November 5, 2025 • 28 mins
# 23 - Abraham's Lie & Sarah's Capture - In this episode of The Chosen People we recount the familiar yet painful story of Abraham's deception, where he presents Sarah as his sister to King Abimelech, repeating the same mistake made in Egypt. The episode highlights themes of fear, faith, and divine intervention as God protects Sarah despite Abraham's failure. Through Abimelech's dream, God's sovereignty ensures that Sarah is returned unharmed, while Abraham's faith is restored, demonstrating God's faithfulness even in the face of human frailty and failure. This episode reflects on redemption and the hope found in God's unrelenting grace.
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Episode 23 of The Chosen People is inspired by the Book of Genesis.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Proverbs 27:22, “Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.”
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
You've drawn the attention of Pharaoh's officials, and because of that,
we should be prepared to tell them you're my sister,
not my wife. This is for your protection as well
as my own. If you've drawn the eye of a
prominent Egyptian as your brother, my life would be spared.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
Abram, you would tell a half truth and deny me
the protection of my husband. Lie to spare yourself and
ship me off to an Egyptian warlord.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Abram winced, his resolution, wavered in her directness. In its
wake came guilt, and he was ashamed to admit it.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
I have never been able to conceive, and in the
ten years since we heard this promise, that hasn't changed.
I would have you achieved this promise another way. I
would present my maid to you so that you could
conceive a child with her.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
And so Hagar did as her lady instructed. That very
night she was escorted to her lord's tend.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
You have given your husband to me, and I have
done what you could not. Why should my station not
be elevated.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
Who is to.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
Say that Abram will not decide between us? You are nothing,
You are nothing, You are.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Nothing, Master Abram, Congratulations, Hagar has borne your son.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Hagar has asked me to relay the message that the
boy's name will be Ishmael.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Abram turned his face away from Serahi. He feared what
would happen if he continued. Abram couldn't bring himself to
fully admit what had happened in Egypt, certainly not to Serah,
perhaps some day, but the failure still haunted him deeply.
Speaker 5 (02:08):
You really got to meet a king.
Speaker 6 (02:11):
I did.
Speaker 5 (02:13):
Did you see how big his army was?
Speaker 4 (02:15):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Yes, they were very impressive. I even met their commander.
They call him fight call. These Philistines are an impressive people.
Speaker 5 (02:25):
I wish I had an army. Someday I'll be a
great warrior.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
I would never doubt anything you set your mind to,
my son, you are fiery and determined. I pity any
enemy foolish enough to challenge you. But what oranger asking
me about my meeting with King of Bimelech. I didn't
go into Gerard to survey their army.
Speaker 5 (02:51):
Right, they don't seem to be hostile towards us, so
they will let us stay here? Will they let us
access the water in the valley for our flocks.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Yes, and that's what's important. I'm glad to see your
thinking like a clan leader. Our flocks are our most
precious resource. They're the source of our wealth. If they die,
we die. That's why it's important that we have good
relations with these other nations. I know you're taken with
(03:21):
the idea of a large army and knowing how to
defend yourself can be prudent, but using diplomacy makes you wise.
Fight if you have to, but form friendships when you.
Speaker 5 (03:34):
Can, like you did with the Amorites back in Hebbron exactly,
even if they're different than us and they don't follow
our God.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Sometimes the friends you make won't see eye to eye
with you, but you try for peace before you go
to war.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
So is a Bim like our friend. Now, since you
went to talk with.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Him, we shall see. But keep your guard up. As
you said, these people do not follow our God. There
are savvy merchants here, having controlled this trade route for
so long, but I fear they are also the kind
of men who may take what they want.
Speaker 5 (04:17):
I see, I will be careful.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Father Abraham smiled at Ishmael as he ran off toward
his mother's tent. At thirteen, he was almost a man.
He absorbed all that Abraham taught him and was proving
to be as clever as he was competent and well
on his way to becoming a warrior. He had seen
how his training was coming along Ishmael would make a
(04:41):
fine clan leader and a formidable foe. One day, frowning
at the young man flying past her, his wife Sarah
approached him.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
You've returned. How was the meeting? What did a bimelech say?
Does he pose any threat to us?
Speaker 2 (04:59):
He will let us day, but I still fear will
need to be cautious in this territory of his. I
do not trust the people. I saw many troubling things
in the city. These people may not be as far
gone as Sodom or the other cities on the plain,
but they could prove treacherous.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Hm. We'll have to bear that in mind. It's a
relief to find well watered lands to settle. I fear
the famine will keep Hebron in its grip for some time.
Speaker 6 (05:30):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
Abraham was glad that his wife had come to meet
him to discuss the meeting. It was best that this
conversation took place away from the others. He knew Sarah
would better receive what he would ask of her away
from an audience of spying eyes and listening ears. Abraham
had hoped that the people's ways in the city would
differ from those they had encountered, but his optimism waned
(05:55):
when he saw their temples to false gods, brothels, polygamy,
hacked taverns, and general wanton and unruly lawlessness. He had
hoped it would not be so, but Gheerra was the
sort of place he feared his marriage would not be respected.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Sarah, Yes, Abram.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Er about what I saw in the city.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
What did you see?
