Psalmwriter Journey's End: The Chronicles of David Book Vi

By Michael Sandusky

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 31, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462863204

Michael Sandusky

Michael Sandusky is the quintessential story-telling romantic. His fifty years of writing novels, short stories, poetry, self-help books and newspaper columns have been read and enjoyed the world over. He loves deep-sea fishing, traveling to exotic locales, cooking and public speaking relating thrilling, funny and poignant stories about his adventures, narrow escapes and interpersonal relationships. He still believes that the best stories cannot be made up, but come from actual human experience. He can be reached at [e-mail]

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The Star of David swept through the land of Israel rooting out every last vestige of revolution. No village was free of scrutiny in the Star’s trek from the Euphrates River to the deserts in the south neighboring Egypt. Those who had followed Absalom or Sheba blindly, albeit with good intentions for the nation, were spared to return to their homes after giving allegiance to David. The leaders, perpetrators, instigators and unrepentant were put to death.

Absalom’s revolt had torn the nation apart and the further rebellion of Sheba had been instrumental in solidifying a younger generation against the man after God’s own heart. Those in the flower of their days had known no other king. Joab, Jashobeam, Abishei and even Eleazar to a lesser extent cleansed the nation soaring solely on their aged experience. Their armies were new and young at the same time. It was no secret that, while the four commanders were dedicated to their King and country, they complained at times that they were getting too old to be running forays and sleeping out under the stars especially in inclement weather. The throne and the nation as well as its defenses were beginning anew. It’s leaders however were aged. Only Yahweh himself had remained the same.

David, in his sixty-second year had aged considerably during the revolt of Absalom. His face though lean yet, bore wrinkles and stress marks. The gray in his beard and hair was predominant although still held back by the reddish bush that had once fallen to his shoulders. His fingers ached occasionally but usually when there was rain. At first he thought it was the years of pulling a bow-string, but then acquiesced to the thought of arthritis. His back was no stranger to pain as the old wounds found a way to remind him of his years past. It was this physical pain that brought days and evenings of lethargic thought to him as he lingered on the porch during those times. Bathsheba would ask him about his pain when it was evident and he would relate the story of his broken back during the wars of occupation. He was able to deal with those times. His paralysis during the sojourn in Damascus that cold winter affected his leg muscles . . . or so he thought. The aches of the body were matter of fact and were taken as so by the warrior king. It was the way of life.

It was not the soreness of his body that caused his mind to wander during this time. No, it was the melancholy of the mind that took its toll. He would find himself fumbling along the wall towards the altar after Nathan had exposed his sin. This mental torture would flash before his face even though the matter had been settled between he and God. He knew that, yet there were times when he couldn’t erase the fact that his sin was the beginning of a downward spiral. He blamed himself still that Tamar had been raped by Amnon. There was still no room for forgiveness in his mind. It was a stranger held at arm’s length. Yes, he had forgiven Amnon, but he had not forgiven himself. Nor had he allowed the injurious deed to be justly rectified by Absalom’s killing of Amnon. The deepest and darkest area of his mental pit however was the revolt and killing of Absalom. He brooded over it yet after two years. It was a different regression than had occurred after the death of Michal. He had blamed God then. Absalom’s death, however, was David’s doing. As a result he had ceased visiting Tamar. The recluse was a mirror unto himself and he could not bear to see his sin in her. Her occasional appearances at dinner was the extent of his relationship with her now. Only Maacah, her mother, visited her and even then only once a week.

Michal’s death resulted in severe depression, but the events of the previous years held not the sting of such mental sickness. He was melancholy, moving slowly at times as though in deep thought or acceptance that this was his lot. No longer were there questions and soul searching wondering how he had gotten into this mess. It was the accepted fact now. He was resigned to his belief that this had been a part of God’s plan all along. After all God had seen him at the time of conception and had indeed planned his days not only in their content, but also their number. (1) In short God had given and God had taken away. He accepted that, but his yearnings and longings dominated his thoughts occasionally as he sought refuge in the Lord to placate his mind. He debated what was easier—finding refuge from his mind or finding a safe haven from Saul? Many times there was no winner in such mental gymnastics.

The nation apart from the king found healing as time passed. Rebels who had slipped unnoticed into the hills before the ranks of the commanders eventually left their caves and dens and returned to their homes and people. The breaches in the walls of the cities were built back up and the indentations and markings of the graves in the Forest of Ephraim became unnoticeable. Widows and mothers who had wept the longest ceased their lament as life returned to normal. Suspicions also came to an end between Judah and Benjamin.

Finally war ceased completely and there was no clamor of arms or talk of expansion. It was a time of peace.

Only David still brooded over the past. He chastised himself occasionally wondering why no one else felt as he did. The enemies of Israel were nowhere to be seen yet his own enemy was himself. He felt useless wondering what his purpose in life was all about. Someone younger could surely lead the nation better than himself. In fact what could God do with a sinner such as he who had caused the destruction of four of his own children? His own actions had been instrumental in tearing the nation asunder. Surely God had made a mistake when Samuel had anointed the young boy from the Judean Hills. Now he found himself asking God to send the angel for his time was up upon this earth as far as he was concerned.

Yes, give the throne to someone younger so that he could die in peace. Adonijah perhaps for he was a facsimile, albeit a far stretch, of Absalom. He had taken a house in an upper neighborhood of Jerusalem and entertained as had the son of Maacah. No, the charisma was absent. Even though he also had a chariot and twenty horsemen in front of him he still lacked the esteem that David’s long-haired son had radiated. It made no difference to the king. When the time was right he would call one of his sons to the throne. He had given up trying to guess God’s regent since he had been so wrong about Amnon and Absalom. How he was supposed to know which son would best lead the people was an enigma to him. For all he knew he might pick the wrong son and bring evil on the nation again. ‘I seem to have that ability’ he told himself. He convinced himself that a third time would make little difference whether the one who sat on the throne was wise or vigilant. After all God had promised that his throne would never end. There would always be someone from his line that would rest his arms upon the throne arms bearing the carved lions’ heads.

