Psalmwriter: The Chronicles of David, Book Iii

By Michael Sandusky

Heres the third volume of six in this devotional novel about the life of David, whos now the King of Israel. The civil war has ended. Now he is faced with the gargantuan task of reclaiming the land from the Philistine hoards. His ability to strategize, lead and organize are recognized as his greatest moments. Commitment and success come at a great price however as he loses his two dearest possessions and finds himself fighting for his life against unearthly evil. A lesson about power and wealth come late - too late to stop our heros slide into an abyss.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 11, 2007
• ISBN: 9781462812301

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

It cannot be disputed that there is virtue in patience. Since the killing of the giant our hero has endured twenty-five years of a life filled with little childhood, but great achievement. Such years also brought trauma and tragedy—the two ugly sisters that visit at the most inopportune times. David knew them well. Until now his life has been filled with hesitancy, searching, doubt and even fear. Yes, he’s seen the hand of the Lord deliver him time and time again. However, time dragged as he waited for the Lord to deal with Saul and the nation. How easy it would have been to take matters into his own hands . . . to manipulate the ends even as he was encouraged to do by his friends. Nonetheless, because of his patience and forbearing he now finds himself King over a united Israel. Had he wavered in any situation he had faced—most assuredly the outcome would be different.

At the time he reached the throne of all twelve tribes a number of civilizations had come and gone. Empires had risen and fallen. Many were remembered while an equal number were forgotten and so it would continue to be even after he had given his last breath. This is the beginning of the Golden Age of Israel, but what is to keep it from capitulating into the morass that dooms every kingdom? The King stands upon his balcony having finished with the celebration of his crowning and the unification of the kingdom. The spring evening is like a thousand other spring evenings that have appeared in this same location since time began. What is the adhesive that can hold this kingdom together not only now on the doorstep of Philistia, but on the threshold of every enemy that might seek the ruin of Israel both now and to time memorial?

It is David.

It is the promise of God to make the son of Jesse’s throne eternal.

It is the fruit of his loins—the Messiah.

Don’t question David about that right now. Oh yes, he knows the promise to make his throne last forever . . . but that’s all. There is work to be done and a kingdom to be built. There is no time or even reason to think of longevity or posterity.

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No, David hadn’t been counting bats hanging from cave roofs. Nor had he spent all his time writing songs. All those years of cave dwelling and even city living afterward had yielded his dreams, hopes and plans for a united Israel. In the beginning these aspirations were little more than wishes for the warrior himself was unsure of his own future. As he dealt with his own destiny and came to accept it as God’s plan for his life, then his dreams began to carry more weight and more possibility. Israel, in those wars of Saul’s had been given not only a taste of a gallant warrior, but a brilliant tactician. To most who cheered his homecoming back then with shouts of ten thousand, his only attribute was courage and power. It takes, however, much more than these two qualities to win battles. It also takes cunning and wisdom as well as some guessing. Even more than this, it takes the working of God as Saul realized too late in his campaigns. The decisions made for the kingdom at the beginning of this Golden Age were not done impulsively. They were the realization of plans laid out years earlier. They were well thought out, debated, even scrutinized for flaws.

Even before all the guests had left Hebron were serious steps being taken for the building of the kingdom. Two men waited on the veranda as David spoke with his captains one afternoon . . . .

I think that the Philistines should be pushed out and right away! exclaimed Joab.

David shook his head negatively. The time will come, but it is not now! I will not do anything of the sort until Achish has died!

Loyalty only goes so far! spouted Abishei.

David looked him straight in the eye. Abishei, you should know me better than that. I was loyal to Saul even unto his death. Do you think I would be any less constant to one who befriended us in hard times? One who gave you a home and even paid you to live in it? The man is dying. When he dies, I want to go and pay my respect . . . .

You’ve got to be kidding . . . said Joab.

No, I’m not. My argument is not with Achish . . . when he is gone we shall take up our cause. Then the Philistines will find out what the winds of hell are like. They’re nervous, and we’re going to let them stay nervous until their morale starts to break down . . . and that will come with time. In the meantime we need to take care of ourselves.

What do you mean by that? asked Benaiah.

