All language subtitles for David (1997).eng

Saul and Jonathan
were swifter than eagles,

fiercer than lions.

In their death,
they were not divided.

Jonathan, you were
like a brother to me.

Kill me!

Beloved Saul,
you called me your son.

When the Philistines
crushed your army,

God made your crown
fall into my hands.

After seven years in Hebron,

My army and I
approached Jerusalem.

Our numbers are too great
to stay here in Hebron.

I have appealed
to the Jebusite people.

To make their city
of Jerusalem our capital.

They claim they can beat
back our armies

with nothing but
the sick and the lame.

What do you think?
Shall we test that boast?

Look what becomes
of the well of Jerusalem.

Tell your city elders
that their water supply.

Is now in the hands of
King David of the Israelites.

They've captured the well!

...Well... Well... Well...

You have a choice.

You can join us
and live in peace and security,

Or you can oppose us
and die of thirst.

Please.
Please, sir.

Enter our city in peace.

O my God,
you have made this city

a blessing for your
faithful servant, David.

Thank you for Jerusalem,

a place where my wives
and children

and all my once-weak and
scattered tribes can rest,

and live as a united nation
to serve you, o Lord.

Lord, who am I
that you have brought me

to this beautiful city...

and this beautiful house?

You know my heart, Lord.

You know all the great things
you have done for me

that I would know your will.

We are your people forever,
Lord.

From a humble shepherd, Lord,
you have lifted me up

to be king over your city
and your people,

as you did
for that humble farmer

from the tribe of Benjamin,
the man named Saul.

Father.

The mules...

they're gone.

Abner, stay here.

Jonathan, come with me.
We'll get them back.

Are we being punished,
father?

I don't know.

I don't need to know.

We're at the border
of Benjamite territory.

If they're much further,
they're lost.

I have faith the Lord

wouldn't make us come
this far for nothing.

Have you found
our animals in the town?

No, master.

But there is in the city
a man of God.

An honorable man.

What he says comes to pass.

We've no gifts
for a holy man.

I have this silver.

Bless you, Jonathan.

We'll go and see him tomorrow.

We're looking
for lost mules.

Perhaps you're the man
who can help us.

Come...
Up here with me.

Don't concern yourself
about your mules.

They've been found.

Did you say our mules
had been found?

Perhaps you know that
the tribes of Israel

have decided to ask God
for a king.

We've all heard it.

I am the Lord's prophet,

Samuel.

And yesterday,
the Lord spoke to me

and he said,
“Tomorrow, at about this time,

"you'll meet a man out of
the tribe of Benjamin.

“Anoint him to be
the captain of my people,

"and to save them
from the Ammonites

and the Philistines."

The Benjamites are the...
smallest tribe of Israel.

My family is the least important
of all the Benjamin tribe.

None of that matters now,
since the Lord is with you.

You are the one on whom
all the hopes of Israel rest.

On you,
and all your father's house.

With his blessing,

the Lord
has anointed you

as prince
over all Israel.

Listen to the word
of the Lord.

Obey his commandments.

Your enemies will flee,

And your kingdom
shall prosper.

Now rise
to your feet.

I'm your humble servant,
my lord king.

Hail King Saul.

God bless him.

The Lord has seen you
as fit to do a king's work.

Trust him.

Is that all?

Today, after you depart
from me,

You should travel
to Rachel's sepulcher.

I know it.

There you shall meet two men.

They will show you

that the mules
you went to seek are found.

Then you shall come
to the plain of Tabor

where you will meet three men
going up to God at Bethel.

And they will gift you with
goats and bread and wine.

And then you shall meet
a company of devout men

coming from a high place.

And the spirit of God
will come over you.

God has given me
another heart.

What is my first task?

To gather together the tribes,

strike back at the Ammonites

and win a war.

God save King Saul!

God save King Saul!

God save King Saul!

God save King Saul!

Welcome, men!

Welcome to the army
of Israel!

I will give orders
to our forces

through my son,
Jonathan.

And my nephew, Abner.

And my lieutenant, Phineas.

Our job now

is to make weapons!

We must make as many
weapons as possible.

We must work as hard
as we possibly can.

God doesn't want us to wave
our hands at the enemy.

He wants us to be
as strong as we can

so that we can defeat
our enemy!

God bless Saul!

God bless Saul!

And the army of Israel!

Stop!

Leave her be!
She's under my protection.

Who are you?

Not someone to answer
your questions.

A while ago, you slaughtered
the men of this village.

I warn you now.

Give up hope
of getting these lands,

or any lands
belonging to Israel!

Go back to where
you come from!

What do we have here?
A Hebrew warrior?

These are the words of the Lord.

My name is Saul,
king of Israel.

No!

Samuel...

What now?

Now you'll take your army
to Gilgal.

I'll join you there.

You will wait for me
for seven days,

and then I'll come
and tell you

what you must do
for the Lord.

Over this next ridge.

My God.

Fetch me a calf.

I'll kill it
as a sacrifice.

Very well,
Uncle.

Father, be patient.
Wait for Samuel.

If he's not here
to speak to God for me,

I'll have to take care
of the matter myself!

Right. Take the
animal and burn it.

Can't we at least share
in the meat, my lord?

Burn it!
Bring me the ashes!

Saul!

What are you doing?

I'm making
a sacrifice!

My army's been bled
by deserters.

The Philistines are massing
in great numbers.

You were not here
to speak on my behalf!

You were told to wait!

I had to do something!

You've not obeyed
the commandments

of the Lord God!

He would have established
your kingdom forever!

Samuel.

Samuel, wait!

Whatever the Lord asks of me,
I'll do it.

A few miles south of here,
there is a camp of Amalekites.

Since we were a nation,

they are the most brutal
enemies of Israel.

Their leader, Agag,
is a vicious murderer,

a man of evil.

God wants you to remove them.

Jonathan!

Fetch my armor!

We march at once!

Fix the armor!
Ready the spears!

And when I win
this battle,

will I be restored
in the eyes of God?

Do not even ask.

Simply do as God commands.

Destroy the Amalekites
completely, Saul.

Men, women, children,
cattle, everything.

