Epilogue
When David saw the twin flames flickering above him, he was surprised—not so much by Saul’s treachery as by his response. Instead of anger or fear, he felt relief. He would certainly miss his wife, but he had missed the open country, the wild hills, and the quiet nights under the stars. David adjusted the kinnor and tightened Jonathan’s belt. Looking about to spot any approaching torches, he offered a brief prayer for protection and headed toward the training grounds to wait for his nephew.
He did not have to wait long. Lydea had delivered the message, and within an hour, they were marching cautiously back to their little village. On the way David told Joab about what had occurred to him in the stable. When he repeated the words that the prophet had uttered—“Rae magnu u’bet Elohim Mashiach phni”; May the Lord look with favor on His anointed one—Joab stiffened. He did not say anything for so long that David was afraid his nephew had concluded he had lost his mind.
Finally Joab turned toward him. The look on his face was one of amazement, not skepticism. “So that is it,” he muttered.
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve known for years there was something different about you. But I couldn’t put my finger on it.” Joab rubbed the scar on his lip. “Thank you for trusting me,” he said, then lowered his hand shyly, placing it over his chest. “I will serve you gladly,” he said in a quiet voice.
The following evening, David was stretched out in a cave nestled in the foothills outside Bethlehem. Besides Joab there were three others. Joab’s older brothers, Abishai and Asahel, who were recognized as two of the strongest young men in Judah. Elhanan, their cousin, had also volunteered to join the band of fugitives. He was a brawler who, though not as strong as his cousins, was notorious for his speed and cunning.
“I told them about Samuel and the anointing,” Joab had explained before the others showed up. “When I did, they insisted on joining up. They said they would be your fighting men for life.”
When the three arrived, David had embraced each one, kissing them on both cheeks. “My thanks to each of you,” he said. “I shall never forget this, not as long as I live.”
They spent the next day working on plans to evade Saul’s trackers. They decided they would leave early the next morning and make their way to Ramah to ask Samuel’s advice.
All of them were reclining around the fire when David took out his kinnor.
“What do you think of this one?” David asked them, adjusting his fingers on the strings. The four looked at him with anticipation as he began to sing:
Rescue me from my enemies, my God,
protect me from those attacking me.
Look at them lurking to ambush me,
they are strong and united against me,
for no fault, no sin, no offense of mine,
Yahweh, how they hurry into position!56
David wiggled his eyebrows mischievously, and Elhanan hooted in pleasure. David narrowed his eyes and twisted his lips into an exaggerated snarl.
See how they slaver at the mouth,
with swords between their teeth.
“There is no one listening,” they say.57
The four snorted and clapped their hands, urging him on.
Yahweh, You laugh at them,
You make fun of these pagans.
My Strength, I look to You.58
Abishai shouted out his approval. David repeated the phrase several times so they could get comfortable with the melody line. Then he invited them to join in.
My citadel is God Himself,
the God who loves me is coming,
God will show me my enemies defeated.
I, for my part, celebrate Your strength,
I sing of Your love morning by morning.59
“And evening, too!” chimed in Asahel in his high, clear voice.
David smiled and nodded, repeating the final stanza several times. Tentatively at first, then more confidently, their voices melted together in fluid harmony. Together they sang out words of hope, words of petition and of worship.
My Strength, I play for You,
My citadel is God Himself,
the God who loves me.
My Strength, my God who loves me.60
When they were done, none of them laughed. They were very quiet. The lyrics and the unexpected beauty of their voices resonating inside the chamber had awed them all. Elhanan broke the silence. He turned to David, pushed his curly hair out of his face, and asked, “So, Captain, I’ve been wondering. Are we a band of warriors or just a bunch of poet singers?”
David ran his fingers lightly over the lyre, staring out into the night. “Yes,” he answered, smiling. “I do believe we are.”