October 20, 2025 • 28 mins
# 11 - Abram's Lie - In this episode of The Chosen People Abram's faith is tested as fear drives him to deception in a foreign land. Discover the consequences of his choices and the unwavering faithfulness of God in the midst of human frailty.
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Episode 11 of The Chosen People is inspired by the Book of Genesis.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Leviticus 19:11, “You shall not steal. You shall not lie. You shall not deceive one another.”
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
You shall not steal, you shall not lie, You shall
not deceive one another. Leviticus nineteen eleven. Dear Lord, thank
you for the wisdom of your word. Thank you for
guiding us with truth. Your commands show us how to live.
They lead us into lives that honor you. We confess
(00:22):
that we fall short at times. We have lied, at times,
we have deceived, at times we have taken what is
not ours. Forgive us, Lord for these sins. Wash us
clean by your mercy. Shape our hearts to love, honesty.
Teach us to walk in integrity each day. May our
(00:45):
words be truthful, May our actions be just. Help us
to reflect your character in all we do. Give us
the courage to resist temptation. Fill us with the strength
to act with honor. May our honesty point others to you.
Let our integrity bring light into the world. Use our
(01:08):
lives to bring glory to your name. Keep us faithful
in all things. Amen, Thank you for praying with me today.
You're listening to The Chosen People. Remain here for a
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Speaker 2 (01:31):
Previously on The Chosen People.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Don't you sometimes wonder what it would be like to
have a nation all of your own, to make a
name for yourself, rather than relying on the name of another.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Lot's questions done. Abram had a dysfunctional relationship with greatness
and legacy, Having no child of his own or any
hope for one on the horizon, he knew whatever he
gained would be dispersed among his servants and relatives. Nothing
would live on beyond him. Abram didn't aim for greatness. Instead,
(02:06):
he remained reliable, steady, and predictable.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
Abram, who's there?
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Abram could feel the presence of the voice, but couldn't
capture its source.
Speaker 5 (02:17):
Abram, you are to go out from your land, leave
your father's house and your relatives behind, and go to
the land. I will show you images of a future.
Abram could barely understand. Flickered in and out focus in
his mind's eye faster than he could discern, but the
(02:39):
intent was clear. He was to have a legacy. But
the one lot pindfall.
Speaker 4 (02:45):
You'll have to trust me, Sirah, I have weighed the cost.
But more reportedly, I know in my heart who must
follow the words of this God.
Speaker 6 (03:01):
Abram, look at me, are we to upend our entire
way of life on the words of a random god.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Abram didn't know why this God chose him. He wasn't
a substantial or charismatic man. He wasn't even the greatest
in his household. How would he accomplish all it had foretold?
Even still, with this God's voice reverberating in his mind,
he felt a confidence flicker in his heart. He could
(03:28):
become great. Abram and Lot were exhausted after overseeing the
grueling Sir John's south through the notoriously treacherous desert called
the Negev. A devastating famine had swept through the land.
(03:49):
It compelled their band of expatriates to carry their wealth
on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the
humps of camels, until they were eventually forced to enter
the lion's and viper's territory on the long barren desert
road to Egypt. The Egyptians and Canaanites reaped the benefits
of long established prosperous trade routes, so seeking help and
(04:12):
refuge in Egypt was the only option for Abram and Lots.
People relieved, but wary of their new neighbors, they were
finally settling their tents and livestock in the unoccupied lands
outside of the city of on the gateway city to
the mighty Egyptian nation.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
Abram, Abram, what did I tell you? Don't look over,
but listen carefully. That's the fifth time I've got them
staring today.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
That's all right?
Speaker 6 (04:42):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (04:43):
Oh no, Now they're whispering between themselves.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
Abram chanced to look over to the Egyptian officials patrolling
their camp, a condition of the temporary occupation of their lands.
Sure enough, the men's eyes lingered on his wa again
and again, taking their fill. An uneasy pit formed in
Abram's stomach, and he struggled to master the fury and
(05:09):
fear rising within him.
Speaker 4 (05:11):
I should tell her to go inside and stay out
of sight.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
Oh no, that won't do any good.
Speaker 4 (05:16):
They've already seen her. Do you think they know she's
my wife? Have you or any of the servants spoken
to them?
Speaker 7 (05:24):
Me?
Speaker 4 (05:25):
No, way, I haven't said a word.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
What do you think, Abram? What do you think they
do a state? If they wanted her?
Speaker 4 (05:33):
I fear, what would happen to me or you, or
any of our household or workers for that matter, if
they were to decide to take her from me by force.
I'm no good to any of you dead. I can't
carry out this calling if I'm dead. Perhaps perhaps there's
(05:55):
a way to save myself.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Abram fell silent for a long while. The stress of
responsibility and the fear of failure squeezed his chest. A
thousand different future scenarios raced through his mind. He thought
about all the potential dangers and avenues of destruction. He
thought out loud beside his nephew spirally, this.
Speaker 4 (06:20):
Is a brutal land. If they want Sir I, they're
not going to ask. They'll take her and kill me.
Then what everyone here will scatter? My father's wealth will
be gone, and the legacy I was called to carry
will disappear.
Speaker 3 (06:36):
Let's say they ask about her.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
What will you say?
Speaker 7 (06:40):
What will you do?
Speaker 4 (06:41):
If I tell them she's my wife, they'll kill me.
But if I tell them she's my sister, they'll probably
spare me.
Speaker 8 (06:51):
You realize this ruse would mean that you could lose
your wife.
Speaker 4 (06:55):
Yes, but perhaps it would also allow me the benefit
of time, time to find a way out. We've only
just reached safety and can't risk upsetting or offending our hosts.
Speaker 8 (07:11):
Yeah, not to mention, we'd probably benefit from any potential
suitors Sarah might have.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
But I'm sorry, uncle, I'm sorry.
