A Story of David: The Hunted (1960) - full transcript

CROWD: [CHANTING] David! David!

How long

must I listen

to these insults?

From the walls of the city to the walls of my house,

they sing the praises of David.

Do they think that he won the battle alone?

This foolish song is

not his doing, Father.

Hmm.

I had forgotten that

you are his champion.

And with good cause.

It was David who

fought through to my side

when I was

wounded and outnumbered.

Who became my shield against the Philistine steel.

I owe him my life.

Oh! Is there no end to this idolatry of David

even amongst my own children?

No one has served you

better than he has.

Not so well as

David has served himself.

Hold your tongue!

SAUL: Let him speak.

I have never doubted his loyalty.

The position of

David in your court

is a strange one, Sire.

Too exalted

for a shepherd, too...

Too lowly for a prince.

In rank

he is fourth

and who knows

of his ambitions?

And what of

your own ambitions?

It's lust for power that

makes you poison the mind

of my father against David.

I'll hear no more of

these evil insinuations.

SAUL: Then leave us.

Take Abner and disperse these caterwauling women outside,

then return here.

[SIGHS]

Some wine,

My Lord King?

[SIGHS] Yes.

Wine.

To wash away the memory of this day.

How soon

some people forget.

The triumphs of Saul

were legend

long before this

shepherd slew a giant.

Slaying of Goliath would have stood for nothing

but for the army that I had trained and led

when I routed the Philistines that day.

But it is to David

they ascribe that victory,

and others since.

I sent him to do

battle with Goliath.

I created an idol for my people to exalt above me.

Idols can be destroyed.

He was always in the forefront of the battle.

It seems that the Philistines have no darts or sword

that can pierce the heart of David.

Idols should be destroyed

by those who create them.

My Lord is known

for his fearful rages.

A man is not

held accountable

for acts of violence

committed in

moments of madness.

It is well known that

you've suffered from

these dark moods

since the days of

Samuel's wrathful prophecy

that doom would befall the House of Saul and another rule in his stead.

The ravings of

a jealous old man.

I'll show the Prophet Samuel and the people

who is king here and who will remain king.

Well, did you see

the handsome hero?

Is he still smiling on the swooning maidens that serenade him?

David is with

Michal, Father.

My own daughter, too,

has fallen under the spell of this ambitious wretch.

Bring him to me.

Go!

Or will you

add disobedience

to your disloyalty?

My love is

a garden of delights.

Fragrance of spring apples

is in her hair.

Her eyes bright,

warm as the summer sky.

Her lips are the color

of rarest wine

and her kisses

taste of honey.

My Lord speaks only of food.

He must be hungry.

Yes!

[LAUGHING]

I am the most

envied woman in Israel.

There is not one who does not yearn to serve you thus.

Such service

should be rewarded.

To match

the color of the wine.

Can you match these?

[COUGHS]

What am I offered

for this?

You must come closer

so I can put it on.

To the victor the spoils.

Trinkets and treasures from cities stormed and battles won.

David, his 10,000 slew.

Ten thousand kisses

are his due.

Ten thousand kisses.

It's not wise

to sing that song

in this house, Michal,

not even in jest.

Does not my brother have

the delicacy to allow us

some small privacy?

This is no

idle intrusion.

The King has sent me

to summon David.

The King has had David by his side for months.

I will at least have this hour.

You may tell my father I will join him for the evening meal.

It's not a request, Michal.

It's a command.

What troubles you,

Jonathan?

Ill tidings?

This foolish song

has driven my father

to the brink of

another fit of madness.

Is it foolish to sing songs to the man who led Israel to victory?

It's an affront to

a proud and sensitive man.

He's filled with rage

against David.

Perhaps I have shown an over fondness for the praises of the people.

The praises were richly deserved.

In his heart, he knows that.

You've dispelled his fears and rages before.

Go now

and soothe his injured pride.

JONATHAN: Father?

It is to David

that I wish to speak.

How is My Lord?

My head is wrecked

with infernal pain.

It grieves me to hear this.

You said that to me

once before.

Do you remember the occasion?

How could I forget?

It was the first time

that they brought you

before me.

When all else failed,

you cured the raging storms in my head.

David, bring the lute.

Your songs may

soothe away the pain.

DAVID:

My Lord must remember

that on that other occasion, he was cured by the song of a simple shepherd boy.

A stranger brought before him by Abner from the flocks and fields.

I'm a soldier

long out of practice.

You refuse?

I am My Lord's servant.

So bring the lute.

Sit here, David,

at the feet of your king,

as you did that night.

What song will you sing?

One of your choosing.

No, let the choice be yours.

Would My Lord

enjoy a love song?

Have you not made up a song of victory,

O, slayer of

tens of thousands?

My Lord, we all know

there were not 10,000

Israelites and Philistines

in the battle.

Much less

that many slain.

Huh!

The slayer of giants

and thousands is modest

in the company of others

who fought beside him.

He will not

sing of his victory.

Yours were the victories,

as you will remember, Sire.

And yet the people

babble of your glory.

You are called, "Conqueror

of the Philistines,"

"Hope of Judah."

Our victories are

God's victories,

My Lord.

By your leave

I'll sing of Him.

[PLAYING]

Oh, Lord.

In your strength, the King is glad.

In your victory, how greatly he rejoices.

You have granted him

his heart's desire.

