November 9, 2025 • 26 mins
# 25 - Hagar Escapes - In this episode of The Chosen People, the episode highlights Hagar’s story of rejection and redemption as she and her son Ishmael are cast out into the wilderness. Through their suffering, God reveals Himself as the one who sees and hears, providing hope and sustenance in their darkest moment, reminding us that no one is ever truly forgotten by God.
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Episode 25 of The Chosen People is inspired by the Book of Genesis.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Genesis 16:13, “She called the name of The Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees,”
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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):
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. The child would be of
your flesh and blood, and you would only have to
adopt him as your heir. In that way, we would
achieve God's promise to us. We could build our family
through this child you would conceive with another.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
And so Hagar did as her lady instructed. That very
night she was escorted to her lord's tent.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
I nothing but a mayor to you to be broken
in bread. However you see fit. You will snatch this
child of mine the moment it is free, and claim
it as your own.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Master Abram, congratulations, Hagar.
Speaker 5 (00:50):
Has born your son. The boy's name will be Ishmael.
Let me ask you this is anything impossible for God Almighty?
Is anything too hard or too marvelous for him to achieve?
Speaker 3 (01:07):
No?
Speaker 5 (01:08):
At the appointed time, I will come back to you.
In about a year, she will have a son.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
How could this be? After all this time, when I
am worn out and my lord is old? Will I
have this delight? I can't help it. You're never going
to believe it. It's finally happened. God's promised to us.
Speaker 4 (01:38):
With child, you're going to be our father. Sarah has
given you a son, Isaac Master. The boy's name is Isaac.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
Ishmael loved his father and wanted him to be happy,
But all this laughing was beginning to grate on him.
Each peal of laughter and joy turned to mockery in
Ishmael's ears. Their joy was his loss. The speeches were
(02:16):
just beginning. Torches illuminated the joyful faces of Abraham's household,
beaming as Abraham waxed poetry about his newborn son. The
teen aged Ishmael was already well into his fourth cup
of wine, fury rising with each sip.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
I still can't believe the joy I felt, both for
Sarah and me in these three years. Who would have
thought that I, one hundred and three year old man,
would be giving a speech at his son's waning celebration.
Why I was already as old as an oak when
God promised Isaac to me, and that was over thirty
(02:58):
years ago. I finally have a son, ha ha.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
Ishmael winced at the words, murmuring into his cup.
Speaker 6 (03:09):
You already had a son, foolish old.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
Man, Haeger gave him a sharp look. Isaac groaned, and
he returned to his cup, listening to his father ramble
on about how the birth of his son Isaac had
completely changed his life. It had been a long three
years for Ishmael as he watched the babe grow, every day,
(03:31):
drawing closer to this weaning ceremony, the day that marked personhood.
Isaac had survived infancy and crossed over into the threshold
of childhood.
Speaker 5 (03:42):
The day also.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Marked the unofficial acceptance of Isaac's claim to airship. Abraham continued,
face bursting with youthful exuberance.
Speaker 4 (03:54):
I'm reminded of that glorious encounter I had all those
years ago as we celebrate Isaac now the fruition of
our God's incredible promise. Our God has truly blessed my soul.
Speaker 7 (04:09):
I am overwhelmed by how great he is.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Ishmael's sighed as his father referenced the promise that had
shaped his entire life. There was a time when that
promise had applied to Ishmael. His mother often told him
the story of his birth and how she was elevated
from slave to wife, begrudgingly so, especially if he were
to confer with Lady Sarah. But despite Sarah's resentments, Ishmael
(04:38):
was the legitimate heir of Abraham in the eyes of
the law. His mother reminded him of this often when
he endured scathing looks from Sarah, or when the other
boys teased him about his mother's lowly heritage or his
distinctly Egyptian features. His mother told them it was only
because of their jealousy that they poked and prodded at
(04:59):
his ego. This came to shape Ishmael's worldview. The law
was on his side, no matter what anyone had to
say about it. But despite that assurance, Ishmael was emboldened
to work hard and earn his father's affection. He would
prove that he was a worthy heir, despite how it
(05:20):
came to be.
Speaker 8 (05:22):
I imagined the mystery and majesty of our God as
if he was clothed in a splendor, and the light
of his glory covers all of us and into the
heavens like a great tent.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
The faith of his father's his father, the prophet of
the God almighty. Ishmael just didn't understand it. His father
spoke of his God as if he were a friend
and a guide, but also to be feared and respected.
Ishmael found he would rather rely on the strength of
(05:57):
his hands and the sharpness of his mind. But he
had played the part of dutiful sun and air. He
followed the customs, prayed the prayers, and had even been
circumcised with the rest of the household. He was marked
by this god and a part of this covenant, the
same as every other man in Abraham's house, But deep down,
(06:21):
Ishmael felt separated from them, exemplified by his distinct Egyptian
features passed down from his mother.