Speaker 8 (07:20):
But you have to admit gaining the Egyptian's favor and
filling our coffers wouldn't exactly hurt.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
I mean, look at us, Abram, look at the state
of our clothes. Look at how the numbers of our
herds have dwindled. We're practically skeletons. This famine has taken
its toll on all of us. I admit we could
use the resources, Abram, Abram, I get it.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
This is a tough spot to be in.
Speaker 8 (07:48):
Believe me.
Speaker 7 (07:49):
I know.
Speaker 8 (07:50):
Frankly, I think if we're gonna be in this precarious situation,
why not benefit from it. I'm sorry it has to
be you, but I'm certain no what's given my wife
a second glance? With the way she frets and fushes
over our daughters day and night, no one would mistake
over an unmarried woman. Believe you me, Eh, Be that
(08:11):
as it may, I don't envy the conversation you're about
to have with your wife.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Later that day, Abram steeled himself as he drew back
the entrance of their tent, Sarai was seated inside and
mending one of his tunics. Though far past her prime,
Sarahi was undeniably beautiful, every bit as regal and striking
as befitted their noble bloodline. Though Abram had known her
(08:39):
since they were children, and they had been married for
well over half their lives, there were still moments when
her beauty took his breath away. Abram was lost in
his thoughts, again pausing at the tense entrance. He was
vibrating in place, nearly shaking with paranoia and self doubt.
His love for Sarahi ran deep. The uncertainty of the
(09:01):
future plagued his mind. He was lost in an imaginary world,
unable to escape his stillness at the entryway. Drew her gaze,
and he smiled tenderly pleased. She smiled warmly back.
Speaker 4 (09:16):
What is it, Abram, Sir? I I must ask you something.
It's very important that we are aligned in this matter.
Speaker 6 (09:23):
I am your wife, you are my husband and Lord.
You know I will support you.
Speaker 4 (09:29):
Yes, you are steady as the northern star, My dear,
I couldn't have asked for a better wife. In fact,
this is the matter. I must speak to you about.
Speaker 6 (09:41):
You're making me nervous with that tone.
Speaker 4 (09:44):
What is it 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
(10:05):
life would be spared.
Speaker 6 (10:06):
So you'd lie.
Speaker 4 (10:09):
It's not an outright lie. We do share a father, Abram.
Speaker 6 (10:14):
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 2 (10:25):
Abram winced, his resolution, wavered at her directness. In its
wake came guilt, and he was ashamed to admit it.
Instead of listening to his wife's hurt, Abram became defensive.
The cost of the mission was too great to feel
remorse for his plan. Now, the guilt lingered, but he
shoved it down and again summoned his resolve.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
Sir, I don't think you fully grasped the danger we
are in that I am in. I've seen more of
the world than you. I know what these foreign men
would do to a man with the wife they desire.
Speaker 6 (11:05):
And so you would oversee the bidding for my hand
except the favors of my suitors. This is something you
can abide by, Sir. I.
Speaker 4 (11:16):
This gives me no pleasure, But in this way we
would preserve our future family and secure our future. Who
would lead our people if not me? You know this,
God has compelled us to leave our home. We've already
strayed too far from the land I was promised. I
must prevent any other missteps. This pretense could spare my
(11:43):
life and buy me the time to write the course.
Speaker 6 (11:48):
And you are to achieve what was promised to us alone.
Speaker 4 (11:54):
It is my way to bear my responsibility to trust
in my destiny. I'm not asking you to have the
same faith I have, but I am asking that you
trust me. Your preservation is also my responsibility, and this
is the only way I see both of us surviving
(12:17):
should the inevitable come to pass. We don't have time
to flee, and this ruse will buy me the time
I need to plan away out. I will not fail you.
Speaker 6 (12:30):
You would abandon me here.
Speaker 4 (12:32):
You don't understand.
Speaker 6 (12:34):
You're right about that, Abram, I don't understand. But I
also don't have the benefit of denying your will. So
here I am a bride for sale to the highest bidder.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
And as it had before, that settled the matter. What
Abram and Lott had feared and predicted did indeed come
to pass. Soon after surise disheartening come versation with her husband,
Pharaoh's officials called. To Serai's surprise, Pharaoh himself had taken
(13:06):
an interest in her. He had recently built an estate
in the city of On to more firmly take a
foothold at his nation's border in light of the influx
of migrants pouring in in response to the famine in
the land. Widely known as a man who appreciated art
and beautiful things, beautiful women included, he paid close attention
(13:27):
to the reports of the more attractive women who arrived
in their caravan from Canaan. What had taken place in
the weeks since was a flurry of attention and favors,
all to Abram's benefit and to the delight of Lot
and his wife, who benefited by association. Meeting no resistance
from Abram, Serai had been taken to Pharaoh's household and
(13:48):
added to his hareem of women. At first, Sarai could
not stomach the adjustment, but she was surprised to find
how quickly she warned to the Pharaoh's affections. Pharaoh was
pleased with her and began to court her outright, Abram
her brother, receiving gift after gift as their flocks and
(14:08):
coffers grew Sarai hated herself for it and regretted how
she had behaved in her vanity had been preferred by Pharaoh.
It all felt like a great betrayal of everything she
had known her entire life, but she had to admit
that she had not felt cherished in a long time.
Abram had become distant and preoccupied of late, taking on
(14:30):
his responsibilities as burdens, never asking for help, and blindly
trusting in a god she had yet to see or
hear herself. She had long held back her doubts about
this promise to Abram, about having a family. They had
tried for years to produce an air and failed. Baron
was her bag. This would likely did her the Pharaoh,
(14:53):
as he had plenty of women to carry his children. Instead,
he seemed determined to make her a wife, regardless a
prize he could flaunt in the faces of her people.