You refused him not

the wish of his lips.

You've welcomed him with goodly blessings.

And placed on his head a crown of pure gold.

For the King trusts in the Lord.

And through the kindness of the Most High,

he remains unshaken.

May your hand reach all your enemies.

May your right hand reach all your foes.

David!

This way, David!

In the name of God, run!

SAUL: Guards!

Doeg, seize him!

Through the window.

Search the gardens.

Search the palace

and the whole city

if need be.

I charge you to find

David and destroy him.

While he lives,

I am not safe.

No!

You will

search the quarters

of Michal and Jonathan.

When a man's children

become his enemies,

they must be

treated as such.

Someday you will drink

as deeply

of the bitterness

of betrayal as I have.

Open, in the name of the King.

Oh, I beg

your pardon, Sire.

Captain of the Guard!

Captain of the Host!

Captain of my Scouts!

Is there not a man in your command, Jashobeam,

that can follow the trail of a traitor?

My Lord... Enough!

I've had my fill of excuses.

God must indeed be on the side of Israel

if he gives victory

to such as you.

The army can search for one man and fail,

but one man, the right man can succeed.

My Lord knows there is one man closer to David than any other.

Your own son, Jonathan.

This Edomite, Doeg,

not only poisons the mind of our father,

I fear he also

has us watched.

One false step and we'll play into his hands.

I feel like

an animal in a cage.

David will think

himself deserted

unless we act swiftly.

Be patient, Michal.

We can't even risk sending him word to flee until we're sure we're not followed.

But he cannot

give up everything.

Where will he go?

What will he do?

He will live.

But if he

returns here...

SAUL: He will be

welcome to my court again.

Father, come in.

Only a tender heart

could give me such

a welcome.

Last night...

How can I explain

last night?

It was the evil spirit, the old malady.

My soul is

full of sorrow

for the things

they say I said.

When I awakened,

it was as if from

some terrible nightmare.

Oh, when they told me

the things that I'd said

and the things that I did,

I wanted to

cry out, "Liar!"

But

I can recall nothing.

Nothing.

Oh, my Son,

humbly I ask forgiveness

for accusations

unjust and untrue.

But for you,

I might have

killed David,

who's been

as another son to me.

You must find him.

Bring him before me

at the forthcoming feast,

so that he

and all assembled

may hear me acknowledge

the great wrong that

I've done him

and my desire

to make amends.

I'll find him.

Oh!

[JONATHAN WHISTLING]

This way, Jonathan.

You're unharmed.

Thank God for that.

And you.

You met no ill treatment for your part in my escape?

No.

Michal. How is Michal?

As eager for your return

as I am.

My father sent me to

bring you back, David.

Tomorrow,

at the Feast

of the New Moon,

he wishes to make public

his apology for the evil

he's done to you.

He's canceled

the search for you.

Last night I...

I had a dream.

In the dream,

I heard a voice.

Whose voice?

That of the Prophet Samuel.

It told me that I should go into the wilderness and hide.

And if I should return to the House of Saul,

there would be but a step between death and me.

That's the message

I wanted to send you,

until my father's words

convinced me otherwise.

But the warning of the

Prophet cannot be ignored.

Nor can the command of the King.

It was only a dream.

Yes. But was it?

Has his anger

really passed,

or is this

sudden repentance

a trick to lure you back?

There's little danger of anything happening while we're at the feast.

We'll both be on guard.

No.

You mustn't return until

I'm sure you're safe.

I can test my father's

sincerity better alone.

If there's still evil in

his heart, I'll warn you.

In what manner?

I'll go to

the training ground

with a bow and arrow.

You hide in the rocks,

behind the target we used.

I'll shoot three arrows

and send a boy to fetch

them back.

If I call to him that the arrows are on the near side,

it will mean

that all is well.

And if it is not?

I'll say the arrows

are on the far side.

God willing, we'll be together again soon.

Take care, my friend.

Lord God of Israel,

hear thy servant.

Forgive my doubts,

heed my prayer,

for without you

I'm nothing.

Let not my danger

be his danger

and if there's violence,

let it fall on me alone.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[PEOPLE LAUGHING]

[TRUMPETS BLARING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Where is David?

In Bethlehem,

celebrating the solemn

rite of sacrifice

with his people.

Did you not tell him

that I had commanded

his return?

Does he realize that for this insult he could die?

Let the blame fall on me.

I gave him leave

to return tomorrow.

You gave him leave?

You defied my command?

Fool!

But for you, he'd now be dead.

Why?

Because he is my enemy.

JONATHAN: He's the scourge

of your enemies.

He wants to tear

the crown from my head.

A fevered mind is easy prey

to the lies of evil-doers.

You have shown to all here

that you have chosen

David above your king.

To your own shame.

Don't you realize

that as long as he lives,

you could never

be ruler of Israel?

That's for God to decide.

Weakling! That is for me

to decide.

Go forth, find him!

Oh, this time

he shall surely die.

Your just commands

I've always obeyed,

but this is a sin

against innocent blood

and would

blacken the name of Saul.

Am I a child to be chided

or a king to be obeyed?

In a covenant before God,

I swore to defend the

name of David.

Then die yourself.

My Lord King,

in your own words, Jonathan's our future ruler.

Abner, Jashobeam, summon your men.

Search for David.

Doeg, follow me.

Quickly.

It's a bad hour of the day for the practice of archery.

