Bible Account
Dialogue: (Scene One) Young David is anointed
(Young David tending sheep visited by an angel)
Narrator: It was later on that same night out in the fields when David heard a voice…
David: Who’s there? Is someone there? (he is retuning his harp)
Angel: David, this is Gabriel. I have a message for you… (silence)
David: Now I know I’ve been out here too long; my sheep are talking back to me…
Angel: David, I’m an angel. Sent by Jehovah God. He sent me here to tell you He has chosen you to be king… King of Israel… (long silence)
David: We already have a king. Saul was chosen by God to lead our people.
Angel: Sorry to say, Saul has disobeyed and God’s spirit has left him…
David: But who am I… pardon me for asking, but wasn’t that you that was sitting here just minutes ago?
Angel: That was God himself. He loves to hear you play. He’s had his eye on you because He wants you to lead Judah and eventually rule the whole nation of Israel…
God noticed you have a humble servant’s heart. That makes you a perfect choice.
David: You’re an angel, so you must know this: I’m not very old. I’m the youngest son of my father Jesse. I have no experience. And being a king doesn’t seem possible!
Angel: Count on God to do the impossible.
David: But I’ve been practicing my harp so someday I might become a worship leader at the temple.
Angel: You won’t have to give that up. But you will have to think bigger, David.
God has big plans for you. Tomorrow Samuel will be coming to Bethlehem. Your father Jesse will send for you and you will be anointed as the new king.
David: If God’s behind it, he will provide whatever I need. I feel his grip, like I’m an instrument in his hands. And that’s a good feeling! *
Narrator: As promised, Samuel did come to Bethlehem the next day, inviting Jesse and his sons to a sacrifice. Samuel took one look at Jesse’s oldest son and thought to himself, surely this one is the Lord’s anointed. But God had other ideas. He said to Samuel: “Don’t judge by appearance or height. I have rejected him. See with my eyes, Samuel. People judge by outward appearance, but I look on the heart.”
Samuel: This is not the one the Lord has chosen. Hmmm. Neither is this one. No… nor this one. Jesse, are these all the sons you have?
Jesse: There is still the youngest, but he’s out in the pasture watching the sheep.
Samuel: Send for him at once. We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.
Narrator: One look at David when he came in, and the Lord said “this is the one; anoint him”. So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel anointed him with a flask of olive oil. From that day on, the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. David went back to work in the fields tending sheep, but a new world was about to open up to him.
Dialogue: (Scene Two) David is sent to the army encampment
Narrator: King Saul was in a terrible mood. Because he had disobeyed, the spirit of God had left him. He was a man tormented…
Saul: I’ve had it with the Philistines! Day after day these pagans defy us, threaten us. God, where are you? I am being crushed by this darkness.
Advisors: Master, let us find a good musician to play music on the harp to sooth you when you are not yourself. Then you’ll be well enough to resume your duties.
Saul: Fine. Do it! I’ll try anything that will give me some relief.
Advisors: Jesse from Bethlehem has a son who is a talented harp player. Not only that –he is a brave warrior, a fine-looking young man and the Lord is with him.
Saul: Bring him to me – and do it quickly.
Narrator: Messengers were sent and David went to Saul’s palace to play the harp. When Saul got depressed, David played until his spirits were lifted. Saul was so pleased with him he made David his armor bearer as well. Then came a day Saul and Israel’s army were encamped in the valley of Elah, ready to do battle with the Philistines.
David: Sir, are you in charge of supplies for the troops?
Sentry: Yes, son. What have you got there?
David: A basket of roasted grain, ten loaves of bread and some cheese. I was sent by my father Jesse; my brothers are here in this camp somewhere…
Sentry: I know your family. Hey Eliab, is this your kid brother?
Eliab: What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be home playing nursemaid to Father’s sheep. Hoping to see a bloody battle, were you? Get on home!
David: What have I done now? Father sent me with supplies. And what’s this I hear about a Philistine bad-mouthing Jehovah’s name? Who is allowing this to happen?
Eliab: You don’t know what you’re talking about. (commotion ensues) Oh, no. Here he comes… right on schedule. Goliath!
Dialogue: (Scene Three) The rise of David; the fall of Saul
Sentry: Master Commander, this is the brave young man who has been asking about the reward for killing the Philistine.
Saul: Well! You look nothing like I expected. You’re too young and inexperienced to fight a man of war. Then again, no one else has volunteered. You’re our only hope! Here - at least take my helmet and my sword and coat of mail.