As had been Yahweh’s practice in the past someone else was used to bring David to attention.

So what do you want done about it?

The question brought David out of his thought to the situation at hand.

Huh?

What do you want done about it? asked Eleazar.

About the fish distribution?

Yes.

Send word to the coast that we’ll pay half as much more as last time for fish.

Should we increase the number of boats?

Not yet replied David. Find out which areas are hurting the most and we’ll get the fish to them first. He arose and walked to the parapet of the terrace. The shade of the evening was a cool respite to the city which had baked during the day.

I think this one may be worse than the last muttered Joab as he moved close to David.

I think you may be right commander.

1. Psalm 51:5

CHAPTER 2

Their conjecture would be proven right eventually. The nation had suffered dry times and even drought before. Scarcely two years had passed before the former and latter rains came and went—with no moisture of any consequence. Crops were lost and were insufficient to provide any grain for the storehouses established by the throne in the first drought. The taste of war at that time was too predominant yet to overwhelm the precarious dryness and heat that seemed omnipresent.

This time the dryness had descended upon the area from the northeast and the east. Word coming from Babylon was that it was covered in dust and the river able to be waded across. Reports from sailors indicated that the Great Sea had stopped the desperate climate at the shore of Israel. Egypt was only moderately affected. Israel it appeared was the great sufferer in this calamity.

The locusts had come and gone and taken with them even the flies who could find nothing to appreciate. Eventually the clouds brought no rain and ultimately the skies yielded no clouds. The earth baked and cracked. The rivers became dry beds and the reservoirs under the city of David as well as other cities dropped precariously.

Earlier the King had extra reservoirs dug and they had been filled, but now with the heavy influx of refugees the increased strain upon the water supply was taking its course. An official proclamation at the beginning of the second year of the drought urged the population behind the walls to plant small gardens wherever there was space. This had also helped to sap the reservoirs, but had indeed staved off the hunger of those permanent residents. It was the refugees from the countryside that gripped the King with agony. His great desire was that they be treated humanely and with justice. Nonetheless he was taxed nearly every court day with thefts of food in the city.

On an especially windy dust-bitten day he held audience with guests from the east.

Your majesty, these three men have traveled from Babylon to give request to the King at the admonition of their government said Benaiah as he bowed before the throne. The three men came forward and bowed low to the ground touching it with their heads before the throne.

You may rise.

The three men rose to their feet and stood yet in obeisance.

You are from Babylon?

Yes my lord came the response from the middle.

How long did it take you?

We have traveled fourteen days my lord.

Your camels must race at that speed smiled David.

Yes, my lord offered the smaller man on the right. However we also had a tailwind. To this comment everyone in the room laughed.

I see . . . so I assume your camel’s hindquarters as well as your necks are sandblasted. Again there was laughter from the court.

It is all good and well my lord as there was water at only one well on the way. We have been here two days to refresh ourselves and appreciate your quick audience with us replied the man in the middle again.

Tell me asked David, How is your King Adad-Nirari?

He is well my lord and sends his greeting in peace.

Am I correct in assuming that this drought originated in Assyria?

My lord it began somewhere east of us responded the man on the left side. From the land of the yellow eyes is where we believe it originated . . . .

Actually my lord interrupted the one in the middle that is why we are here . . . .

So?

We have been instructed to barter trade and . . . .

We have no grain to spare interrupted the king.

We were hoping that we could obtain fish from the sea and . . . .

Why don’t you sail down your ‘Euphrates’ and get your own fish? We have no river of that size in Israel.

The visitors from Assyria were caught off-guard by what they considered antagonistic remarks from the King.

We just thought continued the man with voice trembling that there were enough fish in the Great Sea for our land also.

David stood up so quickly that Benaiah was caught unawares. He would have forced the men to their faces had they been novices in the court. However, they were not such men and immediately as though veterans of royal protocol fell with their faces to the floor and stayed in the prostrate position. They knew they were to remain silent until told they could speak.

You come all the way to the west here . . . expecting us to help you? To keep your people from starving? Twice you kept our small search force on the other side of the river and didn’t even offer food for their journey back to Zion? David was indignant. Your king meets us in darkness and hopes we ‘won’t stay in the city?’ (2) ‘Enough fish’ He paced back and forth in front of the court with his hands clasped behind his back. ‘Enough fish’ he fumed. Our own people were kept in slavery centuries ago in Egypt, yet when I visited there I was treated like a King. When I visited Babylon I was treated with suspicion . . . an outsider . . . not wanted within the walls or even on that side of the river!"

We offer gold!

That unsolicited remark brought a sharp blow to the back by Benaiah and his long stick.

Gold? Gold? You can’t eat gold! What are you going to do? Dry the fish? It won’t make it across the desert! Your king should have thought of this when we were treated as we were! Lock ’em up! he said to Benaiah as he walked away.

Benaiah was surprised at his treatment of the emissaries, but gave the guards the signal to do as the King had commanded.

It was obvious that the three men would not be invited to the King’s table as was the custom with most important visitors. In fact David did not descend for the evening meal. He stayed in his bed chamber fuming over the afternoon’s audience. Bathsheba questioned his irritability but he brushed it off as age.

‘The nerve of those men and that lame king of theirs’ he thought. ‘They treat us like Bedouin and then come to us for food to feed their starving?’ I’ll put them to death . . . that’s what I’ll do!

Put who to death? asked Bathsheba looking up from her puzzle.

Those men from Babylon.

