November 19, 2025 • 25 mins
# 33 - Isaac's Lie - In this episode of The Chosen People, Isaac faces the consequences of his fear when he deceives the king of Gerar about his wife, Rebekah. This episode explores themes of fear, deception, and God's unwavering protection, even when we repeat the mistakes of the past.
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Episode 33 of The Chosen People is inspired by the Book of Genesis.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Proverbs 14:5, “An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.”
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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 (00:04):
You've drawn the attention of Pharaoh's officials, and because of that,
we should be prepared to tell them you're my sister,
not my wife. This is for your protection as well
as my own. If you've drawn the eye of a
prominent Egyptian as your brother, my life would be spared.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
So you'd lie, Abram, you would tell a half truth
and deny me the protection of my husband. Lie to
spare yourself and ship me off to an Egyptian warlord.
Speaker 4 (00:39):
Sarah, I'm afraid I see too many similarities and these
people to the ones we've dealt with in the past.
I'm terrified for my life. As the heads of our people,
we will be a target. I fear that they will
use you against me or take you from me.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Oh worse, we've survived this threat before, Abraham.
Speaker 5 (01:05):
I know.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
I hope we do so again. I would all upon
your loyalty as my wife again. I would have you
tell everyone that.
Speaker 5 (01:17):
You are my sister. Please do this for me.
Speaker 4 (01:20):
Please go along with this, smile.
Speaker 6 (01:23):
And rest easily.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
And Abraham was forced to watch as his wife was
taken away from his care for a second time. His
blood boiled with anger, not against Abeamlegh, but against himself.
Speaker 6 (01:39):
Isaac, son of my servant Abraham, you have spent a
lifetime following your father as he followed me. I come
now to bless you to carry out the promise I
made to your father through your lifetime.
Speaker 7 (01:56):
Thank you, my God, you do all that you ask
of me.
Speaker 8 (02:07):
So you see, Master Isaac, we just discovery this morning.
There's no wonder the cattle have been ranging like they
once did. The streams out in the far fields are
as dry as bonds. In the troughs we have closer
to camp are much better.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Though I have believed the shepherd, he still stooped to
run a finger along the dry, crusty bottom of the
trough standing before them. Sure enough, the grainy limestone felt
as if it hadn't touched water for days. And this
was the trough closest to their camp. He could only
imagine the desolation at the ones further out.
Speaker 7 (02:45):
I suppose it was only a matter of time until
the reports we've heard of famine made their way to us.
I fear it's time for us to move on.
Speaker 9 (02:55):
Hey, right you are, Master Isaac, where do you want
us to drive? We make Egypt along the King's Highway.
Speaker 7 (03:04):
Yes, that would be our destination. I've heard that the
lands on the Niol are never dead or even brown.
It would be a long road to get there, but
well worth our time and effort. We should prepare our
rations for the long journey. We can make our final
preparations to cross the desert when we get to Gara.
(03:27):
Their kings, the Abimelechs, were friendly to my father for
many years, so that would be a favorable place to
replenish our water, skins, and supplies before we crossed the desert.
Speaker 8 (03:38):
I'll see to it, Master Issac.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Isaac thanked the shepherd and began walking back toward camp.
He took no more than a dozen paces when the
world around him became silent. He looked around, and though
there were people in the distance, he could not hear
them or anything else in his proximity. It was the
same stillness he remembered that from his childhood and from
(04:02):
his encounter at his father's too. Isaac knelt in anticipation
of hearing again from his.
Speaker 6 (04:08):
God, Isaac, son of my servant Abraham, do not go
down to Egypt. You are to live in the land
that I show you. You will remain in the land
as a stranger, an alien. But I will be with you,
and I will bless you. I will give all these
(04:29):
lands to you and your offspring one day, and I
will confirm the oath that I swore to your father, Abraham.
I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars
of the sky. I will give your offspring all these lands,
and all the nations of the earth will be blessed
(04:50):
by your offspring. All this will happen because Abraham listened
to me and kept my mandates by command and my
statutes and my instructions.
Speaker 7 (05:05):
Yes, my God, I will do what you have said,
and I will change my plans and not go to Egypt.
I will go to Grah and settle there during the famine.
There I shall wait for your instructions.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
When Isaac finished speaking, he felt the world around him
spring back into life. He heard the shouting of his
men in the distance, and the birds and insects resumed
their chatter. Isaac stood and brushed the dust off his
robes before he hurried to his shepherd to tell him
of the slight change of plans. Isaac wondered why his
(05:42):
God was blocking his way to Egypt, but then he
decided that it was of no importance. Wherever his God
was calling him, there he would go. He was determined
to follow in his father's footsteps. Isaac found his wife
and sons in their tent and told them the message
he had received from their God.
Speaker 5 (06:04):
I don't understand. Why not go to Egypt?
Speaker 8 (06:07):
No famine in Egypt.