Speaker 4 (06:30):
And even the clouds and the winds and.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Abraham, my love, are guess what to eat your rambling?
Speaker 4 (06:41):
Yes, my love, You're right, I have gotten carried away. Please,
my friends, let us feast and drink to my promised
son Isaac. May he always bring his mother and me joy,
as well as to all he meets.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
The crowd of their agreement and smatterings of conversation struck
up throughout the tent. Ishmael was seated at the end
of his father's table with his mother. From this vantage point,
it was painfully obvious that she was slighted by the
other women, though she had been raised from the status
of slave, she had not overcome the stigma. Ishmael's blood
(07:23):
boiled at this familiar hurt on behalf of his mother.
When most of their party had eaten their fill, Sarah's
nursemaid brought the now ween child Isaac out and placed
him in his mother's hands. The other women fawned over
the boy and showered Sarah with their attention. It was
more than Ishmael could stand. He stood abruptly from the
(07:46):
table and went to recline with the other young men
at a table further out of earshot.
Speaker 9 (07:53):
Released from your duty as air already, Ishmael.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
Oh, yes, how does it feel to be overshadowed by
an infant?
Speaker 6 (08:02):
That baby is not going to replace me.
Speaker 9 (08:07):
Chmael, We only jest. I'm sure this day can't.
Speaker 5 (08:10):
Be easy for you.
Speaker 6 (08:12):
Why should it make a difference. I'm a legitimate heir.
I don't see why this second son should change anything.
Speaker 4 (08:19):
I wouldn't be so sure of that that.
Speaker 9 (08:21):
What Tabam means to say is that we're sure you
have a better understanding of the situation than we do.
Speaker 4 (08:28):
Don't speak for me, Jock Shan. Ishmael should consider what
this means for his birthright.
Speaker 9 (08:36):
Keep your voice down, you're just gonna stir up trouble.
Speaker 6 (08:39):
No, no, I think Teba may be right. This child
could challenge my right to what is rightfully mine, Ishmael.
Speaker 10 (08:50):
They're going to hear you. How much wine have you had?
You're not thinking straight? Look at him. His child is
going to be coddled by his ancient mother. He's going
to be soft and weak. This clam needs a strong leader.
His name means to laugh. The other nations will be
laughing at us. This child is a joke. His co
(09:12):
airship with me is laughable. He makes a mockery of
our people.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
The two other boys gaped to Dishmael's outburst in an
almost silent room. The guests had quieted as Ishmael's rant
had built to its height. Sarah fixed him with a
venomous stare, which, if he had been sober, would have
given him the good sense to back down. He also
failed to note the mounting panic in his mother's eyes.
Speaker 6 (09:43):
What we all know the law? Are we not people
who uphold the laws of our land? This child can't
snatch my birth right away from me. This changes nothing.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
With that, Ishmael kicked back the dregs of his wine,
threw his cup to the ground, and stormed from the tent.
One could cut the tension in the silence that followed
with a knife.
Speaker 4 (10:09):
All right, everyone, pay no attention to my oldest. The
fire of youth burns in his belly. Please return to
your meal.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
The most assertive of the guests coaxed their neighbors back
to the uneasy conversation to smooth over the awkwardness of
Ishmael's tantrum. Sarah passed isaacov to the nursemaid, gave her
husband a look, and marched out of the tent as
well in the opposite direction. Abraham sighed and followed her.
(10:43):
Sarah had grown to hate Ishmael as she had grown
to hate Hagar, but his outburst was a step too far.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
The audacity of this brazen, entitled child, the child of
a slave, Nola Ah, I don't know why you haven't
divorced that Egyptian slave and expelled both of them from
our household. There's no need for him anymore.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
We have our son, Sarah. I know you're upset.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Est cannot stand Abraham. This impertinent child in his mother
must be dealt with He's just a boy.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
This is a big adjustment for him.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
I don't care. His feelings mean nothing to me. You
heard him. The law does protect him until you divorce
his mother. Our son will always have to bear this rivalry.
I have not endured what I have endured or suffered
the way I have suffered to see my son sit
as co heir to our legacy and the promise of
(11:48):
our God. You know I am speaking the truth, Abraham.
