Saul, the king of Israel, is slowly sinking into paranoia. Bitterly regretting his dispute with the prophet Samuel, he is convinced that he has lost the chance to establish his own dynasty, and the kingdom he has fought so hard to secure will at any moment be snatched from him. When David’s popularity explodes after he proves himself by brilliantly defeating the Philistine warrior Goliath, Saul’s mistrust grows. Convinced that David is after his crown, he exiles him from his court and then doggedly pursues him, consumed with jealously. It is a decision which proves fatal: the Philistines trounce the divided Israelites. Saul and his son Jonathan are both killed in battle – leaving the throne open for David. A golden age for Israel follows, as David conquers the city of Jerusalem and settles the Ark of the Covenant. They have a nation, a homeland, a capital. But David is but an earthly king, seduced by power and lust. He falls for Bathsheba, the wife of his loyal friend and officer, Uriah, and takes her as his own. When Bathsheba falls pregnant, he orders the death of his friend. David is duly punished by God – his son dies. But God forgives him, and his second son by Bathsheba, Solomon. It is Solomon who will build God’s temple in Jerusalem.