Indebted as they were to him as they were forced
to inhabit his land. She knew the courting period was closing,
perhaps even that evening, since Pharaoh had asked Sirrie's family
(15:14):
to dine with them. Sirri was unsure whether or not
Abram had devised a way to get her out of
this impending commitment to Pharaoh, but her anxiety grew each day.
There was a finality to this predicament that left a
pit in Sirrai's stomach. And if she was made to
go through with this marriage to Pharaoh, would Abram be
(15:34):
forced to abandon the promise he had uprooted their lives for.
And if she did, even the slim hope of ever
having a child would be impossible. SIRRII dared not hope
for a miracle as grand as that, But perhaps she
could ask this god for rescue from her impending marriage
to Pharaoh. Perhaps she could muster a bit of faith
(15:55):
in Abram's God if he rescued her from these circumstances.
Abram was seated in the seat of honor at Pharaoh's table.
Pharaoh was lounging at the head of the great table, meats, cheeses,
and fruit laced the table, Abram Lot and his wife
sat as guests, partaking in the king's deconance. Pharaoh was
(16:18):
an imposing man with thick arms in a deep voice.
His clean shaven face revealed his broad jaw and muscular neck.
Abram trembled in his presence. He was a man of power,
not just physically but militarily. Abram's entire company could be
wiped out instantly if he met the eye of Pharaoh.
(16:39):
For that reason, he trod lightly. Sarahi's dignity may be
the price he had to pay for his safety. SIRRII
tried to catch his eye or read his face for
any sign of reassurance, but Abram fixed his eyes anywhere.
But his wife, Sarria's heart began to sink, and she
desperately reached out in a sight island prayer to his God,
(17:01):
hoping beyond hope that deliverance would come.
Speaker 7 (17:05):
Sir I, my beauty, you seem distracted this evening. Are
you're not delighted to hear that your brother Abrahm and
I have finally agreed on your dowry. You are to
be one of my brides at last.
Speaker 6 (17:20):
Oh I am my Lord, thank you. Your generosity is overwhelming.
You have already shown me such kindness that I could
hardly hope for anything more. You honor me, and you
honor my family as well, especially my faithful brother.
Speaker 7 (17:39):
Quite right, his honor has proven true, and I have
made him a wealthy man because of it. Your family
believe in luxury and above your stations, sure to be
the envy of the other refugees in my country.
Speaker 8 (17:55):
We drink to you when your hospitality, oh illustrious one.
Speaker 6 (18:00):
We are in your debt and your loyal servants, Your highness.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Sarah watched Abram as they all lifted their cups to
honor the pharaoh, but he said nothing.
Speaker 6 (18:10):
How soon until we can begin preparations, my lord?
Speaker 7 (18:15):
Humuh so eager, my beauty, we can begin making arrangements tomorrow.
Speaker 6 (18:22):
Oh Sarah, you must let me help you, as you know,
I've had so much experience in these matters.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
The conversation prattled on and washed over SARAHI without her contribution,
as she continued to watch Abram's disengagement from across the table.
It wasn't until a pretty serving girl appeared at his
elbow to take a plate away that he re engaged
with the world around him.
Speaker 7 (18:46):
Thank you?
Speaker 4 (18:48):
What is your name?
Speaker 6 (18:49):
My name is Hegar?
Speaker 2 (18:52):
Is there anything else I can get you?
Speaker 7 (18:54):
Master?
Speaker 4 (18:56):
No, thank you, I don't need anything, Hagar.
Speaker 7 (18:59):
Me Abraham as my servant piqued your interest. Consider her
a part of my daddy, a gift for bringing me
such a lovely wife.
Speaker 4 (19:10):
Your generosity knows no bounds, Priah.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
And though she knew her husband did not intend to
wound her with these words, she fumed that the only
kindness her husband seemingly had to spare was for some
stranger and not his own wife. She managed to sit
quietly for the rest of the feast, speaking only when
a response was warranted. Later, alone in her quarters for
(19:34):
the night, she wept in the silence that everyone had
abandoned her deliverance she thought was not coming. She looked
out her window, staring up at the stars. She was
anxious and afraid, But in that moment of sorrow, an
other worldly stillness settled around her. She couldn't quite understand it,
(19:56):
but the presence of God was with her at that moment.
It had a weight to it, and she could have
sworn she felt some comforting arms wrap around her. That night,
under a canopy of stars and uncertainty. SARAHI, despite her tears,
felt comforted Abram had failed her. But the God of
(20:19):
Abram wouldn't. That night, working in the margins of Pharaoh's dreams,
God was at work. He would come to defend her.
Wake up, Abram opened his eyes to see two spears
inches away from his throat. Pharaoh's men had entered his tent,
poised to strike if he struggled or screamed.
Speaker 4 (20:41):
What's happening? Why have you come here?
Speaker 5 (20:44):
Silence?
Speaker 7 (20:46):
Pharaoh has summoned you follow us or feel the tips
of our spears.
Speaker 2 (20:52):
Abram wrapped himself up and followed the men to the palace.
Once again, his mind raced with imaginary scenarios. Had Sarah
given up up? Had she conspired against him? Was Pharaoh
going to kill him? Or go back on his word?
Abram shuffled on his feet nervously in the receiving hall
of Pharaoh's palace, And what was stranger still was that
(21:12):
the palace, usually humming with activity from servants, merchants, guests,
and officials, was eerily quiet. Abram heard rumors that a
sudden sickness was rampant in Pharaoh's household. It wasn't unusual
for a disease to sweep through a city, But if
the rumors were to be believed, the sickness seemed only
(21:33):
to effect those inside the palace grounds. The accounts also
claimed that they were miraculously healed when people left the premises.
