Episode 1 of "House of David" opens with an enigmatic narrator pondering how a mere stone came to alter the tapestry of history, weaving its tale through the annals of David's legendary journey. The narrative swiftly transitions to the appointment of Saul as Israel's inaugural king, whose reign was swiftlycemented by a series of unparalleled victories, capturing the hearts of his people and fortifying his kingdom.
The scene then shifts dramatically to the tense confrontation between the Israelites and the formidable Philistines. Goliath, a giant warrior, stands mockingly before the Israelite ranks, taunting their cowardice, daring anyone to face him in combat. A brave youth, armed with nothing but a stone sling, volunteers to challenge Goliath but meets an untimely end at the giant's hands.
Flashing back a year earlier, we encounter a youthful David, diligently tending to his father Jesse's flock. When a lion attacks one of the sheep, David's bravery shines through as he successfully defends the animal. Returning the flock home that evening, the tensions within his family become palpable; only his young sister Avva greets him with genuine affection. His brothers ridicule his shepherding, while their father regales them with tales from the era of Moses, seeking to instill in them a reverence for God and their Israelite heritage.
Later, a contentious exchange arises between David and Jesse over David's cherished harp, an heirloom that Jesse wishes he would discard. For David, the harp is a sacred keepsake, a memory of his late mother who taught him to play it. Their argument also resurrects the memory of the lion incident, highlighting the depth of David's bond with his mother.
Meanwhile, across the kingdom, another battle rages as Jonathan and his father, King Saul, confront the Amalekites. Samuel had issued strict instructions to Saul: to slay Agag, the Amalekite king, and to leave nothing standing. Yet, in a moment of disobedience, Saul defies the Lord's command, instead distributing the spoils among the elders of the twelve tribes.
Elsewhere, Jonathan and his guard, Eliab, hurry to investigate a village in northern Bethlehem, recently devastated by giants. There, they rescue Reuben, a solitary child who silently bears witness to the horrors unleashed upon his village. Though Reuben remains mute, Jonathan brings him back to camp, where Saul and the rest of the family greet Jonathan warmly but dismiss his concerns about Samuel and the giants as unnecessary anxieties. They urge him to unwind and enjoy the spoils of their latest victory, while Saul dedicates a stele to commemorate their triumph. The family's collective disregard for Jonathan's warnings underscores their contentment and complacency amidst the turmoil.
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Of course, Jonathan endeavors to warn Saul against defying Samuel's directives, yet the King's vanity proves his undoing. Driven by his ego, Saul decides to appease the elders by distributing the spoils of war. Moreover, he spares Agag's life, intending to humiliate him at the celebratory feast.
Meanwhile, in Judah, Jesse visits David as he tends to the flock. David strives to persuade his father to release him from the hills, convinced that his destiny transcends shepherding. However, Jesse disagrees, fury brewing within him over Saul's appropriation of his other sons. As their conversation unfolds, a lion assails their dwelling, prompting David to rush to his mother's rescue. Defying his father's objections, David sets out to confront the beast.
Elsewhere, Samuel concludes his prayers and receives a divine message, which prompts him to expedite his journey to confront Saul. Arriving at the feast later that night, Samuel confronts Saul for neglecting God's instructions. Saul refuses to acknowledge his wrongdoings, but Samuel sees through his deceit. Initially, Saul challenges Samuel's authority and rationalizes his actions, querying why Agag still lives. Samuel declares that God has rejected Saul, making it plain that his disobedience has forfeited his and his generation's future. Not even Jonathan will ascend the throne.
As Samuel begins his prophecy, a fierce wind arises, terrifying the revelers. Saul pleads for mercy, but Samuel informs him that it is too late. The Lord has already designated another, signaling the end of Saul's reign. Subsequently, Samuel approaches Agag and slays him in full view of the attendees. Meanwhile, a dark spirit descends upon Saul. After reminding all present that God is not to be mocked, Samuel departs.
Back in Judah, David pursues the lion into its lair and bravely vanquishes it. The episode concludes with David emerging from the cave, victorious, while Samuel prepares to seek out the new king.
