October 21, 2025 • 19 mins
# 12 - Separation: Abram & Lot - In this episode of The Chosen People Abram and Lot face a pivotal choice that will define their destinies. Explore how faith and trust in God's promises lead to decisions that shape the future, even when the path is uncertain.
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Episode 12 of The Chosen People is inspired by the Book of Genesis.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
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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. 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. It compelled their band of expatriates to
(00:21):
carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their
treasures on the humps of camels, until they were eventually
forced to enter the Lions and Vipers territory on the
long barren desert road to Egypt.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Abram, Abram, what did I tell you?
Speaker 3 (00:36):
No, don't look over, but listen carefully. That's the fifth
time I've got them staring today.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
That's all right.
Speaker 5 (00:46):
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 4 (00:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Not to mention, we'd probably benefit from any potential suitors
Sarah might have.
Speaker 6 (01:04):
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 7 (01:18):
Abram, who is said I to yours?
Speaker 5 (01:24):
I beg forgiveness. Sarah is my wife, just as your
spies have surely told you the gossip is true. I
was afraid of what would happen to me if a
man desired my wife.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
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 Sarah their integrity and their lives.
Speaker 5 (02:00):
I love you, Abram, and I always will.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
You've always been a bit of a brother to me,
and you're everything an older brother should be. Your sense
of duty and loyalty are unmatched.
Speaker 5 (02:14):
When I look back.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
On my life, I want to feel like I did
something of significance, that I achieved something that no one
else has done before.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Lot pinched the bridge of his nose, a futile attempt
to stave off the headache that had been building since
they left Egypt. His men's constant grumbling had become a
persistent drone, amplified by the slow, tortuous pace of their
journey through the desert. So large had he and Abram's
(02:47):
caravans become that they were forced to move through the
miserable wilderness in stages, He guessed that even a tortoise
could have outpaced them, and if they had thought resources
were scarce during the famine and then again in the desert,
returning to Canaan was nothing but a disappointment. Lot was
shaken by their experience in Egypt. Being rebuked by Pharaoh
(03:10):
bruised his ego, and now they were forced to return
to the place between Bethel and Aye, where they had
first settled in Canaan. They were not exactly welcomed back
with open arms from their neighbors. The Canaanites and Perizites
had barely survived the famine in their region. If they
had been indifferent to Abram and Lot's people before the famine,
(03:31):
they had turned downward hostile at their return. It certainly
didn't help that their numbers had tripled, straining the resources
of the land past their limit. The hill country had
already been limited in its ability to provide the flocks.
As Lot surveyed the expanse, he realized how much famine
had devastated the already limited region. Lot then considered the riches.
(03:55):
Their camp was laden with silver and gold from the Egyptians,
gifts that would have been Sarah's dowry. Abram considered them
bitter reminders of his deceit, but Lot refused to assign
such sentiments to the fortune that had made him a
very rich man. Their accumulated wealth made them easy targets
for raids from their aggressive neighbors, so everyone was on
(04:19):
edge between being on their guard for any threats and
squabbling over watering holes and grazing pastures. Especially Lot. Lot's
camp buzzed with unrest. His herdsmen, wearied and wary, approached
him with grievances.
Speaker 8 (04:35):
So you see, Master, at least as a fourth time,
we've caught one of Abram's shepherds urden our goats away
from the grazing land, right right.
Speaker 4 (04:43):
Right, So ten ten times Master, and there's not enough
to go around as it is. Hebra's Abram's men are
getting greedy. They think they're more important than us.
Speaker 9 (04:56):
Lot. You see, it's just as I was telling you
this morning. Your uncle overreacts. His high opinion of himself
trickles down to his men. He may be content to
write here and feel guilty about what happened in Egypt,
but in the meantime he will drive our resources into
the ground.
Speaker 1 (05:14):
Lot's headache flared as his wife continued her criticism relentless.
She never understood their hasty departure from Egypt and resented
Sarah's now withdrawn demeanor. Edith's constant meddling felt like a
thorn in Lot's side.