It was almost as if an angry god had cursed
Pharaoh and his household. In a rare, fleeting moment of
concern for his wife, Abram wondered if Sarah had also
(21:53):
fallen ill. Perhaps that was why Pharaoh had summoned him
to tell him news of his wife's death, As if
in response to his thoughts. Pharaoh stormed into the receiving hall,
and Abram dropped to his knees in reverence for the
ruler and his soon to be brother.
Speaker 7 (22:09):
In lawn Abria.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
Abram stood, but waited for Pharaoh to speak first. He
could not help but notice the paleness of his skin
and the glassiness of his eyes. He wondered if the
Pharaoh was afflicted by this mysterious illness as well, What
have you done to me?
Speaker 4 (22:29):
Your highness? Forgive me, but I do not understand your meaning.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
When Abram looked up at the Pharaoh, he quickly averted
his eyes. Again. It was hard to tell, and he
didn't want to be caught staring too long, but the
skin visible at his collar and sleeves looked raw and
red from scratching, perhaps from boils. He was a ghastly sight.
Speaker 7 (22:53):
Daun sew this disease upon my household, upon my very person,
has come over us too quickly to be something the
natural world. Which of your back country gods have you
called the pan to curse me?
Speaker 4 (23:13):
Your highness? I would never.
Speaker 7 (23:16):
No, no, you deny your involvement in this matter.
Speaker 4 (23:21):
Forgive me, Pharaoh. I do not know how this came
to be, or if anyone has been involved, but you
must believe me I had no part in it.
Speaker 7 (23:31):
M No, I don't believe someone as lowly as you
could call harm upon me.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
Pharaoh paused and fixed Abram with an unflinching and inscrutable stare.
Abram remembered that the Egyptians considered their pharaohs to be
gods themselves when they ascended to their thrones. He also
remembered that the Egyptians were deeply superstitious, though given what
had happened, Abram could not say he could take issue
(24:03):
with that way of thinking.
Speaker 7 (24:06):
You could not do this to me, but perhaps that
is something I have done to anger the gods.
Speaker 4 (24:15):
Surely you have done nothing wrong, your highness. You have
treated both your subjects and even strangers like myself with
great kindness.
Speaker 7 (24:26):
We have to agree on this matter. I am Pharaoh,
I am the image of Rah. I am the morning
and evening Star, acting as an arm of the gods themselves.
I have consulted my priests, and we cannot find any
reason that justifies this lad unless, of course, I have
(24:50):
got the eye of another god, a foreign god. Abrahm,
Have you been complete truthful with.
Speaker 4 (25:01):
Me, your highness? What are you accusing me of?
Speaker 7 (25:09):
There's been a bit of gossip that has reached my ears.
I admit I didn't want to believe it initially, because
you enthusiastically encouraged my actions. Surely, an honest man such
as yourself would not accept gift after gift if he
did not desire the courtship to come to fruition.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
Abram's heart caught in his chest. Adrenaline pulsed through his
body as every fear he had in coming to this
place became realized.
Speaker 7 (25:39):
Abram, who is said I to you.
Speaker 4 (25:44):
Your Highness. I beg forgiveness, Sir, I is my wife,
just as your spies have surely told you the gossip.
It's true. I was afraid of what would happen to
me if a man did my wife. I never guessed
that she would be chosen by the most powerful man
(26:05):
in the world. I didn't know how to escape my deception,
which had gone on for too long. Forgive me and
take pity on a man who fears not for his
own life, but for the lives of many that he
is responsible for. Please spare my life, Please spessialize as well.
(26:27):
She was only doing what I asked of her.
Speaker 7 (26:30):
Oh you dear, beg me for mercy. You received treasures
from my trove based on a lie, and you dare
ask for more. You don't deserve my mercy. You deserve
(26:51):
to hang with the crows to slowly packet her eyes.
Speaker 4 (27:00):
Hugh.
Speaker 7 (27:02):
Nevertheless, if your God is powerful enough to wipe out
my household, I have no choice but to spare high
and said I too. I believe that she is as
innocent as I am in this manner.
Speaker 4 (27:24):
Thank you, Lord Pharaoh, Thank you fool God.
Speaker 7 (27:27):
Thank me as if we are friends. For getting a quarrel.
I want you and your God far away from me
and my land. Take your wife, and take the flocks
and giefs I have given you that s would assuage
your God and lift the plagues from my household.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Abram sighed in relief and sagged to the floor. His
heart still beat wildly in his chest, but he thanked
Pharaoh profusely. Even as his attendants brought forth a perplexed
Sarah and ushered them out. Abram was relieved to observe
that she didn't appear to be sick. Abram could only
assume she was the sole exception to the curse that
(28:10):
had wreaked havoc on Pharaoh's household. Abram wasn't sure how
to apologize, so he didn't.
Speaker 4 (28:17):
You are right, yes.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Abram and Sarah hurried from the palace to make arrangements
to leave immediately for fear that the Pharaoh might change
his mind. As they fled, SARAHI kept her eyes on
the ground ahead of her that the same awe he
felt was written all over her face. The God who
had caught them out of Haroon and led them to
Canaan was at work. Even the words Pharaoh uttered was
(28:46):
seemingly placed in his mouth by Abram's God, as if
to remind Abram of the call that had been bestowed
upon him.
Speaker 5 (28:54):
Abram, you are to go out from your land.
Speaker 2 (28:59):
Abram felt rebuked by Pharaoh's words, by God's words, and
knew that, despite his assuredness that he was doing what
he thought was right, he never should have left the
land he had been promised. His mistakes had almost cost
him and Serai their integrity and their lives. Abram pondered
on all that had happened and resolved never again to
(29:23):
leave the land his God had promised. Surely, his God
has proven himself to be a mighty rescuer and trustworthy
beyond his comprehension. This Prey Dog comproduction is only made
possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabager and Ben Gammon are the executive
(29:46):
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Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas co, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky,
music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre
(30:08):
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You shall not steal, you shall not lie, You shall
not deceive one another. Leviticus nineteen eleven. Dear Lord, thank
you for the wisdom of your word. Thank you for
guiding us with truth. Your commands show us how to live.