Speaker 2 (06:19):
It's not so much what I saw as what I
believe we need to do to keep ourselves safe. No
one here fears the God Most High, and they live
according to their whims. The Philistines are not at war
with us, but I fear they will still take what
they want. We're staying in their lands and at their mercy.
(06:41):
We've amassed a great fortune, and though we are not
a military threat to the Philistines, our agreement is tenuous,
and they may seek to harm us in other ways.
Speaker 3 (06:54):
What are you saying, Sarah, I'm afraid.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
I see too many similarities in these people to the
ones we've dealt with in the past. I'm terrified for
my life. As the heads of our people, we will
be a target. I fear that they will use you
against me, or take you from me, or worse.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
We've survived this threat before, Abraham.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
I know we have I hope we do so again.
I would call upon your loyalty as my wife again.
I would have you tell everyone that you are my sister.
Please do this for me. Please go along with this
so I can rest easily, So you can.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Rest easily, even if it means I rest in fear
for my life and dignity. Even though your God saved
us in Egypt.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
I hadn't cut the covenant with our God yet at
that point, I must hold my end of the agreement
and mitigate any risk. There's so much more at stake now.
What would happen to all of you if I were
to be killed for political gain over our people?
Speaker 3 (08:12):
And what if they were to come for me and
make me a part of the king's harem. What if
your promise then, don't forget promises have been made to
me too.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
I'll think of something if it comes to that. We
have to trust that the God Almighty will protect the
promise he's made to us. But I don't see any
reason for us to be reckless. I think it would
be safer if the Philistines didn't think they had anything
to steal from me.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
I see your mind is made up. I will do
what you ask.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
Abraham breathed a sigh of relief and rested easier, knowing
the woman he loved would not be used against him.
In his experience, evil men were far more tempted into
evil deeds when tempted by something they could not have.
Abraham circulated that Sarah was merely his sister, not his wife,
(09:06):
and days went by without incident until one morning the
king Abimelek rode out to visit Abraham at their camp.
His procession of guards and advisers walked alongside his donkey,
and all of Abraham's people bowed before him as he
made his way to Abraham's tent in the heart of
their caravan.
Speaker 6 (09:26):
May I present the king a Bimlek of Gara.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Your majesty be welcomed in my home.
Speaker 4 (09:34):
You may rise, my Lord Abraham, how goes your work
of settling into this.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Lamb very well, your highness, you are very generous for
coming here in person to inquire.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
Abraham could not help but notice the bite creeping into
his turn. Abi Malek did not need to come out
here to see how Abraham was. Certainly, in person, he
could have sent envoys or spies to assess Abraham's people.
Belo Abraham knew posturing when he saw it, he was
too old to have the patience for it. As these
(10:07):
thoughts flashed through Abraham's mind, he saw the crafty ruler
eyeing the people of Abraham's household behind him. Undoubtedly he
had already taken inventory of his armed men and the
number of servants. Ishmael was beside Abraham, raising his chin
and drawing his shoulder back in opposition. He was far
from his final height, but Abraham's chest swelled with pride
(10:30):
at how his son presented himself before this abe Malek.
The King's gaze then swept over to his wife Sarah.
She darted her eyes to the ground, but Abraham could
see that her staggering beauty had already been marked in
the Abe Malek's eyes.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
Indeed, you will find me very involved in the day
to day operations of my land. Garar's wealth was not
built overnight, and I'd take pains to ensure it stewarded.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Well, of course, I understand, your highness.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
That's very admirable, Abraham, Tell me who is this lovely
woman of your household? Surely she must be.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
Your wife Herbie Malek appeared to be all flattery and praise,
but Abraham observed a calculation in his gaze. Tinged with desire,
Abraham felt sick to his stomach. All that he feared
would happen was unfolding before him.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Now, oh, no, no, she's my Sarah? Is bmelic? I
present Sarah, my sister.
Speaker 4 (11:39):
Well, that is very fortunate. You will add her to
my hospitable terms for allowing you to camp here. That
shall be more than enough to cover the bride price.
She has advanced in years, but exceedingly beautiful. You would
not get a more favorable offer for her hand. And
I think she would make a fine addition to my
(11:59):
hair of wives, don't you think.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Abi Malek turned to his men and chuckled. They all
laughed with a sinister and foreboding enthusiasm. Abraham winced as
the full effect of the king's words smacked him in
the face. He saw Sarah's eyes widen with horror, though
her head was still declined. He then saw her jaw
(12:22):
lock and anger formed on her face. Abraham could not
imagine the fury she would unknown on him later. He
would need to figure out how to escape this mess. First,
he realized that Abi Malek was waiting for his reply,
and he found the words tumbling out of his mouth
to make up for the awkward hesitation.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
But what's a generous offer? But what if she were
promised for the other man?
Speaker 6 (12:49):
Is she?
Speaker 4 (12:52):
She isn't all I can see you are a wise man, Abraham.
I am eager to see where this new friendship of
ours takes us. Come now, Sarah, you'll come back with me. Now.
My man can wait for your things to be gathered
and packed. They will bring your belongings to the.
Speaker 1 (13:10):
Palace without any further ceremony or pleasantries. Abem elected exactly
as he said. Sarah was ushered to his side, saddled,
and made to trot alongside his donkey back into the city,
and Abraham was forced to watch as his wife was
taken away from his care for a second time. His
(13:32):
blood boiled with anger not against Abemelek, but against himself.