Great king,

you have the field
and crushed my army.

Surely, the bitterness
of death is past.

Why is this man
still alive?

Why have his cattle
been spared?

My men are hungry.
They need meat.

Agag is worth more to me
alive than dead.

Trust me, Samuel.
It's for the best.

My God.

Oh, my God.

I repent that I have
made Saul king.

He has turned back
from following me,

And has not performed
my commandments.

Samuel...

Greetings.

Stop!

I'll tell you
what God has said.

Say on.

When you were little,
in your own eyes,

Were you not made
king of all Israel?

I was.

All God asked was that
you obey his commands.

Instead, you're as rebellious
as some heathen witch.

You reject the Lord.

Now he'll reject you
and your kingdom.

Samuel, if I've sinned,
it was to feed my army.

All right.
All right, I've sinned.

But, Samuel,
help me, please.

Help me. Help me make this
right with God. Together.

Together we'll make
a burnt offering.

You think God cares
about burnt offerings?

Or does He care that
his servant obey his word?

You cannot bargain
with the God of Israel!

As your sword has made
women childless,

So shall your mother
be childless.

No man has been given
what you have been given.

To have handled it
so recklessly...

You go too far.

No, not far enough,
I'm afraid.

Today, you've lost the kingdom
that God gave you.

I'll go find someone better
to give it to.

You'll not see me again
until the day you die!

No, Samuel.

Samuel, no! Samuel, no!

No, don't... don't...

Samuel, don't go.

Samuel.

Samuel,
fill your horn with oil

and set out for Bethlehem.

There you will find a man
named Jesse.

Among his sons,
there is a king.

Thank you
for choosing our village.

To make a sacrifice.

Your presence honors us.

And your name
might be?

I'm Jesse of Bethlehem.

My sons and I would be honored
if you took supper with us.

I'd like to meet your sons.

Will they all be there?

Oh, yes.
They'll all be there.

- My eldest is Eliab.
- Eliab.

- Then Abinadab.
- Abinadab.

- Shammah.
- Shammah.

Joel.

Joel.

Nehemiah.

Nehemiah.

Seriah.

Seriah.

And Azariah.

Azariah.

A fine group.

A fine group.
Strong, young men.

You must be very proud.

Is this all?
Are these all your sons?

Oh, no.
My youngest and smallest

stays out overnight
with the sheep.

His name is... David.

God bless you
and keep you.

Thank you,
Jonathan.

Goliath's killed
our best fighters already.

You cannot go
into battle alone.

I have to prove
to our army

that I'm still
worthy to lead

by cutting this
Philistine animal to pieces!

Get my sword.

Father, we cannot
afford to lose you.

- My lord king.
- Huh?

As your loyal servant,
I'll fight this Philistine.

What are you gonna do, David?
Harp him to death?

David, your loyalty
is admirable, but...

David.

Goliath is a warrior.
He's trained. He's strong.

He's a killer.

You have no experience
of such a fight.

When I kept my father's sheep,

a lion took a lamb
from the flock.

I went out after him.
I killed it.

I killed that lion.

This Philistine will just be
another animal

that I kill in the same way.

That's what you called him.

The Lord will protect me.

You better take my armor.

I do not know
how to use it.

And what will you use
to kill Goliath?

Harsh language?

I will kill him.

The Lord be with you.

What's this?

The Hebrews are sending
children to face me now?

Go home.
I don't kill boys.

And you're
not a man.

Come to me,
boy.

I'll give your flesh
to the birds.

And your bones to the dogs.

Hey, boy!

Are you too afraid to fight?

You come armed
with a sword...

But I come in the name
of the Lord of hosts,

The God of the armies
of Israel.

I'm going to kill you.

It's your body
that the dogs will eat,

And all the world will know
there is a God in Israel.

My God.

Make a joyful noise
unto God, all ye lands!

Sing forth the honor
of His name!

Through the greatness
of Thy power

shall thine enemies
submit themselves unto Thee.

You did it.

God was with me.

David! David! David!

David! David! David!

Let us see.

Come out.

Jonathan,
how did it go?

Good.

Are you all right,
brother?

Never better,
Michal.

And you, David?

Two more of
the Philistine army

sleep with
their fathers tonight.

Does that impress
the daughter of King Saul?

Caught half a dozen
of them, Father, and their mules.

The Philistine
women weep

when they remember the day
David entered our camp.

How did
David do?

He got two by himself.

You've heard
what they're saying.

Yes, Uncle.

Saul has killed
1000 Philistines,

David, 10,000.

He doesn't discourage
such talk.

Perhaps he's the one.

Which one, Uncle?

The one Samuel
went in search of.

The one who would be
after the Lord's own heart.

Our army loves him.

Perhaps such a hero

wants to be my son-in-law.

Marry my daughter.

I could never pay
such a bride's price,

however much
I might wish it.

Father, you...

Be quiet.

A king knows what his people
and his family are thinking.

The garrison at Gilgal,

It will need to be
resupplied soon.

Take some men, make sure
those supplies never arrive.

Bring me back the foreskins
of 100 dead Philistines.

That will be a price
for a daughter's hand.

You have honored me
with such a command.

Let God arise.
Let His enemies be scattered.

Let them also that hate Him
flee before Him.

As smoke is driven away,
so drive them away.

As wax melteth
before the fire,

so let the wicked perish

at the presence of God.

Two hundred
Philistine foreskins,

Instead of the 100
you requested, my lord king.

The price was high.

Definitely a deed
of valor...

worthy of a husband
of a princess.

I must prepare myself
for your daughter.

I can't greet her
with this blood on me.

Tomorrow night,
Uncle.

After the ceremonies.

I know three men
who have no love for David.

Blessed art thou,
o Lord, our God,

king from eternity,

who creates the fruit
of the vine.

She is consecrated.

You are consecrated to me,

according to the law
of Moses and of Israel.

You are
in grave danger.

You must
leave here tonight.

Tell me, what's wrong?

Don't ask me
how I know this...

but Saul intends
to take your life.

Kill him!

No, no!

Why?

Your maid.

The girl is dead.

Why did you deceive me...

and help my enemy?

