Can one stone change the course of history?
[Spoiler alert]
Ever since the groundbreaking biblical epic series, House of David, drew its curtains on its first season, I have contemplated writing a review. From the meticulous cinematography to the painstakingly attention to details, the subtleties and elements of the action sequences, all harmonized for a stellar cinematic adaptation of the legend of David, a shepherd-boy turned King. I promise not to give too much spoilers though (...this might also mean you need to watch it before you start reading this.)
The full-blown season one symbolically begins and ends at the battlefield where Michael Iskander starring as David who topples through grief after losing his mother, Nitzevet and is the object of stigmatization from his clan finds himself in a decisive position for the kingdom of Israel.
He is considered the least in his family and an outcast even among his relatives because Jesse, his father, an Israelite married his mother who was a Moabite, a forbidden union according to traditions. While this backstory is an exertion of creative liberties, Jewish folklore suggests that David was in actual fact an outcast within his own family because of the circumstances of his birth which remained unknown.
In the first three episodes, David is seen relegated to the care of his father's sheep in the sun-drenched hills of ancient Judea while his more brute and gallant brothers go to war to fight for King Saul (Ali Suliman), the first King of Israel appointed by Prophet Samuel (Stephen Lang). Whether David was always meant to be King or not, one thing is certain God's purpose is not dependent on a man's will. He chooses, appoints and replaces as He wills.
Jon Erwin, the creator of the series manages to not just create a world that draws on the breadth of David's heroic arc world building from Saul's act of defiance, whose pride of idolatry to himself marked the beginning of his downfall and the beginning of David's destiny-driven assignment but also gleams the ancient hues of the civilization of that time.
This includes the period-accurate set designs of landscapes and ancient ruins whose shoot took place across both Greece and Calgary.
I was also particularly enthralled by the brown rugged terrain of the fields where David tended after the sheep, which played an integral role for an evocative experience of the tale, in not just dialogue, but also visuals.
The irresistible landscapes acted as a perfect canvas to paint a renaissance art of history. I was transported into that field and I sat listening to him as he played that harp to Hashem [the modern Jewish lingo for YHWH]. It was truly an enchanting moment of angelic worship!
The series also embraced cultural authenticity as there were many scenes where Hebrew language was used, including the scenes where David captured the whole palace singing Psalms alongside his harp. These soundscapes including his musical performance of the Song of Moses are rich portrayal of the Jewish tradition depth, and a worshipper's heart to God enhancing the historical texture of the series. In the series, David taught me an important truth about worship. There are two requirements. Worship God. Do it in truth and spirit.
However King Saul's arrogance as he continued on the throne was the progenitor of his fall. In spite of God's warning through Prophet Samuel to go and smite the Amalekites utterly without sparing anything including their livestock, Saul defied God's instruction to appease his self-pride. He smote all the Amalekites but spared the Agag, the king and coveted their livestock for himself. A man who fuels pride in his self cannot burn his love for God. He will be making an incense, but never to God. Saul's pride cost him an immense deal. The Lord revoked his anointing over him and replaced him with another even while he was still on the throne. Ultimately, he descended into madness. Saul’s rejection offer a moment of sobriety and great reflection that God detests the proud but exalts the humble. Matt.23.12 - And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
All is possible. You can be anything, no matter where you start. And do not let the words of any one man take your destiny from you. It’s yours. Hold on to it tight.
But who will have thought that David, the small shepherd boy will be the replacement? When God decides to appoint a new person for his assignment, he doesn't look at the external appearance. He look inwards into the man's heart for the beauty of a man's strength can only be seen in the heart and not on the face. Despite the poise and grandeur of David’s brother including Eliab, the Mr. Perfectly-Chiseled-Jawline brother who arrested myself particularly for his lofty strength and majestic carriage, even Samuel was perplexed, God chose David. I thought it was that there was nothing special about David but there was. A man unconditionally love with God will always be special before Him. He will say “I have made you the apple of my eyes.” No wonder David was scripturally accoladed by God as a man after his heart. Ironically, even Besai, the Baal priestess could not deny the uniqueness in David’s spirit.
God is the great author of this story.
There is an important statement in the series that has been echoing in my head since I watched it. It is my most favourite part of the scene. I have recited it over and over again. Samuel's wife, Hilah, made it: God is the great author of this story. Sometimes, we worry too much about the story that we forget that we are not the one writing. I remember this popular super story quote aired on TV while growing up. “We are pencils in the hands of the creator.” It is not my duty to worry about how the story will turn out. It is my duty to trust and surrender myself to the author who already knows my beginning and my ending.
Why are you not afraid of God instead of man?
From episode 7 to 8, I was at the edge of my seat. The stakes were heightened as Goliath (Martyn Ford) and the Philistines continued to defy the God of the Israelites and demanded a worthy opponent. From their sophisticated weaponry, their organized military structure and mighty champion, the odds were clearly rigged. But God had a surprise coming. When David stood before Goliath which according to the series was roughly twice the height of regular humans, he stood fearlessly unafraid that Goliath answered “What do you think I am? A dog.” But that did not deter the sling-wielding victory of David over Goliath through the strength of God backing him up!
“Can one stone change the course of history?”, began the first episode. The answer was delivered in the last.
Overall, the series does a commendable job in grounding the legendary story through a cinematic historical context from the script, score, cinematography to the performances.
It is important to remember that the series is more than just a biblical epic of dramatic storytelling. House of David draws on a important irony that many worshippers have forsaken true worship for something else. This includes raising either a banner of pride, fame or religion above God. The allegory is clear: God cannot be mocked. We must lose all self-consciousness and come truthfully to the throne. We must not sacrifice for obedience. Christianity is not a sprint. It is a marathon. God is a faithful deity.
Will we be faithful worshippers?
I look forward to seeing what awaits in the second season, hopefully the series get a renewal.
Happy Easter celebrations family!