Don't give me that look like I'm speaking nonsense.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
But Ishmael is of my flesh and blood God. He
is my son. Should he be denied what is owed
to him by the laws of our land, I am.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Your flesh and blood too, as well as Isaac. What
do you value more the law of the land or
the promise of our God.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Sarah could tell her words had stopped her husband in
his tracks. She let the silence settle between them and
cried out to their God in her heart. Her fury
still heated her skin, but her words were sound. Abraham
had to see reason. He had to understand the division
he was creating by allowing the boy and his mother
(12:38):
to stay. This was a threat to the very promise
that God had made them. This was bigger than the
two of them.
Speaker 4 (12:48):
Sarah, in your anger towards the boy's mother, would you
really have me strip them of their status? Where would
they go? They would have no place in our land
or any others.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
This union between you and Hagar was a mistake, a
mistake I still hold you accountable for. But I endured
it so you may have an heir. But now I've
provided you with a son untainted by all this nonsense.
I won't see it ruined. I must protect the promise
that is to be inherited by our son. I cannot
(13:23):
stand by any longer for the sake of Isaac. I
must protect my son. I can only hope you will
do the same as his father.
Speaker 4 (13:32):
What you ask is not a small task. I must
seek our God about this matter before I give you
an answer.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
He is my God. To Abraham, I pray that he
will show you that this is right.
Speaker 9 (13:47):
You will know my answer by morning.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
I know you've come to love the boy. I'm sorry
for the pain this will cause you, but you know
I'm right, don't you.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
I I need to pray.
Speaker 1 (14:03):
Abraham pays the length of his lands for several hours,
weighing every option and wading through every anxiety that he
felt until he finally heard from his God, Abraham.
Speaker 5 (14:17):
I know your heart is greatly burdened. Do not be distressed.
Speaker 4 (14:23):
But my God, how can I not be the fate
of my firstborn son hangs in the balance. Must I
truly choose between my sons? And if I choose wrong,
will I lose the trust of my wife.
Speaker 5 (14:38):
Do not worry about the boy Ishmael or his mother, Hagar,
for they are not only in your care, Abraham, they
are in mine.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
What would you have me?
Speaker 5 (14:49):
Do you are to honor your wife Sarah? Listen to
what she says and do what she asks. Remember I
am fulfilling my promise to you. Through Sarah and through
your boy Isaac, your line will be traced through him.
Speaker 7 (15:12):
Yes, God Almighty, I remember your words well. But what
of Ishmael? How can I abandon him?
Speaker 5 (15:23):
I have seen Ishmael and his mother in their strife.
I will not forget them. I have promised Hagar that
her son, your son, will be made into a mighty nation.
He will be all that you have faithfully raised him
to be. Trust what I am telling you.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
Soothed by his God's words, Abraham, set out to make
the preparations for the departure of Ishmael and Hagar. Early
in the morning, mere hours after Ishmael's blunder, Elieza and
a reluctant Abraham entered Hagar and Ishmael's tent.
Speaker 11 (16:04):
Hagar, Master Abraham has informed me that it's time for
you both to leave immediately.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
What but why is this about Ishmael's outburst last night?
He won't do it again.
Speaker 11 (16:20):
I swear this is the will of my master. You
are no longer welcome here. This is a formal renouncing
of your marriage to Abraham and Ishmael's writer's heir.
Speaker 6 (16:33):
It was that serpent Sarah. She was behind all this.
Speaker 11 (16:36):
She's I wouldn't make this any worse, Ishmael. I have
some of our armed men ready.
Speaker 12 (16:42):
But but I would prefer not to call them.
Speaker 7 (16:46):
Father.
Speaker 6 (16:47):
You would stand there and say nothing. Well, this man
casts us out.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
He's always been a cart. How long do we have
to leave? Is there a cart prepared for us? Goods,
Master Abraham, do you have anything to say for yourself?
Speaker 1 (17:04):
Hagar's anger raged against Abraham's tortured face as he stood
still and straight. The picture of enacting justice on behalf
of his offended primary wife. Hagar knew that was the
true reason for this divorce, for that was what this was.
Sarah had finally had enough. She could no longer suffer
(17:28):
the looming threat of Ishmael contesting her son's airship, and
once again what little Hagar had was being stripped away
from her.
Speaker 4 (17:39):
You know everything. I cannot say freely. I have no
right to give you anything, but I would not have
you cast out with but nothing. I have a sack
of bread and a waterskin.
Speaker 9 (17:58):
You must go now.
Speaker 4 (18:00):
For what anyone sees, please.
Speaker 9 (18:05):
Go now.
Speaker 6 (18:07):
Unbelievable, the cruelty, the heartlessness. Why are you doing this?
Speaker 13 (18:17):
You know why, young Ishmael. This is how it has
to be. No, please leave, And that was it. There
was no ceremony, no preamble or formality to it. But
by sending them out, Abraham had effectively divorced Hagar, stripping
her and her son of their status in his household.