The sun dazzles my eyes.

Fetch the arrows, Caleb.

The arrows are beyond you.

Stay back.

Doeg's watching.

What happened?

My father believes

you'll take his throne,

rob me of my birthright.

If you believe that,

draw your sword now

and kill me.

The words are his.

The words

of a man half mad with

fear of Samuel's prophecy.

The words of a man

who's resolved your death.

Then it was a trap.

And now you are followed.

No longer trusted

because of me.

Avoid the roads.

He sent the army

to search for you.

The ways of the world

are strange.

Yesterday I led the armies,

today they hunt me

like an animal.

David, you must go.

I can't even take

your hand in farewell.

We will meet again.

Tell Michal... There's no time.

Go quickly.

And may God

watch over you.

And over you,

my brother.

Well?

David is not

in Jerusalem, Sire.

Nor in Bethlehem.

Didn't you question

the people?

Yes, My Lord.

Some professed ignorance.

Some swore he has

not been in the vicinity.

Still others...

Well, go on.

Others refused to answer.

Asking, "For what reason does Saul hunt down the hero of Israel's victories?"

We'll see if the people

will ask such questions

of their king.

I shall command

the search myself.

[SHEEP BLEATING]

JOAB: We have

found him at last.

DAVID: If it is God's will, I am ready to go with you.

We've come to

go with you, Cousin.

Joab!

This place is

no longer safe.

Jashobeam and

the King's scouts are

only a short distance away

and the army

is not far behind.

Saul leads

the search himself.

And Jonathan?

Left behind

in disgrace.

Only Doeg enjoys

the King's confidence now.

Saul's hatred of you

is such that

he's ordered anyone who

gives you shelter put

to the sword.

Then I can no longer endanger those who would befriend me.

I must go into the wilderness.

We are yours to command.

Joab is my kinsman,

but you, Hezro,

you're of Saul's army.

The punishment for

desertion is death.

HEZRO: We're soldiers,

Captain.

I, for one, have

no great fear of death.

Thank you.

They've eluded us again.

Are my scouts such sluggards

that they cannot overtake

this band of traitors?

JASHOBEAM: They're never

where we expect them

to be, My Lord.

SAUL:

You think you're

a strategist, Abner.

Well, which way did he go?

North? South? East? West?

My Lord already

has the opinions of

those he's questioned.

Some say

he's fled to Paran.

Others believe

he was headed in

the direction of Nob.

Paran. Nob.

And am I expected to

be in both places at once?

My Lord, an unwieldy force

is easily evaded.

Here, you're within

striking distance

of both places.

While Jashobeam and

his scouts search

the hill country,

I can seek out

men in Paran and Nob

who will inform us of

any sign of David

and his men.

Well, at least one of

my counselors has

a feasible plan.

Command the troops

to break camp, Abner.

And we'll see

if Doeg can succeed

where all the rest of you

have failed.

Never have I known such a scarcity of game in these hills.

Tomorrow I'll go down

to the village of Nob.

I'll go with you. And I.

No. Several strangers

might invite curiosity.

I have friends in Nob.

Perhaps they'll help us.

SAUL:

Any word from Doeg?

No, Sire,

from Gibeah.

Am I awaked in the middle

of the night to hear this?

JONATHAN: I've come on a mission of grave importance, Sire.

The farmers of Keilah report that

Philistine troops are gathered near their border.

They fear an attack.

How do I know that

you're telling the truth?

I know how close

you are to David.

This may be

merely a ruse.

If you don't believe me, send troops.

I will send nobody

until I am ready.

My first task is

to make my kingdom safe

from the dangers within.

The task that

I will never give up

until David is captured.

Now, we'll wait here until

Doeg comes back from Nob.

That man,

keep him always

within your sights

until I return

with the King's men.

The Lord be with you.

And with you.

I wish to see

the priest, Ahimilech.

My father. Who shall I say wishes to see him?

He will know me.

Summon him.

My father will see you now.

Wait outside for me, my Son.

Call to me if anyone approaches.

You're taking a great risk coming here alone.

It was necessary.

My men

now face an enemy

other than the King's army.

For two days,

they've been without

food and drink.

They're harried

and hungry.

Can you spare us

some food?

Our village is poor, David. We have barely enough to feed ourselves.

There is the holy bread.

But I will overstep the law by giving you bread from the sacred table.

Could you ask the Lord

to guide you, good priest?

We will let

the Lord decide.

These are the sacred stones.

If His answer is yes,

we shall get a sign by the stone called Thummim.

If no, by Urim.

Thummim.

The Lord has been good to you, David.

You shall get the bread. Abiathar.

Yes, Father.

Go into the Sanctuary and collect all the holy bread and bring it here.

Yes, Father.

Is it for him?

Quickly. Quickly. There's no time for questions. Go. Go. Go.

You must be proud

to have such a son.

Oh, he is very inquisitive.

Huh! So was I at his age.

There's something else

we're in dire need of,

Ahimilech.

Weapons.

There are

perhaps a dozen

in the whole village.

But wait.

This belongs to you by right.

The sword of Goliath!

There's none other like it.

After the battle, the Prophet Samuel entrusted it to my care.

If I had not slain Goliath,

I would not now be

a fugitive.

Your destiny was decided long before the battle, David.

You were but a boy when Saul proved himself unworthy.