I have been faithful
to my husband, as I should.

Where is he?

I had no chance to find out.

Your father wants me dead.

What?

Michal thinks so,
and so do I.

I... I don't know why.
I've done him no harm.

But still,
he seeks my life.

David,
you're not in danger.

Look, my father
would do nothing

without
confiding in me.

He has never
kept anything from me.

Jonathan, he knows the love
we have for each other.

And so he knows enough

to keep his plans for me
out of your sight.

Don't be naive.

David.

I love you
as I love my own soul.

Choose any way
of testing

my father's intentions
towards you.

I will do
whatever you ask.

- Tomorrow is a feast day.
- Yes.

When he sees
that my seat is empty,

tell him that...
I have gone

on a yearly sacrifice
to Bethlehem

with my father and brothers.

If he's at peace with that,
I will return.

If he's angered,
we'll know he means me harm.

If my father does mean
to do you evil,

you will know of it
from my lips.

I will send you away,
and you will go in peace.

From this day on,
there's a covenant between us.

As long as I live,

no harm will ever come
to the house of Jonathan.

If we are attacked,
who will organize our defenses?

It's a pity
David isn't with us.

Mm. Yeah.

Where is David?

He's gone to Bethlehem

to make a sacrifice
with his family.

What is it, Father?

David is unclean.

He means me harm.

How can you say that, Father?

The mother that bore you
was foul and rebellious!

You choose David's life
over mine?

Over your own kingdom?

Why do you hate one who has
loved and served you faithfully?

He tasks me.

He's like a pebble
scratching at my heart!

As I am king,
I swear he must die!

In a few miles,

you will come
to the city of Nob.

The priests there
are men of virtue.

I must return,
help my father

wrestle
with his evil spirit.

We've given
our oath.

The Lord will
always be with you.

I'm grateful
for this.

Here is the only other
thing I can give you.

The sword
of Goliath.

If you have any need of it,
it is yours.

You give me all these things,

and I can give you
nothing in return.

We know you have been gallant
in Saul's service,

and we know the Lord
is with you.

Who's he?

Doeg, the Edomite,

one of Saul's captains.

Be careful of him.

O God, thou art my God.

Early will I seek thee.

My soul thirsts for thee.

My flesh thirsts for thee
in a dry, thirsty land.

Because thy loving kindness
is better than life,

my lips shall praise thee.

David.

Where is he?

I do not know where
he is, my lord king.

You've conspired
with David against me.

You've given him bread
and a sword.

You pray to God that he might
rise against me. Do you deny it?

Who has been as faithful
to my lord king as David,

that you made your son-in-law?

Kill him.

Let there be
no more traitors.

And kill the priests
of the Lord...

for their hand
is with David.

Greetings. I am Joab,

One of the men
loyal to David.

I am seeking Nabal.

Nabal!

So?

I am Joab.

I come from David.

He asks for your kindness
and generosity.

Our King Saul has a warrant
on David's head.

David...

is not welcome here.

I ought to slit that
pig's throat from ear to ear.

Somebody's coming.

A hand here.
A hand with the horses. Come on.

I am Abigail,
wife of the man Nabal,

who has behaved
so discourteously

towards you,
my lord.

My husband is a fool.

I have brought food
and blankets for your people.

But your first protector
is the Lord God.

Please,
try to take no offense.

Don't be drawn into action

by the evil of those
who hate you.

Blessed be the Lord
that sent you to me today.

Blessed be you
for your wise words.

There is no reason for me
to shed the blood of Nabal.

Thank you, my lord.

That penniless outlaw, David...

Dreams he can have
a seat at my table.

The nerve.

Saul still has
a bounty on David.

A message concerning
David's whereabouts

is still worth a nice price
in silver shekels.

You have no notion
of who David is, do you, Nabal?

What do you mean?

Those who oppose David
oppose God.

God. Ha!

David was a step away
from taking your life.

The ground beneath your feet
is ready to give way, Nabal.

Consider this.

Abigail, wait!

Abig...

Michal has
been given

by her father
to another man.

You have been alone
a long time.

Would you come with me
and be my wife?

Mmmmm.

You must leave
this place.

It seems as if...

every time I've found a place
to rest my head,

I've had to leave.

Before he died,
Nabal sent word to Saul

that you could be found
in the hills of Engedi.

You must leave.

Good. I'm glad Saul
knows where to find me.

It's time we had a reckoning.

David, wait.

Wait here, Uncle.

Here, Jonathan.

Yes, Father.

This way.
We'll stay here the night.

One blow from that spear
and Saul is dead.

Order me to do it.

Do not do it.

Who can raise his hand

against the one
who God anointed?

The Lord will
take him.

His day will come to die,
but not by my hand.

Abner?

What is it, Uncle?

He was here.

No, Uncle.

Abner.

You've not done a good job
of guarding your king.

Is this the voice
of my son David?

Where did you hear
that I ever meant you harm?

This day you can see
with your own eyes

you were given
into my hands.

Some said to kill you,

but I did not.

I will not raise my hand
against my lord king.

I came this close to you, Saul.

Now you must know
there is no evil

in my heart towards you.

I have not sinned against you,

Even though you have hunted me
and sought to take my life.

The Lord will judge
between you and me.

Wickedness proceeds
from the wicked.

But my hand will
not rise against you.

Is this your true voice,
David, my son?

It is, my lord.

Then I have sinned.

Return to me, David.

I'll do you no harm,

because my soul is precious
in your eyes tonight.

God is with you.

You will be king.

But swear to me you will
not cut off my sons...

nor destroy the name
of my house.

I swear it.

God bless you, David.

You will do great things.

Be merciful to me,
o God.

Be merciful to me,

for in you
my soul takes refuge.

In the shadow of your wings,
I will take refuge

till the storms
of destruction pass by.

Nathan.

God makes it hard to be a king.

You must help him.

Listen to what I tell you.

You must tell him,
“Stay close to God."

Close.

You know...
He's God's choice.

Samuel worried about you, David.

Even on his deathbed.

He told me to warn you of Saul,

not to believe
his promises of peace.

The evil spirit within Saul
can return at any time.