Speaker 9 (05:29):
And I'll tell you another thing, Lot, I suspect our
flocks have intermingled in these tight quarters. Boy, weren't you
just saying that to your father as you came to
our tent? Tell me, shepherd, how have you been tracking
what is ours?
Speaker 5 (05:43):
Well, lady, we're doing all.
Speaker 8 (05:45):
We came to protect the flocks, but our men as
spread thing, taking on watches outside and inside the camp.
We're watching for more than just Abram Shebber's. We've fended
off a couple of raves these last few days. The
Klown's men in the hill country know that we've got
silver and gold.
Speaker 3 (06:04):
We can't afford our wealth to just walk off. Listen,
do what you can to maintain the defenses at camp,
and I'll have a talk with Abram about his men.
Speaker 9 (06:15):
Maintain the defenses. Shouldn't we strengthen them? You wouldn't want
something terrible to befall me or our daughters.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Would you that's enough, Edith, I said, I'll take care
of it all right. I know how to take care
of this family. Thank you for the report. Men, I'll
send Abram straight away. Report back to me tomorrow. You're dismissed.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Lot rubbed his temples. The headache had at last settled in.
His wife saunted off once the two shepherds filed out
of their tent. He wasn't sure how Abram would respond
to these allegations, or even what resolution they could come to.
Speaker 7 (06:54):
They would likely need to.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
Move on from this area before they were in all
out war with the neighboring clans, But then that didn't
solve the problem of their two caravans living side by side.
They were sure to deplete any area they settled within months,
if not weeks. The old Abram, the Abram Lot had
known all his life, would have a solution. But with
this new Abram, who followed a god Lot did not
(07:18):
fully understand. With this Abram, Lot was not so sure.
Speaker 7 (07:22):
Of what he would do.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Lot was eager to step into this legacy Abram spoke about,
and when their path had led to such fortune in Egypt,
he could not have been more pleased with that turn
of events, though it was not the original plan. Abram
had relayed from his god. As for Lot, he wanted
to believe and could believe in a god who could
make him so rich, But they seemed to have come
(07:46):
up against an obstacle here. He just hoped Abram would
be in the right frame of mind to help him
solve it. Lot approached Abram where he kneeled at the
altar he had built the last time they settled in
this land. Lot made sure to announce his presence with
the scuff of his feet against the dusty ground.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
M Uncle, Yes, dear nephew, I had a matter I
wished to discuss with you.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Abram stood and remained silent. Lot took this as his
cue to speak.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
First, my herdsmen. They're at it again, Abram. They're complaining
that your herdsmen are depriving my animals of water and
grazing land.
Speaker 5 (08:29):
Has it come to blows this time?
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Not yet, but give it time and it will. I mean,
come on, we can't afford to have our men fighting
each other. We've got enemies all around us. This is
a disaster waiting to happen, Abram, A total disaster.
Speaker 5 (08:46):
Yes, we must find a way to deal with these.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
Clans, Deal with them, deal with them.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
Perhaps we can move about and how.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
We can't match them if they raise an army, Abram,
a truce, please. A truce isn't going to happen unless
they get something out of it. Maybe we need to
think of some sort of alliance. You know, my daughters
will be of age soon if you get my drift lot.
Speaker 5 (09:10):
We've seen how these clans treat their people. They sanction
such cruelty in their warfare, and the worship of their
vengeful gods involves human sacrifice and other unsavory acts. I'm
not so sure we should compromise our ways.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Our ways? What ways, Abram? What are you talking about
to assimilate into their culture. This god you're following, he's
got no written texts, no priests, nothing.
Speaker 5 (09:40):
We are following the god who led us here, and we.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
Are just out here making it up as we go along.
I mean, what are we even doing here, Abram?
Speaker 5 (09:52):
As we obey and follow him, I'm beginning to peel
back the layers of this god A mystery to me,
but I know these tribal gods bring out the worst
in people. Are the God I'm following brings out the best.