Hmm . . . seems to me you were quite upset at the way the prophets were treated at Rabbah . . . .

So?

So you went to war to punish the city.

That’s not so unusual.

That’s exactly what I’m saying. Kill those men and you may start a war.

Those men are evil and that city is evil as far as I’m concerned he said turning towards her. If war is what it takes to teach that city and its king a lesson then so be it.

Bathsheba went to bed that evening concerned about his attitude. She had not seen him like this. ‘It’s the famine’ she reasoned. ‘It hurts him to see his people suffer so and then have someone who treated him poorly come and ask for help.’

David went to bed having made up his mind to put the men to death.

2. Psalmwriter: The Chronicles of David, Book III Chapter 56

CHAPTER 3

It was Solomon who convinced the King to stay his hand against the Babylonian messengers. The men were granted a temporary reprieve from death, but not from the dungeon when the young man now ten years of age surprised his father one morning shortly after the audience. He had taken to his father in short out of loneliness. Adonijah, Ithream and Shephatiah were considerably older and no longer interested in the affairs of boys. While David was slowing down in his old age and his innocence was no longer to be found, certainly he had not lost his playfulness. Perhaps he was trying to redeem the loss of the four children in the person of Solomon. While he had accepted his guilt over the death of little Jonathan it still lurked in the recesses of his mind. He could keep it at bay as long as he didn’t visit Tamar. The deaths of Amnon and Absalom though were black stains on the throne and the line of David. Though he knew he had been forgiven of his sin, he at times fell into a mood of denial and could not forgive himself. Only Solomon could bring him out of such self deprecation for he looked at Solomon as redemption in some way.

David spent time just talking with the boy who seemed interested in everything. He was full of questions. Some were innocent and child-like while others caused David to delay answering for some time until he could be assured of a sufficient answer or explanation.

Why are they going to die, Father?

They treated us badly.

How so?

Years ago their king was indignant to us. That means he was mean to us or treated us in a condescending way . . . .

Condescending?

That means he looked down on us rather than treating us fairly.

Solomon was quiet for a while as the King looked over plans for the Temple still being formulated.

If their king treated us badly . . . .

Not once, but twice Solomon.

If he treated us badly, why don’t we punish him instead of his messengers? It seems kind of unfair you know.

David winced and furled his brow. The child was taking him to task.

I think the greater punishment . . . if they have to be punished is to send them back empty-handed said Solomon.

I just don’t like them.

Well there are people I don’t like either. Two bullies down on the south end. I just don’t see what killing them will accomplish. If anything one bully may bring another one back to settle the score.

David was getting a little testy thinking that a child was correcting him. He then settled for it being God and then surprised himself by admitting it was not actually God that he was irritated with, but himself.

He wouldn’t put them to death, he decided, but for now they would remain locked up. Perhaps he was to respond to them as Joseph did to his brothers when they came to Egypt. They were locked away and forgotten actually for the time being. The dearth of hope in the midst of a severe drought weighed heavily upon the King’s mind.

The weather was not as consistent as it had been in his earlier years. This was the second drought as well as an unusually wet year in between the two in the last eight years. He brooded often as the country suffered the punishment of the waterless climate. Never had he seen even one drought until . . . well until his sin. He had traced the cataclysm back to the third year after the death of Uriah. Surely the nation was being punished for his own sin. Nathan had not mentioned any other punishment other than the problems that would beset his family. Perhaps Yahweh was not finished with those in his household yet.

In spite of the measures taken by the throne to ward off the effects of the famine it was still obvious that the nation was suffering. The only relief was to be found in sailing from its shores for other destinations. To go to the east meant certain death in the desert with the fruitless hope of Babylon, only a mirage now.

The fields that were once verdant with corn produced nothing of significance. What might sprout was lean and blasted even causing the animals to turn away. The pomegranate trees bore nothing. There were a few olives, but no grapes. Figs appeared to start life as a raisin. Whereas grain had been bartered for hard necessities such as cloth meat and wine, now there was nothing for anyone. David had thrown open the storehouse doors long ago and supplies were dwindling. Still there were long lines like beggars in Jerusalem, Beth-shan, Jericho and Gilgal. A handful of millet or barley and raisins was gratefully received.

With no grass for the herds, they were slaughtered before turning lean. Starvation was stayed for a while but now even that was gone. Only Egypt offered grain and the treasuries were sufficient to buy the life-saver at just above reasonable prices. After losing two caravans to the starving tribes in the southern deserts David ordered Eleazar to attend the next caravan with a large number of troops. It made the trip safely and for a while nuts and honey as well as cheeses were available as well as some oil.

Such dire straits affected the king more than usual one afternoon as he rode through the city with Benaiah at his side. Few shops were open and what nourishment was available carried with it high prices. The cost of vitals from Egypt had been subsidized by the throne so that all—rich and poor alike could afford it. It was not the lack of food that touched the king but rather the appearance of the citizens of the City of David.

Bloated bellies were appearing especially on the little children. Everyone who passed the monarch had dry skin that was becoming dark and blotched. He had not noticed this since he had remained in the palace and knew only those who ate of the King’s estates. His heart ached for the dispossessed and poor. Eventually he became obsessed with the plight of the starving. Only the sight of a starved young mother pressing her emaciated baby against her fruitless flabby breast stopped his view of the city outside his gate. Then the dark evening hours would find him on the terrace hidden from the convicting scenes of what he was sure was his responsibility.

It was Joab who reminded him of his responsibility.

We need to have a meeting. said Joab.

Why? Why do we need to meet? said David. It’s too hot.

My Lord . . . have you not heard? The hungry used to be quiet. Their bodies were limp, but now their nature has taken over and there is trouble. The lack of bread is turning them into rebellious . . . heathen. In fact reason has deserted them.

Why do you say that?

