I want you to bring back my lieutenant, Uriah...
... with a report on the battle at Rabbah.
Yes, my lord king.
The Ammonites send scouting parties...
... that we have a hard time catching.
Their knowledge of those hills is better than ours.
And finally, Joab...
... does he inspire the men?
He's respected, my lord king.
Well, then...
... thank you very much for your honesty, Uriah.
You can go home now...
... bathe.
Spend some time with your wife.
Lay my blanket on the ground.
I will be here in the courtyard near my men :
Yes, sir.
Good night, sir.
Uriah.
I...
I gave you permission to go home.
The Ark lives in a tent...
... and my fellow soldiers sleep in the open fields.
It's wrong for me to go to a house and enjoy the comforts of a wife.
Uriah, you're a man after my own heart.
It's my duty as a soldier, my lord king.
You must stay a few more days in Jerusalem.
You must come feast with me. Good night.
Good night, my lord king.
Have some more wine.
It's good, isn't it?
The finest, my lord.
You should go home now.
Enjoy yourself.
See your wife.
I'm sure it's been a long time.
I would, my lord, but...
But I'm tired.
He's here, my lord king.
Uriah...
... you are to return to Rabbah...
... and give this...
... to Joab.
Uriah.
My lord king.
I'd like you...
... to have this.
Thank you, my lord.
Thank you.
Uriah, welcome!
Joab, greetings from your king.
The bearer of this letter is Uriah, your lieutenant.
With respect to Uriah, place him in the hottest part of the battle...
... where he is most likely to be killed.
I hate these patrols. There are scouts all around the place.
Quiet, you men.
My lady.
I bring you the sword of a very brave man.
No.
The sword devours one man as well as another.
There's no reason for these things.
May I weep...
... my lord?
Of course.
But also...
... remember...
... Uriah died...
... as he would have wished...
... gallantly...
... Ioyal to his king and his people.
That's a good death for a soldier.
No way her husband dies...
... is good for his wife, my lord.
Your feeling...
... for Uriah...
... makes me jealous.
But you have my heart.
You know that.
There is one blessing.
We can acknowledge our child.
Oh, that is fortunate for the child.
And for you?
I will do as you command.
Then we shall marry.
And as a wedding gift, Hiram of Galilee has sent 200 heads of cattle.
Well, thank him.
And finally, your prophet Nathan has a legal matter for you to dispose of.
My lord, I would ask that you hear this matter in private.
Very well.
You may leave us, Joseph.
Now, Nathan...
... tell me about this case.
There are two men in a nearby city.
One rich, the other poor.
The rich man has many sheep, many cattle.
The poor one has nothing...
... except for one little ewe lamb he's raised up since birth...
... like it was one of his own children.
And yet, the rich man...
... has taken up the poor man's one little ewe lamb to slaughter...
... and sell as his own.
There's only one answer to this.
The rich man must give the poor man one whole flock...
... and then he must die.
What was the name of this rich man?
I want to know so I can see to his punishment personally.
You are that man.
What do you mean?
God has given you everything:
Houses, wives, soldiers...
... and a great name among the nations.
If you needed more from him, you had only to ask.
Instead...
... you used the Ammonite sword to kill Uriah and took his wife.
Now the sword will never depart from your house.
And God has said:
"Thou will raise up evil against you out of your own house. "
I have sinned.
Does it mean that I must die?
You shall not die...
... but the child born between you and the wife of Uriah...
... shall surely die.
How is my wife?
Well...
... my king.
And how is my child?
Your child is thriving.
You feel him kick?
He wants to see his father.
Unless there's any news, leave me alone.
I'm going outside to fast and ask God's mercy.
Have mercy upon me, O God.
According to thy loving kindness.
According to thy tender mercies.
Wipe out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity.
Cleanse me for my sin.
For I acknowledge...
... my transgressions.
Create in me...
... a clean heart...
... and renew a right spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence.
Do not take your holy spirit from me.
The child?
Dead, my lord king.
I say it again, dear God.
Create in me a clean heart...
... and renew a right spirit.
You fasted and wept for your child while it was alive.