Speaker 4 (06:09):
Weren't you listening? Because God said not to.
Speaker 8 (06:12):
Was good game in Egypt? Fish too riches.
Speaker 4 (06:19):
You don't understand.
Speaker 10 (06:21):
Jacob is right, Esaw. We will follow what your father
and our God says. We must trust in this message.
Sometimes we cannot see all the pieces on the board.
Speaker 7 (06:33):
We will go to Garral and settle there until we
hear something else.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Isaac and his family moved their caravan and all their
herds east to Ghira along the King's Highway. Isaac remembered
the land from his youth, for this was where his
mother had conceived, given birth to him, and he spent
the earliest days of his youth. Isaac knew his father
had established a coverrant of peace and even built wells
(07:01):
in this land, but they had been in Hebren a
long time, and Isaac had now buried both parents there.
He wondered if the new king, the Abemelech, as they
were called here, would remember the peace previously established with
his father. Perhaps this would be the first real test
of Isaac's leadership as he stepped into his father's legacy fully,
(07:26):
Isaac could barely cross the border into Gheirah when a
company of guarded men rode out to meet with him.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
Isaac, son of Abraham, be welcomed to Durrar. We Philistine
remember your father's time with us here and Jerrard. His
influence and wealth were legendary. We understand he's been laid
to rest and given to the care of our Goddess
of Heaven Astareth, and you are now his heir. Our
(07:56):
people were saddened to hear of his passing. You have
our condolences.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Isaac could not help but note that the man did
not extend his apparent words of friendship to him. He
seemed to be the one who would need to be convinced.
Speaker 7 (08:12):
Thank you, Ooseh. I trust that your people also remember
the covenant of your former kings.
Speaker 4 (08:20):
I you are asking if we will also honor the
treaty of peace made between our two forbearers.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Isaac held the silence as the man took his measure.
He wished his father was here, or Rebecca. They were
adept at dabbling in politics. Isaac preferred a plainer way
of speaking. He didn't like hidden meanings or inferences, but
he had learned from them that he should let his
guests speak until they had finished all they had to say.
(08:50):
He could hear Rebeccah's voice in his head. Don't give
them an answer before you force them to speak. As
many of the intentions they're willing to give. The uncomfortable
son islands grew between the two men. The servants standing
by the entrance shifted on his feet.
Speaker 4 (09:06):
We are not men who break treaties. We trust in
the wisdom of our abymelechs, as their power has been
ordained by the gods. There are records of a treaty,
but also notable exchanges of wealth and goods between your
people and mine. Can I report back to my Ebymelech
(09:27):
that we can expect much the same from your regime
of your people.
Speaker 7 (09:32):
We were trade in living peace among your people. We
have no plans of violence or harm.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
I am relieved to hear it. Perhaps there are other
ways we can ensure peace and prosperity among us. I
could not help but notice many fair women in your camp.
Have you any daughters or sisters?
Speaker 5 (09:59):
Hi?
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Isaac stiffened at the man's words. He knew enough from
the man's seemingly benign tone that the man was implying
more than a marriage pact. He was looking for a
tithe of women, perhaps ones to bring into the fold
of his king's harim. This would ensure the peace between them.
They would become little more than political hostages and tokens.
(10:21):
He had heard of such practices before.
Speaker 7 (10:24):
I have no daughters, only sons.
Speaker 4 (10:28):
Well, that's a shame. Who was that woman lingering outside
your tent when I walked in? She was uncommonly beautiful.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Isaac knew he should restrain his facial reactions. But the
man was undoubtedly speaking of his wife, Rebecca. He knew
from the stories he had heard of these Canaanite men
that if he had a wife one of them coveted,
they would stoop to vile actions to obtain what they desired,
especially if the threat of violence was tenures between their
(11:00):
two peoples. He had just told them that he had sons,
like a fool. Rebecca was right. Perhaps he had just
offered too much information. If this man desired Rebecca, or
if he sought her for his abemelech, they could very
well decide to take her. Kill Isaac and then install
one of his sons in his place and do their
(11:22):
dealings with him. His young sons would be left in
such a vulnerable position, one the Philistines would certainly use
to their advantage, especially after the recent debarkle over the
surrendered birthright of his eldest divided. They would never find
their way without him and Rebecca to guide them. Panic
(11:43):
welled up inside of Isaac, panic that gave way to
a hurried lie.
Speaker 7 (11:48):
A woman outside my tent. I have a sister, but
I'm not sure if she is the one of which
you speak.
Speaker 4 (11:56):
She looked to be of noble stock, like yourself. Her
dress was a cut above everyone else. Is she your sister?
Speaker 7 (12:05):
Yes, yes, my sister.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
Not your wife.
Speaker 7 (12:10):
No, no, she is not my wife.
Speaker 4 (12:13):
I see well, Isaac, son of Abraham, We shall meet again.