They lead us into lives that honor you. We confess
(00:22):
that we fall short at times. We have lied, at times,
we have deceived, at times we have taken what is
not ours. Forgive us, Lord for these sins. Wash us
clean by your mercy. Shape our hearts to love, honesty.
Teach us to walk in integrity each day. May our
(00:45):
words be truthful, May our actions be just. Help us
to reflect your character in all we do. Give us
the courage to resist temptation. Fill us with the strength
to act with honor. May our honesty point others to you.
Let our integrity bring light into the world. Use our
(01:08):
lives to bring glory to your name. Keep us faithful
in all things. Amen, Thank you for praying with me today.
You're listening to The Chosen People. Remain here for a
dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Be sure to download
this episode so you can return to at any time.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Previously on The Chosen People.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
Don't you sometimes wonder what it would be like to
have a nation all of your own, to make a
name for yourself, rather than relying on the name of another.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Lot's questions done. Abram had a dysfunctional relationship with greatness
and legacy, Having no child of his own or any
hope for one on the horizon, he knew whatever he
gained would be dispersed among his servants and relatives. Nothing
would live on beyond him. Abram didn't aim for greatness. Instead,
(02:06):
he remained reliable, steady, and predictable.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
Abram, who's there?
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Abram could feel the presence of the voice, but couldn't
capture its source.
Speaker 5 (02:17):
Abram, you are to go out from your land, leave
your father's house and your relatives behind, and go to
the land. I will show you images of a future.
Abram could barely understand. Flickered in and out focus in
his mind's eye faster than he could discern, but the
(02:39):
intent was clear. He was to have a legacy. But
the one lot pindfall.
Speaker 4 (02:45):
You'll have to trust me, Sirah, I have weighed the cost.
But more reportedly, I know in my heart who must
follow the words of this God.
Speaker 6 (03:01):
Abram, look at me, are we to upend our entire
way of life on the words of a random god.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Abram didn't know why this God chose him. He wasn't
a substantial or charismatic man. He wasn't even the greatest
in his household. How would he accomplish all it had foretold?
Even still, with this God's voice reverberating in his mind,
he felt a confidence flicker in his heart. He could
(03:28):
become great. Abram and Lot were exhausted after overseeing the
grueling Sir John's south through the notoriously treacherous desert called
the Negev. A devastating famine had swept through the land.
(03:49):
It compelled their band of expatriates to carry their wealth
on the backs of donkeys and their treasures on the
humps of camels, until they were eventually forced to enter
the lion's and viper's territory on the long barren desert
road to Egypt. The Egyptians and Canaanites reaped the benefits
of long established prosperous trade routes, so seeking help and
(04:12):
refuge in Egypt was the only option for Abram and Lots.
People relieved, but wary of their new neighbors, they were
finally settling their tents and livestock in the unoccupied lands
outside of the city of on the gateway city to
the mighty Egyptian nation.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
Abram, Abram, what did I tell you? Don't look over,
but listen carefully. That's the fifth time I've got them
staring today.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
That's all right?
Speaker 6 (04:42):
Yes?
Speaker 3 (04:43):
Oh no, Now they're whispering between themselves.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
Abram chanced to look over to the Egyptian officials patrolling
their camp, a condition of the temporary occupation of their lands.
Sure enough, the men's eyes lingered on his wa again
and again, taking their fill. An uneasy pit formed in
Abram's stomach, and he struggled to master the fury and
(05:09):
fear rising within him.
Speaker 4 (05:11):
I should tell her to go inside and stay out
of sight.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
Oh no, that won't do any good.
Speaker 4 (05:16):
They've already seen her. Do you think they know she's
my wife? Have you or any of the servants spoken
to them?
Speaker 7 (05:24):
Me?
Speaker 4 (05:25):
No, way, I haven't said a word.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
What do you think, Abram? What do you think they
do a state? If they wanted her?
Speaker 4 (05:33):
I fear, what would happen to me or you, or
any of our household or workers for that matter, if
they were to decide to take her from me by force.
I'm no good to any of you dead. I can't
carry out this calling if I'm dead. Perhaps perhaps there's
(05:55):
a way to save myself.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Abram fell silent for a long while. The stress of
responsibility and the fear of failure squeezed his chest. A
thousand different future scenarios raced through his mind. He thought
about all the potential dangers and avenues of destruction. He
thought out loud beside his nephew spirally, this.
Speaker 4 (06:20):
Is a brutal land. If they want Sir I, they're
not going to ask. They'll take her and kill me.
Then what everyone here will scatter? My father's wealth will
be gone, and the legacy I was called to carry
will disappear.
Speaker 3 (06:36):
Let's say they ask about her.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
What will you say?
Speaker 7 (06:40):
What will you do?
Speaker 4 (06:41):
If I tell them she's my wife, they'll kill me.
But if I tell them she's my sister, they'll probably
spare me.
Speaker 8 (06:51):
You realize this ruse would mean that you could lose
your wife.
Speaker 4 (06:55):
Yes, but perhaps it would also allow me the benefit
of time, time to find a way out. We've only
just reached safety and can't risk upsetting or offending our hosts.
Speaker 8 (07:11):
Yeah, not to mention, we'd probably benefit from any potential
suitors Sarah might have.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
But I'm sorry, uncle, I'm sorry.