Mere hours later, Sarah was stiffly introduced to Abemelek's otherwives
and shown her new quarters by the head servant. She
could throtle Abraham for this turn of events. Did he
not learn? What did he think was going to happen?
(13:55):
She bit back her anger. However, when she considered the alternative,
her fate would have remained the same, but Abraham would
be lying dead before their camp. It was clear that
no one denied this King Abima like anything, and who
knew what would have happened to Elieza and the others.
That evening, when she settled to sleep, she heard a
sudden sob in the hallway outside her door.
Speaker 3 (14:19):
MACA, what's happened? What's wrong?
Speaker 7 (14:22):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
I was just with them midwife earlier today and everything
seems fine.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
But now.
Speaker 4 (14:30):
He's gone.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
The baby's gone.
Speaker 5 (14:33):
Oh no, Macca, I'm so sorry, but you know sometimes
these things happen.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Oh, I've lost babies before. This was different. How do
you mean this? This was the work of the gods.
There was no blood, no pain, The babies just gone
walk by. The might have duggan.
Speaker 6 (14:55):
He's taken the babe, from your very wound?
Speaker 3 (14:57):
What did I do to inger dig? I brought him
an offering every evening and praying him every morning.
Speaker 4 (15:05):
I was just at his double this morning.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
How could I have angered him?
Speaker 1 (15:12):
Sarah sat up in her bed. This event felt suspiciously
similar to what had happened the last time she was taken.
She knew this was not Dagan's work. Sarah had come
to realize that these Canaanite gods had very little actual power,
if any at all. She knew there was only one
god capable of such a thing. Sarah trembled as she
(15:35):
attempted to go to sleep. Despite her fear, a glimmer
of hope rang out in her heart. Perhaps the God
most high was preparing her rescue even now. Abi Malek
had just sent one of his concubines from his chambers
and was settling into a satisfied slumber. Sleep pulled him
(15:55):
under quickly, so he was deaf to the sudden stillness
of the night. The breeze softly blowing the gauzy fabric
around the windows halted as if someone had turned a
great faucet, and the nighttime noises fell silent. Abimelech didn't
notice any of that, but he did dream. The dark,
warm night draped over Abimelek like a thick blanket. He
(16:19):
was held down by its weight, then paralyzed. Her booming
voice shouted from the darkened abyss. The voice surrounded him
in his dream, and he felt something he hadn't felt
in a very long time.
Speaker 6 (16:33):
Fear behold of Bimelec. You are a dead man?
Speaker 4 (16:39):
Is this a god? What do you mean?
Speaker 6 (16:42):
You have done a terrible thing and you will die
because of the woman whom you have taken, for she
is another man's wife.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
Am I to be killed because the woman I have
taken belongs to another? I am innocent what you accuse
me of? Did Abraham himself not say to me she
is my sister? And did the woman not confirm his words?
You are clearly a powerful and angry god. But would
(17:14):
you truly destroy me if I was innocent? And if
you kill me, my nation would be thrown into chaos?
Would you really do such a thing due to a misunderstanding,
a deception that I am a victim of. By the way,
(17:36):
I swear to you, my hands are clean. I did
not know and I have not even taken her to bed,
yet I left her alone. My conscience is clear, and
surely nothing has taken place that could not be righted.
Speaker 6 (17:55):
You speak to truth. It was I who kept you
from taking her to your bed this night. Though you
sated your lust with another on the accusation of adultery,
your conscience is clear. I have prevented you from sinning
against me in this manner. Your devotion to your nation
(18:17):
does you credit, and the land is thriving despite famine elsewhere.
I will tell you something more, and listen carefully. Bmelech.
My hand is on this man, Abraham. The nations who
bless him will be blessed in return, but the nations
(18:37):
who curse him will be cursed. I will now give
you a choice. If you return Abraham's wife, he will
pray for you and you will live. He is a
prophet and he speaks with my voice. Or you can
(18:59):
choose not to return Abraham's wife, and not only will
you die, but your entire household will end with you.
You will see that I have already set that in motion.
But remember, if Abraham, as my prophet, praise for you,
it will be reversed. The choice is yours.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
I'd a let work with a start. His body was
covered in a cold sweat, and he rubbed his eyes furiously.
It was a dream, only a dream, but it was
so real He would need to consult his oracles and
advisers immediately. One thing was for certain, the God had
made his options very clear, but he wasn't sure what
(19:49):
this God had already set in motion. Whatever could that mean?
He felt fine, a little shaken, but overall in good health.
He didn't seem to be in immediate danger keeling over
and dying. By now, it was the early morning, and
despite the household mostly being asleep, Abe Male called his
servants and advisers to report to him immediately. He told
(20:12):
them of the dream he had and demanded that they
interpret it.
Speaker 7 (20:16):
Your majesty, I fear that what you've experienced maybe more.
Speaker 4 (20:21):
Than a dream, your meaning.
Speaker 7 (20:24):
There have been strange reports from the women of your household.