But when the child dies...
... you eat a meal.
When the child was alive...
... I fasted...
... because I said to myself:
"Who can tell whether God will be gracious and let the child live?"
But the child is dead.
Why should I continue to fast?
Can I bring him back?
I can go to him...
... but he cannot return to me.
Forgive me...
... for the loss of your son.
It is I...
... who must beg your forgiveness.
Why?
I...
... plotted...
... the death of Uriah.
The Lord...
... took our child in judgment.
My child...
... died...
... on account of Uriah's innocent blood?
You...
... the great King David, favorite of God, and God...
... did this to you?
I sinned.
I pray that he will forgive me.
There's nothing else I can do.
I sinned too.
If I had not desired you as well, none of this would have happened.
And whatever...
... judgment God makes...
... we'll face it together.
Do you remember the day...
... when I asked you...
... if Uriah lived...
... in your heart as one unique spirit that spoke to you?
I remember.
There is a man that feels that way about you.
He feels...
... you are the one unique spirit...
... he is destined to walk with forever.
I know you are that man.
Solomon.
Let God arise.
Let his enemies be scattered.
But let the righteous...
... be glad.
Let them rejoice.
A father for the fatherless is the Lord.
God setteth the solitary in families.
I am gathered happily with my wives, Michal...
... Abigail...
... and Bathsheba...
... and all of our children.
Allow us, Lord...
... to live out our lives together in peace...
... and harmony.
What are you doing? You're up to something.
Wait and see. Wait and see.
It's Tamar, isn't it?
Eat this.
- Doesn't my sister look magnificent? - Yeah, she does.
Tamar, what are you doing?
That's servant's work.
You sometimes forget you are the daughter of a king.
It's woman's work.
Whoever I am, I'm still a woman, aren't I?
Bathsheba, what do you think?
Should a princess carry out the duties of a handmaiden?
It is the privilege of a princess to please herself.
If she enjoys woman's work, let her enjoy it.
And remember...
... the only food I can bless is what she serves me.
Let me go, brother.
That tickles.
David is our father...
... but our mothers were different.
You're joking, Amnon.
- I'm not. - I think you should be.
Touch her, and the wrath of Absalom would fall onto you like rain.
Not to mention your father's.
I've gotten around Absalom all my life.
He's easy.
Good move, Absalom.
It's all right.
That's enough, Amnon.
Don't mind losing, Absalom.
We all still love you.
It seems to me as though Amnon is going to be the soldier.
And Absalom, the poet.
How do you both feel about that?
Whatever you say, Father.
Can't we be like you, Father?
Can't we be both?
- Tamar. - Brother.
I rode her too hard.
Her leg is broken.
It's better she not suffer.
Have you slept with a man, Tamar?
What a strange question, brother.
I'm unmarried.
Of course I'm a virgin.
I'm not married.
I've slept with women.
You're a man.
It's expected of men.
It is a great, great pleasure...
... to lie in bed with a man who longs to touch you.
When my husband takes me to that bed...
... I'll find out all about it.
She's pure, Amnon.
Why does it have to be her?
You could have handmaidens by the dozen.
I have to be with her...
... or I'll die.
Do you really mean that?
I do.
Look at you.
You're even starting to look ill.
I'm not surprised.
I feel lovesick.
- What? - I think I have an idea.
Stay here. You're about to become quite a bit sicker.
Jonodab, what's ailing Amnon?
He seems to have eaten some meat with worms, my lord king.
He's taken to his bed.
Nothing serious, I hope.
He's requested a remedy.
Has he? What?
He's very fond of the honey cakes as Tamar prepares them.
He wonders if she might come to his room...
... and prepare some of these in her own special way.
How is that with you, girl?
If it will help my brother and his illness...
... I'd be glad to, Father.
I love watching you cook.
Now eat, brother. You'll feel better.
Feed me.
Let me eat from your hand.
I love you, Tamar.
As a brother should.
I want you.
As a man wants a woman.
Don't force me.
You know it is against every law of God.
Don't worry.
I won't hurt you.
If this was right...
... you could ask Father's permission. - Silence.
No.