We need to move the center of operations to a more central vantage point for the tribes. We need a capitol and a more central base of military operations . . . ."

You’re going back to Gibeah? asked Jashobeam.

No, we need a non-threatening capitol for the tribes. We need a city that shows impartiality to either the north or the south. Hebron is associated with the south. We need a neutral city to which neither can lay claim. One that will be easy for all to reach from any direction. One that will be easy to travel to for the festivals of the Lord. One that can be a symbol of the religion of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The four captains looked at each other with quizzical expressions. They played with the mental maps in their heads, but the only one that could possibly be a candidate was Jebus and it was . . . .

You’re not thinking of Jebus are you? asked Abishei.

I’ve thought of Jebus for years . . . replied the king.

Jebus is a Canaanite city . . . muttered Benaiah.

What did God tell Joshua to do, Benaiah? asked David.

. . . Well he told him to destroy all the idols in Canaan and to . . . .

. . . Go on continued David.

. . . Well, he said to kill them all when they entered the land.

Was that done?

No.

Then, continued David, the Canaanites are in our city.

So we’re supposed to kill all of them? asked Abishei.

I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves, broke in Joab. Why do any of you think they’re still here? Wake up! Their city is unconquerable! It can’t be conquered! Do I have to be redundant here?

Oh, interrupted David, I forgot about that reason that it should be our capitol. It’s unconquerable to any foreign enemy.

Joab looked at the king with eyebrows lifted high, and then shook his head. Am I missing something here? Did I come in late or something? I always thought sister was just being mean when she said I was slow witted.

Joab, the city is unconquerable, but it has to have weaknesses. We’ll find out what they are and then once it’s our city, we’ll take care of those flaws. said David. Last winter I sent two men to live in the city and watch. They’re back and waiting outside. We’ll see what they have to say about this ‘unconquerable city.’"

David called the two men in. Benaiah knew Eleazar and Abidan since they were in his division. However, the others didn’t for these two have been some of the late arrivals and desertions from Abner’s army. David had specifically sent them since they were from the north and less likely to arouse suspicion in the town.

Eleazar rolled out a scroll and laid it on the floor. His partner spoke first.

Jebus is a particularly hard city in which to get access.

How many roads lead into it? asked David.

Only two, replied Abidan pointing at the map. This one comes from the east out of the Jordan valley and through Jericho. Anyone coming from the north or east would use it. The other road, this one here, comes from Philistia and the coast through Gibeah. Those traveling from the west would use it.

It looks to me like you can’t get there from here, said Jashobeam. The others snickered.

Well, not unless you go the long way around to Jericho first. Otherwise, it’s all downhill through the forests making your own trail.

That would be difficult to do with major troop movements, said Abishei. Twenty miles of no road would wear everyone out fast. Although we could certainly surprise them coming out of the forests . . . .

We won’t need to surprise them . . . said David.

No, surprise can’t even be considered here, interjected Eleazar. We haven’t even got to the hard part yet.

The captains looked at each other and raised their eyebrows.

Getting there is not the hard part? said Benaiah.

No, getting into it is the hard part. It’s not like your normal walled city, said Eleazar.

How so? asked Joab.

It’s surrounded on three sides—the west, south and east by deep valleys, said Abidan. This point here, he said pointing to the bottom of the map is about six hundred feet lower than the northeast corner.

So it’s not just a matter of scaling the wall, but getting up to the wall in the first place, said David.

That’s right.

You mean, said Benaiah pointing at the bottom of the drawing of the city, that this point here is six hundred feet up to just the bottom of the wall?

That’s right my captain.

Whew! exclaimed Jashobeam. The gorge at Engedi was only half of that. If you had fallen that night, my lord, it would have only been half of this distance . . . .

Don’t remind me . . . replied the king.

Me either, said Abishei. I went up and down it one night and still have knots on my head from those pots and pans . . . .

Well, that was your fault . . . said David

Hey, this is serious! exclaimed Joab.

How many gates? asked the king.

Only two replied Eleazar. This one here on the northeast and this one here on the southeast and just above the ravine.