We don't know how this is possible, but it seems
that those who are pregnant are no longer pregnant. They
have miscarried. No, it's as if their wombs have been
closed or emptied. The babies in Nordy to be found
(20:46):
swollen bellies, suddenly flat.
Speaker 4 (20:49):
How could that be? What had the priests said, have
you consulted the oracles?
Speaker 7 (20:55):
We have, my king? They are confounded, They have no answers.
But some of them are concerned that this is a harbinger.
Perhaps all the women are no longer fertile, Your majesty,
It pains me to say this, but it appears that
Dagan has abandoned us.
Speaker 1 (21:15):
Abimelek was stunned at this assessment. But then Abimelek suddenly
realized if his wives and relatives were no longer able
to carry children, his line would end. The god in
the dream spoke true, this would be the death of him.
Abraham had not slept to win, as he was tormented
(21:36):
by how to rescue Sarah. He eventually gave up and
paced back and forth until dawn. Still nothing came to
him that would not provoke open war. The sun was
just starting to climb in the sky when an out
of breath messenger from abe Malek arrived and demanded that
Abraham come with him immediately. He didn't know what to
(21:56):
think when he was hauled before Abemelek in his receiver
or Sarah stood bewildered at his side and seeing that
whatever was about to happen was a mystery to her
as well. He was apprehensive, but resolved to play the
hand that was dealt to him. He waited for Abeam
Alec to.
Speaker 4 (22:13):
Speak, Abraham, what have I done to you for you
to deceive me? Sarah is not your sister, sees your wife.
Your deception almost caused me to sin against your God.
You have provoked his anger against me and my entire household.
He has closed the wounds.
Speaker 6 (22:33):
Of all the women.
Speaker 4 (22:34):
The babes are gone, and there will likely be no more.
Your God has rendered them all sterile. Your God means
to end my line. I declared my own innocence on
account of your deception. I beseeched him and asked if
you would really sweep away the innocent?
Speaker 1 (22:50):
With the wicked familiarity of this scene washed over Abraham
and rebuke of this pagan king. Stam had uttered similar
words to his God when he heard of the impending
doom for Sodom. Nevertheless, his anxiety ebbed as he realized
his God was making a way for rescue after all.
(23:11):
The thought emboldened.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Abraham, can you blame me for wanting to protect myself?
I may be in the humble position of needing the
provision of your lands. But I am not defenseless.
Speaker 4 (23:25):
Indeed, you are surely shrouded by a powerful god. Ever
in my life have I seen such an act of judgment.
I fear your God, Abraham, and I have a feeling
I may fear him more than you do, considering your deception.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
My covenant with my God is none of your concern.
Speaker 4 (23:46):
None of my concern. My lineage is ruined because of you, Abraham,
who knows what worse things would have happened if I
actually betted your wife. Luckily, for me and my loins,
I don't have to find out.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
This flooded Abraham with relief, and he softened toward the
king who had given his people shelter in his land.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
I saw that your people did not fear my God,
or any god really, and I assumed rightly that my
life would be in danger if you or one of
your officials desired my wife. We've come across this in
Canaan before. I have long had this agreement with Sarah
where we tell everyone we are siblings. She is my wife,
(24:32):
but she is also my half sister. We share the
same father, but not the same mother, So you see,
it's not an outright lie, but she does belong to
me and falls under my protection.
Speaker 4 (24:47):
And there she shall remain. I will return her to you,
and it's a gesture of my good faith in the
reluctant friendship we have struck. I will also give you
sheep and oxen, and that's the servants of your health.
My land is before you. I would ask that you
dwell wherever it pleases you. And to you, Sarah, I
(25:09):
will give your husband a thousand shekels of silver. Let
this serve as a sign of your innocence and the
eyes of all. With this price, I pronounce you've vindicated
and your honor is restored. Let all this be said right,
and peace go between us.
Speaker 1 (25:27):
With that, Abemelek bowed his head to Sarah and gestured
for her to join her husband before him. Abraham was stunned.
A thousand pieces of silver. Most only saw ten shekels
a year if they were lucky. This exorbitant amount certainly
served as proof that Abemelek did not touch Sarah. Abraham frowned.
(25:50):
He believed that Abimelek was true to his word, but
he also suspected that the payment was also a way
to exolve himself of guilt and perhaps appease there for
till God. But abe Malek again surprised Abraham. He stood
from his throne and knelt before Abraham.
Speaker 4 (26:09):
Your God declared you a prophet, having the ability to
speak with his voice. I ask you now to pray
for me. You have access to this mighty God. I
would ask you, on my behalf to ask him to
lift this curse from me and my household.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
Abraham was amazed. The God Most High had told Abimelek
that he was a prophet. Abraham had spoken with his God,
but never before had he been given the responsibility of intercession.
Abraham was moved beyond words of the honor his God
had shown him, despite his missteps, despite his failure to
(26:51):
protect his wife, despite his lack of trust in his
God's ability to provide.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
You honor me, and I will do what you ask.
Speaker 2 (27:02):
I will ask the God Most High to heal you
and your household.
Speaker 1 (27:06):
And so Abraham prayed for Abemelek. Once he had finished
praying and departed with Sarah, their new possessions and the
silver reports reached their count. The entirety of Abiemelek's household
had indeed been healed. Abraham and Sarah were amazed. This
pray dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated
(27:29):
team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabager
and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People.