Speaker 8 (07:20):
But you have to admit gaining the Egyptian's favor and
filling our coffers wouldn't exactly hurt.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
I mean, look at us, Abram, look at the state
of our clothes. Look at how the numbers of our
herds have dwindled. We're practically skeletons. This famine has taken
its toll on all of us. I admit we could
use the resources, Abram, Abram, I get it.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
This is a tough spot to be in.
Speaker 8 (07:48):
Believe me.
Speaker 7 (07:49):
I know.
Speaker 8 (07:50):
Frankly, I think if we're gonna be in this precarious situation,
why not benefit from it. I'm sorry it has to
be you, but I'm certain no what's given my wife
a second glance? With the way she frets and fushes
over our daughters day and night, no one would mistake
over an unmarried woman. Believe you me, Eh, Be that
(08:11):
as it may, I don't envy the conversation you're about
to have with your wife.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Later that day, Abram steeled himself as he drew back
the entrance of their tent, Sarai was seated inside and
mending one of his tunics. Though far past her prime,
Sarahi was undeniably beautiful, every bit as regal and striking
as befitted their noble bloodline. Though Abram had known her
(08:39):
since they were children, and they had been married for
well over half their lives, there were still moments when
her beauty took his breath away. Abram was lost in
his thoughts, again pausing at the tense entrance. He was
vibrating in place, nearly shaking with paranoia and self doubt.
His love for Sarahi ran deep. The uncertainty of the
(09:01):
future plagued his mind. He was lost in an imaginary world,
unable to escape his stillness at the entryway. Drew her gaze,
and he smiled tenderly pleased. She smiled warmly back.
Speaker 4 (09:16):
What is it, Abram, Sir? I I must ask you something.
It's very important that we are aligned in this matter.
Speaker 6 (09:23):
I am your wife, you are my husband and Lord.
You know I will support you.
Speaker 4 (09:29):
Yes, you are steady as the northern star, My dear,
I couldn't have asked for a better wife. In fact,
this is the matter. I must speak to you about.
Speaker 6 (09:41):
You're making me nervous with that tone.
Speaker 4 (09:44):
What is it 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
(10:05):
life would be spared.
Speaker 6 (10:06):
So you'd lie.
Speaker 4 (10:09):
It's not an outright lie. We do share a father, Abram.
Speaker 6 (10:14):
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 2 (10:25):
Abram winced, his resolution, wavered at her directness. In its
wake came guilt, and he was ashamed to admit it.
Instead of listening to his wife's hurt, Abram became defensive.
The cost of the mission was too great to feel
remorse for his plan. Now, the guilt lingered, but he
shoved it down and again summoned his resolve.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
Sir, I don't think you fully grasped the danger we
are in that I am in. I've seen more of
the world than you. I know what these foreign men
would do to a man with the wife they desire.
Speaker 6 (11:05):
And so you would oversee the bidding for my hand
except the favors of my suitors. This is something you
can abide by, Sir. I.
Speaker 4 (11:16):
This gives me no pleasure, But in this way we
would preserve our future family and secure our future. Who
would lead our people if not me? You know this,
God has compelled us to leave our home. We've already
strayed too far from the land I was promised. I
must prevent any other missteps. This pretense could spare my
(11:43):
life and buy me the time to write the course.
Speaker 6 (11:48):
And you are to achieve what was promised to us alone.
Speaker 4 (11:54):
It is my way to bear my responsibility to trust
in my destiny. I'm not asking you to have the
same faith I have, but I am asking that you
trust me. Your preservation is also my responsibility, and this
is the only way I see both of us surviving
(12:17):
should the inevitable come to pass. We don't have time
to flee, and this ruse will buy me the time
I need to plan away out. I will not fail you.
Speaker 6 (12:30):
You would abandon me here.
Speaker 4 (12:32):
You don't understand.
Speaker 6 (12:34):
You're right about that, Abram, I don't understand. But I
also don't have the benefit of denying your will. So
here I am a bride for sale to the highest bidder.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
And as it had before, that settled the matter. What
Abram and Lott had feared and predicted did indeed come
to pass. Soon after surise disheartening come versation with her husband,
Pharaoh's officials called. To Serai's surprise, Pharaoh himself had taken
(13:06):
an interest in her. He had recently built an estate
in the city of On to more firmly take a
foothold at his nation's border in light of the influx
of migrants pouring in in response to the famine in
the land. Widely known as a man who appreciated art
and beautiful things, beautiful women included, he paid close attention
(13:27):
to the reports of the more attractive women who arrived
in their caravan from Canaan. What had taken place in
the weeks since was a flurry of attention and favors,
all to Abram's benefit and to the delight of Lot
and his wife, who benefited by association. Meeting no resistance
from Abram, Serai had been taken to Pharaoh's household and
(13:48):
added to his hareem of women. At first, Sarai could
not stomach the adjustment, but she was surprised to find
how quickly she warned to the Pharaoh's affections. Pharaoh was
pleased with her and began to court her outright, Abram
her brother, receiving gift after gift as their flocks and
(14:08):
coffers grew Sarai hated herself for it and regretted how
she had behaved in her vanity had been preferred by Pharaoh.
It all felt like a great betrayal of everything she
had known her entire life, but she had to admit
that she had not felt cherished in a long time.
Abram had become distant and preoccupied of late, taking on
(14:30):
his responsibilities as burdens, never asking for help, and blindly
trusting in a god she had yet to see or
hear herself. She had long held back her doubts about
this promise to Abram, about having a family. They had
tried for years to produce an air and failed. Baron
was her bag. This would likely did her the Pharaoh,
(14:53):
as he had plenty of women to carry his children. Instead,
he seemed determined to make her a wife, regardless a
prize he could flaunt in the faces of her people.
Indebted as they were to him as they were forced
to inhabit his land. She knew the courting period was closing,
perhaps even that evening, since Pharaoh had asked Sirrie's family
(15:14):
to dine with them. Sirri was unsure whether or not
Abram had devised a way to get her out of
this impending commitment to Pharaoh, but her anxiety grew each day.