You will be like a lamp
to the people of Israel,

for the Lord is with you.

That is what Samuel said.

All of Israel will miss him,
Nathan.

It was also his wish
that I go with you

and be a teacher to you

and help you hear
the word of the Lord.

His last words were,
“Help David.

God makes it hard to be a king."

David!

David.

The Amalekites kidnapped
your wife, Abigail.

The women went
to the stream

to wash,

And a bunch of Amalekite
raiders took them.

Round up the men.
We'll pursue them at once.

The women are up there.

Here, Leah, you take this.

You harlot!

You'll be sorry
you did this.

We'll get no good price
for the wife of David!

O Lord God,

to whom vengeance belongeth,

show thyself.

Thou judge of the earth,

render a reward to the proud.

Lord, how long
shall the wicked triumph?

The Philistine armies of Achish
are massing in all directions.

We must either abandon Gilboa
or think of a strategy

for breaking
through their lines.

How?

How can I decide what to do

when I cannot reach my God?

God wants us to live.

No.

Only him who speaks to God

can be certain what to do.

Who would that be,
Father?

The prophet Samuel,
of course.

- He's dead!
- I know he's dead.

Nevertheless,
I must speak to him.

A witch.

What?

A witch could bring Samuel
back from the other world.

No, you can't!

Can't?!

Our army stands on the brink
of annihilation!

I must have counsel of him
that speaks to God.

It's a sin.

So I've sinned.

At least I'll have spoken
to God again.

Who's there?

We mean no harm.

We're travelers.

Travelers?

Woman, I...
know of your powers.

Can you bring back someone known
to me from the other world?

Are you mad?

You know King Saul
of the Israelites

has forbidden such practices.

I guarantee you will not
be punished by this Saul.

And what will you pay?

Who was he and when did he die?

The prophet Samuel.
Six months ago.

Oh, my God!

What is it?

You are King Saul!
You tricked me!

No, no.

Samuel.

Saul.

Why have you brought me here?
Why do you disturb my rest?

I had to talk to you.

My army is in jeopardy.

God has left me.

Only you can tell me what to do.

If God has left you,

what can I do?

The Lord has taken your kingdom,

and he intends it for David.

No.

Now...

He has left you
to the Philistines.

No.

Tomorrow,

you and your sons
will be with me.

No!

No!

We attack!

But we are so few.

Remember the day we drove
the Philistine raiders

from the village?

That was a good day.

Today will be such a day.

The spirit of God
is with us again?

The spirit of God
is with us today.

Hold up. Hold up.

Forward!

Run.

Jonathan. Jonathan.

Kill me.

Kill me.

Don't let them take me.

Kill me.

Jonathan!

Jonathan!

Kill me!

Saul and Jonathan
were swifter than eagles.

They were stronger than lions.

And in their death,
they were not divided.

How are the mighty fallen
in the midst of battle.

David.

You are anointed of God.

You must be our king.

Thou shalt not be afraid
of the terrors by night,

nor of the arrows
that flieth by day,

nor of the destruction
that wasteth at noonday.

He shall give his angels
charge over thee

to keep thee in all thy ways.

Here we are in the great
city of Jerusalem,

which is so rich
in building stone.

Here, I'm going to build
the greatest temple

the world has ever seen

to house the Ark of the Covenant
as is fit and proper.

I'm afraid there's a problem
with that, my lord king.

What kind of a problem?

The Lord God has spoken
to me of this.

And? What has He said?

He said,

"I have not dwelt
in any house

"since the time I brought
the children of Israel

"out of Egypt.

"LI have walked in a tent

"and have not complained
or said,

'why have you not built me
a house of cedar?"

It is not for you, David,

To name what God
can demand for himself.

I only want
to honor Him.

God knows this,

and He loves you for it.

He said...

“Tell my servant, David,

"I took you from the sheepfold

"to be ruler of Israel.

"LI have appointed
a place for your people.

"A place of their own,

"where they may live
and move no more.

"As to a house for me,

"it will come
when your days are fulfilled

"and you sleep
with your fathers.

"I will take one of your seed

"and establish his kingdom...

"but my mercy shall not depart
away from him

"as I took it from Saul
to make room for you.

“Your house and your kingdom

shall be established forever."

And...

my son will build
a temple for the Lord?

Yes.

And...

my son will build
a temple for the Lord?

Yes.

Joseph, there's a woman
living just a stone's throw

from the eastern corner
of this house.

That's Uriah the Hittite's
house, my lord king.

You're referring
to his wife, Bathsheba.

Uriah, a fine soldier.

Hasn't Joab gone
to join him at Rabbah?

Yes, my lord king.

Have, um...

Bathsheba?

Bathsheba...
Uh...

join me after you've
cleared away the meal.

Welcome to my home,
Bathsheba.

Your husband
is a brave soldier.

Thank you, my lord king.

Do you know the reason
you're here?

The sight of me...
pleased you.

You saw me watching you?

I did not, my lord.

It was a feeling.

A strange feeling.

I could sense
someone watching me.

Something you know, somehow,
without knowing how.

I am married, my lord.

Do you love your husband?

As it is a wife's duty
to love her husband.

You're not answering
my question.

Perhaps it is the way
you ask it.

Does he live

in your heart

as one unique spirit
that speaks to you?

I'm afraid to break
our laws of marriage, my lord.

And I am afraid...

to refuse my king.

Especially when he is
as great as you.

Thank you, Joseph.

I am troubled, my lord.

What is it, Bathsheba?

My lord...

I carry your child.

I want you to bring back
my lieutenant, Uriah,

with a report
on the battle at Rabbah.

Yes, my lord king.

The Ammonites send
scouting parties

that we have
a hard time catching.

Their knowledge of those hills
is better than ours.

And, finally, Joab,

does he inspire the men?

He's respected,
my lord king.

Well, then.

Thank you very much
for your honesty, Uriah.

You can go home now.

Bathe.

Spend some time with your wife.

Lay my blanket on the ground.

I will be here in the courtyard,
near my men.

Yes, sir.

Good night, sir.

Uriah.

I, uh...

I gave you permission
to go home.