It appears we are to be neighbors and shall remain friendly.
I will have you meet my king once you are
more settled here.
Speaker 7 (12:29):
Yes, yes, we will await your invitation.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
The man nodded respectfully to Isaac and then departed. Isaac
sighed in relief when the man left, but immediately regretted
his lie. He was now faced with convincing Rebecca to
go along with this lie or stay out of sight,
perhaps the latter if he wanted to avoid her being
taken into the King's harim or as the wife of
(12:54):
another merchant from Geera. Isaac was still considering his options
when his wife stormed into the tent.
Speaker 10 (13:03):
Isaac, what was that about? What did the emissary want?
Are we safe to remain here in this land?
Speaker 7 (13:10):
Yes, Rebecca, they remember the treaty with my father. We
can pitch our tents here and remain on the land.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
There's more. What are you not telling me?
Speaker 1 (13:22):
Is a grimaced Nothing escaped Rebecca's notice. He couldn't put
off telling her any longer.
Speaker 7 (13:29):
Rebecca, He asked about you?
Speaker 3 (13:35):
What do you mean?
Speaker 7 (13:36):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 10 (13:39):
What did you tell him about me?
Speaker 7 (13:41):
I may have told him that you are my sister,
not my wife.
Speaker 10 (13:47):
So you lied?
Speaker 5 (13:49):
I mean?
Speaker 7 (13:49):
I had to think quick. I couldn't bring myself to
tell him the truth. You've seen the look in his
eye the tone of his voice. This man was looking
for any weakness to exploit. He was looking for anything
to hold against me.
Speaker 10 (14:06):
So to remove yourself from danger, you offered me up
to these men. Are they to take me to the palace?
Am I to become another man's wife?
Speaker 7 (14:15):
No, my love, I would never let them do anything
to you. We just need to think of a way
out of this.
Speaker 10 (14:20):
Did your father not tell us this story time and
time again? Did he not do the same with your mother, Sarah?
This lie will not go unnoticed by the stars. How
could you be so dull and shortsighted? Well? I, oh, Isaac,
how could you not think beyond the discomfort of the
(14:42):
moment and think ahead. You have to plan, Isaac. You
have to think about the long term effects of things
you do not understand.
Speaker 7 (14:52):
You've not lived among these people before. This is a
den of brutal men, and you.
Speaker 10 (14:57):
Just throw me into that den. Then, Isaac, you remember
this place as a child, But you're not a child.
You're a chief. You have power, you have influence. Why
interact with these people like you have no agency? Do
you always just lay down and let others have their
way with you?
Speaker 1 (15:18):
The words were like knives to Isaac's memory, he did
indeed just lay down and let people do what they pleased.
He stealed his will and pushed back toward his wife.
Speaker 7 (15:33):
These are wicked people, Rebecca. They are dangerous. They will
not honor our marriage. They would take you from me
just despite me. And we have no daughters to offer
their sons for an alliance. Then where would our boys be.
I could not leave us in such a vulnerable position.
Speaker 10 (15:53):
They will find us out and be furious that we
were deceitful. You have put me in an impossible situation.
Am I to honor you with my husband and lie
to our hosts? Or am I to undermine you and
expose us?
Speaker 7 (16:10):
Rebecca? I am sorry. I was afraid. I could not
think of what to do. If they ask you, tell
them you're my sister. But keep to camp and stay
out of sight. Perhaps we can find a way out
of this.
Speaker 1 (16:28):
Rebecca, to Isaac's relief, did as he had asked of her.
She kept to their tents and avoided leaving the camp
to prevent being spotted by the outsiders. Isaac even abstained
in visiting her or being seen with her to keep
up the illusion. A thankfully uneventful relationship settled between the
(16:48):
city dwellers of Geira and Isaac's people outside their walls.
Days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months. Isaac's
weariness began to fade. No one had come to check
in on their people or spy on their movements. Certainly,
no bride price was offered up to Isaac for any
of the women in his camp. He began to think
(17:11):
that perhaps Abemelek and his men would leave his women,
especially his wife alone. He had even successfully answered an
invitation to meet with Abemelek at his palace and the
topic was not broached. Feeling triumphant, Isaac decided he could
risk some intimacy with his wife. They had not spent
any significant time together in months. Across the wars of
(17:34):
the city. High in his quarters, Abemelech had woken early.
The day would be hot. He could already tell the
evening had barely cooled his tower, and he crossed to
his window to draw back the fabric in a feeble
attempt to coax a morning breeze into his bedroom. When
he drew them back, he gazed upon the caravan of
(17:56):
Isaac son of Abraham below the tents dredged for almost
a mile, but the closest tents were pitched along the
walls of his city. They formed larger and larger circles
as they moved away from the city. Abiemelek marveled at
its design from the vantage point of his tower. At
the far end. Shepherds were beginning to drive the sheep
(18:18):
and goats out to graze, but few others stirred yet
in the early morning light. These Hebrews may not have
been builders, but the scalability and flexibility of their caravans
was fascinating to him. It was so foreign he could
not imagine making his fortune and not building something of
permanent stone or rock to flaunt it. How else would
(18:41):
his people remember his legacy. Abiemelek's thoughts were interrupted by
movement below. A woman emerged from one of the tents.
