narrow alley, the torchlight flickering against the damp stone walls. A sliver of moonlight broke through the clouds above. The moonlight illuminated a figure emerging from the dark, cloaked and still.
Abner
My king David. Why here? Have we not spoken enough of peace already?
Narrator
The figure stepped forward, and something in the movement struck Abnerom. Too sharp, too certain. His hand drifted toward the hilt of his sword.
Joab
I've come to speak of peace and the things that must be done to win it.
Narrator
Abner was confused. He brought the torch closer. It its light flickered, revealing Joab's sneer under the hood. Abner gasped and reached for his blade, but he was too late. Joab was upon him in a breath, the dagger sinking deep beneath the ribs. Abner gasped, blood rushing to his throat. Joab leaned into Abner's ear.
Joab
I told you this day would come. I'm sure. Unlike you, I keep my word.
Narrator
Abner groaned and growled but could not speak. With a final twist of the dagger, Joab let the man fall. Abner crumpled beside the cistern. Blood spread across the stones as ink spilled across the parchment. The clouds above swallowed the moon, cloaking the world in shadow once again, and in the silence that followed, there was no sound but the wind. No peace.
Production Narrator
This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavaga, 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.
Joab
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Abner
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The Chosen People – Pray.com
Date: June 23, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode offers a gripping, dramatized retelling of the biblical account of Abner, focusing on themes of loyalty, betrayal, reconciliation, and the tragic fallout of personal vengeance. The narrative sweeps through the fractured kingdom of Israel after Saul's death, the collision of personal desires with political struggles, and the high cost of both justice and mercy as King David consolidates his rule.
The central theme is the transition of power from the house of Saul to David—a kingdom torn by civil war, personal vendettas, and shifting loyalties. Through powerful dramatization and character-driven storytelling, the episode explores the motivations behind Abner's defection, his fatal conflict with Joab, and the tragic consequences of cycles of violence. The story serves as a meditation on forgiveness, pride, the complexity of leadership, and the price of unresolved grievance.
On the futility of vengeance:
Abner’s repentance:
Leadership and Mercy:
Joab’s parallel to biblical fratricide (Cain and Abel):
"The Blood of Abner" offers an evocative and immersive journey through one of the Old Testament’s most tumultuous periods. Through rich characterization and haunting dialogue, it reveals the enduring cost of pride and vengeance, and the painful difficulty of choosing a higher path of mercy and unity. The episode ends with the violent silencing of a would-be peacemaker, leaving listeners to contemplate the tragic irony of how the very effort to end bloodshed can so easily be undone by those unable to forgive.
For listeners:
This episode covers complex relationships, the struggle for power, and the burden of leadership with depth and dramatic realism. Even if you haven’t listened, this summary provides a detailed map of the crucial events, conflicts, and insights that shape the fate of Israel—and of the men and women caught in its crossfire.