There are reports from the northwest territories that the storehouses are being robbed and burned. They’ve overcome the guards . . . .

I ordered double guards just a moon ago.

Well they overcame the guards.

Where did you hear this?

At the tin-smith’s just two days ago. Men from Naphtali . . . probably here for an audience tomorrow.

David furrowed his brow. We’ll see what transpires tomorrow.

As Joab had predicted there were men from Naphtali before the throne the next day. David was unnerved as the three men came before the throne. Their cheeks were hollow and skin sallow. A special audience was granted for the visitors from the north. The king had suspended judgments except in emergencies and for those who had traveled long distances. Order had been given temporarily to the troops patrolling the streets to make judgments as they saw fit.

My lord we thought you should know of the situation in the north. The people are hungry and even the fish runs low at times. I’m afraid there will be anarchy soon as the storehouses have been robbed and ransacked of their storage . . . .

Tell me how this happened said the king.

Well, started the tallest man things were quiet up until about two months ago, but then the people started getting agitated that the storehouse steward was only giving out one day at a time rather than a week at a time . . . .

Why haven’t I heard from him myself? asked David. All the storehouse keepers make reports.

He’s dead.

He’s dead! exclaimed David. How is this so?

The people feared the worst so they broke down the doors and rushed in. They killed him as a frenzied mob and also killed all the guards.

It was a mob continued the smallest man. But apparently what really put them in such an ugly mood was the discovery of the seed for crops next year.

You plant wheat and barley up there? asked David.

Yes . . . and millet too. The dead bodies were just left among the sacks like rag dolls.

In any case my lord . . . interrupted the tall man in any case they are talking revolution up there my lord.

David looked troubled and it was noticed by the men standing before him now silent. Joab . . . send a squadron of men up there with food, one fifth of everything from each warehouse on the way up. Station triple guards. We’ll restore order up there my friends said David as he turned to walk away. He had never seen it this bad and once again wrestled with the fact that he had sinned with Bathsheba and Uriah.

The audiences were ended and David made it back to his room unaccompanied. Further reports from others indicated that the populace thought that the gods were angry.

This was upsetting to David for they were speaking of other gods. They were seeking ways to appease angry deities.

Further reports the next day brought the ire of David down upon not only the throne-room, but the nation as well. The northern regions apparently were resorting to Canaanitish rites taking place in grottoes that in the past had been dedicated to heathen gods. Necromancy and witchcraft were not hidden but sought out as a way to end the famine. There was a rumor that virgin’s blood would cause a field to grow out of season. This and charred baby rituals as well as golden calves brought the king to his feet so quickly that everyone fell to their faces in fear.

Benaiah . . . send a rider to catch up with Joab. Shavsha . . . write this down and seal with the king’s seal. ‘Seek out those practicing necromancy, heathen sacrifice, worshiping any other god other than Yahweh . . . and put them to death.’

CHAPTER 4

David’s tossing and turning in bed that evening was enough to cause Bathsheba to move to another room. The heat had nothing to do with such insomnia. Gone were the dreams . . . nightmares of Uriah’s blood calling from the soil. Those thoughts from hell were replaced with the populace reaching towards him through the gate of the courtyard. They pressed themselves against the grillwork of the great brazen gate calling to him as if he was some kind of a savior. Or was it a perpetrator? He would turn over and bury his head under the white down coverlet to keep their eyes from seeing him. Still, though, their wide, dull yet staring eyes penetrated his soul while emaciated arms reached for him. Were they seeking help? Or were they seeking revenge? He rolled over again and tightened his eyes but still their hideous faces burned through his eyelids.

Sun-up was welcomed by the weary king. He had slept little, and welcomed the escape from the nether-land. He went to the terrace and opened the shutters before walking outside. His previous night’s activities kept him from looking down into the street for fear of seeing the living dead that had populated his dreams.

It was still there.

The dank, unwholesome smell and accumulated sweat of the city roasting under another day’s sun nauseated him. Quickly he shut the doors once again and pulled the shutters closed. Benaiah was informed that the audiences of today would be cancelled.

My lord . . . the prophet did want to see you today.

Today? What for?

He didn’t say.

David sat down upon the bed and then reclined. Tell him I am seeing no one today. My body aches . . . as well as my bones.

As you wish my lord.

David watched as the man exited the dim room. His relationship with Nathan had cooled considerably since the man’s denunciation of David’s sin. Perhaps the guilt of such a travesty played in the back of the king’s mind but more likely his involvement in the affairs of the family now rendered and even shredded with the deaths of the children had given him no time to consider the preacher of the streets. A wise man welcomes criticism . . . but David was not going to search for it.

Before long there came the sounds of commotion in the streets. He arose and peered out the lattice again to see Nathan railing against something while a crowd gathered around him. David closed his eyes and frowned. When the prophet did such things it was because there was some sin in the land that needed to be addressed.

‘Why didn’t he just come to me and accuse me of it? It’s true. This famine is because of me. He’ll have those people even more riled up than they are now about nothing to eat.’ He leaned his head against the wall. ‘These people are hungry . . . and they’re scared. All this is . . . is a respite from their thoughts of hunger and vomit and their own dung. If he keeps this up they’ll thirst for blood. Not because they’re hungry, but because they’re angry.’

He called Benaiah to him.

Go outside and see what he’s talking about. If he needs to be stopped, you have the authority to stop it in the name of the King.

He watched as Benaiah left the Palace and made his way to the small crowd where he stood on the edge listening. After a while he returned.

Well?

He speaks of Jephthah’s daughter.

Jephthah’s daughter?

Jephthah was a local legend so much so that he was written in the annals of the history of Israel.