Even from this distance, he could tell she was striking
a rare beauty. This had to be the woman his
adviser had spoken of.
Speaker 6 (18:59):
The sister.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
None of his spies had seen her since Ahuzad had
gone to meet with Isaac on that first day, the
day she was named as his sister. But this lovely woman,
standing alone outside the tent had to be her. Her
dress marked her as a woman of nobility, but her
head was covered, so from what he knew of the
Hebrew customs, she was a married woman. Only unmarried women
(19:25):
and then prostitutes had their heads uncovered. Isaac had not
told Ahuzad she was married. Perhaps Isaac could part with
her for a generous bride price. Abimelek was wary of
the wealth Isaac had brought to his city. Taking one
of his family into his harim would be a way
to maintain control and in sure peace between them. He
(19:46):
could not stomach the thought of some one else, especially
a foreigner, having more influence than him and in his
own city. At that Abimelek was just about to leave
the window to go send for Ahuza to begin the process,
when he saw Isaac emerge from the same tent and
approach the woman. He was moving with stealth, though there
(20:08):
was no one else around. Isaac embraced her suddenly, and
with revulsion, Abiemelek realized he was being playful. He frowned
as he put the pieces together. Based on their familiarity,
the two had just shared an intimate evening, and this
was perhaps the start of another intimate moment, one that
(20:29):
Abemelek was the sole witness to. Isaac caressed the woman,
and Abemelek embarrassingly turned away from the window. He could
not stomach the idea of treating with Isaac with that
image burned into the back of his mind. But embarrassment
quickly faded to fury as he realized that this woman
(20:49):
he had sworn up and down to his adviser was
not his sister. He had outright denied that she was
his wife, but this scene below his window left no
doubt in his mind. Isaac had lied, and Abemelek had
been deceived. And if there was one thing Abemelek did
not relish, it was being made to look like a fool.
(21:15):
Palms sweating, and nervously shifting on his feet, Isaac was
standing in the great receiving hall of the Abemelek in
his palace. He had been unceremoniously called by an emissary
to report immediately to Abemelek. He did not have long
to wonder why he was being called before Abemelek before
he burst into the room, fury written all over his face.
Speaker 5 (21:38):
Liar, the woman is really your wife? How could you
tell my man Pzaz that she.
Speaker 7 (21:46):
Was your sister?
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Isaac had no idea how Abemelek found out the truth.
He had been so careful. Why it was only that
night and mourning that he had been with her at all,
that they had been outside the tent this morning. Isaac's
cheeks reddened the thought of having had an audience without
realizing it. Isaac fumbled for something to say before the king.
Speaker 7 (22:13):
I Ah, I hid the truth, yes, but it was
because I thought I might die on account of her.
I was afraid of having a beautiful wife would place
a target on my back.
Speaker 5 (22:25):
What have you done to us? Do you think us
so lawless that we would steal another man's wife? Have
you not realized now the influences of your father and
your father's God have affected us. We learned from our histories,
as it seems you have not. We and Gharah remember
(22:48):
what happened when an Abimelech took a wife from one
protected by the God of Abraham. Your deception left my
men open to a great sin. One of them. You
could have easily and unknowingly slept with your wife, and
you would have brought guilt on.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
Us Abemelek's words shamed Isaac. Here he was being rebuked
by a pagan king for forgetting his own god's past provision.
Isaac mocked God's promise when he took matters into his
own hands. His own wife had even warned him not
to repeat his father's mistakes. Isaac was not sure what
(23:29):
to say to Abemelek in his embarrassment, but fortunately he
was spared when Abemelek continued, you.
Speaker 5 (23:37):
Are fortunate, indeed that it was I who discovered this deception.
If judgment were to be brought upon my household or
my city from your father's god, I could not guarantee
that peace would remain between us. My hand could have
been forced to take action against you.
Speaker 7 (23:57):
I understand, your highness of Bemelech.
Speaker 5 (24:00):
I have indeed already taken action.
Speaker 9 (24:03):
I have sent word to my court and the law
enforces of my city. I have ordered that any man
who harms you or your wife will certainly be put
to death.
Speaker 1 (24:14):
Isaac's knees buckled with relief and awe that his God,
the god of his father, had again intervened with Abimelek,
despite his deception, despite his repeating the mistakes, of his father.