The Ark lives in a tent,

and my fellow soldiers
sleep in the open fields.

It's wrong for me
to go to a house

and enjoy the comforts
of a wife.

Uriah, you're a man
after my own heart.

It's my duty as a soldier,
my lord king.

You must stay a few more days
in Jerusalem.

You must come feast
with me. Good night.

Good night, my lord king.

Have some more wine.

It's good, isn't it?

The finest, my lord.

You should go home now.

Enjoy yourself.

See your wife.

I'm sure it's been
a long time, eh?

I would, my lord, but...

But I'm tired.

He's here,
my lord king.

Uriah...

You are to return to Rabbah...

and give this
to Joab.

Uriah.

My lord king?

I'd like you
to have this.

Thank you, my lord.

Thank you.

Uriah, welcome!

Joab, greetings from your king.

The bearer of this letter
is Uriah, your lieutenant.

With respect to Uriah,
place him

in the hottest part
of the battle,

where he is most likely
to be killed.

I hate these patrols.

There are scouts
all around the place.

Quiet, you men.

My lady.

I bring you the sword
of a very brave man.

No.

The sword devours one man
as well as another.

There's no reason
for these things.

May I weep,
my lord?

Of course.

But also
remember...

Uriah died as he
would have wished.

Gallantly.

Loyal to his king
and his people.

That's a good death
for a soldier.

No way her husband dies

is good for his wife, my lord.

Your feeling for Uriah...

makes me jealous.

But you have my heart.

You know that.

There is one blessing.

We can acknowledge
our child.

Oh, that is fortunate
for the child.

And for you?

I will do as you command.

Then we shall marry.

And as a wedding gift,

Hiram of Galilee
has sent 200 heads of cattle.

Well, thank him.

And finally,
your prophet Nathan

has a legal matter
for you to dispose of.

My lord, I would ask that
you hear this matter in private.

Very well. You may
leave us, Joseph.

Now, Nathan,

tell me about this case.

There are two men
in a nearby city.

One rich, the other poor.

The rich man has many sheep,
many cattle.

The poor one has nothing,

except for one little ewe lamb
he's raised up since birth

like it was one
of his own children.

And yet, the rich man

has taken up the poor man's
one little ewe lamb

to slaughter...

and sell as his own.

There's only one answer to this.

The rich man must give
the poor man one whole flock,

and then he must die.

What was the name
of this rich man?

I want to know so I can see
to his punishment personally.

You are that man.

What do you mean?

God has given you everything.

Houses, wives, soldiers

and a great name
among the nations.

If you needed more from him,
you had only to ask.

Instead,

you used the Ammonite sword
to kill Uriah

and took his wife.

Now the sword will never depart
from your house.

And God has said,

“Thou will raise up
evil against you

out of your own house."

I have sinned.

Does it mean that I must die?

You shall not die,

but the child born between
you and the wife of Uriah

shall surely die.

How is my wife?

Well...

my king.

And how is my child?

Your child is thriving.

You feel him kick?

He wants to see his father.

Unless there's any news,
leave me alone. I'm...

I'm going outside
to fast and ask God's mercy.

Have mercy upon me, o God.

According to thy loving
kindness.

According to thy tender mercies.

Wipe out
my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly
from my iniquity.

Cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge...

my transgressions.

Create in me...

a clean heart...

and renew a right spirit
within me.

Do not cast me
from your presence.

Do not take your holy spirit
from me.

The child?

Dead, my lord king.

I say it again,
dear God.

Create in me a clean heart

and renew a right spirit.

You fasted and wept
for your child

while it was alive.

But when the child dies,

you eat a meal?

When the child was alive,

I fasted,

because I said to myself,

“Who can tell
whether God will be gracious

and let the child live?"

But the child is dead.

Why should I continue to fast?

Can I bring him back?

I can go to him,

but he cannot return to me.

Forgive me...

for the loss of your son.

It is I who must beg
your forgiveness.

Why?

Plotted...

the death of Uriah.

The Lord...

took our child
in judgment.

My child...

died...

on account of
Uriah's innocent blood?

You,

the great King David,
favorite of God,

and God did this
to you?

I sinned.

I pray that he will forgive me.

There's nothing else I can do.

I sinned too.

If I had not desired you
as well,

none of this would
have happened.

And whatever judgment
God makes...

We'll face it together.

Do you remember the day

when I asked you

if Uriah lived in your heart

as one unique spirit
that spoke to you?

I remember.

There is a man that feels
that way about you.

He feels...

that you are
the one unique spirit

he is destined to walk
with forever.

I know you are that man.

Solomon.

Let God arise.

Let his enemies be scattered.

But let the righteous
be glad.

Let them rejoice.

A father for the fatherless
is the Lord.

God setteth the solitary
in families.

I am gathered happily
with my wives, Michal,

Abigail,

and Bathsheba.

And all of our children.

Allow us, Lord,

to live out our lives
together in peace

and harmony.

What are you doing?
You're up to something.

Wait and see.
Wait and see.

It's Tamar, isn't it?

Eat this.

Doesn't my sister look
magnificent?

Yeah, she does.

Tamar, what are you doing?

That's servant's work.

You sometimes forget
you are the daughter of a king.

It's woman's work.

Whoever I am,
I'm still a woman, aren't I?

Bathsheba, what do you think?

Should a princess carry out
the duties of a handmaiden?

It is the privilege
of a princess

to please herself.

If she enjoys woman's work,
let her enjoy it.

And remember,

the only food I can bless
is what she serves me.

Let me go, brother.

That tickles.

David is our father,

but our mothers were different.

You're joking, Amnon.

I'm not.

I think you should be.

Touch her
and the wrath of Absalom

would fall on you like rain.

Not to mention your father's.

I've gotten around Absalom
all my life.

He's easy.

Good move, Absalom.

It's all right.

That's enough, Amnon.

Don't mind losing, Absalom.

We all still love you.

It seems to me as though Amnon
is going to be the soldier.

And Absalom, the poet.

How do you both feel about that?

Whatever you say, Father.

Can't we be like you, Father?

Can't we be both?

Tamar.

Brother.

I rode her too hard.