I can't bind myself to them, Lot, But what are
(10:12):
we supposed to do?
Speaker 2 (10:14):
Our men are at each other's throats, at brum, and
we can't agree on anything. It's like a bad fever dream.
Speaker 5 (10:21):
Tensions are high. It seems that their quarrels to settle
every other day, and our herds are only getting thinner.
The lab never fully recovered from the famine. It cannot
sustain us both, not for much longer anyway. What are
you suggesting we must separate?
Speaker 4 (10:42):
Separate?
Speaker 2 (10:43):
What are you talking about separate with? What about the
legacy of our families? We left everything behind, our homes,
our friends, our land, and now you're telling me we're
just gonna split up just like that.
Speaker 5 (10:57):
It's not so easy, Lot. I asked you to come
with me because you've always been more of a brother
than a nephew. With Nehor hundreds of miles away, looking
after our father's legacy, you and Sara are the only
family I have left. But we cannot live in strife
like this. Look look at what is before you.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
Abram closed the gap between himself and Lot, clapping a
hand on his shoulder as he turned him to see
the sweeping vista. His raised altar sight offered the Jordan
River cut through the circular plain before them, generously watering
the lands on either side of its mighty banks. The
Jordan flowed into the Salt Sea, and often the distance
(11:44):
almost due south, they could just make out the shape
of the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah on the horizon.
So fertile was the river valley that it reminded Abram
of their time in Egypt along the Nile. It even
stirred memories of a story passed down through their family history,
of a lush, forgotten garden that had disappeared at the
(12:06):
beginning of time. Abram watched as Lot turned to look
over their shoulders to the east toward the Great Sea.
They could not see it because of the rocky foothills
that eventually gave way to mountains. The terrain was dry
and cracked, and what resources were to be had were
hoarded by walled cities and untold numbers of foreign enemies.
(12:29):
Lot turned back to the rich plain, and Abram watched
his hungry eyes take it all in, presumably calculating the
productivity of the land that would now be unburdened from
having to share it with Abram. Lot seemed irritable when
he first confronted Abram, but all discomfort appeared to be
gone now as Lot had turned positively ravenous taking in
(12:51):
the land before him. Abram knew in his heart what
Lot's decision would be before he even asked the question,
But he asked.
Speaker 5 (13:02):
What do you think? The whole land is before us?
But I will let you decide which way will you go?
You you would let me choose me? I would. If
you go to the left, I will go to the right.
If you go to the right, EYE will go to
the left.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
It was an effort for Lot to tear his gaze
from the more favorable river plain and to look at
Abram in genuine surprise. Though his mind had been made
up long before this inevitable conversation, Abram still felt the
way the decision would surely bring. In his time praying
and waiting to hear from his God by the altar,
(13:45):
this idea of separation had been stirred up in his mind.
Abram couldn't help but wonder if this was another test
he had not trusted his God When the famine struck
the land, leading to disastrous resist else. He was still
navigating the damage that had caused Sarah and was rebuilding
her trust. Abram felt more alone than he had in years,
(14:10):
Second only to Serai. His relationship with Lot was the
most dear to him, but he was feeling the strain
of quarreling between their people and feared that it would
undo them. Abram had prayed to his God about how
to bring this up with Lot, and to his surprise,
Lot suddenly appeared before him. It seemed time to present
(14:32):
him with this decision and see what he would choose.
Abram had resolved to trust that his God would provide
for him and his people, regardless of which direction Lot
decided to go. To his credit, Lot stuffed down his
gluttonous expression and turned to face Abram again.
Speaker 5 (14:51):
Ah, but we would be a part just like that.
You will always be my family, Lot. I will abide
my your decision. My God has promised me the great nation,
and I hope you will still be a part of it.
No matter where you settle your tents and herds.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
You honor me by allowing me to take the land
of my choosing Uncle, Really you do. Since you've offered
it to me, I'll take the Jordan.