(18:40):
This was the way of their culture and sound in
the eyes of the law. With this simple gesture, Hagar
was no longer a wife, and Ishmael's claim was dissolved.
The only inheritance Hager's son would see was the bread
and water skin. Hagar was free. Datus would not revert
(19:01):
back to being a slave, but somehow freedom felt like
a punishment. With no protection from the law or husband,
there were not many places for them to go, and
so Hagar and her son wandered in the wilderness of
Beer Sheba. The region was barren and inhospitable. In her
(19:22):
exhaustion and thirst, Hagar could not remember how long it
had been since they passed a well. They had finished
the bread weeks ago and survived off the meager gain
that likewise wandered the wilderness. Ishmael was a talented shot,
but he could not summon a game that was not there.
And now they were down to the last drops of
(19:42):
water in the water skin Abraham had given them. Ishmael
did not acknowledge its near emptiness as he handed the
last of their water to his mother. Hagar accepted his
gesture as her heart sank at their dire situation. Few
words had been extened change between them since they had
been expelled, but she could read the devastation all over
(20:05):
her son's face. It told her everything.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
She needed to know about how he was processing the
loss of his inheritance. The loss of his father, and
so they wandered two ghosts upon the land. Hunger clawed
at Hager's belly, and collapse threatened. As now days had
passed since her last sip of water, Ishmael started to
(20:30):
stumble beside her. He was younger and stronger, but his
body required more food than hersted he was nearly a
man grown now. When she looked into his eyes, she
could see grief and weariness etched inside. He was losing
the very will to live. Her eyes welled with tears
(20:51):
and her throat tightened at the sight of her once
vibrant son starting to falter, his body on the brink
of shutting down. He cried out as he suddenly slumped
to the ground.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
Ishmael, Mother, I Ishmael, come over here.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
Let me get you to the shade.
Speaker 6 (21:11):
I'm I'm afraid, I miss Holme.
Speaker 3 (21:17):
I'll stay with you until you fall asleep.
Speaker 1 (21:19):
Hager winced as tears immediately brimmed her eyes. Hagar dragged
her son over to the meager shade of a bush
near the road. It would have to do. Grimly, She
supposed this was as good a place to die as
any in this terrible wasteland. Ishmael groaned and closed his
eyes as he sagged in the dirt. He murmured fragments
(21:43):
of apologies and regret that Hagar could not comprehend, but
she whispered comforting words in reply. She stayed with him
until his breath slowed and he lost consciousness and fitfully
fell quiet as she watched his chest right and fall.
Agony tore through Hagar, and she found she could not
(22:04):
bear to watch thirst and hunger steal her son away
from her. She crawled away from where he lay, lest
he wake and hear her sobbing over his body. When
she was about a bow shot away, she finally gave
in to the depths of her despair.
Speaker 2 (22:22):
I can't I can't watch him die.
Speaker 1 (22:27):
Hager failed to notice the stillness that settled around her,
or the comforting presence that wrapped its arms around her.
She wept until a gentle voice whispered in her ear.
Speaker 12 (22:43):
Hagar, do not be afraid, Hagar, do not be afraid.
Your cries have been heard by the God Almighty. He
has also heard the anguish of your son. Your torment
has not gone unnoticed. Get up, go to your son
(23:06):
and help him.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
How how can I do as you ask, where would
we go? What are we to do?
Speaker 12 (23:15):
As I have seen you before, I see you now,
and as I promised you then, I will remind you.
Now grasp the hand of your son, for he is
to be a great nation some day I will make
it so.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
Before Hager could answer, she felt the comforting presence lift
from her shoulders, and she suddenly saw a well before her.
She cried out in surprise. Had she been delirious or blind?
There had been nothing, no water sauce at all for
miles and miles, but here was one before her now.
(23:57):
She crawled over to it on her hands and knees.
She had to be dreaming some frenzied mirage, conjured up
by her dehydration, But no. She placed her hands on solid,
chiseled limestone stones. She pulled herself up to haul off
the cover and peer over the edge. In its depths
(24:18):
was an abundance of fresh, clean water. She cried out
in relief and grasped the rope hanging over the side
of the well, sunk the pail on the other end
into the water, and pulled it up. She collapsed against
its side as she drank deeply. She then fumbled for
her satchel. The water skin was still inside. With shaking hands,
(24:43):
she filled it and limped back to Ishmael's side. She
gently lifted his head so he could drink from the
water skin. Her heart soared, and a flicker of hope
sprang back to life as she saw her son's eyes open.
If Male's alertness returned when they both drank their fill,
(25:04):
and he also noticed the world before them, they both
laughed and laughed on the edge of delirium and relief.