After his disobedience to the will of the Lord,

it was made known to Samuel that you were to be His anointed one.

Use it to fight the Lord's battle, David.

Remember always that you are His chosen one.

Use it only for good.

Seek His will

in all things.

I'll dedicate it to the Lord.

Forty loaves, Father.

All I could find.

Goliath's sword.

My father said the only

man in Israel who could...

You are David?

You must tell

no one of this.Why?

Because it is dangerous

for David and his men

and for us.

He's being hunted

by King Saul.

Why? Has he done

something wrong?

No. He has done

nothing wrong.

Why then?

I told you there is

no time for questions.

David must

get back to his men.

Yes, before they eat

the bark off the trees.

You go with David, my Son, and help carry them.

No, no.

I need no help.

It would break his heart if we denied him this privilege.

But return promptly,

mind you.

I will, Father.

David. Yes?

I will not ask you where you plan to go.

To Paran, Maon.

Perhaps the border.

Any community where we can be of service and satisfy our meager needs.

Should it be Maon, seek out a woman called Abigail.

She will help you in your hour of need.

Abigail. Yes.

Thank you, Ahimilech.

David, come this way. You will encounter fewer people.

Again, my thanks,

good priest.

Bless you both.

[BLOWING]

[WHISTLING]

[WHISTLING]

These are my men,

Abiathar.

The best in all Israel.

And this is Abiathar,

son of Ahimilech,

priest of Nob.

Recruits are getting

younger every day.

What is your reason

for joining us?

If I could, I would follow David.

What have we here?

Bread.

Bread, eh?

Little enough

to sustain a man

after a forced march.

Meat and red wine

would be more to

my belly's liking.

However...

Come along now,

one at a time.

There'll be enough

for everyone.

Your father wanted you

to return promptly.

You best go back.

I could come again.

I could bring some more bread tomorrow.

You're very generous,

Abiathar.

But who knows

where we'll be tomorrow.

Goodbye. Thank the

good priest for me again.

May we meet again.

And soon.

Goodbye, David.

Joab, show him

to the path.

You are the priest,

Ahimilech?

Yes, My Lord King.

It's been reported to us

that David has visited

this place this day.

Do you deny it?

I do not deny it, My Lord.

For what purpose

did he come?

He needed food for his hungry men.

And you gave it to him?

I gave him bread, My Lord.

And also a sword.

You gave arms to

a traitor!

The sword will never be raised against you, My Lord King.

For who amongst your people is as faithful as David?

Well, we've searched

everywhere, My Lord King.

David's not here.

Nor do the people

know his whereabouts.

If they did,

would they tell you?

Where is he, Priest?

I cannot tell you that, My Lord.

You will tell me

or you will die.

You and all

your father's house.

I do not know, My Lord,

and if I knew, I would not tell.

Slay them!

[PEOPLE CLAMORING]

Slay everyone here

as a lesson for those

who will defy their king.

These are innocent people, Father.

Their hands and their

hearts are with David.

They know

where he has fled,

but they will not speak.

Slay them!

[PEOPLE CLAMORING]

You all

rebel against me?

I cannot order an Israelite

to slay a priest.

We're on holy ground.

I am not an Israelite.

Command me.

SAUL: Slay them!

[PEOPLE SCREAMING]

Find Jashobeam.

I'll go follow the boy.

HEZRO: Hold it.

DAVID: What is this, Hezro?

HEZRO:

The boy who

brought the bread.

Hezro, you go to the trail and make certain no one has followed.

Abiathar, what happened?

[VOICE SHAKING]

The King...

The King

and the soldiers

came to look for you.

But my father

wouldn't tell them.

So, the King...

They killed my father.

My father, my family.

Everyone.

They're all dead.

Because of me.

They died because of me.

Would that I could've died in his stead.

Where did he go? With David.

Good. Forward.

From now on, you will be one of us.

If anyone tries to kill you, he will have to kill me first.

Saul's men close by.

How many?

Two score,

perhaps more.

Led by Jashobeam.

David.

Look after him, Hezro.

They're almost upon us.

You go ahead, David, while we stay and delay them.

We go together

or die together.

Disperse the men.

Have them take cover

and wait for my signal.

Disperse. Take cover.

Put the fire out.

Come on. Come on.

Quickly. Quickly.

Spread out.

Come on, come on.

March. March.

That's right.

Keep going.

Take up your positions.

Still warm.

They must be close by.

DAVID: Close enough to kill you where you stand.

You're outnumbered and surrounded.

If you try to fight, not one man will escape alive.

Surrender your sword, Jashobeam.

I will give you

my sword, David,

not in surrender,

but in support.

We have come

to serve you.

We can follow Saul

no longer.

His soul is

sick with hatred.

When Jonathan brought news

that the Philistines are

poised on the border...

Philistines? Where? Near Keilah.

The farmers

want protection,

but Saul refuses to

abandon the search for you.

He has only

one objective, David.

To destroy you.

If you follow me,

your lives will be in constant danger.

You'll be hunted, harried, homeless, often hungry.

If anyone wishes to return to Saul...

ALL: No! No!

Lord God of Israel, hear our prayer.

To you we lift up our souls.

In you we trust.

Let not our enemies exult over us.

Make known to us your ways that we may walk in truth and righteousness.

Deliver Israel from all its distress,

for you are our stronghold,

our strength and our shield.