Speaker 5 (15:20):
Place for my family and herds. That's the direction, will
go so close to Sodom. Are you sure?
Speaker 4 (15:28):
I think?
Speaker 2 (15:29):
I think the proximity of the city would prove useful
to me.
Speaker 5 (15:34):
Yeah, useful, very well. Then I will consider the other directions.
Go in peace, Lot, my brother, my friend.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
The two shared an embrace. Abram watched Lot leave, heart aching,
but resolved. Just before Lot receded from view, Abram shouted
back to him, Lot, Lot turn warry, wrinkled the top
of his brow had Abram reconsidered. Abram's face shrunk with
(16:07):
loving concern.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
Be careful near those cities. I fear the influence of
their culture is more dangerous than their spears.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Lot waved his hand casually with a dismissive tone. He
shouted back to his uncle.
Speaker 2 (16:21):
My mind is a Lot's vault of integrity, Ingram, you
know this, farewell, ha ha.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
Lot's departure was a surprising weight of Abram's chest. It
was one less voice competing against the small whispers of
the god he desperately tried to hear. Soon after their
agreement had been struck, Lot did precisely as he had said.
He moved his caravan east to follow the Euphrates River
(16:49):
until they finally reached and settled outside Sodom. The quarreling
had ceased among his men in the absence of Lot's men,
but there were still dangers from the neighboring clan, and
the land could not support them for much longer. Abram
continued to go to the altar he had built and
waited each day to hear from God. It was on
(17:10):
one of these mornings the same familiar stillness permeated the
hill upon which Abram was sitting. Knowing what to expect
this time, but still struggling to keep his heart beat steady,
Abram bowed his head and braced himself for the booming
voice and all consuming presents.
Speaker 7 (17:30):
Abrahm, look around you. Behold the land, not only the east,
but also the north, south, and west. As I told
you before, this is the land I will give to
you and your offspring, and it will be yours forever.
Speaker 5 (17:51):
Yes, my God, I remember what you told me.
Speaker 7 (17:55):
Do you believe it?
Speaker 4 (17:56):
Though?
Speaker 7 (17:57):
I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth.
If there was ever anyone who could count up all
the dust of the earth, and there is not, then
your offspring could also be.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
Counted, Abram again fell to steadiness and assuredness come over him.
He felt comforted by his God's words, and they pushed
back his doubts and fears about an uncertain future.
Speaker 7 (18:23):
You are to get up and walk around this land.
I will show you where to go, and what's more,
I will give it to you. You will need not
take it. I would provide you with everything you need.
Speaker 1 (18:40):
Abram, heartened and empowered by the words of his God,
did exactly as he was told. He traveled south until
he reached the city of Hebrew, where he was surprised
to find that they were met by hospitality and great
kindness from an emirate chief named Mamory. An alliance was
formed between them two great families, and Abram knew this
(19:02):
to be a sign that his God was protecting him
and giving him success in the promised land of Canaan.
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(19:23):
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Previously on the Chosen People. 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. It compelled their band of expatriates to
(00:21):
carry their wealth on the backs of donkeys and their
treasures on the humps of camels, until they were eventually
forced to enter the Lions and Vipers territory on the
long barren desert road to Egypt.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Abram, Abram, what did I tell you?
Speaker 3 (00:36):
No, don't look over, but listen carefully. That's the fifth
time I've got them staring today.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
That's all right.
Speaker 5 (00:46):
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 4 (00:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Not to mention, we'd probably benefit from any potential suitors
Sarah might have.
Speaker 6 (01:04):
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 7 (01:18):
Abram, who is said I to yours?
Speaker 5 (01:24):
I beg forgiveness. Sarah is my wife, just as your
spies have surely told you the gossip is true. I
was afraid of what would happen to me if a
man desired my wife.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
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 Sarah their integrity and their lives.
Speaker 5 (02:00):
I love you, Abram, and I always will.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
You've always been a bit of a brother to me,
and you're everything an older brother should be. Your sense
of duty and loyalty are unmatched.