Narrated by Paul Coltefianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton,
Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc,
Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by
(27:54):
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Previously on the chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
You've drawn the attention of Pharaoh's officials, and because of that,
we should be prepared to tell them you're my sister,
not my wife. This is for your protection as well
as my own. If you've drawn the eye of a
prominent Egyptian as your brother, my life would be spared.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
Abram, you would tell a half truth and deny me
the protection of my husband. Lie to spare yourself and
ship me off to an Egyptian warlord.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Abram winced, his resolution, wavered in her directness. In its
wake came guilt, and he was ashamed to admit it.
Speaker 3 (00:45):
I have never been able to conceive, and in the
ten years since we heard this promise, that hasn't changed.
I would have you achieved this promise another way. I
would present my maid to you so that you could
conceive a child with her.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
And so Hagar did as her lady instructed. That very
night she was escorted to her lord's tend.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
You have given your husband to me, and I have
done what you could not. Why should my station not
be elevated.
Speaker 4 (01:16):
Who is to.
Speaker 3 (01:17):
Say that Abram will not decide between us? You are nothing,
You are nothing, You are.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Nothing, Master Abram, Congratulations, Hagar has borne your son.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Hagar has asked me to relay the message that the
boy's name will be Ishmael.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Abram turned his face away from Serahi. He feared what
would happen if he continued. Abram couldn't bring himself to
fully admit what had happened in Egypt, certainly not to Serah,
perhaps some day, but the failure still haunted him deeply.
Speaker 5 (02:08):
You really got to meet a king.
Speaker 6 (02:11):
I did.
Speaker 5 (02:13):
Did you see how big his army was?
Speaker 4 (02:15):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Yes, they were very impressive. I even met their commander.
They call him fight call. These Philistines are an impressive people.
Speaker 5 (02:25):
I wish I had an army. Someday I'll be a
great warrior.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
I would never doubt anything you set your mind to,
my son, you are fiery and determined. I pity any
enemy foolish enough to challenge you. But what oranger asking
me about my meeting with King of Bimelech. I didn't
go into Gerard to survey their army.
Speaker 5 (02:51):
Right, they don't seem to be hostile towards us, so
they will let us stay here? Will they let us
access the water in the valley for our flocks.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Yes, and that's what's important. I'm glad to see your
thinking like a clan leader. Our flocks are our most
precious resource. They're the source of our wealth. If they die,
we die. That's why it's important that we have good
relations with these other nations. I know you're taken with
(03:21):
the idea of a large army and knowing how to
defend yourself can be prudent, but using diplomacy makes you wise.
Fight if you have to, but form friendships when you.
Speaker 5 (03:34):
Can, like you did with the Amorites back in Hebbron exactly,
even if they're different than us and they don't follow
our God.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Sometimes the friends you make won't see eye to eye
with you, but you try for peace before you go
to war.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
So is a Bim like our friend. Now, since you
went to talk with.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Him, we shall see. But keep your guard up. As
you said, these people do not follow our God. There
are savvy merchants here, having controlled this trade route for
so long, but I fear they are also the kind
of men who may take what they want.
Speaker 5 (04:17):
I see, I will be careful.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Father Abraham smiled at Ishmael as he ran off toward
his mother's tent. At thirteen, he was almost a man.
He absorbed all that Abraham taught him and was proving
to be as clever as he was competent and well
on his way to becoming a warrior. He had seen
how his training was coming along Ishmael would make a
(04:41):
fine clan leader and a formidable foe. One day, frowning
at the young man flying past her, his wife Sarah
approached him.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
You've returned. How was the meeting? What did a bimelech say?
Does he pose any threat to us?
Speaker 2 (04:59):
He will let us day, but I still fear will
need to be cautious in this territory of his. I
do not trust the people. I saw many troubling things
in the city. These people may not be as far
gone as Sodom or the other cities on the plain,
but they could prove treacherous.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Hm. We'll have to bear that in mind. It's a
relief to find well watered lands to settle. I fear
the famine will keep Hebron in its grip for some time.
Speaker 6 (05:30):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (05:31):
Abraham was glad that his wife had come to meet
him to discuss the meeting. It was best that this
conversation took place away from the others. He knew Sarah
would better receive what he would ask of her away
from an audience of spying eyes and listening ears. Abraham
had hoped that the people's ways in the city would
differ from those they had encountered, but his optimism waned
(05:55):
when he saw their temples to false gods, brothels, polygamy,
hacked taverns, and general wanton and unruly lawlessness. He had
hoped it would not be so, but Gheerra was the
sort of place he feared his marriage would not be respected.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Sarah, Yes, Abram.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Er about what I saw in the city.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
What did you see?
Speaker 2 (06:19):
It's not so much what I saw as what I
believe we need to do to keep ourselves safe. No
one here fears the God Most High, and they live
according to their whims. The Philistines are not at war
with us, but I fear they will still take what
they want. We're staying in their lands and at their mercy.
(06:41):
We've amassed a great fortune, and though we are not
a military threat to the Philistines, our agreement is tenuous,
and they may seek to harm us in other ways.