Get out, will you, please?
Please...
... say a kind word to me.
I can't have whores in my room...
... after they've performed their services.
Whores?
I thought you said you loved me.
Get out.
Tamar.
Brother. Help me. Please help me.
- Help me. - What is it, sister?
Amnon.
Tell me.
Absalom, what is it?
You have sinned...
... against me...
... against your family...
... against God.
You have no place in my army or my court.
You will not be in my presence at meals or at prayers.
You are, from now on...
... in disgrace.
Take my cattle to market at Hebron, and that's all you do...
... for this family and this nation.
Tamar's soul lies in pieces, and Amnon still lives?
He is my son...
... and your brother. - He raped your daughter.
We put men to death for much less.
It is my decision.
My decisions are law.
Another example of your mercy, Father? It's part of your legend.
I must be able to forgive my own flesh and blood.
So must you.
It's not mercy, Absalom. It's how a family, how a nation survives.
Absalom.
If we cannot find a way...
... past the sins we commit, we cannot live.
Now, show me that you understand my wisdom.
Embrace me.
Cheer up, brother.
The work isn't so rough.
What have you got to be so happ y about, brother?
It doesn't humiliate you chasing cattle all day?
Don't worry about me.
- I won't be doing this for much longer. - You won't?
I'll find my way back into the court.
Father will soften his judgment against me.
Do you know why?
He'll forgive anyone just to win back one more person's love.
Father's not satisfied with God's love.
He wants everyone else to love him as well.
You have us all figured out, Amnon.
I know Father. That's all.
And all this...
... while my sister, Tamar...
... eats dirt and babbles like a sick child...
... because of you.
You took her soul.
I can't believe I'm hearing this rubbish.
She's a woman, Absalom.
Women are weak.
Women are born to suffer.
This is good.
Come on.
Come here, my pretty. Let's dance. Come on.
Come on. Come on.
Come closer.
Oh, come on.
It's so good.
Come on. You want to play?
When the wine has weakened Amnon, strike him and kill him.
Come back. Come back. Come here.
- Tamar. - What is it, brother?
Amnon is dead.
I had him killed.
Report this to our father.
I have killed Amnon...
... in just judgment for what he did to you.
Tell Father...
... I know I must be lost to him...
... for disobeying his command and doing this.
Perhaps I shall never see him again.
Nevertheless, I still love him.
I shall love him forever.
Say goodbye to him for me...
... and to all of Jerusalem.
I will never forget what you've given up for me.
O God, you have made the earth tremble.
You have broken it.
Heal the breaches...
... for the earth shakes beneath our feet.
You've cast us off.
You have scattered us.
Oh, please.
Turn yourself to us again.
I'm saddened for you, my lord king.
Feeling sorry for me is turning into a full-time occupation for you.
You have given me and the nation much reason to celebrate as well.
That's God. Not me.
Amen.
Do you think...
... that once God starts punishing a man, he will ever stop?
Perhaps it is those who God loves the most...
... those on whom he lavishes his gifts...
... that he punishes the most severely.
The price of God's glory.
Remember what Samuel told me all those years ago.
"Help David.
God makes it hard to be a king. "
This is the woman in mourning from Tekoah...
... who bids you to give her judgment.
Yes. Ask her to come in.
Help me, please...
... my lord king.
What seems to be the problem?
I am a widow.
I had two sons.
They worked the fields together.
And they quarreled.
And one killed the other.
Go on.
All the rest of my family...
... bid me to punish my surviving son harshly.
But if I do that...
... I will have no heir.
And my husband's name will disappear from the earth.
I will have nothing.
Whoever tries to force you to take your remaining son's life...
... shall be brought to me, and I will deal with them.
No one else will bother you.
Thank you, my lord king.
God will respect no man...
... unless he devises some way for those children he has lost...
... to be brought back to him.
The man wants you to judge him, my lord king.
He was burning the tents outside the city gates...
... and trying to drain our water supply.
Who on earth would do such a stupid thing?
Bring him in.
Well?
I can only ask forgiveness and understanding...
... in the words of a prayer my father made.
May I speak my father's words?