Isaac then supposed that this rescue and protection from Abimelek
was as good a sign as any, and that they
(24:36):
would be safe to settle in Geira until the famine
passed in the land of Canaan. This Prey dog comproduction
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(24:59):
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Previously on the Chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
You've drawn the attention of Pharaoh's officials, and because of that,
we should be prepared to tell them you're my sister,
not my wife. This is for your protection as well
as my own. If you've drawn the eye of a
prominent Egyptian as your brother, my life would be spared.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
So you'd lie, Abram, you would tell a half truth
and deny me the protection of my husband. Lie to
spare yourself and ship me off to an Egyptian warlord.
Speaker 4 (00:39):
Sarah, I'm afraid I see too many similarities and these
people to the ones we've dealt with in the past.
I'm terrified for my life. As the heads of our people,
we will be a target. I fear that they will
use you against me or take you from me.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
Oh worse, we've survived this threat before, Abraham.
Speaker 5 (01:05):
I know.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
I hope we do so again. I would all upon
your loyalty as my wife again. I would have you
tell everyone that.
Speaker 5 (01:17):
You are my sister. Please do this for me.
Speaker 4 (01:20):
Please go along with this, smile.
Speaker 6 (01:23):
And rest easily.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
And Abraham was forced to watch as his wife was
taken away from his care for a second time. His
blood boiled with anger, not against Abeamlegh, but against himself.
Speaker 6 (01:39):
Isaac, son of my servant Abraham, you have spent a
lifetime following your father as he followed me. I come
now to bless you to carry out the promise I
made to your father through your lifetime.
Speaker 7 (01:56):
Thank you, my God, you do all that you ask
of me.
Speaker 8 (02:07):
So you see, Master Isaac, we just discovery this morning.
There's no wonder the cattle have been ranging like they
once did. The streams out in the far fields are
as dry as bonds. In the troughs we have closer
to camp are much better.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Though I have believed the shepherd, he still stooped to
run a finger along the dry, crusty bottom of the
trough standing before them. Sure enough, the grainy limestone felt
as if it hadn't touched water for days. And this
was the trough closest to their camp. He could only
imagine the desolation at the ones further out.
Speaker 7 (02:45):
I suppose it was only a matter of time until
the reports we've heard of famine made their way to us.
I fear it's time for us to move on.
Speaker 9 (02:55):
Hey, right you are, Master Isaac, where do you want
us to drive? We make Egypt along the King's Highway.
Speaker 7 (03:04):
Yes, that would be our destination. I've heard that the
lands on the Niol are never dead or even brown.
It would be a long road to get there, but
well worth our time and effort. We should prepare our
rations for the long journey. We can make our final
preparations to cross the desert when we get to Gara.
(03:27):
Their kings, the Abimelechs, were friendly to my father for
many years, so that would be a favorable place to
replenish our water, skins, and supplies before we crossed the desert.
Speaker 8 (03:38):
I'll see to it, Master Issac.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Isaac thanked the shepherd and began walking back toward camp.
He took no more than a dozen paces when the
world around him became silent. He looked around, and though
there were people in the distance, he could not hear
them or anything else in his proximity. It was the
same stillness he remembered that from his childhood and from
(04:02):
his encounter at his father's too. Isaac knelt in anticipation
of hearing again from his.
Speaker 6 (04:08):
God, Isaac, son of my servant Abraham, do not go
down to Egypt. You are to live in the land
that I show you. You will remain in the land
as a stranger, an alien. But I will be with you,
and I will bless you. I will give all these
(04:29):
lands to you and your offspring one day, and I
will confirm the oath that I swore to your father, Abraham.
I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars
of the sky. I will give your offspring all these lands,
and all the nations of the earth will be blessed
(04:50):
by your offspring. All this will happen because Abraham listened
to me and kept my mandates by command and my
statutes and my instructions.
Speaker 7 (05:05):
Yes, my God, I will do what you have said,
and I will change my plans and not go to Egypt.
I will go to Grah and settle there during the famine.
There I shall wait for your instructions.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
When Isaac finished speaking, he felt the world around him
spring back into life. He heard the shouting of his
men in the distance, and the birds and insects resumed
their chatter. Isaac stood and brushed the dust off his
robes before he hurried to his shepherd to tell him
of the slight change of plans. Isaac wondered why his
(05:42):
God was blocking his way to Egypt, but then he
decided that it was of no importance. Wherever his God
was calling him, there he would go. He was determined
to follow in his father's footsteps. Isaac found his wife
and sons in their tent and told them the message
he had received from their God.
Speaker 5 (06:04):
I don't understand. Why not go to Egypt?
Speaker 8 (06:07):
No famine in Egypt.
Speaker 4 (06:09):
Weren't you listening? Because God said not to.
Speaker 8 (06:12):
Was good game in Egypt? Fish too riches.
Speaker 4 (06:19):
You don't understand.
Speaker 10 (06:21):
Jacob is right, Esaw. We will follow what your father
and our God says. We must trust in this message.