Speaker 3 (06:54):
What are you saying, Sarah, I'm afraid.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
I see too many similarities in these people to the
ones we've dealt with in the past. I'm terrified for
my life. As the heads of our people, we will
be a target. I fear that they will use you
against me, or take you from me, or worse.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
We've survived this threat before, Abraham.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
I know we have I hope we do so again.
I would call upon your loyalty as my wife again.
I would have you tell everyone that you are my sister.
Please do this for me. Please go along with this
so I can rest easily, So you can.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
Rest easily, even if it means I rest in fear
for my life and dignity. Even though your God saved
us in Egypt.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
I hadn't cut the covenant with our God yet at
that point, I must hold my end of the agreement
and mitigate any risk. There's so much more at stake now.
What would happen to all of you if I were
to be killed for political gain over our people?
Speaker 3 (08:12):
And what if they were to come for me and
make me a part of the king's harem. What if
your promise then, don't forget promises have been made to
me too.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
I'll think of something if it comes to that. We
have to trust that the God Almighty will protect the
promise he's made to us. But I don't see any
reason for us to be reckless. I think it would
be safer if the Philistines didn't think they had anything
to steal from me.
Speaker 3 (08:40):
I see your mind is made up. I will do
what you ask.
Speaker 1 (08:45):
Abraham breathed a sigh of relief and rested easier, knowing
the woman he loved would not be used against him.
In his experience, evil men were far more tempted into
evil deeds when tempted by something they could not have.
Abraham circulated that Sarah was merely his sister, not his wife,
(09:06):
and days went by without incident until one morning the
king Abimelek rode out to visit Abraham at their camp.
His procession of guards and advisers walked alongside his donkey,
and all of Abraham's people bowed before him as he
made his way to Abraham's tent in the heart of
their caravan.
Speaker 6 (09:26):
May I present the king a Bimlek of Gara.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Your majesty be welcomed in my home.
Speaker 4 (09:34):
You may rise, my Lord Abraham, how goes your work
of settling into this.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Lamb very well, your highness, you are very generous for
coming here in person to inquire.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
Abraham could not help but notice the bite creeping into
his turn. Abi Malek did not need to come out
here to see how Abraham was. Certainly, in person, he
could have sent envoys or spies to assess Abraham's people.
Belo Abraham knew posturing when he saw it, he was
too old to have the patience for it. As these
(10:07):
thoughts flashed through Abraham's mind, he saw the crafty ruler
eyeing the people of Abraham's household behind him. Undoubtedly he
had already taken inventory of his armed men and the
number of servants. Ishmael was beside Abraham, raising his chin
and drawing his shoulder back in opposition. He was far
from his final height, but Abraham's chest swelled with pride
(10:30):
at how his son presented himself before this abe Malek.
The King's gaze then swept over to his wife Sarah.
She darted her eyes to the ground, but Abraham could
see that her staggering beauty had already been marked in
the Abe Malek's eyes.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
Indeed, you will find me very involved in the day
to day operations of my land. Garar's wealth was not
built overnight, and I'd take pains to ensure it stewarded.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Well, of course, I understand, your highness.
Speaker 4 (11:00):
That's very admirable, Abraham, Tell me who is this lovely
woman of your household? Surely she must be.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
Your wife Herbie Malek appeared to be all flattery and praise,
but Abraham observed a calculation in his gaze. Tinged with desire,
Abraham felt sick to his stomach. All that he feared
would happen was unfolding before him.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Now, oh, no, no, she's my Sarah? Is bmelic? I
present Sarah, my sister.
Speaker 4 (11:39):
Well, that is very fortunate. You will add her to
my hospitable terms for allowing you to camp here. That
shall be more than enough to cover the bride price.
She has advanced in years, but exceedingly beautiful. You would
not get a more favorable offer for her hand. And
I think she would make a fine addition to my
(11:59):
hair of wives, don't you think.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Abi Malek turned to his men and chuckled. They all
laughed with a sinister and foreboding enthusiasm. Abraham winced as
the full effect of the king's words smacked him in
the face. He saw Sarah's eyes widen with horror, though
her head was still declined. He then saw her jaw
(12:22):
lock and anger formed on her face. Abraham could not
imagine the fury she would unknown on him later. He
would need to figure out how to escape this mess. First,
he realized that Abi Malek was waiting for his reply,
and he found the words tumbling out of his mouth
to make up for the awkward hesitation.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
But what's a generous offer? But what if she were
promised for the other man?
Speaker 6 (12:49):
Is she?
Speaker 4 (12:52):
She isn't all I can see you are a wise man, Abraham.
I am eager to see where this new friendship of
ours takes us. Come now, Sarah, you'll come back with me. Now.
My man can wait for your things to be gathered
and packed. They will bring your belongings to the.
Speaker 1 (13:10):
Palace without any further ceremony or pleasantries. Abem elected exactly
as he said. Sarah was ushered to his side, saddled,
and made to trot alongside his donkey back into the city,
and Abraham was forced to watch as his wife was
taken away from his care for a second time. His
(13:32):
blood boiled with anger not against Abemelek, but against himself.
Mere hours later, Sarah was stiffly introduced to Abemelek's otherwives
and shown her new quarters by the head servant. She
could throtle Abraham for this turn of events. Did he
not learn? What did he think was going to happen?
