Of Kings and Prophets Episode 1.01 Offerings of Blood

The battle-weary King Saul (Ray Winstone) struggles to defend his Kingdom from one of Israel's ancient enemies, the Philistines, by marrying off his daughter, Merav (Jeanine Mason), to Mattiyahu of Judah (guest star Matt Whelan). All are hopeful this strategic marriage will unify the twelve Israelite tribes. In the midst of the wedding preparations, the prophet Samuel (Mohammad Bakri) beckons Saul and relays a message from God that he must destroy the Amalekites, another of Israel's ancient enemies. Saul dares to challenge the Prophet Samuel, setting in motion a series of calamities that will threaten his rule of the kingdom.

Meanwhile, the shepherd, David (Olly Rix), is determined to settle his family's debts. He travels to the King's palace in Gibeah with his cousin Yoab (David Walmsley) and makes the bold proposition that he can kill the lion hunting his flock. Queen Ahinoam (Simone Kessel) scoffs at David, but daughter Michal (Maisie Richardson-Sellers) thinks he just might accomplish this dangerous feat.