Her leg is broken.

It's better she not suffer.

Have you slept with a man,
Tamar?

What a strange question,
brother.

I'm unmarried.

Of course I'm a virgin.

I'm not married.

I've slept with women.

You're a man.

It's expected of men.

It is a great,
great pleasure

to lie in bed with a man
who longs to touch you.

When my husband
takes me to that bed,

I'll find out all about it.

She's pure, Amnon.

Why does it have to be her?

You could have handmaidens
by the dozen.

I have to be with her,

or I'll die.

Do you really mean that?

I do.

Look at you.

You're even starting
to look ill.

I'm not surprised.

I feel lovesick.

What?

I think I have an idea.

Stay here. You're about
to become quite a bit sicker.

Jonodab,
what's ailing Amnon?

He seems to have
eaten some meat

with worms in it,
my lord king.

He's taken to his bed.

Nothing serious, I hope.

He's requested a remedy.

Has he? What?

He's very fond of the honey
cakes as Tamar prepares them.

He wonders if she might
come to his room

and prepare some of these
in her own special way.

How is that with you, girl?

If it will help my brother
and his illness,

I'd be glad to, Father.

I love watching you cook.

Mmm. Now eat, brother.
You'll feel better.

Feed me.

Let me eat from your hand.

I love you, Tamar.

As a brother should.

I want you.

As a man wants a woman.

Don't force me.

You know it is against
every law of God.

Don't worry.

I won't hurt you.

If this was right, you could
ask Father's permission.

Silence.

No!

Get out, will you, please?

Please, say a kind
word to me.

I can't have whores in my room

after they've performed
their services.

Whores?

I thought you said you loved me.

Get out!

Tamar.

Brother. Help me.
Please help me.

Help me.

What is it, sister?

Amnon.

Tell me.

Absalom, what is it?

You have sinned...

Against me,

against your family,

against God.

You have no place in my army
or my court.

You will not be in my presence
at meals or at prayers.

You are, from now on,

in disgrace.

You take my cattle to market
at Hebron, and that is all you do

for this family and this nation.

Tamar's soul lies in pieces,
and Amnon still lives?

He is my son,

and your brother.

He raped your daughter.

We put men to death
for much less.

It is my decision.

My decisions are law.

Another example
of your mercy, father?

It's part of your legend.

I must be able to forgive
my own flesh and blood.

So must you.

And it's not mercy, Absalom.

It's how a family,
how a nation survives.

Absalom.

If we cannot find a way

past the sins we commit,
we cannot live.

Now, show me that you
understand my wisdom.

Embrace me.

Cheer up, brother.

The work isn't so rough.

What have you got
to be so happy about, brother?

It doesn't humiliate you
chasing cattle all day?

Don't worry about me.

I won't be doing this
for much longer.

You won't?

I'll find my way
back into the court.

Father will soften
his judgment against me.

Do you know why?

He'll forgive anyone just to win
back one more person's love.

Father's not satisfied
with God's love.

He wants everyone else
to love him as well.

You have us all
figured out, Amnon.

I know Father.
That's all.

And all this

while my sister, Tamar

eats dirt and babbles
like a sick child

because of you.

You took her soul.

I can't believe
I'm hearing this rubbish.

She's a woman, Absalom.

Women are weak.

Women are born to suffer.

This is good.

Come on.

Come here, my pretty.
Let's dance. Come on.

Come on. Come on.
Come closer.

Come closer.

Oh, come on.

It's so good.

Come on.
You want to play?

When the wine has weakened
Amnon, strike him and kill him.

Come back. Come back.
Come here.

Tamar.

What is it, brother?

Amnon is dead.

I had him killed.

Report this to our father.

I have killed Amnon

in just judgment
for what he did to you.

Tell Father
I know I must be lost to him

for disobeying his command
and doing this.

Perhaps I shall never
see him again.

Nevertheless,
I still love him.

I shall love him forever.

Say goodbye to him for me...

and to all of Jerusalem.

I will never forget
what you've given up for me.

O God, you have made
the earth tremble.

You have broken it.

Heal the breaches,

for the earth shakes
beneath our feet.

You've cast us off.

You have scattered us.

Oh, please!

Turn yourself to us again.

I'm saddened for you,
my lord king.

Feeling sorry for me

is turning into a full-time
occupation for you, Nathan.

You have given me
and the nation

much reason to celebrate,
as well.

That's God.
Not me.

Amen.

Do you think

that once God starts punishing
a man, He will ever stop?

Perhaps it is those
who God loves the most,

those on whom
He lavishes His gifts,

that He punishes
the most severely.

The price of God's glory.

Remember what Samuel
told me all those years ago.

“Help David.

God makes it hard to be a king."

This is the woman in
mourning from Tekoah

who bids you to
give her judgment.

Yes.
Ask her to come in.

Help me, please,

my lord king.

What seems to be the problem?

I am a widow.

I had two sons.

They worked the fields together.

And they quarreled.

And one Killed the other.

Go on.

All the rest of my family

bid me to punish
my surviving son harshly.

But if I do that,

I will have no heir.

And my husband's name
will disappear from the earth.

I will have nothing.

Whoever...
tries to force you

to take your
remaining son's life

shall be brought to me,
and I will deal with them.

No one else
will bother you.

Thank you, my lord king.

God will respect no man

unless he devises some way
for those children he has lost

to be brought back to Him.

The man wants you
to judge him, my lord king.

He was burning the tents
outside the city gates

and trying to drain
our water supply.

Who on earth would do
such a stupid thing?

Bring him in.

Well?

I can only ask forgiveness
and understanding

in the words of a prayer
my father made.

May I speak my father's words?

Go ahead.

“Deliver me from
blood-guiltiness, o my God,

"and my tongue shall sing aloud
of thy righteousness.

“Create in me a clean heart

and renew a right
spirit within me."

Those are my words.

He's not our child,

but he is my son,
precious to me.

“Behold, I will raise up evil
from thine house."

How easily you forget
the prophet's message.

I know what you're thinking.

You think that with Absalom
permanently in disgrace,

my favor would fall
on Solomon.

I am not planning
the succession, David.