Speaker 5 (02:14):
When I look back.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
On my life, I want to feel like I did
something of significance, that I achieved something that no one
else has done before.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Lot pinched the bridge of his nose, a futile attempt
to stave off the headache that had been building since
they left Egypt. His men's constant grumbling had become a
persistent drone, amplified by the slow, tortuous pace of their
journey through the desert. So large had he and Abram's
(02:47):
caravans become that they were forced to move through the
miserable wilderness in stages, He guessed that even a tortoise
could have outpaced them, and if they had thought resources
were scarce during the famine and then again in the desert,
returning to Canaan was nothing but a disappointment. Lot was
shaken by their experience in Egypt. Being rebuked by Pharaoh
(03:10):
bruised his ego, and now they were forced to return
to the place between Bethel and Aye, where they had
first settled in Canaan. They were not exactly welcomed back
with open arms from their neighbors. The Canaanites and Perizites
had barely survived the famine in their region. If they
had been indifferent to Abram and Lot's people before the famine,
(03:31):
they had turned downward hostile at their return. It certainly
didn't help that their numbers had tripled, straining the resources
of the land past their limit. The hill country had
already been limited in its ability to provide the flocks.
As Lot surveyed the expanse, he realized how much famine
had devastated the already limited region. Lot then considered the riches.
(03:55):
Their camp was laden with silver and gold from the Egyptians,
gifts that would have been Sarah's dowry. Abram considered them
bitter reminders of his deceit, but Lot refused to assign
such sentiments to the fortune that had made him a
very rich man. Their accumulated wealth made them easy targets
for raids from their aggressive neighbors, so everyone was on
(04:19):
edge between being on their guard for any threats and
squabbling over watering holes and grazing pastures. Especially Lot. Lot's
camp buzzed with unrest. His herdsmen, wearied and wary, approached
him with grievances.
Speaker 8 (04:35):
So you see, Master, at least as a fourth time,
we've caught one of Abram's shepherds urden our goats away
from the grazing land, right right.
Speaker 4 (04:43):
Right, So ten ten times Master, and there's not enough
to go around as it is. Hebra's Abram's men are
getting greedy. They think they're more important than us.
Speaker 9 (04:56):
Lot. You see, it's just as I was telling you
this morning. Your uncle overreacts. His high opinion of himself
trickles down to his men. He may be content to
write here and feel guilty about what happened in Egypt,
but in the meantime he will drive our resources into
the ground.
Speaker 1 (05:14):
Lot's headache flared as his wife continued her criticism relentless.
She never understood their hasty departure from Egypt and resented
Sarah's now withdrawn demeanor. Edith's constant meddling felt like a
thorn in Lot's side.
Speaker 9 (05:29):
And I'll tell you another thing, Lot, I suspect our
flocks have intermingled in these tight quarters. Boy, weren't you
just saying that to your father as you came to
our tent? Tell me, shepherd, how have you been tracking
what is ours?
Speaker 5 (05:43):
Well, lady, we're doing all.
Speaker 8 (05:45):
We came to protect the flocks, but our men as
spread thing, taking on watches outside and inside the camp.
We're watching for more than just Abram Shebber's. We've fended
off a couple of raves these last few days. The
Klown's men in the hill country know that we've got
silver and gold.
Speaker 3 (06:04):
We can't afford our wealth to just walk off. Listen,
do what you can to maintain the defenses at camp,
and I'll have a talk with Abram about his men.
Speaker 9 (06:15):
Maintain the defenses. Shouldn't we strengthen them? You wouldn't want
something terrible to befall me or our daughters.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Would you that's enough, Edith, I said, I'll take care
of it all right. I know how to take care
of this family. Thank you for the report. Men, I'll
send Abram straight away. Report back to me tomorrow. You're dismissed.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Lot rubbed his temples. The headache had at last settled in.