Go ahead.
"Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O my God...
... and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
Create in me a clean heart...
... and renew a right spirit within me. "
Those are my words.
He's not our child. But he is my son, precious to me.
"Behold, I will raise up evil from thine house. "
How easily you forget the prophet's message.
I know what you're thinking.
You think that with Absalom permanently in disgrace...
... my favor would fall on Solomon.
I am not planning the succession, David.
Simply consider this.
Absalom has already shed his own brother's blood.
- What is he capable of next? - He's my son!
Promises between men.
Or contracts between merchants or treaties between nations.
These can be broken if advantage demands it.
But the covenant between a father and a son can never end.
No matter what Absalom did, I can never stop being his father.
If he does something wrong, it is because I failed to teach him.
He is mine, as you are mine.
As I am God's.
May I ask you a frank question, my lord prince?
Please.
If you were king...
... would you have judged the actions of Amnon...
... and your own deeds as lightly as David did?
David faces the law and the commands of his heart...
... and always finds a way to disobey the law.
You...
... chose the law over your own blood.
That tells me you are strong enough...
... to properly lead the nation.
Don't speak any more of these things...
... Aphitophel.
These words are already written in your own heart.
It is because of David's mercy that I am alive at this moment.
If the roles had been reversed...
... you would have been strong enough to order your son's punishment.
That is something you have never forgiven your father for.
For that weakness...
... he calls mercy.
What if all you say is true, what then?
Watch the elders of the tribes and the army.
How they view your father.
There's an opportunity for you if you only seize it.
With the gold we lavish on David...
... there's no money left for food.
It would be one thing if we could see an end to the sacrifice.
But with your father, there is no reasoning.
There was a time...
... when being a member of David's army...
... meant respect.
He even shortchanges us to pay for his temple now.
The Assyrians and Moabites are taking ground from us every day.
- Something has to be done. - Yes, but what?
The men can't take it anymore.
I know, but the longer we stand here and wait and do nothing...
... the worse the situation gets.
You may answer this question honestly.
If Israel had a new ruler...
: : :a younger man who would rebuild the army...
... who would let the villagers keep more of their wealth...
... would you men...
... support him?
How badly do we stand with the army?
Nearly two-thirds of the soldiers on foot in the Southern part...
... have gone over to Absalom.
Half of the farmers of the villages hereabouts have gone over to him as well.
And in the north?
The tribes of Israel on the other side of the Jordan?
Reports of their loyalty are still unconfirmed.
Aphitophel has guided Absalom brilliantly.
Am I correct that here in Jerusalem is where we're at our most vulnerable?
Yes, my lord.
If we were Philistines or Egyptians, Joab...
... now would be the perfect time for us to take poison.
What do you think, Nathan?
Do you think God loves Absalom enough to see him take my life and my crown?
I do not, my lord king.
God wants you to survive.
You're like a lamp for his people.
We will not defend Jerusalem.
You will not defend Jerusalem?
Absalom has a superior fighting force.
I've spent 15 years, the best years of my life...
... building this city into the capital of the nation.
I'm not gonna let all I've accomplished get burned...
... in a few days of bloody fighting.
That's one sin against God I know at least not to commit.
So, what do you propose?
We head for the north.
Find those men who are loyal to David and Joab, if there are any.
We will not sacrifice Jerusalem for these troubles.
I fear...
... for those who must stay...
... and face the generosity...
... of Absalom.
You don't need to tell me that you warned me about him.
I remember that.
You've been right about almost everything, Bathsheba.
From the very first moment you entered this palace.
And you may very well ask...
... if I knew...
... all the punishments...
... that were gonna be heaped upon us...
... would I still have gone toward you?
It is a question better not asked.
I love you.
I love you too.
I'm sorry.
So sorry for your city.
Keep not thy silence, O God. Hold not thy peace and be not still.
Thine enemies make a tumult.
They that hate thee have lifted their heads.
They have taken crafty counsel against thy people.
They have said, "Come, let us cut them off from their nation...
... that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. "
Fill their faces with shame that they may seek thy name, O Lord.
Fill their faces with shame.