CHAPTER 5

The prophet ruled the way not out of authority, but as a result of curiosity. Those crowding around him watched as he spoke sharply as well as softly at times. He looked not at them but through them. Many were unnerved and looked away lest he point at them or suddenly lunge upon them in accusation. His words were poignant however for with nothing to do and little in their bellies the audience felt captive.

The long haired seer, now stooped with age, still presented a commanding voice as he leaned upon his staff.

"You think these are hard times? Little food in your belly or water upon your lips?

You know why you’re here? Ha! Better to die here amongst friends than be bloated in your bed! Yahweh brings you here. Just like he stops the rain or flings it to earth in an instant . . . he gives just like he takes away. ‘Why?’ you ask. ‘Why has he brought this catastrophe upon us? Let us know rather than be filled with coarse and dark imaginings.’

He needs no reason but surely there is sin in the land. Is it yours? He pointed to one man and then another. Or is it yours? Maybe it’s all of us . . . our offerings and sacrifices . . . have they been enough? What does Yahweh want? The blood of more bulls and goats? There was once a time when the blood of the firstborn was dedicated to Yahweh. Now we make

foolish excuses and mumble rationalizations about the earth having been soaked in the crimson flood because of the rebellions of the last few years . . . ‘there’s no need to spill more’ you say. Then what does it take to unleash the clouds? If more blood won’t do it . . . the blood of bulls and goats . . . or the blood of ourselves . . . then what will? What sin has been left unchecked? God forbid the delusion of necromancy and the degradation of cannibalism."

He took his staff and leaned heavily upon it as he took small steps up the hill. The crowd did not disperse, but continued it’s following of the aged man.

Prophet . . . don’t leave us to ourselves offered a young man. What is the sin that has been overlooked? Nathan stopped and turned towards the questioner.

Did the women of your house celebrate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite this year? asked the prophet.

The man shook his head ‘no’ and was accompanied in like manner by those around him.

Too hungry? Too thirsty? Maybe too hot?

Surely all three answered a woman leaving her head down. Nathan approached her. He took her chin in his right hand and lifted it to look into her eyes. What’s so different from Jephthah or even his daughter from our predicament today? The crowd was silent even appearing to be considering the answer. The prophet banged his staff upon the pavement three times. Look at me! Now with their attention he reminded them of their heritage.

Each of us has heard it from our father’s knee. Mothers have reminded their daughters. Jephthah was from Gilead and he was a mighty warrior. His mother was a whore. His father Gilead had a number of other sons by his wife. They drove him away when he was older saying that he was not part of their family since his mother was not their mother. He went to Tob and lived there while, because his warrior deeds were well known, soon other warriors began to hang around him. You know the story . . . Israel needs a leader and there was no one to take the cause. After all . . . the bravest man had been exiled from the country. He had been run out by those who did not like his heritage. Isn’t that just like us? We get rid of our leaders if we find any fault in them. Our father Joseph is a good example . . . he was humbled before he could be exalted. Moses was the same way. Forty years in the wilderness . . . before leading us out of bondage. Even our own king . . . David . . . spent years running from King Saul . . . .

Are you saying our King is the cause of this suffering? asked one of the young men. At this Benaiah who had just joined the entourage listened attentively. He frowned that such a suggestion was even offered.

Did I say that? Did I say that? The truth lies within you . . . and you . . . and you he said as he pointed at individuals. We must learn what Yahweh is doing. The sooner we come to his consensus . . . the sooner we’ll get food and water in our bellies. The Ammonites invaded our land and before long the Gileadites seek out Jephthah in Tob. They didn’t send a messenger, but went themselves. ‘We need you to lead our army!’ they plead. ‘Wait, wait, wait’ he says. ‘Didn’t you send me from your presence because I was not good enough for you? You hated me and now all of a sudden you like me?’ ‘There is no one bolder than you!’ they say. ‘Why should I conquer for you and not be called your leader? You want someone to go into harm’s way and not reward them richly? You want me to conquer the Ammonites? Then make me Judge over all the Israelites. Otherwise leave me alone . . . I’m liked here.’ Of course they made him their leader . . . the last judge before Samuel. He tries to settle things peaceably going so far as to ask them what this was all about. Their answer? They want their land back . . . the land between the rivers Arnon and Jabbok. Well, we know perfectly well that Reuben and Gad are up in those areas. He tells the king that the land was taken from the Amorites . . . not the Moabites or the Ammonites. It’s no concern of his if those peoples were conquered by the Amorites. The Israelites under Moses asked permission to pass through and were denied it. In fact they were attacked by the Amorites who subsequently were routed and yielded the land by default. The Ammonites’ border was fortified and Israel stopped there. ‘You have no right to be in our land’ insisted Jephthah. ‘In fact you had to look hard for a reason . . . back three hundred years to be exact. If we were at fault . . . why did you wait so long to do anything about it?’ What did the king of the Ammonites do?

Nothing! squeaked a little boy standing near the prophet.

That’s right my son . . . you’ve been taught well! Nothing. He disregarded it.

That was a mistake added an older man in the crowd.

Ah yes added the prophet. Obviously his mother did not train him as well as this young boy. Hear this! He asked Yahweh to bless his actions and the Spirit of Yahweh came upon him. However, first he made a vow that he would give to the Lord as an offering the first thing that came out of his house upon his return from victory . . . .

His daughter several of the by-standers said in unison.

That’s right continued Nathan. It was an ill-advised vow as well as worse to perform it. Nevertheless he did so. He paid the price for a hasty solution. Perhaps we’re doing the same today. Yahweh has brought famine upon us. For what? What have we done to deserve this? We need to examine our hearts and lives and make straight our paths before the Lord.

Benaiah stood back listening to this before hastening back to the palace. He skirted the front gates that were habitually filled with onlookers, protesters and gaunt eyed souls . . . all of whom were hungry. The private entrance back by the cooking areas were the egress and exit of nearly everyone now as the days grew hotter, the wells sunk lower and the food supplies dwindled.