His wife saunted off once the two shepherds filed out
of their tent. He wasn't sure how Abram would respond
to these allegations, or even what resolution they could come to.
Speaker 7 (06:54):
They would likely need to.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
Move on from this area before they were in all
out war with the neighboring clans, But then that didn't
solve the problem of their two caravans living side by side.
They were sure to deplete any area they settled within months,
if not weeks. The old Abram, the Abram Lot had
known all his life, would have a solution. But with
this new Abram, who followed a god Lot did not
(07:18):
fully understand. With this Abram, Lot was not so sure.
Speaker 7 (07:22):
Of what he would do.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Lot was eager to step into this legacy Abram spoke about,
and when their path had led to such fortune in Egypt,
he could not have been more pleased with that turn
of events, though it was not the original plan. Abram
had relayed from his god. As for Lot, he wanted
to believe and could believe in a god who could
make him so rich, But they seemed to have come
(07:46):
up against an obstacle here. He just hoped Abram would
be in the right frame of mind to help him
solve it. Lot approached Abram where he kneeled at the
altar he had built the last time they settled in
this land. Lot made sure to announce his presence with
the scuff of his feet against the dusty ground.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
M Uncle, Yes, dear nephew, I had a matter I
wished to discuss with you.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Abram stood and remained silent. Lot took this as his
cue to speak.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
First, my herdsmen. They're at it again, Abram. They're complaining
that your herdsmen are depriving my animals of water and
grazing land.
Speaker 5 (08:29):
Has it come to blows this time?
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Not yet, but give it time and it will. I mean,
come on, we can't afford to have our men fighting
each other. We've got enemies all around us. This is
a disaster waiting to happen, Abram, A total disaster.
Speaker 5 (08:46):
Yes, we must find a way to deal with these.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
Clans, Deal with them, deal with them.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
Perhaps we can move about and how.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
We can't match them if they raise an army, Abram,
a truce, please. A truce isn't going to happen unless
they get something out of it. Maybe we need to
think of some sort of alliance. You know, my daughters
will be of age soon if you get my drift lot.
Speaker 5 (09:10):
We've seen how these clans treat their people. They sanction
such cruelty in their warfare, and the worship of their
vengeful gods involves human sacrifice and other unsavory acts. I'm
not so sure we should compromise our ways.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Our ways? What ways, Abram? What are you talking about
to assimilate into their culture. This god you're following, he's
got no written texts, no priests, nothing.
Speaker 5 (09:40):
We are following the god who led us here, and we.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
Are just out here making it up as we go along.
I mean, what are we even doing here, Abram?
Speaker 5 (09:52):
As we obey and follow him, I'm beginning to peel
back the layers of this god A mystery to me,
but I know these tribal gods bring out the worst
in people. Are the God I'm following brings out the best.
I can't bind myself to them, Lot, But what are
(10:12):
we supposed to do?
Speaker 2 (10:14):
Our men are at each other's throats, at brum, and
we can't agree on anything. It's like a bad fever dream.
Speaker 5 (10:21):
Tensions are high. It seems that their quarrels to settle
every other day, and our herds are only getting thinner.
The lab never fully recovered from the famine. It cannot
sustain us both, not for much longer anyway. What are
you suggesting we must separate?
Speaker 4 (10:42):
Separate?
Speaker 2 (10:43):
What are you talking about separate with? What about the
legacy of our families? We left everything behind, our homes,
our friends, our land, and now you're telling me we're
just gonna split up just like that.
Speaker 5 (10:57):
It's not so easy, Lot. I asked you to come
with me because you've always been more of a brother
than a nephew. With Nehor hundreds of miles away, looking
after our father's legacy, you and Sara are the only
family I have left. But we cannot live in strife
like this. Look look at what is before you.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
Abram closed the gap between himself and Lot, clapping a
hand on his shoulder as he turned him to see
the sweeping vista. His raised altar sight offered the Jordan
River cut through the circular plain before them, generously watering
the lands on either side of its mighty banks. The
Jordan flowed into the Salt Sea, and often the distance
(11:44):
almost due south, they could just make out the shape
of the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah on the horizon.