David: (tries them on) My king, this is only a hindrance. I have everything I need to get the job done. Everyone watching will know the Lord-of-the-angel-armies is with us!
Narrator: How well we know the story… David felled the giant with a single stone from his sling, for David carried no sword. When Goliath crashed to the ground, David ran to him and, pulling the giant’s sword from its sheath, cut off his head. Abner the commander of Saul’s army brought David, still carrying the giants head, to Saul.
Saul: An amazing display of courage, young man. Tell me where you’re from.
David: Do you not recognize me? I am the same one who plays harp for you in the palace. I’m Jesse’s son; we’re the ones that live in Bethlehem.
Narrator: Word of David’s bravery spread through towns all over Israel. The people rushed to greet him as a conquering hero. Saul was put off by the attention David was getting, and plotted to kill him. One day while David was playing his harp for him at the palace, Saul flew into a jealous rage. Twice he threw his spear at David and tried to pin him to the wall. Twice David escaped. Saul had a son named Jonathan who was looking out for David. They became close friends.
Jonathan: David, I overheard my father’s plans to assassinate you. I’m urging you, my brother, find a hiding place in the fields until I can get to the bottom of this.
David: All I know Jonathan, is that I’ve done everything Saul asked of me. He put me in command of armies and I’ve brought back victories. Soon I’ll become your brother -in-law when I take your sister Michal’s hand in marriage. But I don’t get it; one day he’s at peace with me, and other times I feel his unbridled hatred.
Jonathan: I’ll speak with him, David. From now on, if he has plans against you, you’ll be the first to know. Our oath of friendship, our covenant, will be a lasting one.
David: Nothing will ever come between us, Jonathan. Not even death. Your father has my respect and loyalty; after all he’s still God’s appointed leader. It’s the right thing to honor him, in spite of his threats to kill me.
Jonathan: Well spoken by the one God has anointed to succeed him. Amazing, actually.
Narrator: For a time there was peace in the courts of the palace. But then, during one of Saul’s dark days, he sent troops to watch the house where David and Michal lived.
Michal: David, there’s men outside our courtyard and they’re armed. Something’s going on. You’d better slip out the back way!
David: Saul’s henchmen. I’ll go and talk to them. Maybe there’s an explanation…
Michal: David, there’s no time. If you don’t escape now, you’ll be dead by morning.Climb out the back window. I’m going to make it look like you’re asleep in the back bedroom. Now go!
Narrator: The next morning the assault team returned to the palace with some bad news.
Saul: Well, where’s David? You were sent to capture him while he slept and bring him back to me so I could kill him myself.
Sentry: Master Commander, your daughter deceived us. She said David was sick. When we forced our way into the house and pulled back the covers, there was an idol in his bed with a cushion of goat’s hair at its head.
Saul: You fools! Put every man in every battalion on alert. Guards, get my horse and my battle gear ready. We will hunt him down like an animal until we find him.
Narrator: So David was now a fugitive, running for his life. He escaped to a cave out in the desert. Before long, faithful troops, David’s brothers, and all his relatives joined him there until he was the captain of about 400 men. But David was feeling the pressure.
David: I cry out to God Most High…send help from heaven to rescue me; disgracing those who hound me… I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey - whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows, and whose tongues cut like swords. (Ps. 57:2-4)
Dialogue: (Scene Four) Hiding in the desert of Maon
Narrator: Saul chose 3000 elite troops from his armies to pursue David into the wilderness. During the chase, Saul entered a cave to relieve himself, the very cave that David and his men were hiding in. David was close enough to touch him. As Saul was leaving, David shouted out to him…
David: My lord the King! Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you? You were at my mercy here in the cave. I spared you because you are the Lord’s anointed one. Look at this piece of the hem from your robe. I cut it off, but I didn’t kill you. Proof I do not seek vengeance. What have I done to deserve this shabby treatment?
Saul: David, is that you my son? (crying) You are a better man than I, repaying me good for evil. I realize you are surely going to be the next king of Israel. Promise me this: that you will look after my descendants and my family when I’m gone.
David: I swear this before God with an oath. Go in peace; no harm will come to you.
(Saul leaves. Picking up his harp David begins strumming) Ah… how full of trouble life is when we disobey. “I keep my eyes always on the Lord…Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices…you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” (Ps. 16: 8-10) O God, you’ve opened my eyes to see far into the future. What a joy to envision the descendants of the house of David, even the risen Messiah, your Prince, Father God, your Son…Jesus.