Great, said Abishei. Not only do we wear ourselves out getting there, and then risk our lives climbing the ravine, but also then we’re sitting ducks coming through only two gates. Let’s face it. The city can’t be conquered. If it could, either Saul or Philistia would have done it by now.

You’re exactly right, Abishei, said David. That’s why it is so perfect for us . . . what’s the history of this city, Benaiah?

Well, let’s see . . . it’s been around about a thousand years. Then when Joshua came into the land, Judah and Simeon who razed it and burned it to the ground . . . conquered it

That’s right, I remember seeing blackened stones here and there, said Abidan.

They killed all the Canaanites . . . .

Like they were supposed to do . . . broke in David.

Then afterwards the Jebusites moved in and have been there ever since, finished Benaiah.

The question is, asked David, how did Judah and Simeon conquer it?

Maybe the walls were lower? said Jashobeam.

No, replied the king. "A thousand years of experience would have made their walls high enough.

The entire group was at a loss for an answer. No one said anything for quite a while. Finally David spoke.

Where do they get their water?

There is a single well in the center of the town, otherwise, like anywhere else they catch it in pots or cisterns, answered Abidan.

Wait . . . broke in Eleazar. There’s a running stream on the southeast, but I don’t remember it pooling anywhere . . . unless it ran under the city. Could it be they have a reservoir under that well?

If it’s running downhill, that means it can only be coming from the mountains . . . I remember there was a spring on the south of Bethlehem . . . Elam . . . and yes, it ran to the northwest. That must be it, said David.

How tall are the walls? asked Jashobeam.

Forty feet replied Abidan.

What are the people like? asked David.

Fairly complacent. They have a militia inside the walls. They seem to trust the few to defend them, but they’re really smug about the invincibility of the city, replied Eleazar. There are a number of different gods and a lot of unclean things. It was difficult for us to live there.

David walked over to the window and looked out upon the tents of the army. There was no discussion for some while. Finally, he turned with a smile . . . This is how I think we should take this city . . . .

CHAPTER 2

One week later David’s army found themselves trudging through the forests down the mountains of Hebron towards the city of Jebus. While all four captains were in attendance, only a third of the troops had come on this mission. Several thousand militias were still a formidable scene to anyone who looked over the wall of the city. Two days of walking through the forest did take its toll, but David expected their battle not to be forceful combat, but in the overrunning of the city and the wall. Two days were spent in the traversing of the distance between the two cities. The second night was spent nearly a mile from the city and still hidden among the trees. David was sure the people of Jebus were unaware yet of the approaching danger. On the third morning David and the four captains rode their horses just outside the tree line and looked across at the city lying on the other side of the deep canyon. In the early morning sun it shone like a jewel with its white buildings catching the sun’s rays just right. There was activity around the one gate they could see. A few people were camped outside the wall and everyone was oblivious to an entire army hidden in the trees. The city looked impenetrable sitting on the edge of such deep ravines. Not only would Israel’s forces have to go down the steep slopes, but then up again on the other side. Then it would not be the interior fighters that would be the problem, but rather the wall itself. Only twenty feet of shoulder around the wall made a catapult impossible.

We really had it good when we were at Engedi, didn’t we? said Abishei.

We sure did, replied the king. Now we know how Saul and Abner felt when they couldn’t get over to us.

It does look impressive, said Benaiah. And it does look unconquerable . . . .

That’s the way it’s supposed to look. Half its victory is the fear it puts into one’s mind. It can be taken. It doesn’t have to be taken by fire either. I think we should wait until dark though. David paused, and then added. I want you men to know that the Commander of Israel’s armies shall be the one who shows the greatest skill and bravery in the taking of this city. The one who kills the first Jebusite inside the wall will be our Commander. I know you are all brave and each one of you is deserving of this position. This will be your testing ground. Do all of us a favor though and don’t go getting yourself killed. This is the beginning—not the end.

The same goes likewise for you, my lord, said Joab. Stay out of the way and let us do the work here.

I wouldn’t be much of a king or a leader, if I didn’t lead the way, Joab. I don’t expect you to do anything I wouldn’t do. We’ll move the troops into position tonight while there is cloud cover over the moon. The archers will go first. Half the hemp bearers will go second, with the remaining hemp bearers coming last.