David.
My tribe of Gittite people wish to join you.
My road is long and hard, lttai.
You and your people will be safe here. You've only lived here a short time.
And if you remain, you will continue to have my blessing.
We are your servants.
But we have sworn an oath to your kingdom.
And the kingdom of David...
... is wherever David is.
Thank you, lttai. I am glad of your support.
Zadok, the Ark must remain in the city.
But, my lord king...
... it cannot fall into Absalom's hands.
If I find favor with God...
... I will return to Jerusalem and see the Ark again.
If not...
... it will offer me no protection against Absalom.
Nathan?
You're right, my lord king.
The Ark must remain.
Bahurim.
Maybe we'll find someone who sympathizes with us up there.
Let's go on ahead.
Go away!
Get out of here! We curse you!
Why do you throw stones at us?
If you hate us, why don't you join Absalom in Jerusalem?
I am Shimei, the Benjamite.
Nephew of Abner and Jonathan.
And we curse both David and his son Absalom.
You have Saul's blood on your hands.
You have stolen his kingdom like a thief.
And if your son turns on you like a thief as well...
... then God is just.
And you are a bloody man.
Now turn away.
You'll find nowhere to hide here in Bahurim.
Order me, my lord king...
... to take a few guards into Bahurim and pay Shimei a visit.
Why should we let that dead dog curse you and live another day?
Let me go over there and take off his head.
No doubt he too thinks he has God's blessing.
It seems as though a lot of men thrive on hating me at the moment.
The Benjamites at least have some reason.
Compared with Absalom, who is my own flesh and blood.
Let Shimei and his men...
... curse me and throw stones at me.
God may see our afflictions and repay us with good for what we're suffering.
Like Saul...
... you're still letting those who hate you flourish.
It is a policy that is harming us to this day.
I have a few ideas about fighting back.
Send for that friend of Aphitophel's.
Hushai, I think his name is.
Hushai, my lord king.
You called for me, my lord king?
You study with Nathan and Zadok?
Yes, my lord king.
You are known to the one who calls himself Absalom's advisor...
... Aphitophel?
Yes.
I'm going to ask you to do something you might find painful, Hushai.
Ask, my lord king.
I want you to return to the comfort of Jerusalem.
But I want to be here with you and Nathan.
You cannot help me here.
But...
... if you can get close to Absalom...
... you may defeat the counsels of Aphitophel.
I see, my lord king.
Go to Jerusalem.
Go now.
The Council of Elders, my lord king.
My lord king.
The Council of Elders wants to know...
... will you stop collecting tribute for the temple?
For the time being...
... all your tribute will go towards strengthening the army.
My father is a cruel, old leopard.
He has to be hunted down...
... cornered and killed.
That is the first work of the nation.
Nothing else can be accomplished...
... until David is no longer a threat.
Agreed, my lord king.
Absalom.
You are Ahimaz, nephew of Zadok...
... priest to David.
- Who says so? - Your king.
Your true king, David, may require a service from you.
Be ready.
The young priest, Hushai, would like to greet the king.
The king recognizes in Hushai...
... a brilliant student of Nathan and Zadok.
Are you comfortable in swearing loyalty to me?
I am a great believer in youth and power.
The Lord favored David...
... when he was young and fought a weak king.
Now Absalom...
... is similarly favored.
Well spoken.
On the other side of that door are three of David's concubines.
Take them tonight, all of them.
That way, you will fulfill the prophecy...
... and everyone will know that what once was David's...
... is now yours.
Solomon.
The news is not good?
None of the villagers this close to Jerusalem want to join us.
In fact, nobody in this area is prepared to meet with the regular army.
Won't they give us any food?
They're afraid.
Absalom has troops everywhere.
Our only hope are the tribes of Judea on the other side of the river.
- We're too weak for a river crossing. - David.
If Absalom catches you with the river at your back...
... he will annihilate you.
We should pursue David with all our forces now.
Tonight. While he's weary.
And with little support, we can kill him without many losses.
Hushai, what do you say?
I think my learned friend is wrong.
You know that your father and Joab...
... and their best men are still strong soldiers.