CHAPTER 6

The ensuing months brought more demands from the prophet for a sacrifice. There were no unblemished lambs left in Israel and very few sheep at all. The evening sacrifice was now a weekly ritual. What was offered was no longer just eaten by the priests, but was ordered distributed to the hungry by edict of the King. The celebrations were abbreviated and with this offense to God as David assumed, the cry of the hungry at the gates and the build up of filth upon everyone’s bodies for lack of water, the King felt its toll. It exacted the worst of emotions and vile thoughts from nearly everyone within speaking range.

The man speaks evil said Joab looking down into the street. David was silent. Look at them . . . clinging to every word. If there was any manure in the land, they’d eat it and then eat their own vomit. Just like dogs . . . .

That’s enough Commander . . . .

Give me the word my lord and I’ll slit his throat . . . that should take care of some of the problem. Otherwise he will have them expecting some kind of blood and agony . . . as if it was owed to them.

‘Kill the prophet?’ thought David ‘just like Abner was killed? If he wasn’t so good I’d banish him . . . maybe he’s the reason for this season in hell. A sacrifice? Hmm . . .’

Why don’t you ask him to be more specific. If he wants a sacrifice . . . then surely the Lord would provide the lamb. Why would he ask something of us that we can’t give? said Joab.

David remained silent. ‘I haven’t even talked to him since we returned from Mahanaim.

He hasn’t accused me of anything . . . even if it may be me that’s responsible . . . . ‘

He’s getting them riled up my lord continued Joab. They’re going to want blood even if they know not why. There are leaders . . . men who are talking revolution . . . and fish aren’t going to quiet them. If we don’t do something we’ll have another Absalom and Sheba . . . .

Leave me Joab said David sternly. Joab had touched a nerve with the mention of Absalom and he knew it. He said nothing as he departed. David laid down on his bed after closing the shutters. He knew of course that the problem would still remain once he awakened, but at least it would disappear for a short while . . . .

It was shorter than he expected however for he was awakened by a dull, deep chant. It was a dark, threatening repeat of something he couldn’t make out until he arose and opened the lattice.

Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth!

He closed the lattice just as quickly against the milling, murmuring crowd. ‘Mephibosheth? Why are they wanting him?’ he thought. ‘Do they want him as king? Because he is from the line of Kish?’ He plopped down on the bed but was startled when Bathsheba rushed through the door banging it mercilessly against the wall forcing it to slam shut.

Do you hear that? she exclaimed.

I do.

She stood there expectantly but when nothing came forth she continued: They’re calling for that waif of yours!

Waif? Why would you call him that? He’s an honored guest and . . . .

Honored? The kingdom will fall because of him!

David looked at her in a way that she had not seen before. A stern, irreproachable stare with pursed lips was something she was not accustomed to seeing. The husband before her gave way to majesty. She halted and stepped back bowing her head. I’m sorry my lord . . . I’m scared . . . I . . . .

You needn’t be frightened. They will not make him king . . . .

King? They’re blaming him for the famine . . . and who knows what else?

No one’s to blame for these feverish days except me. He looked at her as being lightheaded after such a diet of fruit, fish and wine. Like everyone she also had grown thin and languid in the protracted drought.

If you were to blame they would storm the palace . . . and very likely would rush for any given reason or whim for that matter. It just takes a word from someone. Everyday they draw closer to a moment when they will call for a blood sacrifice and as far as I’m concerned they’re calling for that man now. It’s the prophet I tell you . . . he has pushed them to the edge with his rantings about blood sacrifices and Jephthah’s daughter and . . . .

Silence! The word came with agitation and a restraining uplifted hand. They look for an excuse . . . anything to blame their hunger pangs on he whispered tiredly. They speak boldly at times and yet are frightened. No . . . It’s not the son of Jonathan . . . it’s me.

He sat wearily upon the bed. Bathsheba knelt beside his knee and laid her head upon it. They both stared into the airless semi-darkness. He rubbed her hair lightly with the palm of his hand.

Is it us my lord?

No . . . at least I think not. I’m a man of unclean lips. I’ve wanted to see God face to face like Moses did . . . even Jacob. I’m closer to seeing the angel than to ever seeing my Lord. You sleep fitfully at night? It’s because of me. I’ll never be able to rinse these hands of blood. I’m mired in the crimson flow. What a fool! Here I wanted to build a Temple for the Lord . . . ha! I’m filled with pride in building this great kingdom. I didn’t do it for God . . . I did it for myself . . . .

Bathsheba furrowed her brow as she listened. His tone of voice was becoming self-loathing.

 . . . I killed Goliath just to lift myself up. Saul loved me and then I gave him reason to hate me. I am guilty of the blood of Saul and Jonathan and the entire family of Kish. I sold myself to the uncircumcised and even marched against the tribes of Israel with the ranks of Philistia. I stood amongst the burnt ruins of Ziklag while my brothers were being torn to shreds by the brazen and forged spikes of chariot wheels. It’s because of me that Israel was torn in two. I am an ulcer in the bowels of God’s Chosen. It’s my sins that I held close to my chest so that I might possess Israel as my own. Well look now . . . look at this mighty one Bathsheba. I am the ruler of the land . . . and look where we are tonight. This is the fruit of my labor . . . it is the harvest of seed sown wickedly and . . . .

Bathsheba rose quickly and beat upon his chest knocking him to the bed. He grabbed her wrists and held her as she struggled. Stop this foolish talk! she cried. Stop it I say! She began to weep and her struggles weakened considerably as David held her wrists. You know what not you speak she sobbed. I . . . I’ve never heard you talk like this . . . before. She quit moving and buried her face in his garment sobbing. He let go of her wrists and put his arms around her in comfort. They sat there saying nothing for a good while until the servant entered to light the lamps. He was silent as he went about his task. With the deed accomplished the left the room. Upon hearing the door close David released his hold, leaned back and looked into Bathsheba’s eyes.

