This episode connects multiple storylines through themes of fate, power, and hidden truths. Each character faces a test that will shape their future.
The episode begins with Saul experiencing a troubling dream. He sees a candle in his room, but instead of wax, it drips blood. A familiar voice calls out to him—it is Samuel, urging him to let go. As the dream continues, Saul sees a younger version of his wife, Ahinoam, cradling their son, Jonathan, as a baby. The image is peaceful at first, but suddenly, Ahinoam tells Saul that Jonathan will never be king.
Saul is then transported to a desert camp, where he walks alone while Samuel watches. Desperate, Saul promises to make things right. The scene shifts again to a battlefield, where Saul is struck by an arrow from Achish.
Before he can react, he watches in horror as Jonathan is also hit, suffering a fatal wound. Saul holds his son in despair, and Samuel approaches, taking the crown from his hands. Again, he tells Saul to let go of what is no longer his. Furious, Saul refuses and hurls a spear at Samuel.
The dream ends abruptly. Saul wakes up in a panic and finds himself in his chamber. But instead of throwing a spear at Samuel, he accidentally killed his young servant, Yoshia. Ahinoam enters the room and sees the devastating scene.
With no time to waste, Ahinoam took control of the situation. She visits Yoshia’s grieving mother, who struggles to understand why her son was violently killed despite not being a soldier. To cover up the truth, Ahinoam tells the woman that Yoshia sacrificed himself to save the king from an assassin’s attack.
As a gesture of comfort, she gives Yoshia’s mother her bedside Scriptures and recites, “I am with you. I will never forsake or abandon you.” The mother is overwhelmed by this sacred gift, unaware of the deep irony—Ahinoam does not give her something she cherishes. Instead, she is discarding her own connection to the God she believes has abandoned her.
Meanwhile, Saul’s children discuss the servant’s death. Eshbaal reacts coldly, questioning why his siblings mourn the loss of just one servant when many soldiers have died in battle to secure their family’s power. He even suggests that Yoshia’s mother should feel fortunate, as she will now receive benefits.
Jonathan, outraged by Eshbaal’s lack of compassion, lashes out at him, declaring that this attitude is exactly why he will never be king. Eshbaal dismisses the remark, smirking as he wonders what their father will do to Jonathan when the time came to seize the throne.
Saul, still shaken, swears to Ahinoam that he never intended to harm Yoshia. Ahinoam comforts him, insisting that Samuel is to blame, not him. She promises to handle everything.
Later, Ahinoam seeks counsel from Abner, who warns her against turning to supernatural forces. He reveals that his own mother was a spiritist in Endor, but he abandoned that path after seeing its dangers. He reminds Ahinoam that such practices are forbidden by God, but she dismisses his warning. Her faith has already faded. She demands that he take her to a medium.
Disguised in cloaks, Ahinoam and Abner travel to Endor. When they find the medium, she initially acts like a simple merchant, pretending to know nothing. Even when they reveal their identities, she hesitates. Saul, after all, had outlawed spiritists and mediums earlier in his reign.
But Ahinoam refused to accept a refusal. She pressures the woman to prove that Saul’s decision was a mistake. After a moment of hesitation, the medium agrees and performs rituals to Baal.
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When Ahinoam returned home, she brought the medium with her. Jonathan notices the stranger and asks his mother who she is. Ahinoam lies, claiming that the woman is just an artisan. Jonathan also realizes that his mother no longer has her bedside Scriptures.
Concerned, he insists that God is the one who will restore Saul. Ahinoam, unmoved, tells him that Saul is the ruler of their house, and one day, Jonathan will be too. Until then, she expects him to respect her authority.
The episode closes with Saul regaining his composure. He stands before the nobles of Israel, appearing strong once more. His herald proclaims his greatness and declares that his house will endure forever.
Samuel’s Search for a New King
Following the disastrous events at Baal Hatzor in Episode 2, David prays for his wounded brother, Eliab. As Jesse and his other sons work to remove the arrow, they burn the wound to stop the bleeding. David apologizes, but Jesse dismisses it, saying that apologies are useless—he only expects obedience. David stays with Eliab, playing music to ease his pain.
Meanwhile, Samuel returns home. God has told him to stop mourning Saul because He has chosen a new king. But Samuel struggles with this command, knowing that anointing another ruler will be considered treason. He also wonders if things would have been different if he had been a better father and raised sons who could lead people toward God.
His wife, Hilah, laughs at the thought, telling him to submit to God’s will. She reminds him that God is the true author of every event. She only hopes the new king will be better than the last.
Samuel sets out on his journey with his assistant, Silas. As they travel, Silas reveals that his wife is expecting a child soon. Samuel advises him to return home, knowing that their mission carries great risk.
Upon reaching Bethlehem, Samuel meets with the local elders. They are uneasy about his presence, but he assures them that he comes in peace. He soon learns that Jesse is no longer welcomed among them because he fathered a child (David) with a woman from an enemy nation. Samuel laughs, amused by the irony—God has chosen a king from a family that is rejected by its own town.
Samuel visits Jesse’s house and examines his sons. He initially assumes that Eliab, the eldest and strongest, must be the chosen one. However, he senses fear in Eliab’s heart. He moves on to the other sons but does not find the right one among them. He then asks Jesse if there is another. Jesse hesitates, but his daughter, Avva, runs off to get David.
As they wait, Samuel scolds Jesse for hiding the very son whom God has chosen to raise up. Eliab grows uneasy, fearing that Samuel might intend to harm David. He considers striking first, but his brothers hold him back, warning that he will only bring trouble upon himself.
David finally arrives. Samuel greets him with respect and studies him carefully. He sees something special in David’s heart. He explains that God does not judge by outward appearance but by what is inside. Samuel then anoints David with oil, declaring that God has rejected Saul’s house and chosen David as the new king of Israel.
Achish’s Search for the Giants
Achish learns about the giant attack in Episode 2 and follows the trail to the Valley of the Giants. His men warn him that no one who enters ever returns. Ignoring their fears, Achish presses forward. They come upon a massive door carved into the mountain. Achish steps forward and announces himself, seeking an alliance with the Anakim.
Orpah, the mother of the giants, allows him to enter but warns that few survive this encounter. Inside, Achish impresses her by speaking the ancient language of the giants. He offers wealth, honor, and vengeance against Israel for driving them out of Canaan. Orpah listens and then introduces him to her sons. The largest among them steps forward—Goliath.
Themes in Episode 3
God’s Unexpected Choices – Samuel and others repeat, “God is funny,” because He often chooses unexpected people for great purposes.
The Power of Lies and Secrets – Ahinoam hides the truth about Yoshia’s death and turns to forbidden magic, while Saul clings to power.
The Struggle Between Fate and Human Desire – Saul, Ahinoam, and Achish try to control their fates, but destiny moves forward as God has planned.
Conclusion
Episode 3 of House of David deepens the show’s themes of destiny, power, and faith. Saul’s torment and Ahinoam’s deception highlight the fear of losing control, while Samuel’s journey to anoint David signals a shift in leadership chosen by divine will.
The episode portrays the contrast between human schemes and God’s plans, showing how those who cling to power through manipulation often face tragic consequences. Meanwhile, the introduction of the giants and Achish’s dangerous alliance foreshadow greater battles ahead.
The story weaves together personal struggles and supernatural elements, keeping the tension high as characters grapple with their beliefs, loyalties, and ambitions.
Through powerful storytelling and complex character arcs, the episode reinforces the idea that true strength lies not in appearances or status but in faith and purpose. As the season unfolds, the battle for Israel’s future grows more intense, leaving viewers eager to see what happens next.
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