Jashobeam,

take two men and keep us informed of Saul's movements.

We march to Keilah.

To Keilah? Why?

To do what we can to protect the people and their harvest from the Philistines.

But what of my people?

Aren't you going to use the sword my father gave you

to avenge their murder?

In the presence of

your father,

I pledged

this sword to the Lord.

It is not ordained that

I use it against the King.

But you're not going to use it for the King?

No, Abiathar, not for him.

For the Lord and

all of our people.

For Israel.

Come.

[TRUMPET BLOWING]

Well?

The Philistines crossed our border at Keilah today, My Lord King.

How many?

Where are they now?

In flight.

Ambushed by

soldiers of Israel.

SAUL: Soldiers of Israel?

Armed with

rocks and sticks

and a few weapons,

and led by David.

Soldiers of Israel?

Deserters.

JONATHAN: David never deserted you, Father.

You drove him from your court.

You pursue him like an enemy and still he fights your battles.

This should prove his loyalty.

Or his ambition.

Again, he's a hero

to the people.

How long will you continue to give heed

to the evil suggestions of this Edomite,

who poisons your mind with lies?

I have never had occasion to doubt his loyalty.

DOEG:

Good can come

from this, Sire.

There are but

two routes from Keilah.

Across the border

into Philistia,

a way they would

never dare to choose.

And here, to Paran.

If we act swiftly,

we can cut them off here.

JOAB: David.

The men cannot

sustain such a pace.

They must have rest.

They will rest for all time if Saul's army overtakes us.

Jashobeam and his scouts will advise us

when we can slacken our pace.

Continue the march.

They're spent.

Another hour and

there will be stragglers.

Would you

leave them behind?

Continue the march.

I can see by your face that our forced march was useless.

My Lord knows that

David is a master

of military deception.

Are all my captains fools?

Must they be forever outwitted by this traitor?

They are soldiers,

My Lord.

This is a task

for subtle men.

My men.

May I suggest we

proceed to Paran

and await word

from them there?

You may so inform the troops, Doeg!

Maon,

and beyond the pass, Paran.

Feast your eyes on

that view, Jashobeam.

But covet not the sheep,

lest you be accused

of gluttony.

[LAUGHING]

What news?

The King's scouts

have lost the trail.

The army has turned back.

Oh, thank God for that.

Hezro, did you hear?

We can stay a while. The men have earned a rest.

Joab, divide the men into groups and search for a stronghold.

Yes, David.

How fares our young recruit?

The priest's son,

he's a brave lad.

He keeps up with

the rest of the men

without complaint,

but his dreams

are troubled.

Abiathar.

Yes, David.

The eyes of youth are sharp.

See if you can be the first to find us a suitable stronghold.

We will be the first.

Come on, Hezro!

[CHUCKLES]

Already, he gives

orders like a commander.

Deep and dry.

It'll make

a good shelter.

It's settled then.

Tell the others Abiathar has found our new home.

You miss your home, your father and your family.

That's only natural.

Do not dwell

upon your sorrow.

Try to seek solace in the Lord and you'll find comfort.

I will not find comfort

while their murderers live!

Oh, do not hate, Abiathar.

The Old Law says,

"Love thy neighbor

and hate thine enemy."

That was not the way of your father.

He sought the will of the Lord in all things.

With this.

Jashobeam returned to the temple to find it for you.

David, will their

deaths be avenged?

The Lord has said that vengeance is His.

Their deaths will be avenged, in His time and in His way.

In my time, in my way.

Look. Look, Abiathar. Look there.

[SHEEP BLEATING]

Who are they, David?

What are they doing?

Brigands, about to

attack the shepherds.

They're heavily armed. The shepherds will be slaughtered.

Unless we help them.

HEZRO: Is that a command?

Those who have arms

will attack with me.

Those unarmed

will go with Joab,

joining the fray

as brigands fall

and weapons

become available.

Jashobeam, take two men and

drive the flock toward

the mountains.

That'll create

a diversion.

BRIGAND: Run!

See to our wounded.

Remove them

to the stronghold

and tell me their number.

We owe you our lives.

Would that we could repay you,

but we are poor without a sheckel between us.

You owe us nothing.

But if it is gratitude you wish to show, there is a way.

My men are hungry. Let us have a few sheep that we may eat tonight.

I dare not.

They belong to

our master, Nabal,

and he will return from Paran for the shearing three days hence.

And if any sheep should be missing...

Is your master so poor that he sets such a high value on just a few sheep?

Six wounded.

Protecting you.

Let us take care

of the sheep.

SHEPHERD: No, I beg you.

For the sake of these good men and their families.

You don't know the wrath of our master.

This Nabal, he can't be

the monster he paints him.

I cannot take that chance.

Look at Abiathar and remember how his people

were slaughtered for giving us bread.

We will return to the stronghold.

Come.

This Nabal sets great store by his flock.

Perhaps he'll be pleased to have us protect it for him.

A sound idea.

When he returns,

we'll propose

a bargain.

Protection from the marauders and assistance with the shearing

in exchange

for food and money to

buy weapons and equipment.

When he returns.

What shall we do till then?

DAVID: Live off the land.

The brigands

might attack again.

Couldn't we?

It is not the way

of the Lord to steal.

It's not the way of

my stomach to starve.

[SIGHS] Perhaps work

will take our minds

off our hunger.