Silently that evening the troops made their way down the steep slopes of the ravine and then up again on the other side. Those camping on the outskirts were silently killed. The clouds did move in as David expected and the walkers on the wall were completely unaware of the activity below them. Some paid no attention anyway feeling secure on this end of the city. Approaching with stealth the one door was tried and it was barred shut. With the five leaders in place the archers prepared their weapon—a nine-foot rod with hemp tied to the middle of it. Five tripods were set up and the heavy bows were mounted. The rods were inserted onto the heavy string and with two men holding the tripod and bow and two men pulling the string back, the rods were shot over the wall at David’s signal. They each made a clatter, and then as according to plan, the hemp was pulled tight wedging the rod between the two crown capstones. It had worked. Quickly, the five men began to pull themselves up the rope even walking up the wall. The noise of the falling rod, however, had alerted the sentries.

Man the walls! Intruders!

Each of the leaders was nearly twenty feet up the wall when the sentries began to feverishly cut at the ropes. It was shortly thereafter that the ropes broke letting the men fall into the arms of their comrades. That was a child’s game compared to what came next. Suddenly a barrage of rocks came hurling down onto the troops catching them completely by surprise. A few were protected by their shields, but many were hit and knocked unconscious. All retreated to the moderate safety of the slopes of the ravine. There, lying close to the earth, David spoke to Eleazar who happened to be close by.

You didn’t tell us about the rocks!

I forgot!

You forgot?

A rock broke just above them and shattered sending fragments all over them. Finally the barrage subsided and David peeked over the edge. He looked over at an archer close to him. Can you see anything? The archer gave a negative shake of his head. So much for picking them off one at a time thought David.

This is David . . . King of Israel! he shouted. Let me talk to your king!

There was silence and then finally a voice from the dark. I am the king of Jebus! You are on our land! You need to leave! It is futile to try and get into our city!

This is David, King of Israel! Your city lies in Israel’s territory! You can vacate with your lives or be killed when we enter!

There was loud laughter from the top of the wall. Now there were scores of people lining the parapet. It was too dark to see them, but they could be heard.

Ha Ha! David you’ve been in the south all this time! You mean your inept friends got so hard up they made you king? Israel’s been on the other side of the Jordan out of fear. With what are you going to come in here? You picked the wrong objective to try to win back courage to a nation who doesn’t even have their god residing with them for one thing, and for a second thing you still have to face the Philistines! They tried to take this city and they couldn’t do it! What makes you think you can do it?

These words did not go over well with the soldiers in the ravine. Now they were getting mad. So mad that their captains had to hold them back. David found himself bristling as well. Then from the wall came more insults.

Your people came into this land and drove all of our people out except those of us who lived in this city. Did it ever occur to you why we’re still here? Think hard!

David was thinking all right. Now came more offense:

It’s awfully dark tonight. I think we’re going to go back to bed and let our blind protect the wall, since no one can see anything tonight anyway. Here! Here’s Hadad! He’s one of our blind! Oh I guess I should tell you! He also has no arms! But I’m sure he can do a good job of holding your so-called conquerors back!

Then David blurted out, You’re right! We were foolish to think we could scale the wall. It is unconquerable! Since it’s so dark we’ll spend the night on the slope and I promise by morning there’ll be none of us here!

There was movement and voices as well as whispered commotion on the slopes around him and soon Abishei was at his side. What are you doing my lord? Joab was soon there also asking the same thing. They’re right—the city is unconquerable—from the outside, said David. Joab said, If I could see your face I would think that you’re thinking of something else! David responded, I am. Eleazar! Are you here? Here my lord! was the response. Where’s that stream? asked David. To the southeast was the answer from the voice in the dark. I’m thirsty. Let’s go find it, said the king.

Together, the four men made their way back down the slope through the crouching and wondering men so the king could find his water. It wasn’t long before the babbling brook could be heard and then felt as they stepped into it some three hundred yards from where the rocks had come down upon them. It lay in the bottom of the ravine making its way around the city until it appeared as if it was going to wander uphill. Then it stopped.