Dialogue: (Scene Five) Death of Saul and Jonathan
Narrator: Now Samuel had died and all Israel mourned for him. He was buried in Ramah, his hometown. Once again the Philistines gathered for war, and Saul was frantic with fear…
Saul: Lord… Lord God Jehovah… please answer me. Enemies of Israel are setting up camp and Lord; they are great in number. What is our battle plan? How do we proceed?
Saul: Summon my advisors! (they enter; Saul is agitated) Come, come…approach the throne. Find someone who talks with the spirits so I can ask them what to do.
Advisors: (they discuss) We know of a medium in the town of Endor.
Narrator: So at nightfall, Saul took off his royal robes and wore a commoner’s clothes so he wouldn’t be noticed. He knocked on the door of the woman’s house.
Saul: I have to talk with a spirit; will you call one up for me?
Witch: You know the king has outlawed all those who consult the spirits of the dead. Are you setting a trap for me?
Saul: As surely as the Lord lives, nothing bad will happen to you. I am desperate!
Witch: Whose spirit do you want me to call up?
Saul: Call up Samuel.
Witch: You have tricked me! You are Saul. Only you would want to speak with him.
Saul: Do your witchery! Summon him and tell me what you see.
Witch: (as if in a trance) I see an old man wrapped in a robe. He’s coming up…
Samuel: Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?
Saul: Samuel, I am in serious trouble. The Philistines have assembled a huge army and Jehovah God will not respond to my pleas. I beg of you; tell me what God is thinking.
Samuel: The Lord has torn the kingdom from you because you disobeyed his orders. What’s more, he will hand over the army of Israel to your enemy tomorrow and you and your sons will join me and the rest of the dead. The Lord will bring you down in defeat.
Narrator: Saul, paralyzed with fear, went stumbling into the night. The battle the next day went as Samuel said it would. Three of Saul’s sons were killed in the fighting – Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malkishua. Saul, wounded by the Philistine archers, took his life by falling on his sword. When word got back to David, he wept and fasted many days for Saul, his son Jonathan, and the nation of Israel. He remembered the words of Jonathan in their last farewell.
Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn loyalty to each other in the Lord’s name. The Lord is the witness of a bond between us. (1Samuel 20: 42)
Jonathan’s death in battle alongside his father and two other brothers was a crushing blow to David. He eulogized them in song as the whole country grieved their loss:
“Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen…How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan! They were together in life and in death. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions…How I weep for you, my brother Jonathan! Oh, how much I loved you! And your love for me was deep, deeper than the love of women!” (2 Samuel 1)
Dialogue: (Scene Six) David dances; the ark returns
Narrator: With God leading the way, David defeated Israel’s enemies at every turn. All the tribes came together to make David their king. He took over control of Jerusalem and renamed it the City of David. He took on more wives and had many children. In every test of his leadership, in every crisis, David never forgot his allegiance to God.
David: Nathan, I’ve summoned you to discuss something that’s been bothering me.
Nathan: What would you like to talk about, my King?
David: Look around you, Nathan. I have this beautiful palace, crafted using only the best materials, gold, fine imported wood and stone. We must bring the Ark of the Covenant from its lowly tent in Judah to Jerusalem. I would like to have the honor of God’s presence here in Zion; this is the capital now.
Nathan: Whatever you have in mind, my King; do it, for the Lord is with you.
Narrator: So David arranged to have the ark of God brought to Jerusalem. Strong men were selected to carry the ark on their shoulders in a procession. David and the people he assembled led the parade with shouts and sounds of trumpets, harps, tambourines, lyres, and cymbals. David was so excited he danced wildly in the streets to celebrate the arrival of the ark. Later that day, his wife Michal and David had words…
Michal: Well, you sure made a fool of yourself today! Our monarch, our commander in chief and head of state dancing like he was possessed.
David: It was just me expressing my true feelings before the Lord! Perhaps those that saw me now will understand there is no such thing as too much joy in the presence of Jehovah God.
Michal: Just think of all the people who saw you lose your dignity!
David: There will always be those who are too concerned with their self-image to show their true feelings. I feel it here; in my heart; it’s an honest response. Celebrate with me, Michal! Rejoice that the Sovereign God is now present - here... in Zion!
