David felt the difference in atmosphere as soon as he stepped into the house. Everyone looked at him a little differently, treated him with more deference. He entered the inner chamber to join his brothers and was surprised to see a large portion of food set aside for him. All his brothers were silent as he sat to eat with them. There were no taunts or sarcastic comments; there was almost a reverential silence, one filled with unasked questions. After eating his fill he got up, bade them good night and started for his sleeping place in the courtyard under the fig tree. He was surprised to see Jesse, his father, waiting for him.

“How goes it, my son?” he asked haltingly.

David managed to hide his surprise; Jesse rarely spoke to him except on issues pertaining to his responsibilities. He rarely asked him how he was.

He answered in respectful tones, “I am well father. I trust you are in good health and that our honoured guest enjoyed the hospitality of this household and departed with blessings?” (more…)