Perhaps now they too would see a promise fulfilled by
the God of Abraham. This Prey dot com production is
only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents.
(25:26):
Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger, 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,
(25:47):
and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by
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If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and leave
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Previously on the chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
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. The child would be of
your flesh and blood, and you would only have to
adopt him as your heir. In that way, we would
achieve God's promise to us. We could build our family
through this child you would conceive with another.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
And so Hagar did as her lady instructed. That very
night she was escorted to her lord's tent.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
I nothing but a mayor to you to be broken
in bread. However you see fit. You will snatch this
child of mine the moment it is free, and claim
it as your own.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
Master Abram, congratulations, Hagar.
Speaker 5 (00:50):
Has born your son. The boy's name will be Ishmael.
Let me ask you this is anything impossible for God Almighty?
Is anything too hard or too marvelous for him to achieve?
Speaker 3 (01:07):
No?
Speaker 5 (01:08):
At the appointed time, I will come back to you.
In about a year, she will have a son.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
How could this be? After all this time, when I
am worn out and my lord is old? Will I
have this delight? I can't help it. You're never going
to believe it. It's finally happened. God's promised to us.
Speaker 4 (01:38):
With child, you're going to be our father. Sarah has
given you a son, Isaac Master. The boy's name is Isaac.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
Ishmael loved his father and wanted him to be happy,
But all this laughing was beginning to grate on him.
Each peal of laughter and joy turned to mockery in
Ishmael's ears. Their joy was his loss. The speeches were
(02:16):
just beginning. Torches illuminated the joyful faces of Abraham's household,
beaming as Abraham waxed poetry about his newborn son. The
teen aged Ishmael was already well into his fourth cup
of wine, fury rising with each sip.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
I still can't believe the joy I felt, both for
Sarah and me in these three years. Who would have
thought that I, one hundred and three year old man,
would be giving a speech at his son's waning celebration.
Why I was already as old as an oak when
God promised Isaac to me, and that was over thirty
(02:58):
years ago. I finally have a son, ha ha.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
Ishmael winced at the words, murmuring into his cup.
Speaker 6 (03:09):
You already had a son, foolish old.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
Man, Haeger gave him a sharp look. Isaac groaned, and
he returned to his cup, listening to his father ramble
on about how the birth of his son Isaac had
completely changed his life. It had been a long three
years for Ishmael as he watched the babe grow, every day,
(03:31):
drawing closer to this weaning ceremony, the day that marked personhood.
Isaac had survived infancy and crossed over into the threshold
of childhood.
Speaker 5 (03:42):
The day also.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Marked the unofficial acceptance of Isaac's claim to airship. Abraham continued,
face bursting with youthful exuberance.
Speaker 4 (03:54):
I'm reminded of that glorious encounter I had all those
years ago as we celebrate Isaac now the fruition of
our God's incredible promise. Our God has truly blessed my soul.
Speaker 7 (04:09):
I am overwhelmed by how great he is.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Ishmael's sighed as his father referenced the promise that had
shaped his entire life. There was a time when that
promise had applied to Ishmael. His mother often told him
the story of his birth and how she was elevated
from slave to wife, begrudgingly so, especially if he were
to confer with Lady Sarah. But despite Sarah's resentments, Ishmael
(04:38):
was the legitimate heir of Abraham in the eyes of
the law. His mother reminded him of this often when
he endured scathing looks from Sarah, or when the other
boys teased him about his mother's lowly heritage or his
distinctly Egyptian features. His mother told them it was only
because of their jealousy that they poked and prodded at
(04:59):
his ego. This came to shape Ishmael's worldview. The law
was on his side, no matter what anyone had to
say about it. But despite that assurance, Ishmael was emboldened
to work hard and earn his father's affection. He would
prove that he was a worthy heir, despite how it
(05:20):
came to be.
Speaker 8 (05:22):
I imagined the mystery and majesty of our God as
if he was clothed in a splendor, and the light
of his glory covers all of us and into the
heavens like a great tent.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
The faith of his father's his father, the prophet of
the God almighty. Ishmael just didn't understand it. His father
spoke of his God as if he were a friend
and a guide, but also to be feared and respected.
Ishmael found he would rather rely on the strength of
(05:57):
his hands and the sharpness of his mind. But he
had played the part of dutiful sun and air. He
followed the customs, prayed the prayers, and had even been
circumcised with the rest of the household. He was marked
by this god and a part of this covenant, the
same as every other man in Abraham's house, But deep down,
(06:21):
Ishmael felt separated from them, exemplified by his distinct Egyptian
features passed down from his mother.
Speaker 4 (06:30):
And even the clouds and the winds and.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Abraham, my love, are guess what to eat your rambling?