(Hearing the crowds calling for him in the street, David opens the terrace doors)
David: All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. When things were going great, I crowed, “I’ve got it made. I’m God’s favorite. He made me king of the mountain. Lord, then you looked the other way and I fell to pieces… I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough. (Ps. 30 The Message)
O Israel, rejoice in your Maker. Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. ( Ps. 149:2-3)
(Young David tending sheep visited by an angel)
Narrator: It was later on that same night out in the fields when David heard a voice…
David: Who’s there? Is someone there? (he is retuning his harp)
Angel: David, this is Gabriel. I have a message for you… (silence)
David: Now I know I’ve been out here too long; my sheep are talking back to me…
Angel: David, I’m an angel. Sent by Jehovah God. He sent me here to tell you He has chosen you to be king… King of Israel… (long silence)
David: We already have a king. Saul was chosen by God to lead our people.
Angel: Sorry to say, Saul has disobeyed and God’s spirit has left him…
David: But who am I… pardon me for asking, but wasn’t that you that was sitting here just minutes ago?
Angel: That was God himself. He loves to hear you play. He’s had his eye on you because He wants you to lead Judah and eventually rule the whole nation of Israel…
God noticed you have a humble servant’s heart. That makes you a perfect choice.
David: You’re an angel, so you must know this: I’m not very old. I’m the youngest son of my father Jesse. I have no experience. And being a king doesn’t seem possible!
Angel: Count on God to do the impossible.
David: But I’ve been practicing my harp so someday I might become a worship leader at the temple.
Angel: You won’t have to give that up. But you will have to think bigger, David.
God has big plans for you. Tomorrow Samuel will be coming to Bethlehem. Your father Jesse will send for you and you will be anointed as the new king.
David: If God’s behind it, he will provide whatever I need. I feel his grip, like I’m an instrument in his hands. And that’s a good feeling! *
Narrator: As promised, Samuel did come to Bethlehem the next day, inviting Jesse and his sons to a sacrifice. Samuel took one look at Jesse’s oldest son and thought to himself, surely this one is the Lord’s anointed. But God had other ideas. He said to Samuel: “Don’t judge by appearance or height. I have rejected him. See with my eyes, Samuel. People judge by outward appearance, but I look on the heart.”
Samuel: This is not the one the Lord has chosen. Hmmm. Neither is this one. No… nor this one. Jesse, are these all the sons you have?
Jesse: There is still the youngest, but he’s out in the pasture watching the sheep.
Samuel: Send for him at once. We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.
Narrator: One look at David when he came in, and the Lord said “this is the one; anoint him”. So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel anointed him with a flask of olive oil. From that day on, the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. David went back to work in the fields tending sheep, but a new world was about to open up to him.
Dialogue: (Scene Two) David is sent to the army encampment
Narrator: King Saul was in a terrible mood. Because he had disobeyed, the spirit of God had left him. He was a man tormented…
Saul: I’ve had it with the Philistines! Day after day these pagans defy us, threaten us. God, where are you? I am being crushed by this darkness.
Advisors: Master, let us find a good musician to play music on the harp to sooth you when you are not yourself. Then you’ll be well enough to resume your duties.
Saul: Fine. Do it! I’ll try anything that will give me some relief.
Advisors: Jesse from Bethlehem has a son who is a talented harp player. Not only that –he is a brave warrior, a fine-looking young man and the Lord is with him.
Saul: Bring him to me – and do it quickly.
Narrator: Messengers were sent and David went to Saul’s palace to play the harp. When Saul got depressed, David played until his spirits were lifted. Saul was so pleased with him he made David his armor bearer as well. Then came a day Saul and Israel’s army were encamped in the valley of Elah, ready to do battle with the Philistines.
David: Sir, are you in charge of supplies for the troops?
Sentry: Yes, son. What have you got there?
David: A basket of roasted grain, ten loaves of bread and some cheese. I was sent by my father Jesse; my brothers are here in this camp somewhere…
Sentry: I know your family. Hey Eliab, is this your kid brother?
Eliab: What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be home playing nursemaid to Father’s sheep. Hoping to see a bloody battle, were you? Get on home!
David: What have I done now? Father sent me with supplies. And what’s this I hear about a Philistine bad-mouthing Jehovah’s name? Who is allowing this to happen?
Eliab: You don’t know what you’re talking about. (commotion ensues) Oh, no. Here he comes… right on schedule. Goliath!
Dialogue: (Scene Three) The rise of David; the fall of Saul
Sentry: Master Commander, this is the brave young man who has been asking about the reward for killing the Philistine.
Saul: Well! You look nothing like I expected. You’re too young and inexperienced to fight a man of war. Then again, no one else has volunteered. You’re our only hope! Here - at least take my helmet and my sword and coat of mail.