Sometimes we cannot see all the pieces on the board.
Speaker 7 (06:33):
We will go to Garral and settle there until we
hear something else.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
Isaac and his family moved their caravan and all their
herds east to Ghira along the King's Highway. Isaac remembered
the land from his youth, for this was where his
mother had conceived, given birth to him, and he spent
the earliest days of his youth. Isaac knew his father
had established a coverrant of peace and even built wells
(07:01):
in this land, but they had been in Hebren a
long time, and Isaac had now buried both parents there.
He wondered if the new king, the Abemelech, as they
were called here, would remember the peace previously established with
his father. Perhaps this would be the first real test
of Isaac's leadership as he stepped into his father's legacy fully,
(07:26):
Isaac could barely cross the border into Gheirah when a
company of guarded men rode out to meet with him.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
Isaac, son of Abraham, be welcomed to Durrar. We Philistine
remember your father's time with us here and Jerrard. His
influence and wealth were legendary. We understand he's been laid
to rest and given to the care of our Goddess
of Heaven Astareth, and you are now his heir. Our
(07:56):
people were saddened to hear of his passing. You have
our condolences.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Isaac could not help but note that the man did
not extend his apparent words of friendship to him. He
seemed to be the one who would need to be convinced.
Speaker 7 (08:12):
Thank you, Ooseh. I trust that your people also remember
the covenant of your former kings.
Speaker 4 (08:20):
I you are asking if we will also honor the
treaty of peace made between our two forbearers.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Isaac held the silence as the man took his measure.
He wished his father was here, or Rebecca. They were
adept at dabbling in politics. Isaac preferred a plainer way
of speaking. He didn't like hidden meanings or inferences, but
he had learned from them that he should let his
guests speak until they had finished all they had to say.
(08:50):
He could hear Rebeccah's voice in his head. Don't give
them an answer before you force them to speak. As
many of the intentions they're willing to give. The uncomfortable
son islands grew between the two men. The servants standing
by the entrance shifted on his feet.
Speaker 4 (09:06):
We are not men who break treaties. We trust in
the wisdom of our abymelechs, as their power has been
ordained by the gods. There are records of a treaty,
but also notable exchanges of wealth and goods between your
people and mine. Can I report back to my Ebymelech
(09:27):
that we can expect much the same from your regime
of your people.
Speaker 7 (09:32):
We were trade in living peace among your people. We
have no plans of violence or harm.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
I am relieved to hear it. Perhaps there are other
ways we can ensure peace and prosperity among us. I
could not help but notice many fair women in your camp.
Have you any daughters or sisters?
Speaker 5 (09:59):
Hi?
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Isaac stiffened at the man's words. He knew enough from
the man's seemingly benign tone that the man was implying
more than a marriage pact. He was looking for a
tithe of women, perhaps ones to bring into the fold
of his king's harim. This would ensure the peace between them.
They would become little more than political hostages and tokens.
(10:21):
He had heard of such practices before.
Speaker 7 (10:24):
I have no daughters, only sons.
Speaker 4 (10:28):
Well, that's a shame. Who was that woman lingering outside
your tent when I walked in? She was uncommonly beautiful.
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Isaac knew he should restrain his facial reactions. But the
man was undoubtedly speaking of his wife, Rebecca. He knew
from the stories he had heard of these Canaanite men
that if he had a wife one of them coveted,
they would stoop to vile actions to obtain what they desired,
especially if the threat of violence was tenures between their
(11:00):
two peoples. He had just told them that he had sons,
like a fool. Rebecca was right. Perhaps he had just
offered too much information. If this man desired Rebecca, or
if he sought her for his abemelech, they could very
well decide to take her. Kill Isaac and then install
one of his sons in his place and do their
(11:22):
dealings with him. His young sons would be left in
such a vulnerable position, one the Philistines would certainly use
to their advantage, especially after the recent debarkle over the
surrendered birthright of his eldest divided. They would never find
their way without him and Rebecca to guide them. Panic
(11:43):
welled up inside of Isaac, panic that gave way to
a hurried lie.
Speaker 7 (11:48):
A woman outside my tent. I have a sister, but
I'm not sure if she is the one of which
you speak.
Speaker 4 (11:56):
She looked to be of noble stock, like yourself. Her
dress was a cut above everyone else. Is she your sister?
Speaker 7 (12:05):
Yes, yes, my sister.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
Not your wife.
Speaker 7 (12:10):
No, no, she is not my wife.
Speaker 4 (12:13):
I see well, Isaac, son of Abraham, We shall meet again.
It appears we are to be neighbors and shall remain friendly.
I will have you meet my king once you are
more settled here.