Speaker 4 (06:41):
Yes, my love, You're right, I have gotten carried away. Please,
my friends, let us feast and drink to my promised
son Isaac. May he always bring his mother and me joy,
as well as to all he meets.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
The crowd of their agreement and smatterings of conversation struck
up throughout the tent. Ishmael was seated at the end
of his father's table with his mother. From this vantage point,
it was painfully obvious that she was slighted by the
other women, though she had been raised from the status
of slave, she had not overcome the stigma. Ishmael's blood
(07:23):
boiled at this familiar hurt on behalf of his mother.
When most of their party had eaten their fill, Sarah's
nursemaid brought the now ween child Isaac out and placed
him in his mother's hands. The other women fawned over
the boy and showered Sarah with their attention. It was
more than Ishmael could stand. He stood abruptly from the
(07:46):
table and went to recline with the other young men
at a table further out of earshot.
Speaker 9 (07:53):
Released from your duty as air already, Ishmael.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
Oh, yes, how does it feel to be overshadowed by
an infant?
Speaker 6 (08:02):
That baby is not going to replace me.
Speaker 9 (08:07):
Chmael, We only jest. I'm sure this day can't.
Speaker 5 (08:10):
Be easy for you.
Speaker 6 (08:12):
Why should it make a difference. I'm a legitimate heir.
I don't see why this second son should change anything.
Speaker 4 (08:19):
I wouldn't be so sure of that that.
Speaker 9 (08:21):
What Tabam means to say is that we're sure you
have a better understanding of the situation than we do.
Speaker 4 (08:28):
Don't speak for me, Jock Shan. Ishmael should consider what
this means for his birthright.
Speaker 9 (08:36):
Keep your voice down, you're just gonna stir up trouble.
Speaker 6 (08:39):
No, no, I think Teba may be right. This child
could challenge my right to what is rightfully mine, Ishmael.
Speaker 10 (08:50):
They're going to hear you. How much wine have you had?
You're not thinking straight? Look at him. His child is
going to be coddled by his ancient mother. He's going
to be soft and weak. This clam needs a strong leader.
His name means to laugh. The other nations will be
laughing at us. This child is a joke. His co
(09:12):
airship with me is laughable. He makes a mockery of
our people.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
The two other boys gaped to Dishmael's outburst in an
almost silent room. The guests had quieted as Ishmael's rant
had built to its height. Sarah fixed him with a
venomous stare, which, if he had been sober, would have
given him the good sense to back down. He also
failed to note the mounting panic in his mother's eyes.
Speaker 6 (09:43):
What we all know the law? Are we not people
who uphold the laws of our land? This child can't
snatch my birth right away from me. This changes nothing.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
With that, Ishmael kicked back the dregs of his wine,
threw his cup to the ground, and stormed from the tent.
One could cut the tension in the silence that followed
with a knife.
Speaker 4 (10:09):
All right, everyone, pay no attention to my oldest. The
fire of youth burns in his belly. Please return to
your meal.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
The most assertive of the guests coaxed their neighbors back
to the uneasy conversation to smooth over the awkwardness of
Ishmael's tantrum. Sarah passed isaacov to the nursemaid, gave her
husband a look, and marched out of the tent as
well in the opposite direction. Abraham sighed and followed her.
(10:43):
Sarah had grown to hate Ishmael as she had grown
to hate Hagar, but his outburst was a step too far.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
The audacity of this brazen, entitled child, the child of
a slave, Nola Ah, I don't know why you haven't
divorced that Egyptian slave and expelled both of them from
our household. There's no need for him anymore.
Speaker 4 (11:09):
We have our son, Sarah. I know you're upset.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Est cannot stand Abraham. This impertinent child in his mother
must be dealt with He's just a boy.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
This is a big adjustment for him.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
I don't care. His feelings mean nothing to me. You
heard him. The law does protect him until you divorce
his mother. Our son will always have to bear this rivalry.
I have not endured what I have endured or suffered
the way I have suffered to see my son sit
as co heir to our legacy and the promise of
(11:48):
our God. You know I am speaking the truth, Abraham.
Don't give me that look like I'm speaking nonsense.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
But Ishmael is of my flesh and blood God. He
is my son. Should he be denied what is owed
to him by the laws of our land, I am.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Your flesh and blood too, as well as Isaac. What
do you value more the law of the land or
the promise of our God.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Sarah could tell her words had stopped her husband in
his tracks. She let the silence settle between them and
cried out to their God in her heart. Her fury
still heated her skin, but her words were sound. Abraham
had to see reason. He had to understand the division
he was creating by allowing the boy and his mother
(12:38):
to stay. This was a threat to the very promise
that God had made them. This was bigger than the
two of them.