David: (tries them on) My king, this is only a hindrance. I have everything I need to get the job done. Everyone watching will know the Lord-of-the-angel-armies is with us!
Narrator: How well we know the story… David felled the giant with a single stone from his sling, for David carried no sword. When Goliath crashed to the ground, David ran to him and, pulling the giant’s sword from its sheath, cut off his head. Abner the commander of Saul’s army brought David, still carrying the giants head, to Saul.
Saul: An amazing display of courage, young man. Tell me where you’re from.
David: Do you not recognize me? I am the same one who plays harp for you in the palace. I’m Jesse’s son; we’re the ones that live in Bethlehem.
Narrator: Word of David’s bravery spread through towns all over Israel. The people rushed to greet him as a conquering hero. Saul was put off by the attention David was getting, and plotted to kill him. One day while David was playing his harp for him at the palace, Saul flew into a jealous rage. Twice he threw his spear at David and tried to pin him to the wall. Twice David escaped. Saul had a son named Jonathan who was looking out for David. They became close friends.
Jonathan: David, I overheard my father’s plans to assassinate you. I’m urging you, my brother, find a hiding place in the fields until I can get to the bottom of this.
David: All I know Jonathan, is that I’ve done everything Saul asked of me. He put me in command of armies and I’ve brought back victories. Soon I’ll become your brother -in-law when I take your sister Michal’s hand in marriage. But I don’t get it; one day he’s at peace with me, and other times I feel his unbridled hatred.
Jonathan: I’ll speak with him, David. From now on, if he has plans against you, you’ll be the first to know. Our oath of friendship, our covenant, will be a lasting one.
David: Nothing will ever come between us, Jonathan. Not even death. Your father has my respect and loyalty; after all he’s still God’s appointed leader. It’s the right thing to honor him, in spite of his threats to kill me.
Jonathan: Well spoken by the one God has anointed to succeed him. Amazing, actually.
Narrator: For a time there was peace in the courts of the palace. But then, during one of Saul’s dark days, he sent troops to watch the house where David and Michal lived.
Michal: David, there’s men outside our courtyard and they’re armed. Something’s going on. You’d better slip out the back way!
David: Saul’s henchmen. I’ll go and talk to them. Maybe there’s an explanation…
Michal: David, there’s no time. If you don’t escape now, you’ll be dead by morning.Climb out the back window. I’m going to make it look like you’re asleep in the back bedroom. Now go!
Narrator: The next morning the assault team returned to the palace with some bad news.
Saul: Well, where’s David? You were sent to capture him while he slept and bring him back to me so I could kill him myself.
Sentry: Master Commander, your daughter deceived us. She said David was sick. When we forced our way into the house and pulled back the covers, there was an idol in his bed with a cushion of goat’s hair at its head.
Saul: You fools! Put every man in every battalion on alert. Guards, get my horse and my battle gear ready. We will hunt him down like an animal until we find him.
Narrator: So David was now a fugitive, running for his life. He escaped to a cave out in the desert. Before long, faithful troops, David’s brothers, and all his relatives joined him there until he was the captain of about 400 men. But David was feeling the pressure.
David: I cry out to God Most High…send help from heaven to rescue me; disgracing those who hound me… I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey - whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows, and whose tongues cut like swords. (Ps. 57:2-4)
Dialogue: (Scene Four) Hiding in the desert of Maon
Narrator: Saul chose 3000 elite troops from his armies to pursue David into the wilderness. During the chase, Saul entered a cave to relieve himself, the very cave that David and his men were hiding in. David was close enough to touch him. As Saul was leaving, David shouted out to him…
David: My lord the King! Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you? You were at my mercy here in the cave. I spared you because you are the Lord’s anointed one. Look at this piece of the hem from your robe. I cut it off, but I didn’t kill you. Proof I do not seek vengeance. What have I done to deserve this shabby treatment?
Saul: David, is that you my son? (crying) You are a better man than I, repaying me good for evil. I realize you are surely going to be the next king of Israel. Promise me this: that you will look after my descendants and my family when I’m gone.
David: I swear this before God with an oath. Go in peace; no harm will come to you.
(Saul leaves. Picking up his harp David begins strumming) Ah… how full of trouble life is when we disobey. “I keep my eyes always on the Lord…Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices…you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” (Ps. 16: 8-10) O God, you’ve opened my eyes to see far into the future. What a joy to envision the descendants of the house of David, even the risen Messiah, your Prince, Father God, your Son…Jesus.