Speaker 7 (12:29):
Yes, yes, we will await your invitation.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
The man nodded respectfully to Isaac and then departed. Isaac
sighed in relief when the man left, but immediately regretted
his lie. He was now faced with convincing Rebecca to
go along with this lie or stay out of sight,
perhaps the latter if he wanted to avoid her being
taken into the King's harim or as the wife of
(12:54):
another merchant from Geera. Isaac was still considering his options
when his wife stormed into the tent.
Speaker 10 (13:03):
Isaac, what was that about? What did the emissary want?
Are we safe to remain here in this land?
Speaker 7 (13:10):
Yes, Rebecca, they remember the treaty with my father. We
can pitch our tents here and remain on the land.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
There's more. What are you not telling me?
Speaker 1 (13:22):
Is a grimaced Nothing escaped Rebecca's notice. He couldn't put
off telling her any longer.
Speaker 7 (13:29):
Rebecca, He asked about you?
Speaker 3 (13:35):
What do you mean?
Speaker 7 (13:36):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 10 (13:39):
What did you tell him about me?
Speaker 7 (13:41):
I may have told him that you are my sister,
not my wife.
Speaker 10 (13:47):
So you lied?
Speaker 5 (13:49):
I mean?
Speaker 7 (13:49):
I had to think quick. I couldn't bring myself to
tell him the truth. You've seen the look in his
eye the tone of his voice. This man was looking
for any weakness to exploit. He was looking for anything
to hold against me.
Speaker 10 (14:06):
So to remove yourself from danger, you offered me up
to these men. Are they to take me to the palace?
Am I to become another man's wife?
Speaker 7 (14:15):
No, my love, I would never let them do anything
to you. We just need to think of a way
out of this.
Speaker 10 (14:20):
Did your father not tell us this story time and
time again? Did he not do the same with your mother, Sarah?
This lie will not go unnoticed by the stars. How
could you be so dull and shortsighted? Well? I, oh, Isaac,
how could you not think beyond the discomfort of the
(14:42):
moment and think ahead. You have to plan, Isaac. You
have to think about the long term effects of things
you do not understand.
Speaker 7 (14:52):
You've not lived among these people before. This is a
den of brutal men, and you.
Speaker 10 (14:57):
Just throw me into that den. Then, Isaac, you remember
this place as a child, But you're not a child.
You're a chief. You have power, you have influence. Why
interact with these people like you have no agency? Do
you always just lay down and let others have their
way with you?
Speaker 1 (15:18):
The words were like knives to Isaac's memory, he did
indeed just lay down and let people do what they pleased.
He stealed his will and pushed back toward his wife.
Speaker 7 (15:33):
These are wicked people, Rebecca. They are dangerous. They will
not honor our marriage. They would take you from me
just despite me. And we have no daughters to offer
their sons for an alliance. Then where would our boys be.
I could not leave us in such a vulnerable position.
Speaker 10 (15:53):
They will find us out and be furious that we
were deceitful. You have put me in an impossible situation.
Am I to honor you with my husband and lie
to our hosts? Or am I to undermine you and
expose us?
Speaker 7 (16:10):
Rebecca? I am sorry. I was afraid. I could not
think of what to do. If they ask you, tell
them you're my sister. But keep to camp and stay
out of sight. Perhaps we can find a way out
of this.
Speaker 1 (16:28):
Rebecca, to Isaac's relief, did as he had asked of her.
She kept to their tents and avoided leaving the camp
to prevent being spotted by the outsiders. Isaac even abstained
in visiting her or being seen with her to keep
up the illusion. A thankfully uneventful relationship settled between the
(16:48):
city dwellers of Geira and Isaac's people outside their walls.
Days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months. Isaac's
weariness began to fade. No one had come to check
in on their people or spy on their movements. Certainly,
no bride price was offered up to Isaac for any
of the women in his camp. He began to think
(17:11):
that perhaps Abemelek and his men would leave his women,
especially his wife alone. He had even successfully answered an
invitation to meet with Abemelek at his palace and the
topic was not broached. Feeling triumphant, Isaac decided he could
risk some intimacy with his wife. They had not spent
any significant time together in months. Across the wars of
(17:34):
the city. High in his quarters, Abemelech had woken early.
The day would be hot. He could already tell the
evening had barely cooled his tower, and he crossed to
his window to draw back the fabric in a feeble
attempt to coax a morning breeze into his bedroom. When
he drew them back, he gazed upon the caravan of
(17:56):
Isaac son of Abraham below the tents dredged for almost
a mile, but the closest tents were pitched along the
walls of his city. They formed larger and larger circles
as they moved away from the city. Abiemelek marveled at
its design from the vantage point of his tower. At
the far end. Shepherds were beginning to drive the sheep
(18:18):
and goats out to graze, but few others stirred yet
in the early morning light. These Hebrews may not have
been builders, but the scalability and flexibility of their caravans
was fascinating to him. It was so foreign he could
not imagine making his fortune and not building something of
permanent stone or rock to flaunt it. How else would
(18:41):
his people remember his legacy. Abiemelek's thoughts were interrupted by
movement below. A woman emerged from one of the tents.