Speaker 4 (12:48):
Sarah, in your anger towards the boy's mother, would you
really have me strip them of their status? Where would
they go? They would have no place in our land
or any others.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
This union between you and Hagar was a mistake, a
mistake I still hold you accountable for. But I endured
it so you may have an heir. But now I've
provided you with a son untainted by all this nonsense.
I won't see it ruined. I must protect the promise
that is to be inherited by our son. I cannot
(13:23):
stand by any longer for the sake of Isaac. I
must protect my son. I can only hope you will
do the same as his father.
Speaker 4 (13:32):
What you ask is not a small task. I must
seek our God about this matter before I give you
an answer.
Speaker 2 (13:41):
He is my God. To Abraham, I pray that he
will show you that this is right.
Speaker 9 (13:47):
You will know my answer by morning.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
I know you've come to love the boy. I'm sorry
for the pain this will cause you, but you know
I'm right, don't you.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
I I need to pray.
Speaker 1 (14:03):
Abraham pays the length of his lands for several hours,
weighing every option and wading through every anxiety that he
felt until he finally heard from his God, Abraham.
Speaker 5 (14:17):
I know your heart is greatly burdened. Do not be distressed.
Speaker 4 (14:23):
But my God, how can I not be the fate
of my firstborn son hangs in the balance. Must I
truly choose between my sons? And if I choose wrong,
will I lose the trust of my wife.
Speaker 5 (14:38):
Do not worry about the boy Ishmael or his mother, Hagar,
for they are not only in your care, Abraham, they
are in mine.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
What would you have me?
Speaker 5 (14:49):
Do you are to honor your wife Sarah? Listen to
what she says and do what she asks. Remember I
am fulfilling my promise to you. Through Sarah and through
your boy Isaac, your line will be traced through him.
Speaker 7 (15:12):
Yes, God Almighty, I remember your words well. But what
of Ishmael? How can I abandon him?
Speaker 5 (15:23):
I have seen Ishmael and his mother in their strife.
I will not forget them. I have promised Hagar that
her son, your son, will be made into a mighty nation.
He will be all that you have faithfully raised him
to be. Trust what I am telling you.
Speaker 1 (15:45):
Soothed by his God's words, Abraham, set out to make
the preparations for the departure of Ishmael and Hagar. Early
in the morning, mere hours after Ishmael's blunder, Elieza and
a reluctant Abraham entered Hagar and Ishmael's tent.
Speaker 11 (16:04):
Hagar, Master Abraham has informed me that it's time for
you both to leave immediately.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
What but why is this about Ishmael's outburst last night?
He won't do it again.
Speaker 11 (16:20):
I swear this is the will of my master. You
are no longer welcome here. This is a formal renouncing
of your marriage to Abraham and Ishmael's writer's heir.
Speaker 6 (16:33):
It was that serpent Sarah. She was behind all this.
Speaker 11 (16:36):
She's I wouldn't make this any worse, Ishmael. I have
some of our armed men ready.
Speaker 12 (16:42):
But but I would prefer not to call them.
Speaker 7 (16:46):
Father.
Speaker 6 (16:47):
You would stand there and say nothing. Well, this man
casts us out.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
He's always been a cart. How long do we have
to leave? Is there a cart prepared for us? Goods,
Master Abraham, do you have anything to say for yourself?
Speaker 1 (17:04):
Hagar's anger raged against Abraham's tortured face as he stood
still and straight. The picture of enacting justice on behalf
of his offended primary wife. Hagar knew that was the
true reason for this divorce, for that was what this was.
Sarah had finally had enough. She could no longer suffer
(17:28):
the looming threat of Ishmael contesting her son's airship, and
once again what little Hagar had was being stripped away
from her.
Speaker 4 (17:39):
You know everything. I cannot say freely. I have no
right to give you anything, but I would not have
you cast out with but nothing. I have a sack
of bread and a waterskin.
Speaker 9 (17:58):
You must go now.
Speaker 4 (18:00):
For what anyone sees, please.
Speaker 9 (18:05):
Go now.
Speaker 6 (18:07):
Unbelievable, the cruelty, the heartlessness. Why are you doing this?
Speaker 13 (18:17):
You know why, young Ishmael. This is how it has
to be. No, please leave, And that was it. There
was no ceremony, no preamble or formality to it. But
by sending them out, Abraham had effectively divorced Hagar, stripping
her and her son of their status in his household.
(18:40):
This was the way of their culture and sound in
the eyes of the law. With this simple gesture, Hagar
was no longer a wife, and Ishmael's claim was dissolved.