You need to understand . . . I’m in the winter of my life. These should be my best years and look what we are facing even this evening. What good has come of my existence on this earth? Sure I can be called a king . . . but how many lives have been lost in our own civil wars? Can you say these people are any closer to their God than they were twenty five years ago? Look how we’ve been judged! Two famines and one wet year all within the last ten years alone . . . and we’re still in this drought. And what can I say about being a father except I’m . . . I’m such a failure! His voice cracked.

Stop it! There was silence.

Well . . . what would you call it? he whispered after a while. We lost one of our own . . . .

It pains me also my lord, but it doesn’t mean we were bad parents.

I’ve got two dead sons and a daughter that just exists in her room. I can’t even bear to be with her any more. What would you call it?

Did you do your best? I mean with the kingdom and with the children? How about with Yahweh? Huh? Did you do your best?

Well . . . .

Look . . . children do what they’re going to do. You can’t instill your life in them . . . .

But Amnon was the heir to the throne and . . . .

But you don’t know that.

What do you mean ‘I don’t know that?’

Obviously he wasn’t Yahweh’s heir to the throne. You think this is all a mistake? Yahweh was caught off guard and now he had to arrange something different so he chose Absalom and that caught him by surprise so now he’s got to figure out some other way to clean up a mess? Is that your God my lord?

She was right of course. David knew it but just needed someone to put the knowledge of such a fact in front of him.

If it wasn’t for you the Philistines would have long since overrun us. The kingdom would not be what Yahweh had declared to Moses and the Ark of the Covenant would still be sitting in someone’s barn! Look at all the songs you’ve taught these people . . . .

Songs? Ha! What good are they? They’ll forget them a few years after I’ve gone.

Some exasperation was tugging at the woman now. "Didn’t you once tell me that Yahweh had promised you that your throne would last forever? Well?

Well what?

He wouldn’t choose some bean-brain to build an everlasting throne. He saw something in you that was unique . . . .

What?

I don’t know what! Red hair . . . poet . . . good night you killed a giant when no one would even go close! He needed someone courageous to lead his people and you were the one. Centuries from now people will know that the throne of Israel started with you.

He smiled at her. You flatter me. Whether it’s true or not, I feel better that you encourage me and believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself.

David rose and looked out the lattice at the lit street below. There was still a crowd at the front gate, but they were not chanting now. ‘Imagine that?’ he thought. ‘Wisdom from a woman’s mouth. The king of the land laid low by a woman.’ He turned around and looked at her.

So you’re saying I’m right where I’m supposed to be and this is how it’s supposed to be in the kingdom right now?

I believe so my lord. I believe Yahweh is going to do something extraordinary in your life and in our lives . . . but whatever it is . . . it can’t be accomplished without this dreadful famine.

I just want him to be pleased with me Bathsheba. I want to be what he wants me to be. I want to do what he wants me to do . . . .

My lord, from what I’ve seen . . . you’ve always wanted that.

Not always . . . .

Alright you fell . . . as I did . . . but you were quick and sincere to repent and . . . .

A year? A year it took me to admit wrong Bathsheba . . . that’s not quick. It’s shameful.

Were you sincere?

Very much so.

That’s what Yahweh looks for . . . whether a year or a day . . . he reads our hearts. He wants that true, clean and pure heart that seeks for him in sincerity.

Bathsheba now takes her place beside Rahab and Ruth. Women whose role . . . albeit ignoble in some ways found a permanent spot in the line of the throne. Women who somehow understood what it was all about. David turned again to look at the hungry crowd outside the gate.

I won’t let them have Mephibosheth. He is innocent. I won’t be guilty of blood guilt.

CHAPTER 7

The Guard was doubled on the palace and the King himself by order of Joab. David however ordered a guard posted at Mephibosheth’ door. The inhabitants residing within the royal walls were at best uneasy, but as time passed distress mounted upon those fears. The nation was healing two years after the war and the reaffirmation of David as King, but both those years had seen famine. It was an uneasy presence in the city and much too precarious to also have to deal with starvation. In spite of David’s thoughts that he was somehow responsible for the previous bloodletting carnage as well as the present starvation crisis, the people never called for him. It was Mephibosheth they wanted. The line of Saul was guilty and he was the only one left. However, ask any one of the souls at the gate of what he was guilty and silence would be the answer. Perhaps he wasn’t guilty, but he would do for the time being.

It’s blood they want my lord said Joab one afternoon.

Joab . . . I’m not through with my own sinning . . . but I will not put forth a hand to lay upon Jonathan’s son. I will not purposely do evil. I’ve lost four children . . . I won’t lose this fifth . . . foster child. I’ve had enough of dying in this house. One lies in a child’s grave because of my sin. One sits at her window . . . ravaged and shamed. Two others sealed up forever in the darkness of the burial cave. I should have sent Tamar off to marry in a treaty instead of waiting for the best moment. I should have seen the lust in Amnon’s eyes. I should have known Absalom would seek vengeance. No . . . I was a fool then . . . but I won’t be one now.

Well . . . if not Mephibosheth . . . then who?

I don’t know . . . I just know it’s not him . . . .

My lord . . . you know . . . those people out there are evil with starvation . . . they’re lusting with blood . . . and . . . .

David picked up a lute and flung it to the floor in anger. It smashed and tinkled in dozens of pieces all over the floor. He looked at it, grimaced and then said That was a stupid thing to do. Why did I do that? He stooped to gather the pieces up. Joab bent down to help but was rebuffed. No, I did it, I can clean it up . . . . You know Joab . . . I just wanted to live out my last years in decency and peace. I want to have clean hands and a pure heart. I can’t reach forth my hand to do evil against Mephibosheth. They would tear him apart and when they were finished they would be just as hungry as they always were. No, it’s not Mephibosheth. It’s not me. It’s not Israel as a people . . . .