Where’d it go? whispered Abishei.

Either down or into the wall of the ravine . . . replied David. He began to dig at the edge of the accumulated pool and against the sloping wall. Soon he felt the earth collapse some, so the other three began to dig and toss rocks away until there was felt an opening of some two feet by three feet.

Eleazar, go back and get a hemp bearer and bring him back here with all his hemp . . . . While you’re at it, bring back some unlit torches,

The three listened to the man as he hurried away and then Joab said, What are you thinking, my lord?

This probably pools in a reservoir right underneath their well. A thousand years of water erosion plus their own ingenuity has kept their city from thirst. Pretty smart, I’d say. They even closed the opening up to camouflage it. This is even better than I thought.

Soon Eleazar and the hemp bearer returned and David tied the rope to his waist. Taking a torch and holding it over his head he scooted stomach first into the opening. Making his way about seven feet into the pitch-black cavern he stopped and used his flint to light the dry torch over his head. The ceiling was only two feet above. The water continued to flow past him into the blackness. Still feeling rocks and pebbles below his feet he went on.

Where does he come up with these ideas? asked Abishei. They felt the hemp slowing moving through their hands. That night we rescued you from Saul’s camp, he decided to do that on the spur of the moment. I thought I was going to die climbing up that wall.

That’s why he’s the king and you’re not, came Joab’s retort. I wonder how far he’ll have to go?

I imagine from this point it’s about two hundred feet to that well, said Eleazar.

Soon David could just barely make out the ceiling above him while the cavern walls were also moving away with distance. Standing to his feet now, he began walking on through the two feet of water and holding the torch to the front of him while he looked into the eerie dimness. His ears picked up the sound of running water ahead somewhere. Suddenly he slipped and found himself falling down a waterfall.

‘Whoa! What was that? said Eleazar. The four men felt the hemp race through their hands even burning them. The hemp bearer, with the rope still tied to his waist was knocked off his feet and pulled to the opening knocking the other three down. Quick! Pull him back!" exclaimed Joab. The four pulled the hemp, now especially heavy, back towards them.

David was hanging in midair with the water falling upon his head and body. He held the still lit torch out so as to not quench it. He felt himself being pulled up slowly until he was back on the ledge again. He yanked the rope twice to indicate his safety.

He must be all right said Abishei.

He must have fallen added Joab.

David was now drenched, but the torch was still lit. He looked down and could see the water splashing into a pool just below him. It appeared to be about a six-foot drop. More than that, it appeared to be a reservoir. The well opening must be around here someplace, he thought. He looked at the wall next to him and it had the feel of having been chiseled out by hand. These Jebusites were pretty smart. I wonder if they were smart enough to put rungs up the well shaft. Too bad they weren’t smart enough to worship the right God. He pulled his rope until he had about eight feet of slack and then slowly he made his way down the drop until he was in the water of the reservoir. The bottom was nowhere to be touched. Carefully he made his way around the edge of the wall always looking up at the ceiling some sixteen feet above him. Before long his hand hit something hard and metallic. He grabbed hold of it. A rung! he said excitedly. I knew it! He looked up and could see some dim light above him. Grabbing hold of the rung, he started to pull himself up, but then felt other rungs below his feet. They must have put rungs all the way to the bottom in case of drought, he thought. Slowly he made his way up the rungs, finally wedging the torch in one of them so as to free his hands. It was a long way up, but the strong warrior soon found himself peeking over the top of the well wall. This was the city center. All the buildings were dark with the exception of lit lamps on the walls and going down the streets. He could see the wall to the east with the sentries walking on it. Slowly he turned his head and was startled, even scared momentarily by a hideous looking wooden figure on a pedestal close by. It was some Canaanite god. Slowly he made his way back down the shaft and into the blackness when suddenly he felt something whiz past his head. He clung close to the wall then realized it was a pot that had been let down for water. Breathlessly he hoped they would not see the lit torch down towards the bottom of the rungs. Soon the pot came back up spilling water as it rose. The recipient retrieved it and went on his way not noticing anything peculiar. David continued his descent. Reaching the rung just above the water level, he undid his rope and tied it tightly to the rung. Holding onto the rope he made his way back to the ledge, pulled himself up and then followed the rope back to the entrance. The men were surprised when he popped his shoulders through the opening. Quickly he told them of his discovery.

