House of David Season 2 Episode 4: Recap, Review, & Analysis

Kevin Keating
Oct 19
19 min read

Updated: Oct 24

The Day of Atonement is one of the most important rituals described in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 23:26-32). Episode 4 of House of David Season 2 ("Road to Atonement") gives us a concrete picture of what it was like for ancient Israelites to participate in this important ritual and the deep emotional and social significance it would have had, even among less devoted Israelites. The episode also continues to explore the complicated romantic drama surrounding Saul’s offer of his older daughter Mirab to David (1 Samuel 18:17) and David’s efforts to become a military commander who is able to command the love of his followers (1 Samuel 18:13-16). Meanwhile, David’s brother, Eliab, is tested by an impossible situation and Jonathan's confronts moral and romantic dilemmas. Below I'll offer an in-depth recap of the plot (SPOILER WARNING), my opinion of the episode, and an analysis of its key themes. You can also find a video discussion of House of David Season 2 Episode 4 here on YouTube.

More House of David Resources

Saul (Ali Suliman) confronts Samuel (Stephen Lang) in Episode 4 of House of David Season 2 — Saul (Ali Suliman) confronts Samuel (Stephen Lang) in Episode 4 of *House of David* Season 2

What Happened in House of David Season 2 Episode 4 (Road to Atonement)?

Mychal, Mirab, & David in House of David Season 2 Episode 4

Episode 4 opens with a flashback to David’s childhood. As his family makes their way to the Tabernacle for the Day of Atonement, David asks his mother, Nitzevet whether God will be watching them and she explains that God is always watching but they will be going where his Spirit dwells. Back in the present, David’s reminiscence is interrupted by Mychal, who lets him know that everyone is ready to leave. David explains to her that as a child his family was never allowed to go to the Tabernacle because his mother was a Gentile and he was considered illegitimate. But Mychal points out that he will now be welcomed as a king’s champion. Not far away, Mirab watches, jealous of her fiance’s continued preference for her sister. As the entourage prepares to set out on the long journey, Mirab and Mychal agree not to talk to one another.

That night at camp, Mirab intercepts David on his way to find Mychal. When Mirab reveals that, as a wedding gift, she’s convinced Saul to give Jesse 100 sheep and to have his family restored so that they can participate in the Day of Atonement next year, David thanks her been insists that his love cannot be bought. Mirab asks if it can be earned, but David insists it already has been (by Mychal). Undeterred, Mirab tries to help David see all that they have in common as the overlooked, forgotten ones who are trying to find a path for themselves. Moreover, she insists that the two of them are what the kingdom needs and that her father’s choice will not change. Even if he doesn’t love her, she asks him not to embarrass her before the nation.

Later that night, after David’s unsuccessful attempt to lead his men into battle, Mirab finds and consoles him, noting how she’s seen the impact war has not just on those who fight but also on those who are left behind. As he breaks down in tears, she holds him, while Mychal jealously watches from nearby.

The next day, as crowds greet David’s arrival at the Tabernacle with cheers, Mirab asks him to take her hand and pretend to be in love, if only for her own reputation, and he agrees, while Mychal watches sadly. As they enter the Tabernacle complex itself, Mirab briefly catches a glimpse of Jordan, her former love – a moment that David himself seems to mark.

That night, Mychal find David sleeping under the stars and announces that she’s decided to let him marry Mirab. When she explains that they must consider more than their own happiness and must submit to her father, he insists that their marriage is part of God’s will (because he hopes it will allow for a peaceful transition of power from Saul to himself). She finds this hard to believe, given how hard it has been, and asks him to respect her decision if he truly loves her.

After the sacrifice, Mychal finds Mirab and agrees to stop fighting and allow her to have David. Even so, she warns that she will never be able to forgive her sister for what she’s done.

Joab & Eliab in House of David Season 2 Episode 4

Following Saul’s conversation with Adriel about the identity of the one that Samuel anointed, Saul summons Joab and sends him to eliminate this new rival and his family. Abner, distrustful of Joab after witnessing the murder of Besai, encourages Saul to find someone else to do the deed, but Saul insists that Joab is the only one he trusts.

As David prepares to leave with the Tabernacle with the royal entourage, Eliab expresses pride in his brother but sadly notes that he is being sent on a secret mission with Joab. The two cousins ride off toward Judah, though Joab ominously refuses to tell Eliab where exactly they are going or what they are doing, insisting that Eliab will know the truth when the time is right.