There was a finality to this predicament that left a
pit in Sirrai's stomach. And if she was made to
go through with this marriage to Pharaoh, would Abram be
(15:34):
forced to abandon the promise he had uprooted their lives for.
And if she did, even the slim hope of ever
having a child would be impossible. SIRRII dared not hope
for a miracle as grand as that, But perhaps she
could ask this god for rescue from her impending marriage
to Pharaoh. Perhaps she could muster a bit of faith
(15:55):
in Abram's God if he rescued her from these circumstances.
Abram was seated in the seat of honor at Pharaoh's table.
Pharaoh was lounging at the head of the great table, meats, cheeses,
and fruit laced the table, Abram Lot and his wife
sat as guests, partaking in the king's deconance. Pharaoh was
(16:18):
an imposing man with thick arms in a deep voice.
His clean shaven face revealed his broad jaw and muscular neck.
Abram trembled in his presence. He was a man of power,
not just physically but militarily. Abram's entire company could be
wiped out instantly if he met the eye of Pharaoh.
(16:39):
For that reason, he trod lightly. Sarahi's dignity may be
the price he had to pay for his safety. SIRRII
tried to catch his eye or read his face for
any sign of reassurance, but Abram fixed his eyes anywhere.
But his wife, Sarria's heart began to sink, and she
desperately reached out in a sight island prayer to his God,
(17:01):
hoping beyond hope that deliverance would come.
Speaker 7 (17:05):
Sir I, my beauty, you seem distracted this evening. Are
you're not delighted to hear that your brother Abrahm and
I have finally agreed on your dowry. You are to
be one of my brides at last.
Speaker 6 (17:20):
Oh I am my Lord, thank you. Your generosity is overwhelming.
You have already shown me such kindness that I could
hardly hope for anything more. You honor me, and you
honor my family as well, especially my faithful brother.
Speaker 7 (17:39):
Quite right, his honor has proven true, and I have
made him a wealthy man because of it. Your family
believe in luxury and above your stations, sure to be
the envy of the other refugees in my country.
Speaker 8 (17:55):
We drink to you when your hospitality, oh illustrious one.
Speaker 6 (18:00):
We are in your debt and your loyal servants, Your highness.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Sarah watched Abram as they all lifted their cups to
honor the pharaoh, but he said nothing.
Speaker 6 (18:10):
How soon until we can begin preparations, my lord?
Speaker 7 (18:15):
Humuh so eager, my beauty, we can begin making arrangements tomorrow.
Speaker 6 (18:22):
Oh Sarah, you must let me help you, as you know,
I've had so much experience in these matters.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
The conversation prattled on and washed over SARAHI without her contribution,
as she continued to watch Abram's disengagement from across the table.
It wasn't until a pretty serving girl appeared at his
elbow to take a plate away that he re engaged
with the world around him.
Speaker 7 (18:46):
Thank you?
Speaker 4 (18:48):
What is your name?
Speaker 6 (18:49):
My name is Hegar?
Speaker 2 (18:52):
Is there anything else I can get you?
Speaker 7 (18:54):
Master?
Speaker 4 (18:56):
No, thank you, I don't need anything, Hagar.
Speaker 7 (18:59):
Me Abraham as my servant piqued your interest. Consider her
a part of my daddy, a gift for bringing me
such a lovely wife.
Speaker 4 (19:10):
Your generosity knows no bounds, Priah.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
And though she knew her husband did not intend to
wound her with these words, she fumed that the only
kindness her husband seemingly had to spare was for some
stranger and not his own wife. She managed to sit
quietly for the rest of the feast, speaking only when
a response was warranted. Later, alone in her quarters for
(19:34):
the night, she wept in the silence that everyone had
abandoned her deliverance she thought was not coming. She looked
out her window, staring up at the stars. She was
anxious and afraid, But in that moment of sorrow, an
other worldly stillness settled around her. She couldn't quite understand it,
(19:56):
but the presence of God was with her at that moment.
It had a weight to it, and she could have
sworn she felt some comforting arms wrap around her. That night,
under a canopy of stars and uncertainty. SARAHI, despite her tears,
felt comforted Abram had failed her. But the God of
(20:19):
Abram wouldn't. That night, working in the margins of Pharaoh's dreams,
God was at work. He would come to defend her.
Wake up, Abram opened his eyes to see two spears
inches away from his throat. Pharaoh's men had entered his tent,
poised to strike if he struggled or screamed.
Speaker 4 (20:41):
What's happening? Why have you come here?
Speaker 5 (20:44):
Silence?
Speaker 7 (20:46):
Pharaoh has summoned you follow us or feel the tips
of our spears.
Speaker 2 (20:52):
Abram wrapped himself up and followed the men to the palace.
Once again, his mind raced with imaginary scenarios. Had Sarah
given up up? Had she conspired against him? Was Pharaoh
going to kill him? Or go back on his word?
Abram shuffled on his feet nervously in the receiving hall
of Pharaoh's palace, And what was stranger still was that
(21:12):
the palace, usually humming with activity from servants, merchants, guests,
and officials, was eerily quiet. Abram heard rumors that a
sudden sickness was rampant in Pharaoh's household. It wasn't unusual
for a disease to sweep through a city, But if
the rumors were to be believed, the sickness seemed only
(21:33):
to effect those inside the palace grounds. The accounts also
claimed that they were miraculously healed when people left the premises.
It was almost as if an angry god had cursed
Pharaoh and his household. In a rare, fleeting moment of
concern for his wife, Abram wondered if Sarah had also
(21:53):
fallen ill. Perhaps that was why Pharaoh had summoned him
to tell him news of his wife's death, As if
in response to his thoughts. Pharaoh stormed into the receiving hall,
and Abram dropped to his knees in reverence for the
ruler and his soon to be brother.