You want to move a whole army through that opening? asked Joab.

"No, I want you to go back and bring twenty of your men back here. We’re going to send just them and us up and we’ll open the gate to let the others through. Abishei, I want you to instruct Jashobeam and Benaiah as to our plan. Tell them to give us an hour and then have three or four of their men get into a fight that’s visible from the wall. That will be the diversion. While the guards’ attention is on that, we’ll go over the well cap and open the gate. When they see either a gate being opened or a body falling over the wall—that’s their signal to advance into the city. Then we’ll see how their lame and their blind fight. We need to hurry. I have a promise to keep.

What’s that? asked Joab.

I promised their king that all of our men would be gone from the slopes by morning . . . .

The four stared at him as best they could in the dark.

. . . Well, I didn’t say we were going home!

With a snicker Abishei and Joab left while David, Eleazar and the hemp bearer tied the hemp down to an unmovable boulder. The other two captains, upon hearing the plan readied their men.

Excitedly the men of Joab’s division made their way along the rope and through the same route that the king had forged previously. Once again David peeked over the well cap and waited . . . .

Gimme some of that! the soldier said to his companion. No! You’ve had ‘nough was the response. The two men walked close to the wall in the opposite direction of the gate while arguing over a skin of hard drink. They pushed each other occasionally falling down in a drunken stupor.

Hey, first you take my woman now you take my liquor!

You can have your woman back, this is better. At leas’ I can enjoy this all month!

Ah, that was cold. Here, gimme that. You’re just gonna have a hangover in the morning!

That’s another reason I like thish better. Hangovers always go away.

With that the opposite soldier swung, but missed the man with the drink. All of this was gathering attention on the wall as the sentries gathered to look and even laugh at the ribald spectacle below them. It was gathering no less attention from the waiting men on the slope, trying hard not to laugh. Another soldier got up and approached the two.

Hey, we’re trying to get some rest down here. What’s going on?

To this the one with the drink threw up.

Man, how’d you do that? the friend whispered to him.

I can’t stand garlic breath with alcohol!

Now David crept over the well cap and ran light-footedly to the buildings and down the street toward the gate, ducking in the shadows every few feet. He looked behind and saw he was being followed closely. He motioned for Joab and Eleazar to go up to the parapet and watched as they silently made their way up. There was laughter on the wall and he wondered what was so funny. When everyone seemed to be in position he and one of Joab’s men rushed the guards at the base of the gate, surprising them with a knife in their back. Then both men began to pull the heavy wooden beam back through the rungs of the doors until the portals swung open.

Benaiah and Jashobeam watched through their tears of mirth and muffled laughs when suddenly the gate pushed open and bodies began to fall from the parapet. With one big yell they rushed the stronghold leading their men running through the gate. Hundreds rushed through before the men of the city were able to fight to their full potential. Some were excellent and seemed to gravitate towards Israel’s best. However, as David had instructed, his archers walked the walls picking off with ease those below them. Joab and Abishei stuck together guarding each other’s backs. Everyone was involved in hand to hand combat using only knives. When the streets were cleared, the forces started at the gate and made house to house searches rounding up any stragglers, women and children and old people. As David entered one house, he was surprised from the rear by a yell. It was Eleazar who stood in the doorway behind him. Lying at David’s feet was a woman with a knife in her back. In her palm was a huge bladed knife. She had hidden behind the door and attempted to stab the king in the back when Eleazar spotted the action and threw his own weapon. The king looked at his lifesaver and nodded in appreciation.

The people of Jebus, while indeed rising to defend their homes were soft and unskilled. They had grown dependent upon the walls of their fortress for their protection. They had taken measures to sustain them in the event of a long siege by building their water system and reservoir and had even a fire protection system in the event of another fire raid. However the race of the Jebusites was nearly extinguished by David and his men with only a few escaping outside the gates and into the darkness.