Arriving at the home of a Judean neighbor, Eliab demands answers from Joab, who reveals that they are here to kill the man anointed by Samuel and his family. Though Eliab pleads that they are good people, Joab goes ahead and kills the man. Chasing after the man’s son, Joab commands Eliab to kill the remaining family members, including a baby crying from within the man’s home. Horrified, Eliab nearly refuses but finally sets out to do the terrible deed.

Racing off to Nob, they rendezvous with Saul and Abner and report that their mission has been accomplished. When David asks Eliab, however, he refuses to speak of it, filled with anger and guilt. That night, as Eliab washes his bloody hands and sword, the cries of the baby he killed ring through his ears. Flashing back to his family’s fateful trip to the Tabernacle, he recalls how he once complained to Jesse about David, only for his father to urge him to bear the burden and focus on becoming the man God wants him to be. Overwhelmed with his failure, he nearly runs himself through with his sword but can’t go through with it. Afterward, he runs into David but the two are unable to open up to one another about their respective burdens.

The Tabernacle in Episode 4 of House of David Season 2 — The Tabernacle in Episode 4 of *House of David* Season 2

Saul, David, & Samuel in House of David Season 2 Episode 4

Having given Joab orders to assassinate his potential rival, Saul prepares to set off for the Tabernacle, To the surprise of his children, he reveals the Ahinoam will not be joining them this year (because of her misdeeds that he uncovered in Episode 3).

After stopping to camp later that night, Saul praises David for his loyalty and expresses envy at how he will get a chance to experience the Day of Atonement for the first time. He explains that the Day of Atonement is a time to repent of the things that distance us from God and the consequences caused by bad choices – it’s a beginning and end to many things.

Arriving at Nob, Saul watches with slight trepidation as David is greeted by a cheering crowd but reminds the people that David is his giant slayer and the future husband of his daughter. Entering the Tabernacle itself, Saul catches sight of Samuel but is warned by Abiathar that, if he attempts to put hands on the prophet, the priests will fight back, in the sight of all the people. Saul insists that he has come to offer Samuel an opportunity to relieve his sins and cheerfully nods at Samuel, who remains cold.

That night, Saul is visited by Samuel’s wife, Hilah, who questions where Ahinoam is and expresses concern for what demons she may be grappling with. When Saul urges her to convince Samuel to re-annoint him before the people, Hilah points out the folly of his request. If Samuel isn’t speaking for God, Saul’s initial anointing means nothing, but if he does speak for God, the only right response is to accept his words. Annoyed, Saul warns that Samuel’s time will come soon if he continues in defiance and that terrible things may come to her as well.

Elsewhere, Samuel intercedes for Israel, asking God to forgive their trespasses and unfaithfulness because of his compassion and faithful love. But even as he is praying, below in the camp, Saul seizes his servant, Kazia, and takes her into his tent for (implied) sex [Note: I’m beginning to suspect Kazia may end up being Saul’s concubine Rizpah who plays quite a significant role (2 Samuel 3:7, 2 Samuel 21:8-11)]. As Samuel finishes his prayer, Hilah finds him and embraces him.

The next morning, Adriel finds David and discreetly reveals that he lied to Saul, directing him against one of Adriel’s enemies while concealing David’s identity. When the scepter returns to Judah, he urges David to remember who protected him.

Emerging from the Holy of Holies, adorned in the Ephod of the High Priest, Samuel casts the Urim and Thummim and selects one goat for the burnt offering and the other to carry the sins of Israel away from the camp. But as Samuel performs the sacrifice, Saul approaches the altar (without permission) amd embraces him. He quietly reveals to Samuel that he has assassinated the false anointed one (or so he thinks) and once again urges the prophet to re-annoint him before the people. As they are talking, David approaches the edge of the altar to lament before the Lord for the lives that he lost – a scene that captures the attention of everyone present, including Saul. After David finishes, Samuel rebukes Saul for approaching the priestly altar, insisting that he does not fear him or serve him. With the eyes of all the worshippers on him, Saul is forced to leave empty-handed.

Later, on his way out of Nob, Saul eyes Samuel menacingly. As his entourage departs, he notices how the men have begun to sing David’s song of lament, an ominous sign of his protege’s growing influence.

David, His Men, & Achish in House of David Season 2 Episode 4

As the royal entourage sets out, David sheepishly reveals to Uriah that he’s been tasked with leading, even though he doesn’t know the way. Although Oaz chuckles at his commander’s inexperience, Uriah graciously helps.