We haven't yet built

an altar to the Lord

to thank him

for delivering us

from Saul and his army.

When the men have

rested properly,

set them to work.

Your mind still

dwells on your home.

Do you always read people's thoughts?

It is not so difficult.

To each man,

that sight will

bring a different thought,

a different dream.

Joab would think

of the fine wine

he might find there.

Jashobeam would envision

the beautiful women.

Hezro...

Food.

[LAUGHS] Yes.

And you, David, what do you dream of?

The water.

When I was a boy

tending my father's flocks,

the water of Bethlehem

was as sweet as wine.

I would think of my thirst

and I would dream of

the water in the garden.

NAOMI: They saved

all the sheep.

It must have been

most exciting.

I wonder who they were?

The shepherds

said the fighting

was fast and furious.

But the brigands were

driven off.

But at what cost, in dead and wounded?

[DOG BARKING]

Brigands!

Run, my lady!

He doesn't look very fierce, Naomi.

What weapon is this, young man?

A water container.

First, they try to steal our sheep and now our water.

I'm not of those who

tried to steal the sheep,

but of those

who drove them away.

I've come to get some

water for David,

our leader.

KUDRUH: Brigands! [DOG BARKING]

Search the grounds.

Surround the house.

Take him to my quarters. Hide him. Quickly.

KUDRUH: You come with me.

What is this intrusion, Kudruh?

Someone was

seen to enter here.

In the interests of

your safety,

we will search

to make certain.

There are brigands

in the area.

ABIGAIL: Do you dare suggest that a man, brigand or any other,

has entered the house in the absence of your master?

Take your men and be gone.

How are you called?

Abiathar.

And this leader

who sends a boy on

so dangerous a mission?

He didn't send me.

He doesn't know

I've come.

Where we are camped

there is only branch water

and he thirsts for the fresh spring waters of his youth.

To serve David

is a great honor.

Such loyalty

deserves reward.

Naomi, fill the cask.

Why is it

such an honor

to serve this man?

You have not

heard of David?

Here in the wilderness of Maon, we hear little of anything.

Tell me about him.

Well, he fears nothing.

When he was not

much older than me,

he slew the great

Philistine giant,

Goliath,

and many more Philistines

who tried to invade Israel.

So he is that David.

Godspeed, Abiathar.

My thanks, my lady.

You are as kind

as you are beautiful.

Where is Abiathar?

I thought

he was with you.

No, he left me long ago.

These hills are not known to us.

It might be dangerous for a young boy to wander alone in the dark.

Find him, Hezro.

Thank you.

We have nothing to

sacrifice to the Lord.

We'll endure our

hunger in silence.

And give thanks

for our delivery

and our victory.

The Lord is my shepherd.

I shall not want.

He maketh me

to lie down in

green pastures.

He leadeth me

beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul.

He leadeth me in

the paths of justice,

for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil.

For thou art with me.

Thy rod and thy staff,

they comfort me.

Thou preparest

a table before me

in the presence

of mine enemies.

Thou annointest

my head with oil,

my cup runneth over.

Surely, goodness and

mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life.

And I will

dwell in the house

of the Lord forever.

Our comrade has returned from a raid.

He stole into Nabal's walled garden to get spring water for David.

He was pursued by armed men.

How did you escape?

Well, there was a lady.

A beautiful lady...

[ALL LAUGHING]

Did I not say

he'd make a soldier?

His first taste of adventure and he spins tales of beautiful ladies.

Here's your

water, David.

Thank you, Abiathar.

We needed something

to offer for sacrifice.

Bless this water, Lord.

It's placed upon

thine altar.

[MEN LAUGHING]

[MEN CHEERING]

What weapon have you chosen to master, Abiathar?

The weapon David used.

The sling.

The only giant

in the vicinity

is this one.

Who are you?

Does it matter?

I've come

to seek David.

And found him.

I wished to thank the man who saved the shepherds of Maon.

Now come on. That's it. Come on! Come on!

Go!

Are they your people,

the shepherds?

I have often watched over my father's flocks.

Even as I have.

I liked the nights best, when everything was dark and still,

and it almost seemed possible to reach out and touch the stars.

Night, when the heavens

declare the glory of God

and the firmament

proclaims His handiwork.

In His wisdom,

He has wrought

many miracles.

And of them all,

the most wondrous is woman.

Fairer are you in beauty

than all other women.

Grace is poured out

onto your lips.

All glorious are you

as you enter.

My heart sings,

because with you

comes gladness and joy.

The words come easily to your lips, My Lord.

They have been said before.

No, no, boy. Come here. Let me show you.

Find me a stone.

Here you are.

[ALL LAUGHING]

A man can love

more than once.

He can love

several women,

each in a different way.

[MEN SHOUTING]

You wait here for me.

Well, that was

more or less how

David slew Goliath.

Another shot in my direction, sir,

and you will all see, more or less,

how David slew Hezro.

[MEN LAUGHING]

[STONE THUDS] Ah.

On the mark

three times.

You've grown proficient.

I must.

Whatever they've done to me, I will do to them.

Abiathar, listen...

I bring tidings

and a very

welcome visitor!

David.

Jonathan!

Well, how did you find us?

When their army withdrew,

I stayed behind to search.

If it hadn't been

for the shepherds,

I would never

have found you.

[BOTH LAUGH]

Why is the son of Saul welcomed thus?

