HOUSE OF DAVID 1.6

During episode 1.6 of HOUSE OF SAUL, trouble is brewing for King Saul as the Philistine army begins to come together. The Philistine King Achish is looking to guarantee their victory by recruiting Goliath to lead the army. Meanwhile, David recognizes he is unwelcome at the castle and leaves, destining King Saul to continue to be tormented by his demons as he will no longer have David’s music to soothe his mind.
The beginning of the episode recalls Satan’s rebellion and the demons’ fall from heaven where they fell to earth and found women pleasing. This resulted in the birth of men who had great power through the demons’ bloodline. Goliath’s mother explains to him that he and his brothers are the last of these mighty men and that all others should fear them and bow before them. They arrive at King Achish’s castle, and King Achish outfits Goliath with the best gear he has available, fitted to his size. Meanwhile, Goliath’s mother speaks with the king and tells him that Goliath will join his army if he can take Achish’s throne after they defeat Israel, an offer that King Achish refuses.
Meanwhile, back in Gibeah, David continues to play his lyre for king Saul to soothe his troubled mind. At the same time, Mychal contemplates the life she wishes she could have with David but knows is not possible. She has a conversation with her sister Mirab about her heartbreak before discussing with David their future. She asks him why he did not tell her he was an outcast back home, and he shares that he was afraid of losing her. However, by not being honest with her, that is exactly what happens.
With his mind at ease, Saul holds court where he discusses the Philistines’ gathering army with the other rulers of Israel. They express fear and advise him that they should fortify their land and wait for their army to attack, but Saul thinks it wiser to strike first. He asks them when they became cowards and reminds them of their previous victories before realizing that was when God was on his side.
That night, Saul’s mind becomes very troubled, and he shakes as he has visions he is unable to wake up from. The queen fetches her seer and asks her to brew a potion to help him. As she begins to provide King Saul with her concoction, Jonathan arrives and chastises the women for relying on magic rather than turning to the Lord.
During the next few days, David plays for Saul nearly nonstop, only quieting his lyre when his fingers begin to bleed and King Saul commands him to pause so as not to hurt himself. The king then attends to David and cleans his wound, before revealing he believes David to be his son Jonathan. Believing he is not wanted in the castle, nor is he helping King Saul anymore, David decides to leave and return home.
Meanwhile, feeling lost, Jonathan goes on a journey to visit Samuel and seek his counsel. He finds him on Mount Sinai, and they discuss the state of the kingdom. Samuel also reveals that he has anointed a new king, and the only reason Saul continues to suffer is because he has made himself a god and refuses to give up the crown which is no longer his. Samuel then warns Jonathan of the Philistine’s gathering army and has him see just how many soldiers are gathering.
Back in Philistia, an Israeli spy tracks down Goliath and his mother and kills his mother when she steps out to get more to drink. Goliath finds her as she is dying, and she tells him to avenge her death and destroy the house of Saul. The next day, Goliath returns to King Achish’s court and bows to him, offering him his service in exchange for the chance to personally kill King Saul.
The story of episode 1.6 of HOUSE OF DAVID is excellently told and sets up the end of the first season well as tension is built at every corner. Though the characters are blind to the overarching story, the viewer can easily understand how everything is piecing together and just how much danger Israel faces.
The episode also teaches very strong Christian and biblical values as it pulls directly from the Bible. It emphasizes the power of God and how He decides the fate of man completely. Furthermore, multiple characters submit themselves to God’s will despite having a desire to do otherwise. However, there are two brief scenes of upper male nudity along with mild violence, Movieguide® deems episode 1.6 of HOUSE OF DAVID acceptable for teen and adult audiences.