(13:55):
She bit back her anger. However, when she considered the alternative,
her fate would have remained the same, but Abraham would
be lying dead before their camp. It was clear that
no one denied this King Abima like anything, and who
knew what would have happened to Elieza and the others.
That evening, when she settled to sleep, she heard a
sudden sob in the hallway outside her door.
Speaker 3 (14:19):
MACA, what's happened? What's wrong?
Speaker 7 (14:22):
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
I was just with them midwife earlier today and everything
seems fine.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
But now.
Speaker 4 (14:30):
He's gone.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
The baby's gone.
Speaker 5 (14:33):
Oh no, Macca, I'm so sorry, but you know sometimes
these things happen.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Oh, I've lost babies before. This was different. How do
you mean this? This was the work of the gods.
There was no blood, no pain, The babies just gone
walk by. The might have duggan.
Speaker 6 (14:55):
He's taken the babe, from your very wound?
Speaker 3 (14:57):
What did I do to inger dig? I brought him
an offering every evening and praying him every morning.
Speaker 4 (15:05):
I was just at his double this morning.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
How could I have angered him?
Speaker 1 (15:12):
Sarah sat up in her bed. This event felt suspiciously
similar to what had happened the last time she was taken.
She knew this was not Dagan's work. Sarah had come
to realize that these Canaanite gods had very little actual power,
if any at all. She knew there was only one
god capable of such a thing. Sarah trembled as she
(15:35):
attempted to go to sleep. Despite her fear, a glimmer
of hope rang out in her heart. Perhaps the God
most high was preparing her rescue even now. Abi Malek
had just sent one of his concubines from his chambers
and was settling into a satisfied slumber. Sleep pulled him
(15:55):
under quickly, so he was deaf to the sudden stillness
of the night. The breeze softly blowing the gauzy fabric
around the windows halted as if someone had turned a
great faucet, and the nighttime noises fell silent. Abimelech didn't
notice any of that, but he did dream. The dark,
warm night draped over Abimelek like a thick blanket. He
(16:19):
was held down by its weight, then paralyzed. Her booming
voice shouted from the darkened abyss. The voice surrounded him
in his dream, and he felt something he hadn't felt
in a very long time.
Speaker 6 (16:33):
Fear behold of Bimelec. You are a dead man?
Speaker 4 (16:39):
Is this a god? What do you mean?
Speaker 6 (16:42):
You have done a terrible thing and you will die
because of the woman whom you have taken, for she
is another man's wife.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
Am I to be killed because the woman I have
taken belongs to another? I am innocent what you accuse
me of? Did Abraham himself not say to me she
is my sister? And did the woman not confirm his words?
You are clearly a powerful and angry god. But would
(17:14):
you truly destroy me if I was innocent? And if
you kill me, my nation would be thrown into chaos?
Would you really do such a thing due to a misunderstanding,
a deception that I am a victim of. By the way,
(17:36):
I swear to you, my hands are clean. I did
not know and I have not even taken her to bed,
yet I left her alone. My conscience is clear, and
surely nothing has taken place that could not be righted.
Speaker 6 (17:55):
You speak to truth. It was I who kept you
from taking her to your bed this night. Though you
sated your lust with another on the accusation of adultery,
your conscience is clear. I have prevented you from sinning
against me in this manner. Your devotion to your nation
(18:17):
does you credit, and the land is thriving despite famine elsewhere.
I will tell you something more, and listen carefully. Bmelech.
My hand is on this man, Abraham. The nations who
bless him will be blessed in return, but the nations
(18:37):
who curse him will be cursed. I will now give
you a choice. If you return Abraham's wife, he will
pray for you and you will live. He is a
prophet and he speaks with my voice. Or you can
(18:59):
choose not to return Abraham's wife, and not only will
you die, but your entire household will end with you.
You will see that I have already set that in motion.
But remember, if Abraham, as my prophet, praise for you,
it will be reversed. The choice is yours.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
I'd a let work with a start. His body was
covered in a cold sweat, and he rubbed his eyes furiously.
It was a dream, only a dream, but it was
so real He would need to consult his oracles and
advisers immediately. One thing was for certain, the God had
made his options very clear, but he wasn't sure what
(19:49):
this God had already set in motion. Whatever could that mean?
He felt fine, a little shaken, but overall in good health.
He didn't seem to be in immediate danger keeling over
and dying. By now, it was the early morning, and
despite the household mostly being asleep, Abe Male called his
servants and advisers to report to him immediately. He told
(20:12):
them of the dream he had and demanded that they
interpret it.
Speaker 7 (20:16):
Your majesty, I fear that what you've experienced maybe more.
Speaker 4 (20:21):
Than a dream, your meaning.
Speaker 7 (20:24):
There have been strange reports from the women of your household.
We don't know how this is possible, but it seems
that those who are pregnant are no longer pregnant. They
have miscarried. No, it's as if their wombs have been
closed or emptied. The babies in Nordy to be found
(20:46):
swollen bellies, suddenly flat.
Speaker 4 (20:49):
How could that be? What had the priests said, have
you consulted the oracles?
Speaker 7 (20:55):
We have, my king? They are confounded, They have no answers.
But some of them are concerned that this is a harbinger.