The only inheritance Hager's son would see was the bread
and water skin. Hagar was free. Datus would not revert
(19:01):
back to being a slave, but somehow freedom felt like
a punishment. With no protection from the law or husband,
there were not many places for them to go, and
so Hagar and her son wandered in the wilderness of
Beer Sheba. The region was barren and inhospitable. In her
(19:22):
exhaustion and thirst, Hagar could not remember how long it
had been since they passed a well. They had finished
the bread weeks ago and survived off the meager gain
that likewise wandered the wilderness. Ishmael was a talented shot,
but he could not summon a game that was not there.
And now they were down to the last drops of
(19:42):
water in the water skin Abraham had given them. Ishmael
did not acknowledge its near emptiness as he handed the
last of their water to his mother. Hagar accepted his
gesture as her heart sank at their dire situation. Few
words had been extened change between them since they had
been expelled, but she could read the devastation all over
(20:05):
her son's face. It told her everything.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
She needed to know about how he was processing the
loss of his inheritance. The loss of his father, and
so they wandered two ghosts upon the land. Hunger clawed
at Hager's belly, and collapse threatened. As now days had
passed since her last sip of water, Ishmael started to
(20:30):
stumble beside her. He was younger and stronger, but his
body required more food than hersted he was nearly a
man grown now. When she looked into his eyes, she
could see grief and weariness etched inside. He was losing
the very will to live. Her eyes welled with tears
(20:51):
and her throat tightened at the sight of her once
vibrant son starting to falter, his body on the brink
of shutting down. He cried out as he suddenly slumped
to the ground.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
Ishmael, Mother, I Ishmael, come over here.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
Let me get you to the shade.
Speaker 6 (21:11):
I'm I'm afraid, I miss Holme.
Speaker 3 (21:17):
I'll stay with you until you fall asleep.
Speaker 1 (21:19):
Hager winced as tears immediately brimmed her eyes. Hagar dragged
her son over to the meager shade of a bush
near the road. It would have to do. Grimly, She
supposed this was as good a place to die as
any in this terrible wasteland. Ishmael groaned and closed his
eyes as he sagged in the dirt. He murmured fragments
(21:43):
of apologies and regret that Hagar could not comprehend, but
she whispered comforting words in reply. She stayed with him
until his breath slowed and he lost consciousness and fitfully
fell quiet as she watched his chest right and fall.
Agony tore through Hagar, and she found she could not
(22:04):
bear to watch thirst and hunger steal her son away
from her. She crawled away from where he lay, lest
he wake and hear her sobbing over his body. When
she was about a bow shot away, she finally gave
in to the depths of her despair.
Speaker 2 (22:22):
I can't I can't watch him die.
Speaker 1 (22:27):
Hager failed to notice the stillness that settled around her,
or the comforting presence that wrapped its arms around her.
She wept until a gentle voice whispered in her ear.
Speaker 12 (22:43):
Hagar, do not be afraid, Hagar, do not be afraid.
Your cries have been heard by the God Almighty. He
has also heard the anguish of your son. Your torment
has not gone unnoticed. Get up, go to your son
(23:06):
and help him.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
How how can I do as you ask, where would
we go? What are we to do?
Speaker 12 (23:15):
As I have seen you before, I see you now,
and as I promised you then, I will remind you.
Now grasp the hand of your son, for he is
to be a great nation some day I will make
it so.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
Before Hager could answer, she felt the comforting presence lift
from her shoulders, and she suddenly saw a well before her.
She cried out in surprise. Had she been delirious or blind?
There had been nothing, no water sauce at all for
miles and miles, but here was one before her now.
(23:57):
She crawled over to it on her hands and knees.
She had to be dreaming some frenzied mirage, conjured up
by her dehydration, But no. She placed her hands on solid,
chiseled limestone stones. She pulled herself up to haul off
the cover and peer over the edge. In its depths
(24:18):
was an abundance of fresh, clean water. She cried out
in relief and grasped the rope hanging over the side
of the well, sunk the pail on the other end
into the water, and pulled it up. She collapsed against
its side as she drank deeply. She then fumbled for
her satchel. The water skin was still inside. With shaking hands,
(24:43):
she filled it and limped back to Ishmael's side. She
gently lifted his head so he could drink from the
water skin. Her heart soared, and a flicker of hope
sprang back to life as she saw her son's eyes open.
If Male's alertness returned when they both drank their fill,
(25:04):
and he also noticed the world before them, they both
laughed and laughed on the edge of delirium and relief.
Perhaps now they too would see a promise fulfilled by
the God of Abraham. This Prey dot com production is
only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents.
(25:26):
Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger, 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,
(25:47):
and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by
Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris baig. You can hear
more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot Com
app avail 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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