That night at camp, Oaz and Uriah are surprised to see David playing his lyre and singing and they laugh at him. Jonathan urges David to ignore them, insisting that, unlike his sheep, it will take time to earn the loyalty of his men and give them the sense of purpose that they’ll need to face death and hardship. Suddenly, news arrives of a Philistine attack on a nearby village. David and Jonathan set out with a detachment of soldiers while Abner calls for reinforcements.

After the battle, Oaz scolds David for rushing in and getting at least a dozen of their men wounded. Though he’s dismissed to tend the wounded, Jonathan agrees with his assessment, pointing out how David led with emotion and got people killed as a result. Investigating the scene, they discover that the Philistines were all carrying pieces of charcoal. Full of shame, David retrieves the greave of one of the fallen soldiers as a token of his failure and returns back to the camp to grieve with Mirab.

Back in Philistia, Achish and Dagonor visit their chief iron weapon factory and inspect the new materials. Disappointed at how heavy they are, they inquire about the blacksmith who created Goliath’s sword, only to learn that he’s thought to be dead. His apprentice, the head of the factory, insists that they can do better and is charged with producing work worthy of gods and kings.

Later, during the Day of Atonement sacrifice, David approaches the altar and places the greave of the fallen soldier there as a sign of his need to atone for his failure. As Uriah, Oaz, and all the other worshippers watch, he falls to his knees and begins to lament before the Lord. Hugging David, Jonathan assures him that he is with him. Moved by David’s vulnerability, on their way out of Nob, Oaz takes up David’s song of lament and soon the whole company of soldiers begin to sing it.

Sara & Jonathan in House of David Season 2 Episode 4

Mychal finds Sara tending to the wounded and expresses gratitude for how she healed her brother – and has made him happy. When Sara insists that, like many of those she helps Jonathan has confused feelings of gratitude and reverence for affection, Mychal points out that the feelings between them are clearly mutual. Sara is still hesitant to own up to her feelings, but accepts an invitation to accompany the royal family to the Tabernacle. Finding Jonathan, Mychal asks if he’s still in need of healing and he happily declares that he’s never felt worse.

Later at the Tabernacle, Jonathan finds Samuel preparing for the sacrifice and asks him if David is the one he anointed to replace Saul. When Samuel confirms his guess, Jonathan expresses fear that the knowledge that he is equipping the man who may destroy his family threatens to corrupt his mind. But Samuel helps Jonathan recognize that David will not harm his family and points out that God’s will manifests itself in strange ways. Instead of being an obstacle to David’s ascent, Samuel urges him to become David’s greatest ally and to help him become the man God needs him to be – while also enjoying what God is doing in his own life (through Sara). As the worship continues, David begins to lament before the Lord on account of his failures and Jonathan demonstrates his commitment by embracing his friend in front of the whole congregation.

After the service, Jonathan approaches Sara, intent on following Samuel’s advice by pursuing a relationship with her. To his surprise, Sara insists that they cannot be together. She reveals that her brother died during Jonathan’s victory at Micmash (1 Samuel 13). Try as she might, she can’t help but hold Jonathan responsible for his loss.

Eshbaal & Dinah in House of David Season 2 Episode 4

Just before the entourage sets off for the Tabernacle, Eshbaal asks his new wife, Dinah, if she would like to join his sisters in the carriage, but she scoffs at how little he knows her, as she mounts her horse, far better than he himself is able to.

Upon arriving, the night before the Day of Atonement, as Eshbaal and Dinah lie together, he tries to get her to have sex. Holding a dagger to his neck, Dinah reminds him of their understanding and also points out that the Day of Atonement is a time for self-denial and fasting. Conceding for the time being, Eshbaal insists that he’ll be trying again soon, deal or not.

Samuel (Stephen Lang) intercedes for Israel in Episode 4 of House of David Season 2 — Samuel (Stephen Lang) intercedes for Israel in Episode 4 of *House of David* Season 2

Review of House of David Season 2 Episode 4 (Road to Atonement)

Episode 4 of House of David Season 2 has many strong elements:

Production Value, Costumes, Cinematography, Choreography: House of David continues to maintain the quality of a mainstream historical/fantasy epic. Pretty much everything looks top notch.
The Day of Atonement: I really appreciate how the show went out of its way to incorporate the Day of Atonement. Most Christian viewers will be aware of the celebration in an abstract sense, because of how later writers tie it to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (e.g. Hebrews 9). It’s different to see the ceremony play out on screen and to witness the emotional and social significance it would have had for Israelites in their own time. It’s particularly ironic to have the Day of Atonement take place in an episode in which Eliab, Joab, and Saul sin in terrible ways, and David has one of his greatest failures. It highlights one of the main contrasts between David and Saul: while they both sin in spectacular ways, Saul’s response to his own sin is to try to minimize the consequences and dishonor (i.e. by trying to get Samuel to re-annoint him) whereas David responds with public repentance and vulnerability. The inclusion of the Tabernacle is also clearly setting up the massacre of the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 22), which I imagine will take place at the climax of Season 2.
David’s Gradual Growth as a Leader: I love how Season 2 of House of David is providing David with space to learn lessons about leadership and to earn the respect of his men over time. Most films and shows that follow unlikely heroes who become leaders rush over this sort of thing. For example, we never see Luke Skywalker learning the ropes of leadership and gaining the trust of his men. He has a personal heroic moment, destroying the Death Star, and then the next thing we know he’s a squadron commander giving orders. By contrast, House of David is allowing David to make mistakes and struggle to command the respect of his men. When his followers decide to accompany him into exile at the end of Season 2, it’ll make that decision much more meaningful and realistic. It’s also just good to see a show teaching wise and practical lessons on leadership (e.g. not leading wholly with emotion and the importance of vulnerability).
Mirab & Romantic Drama: It would be easy for House of David to tell a much less nuanced story, in which a character like Mirab would come across as nothing more than a superficial foil to her more faithful sister, Mychal. Instead, the show goes out of its way to make Mirab complex and sympathetic and to make her potential relationship with David seem plausible. Yali Topol Margalith does a great job of selling the character and almost makes me root for her, even though the show ultimately wants us to side with Mychal. I also appreciate how Mychal is tempted to believe that just because pursuing her relationship with David will be difficult, that means it is against God’s will. The mistaken assumption that, if something is difficult, it must be against God’s will is common, so I’ll be glad to see it ultimately get corrected by the show.
Eliab’s Tragic Dilemma: Eliab has been one of my favorite characters in House of David so far – perhaps in part because of how the show has put him through so much. I appreciate how Episode 4 plays around with our expectations. At first, we’re primed to think that Joab is taking Eliab into the middle of nowhere so that he can assassinate him. But what actually happens turns out to be even worse. Being assassinated unjustly would at least be a noble death. But Eliab is forced to choose between following orders and doing something horrible or resisting and endangering his family’s safety (and the life of his anointed brother). It’s hard to know what would have been the right choice (which is kind of a theme throughout the Book of Samuel). It was painful to see Eliab wrestling afterward with the guilt and shame of what he did and I could totally see why he projected some of his self-loathing out on David. I’m really interested to see how the show continues to develop Eliab’s character.
Saul’s Adultery: Episode 4 handles the adultery between Saul and Kazia with delicacy. Most mainstream shows would have indulged in gratuitous sex and nudity, while most religious shows wouldn’t have included sexuality at all, unless forced to by Scripture (e.g. David & Bathsheba). House of David honestly depicts what life would be like for female slaves of an ancient king (especially a less-than-faithful one like Saul), but it only shows just enough for us to recognize what’s happening. It doesn’t attempt to titillate or indulge the lurid desires of viewers. We know that Saul did have concubines (e.g. 2 Samuel 3:7) and so the show is drawing out a biblical reality in a manner that feels authentic and also draws attention to Saul’s ongoing spiritual decline. Given how Uriah was recently introduced, the moment also invites viewers to anticipate how David will eventually fall into a similar sin with a woman under his power (2 Samuel 11).
Samuel’s Priestly Role: When I realized that Samuel was wearing the Ephod and was performing the sacrifice, I was a little taken aback. Normally, these functions would have been reserved for the High Priest, Ahimelech, who has already been introduced. There are obvious dramatic reasons for why the show lets Samuel perform the role of Ahimelech – it allows the confrontation between Saul and Samuel to take place at the altar, with the eyes of all Israel watching and it allows the show to keep our focus on Samuel, a more important character than Ahimelech. But upon further reflection I realized that the moment is actually capturing important aspects of Samuel’s biblical portrait. Since he’s mostly been engaging in his prophetic role during the events of the show, it’s easy to forget that Samuel ministered in the Tabernacle as a child. The famous story of the Lord calling to him takes place before the Ark itself (1 Samuel 3). Although Samuel was apparently not of the priestly line (1 Samuel 1:1), as a Nazirite dedicated to the Lord from birth (1 Samuel 1:9-28, Numbers 6), he was allowed to play a pseudo-priestly role that included offering sacrifices on behalf of the sins of the people (e.g. 1 Samuel 7:9-10). I’m still not sure if Samuel would have gone so far as to wear the Ephod and perform the Day of Atonement sacrifice, but I think it’s an understandable decision that points to an important dimension of Samuel’s personal history and role in Israel.

