Ghosts of the Shephelah, Book 8: David

By James K. Stewart

The life of King David was anything but uneventful. Born of a mother accused of adultery and raised as the bastard son of a tribal leader, no one ever expected this boy to become Israel's greatest warrior and king. Ostracized by his brothers, his youth was spent as an isolated shepherd, honing his skills with sling and lyre. Loneliness, offset by creativity, inspired his many heartfelt psalms of pain and praise to his God.

Secure in the confidence that he could slay lion and bear, shielded by the armor of faith, one mighty act transformed David from lowliness to prominence. Two armies watched a single stone from his sling crack open the head of the Philistine giant, Goliath. In an instant, David turned the tide of Israel's battle from defeat to victory. His fame became a source of jealousy for Saul, his disobedient king. Surviving numerous attempts on his life, David refused to take the life of the LORD's anointed. Following Saul's death in battle, David's lust caused him to do the things kings will do. Adultery led to murder and deceit. Spoiled children were a result of his fall from grace. Come, hear David's story in his own words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781666746907

James K. Stewart

James K. Stewart is a retired Presbyterian minister who has always believed that the Old Testament has helped him to understand the vital necessity of Christ Jesus. His many life experiences of construction worker; scuba instructor; screenplay writer and writer/director of many theatrical productions; and, in his retirement, golfer, have given him an in-depth appreciation that people--all people, regardless of race, creed, or color--suffer and enjoy the same human experiences.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Birth

A shimmering star-studded Bethlehem sky shone clear and calm on the night of my birth in a little town known to our people as The house of bread. Like hundreds of women before her, my mother stood upon well-worn birthing bricks inside an ancient red tent. This particular tent was situated on the perimeter of our village. Old customs die hard as my tribe now lived in mud-brick homes. However, animal-skinned red tents remained the birthing place for the tribe of Judah. On my arrival, a servant had to go looking for my father, Jesse, who was drinking with friends. This lack of concern may seem strange to you, but I was an accident or, more properly speaking, an accident by deceit. The deceit started when my father decided to marry one of his concubines out of spite for my mother. The reason for choosing Donatiya was that she was barren. Jesse already had seven fine sons with his wife Nitzevet and did not want another. On the night of my conception, he thought he was bedding his Canaanite concubine. Please allow me to explain.

Jesse had married a beautiful young local girt named Nitzevet bat Adael, and as I said, she bore him seven fine sons. After many years of marriage, reports came to Jesse that Nitzevet had committed adultery. This accusation was never proven, but Jesse cast her out to save face, just in case. A proud man, my father was not able to listen to reason. His seven sons had mixed feelings. Actually, they didn’t know what to think when Nitzevet moved in with several other women regarded as not much more than prostitutes. Even concubines had social status above these women. Not wanting to sleep alone and inflict insult, Jesse decided to marry his Canaanite concubine Donatiya. He made that choice as she had been barren ever since Philistine soldiers had abused and raped her years ago. Donatiya set the date. The wedding would take place on the next full moon.

The wedding was less than elaborate as it was more of a formality. Jesse, his sons, and a few guests were more interested in the roast lamb, fresh bread, apricots, and wine; lots of wine. Unbeknown to everyone, Donatiya had approached Nitzevet weeks before to propose a plan of feminine revenge. Nitzevet agreed immediately. She was still upset with being cast aside like a piece of old dried-up meat. Donatiya had never liked being treated like a chattel; her favors bartered for urns of olive oil and skins of wine. She knew what her fate would be, but it didn’t matter. The two women would have each other, and at their age, it didn’t matter what others thought.

On that loveless night, most of the wedding guests had departed. Slurred conversation ebbed to tranquil silence. With Jesse not able to keep his eyes open, his eldest sons, Eliab and Abinadab, helped him to the marital tent. Servants not only disrobed their master, they also helped arouse him. Snuggling close to his newlywed bride, Jesse consummated the marriage. When he awoke, Donatiya praised him for his male prowess the past night. Three months later, Nitzevet was found to be with child and hauled before Jesse and the tribal elders. Nitzevet’s sons were saddened, but a pregnant mother was proof of infidelity. It was difficult for them to think a husband could have an adulterous wife stoned to death, but that was the custom. Women who had been spared stoning because of adultery were considered unclean. Tribal law required them to remain celibate for the rest of their lives and forced them to live with the less than desirable of the village. It was now up to the eldest son to ask the obvious question.

Eliab spoke, Who did this? Who has made you a whore with child?

Everyone remained silent while Nitzevet waited a moment before speaking.

Lifting her finger slowly, she pointed and said, Jesse ben Judah.

Nonsense! Jesse shouted, breaking the silence, you lie again. Will your lies never cease?

Leaving Jesse’s side and standing beside Nitzevet, Donatiya announced, Nitzevet does not lie. She speaks the truth.

Impossible, was Jesse’s only reply.

Donatiya’s inner rage flared as she growled, You men think you can treat us like chattels; possessions to be traded or abused. Then she shouted, We are God’s creation the same as you.

The village was in an uproar. How dare a woman challenge a man in such a manner. Surely her disrespect would not go unpunished.

Glaring into Eliab’s eyes, Donatiya continued. It was I who disrobed your father and aroused him. Then I left.

Nitzevet added sarcastically, You slept with me, your wife, on that night. The child within belongs to you, Jesse ben Judah.

Jesse stood stammered, walked in a circle, and finally shouted, Women!

Storming away, Jesse shouted one last time, "Donatiya, you are never to cross the threshold of my home, ever again. You will join my wife in the house of concubines for the rest of your miserable Canaanite