The first song has Saul singing heartfully of his fall. Saul ends by raising a cup and sings (with his court): “Oh cup of bitterness, oh cup of sorrow, oh cup of loneliness, empty as tomorrow.” Saul then sings of how he wishes he could return to God but “Oh to return to Thee can never be. I’ve been expelled and the gates are closed.”

We are now introduced to David who is brought before Saul to play music whenever “an evil spirit from the Lord terrified him.” David sings a song of praise to God. Saul finds great comfort in David’s singing because (singing) “You remind me of the time when I was young.”

A brief narration introduces us to Goliath. The scene opens with David and Goliath eyeing each other as townspeople circle them. The song is upbeat as townspeople ask (singing) “Who is this boy who comes from out of nowhere?” David slays Goliath as the song ends. This leads into a major production number (Freedom!) as all Israel celebrates through song and dance their victory and their new hero.

Prince Jonathan, son of Saul, enters amid the revelry to escort David back to Saul’s camp. The townspeople laugh at Jonathan, for even though he is a prince he has never gained the stature of his father. He is near embarrassment as he sings “They call me a prince, but am I as strong as you?” David, however, declines to leave with Jonathan. Alone on stage, he realizes he is a prince but wonders if he’ll still be one (singing) “when I grow old.”

David has now become a great military leader while Saul continues to live in spiritual anguish. The scene opens with Saul surrounded by his court leading a kind of responsive chant detailing his rise and fall. For example, Saul (singing) “It happened many times.” Court responds (singing) “The prophet Samuel came.” This is immediately followed by David’s troops returning from battle praising David’s courage and leadership (singing) “Oh how proud we are, we are marching into war.” David enters and is confronted by Saul who has now grown increasingly jealous of David’s fame. Saul and his entourage leave except for Jonathan. David asks him if he too is jealous. Jonathan replies that such feelings are impossible since he loves him (singing) “more than my soul.” David answers in kind (singing) “everyday of the year, with each season passed, I think of you.” They then blend their respective songs together in what should be one of the emotional high points of the play.

The next scene opens with David surrounded by townspeople who ask how he is so successful in all his ways. David replies that he gets his strength from God (singing) “I thank Him, I thank Him for all that He’s done.” Saul enters as the song is ending and misconstrues “I thank Him (God)” with the people thanking David. This is Saul’s breaking point. He vows to kill David as he gnashes (singing) “How could I have made such mistakes?”

The next scene opens with Jonathan rushing toward David telling him he must leave at once or be killed. Realizing that this is indeed the last time they shall ever see each other they vow to meet again in another world at another time since (singing) “It is said that God has many worlds. If it’s true then I will wait for you.”

We now see David and his followers in exile as David asks God to protect him (singing) “from those who do harm.” They must leave quickly however as Saul, Jonathan, and soldiers enter in quick pursuit. Saul tells Jonathan that David must be killed in order for Jonathan to become the next King of Israel. While Saul and his soldiers rush off, Jonathan remains behind stating that the only thing he now desires is death since (singing) “it will unite me with David for all eternity.”

A soldier informs Jonathan that the Philistines are approaching. Jonathan turns to fight and although he fights valiantly he is soon overpowered and slain. Saul enters with an armor-carrier and discovers the dead body of Jonathan. Saul, now sensing that David will become King, tells the soldier to (singing) “thrust me lest these Philistines thrust and make a mock!” The soldier complies and Saul dies beside Jonathan.