Dialogue: (Scene Five) Death of Saul and Jonathan
Narrator: Now Samuel had died and all Israel mourned for him. He was buried in Ramah, his hometown. Once again the Philistines gathered for war, and Saul was frantic with fear…
Saul: Lord… Lord God Jehovah… please answer me. Enemies of Israel are setting up camp and Lord; they are great in number. What is our battle plan? How do we proceed?
Saul: Summon my advisors! (they enter; Saul is agitated) Come, come…approach the throne. Find someone who talks with the spirits so I can ask them what to do.
Advisors: (they discuss) We know of a medium in the town of Endor.
Narrator: So at nightfall, Saul took off his royal robes and wore a commoner’s clothes so he wouldn’t be noticed. He knocked on the door of the woman’s house.
Saul: I have to talk with a spirit; will you call one up for me?
Witch: You know the king has outlawed all those who consult the spirits of the dead. Are you setting a trap for me?
Saul: As surely as the Lord lives, nothing bad will happen to you. I am desperate!
Witch: Whose spirit do you want me to call up?
Saul: Call up Samuel.
Witch: You have tricked me! You are Saul. Only you would want to speak with him.
Saul: Do your witchery! Summon him and tell me what you see.
Witch: (as if in a trance) I see an old man wrapped in a robe. He’s coming up…
Samuel: Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?
Saul: Samuel, I am in serious trouble. The Philistines have assembled a huge army and Jehovah God will not respond to my pleas. I beg of you; tell me what God is thinking.
Samuel: The Lord has torn the kingdom from you because you disobeyed his orders. What’s more, he will hand over the army of Israel to your enemy tomorrow and you and your sons will join me and the rest of the dead. The Lord will bring you down in defeat.
Narrator: Saul, paralyzed with fear, went stumbling into the night. The battle the next day went as Samuel said it would. Three of Saul’s sons were killed in the fighting – Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malkishua. Saul, wounded by the Philistine archers, took his life by falling on his sword. When word got back to David, he wept and fasted many days for Saul, his son Jonathan, and the nation of Israel. He remembered the words of Jonathan in their last farewell.
Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn loyalty to each other in the Lord’s name. The Lord is the witness of a bond between us. (1Samuel 20: 42)
Jonathan’s death in battle alongside his father and two other brothers was a crushing blow to David. He eulogized them in song as the whole country grieved their loss:
“Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen…How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan! They were together in life and in death. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions…How I weep for you, my brother Jonathan! Oh, how much I loved you! And your love for me was deep, deeper than the love of women!” (2 Samuel 1)
Dialogue: (Scene Six) David dances; the ark returns
Narrator: With God leading the way, David defeated Israel’s enemies at every turn. All the tribes came together to make David their king. He took over control of Jerusalem and renamed it the City of David. He took on more wives and had many children. In every test of his leadership, in every crisis, David never forgot his allegiance to God.
David: Nathan, I’ve summoned you to discuss something that’s been bothering me.
Nathan: What would you like to talk about, my King?
David: Look around you, Nathan. I have this beautiful palace, crafted using only the best materials, gold, fine imported wood and stone. We must bring the Ark of the Covenant from its lowly tent in Judah to Jerusalem. I would like to have the honor of God’s presence here in Zion; this is the capital now.
Nathan: Whatever you have in mind, my King; do it, for the Lord is with you.
Narrator: So David arranged to have the ark of God brought to Jerusalem. Strong men were selected to carry the ark on their shoulders in a procession. David and the people he assembled led the parade with shouts and sounds of trumpets, harps, tambourines, lyres, and cymbals. David was so excited he danced wildly in the streets to celebrate the arrival of the ark. Later that day, his wife Michal and David had words…
Michal: Well, you sure made a fool of yourself today! Our monarch, our commander in chief and head of state dancing like he was possessed.
David: It was just me expressing my true feelings before the Lord! Perhaps those that saw me now will understand there is no such thing as too much joy in the presence of Jehovah God.
Michal: Just think of all the people who saw you lose your dignity!
David: There will always be those who are too concerned with their self-image to show their true feelings. I feel it here; in my heart; it’s an honest response. Celebrate with me, Michal! Rejoice that the Sovereign God is now present - here... in Zion!
(Hearing the crowds calling for him in the street, David opens the terrace doors)
David: All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. When things were going great, I crowed, “I’ve got it made. I’m God’s favorite. He made me king of the mountain. Lord, then you looked the other way and I fell to pieces… I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough. (Ps. 30 The Message)
O Israel, rejoice in your Maker. Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. ( Ps. 149:2-3)