Perhaps all the women are no longer fertile, Your majesty,
It pains me to say this, but it appears that
Dagan has abandoned us.
Speaker 1 (21:15):
Abimelek was stunned at this assessment. But then Abimelek suddenly
realized if his wives and relatives were no longer able
to carry children, his line would end. The god in
the dream spoke true, this would be the death of him.
Abraham had not slept to win, as he was tormented
(21:36):
by how to rescue Sarah. He eventually gave up and
paced back and forth until dawn. Still nothing came to
him that would not provoke open war. The sun was
just starting to climb in the sky when an out
of breath messenger from abe Malek arrived and demanded that
Abraham come with him immediately. He didn't know what to
(21:56):
think when he was hauled before Abemelek in his receiver
or Sarah stood bewildered at his side and seeing that
whatever was about to happen was a mystery to her
as well. He was apprehensive, but resolved to play the
hand that was dealt to him. He waited for Abeam
Alec to.
Speaker 4 (22:13):
Speak, Abraham, what have I done to you for you
to deceive me? Sarah is not your sister, sees your wife.
Your deception almost caused me to sin against your God.
You have provoked his anger against me and my entire household.
He has closed the wounds.
Speaker 6 (22:33):
Of all the women.
Speaker 4 (22:34):
The babes are gone, and there will likely be no more.
Your God has rendered them all sterile. Your God means
to end my line. I declared my own innocence on
account of your deception. I beseeched him and asked if
you would really sweep away the innocent?
Speaker 1 (22:50):
With the wicked familiarity of this scene washed over Abraham
and rebuke of this pagan king. Stam had uttered similar
words to his God when he heard of the impending
doom for Sodom. Nevertheless, his anxiety ebbed as he realized
his God was making a way for rescue after all.
(23:11):
The thought emboldened.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Abraham, can you blame me for wanting to protect myself?
I may be in the humble position of needing the
provision of your lands. But I am not defenseless.
Speaker 4 (23:25):
Indeed, you are surely shrouded by a powerful god. Ever
in my life have I seen such an act of judgment.
I fear your God, Abraham, and I have a feeling
I may fear him more than you do, considering your deception.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
My covenant with my God is none of your concern.
Speaker 4 (23:46):
None of my concern. My lineage is ruined because of you, Abraham,
who knows what worse things would have happened if I
actually betted your wife. Luckily, for me and my loins,
I don't have to find out.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
This flooded Abraham with relief, and he softened toward the
king who had given his people shelter in his land.
Speaker 2 (24:09):
I saw that your people did not fear my God,
or any god really, and I assumed rightly that my
life would be in danger if you or one of
your officials desired my wife. We've come across this in
Canaan before. I have long had this agreement with Sarah
where we tell everyone we are siblings. She is my wife,
(24:32):
but she is also my half sister. We share the
same father, but not the same mother, So you see,
it's not an outright lie, but she does belong to
me and falls under my protection.
Speaker 4 (24:47):
And there she shall remain. I will return her to you,
and it's a gesture of my good faith in the
reluctant friendship we have struck. I will also give you
sheep and oxen, and that's the servants of your health.
My land is before you. I would ask that you
dwell wherever it pleases you. And to you, Sarah, I
(25:09):
will give your husband a thousand shekels of silver. Let
this serve as a sign of your innocence and the
eyes of all. With this price, I pronounce you've vindicated
and your honor is restored. Let all this be said right,
and peace go between us.
Speaker 1 (25:27):
With that, Abemelek bowed his head to Sarah and gestured
for her to join her husband before him. Abraham was stunned.
A thousand pieces of silver. Most only saw ten shekels
a year if they were lucky. This exorbitant amount certainly
served as proof that Abemelek did not touch Sarah. Abraham frowned.
(25:50):
He believed that Abimelek was true to his word, but
he also suspected that the payment was also a way
to exolve himself of guilt and perhaps appease there for
till God. But abe Malek again surprised Abraham. He stood
from his throne and knelt before Abraham.
Speaker 4 (26:09):
Your God declared you a prophet, having the ability to
speak with his voice. I ask you now to pray
for me. You have access to this mighty God. I
would ask you, on my behalf to ask him to
lift this curse from me and my household.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
Abraham was amazed. The God Most High had told Abimelek
that he was a prophet. Abraham had spoken with his God,
but never before had he been given the responsibility of intercession.
Abraham was moved beyond words of the honor his God
had shown him, despite his missteps, despite his failure to
(26:51):
protect his wife, despite his lack of trust in his
God's ability to provide.
Speaker 4 (26:58):
You honor me, and I will do what you ask.
Speaker 2 (27:02):
I will ask the God Most High to heal you
and your household.
Speaker 1 (27:06):
And so Abraham prayed for Abemelek. Once he had finished
praying and departed with Sarah, their new possessions and the
silver reports reached their count. The entirety of Abiemelek's household
had indeed been healed. Abraham and Sarah were amazed. This
pray dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated
(27:29):
team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabager
and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People.
Narrated by Paul Coltefianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton,
Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc,
Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by
(27:54):
Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, Bri Rosie and
Chris Baig. You can hear more Prey dot com productions
on the Prey dot Com app, available on the Apple
App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The
Chosen People, please rate and leave a review,
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