Even from this distance, he could tell she was striking
a rare beauty. This had to be the woman his
adviser had spoken of.
Speaker 6 (18:59):
The sister.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
None of his spies had seen her since Ahuzad had
gone to meet with Isaac on that first day, the
day she was named as his sister. But this lovely woman,
standing alone outside the tent had to be her. Her
dress marked her as a woman of nobility, but her
head was covered, so from what he knew of the
Hebrew customs, she was a married woman. Only unmarried women
(19:25):
and then prostitutes had their heads uncovered. Isaac had not
told Ahuzad she was married. Perhaps Isaac could part with
her for a generous bride price. Abimelek was wary of
the wealth Isaac had brought to his city. Taking one
of his family into his harim would be a way
to maintain control and in sure peace between them. He
(19:46):
could not stomach the thought of some one else, especially
a foreigner, having more influence than him and in his
own city. At that Abimelek was just about to leave
the window to go send for Ahuza to begin the process,
when he saw Isaac emerge from the same tent and
approach the woman. He was moving with stealth, though there
(20:08):
was no one else around. Isaac embraced her suddenly, and
with revulsion, Abiemelek realized he was being playful. He frowned
as he put the pieces together. Based on their familiarity,
the two had just shared an intimate evening, and this
was perhaps the start of another intimate moment, one that
(20:29):
Abemelek was the sole witness to. Isaac caressed the woman,
and Abemelek embarrassingly turned away from the window. He could
not stomach the idea of treating with Isaac with that
image burned into the back of his mind. But embarrassment
quickly faded to fury as he realized that this woman
(20:49):
he had sworn up and down to his adviser was
not his sister. He had outright denied that she was
his wife, but this scene below his window left no
doubt in his mind. Isaac had lied, and Abemelek had
been deceived. And if there was one thing Abemelek did
not relish, it was being made to look like a fool.
(21:15):
Palms sweating, and nervously shifting on his feet, Isaac was
standing in the great receiving hall of the Abemelek in
his palace. He had been unceremoniously called by an emissary
to report immediately to Abemelek. He did not have long
to wonder why he was being called before Abemelek before
he burst into the room, fury written all over his face.
Speaker 5 (21:38):
Liar, the woman is really your wife? How could you
tell my man Pzaz that she.
Speaker 7 (21:46):
Was your sister?
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Isaac had no idea how Abemelek found out the truth.
He had been so careful. Why it was only that
night and mourning that he had been with her at all,
that they had been outside the tent this morning. Isaac's
cheeks reddened the thought of having had an audience without
realizing it. Isaac fumbled for something to say before the king.
Speaker 7 (22:13):
I Ah, I hid the truth, yes, but it was
because I thought I might die on account of her.
I was afraid of having a beautiful wife would place
a target on my back.
Speaker 5 (22:25):
What have you done to us? Do you think us
so lawless that we would steal another man's wife? Have
you not realized now the influences of your father and
your father's God have affected us. We learned from our histories,
as it seems you have not. We and Gharah remember
(22:48):
what happened when an Abimelech took a wife from one
protected by the God of Abraham. Your deception left my
men open to a great sin. One of them. You
could have easily and unknowingly slept with your wife, and
you would have brought guilt on.
Speaker 1 (23:06):
Us Abemelek's words shamed Isaac. Here he was being rebuked
by a pagan king for forgetting his own god's past provision.
Isaac mocked God's promise when he took matters into his
own hands. His own wife had even warned him not
to repeat his father's mistakes. Isaac was not sure what
(23:29):
to say to Abemelek in his embarrassment, but fortunately he
was spared when Abemelek continued, you.
Speaker 5 (23:37):
Are fortunate, indeed that it was I who discovered this deception.
If judgment were to be brought upon my household or
my city from your father's god, I could not guarantee
that peace would remain between us. My hand could have
been forced to take action against you.
Speaker 7 (23:57):
I understand, your highness of Bemelech.
Speaker 5 (24:00):
I have indeed already taken action.
Speaker 9 (24:03):
I have sent word to my court and the law
enforces of my city. I have ordered that any man
who harms you or your wife will certainly be put
to death.
Speaker 1 (24:14):
Isaac's knees buckled with relief and awe that his God,
the god of his father, had again intervened with Abimelek,
despite his deception, despite his repeating the mistakes, of his father.
Isaac then supposed that this rescue and protection from Abimelek
was as good a sign as any, and that they
(24:36):
would be safe to settle in Geira until the famine
passed in the land of Canaan. This Prey dog comproduction
is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents.
Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Schlabager and Ben Gammon are
the executive producers of The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltefianu.
(24:59):
Characters of voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz,
Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher,
and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by
Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear
(25:19):
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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