David chooses his friends

not for who they are,

but what they are.

But he was one of the murderers. I saw him there!

I, too, was there

when it happened,

Abiathar.

I've come to

join you, David,

if you'll have me.

Well, we'll talk of that later.

What are the tidings?

Nabal has returned.

Good. We must send

a delegation to

call upon him.

Send me, David. DAVID: All right.

Can I go, too?

The decision is yours to make.

A boy might

soften his heart.

And then, too, Abiathar has

got a very beautiful

friend there.

Doeg claims

to have friends

in Paran and Maon.

It would be

better if David's name

were not mentioned there.

May the Lord make you eloquent with Nabal.

JASHOBEAM: Peace be to you and all in your house, Nabal.

Has your herder told you of the raid on your flock?

I bring a proposal from those who saved your flock.

We will protect you from such marauders and help with the shearing

in return for food and a few sheckles.

Another form of thievery.

Our men fought hard against the brigands.

Some lie wounded.

They have their bravery

to comfort them while

they recover.

Virtue, they say,

is its own reward.

That they do not go hungry, at least spare us a few sheep.

I have no sheep

to spare.

Dispose of

these beggars.

Abiathar.

My lady.

What does this mean?

We came to offer help in return for food.

He called us thieves, beggars!

I will see

what I can do.

NABAL: I said,

dispose of them.

How can you treat them so rudely?

That's none

of your affair.

Have you not the decency to give them a few paltry sheep?

Silence, woman,

or I'll have you

whipped for your insolence.

I'm master here.

I wonder how long

you will be master here

when their leader

hears your insults.

Do you know who he is?

Does it matter?

Has the master of Maon heard of David of Israel?

You have defied me,

taunted me, tormented me.

But I will overlook it

this once.

Because you've

done me a great favor.

What favor?

That's no concern

of yours.

Go to your quarters, woman.

I must talk with Kudruh

of this matter.

Go.

And don't leave your room until I give you permission.

This David is

sought everywhere

by Saul of Israel.

Only yesterday in Paran,

I heard the King offer

great rewards

for information

leading to his capture.

We will see

that he gets it.

MAN: Hey, you!

Come here.

Come back.

You're prisoners. Get back!

[BOTH GRUNTING]

Get back to David!

I must stay with the boy!

[CLEARS THROAT]

Are my guests safely housed in the dungeon?

The youth

and spokesman are.

The rest are still being

pursued in the forest.

If they should be allowed to escape...

All the better if they do.

They will tell David.

And the youth swears

he will come here to

set them free.

When he does,

imprison him.

How much greater the reward if I should hand David over as a prisoner?

Go to Saul at once, Kudruh.

But first, post a guard over our present prisoners.

Under no circumstances must the bait escape.

Hmm.

Mistress, they have

imprisoned David's men.

Why?

With them,

Nabal plans

to entrap David

for the reward

offered by King Saul.

By nightfall,

Kudruh will have

reached his camp in Paran

and will lead him here.

David must be warned.

But he will not leave Maon without them.

Do you know which passage leads to the dungeon?

No, mistress.

I've only been as

far as the wine cellar.

We will find our way.

Call my uncle, the chief shepherd.

We will need donkeys and food.

Meat, fruit,

cheese and wine.

Nabal called us beggars, thieves.

He had us flung from his house.

And this knife wound?

We were attacked by his men as we left the estate.

Benjamin was wounded.

Abiathar taken prisoner.

Jashobeam, too.

We will

pay them in kind.

Take up your swords.

I could swear

we had been here

a dozen times before.

It is hopeless.

We must find them soon before my uncle loses courage.

And if he does not wait?

Hush! Do not even speak of it.

We have found it.

But there is

a guard there.

What should we do?

Wait here.

[LAUGHS] Looking for something, my pretty?

I'm looking for the wine cellar.

I am lost.

Indeed you are. It is in the opposite direction.

My master

wants some more wine.

Please, would you show me

the way?

Follow me.

I shall expect a reward.

Some wine, perhaps.

Or a kiss.

Abiathar?

My lady?

Follow me, quickly.

ABIATHAR: David. [LAUGHING]

Are you all right, boy?

Yes. And you, you're not hurt?

Oh, a few

cuts and bruises.

You're sure

you're not harmed?

Yes. Thanks to my lady Abigail.

She freed us.

Abigail.

Why does the wife of

Nabal come here?

To spy on us?

Perhaps it amuses her to play games.

I came to bring

food for your men.

And to speak with you,

My Lord.

Hear me, please.

Hezro, distribute

some food.

Turn back, My Lord.

The shedding of needless blood will not wipe away the injustice.

Do not seek revenge that will harm the innocent.

Your plea for

Nabal is eloquent.

It is not for Nabal that I plead,

but for those around him who will be hurt for his evil.

I plead for you also, My Lord.

Nabal has sent for King Saul hoping to trap you.

So it starts again.

Why does the King pursue you?

To kill me.

But why?

Because the Prophet Samuel

has said that another would

someday rule in his place.

And you are that other?

Well, if you are

to be king, David,

you must not

avenge yourself on

the House of Nabal.

When you are king,

there must be no

grief in your heart,

either that you have

shed needless blood

or avenged yourself

on the innocent.

I will not

avenge myself.

Abigail.

The good priest,

Ahimilech of Nob,

told me

to seek out a woman

named Abigail of Maon.