Speaker 7 (22:09):
In lawn Abria.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
Abram stood, but waited for Pharaoh to speak first. He
could not help but notice the paleness of his skin
and the glassiness of his eyes. He wondered if the
Pharaoh was afflicted by this mysterious illness as well, What
have you done to me?
Speaker 4 (22:29):
Your highness? Forgive me, but I do not understand your meaning.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
When Abram looked up at the Pharaoh, he quickly averted
his eyes. Again. It was hard to tell, and he
didn't want to be caught staring too long, but the
skin visible at his collar and sleeves looked raw and
red from scratching, perhaps from boils. He was a ghastly sight.
Speaker 7 (22:53):
Daun sew this disease upon my household, upon my very person,
has come over us too quickly to be something the
natural world. Which of your back country gods have you
called the pan to curse me?
Speaker 4 (23:13):
Your highness? I would never.
Speaker 7 (23:16):
No, no, you deny your involvement in this matter.
Speaker 4 (23:21):
Forgive me, Pharaoh. I do not know how this came
to be, or if anyone has been involved, but you
must believe me I had no part in it.
Speaker 7 (23:31):
M No, I don't believe someone as lowly as you
could call harm upon me.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
Pharaoh paused and fixed Abram with an unflinching and inscrutable stare.
Abram remembered that the Egyptians considered their pharaohs to be
gods themselves when they ascended to their thrones. He also
remembered that the Egyptians were deeply superstitious, though given what
had happened, Abram could not say he could take issue
(24:03):
with that way of thinking.
Speaker 7 (24:06):
You could not do this to me, but perhaps that
is something I have done to anger the gods.
Speaker 4 (24:15):
Surely you have done nothing wrong, your highness. You have
treated both your subjects and even strangers like myself with
great kindness.
Speaker 7 (24:26):
We have to agree on this matter. I am Pharaoh,
I am the image of Rah. I am the morning
and evening Star, acting as an arm of the gods themselves.
I have consulted my priests, and we cannot find any
reason that justifies this lad unless, of course, I have
(24:50):
got the eye of another god, a foreign god. Abrahm,
Have you been complete truthful with.
Speaker 4 (25:01):
Me, your highness? What are you accusing me of?
Speaker 7 (25:09):
There's been a bit of gossip that has reached my ears.
I admit I didn't want to believe it initially, because
you enthusiastically encouraged my actions. Surely, an honest man such
as yourself would not accept gift after gift if he
did not desire the courtship to come to fruition.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
Abram's heart caught in his chest. Adrenaline pulsed through his
body as every fear he had in coming to this
place became realized.
Speaker 7 (25:39):
Abram, who is said I to you.
Speaker 4 (25:44):
Your Highness. I beg forgiveness, Sir, I is my wife,
just as your spies have surely told you the gossip.
It's true. I was afraid of what would happen to
me if a man did my wife. I never guessed
that she would be chosen by the most powerful man
(26:05):
in the world. I didn't know how to escape my deception,
which had gone on for too long. Forgive me and
take pity on a man who fears not for his
own life, but for the lives of many that he
is responsible for. Please spare my life, Please spessialize as well.
(26:27):
She was only doing what I asked of her.
Speaker 7 (26:30):
Oh you dear, beg me for mercy. You received treasures
from my trove based on a lie, and you dare
ask for more. You don't deserve my mercy. You deserve
(26:51):
to hang with the crows to slowly packet her eyes.
Speaker 4 (27:00):
Hugh.
Speaker 7 (27:02):
Nevertheless, if your God is powerful enough to wipe out
my household, I have no choice but to spare high
and said I too. I believe that she is as
innocent as I am in this manner.
Speaker 4 (27:24):
Thank you, Lord Pharaoh, Thank you fool God.
Speaker 7 (27:27):
Thank me as if we are friends. For getting a quarrel.
I want you and your God far away from me
and my land. Take your wife, and take the flocks
and giefs I have given you that s would assuage
your God and lift the plagues from my household.
Speaker 2 (27:48):
Abram sighed in relief and sagged to the floor. His
heart still beat wildly in his chest, but he thanked
Pharaoh profusely. Even as his attendants brought forth a perplexed
Sarah and ushered them out. Abram was relieved to observe
that she didn't appear to be sick. Abram could only
assume she was the sole exception to the curse that
(28:10):
had wreaked havoc on Pharaoh's household. Abram wasn't sure how
to apologize, so he didn't.
Speaker 4 (28:17):
You are right, yes.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Abram and Sarah hurried from the palace to make arrangements
to leave immediately for fear that the Pharaoh might change
his mind. As they fled, SARAHI kept her eyes on
the ground ahead of her that the same awe he
felt was written all over her face. The God who
had caught them out of Haroon and led them to
Canaan was at work. Even the words Pharaoh uttered was
(28:46):
seemingly placed in his mouth by Abram's God, as if
to remind Abram of the call that had been bestowed
upon him.
Speaker 5 (28:54):
Abram, you are to go out from your land.
Speaker 2 (28:59):
Abram felt rebuked by Pharaoh's words, by God's words, and
knew that, despite his assuredness that he was doing what
he thought was right, he never should have left the
land he had been promised. His mistakes had almost cost
him and Serai their integrity and their lives. Abram pondered
on all that had happened and resolved never again to
(29:23):
leave the land his God had promised. Surely, his God
has proven himself to be a mighty rescuer and trustworthy
beyond his comprehension. This Prey Dog comproduction is only made
possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabager and Ben Gammon are the executive
(29:46):
producers of The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltefianu. Characters
are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan,
Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas co, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky,
music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre
(30:08):
Rosalie 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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