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Explore the Character of Doeg

The Role of Doeg Portrayed by Ashraf Barhom

Although David (Michael Iskander) would encounter numerous adversaries, more than just a giant named Goliath (Martyn Ford), one significant figure that emerges early on to leave a lasting impact, albeit subtly, is Doeg (Ashraf Barhom).

Initially recruited by Saul’s (Ali Suliman) right-hand man, Abner (Oded Fehr), to investigate a clandestine threat to Saul’s kingship, Doeg’s loyalties remain murky at best. With dubious intentions and ruthless, violent methods, Doeg promises to be a riveting character whose evolution will be intriguing to witness as the series progresses.

9

Unraveling Orpah’s Story

Sian Webber’s Portrayal of Orpah

Many women may have given birth to children who grow up to be tall, but few can boast of being the mother of a giant. The Bible mentions Goliath as having four brothers, with three of them named Lahmi, Ishbi-Benob, and Saph. Just think about the grocery bill for four giant mouths to feed!

Sian Webber beautifully captures the maternal instincts of a caring mother in the series. Her character is layered with intrigue as she grapples with the fate of her sons. Despite their towering stature and prowess with weapons, they are also feared, ostracized, and have large targets on their backs. Orpah strives to ensure a secure future for her children, a task that is fraught with uncertainty and danger.

8

Delving into Eliab’s Character

Davood Ghadami’s Interpretation of Eliab

When your brother is on the verge of becoming wealthy and powerful enough to reign as king, it might typically be a cause for celebration; however, for David’s older brother Eliab (Davood Ghadami), it causes anxiety. Doubting the prophetic promises regarding David’s future, Eliab’s overprotectiveness stems from a sincere concern for his younger brother’s welfare.

In the pivotal anointing scene from episode three, “The Anointing,” Samuel (<strong>Stephen Lang) initially passes over every other son of Jesse (Louis Ferreira) before calling for the overlooked and dismissed David. As he perceives the true nature of Eliab’s heart, whom many presumed would be the first choice, he poses the poignant question, “Why are you so afraid?” Samuel discerns a vulnerability that the otherwise brave warrior has managed to conceal. Eliab’s character arc will evolve significantly as David embraces his role as king, and similar to Jonathan (<strong>Ethan Kai), he will confront the reality that despite being the firstborn, he was not divinely chosen to ascend to the throne.

7

The Complex Character of Mirab

Yali Topol Margalith’s Performance as Mirab

Princess Mirab is a delightful blend of beauty and biting cynicism, expertly brought to life by Yali Topol Margalith. Clever, sharp-witted, and straightforward, she possesses no delusions about the reality of being a true princess, which starkly contrasts with the fairy tale portrayals.

Fully aware of her responsibilities as a king’s daughter, Mirab understands that in any marriage she enters, her primary duty is to ensure her husband remains loyal to her father. Episode five of the inaugural season, “The Wolf and the Lion,” proves to be a poignant and heart-wrenching one for Mirab. For a fleeting moment, there is a glimmer of hope for her happiness, but it proves to be ephemeral.

6

Eshbaal: The Party Prince’s Journey

Sam Otto’s Role as Eshbaal

Sam Otto’s portrayal of Prince Eshbaal as the quintessential party prince is nothing short of remarkable. He embodies a character that is carefree, languid, and self-indulgent, showing little concern for anything beyond his own satisfaction. This portrayal perfectly encapsulates the essence of a pampered prince who believes he is exempt from the burdens of responsibility.

Otto excels in illustrating the intricacies of being a second-in-line heir, often referred to as the “spare.” He displays a duality of gratitude for never having to bear the crown’s weight while simultaneously yearning for the recognition and prestige associated with it. In episode six, “Giants Awakened,” Eshbaal’s extravagant lifestyle comes crashing down as he faces the consequences of his choices, and a surprising twist in the season finale leaves audiences questioning where his journey will lead next.