Sun-up brought light to the empty slopes of the valleys below the perimeter of the west, south and eastern walls. The dead were being thrown into the valley on the western slope. The idols were gathered up and burned. As the sun’s rays came over the walls, the king met with his captains.

We’ve accomplished a lot this evening. I’m proud of each one of you and we need to thank God for giving us the victory and even going before us. You all showed great bravery and your divisions did well in their valor.

He walked up to Joab whose face, like the others was dirty and smudged with small spots of blood on it as well as his loincloth. His eyes were tired.

Joab, you showed great valor and skill in taking this city. I watched you and heard of your exploits . . . . To you . . . I give the command of the armies of Israel. They will be great under your leadership. I also entrust to you great men of valor and courage namely Benaiah, Abishei and Jashobeam. I also entrust to you one more courageous man . . . .

David turned to face Eleazar.

. . . The king owes his life to you. You have shown great bravery in your deeds this evening. I give to you the position of captain alongside these brave men. You shall take over the division that Joab has led all these years. You have big sandals to fill. I’m sure you will do well.

All five men knelt down on one knee, bowing their head, honoring their leader and king. They were surprised this one time when he also knelt down and thanked God publicly for their safe deliverance. They were never surprised again though for he would do it repeatedly after each of many victories. In fact it was often thought that they looked forward to those times together when all six would kneel in gratitude to the One whom they knew to be the real victor.

David arose with the rest of them.

Joab, I will leave tomorrow after a night’s rest. The city needs to be occupied and protected. We need to move the base of military operations here. Before long the people of Israel shall begin to arrive here to live their lives. I want to make sure they live their lives in peace within these walls. Situate your armies on the northern side of the city. That’s the most vulnerable. As soon as we get someone in here who knows how to work with iron I want three sets of bars put along the cavern of the watercourse that empties into the reservoir. Never again will someone be able to come in that way. I will leave it up to you to prepare our armies to meet the Philistines.

The next morning found the king and a large contingent of men leaving the gate of the city to make their way back to Hebron.

Joab caught up to the king before he had even made it back to the horses, which were tied on the other side of the valley.

My lord, he said breathlessly. I want you to know how grateful I am of your confidence in me. The two men stood looking at each other in the early morning sun. I’ve always had confidence in you, my friend, said the king. You earned my confidence when you saved my life that day. I’m not saying I’ve agreed with everything you’ve done, but I shall back you up in the decisions you shall make in the future. You have a great nation to defend and even expand.

There have been times when I acted with haste and impudence. Perhaps there will be others. I can only pledge to you my loyalty and obedience. And I pledge it to you until the day I die. Joab bowed his head to his sovereign.

David reached out his hand and patted him on the shoulder, then turned to go.

Joab yelled up to him as he ascended the valley slope, My lord! What do you intend to call this city?

Zion!

Zion? thought Joab. He knew of only four other words—all cities that started with that Hebrew sound. The word occupied his thoughts all the way back to the gate. He stood at the entrance looking down the extent of the walls and then out over the valley. He can call it ‘Zion’ if he wants, but to me it will always be ‘the City of David’.

CHAPTER 3

Leaving Joab and Abishei in Zion, David traveled the two days back to Hebron with Jashobeam, Benaiah and Eleazar. Each man rode the horses they had ridden for years, however the rest of the army was on foot since the forests would be too difficult for a large herd of horses to maneuver. The king chose to keep pace with the men rather than ride ahead. The time was coming, David knew, when their resolve, loyalty, skill and courage would be tested. This last fight was anemic. The raiders faced in Judah were competent, but small bands of renegades. The course of Israel and their destiny had to go through the Philistine lines. Hard iron plated, ironfisted and iron willed warriors seasoned in the art of warfare.

About a mile from Hebron, the warriors could hear a loud commotion, which they recognized as cheering when they got closer. David had not heard this for years. What was this they were singing? Ten Thousand, ten thousand! There must be residents in this city, he thought, who were in Gibeah in those early years and still remembered the song! The streets were lined with celebrators of the capture of Jebus. This would inspire the men he thought and prepare them for the hard battles ahead. How could this city stand any more celebration after the coronation and anointing two weeks previous?