We lived in Nob once, long ago.

Then my father moved on to Ziklag, to Syria,

then Maon, always searching for greener pastures.

And did you find them?

No.

Here, the land

was owned by Nabal.

Soon, my father was in overwhelming debt to him.

I was the payment.

I must go.

And you must take your men out of Maon before Saul is upon you.

I was as a field

without rain until

you looked upon me.

It was no game,

My Lord.

I will remember

you always.

May we meet again.

Brazen, meddling drab.

You have

betrayed your husband,

consorted with outlaws.

I will kill you. [BOTH GASP]

Strike you...

Summon his physician.

He's dead.

We must leave

this place at once

before Kudruh returns.

Where will we go?

I will try to find David. If it is not too late.

I will make ready.

You will not

come with me.

But you cannot go into

the wilderness alone.

You have served me well, Naomi.

As God has given me my freedom this day,

so too will I give you yours.

More wine.

Let us drink to

the loyalty of Nabal,

to the wisdom of Doeg

who suggested that

we come to Paran,

to the victory

that will soon be ours.

The wine is not

to your taste,

my general?

Then summon the officers,

arouse the men.

We leave for

Maon at once.

Hezro, why do we run away?

Why don't we kill Nabal?

David!

Saul and his forces are encamped in the pass to Paran.

Joab.

Mountains to the north,

mountains to the south,

and Nabal's men to the west.

Our only way out is through the pass,

but that takes us directly into Saul's hands.

JOAB: We have the

advantage of the

high ground.

JONATHAN: Yes, but

Abner's a fine strategist.

You may need this

before long.

We will not move until nightfall.

Have the men get what rest they can. Give the order, Joab.

Then, under cover of darkness,

we'll try to find a way through the pass.

At all costs, we must avoid battle with Saul.

Because of Jonathan.

Abiathar!

Here is your knife.

I didn't know.

I thought

it was Jonathan.

Hezro, look

after the boy.

Nabal is dead.

You are welcome here.

I have

little to offer you.

It'll be a lonely life,

an uncertain future.

It is enough that I should be with you in your dark days, David.

Fools! Bungling,

babbling fools!

With wild promises!

KUDRUH: The promises of my

dead master will be kept,

My Lord.

Even now,

the exit to the

west is blocked.

David is in your hands.

From this trap, there is no escape.

David, we've

held a council.

We want you to

leave this place tonight.

That is my plan.

Not all of us, David. You.

Jonathan can take you

through the pass.

No sentry would challenge the King's son.

No!

No one here

is afraid of death.

But we must

die for something.

David, we want you to live.

You must go on and

fulfill your destiny.

Are you a part of this?

It's the only way.

Leave us for a little,

please.

What about them?

What about all the people of Israel who need your guidance?

One must sometimes painfully sacrifice the few for the good of the many.

There were those who died at Nob in needless sacrifice.

Yes.

From that day,

my father's leadership

is discredited.

The people turn away

from him and against

each other.

We're no longer united.

Will my running away

restore the kingdom?

No.

But your death at the hands of my father

would surely be

the death of Israel.

Israel will not die.

Joab.

Have the men

gather their things.

We'll march to

the pass at once.

There's no way

of escape.

Saul's sentries are

posted everywhere.

We're trapped.

Our only hope is to

fight our way through.

We have the element

of surprise.

DAVID: No.

I'm going down there.

Alone?Yes, alone.

I have a thought.

Perhaps it'll put an end

to this persecution.

David.

It must be done.

Should I not return,

look after Abiathar.

Abigail sent me.

Sometimes, women are wise.

One stroke

and it's ended.

It's not the Lord's will that the first king of Israel

shall fall victim to a midnight assassin.

Saul!

Doeg!

Saul, answer me!

Who is it calls

My Lord King?

DAVID: Doeg,

as the Lord lives,

you are worthy of death!

Look for his spear!

And the water jug

that lay at his head!

I have them here!

For tonight, the hunted

became the hunter!

I could have

destroyed you, Saul.

Why do you pursue me?

Is it that the Lord has stirred you against me?

Or has Doeg poisoned your mind for his own ambition?

As I held your life sacred tonight,

so should you hold sacred the lives of those about me.

David, my son!

Forgive me!

I am old.

In my madness,

I have sinned exceedingly.

DAVID: Then forgive us.

And allow us to pass.

I will do you

no more harm.

Return,

and there can be

peace between us.

However sincere his words may seem today,

I should be risking all of your lives to his fits of madness.

ABIATHAR: You should have killed Saul while you had the chance.

Are you afraid

of him, David?

I cannot fight against

my own king, my own people.

He killed my people!

There are many choices

in life between

good and evil.

You must

choose now, Abiathar,

between the way

of the weapon and

the way of the Lord,

between the

ephod of your father

and the spear of Saul.

Lord God of Israel,

guide me well now.

Shall I too take up the

spear against my king

as the boy has done?

Is this the way

to deliver my people?

[GOAT BLEATING]

A mountain goat?

Follow it!

The ways of the Lord

are wondrous.

That goat shall

lead us to freedom.

If it does,

I'll never eat

goat meat again.

The Lord has pointed our destinies.

I must return to my father.

Perhaps in these troubled times,

I can give him some comfort.

I understand.

You cannot run away

from what you are

or what you must do.

Go now and may

God go with you.