5

Jonathan: The Loyal Prince

Ethan Kai’s Interpretation of Jonathan

Witnessing a parent’s decline is a deeply emotional and challenging journey. Jonathan’s (Kai) anxiety and concern for his father are intensified by the fact that he is the reigning monarch of the nation. As Saul’s authority and loyalty crumble, Jonathan must confront adversaries lurking within the palace walls before facing threats from rival kingdoms.

As intrigue, suspicion, and rumors intensify about potential threats to his father’s (and presumably Jonathan’s future kingship), Jonathan resolves to remain loyal, not just to his father but also to God. In episode six, “Giants Awakened,” Jonathan seeks guidance from Samuel regarding his father’s destiny, and Samuel confronts him with a probing question, “Who do you serve?” to which Jonathan firmly replies, “God, above all.”

4

Queen Ahinoam: The Power Behind the Throne

Ayelet Zurer’s Role as Queen Ahinoam

Daredevil and Daredevil: Born Again enthusiasts will undoubtedly agree that actor Ayelet Zurer was an ideal choice for the multifaceted character of Queen Ahinoam. In the Daredevil series, she portrays the girlfriend and subsequently the wife of the formidable Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio).

Zurer’s talent for embodying a power-behind-the-throne influence while supporting a man of authority is on full display as Queen Ahinoam. As her husband, King Saul, begins to lose his grip on reality, she finds herself compelled to take decisive action, not only for her family but for the continuity of their empire.

3

Samuel: The Prophet’s Dilemma

Stephen Lang’s Interpretation of Samuel

How do you summon the courage to confront a king and inform him that he is about to lose not just his throne, but his power, influence, and sanity? Perhaps it takes the conviction that it is not your decision to make, but God’s.

In a role that starkly contrasts with his typical action-oriented characters, Lang, renowned for performances in films and series such as Avatar and The Rookie, wholly immerses himself into the portrayal of this remarkable individual. He skillfully captures Samuel’s internal conflict as he remains obedient to God, even if it necessitates witnessing the downfall of a man he has cared for throughout the years. Samuel sets aside his personal feelings and performs his role in a narrative that promises to alter history and “unmake what has been made.”

2

King Saul: The Tragic Monarch

Ali Suliman’s Role as King Saul

A king who rose from humble beginnings, attained great power, and ultimately lost everything, Saul is one of the most captivating figures in the Bible and in David’s life. From a lowly donkey herder, Saul’s sudden ascension to the throne parallels David’s own unexpected rise. After centuries without a king, the Israelites implored God for a ruler, and He responded by appointing Saul as the first king.

However, absolute power has the potential to corrupt absolutely. Over time, as Saul experiences blessings and victories, he begins to forget that it is God who has granted him these fortunes, and that his ascension to power was not solely due to his own might or skill. Following an act of defiance and arrogance, Saul is harshly reminded of the limited power he truly possesses.

Suliman, recognized for his performances in films like Body of Lies and The Kingdom, delivers a powerful portrayal of the once and future king. A complex mixture of grief, pride, joy, fear, jealousy, and anguish, Saul’s legacy emerges as both tragic and intricate, and Suliman captures this essence brilliantly.

1

David: The Reluctant Hero

Michael Iskander’s Performance as David

Brave, humble, and passionate, David (Iskander) embodies all the traits of a hero, yet few would have anticipated it. A modest shepherd and the youngest of his siblings, David was often overlooked. Tasked with mundane chores and watching over livestock, he was not regarded as a warrior, let alone a candidate for kingship.

Iskander excels in this pivotal role, showcasing the many dimensions of the historically significant David. Transitioning from an overlooked brother to a brave soul willing to confront a lion, and eventually stepping into the service of a king, Iskander breathes life into a character whose importance and complexity will continue to expand as the exceptional writing of House of David unfolds.

NEXT: Is Saul and Jonathan’s Shared Vision Foreshadowing Their Fates on ‘House of David’?