You strike at them now...
... they're like a wounded bear...
... ready to put up their angriest, bloodiest fight.
If ever there was a time when David would be likely to frighten your men...
... it's now.
My counsel...
... is to wait.
Let all the men of Israel from Dan to Sheba join you.
You will fall on him then...
... like a hard rain.
I accept Hushai's counsel.
We will wait.
We wouldn't want it to be said...
... that slaughter was the purpose of Absalom's rule.
- Can you run? - Yes.
Run to David's camp just north of Bahurim.
Tell him he must cross the river without delay.
I don't know how much longer Absalom will heed my counsel.
- Can you remember all of that? - Yes, I can.
Then run.
Who is that?
This is Ahimaz.
Blood kin to Zadok and loyal to you, my lord king.
- Yes? - My lord king...
... I have news from your servant, Hushai.
Come in, come in.
We will commence the war against David...
... in Aphitophel's honor...
... at sunrise.
My lord king...
... please welcome Shobi of Rabbah...
... Machir of Lodebar...
... and Brarzilla of Rogelim.
They all head militias of their villages.
And they're all prepared to fight for us.
We are honored to help...
... my lord king.
You'll each take one half of the force...
... and I will lead. - No.
You can't.
Why not?
If you are with us...
... and the battle goes poorly...
... they will kill all of us to get to you.
If you are not seen on the field...
... we may survive a defeat well enough...
... to fight another day.
Ittai, what do you think?
I agree.
Very well then, Joab.
You will lead.
Where will you meet them?
At the wood of Ephraim...
... where they will be tired after crossing the river.
One last thing, Joab.
If it is at all possible to save the life of Absalom...
... please find a way.
Forward.
I used to be frightened entering a battle.
Now I'm frightened not to enter it.
Absalom.
Follow him.
We must follow Absalom.
Go. Tell the king what we have done.
Follow lttai.
Inform the king.
A rider.
No, two.
First one's lttai. A good man.
He brings good tidings.
I feel it.
All is well, my lord king.
Blessed be the Lord God...
... who delivered up those men, who raised their hands against you.
What news of Absalom, my son?
Is he captive?
Is he prisoner? Is he safe?
I cannot say, my lord king.
Joab and a detachment sought after him.
There was furious fighting...
... but I do not know the result.
Well?
Good news, my lord king.
For God has delivered you this day...
... from the power of those who rose against you.
And Absalom?
May all the enemies of King David...
... God's anointed...
... meet the same fate as that young man has.
My son.
Absalom.
Why couldn't God take my life instead of yours?
Please.
Leave me.
My lord king.
You have turned this day's victory into a ceremony of mourning.
The camp speaks only of your grief for your son.
David.
We have been together a long time.
And I have always loved you.
And I've always tried...
... to understand the way you feel...
... the way you see things.
But today, you disgraced yourself...
... and me...
... and all your men.
How's that?
You not only love your enemies...
... you seem to love them more than your friends.
If all your loyal followers had died...
... and Absalom had lived...
... to crush your kingdom...
... you would have been pleased.
What would you have me do?
Return to Jerusalem.
Stand up at the gates...
... and thank all those who were loyal to you this day.
Honor them with your greeting.
Or they will start a rebellion more dangerous...
... than the one we put down today.
Be king, David.
Be king again.
Praise be to King David...
... of the Israelites.
Hail.
I know this victory is hollow for you.
My sorrow...
... is not just for myself.
With both my sons gone, how can I be sure...
... that this kingdom will survive on a firm foundation?
You taught me that after every trial the nation faces...
... it emerges stronger than before.
And you said this was proof of God's love.
No matter what mistakes and ordeals we suffer...
... God loves us...
... and calls us back to him.
You must go...
... and listen to God.
You have made great wars...
... and have shed blood in great abundance.
Therefore, you shall not build my temple.
Solomon, your son, shall sit upon the throne of Israel.
I will give him rest from his enemies...
... so that he can be a man of peace.
And so it shall be Solomon...
... who will build my temple.
Your son shall be my son.
And I will be his father.
And I will establish his kingdom...
... forever.