I did have a couple issues with Episode 4:

Sara’s Sudden Turn: The revelation that Sara’s brother died under the leadership of Jonathan at Michmash came out of nowhere and also felt a little forced. I don’t find it very believable that a common woman in that time and culture would turn down a marriage proposal from a prince just because he happened to lead a battle in which her brother fought. But even if I was willing to accept the premise, the show could have done a much better job of setting this moment. Up until this point, Sara and Jonathan have been only constantly mooning over each other. We haven’t really gotten any hints that she resents him or even that she resents violence.
David Touching the Dead: Just a day or two before entering the Tabernacle for the Day of Atonement, David touches a dead body. According to the ceremonial law, this would render him unclean for seven days and would prevent him from entering into Tabernacle (Numbers 19:11-13). Although I’m sure it would have messed up the story structure, the show could have arranged events so that David’s battlefield failure took place several days before they set out for the Day of Atonement in order to avoid rendering him ritually unclean.

Abner (Oded Fehr), Saul (Ali Suliman), and Jonathan (Ethan Kai) enter Nob in Episode 4 of House of David Season 2 — Abner (Oded Fehr), Saul (Ali Suliman), and Jonathan (Ethan Kai) enter Nob in Episode 4 of *House of David* Season 2

Key Themes of House of David Season 2 Episode 4

Episode 4 of House of David Season 2 has a few key themes that I found very interesting:

The Sacrifices of God are a Broken Spirit

As David fell down at the altar and lamented his failure before the Lord, I couldn’t help but think of the words of the psalm that he will go on to write, “Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud your righteousness… For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:14-17). This is one of the essential contrasts between Saul and David. Both men engage in egregious behaviors during their respective reigns. And both are willing to confess and repent when confronted by a prophet (e.g. 1 Samuel 15:24-25, 2 Samuel 12:13). But the Bible makes it clear that Saul’s repentance is driven by a need to maintain his own status (1 Samuel 15:30), whereas David’s repentance seems to be born out of a broken and contrite heart.

In Episode 4, Saul sets out on a "road to atonement" by participating in external rituals and ceremonies, but the atonement he's seeking is social and political, not spiritual. Throughout the journey to Nob and particularly upon his arrival, Saul seems focused on his status with the people, not his status before God. That’s made even clearer by his conduct during the night. While Samuel is busy interceding for the sins of Israel, Saul is busy fornicating with his female servant. During the actual sacrifice, Saul shows no signs of remorse for his past disobedience. On the contrary, he once again violates the proper boundaries of kingship by approaching the priestly altar. Instead of confessing to Samuel, he accuses Samuel of being the one in the wrong, boasts of unjustly assassinating his rival, urges Samuel to reaffirm his own political and social status, and threatens to hurt him if he refuses. Though he does this all quietly and outwardly maintains the appearance of propriety, it’s clear to viewers that his heart is focused solely on his own glory and not on God.

In a modern context, David’s vulnerable expression of grief and repentance before the Lord could be seen as an attempt at vulnerability-signaling, but the show makes it quite clear that this is not what’s happening. We’ve already seen how David’s men laugh at his penchant for singing. Moreover, he’s just recently been lambasted for being too emotional as a leader. Choosing to display his grief and contrition openly before his men is a risky move. Ultimately, it actually pays off, because David’s men are moved by his conviction, but David doesn’t seem to anticipate that payoff. Rather, we’re given every reason to believe that David’s primary audience is God himself – the one who is always watching, as David’s mother explains to him at the start of the episode. Whereas Saul takes the political and social atonement and gets neither, David takes the road to atonement with God and the result is both spiritual healing and repair to his social status among the soldiers.

Eliab functions as an interesting foil to David. He too feels the guilt of his deeds at a deep level. But instead of pouring his guilt out before the Lord in confession, he tries to hold it in. The result is anger – directed both inwardly at himself and outwardly at his brother. If he was willing to cast his bloodguilt before the Lord, it could still be atoned for, and he could still eventually become the kind of man God (and his father, Jesse) want him to be. But if he continues to try to keep his guilt inside, it will almost certainly consume him.

Obeying God’s Will vs. Obeying the King’s Will

Eventually, I’m hoping to circle back and analyze how Episode 4 explores the tension between obeying/fearing God and obeying/fearing the King.

Stay tuned for more content on House of David Season 2. Also be sure to check out my blog review, recap, and analysis of Episode 1, Episode 2, and Episode 3 as well my discussion of Episode 4 on YouTube.

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