Then what is it my lord?

It’s something completely different. It has to be something of Yahweh . . . .

But what?

That’s what I say . . . ‘but what?’

I say you should talk to the prophet. Let him tell you exactly what’s needed . . . and none of this talking in riddles and we’re supposed to guess the answer.

Nathan was escorted to the throne after the next Sabbath. Benaiah left at the King’s request leaving the two men alone. The prophet emanated an unwholesome smell of filthy clothing and accumulated sweat. His long hair was matted with beard untrimmed.

Is it for lack of water that you do not bathe O seer?

My body bothers you does it? If I wanted to bathe I could always find a way down into the reservoirs . . . as low as they are and even though guarded . . . .

I hardly find that an excuse interrupted David or does this kind of thing come with age? One just doesn’t care anymore . . . ?

I won’t bathe until God relieves us of his judgment.

And when will that be?

Nathan looked at him squarely. Why do you suppose this calamity has come upon us?

I can only imagine that there is sin in the land and we’re being judged. It’s probably my sin . . . those hidden sins that . . . .

Though you have sinned . . . you have atoned for it. Your forgiveness came at a bitter price. It is not your sin, neither is it the sin of the people for under your reign they have sought Yahweh.

Then what is it?

Surely you are as ignorant as the people are even though they call for the head of Mephibosheth. They know that there is sin in the land and they’re assuming it’s because of the house of Saul. They are correct in that aspect. It is because of the sin of Saul himself.

Saul? David seemed incredulous.

Why so astonished? Time does not wear out the guilt of sin. If you think that we can build hope of impunity upon the delay of judgment . . . then you are wrong. Samuel spoke of the time that the kingdom was torn from the hands of the house of Kish. Yahweh announced that he would punish the Amalekites for waylaying the Children of Israel when they came up out of Egypt. Saul was told to go and destroy them and everything breathing with them. On the way he met the . . . .

Kenites.

" . . . that’s right. He warned them to separate themselves from the Amalekites for they had been kind to Israel when they came out of Egypt. They did so and Saul attacked Amalek. However . . . he made one mistake. He took Agag the king captive and allowed the soldiers to take the cattle and sheep for what he called ‘sacrifices unto the Lord.’ that of course displeased the Lord for he had disobeyed the command. No matter what Saul said or did . . . it wasn’t enough. Yahweh was finished with him. Samuel killed Agag himself and the judgment was delayed until now in this life-destroying drought. (3)

Seer . . . the house of Kish is but ashes and dust. All of the children are gone including my beloved wife Michal. Surely the Lion of Benjamin has suffered enough. He lost the kingdom, he lost his family, he lost his own life.

David . . . there’s a lesson here. Saul disobeyed and then tried to make up for it. It didn’t work . . . .

Seer . . . look . . . I’ll get grain from Egypt . . . it’s still available and we’ll replace the fish with . . . with meat from faraway lands over the Great Sea and . . . .

David . . . obey the Lord. The house of Kish is not ashes and dust for the seed of Jonathan is alive and well and eats at the King’s table as a beloved son . . . .

Nathan! I made a promise to Jonathan and I can’t break it. If it costs me my life . . . I won’t break it.

That very well may be . . . and Mephibosheth is capable of sitting on the throne. Those at the gate may be hungry but they’re wise enough to know what’s going on which until now has been elusive to the king of the land!

David clasped his hands behind his back and walked to the doors opening to the balcony. He opened them and stepped outside while Nathan followed. They looked down upon the crowd at the gate. ‘I’m caught in the middle of this’ thought David. ‘The Lord has brought a drought upon us for something that happened when I was a child. I don’t have anything to do with this. I don’t even know if that’s good or bad. Yet I’m suffering along with everyone else in the land. It’s up to me to satisfy the vengeance of the Lord as well as all these people. How can you ask me to go against my word O Lord? What do I have to do? Hide Mephibosheth away from their eyes until they forget . . . or until we all die of hunger or thirst? You’re going to punish me as you did to Saul for not obeying your command? Since when was it wrong to make a promise to Jonathan to take care of his offspring? How was I to know you wanted vengeance against Saul yet? Haven’t you gotten enough? Saul upon his own sword, three sons pierced through, another son with his head decapitated and a daughter who died young of some horrible disease? There’s got to be another way. There’s . . . .’

David . . . don’t try to reason or rationalize. It’s already been tried. Just be obedient. The answer is here in the palace . . . . The voice of Nathan broke the charged silence.

Leave me Nathan!

That crowd below . . . .

Leave I said! Benaiah!

3. 1 Samuel 15

CHAPTER 8

Egypt agreed to send wheat, but no game was to be acquired from the lands beyond the sea. Ships’ crews chose to load up on fish rather than return empty handed. It was a staple . . . enough to ward off starvation but too little to prevent gauntness of body. With emaciated bodies came leanness of souls as well. The two hardships were enough to foment revolution and bloodshed. Guardsmen were placed out of Eleazar’s unit at all the entrances to the palace. Several times over the next few weeks there was indignation shown by those who congregated by the main entrance. Their claim was not food, but a blood sacrifice of Saul’s family. They seemed united in their demand that the ills of the nation were the responsibility of Saul. Nathan’s preaching of course was instrumental in their foment.

David no longer appeared on the balcony in the daylight. Their demonstrations occurred either early in the morning or in the evening. The only pause was during the heat of the day. The clashes at the gate were not always able to be seen by the King. The angry murmuring however was always within earshot. Sleep could