Simply consider this.

Absalom has already shed
his own brother's blood.

What is he capable of next?

He's my son!

Promises between men...

or contracts between merchants
or treaties between nations.

All of these can be broken
if advantage demands it.

But the covenant between a
father and a son can never end.

No matter what Absalom did, I
can never stop being his father.

If he does something wrong,

it is because
I failed to teach him.

He is mine,

as you are mine.

As I am God's.

May I ask you a frank question,
my lord prince?

Please.

If you were king...

would you have judged
the actions of Amnon

and your own deeds
as lightly as David did?

David faces the law
and the commands of his heart,

and always finds a way
to disobey the law.

You... chose the law
over your own blood.

That tells me
you are strong enough

to properly lead the nation.

Don't speak any more of
these things, Aphitophel.

These words are already
written in your own heart.

It is because of David's mercy
that I am alive at this moment.

If the roles had been reversed,

you would have
been strong enough

to order your son's punishment.

That is something you have never
forgiven your father for.

For that weakness

he calls mercy.

What if all you say is true,
what then?

Watch the elders of
the tribes and the army.

How they view your father.

There's an opportunity for you
if you only seize it.

With the gold
we lavish on David

there's no money left for food.

It would be one thing

if we could see
an end to the sacrifice.

But with your father,
there is no reasoning.

There was a time

when being a member
of David's army

meant respect.

He even shortchanges us
to pay for his temple now.

The Assyrians and Moabites are
taking ground from us every day.

Something has to be done.

Yes, but what?

The men can't take it anymore.

I know, but the longer we
stand here and wait and do nothing

the worse the situation gets.

You may answer
this question honestly.

If Israel had a new ruler,

a younger man
who would rebuild the army,

who would let the villagers
keep more of their wealth,

would you men
support him?

How badly do we stand
with the army, then?

Nearly two-thirds of all
the soldiers on foot patrol

in the southern part
of the nation

have gone over to Absalom.

Half of the farmers
of the villages hereabouts

have gone over to him as well.

And in the north?

The tribes of Israel
on the other side of the Jordan?

Reports of their loyalty
are still unconfirmed.

Aphitophel has guided
Absalom brilliantly.

Am I correct that here
in Jerusalem

is where we're at our weakest
and most vulnerable?

Yes, my lord.

If we were Philistines
or Egyptians, Joab,

now would be the perfect time
for us to take poison.

What do you think, Nathan?

Do you think God
loves Absalom enough

to see him take my life
and my crown?

I do not, my lord king.

God wants you to survive.

You're like a lamp
for his people.

We will not defend Jerusalem.

You will not defend Jerusalem?

Absalom has a superior
fighting force.

I've spent 15 years,
the best years of my life,

building this city
into the capital of the nation.

I'm not gonna let
all I've accomplished

get burned to the ground in
a few days of bloody fighting.

That's one sin against God
I know at least not to commit.

So, what do you propose?

We head for the north.

Find those men who are loyal
to David and Joab,

if there are any.

We will not sacrifice Jerusalem
for these troubles.

I fear for those
who must stay

and face the generosity
of Absalom.

You don't need to tell me
that you warned me about him.

I remember that.

You've been right about
almost everything, Bathsheba.

From the very first moment
you entered this palace.

And you may very well ask,
if I knew all the punishments

that were gonna be
heaped upon us,

would I still
have gone toward you?

It is a question
better not asked.

I love you.

I love you, too.

I'm sorry.

So sorry for your city.

Keep not thy silence, o God.

Hold not thy peace
and be not still.

Thine enemies make a tumult.

They that hate thee
have lifted their heads.

They have taken crafty counsel
against thy people.

They have said, “Come, let us
cut them off from their nation,

that the name of Israel
may be no more in remembrance."

Fill their faces with shame,

that they may seek
thy name, o Lord.

Fill their faces with shame.

David!

David.

My tribe of Gittite people
wish to join you.

My road is long
and hard, Ittai.

You and your people
will be safe in Jerusalem.

You've only lived here
a short time.

And if you remain, you will
continue to have my blessing.

We are your servants.

But we have sworn an oath
to your kingdom.

And the kingdom of David

is wherever David is.

Thank you, Ittai.
I am glad of your support.

Zadok, the Ark must remain
in the city.

But, my lord king,

it cannot fall
into Absalom's hands.

If I find favor with God

I will return to Jerusalem
and see the Ark again.

If not...

it will offer me no protection
against Absalom.

Nathan?

You're right, my lord king.

The Ark must remain.

Bahurim.

Maybe we'll find someone who
sympathizes with us up there.

Let's go on ahead.

Go away!

Get out of here!
We curse you!

Why do you throw stones at us?

If you hate us so much,

Why don't you join
Absalom in Jerusalem?

I am Shimei, the Benjamite.

Nephew of Abner and Jonathan.

And we curse both David
and his son Absalom.

You have Saul's blood
on your hands.

You have stolen
his kingdom like a thief.

And if your son turns on you
like a thief as well,

then God is just,

and you are a bloody man.

Now turn away.

You'll find nowhere to hide
here in Bahurim.

Order me, my lord king,

to take a few guards into
Bahurim and pay Shimei a visit.

Why should we let that dead dog
curse you and live another day?

Let me go over there
and take off his head.

No doubt he too thinks
he has God's blessing.

It seems as though
a lot of men thrive

on hating me
at the moment.

The Benjamites at least
have some reason.

Compared with Absalom,
who is my own flesh and blood.

Let Shimei and his men

curse me and throw
stones at me.

God may see our afflictions

and repay us with good
for what we're suffering.

Like Saul,

you're still letting
those who hate you flourish.

It is a policy that is harming
us to this day.

I have a few ideas
about fighting back.

Send for that friend
of Aphitophel's.

Hushai, I think
his name is.

Hushai, my lord king.

You called for me,
my lord king?

You study with Nathan
and Zadok?

Yes, my lord king.

You are known to the one

who calls himself
Absalom's advisor, Aphitophel?

Yes.

I'm going to ask you
to do something

you might
find painful, Hushai.

Ask, my lord king.