As he approached his house, the king saw Amnon, Chileab and Absalom running out to greet him.

Daddy!

There they are! How are my boys?

The king alighted from his horse and attempted to grab all three in one big hug. He was able to get Absalom up on his shoulders and then lifted the other two up in his arms.

Absalom patted his head and then said, You smell!

Absalom! Ask the king’s pardon for that remark! exclaimed Maacah as she watched the proceedings. The proper daughter of a king and wife of an even greater king seemed embarrassed at the childish remark.

It’s all right, dear, I’m sure I do smell. I went for a swim! I’ll have to tell you boys about it!

The families had not been in the house long before David was informed of a visitor at the door. He accompanied the guard to the entry and saw Benaiah, Jashobeam and Eleazar standing there. In front of them, however, was a Philistine. It was plain to all that he was from the coast for he wore the garb of the coastal people.

My lord, the king, this man has traveled for several days from Gath to see you, said the guard.

The king and the traveler nodded courtesies to each other.

You may speak, said David.

My lord, King David, I am most grateful for the safe passage that your host has accorded me all the way from Gath. I realize these may be difficult times, however I have no complaint about by treatment.

Yes, it is a long journey. I have traveled it many times. How is King Achish?

That is the reason for my visit, my lord. The king has died. He spoke fondly of you, as did his family. I hope that you will be able to attend his memorial for safe passage has been granted to you. The other serens of the cities are agreeable to this. The friendship of Philistia and Judah was strong over the years and neither was a threat to each other’s borders. With this, the messenger bowed his head.

I am sorry to hear this. Yes, I will attend and in fact will leave tomorrow. You are welcome to ride along. My servant will get you quarters in the city this evening.

The man left with the servant and the three captains entered into the room to stand with David.

I will need at least one of you to go along with me, said David.

Jashobeam and Benaiah looked to the ground and then meekly over to Eleazar.

My lord, we’ve made this trip several times. Perhaps Eleazar needs to learn the protocol of the Philistines this once.

I would be most happy to accompany the king on this trip! said Eleazar.

Yes, and we would be most happy for you to accompany the king on this trip also! exclaimed Benaiah. Eleazar looked at him funny, wondering what that meant.

Well, my friend, we have just this evening to rest up. We should take full advantage of it, smiled the king.

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Gath was not far from the western border of Judah. David and Eleazar as well as the messenger were indeed given safe passage from the Judean lines all the way into Gath. They rode through large numbers of troops on the Philistine side. Such troops that were armed and ready for conflict. It had been awhile since David had traveled the streets of Gath. They hadn’t changed from that first time he had ridden in to see the king. In fact, they were still the same as the time he feigned insanity. He was acknowledged and even bowed to by those in the palace as he approached the cedar-paneled room, which contained the king’s ashes. The elders recognized him and he saw many from both Gath and Ziklag.

I was sorry to hear about your husband, he said to the widow of Achish. You know how our friendship goes back many years. We owe much to him for his kindness in our hard times.

And we owe much to you for being honorable with your treaties and secure borders, my lord, said the woman.

David stepped to the next person, a young man of twelve years of age. You’ve grown to be a man, I see. He looked down into the face of the king’s son, Achish II. That’s what they say, was the reply. You can do a lot of things at the age of . . . twelve is it? asked David. That’s right my lord. replied the future seren.

David leaned down and whispered into the young man’s ear . . . Did you ever hear the story of what I did? The boy looked at him in a quizzical way. You mean about the wall? he said nodding back at the cedar paneled wall most of which was covered by a large chest. David smiled . . . Yes, about the wall. Watch what you sign your name to. Stay within your borders and you’ll do just fine. He stood up and looked at Eleazar who was beside him and had heard the whole thing. Apparently, Achish II had never heard of what David had done at the age of twelve. The king would leave it at that.

Two days amongst the alien population attempting to exist within their heathen culture was enough for David and Eleazar. The companion was aghast at times at the various unclean foods and activities that were available. He understood now what Benaiah had meant when he said, beware of the white spiders. The crabs were abundant close to the seacoast. Seeing the painted men and women gave the warrior an