I want you to return
to the comfort of Jerusalem.

But I want to be here,
with you and Nathan.

You cannot
help me here.

But, if you can get close
to Absalom,

you may defeat
the counsels of Aphitophel.

I see,
my lord king.

Go to Jerusalem.
Go now.

The council of elders,
my lord king.

My lord king.

The council of elders
wants to know,

will you stop collecting
tribute for the temple?

For the time being,
all your tribute

will go towards
strengthening the army.

My father
is a cruel, old leopard.

He has to be hunted down,
cornered and killed.

That is the first work
of the nation.

Nothing else
can be accomplished

until David
is no longer a threat.

Agreed,
my lord king.

Absalom!

Absalom!

You are Ahimaz,
nephew of Zadok.

Priest to David.

Who says so?

Your king.

Your true king, David,
may require a service from you.

Be ready.

The young priest, Hushai,

would like to greet the king.

The king recognizes
in Hushai

a brilliant student
of Nathan and Zadok.

Are you comfortable
in swearing loyalty to me?

I am a great believer
in youth and power.

The Lord favored David

when he was young,
and fought a weak king.

Now, Absalom
is similarly favored.

Well spoken.

On the other side
of that door

are three
of David's concubines.

Take them tonight,
all of them.

That way, you will
fulfill the prophecy

and everyone will know
that what once was David's

is now yours.

Solomon.

The news
is not good?

None of the villagers this close
to Jerusalem want to join us.

In fact,
nobody in this area

is prepared to meet
with the regular army.

Won't they give us
any food?

They're afraid.

Absalom has troops everywhere.

Our only hope
are the tribes of Judea

on the other side
of the river.

We're too weak
to make a river crossing.

David, if Absalom catches you
with the river at your back,

he will annihilate you.

We should pursue
David with all our forces now,

tonight, while he's weary.

And with little support,

we can kill him
without many losses.

Hushai, what do you say?

I think my learned friend
is wrong.

You know that
your father and Joab

and their best men
are still strong soldiers.

You strike at them now,

they're like
a wounded bear,

ready to put up their angriest,
bloodiest fight.

If ever there was a time

when David would be likely
to frighten your men,

it's now.

My counsel...

is to wait.

Let all the men of Israel
from Dan to Sheba join you.

You will fall on him then
like a hard rain.

I accept Hushai's counsel.

We will wait.

We wouldn't want it
to be said

that slaughter was the
purpose of Absalom's rule.

- Can you run?
- Yes.

Run to David's camp
just north of Bahurim.

Tell him he must cross
the river without delay.

Tell him I do not know
how much longer Absalom

will heed my counsel.

Can you remember
all of that?

Yes, I can.

Then run.

Who is that?

This is Ahimaz.

Blood kin to Zadok and
loyal to you, my lord king.

Yes?

My lord king, I have news
from your servant, Hushai.

Come in, come in.

We will commence
the war against David

in Aphitophel's honor,
at sunrise.

My lord king,

please welcome
Shobi of Rabbah,

Machir of Lodebar,

And Brarzilla of Rogelim.

They all head militias
of their villages,

and they're all prepared
to fight for us.

We are honored
to help,

my lord king.

You'll each take one half
of the force, and I will lead.

No, you can't.

Why not?

If you
are with us,

and the battle goes poorly,

they will kill all of us
to get to you.

If you are not seen
on the field,

we may survive a defeat well
enough to fight another day.

Ittai, what do you think?

I agree.

Very well then, Joab.
You will lead.

Where will
you meet them?

At the wood of Ephraim,
where they will be tired

after crossing
the river.

One last thing,
Joab.

If it is at all possible
to save the life of Absalom,

please find a way.

Forward!

I used to be frightened
entering a battle.

Now I'm frightened
not to enter it.

Absalom!

Absalom!

We must follow Absalom!

Go.

Tell the king
what we have done.

Follow lttai.

Inform the king.

A rider.

No, two.

First one's Ittai.

A good man.

He brings good tidings.

I feel it.

All is well,
my lord king.

Blessed be the Lord God,
who delivered up those men

who raised their hands
against you.

What news of Absalom,
my son?

Is he captive?

Is he prisoner?
Is he safe?

Uh, I...
I cannot say, my lord king.

Joab and a detachment
sought after him.

There was
furious fighting, but...

I do not know the results.

Well?

Good news,
my lord king.

For God has delivered
you this day

from the power of those
who rose against you.

And Absalom?

May all the enemies
of King David,

God's anointed,

meet the same fate
as that young man has.

Oh, my son.

My son.

Absalom!

Why couldn't God take my life
instead of yours?

Please.

Leave me.

My lord king,

you have turned
this day's victory

into a ceremony
of mourning.

The camp speaks only
of your grief for your son.

David.

David.

We have been together
a long time.

And I have
always loved you.

And I've always tried
to understand

the way you feel,

the way
you see things.

But today,
you disgraced yourself...

and me...

and all your men.

How's that?

You not only
love your enemies,

you seem to love them
more than your friends.

If all your loyal
followers had died,

and Absalom had lived
to crush your kingdom,

You would
have been pleased.

What would you have me do?

Return to Jerusalem.

Stand up at the gates,

and thank all those
who were loyal to you this day.

Honor them
with your greeting.

Or they will start
a rebellion

more dangerous than the one
we put down today.

Be king, David.

Be king again.

Praise be to King David
of the Israelites!

Hail!

I know this victory
is hollow for you.

My sorrow...

is not just for myself.

With both my sons gone,
how can I be sure

that this kingdom will survive
on a firm foundation?

You taught me that after
every trial the nation faces,

it emerges
stronger than before.

And you said this was proof
of God's love.

No matter what mistakes
and ordeals we suffer,

God loves us,

and calls us
back to him.

You must go
and listen to God.

You have made great wars,

and have shed blood
in great abundance.

Therefore,
you shall not build My temple.

Solomon, your son, shall sit
upon the throne of Israel.

I will give him rest
from his enemies

so that he can be
a man of peace.

And so it shall be Solomon

who will build My temple.

Your son shall be My son.

And I will be his father.

And I will establish
his kingdom...

Forever.