So fertile was the river valley that it reminded Abram
of their time in Egypt along the Nile. It even
stirred memories of a story passed down through their family history,
of a lush, forgotten garden that had disappeared at the
(12:06):
beginning of time. Abram watched as Lot turned to look
over their shoulders to the east toward the Great Sea.
They could not see it because of the rocky foothills
that eventually gave way to mountains. The terrain was dry
and cracked, and what resources were to be had were
hoarded by walled cities and untold numbers of foreign enemies.
(12:29):
Lot turned back to the rich plain, and Abram watched
his hungry eyes take it all in, presumably calculating the
productivity of the land that would now be unburdened from
having to share it with Abram. Lot seemed irritable when
he first confronted Abram, but all discomfort appeared to be
gone now as Lot had turned positively ravenous taking in
(12:51):
the land before him. Abram knew in his heart what
Lot's decision would be before he even asked the question,
But he asked.
Speaker 5 (13:02):
What do you think? The whole land is before us?
But I will let you decide which way will you go?
You you would let me choose me? I would. If
you go to the left, I will go to the right.
If you go to the right, EYE will go to
the left.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
It was an effort for Lot to tear his gaze
from the more favorable river plain and to look at
Abram in genuine surprise. Though his mind had been made
up long before this inevitable conversation, Abram still felt the
way the decision would surely bring. In his time praying
and waiting to hear from his God by the altar,
(13:45):
this idea of separation had been stirred up in his mind.
Abram couldn't help but wonder if this was another test
he had not trusted his God When the famine struck
the land, leading to disastrous resist else. He was still
navigating the damage that had caused Sarah and was rebuilding
her trust. Abram felt more alone than he had in years,
(14:10):
Second only to Serai. His relationship with Lot was the
most dear to him, but he was feeling the strain
of quarreling between their people and feared that it would
undo them. Abram had prayed to his God about how
to bring this up with Lot, and to his surprise,
Lot suddenly appeared before him. It seemed time to present
(14:32):
him with this decision and see what he would choose.
Abram had resolved to trust that his God would provide
for him and his people, regardless of which direction Lot
decided to go. To his credit, Lot stuffed down his
gluttonous expression and turned to face Abram again.
Speaker 5 (14:51):
Ah, but we would be a part just like that.
You will always be my family, Lot. I will abide
my your decision. My God has promised me the great nation,
and I hope you will still be a part of it.
No matter where you settle your tents and herds.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
You honor me by allowing me to take the land
of my choosing Uncle, Really you do. Since you've offered
it to me, I'll take the Jordan.
Speaker 5 (15:20):
Place for my family and herds. That's the direction, will
go so close to Sodom. Are you sure?
Speaker 4 (15:28):
I think?
Speaker 2 (15:29):
I think the proximity of the city would prove useful
to me.
Speaker 5 (15:34):
Yeah, useful, very well. Then I will consider the other directions.
Go in peace, Lot, my brother, my friend.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
The two shared an embrace. Abram watched Lot leave, heart aching,
but resolved. Just before Lot receded from view, Abram shouted
back to him, Lot, Lot turn warry, wrinkled the top
of his brow had Abram reconsidered. Abram's face shrunk with
(16:07):
loving concern.
Speaker 5 (16:08):
Be careful near those cities. I fear the influence of
their culture is more dangerous than their spears.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Lot waved his hand casually with a dismissive tone. He
shouted back to his uncle.
Speaker 2 (16:21):
My mind is a Lot's vault of integrity, Ingram, you
know this, farewell, ha ha.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
Lot's departure was a surprising weight of Abram's chest. It
was one less voice competing against the small whispers of
the god he desperately tried to hear. Soon after their
agreement had been struck, Lot did precisely as he had said.
He moved his caravan east to follow the Euphrates River
(16:49):
until they finally reached and settled outside Sodom. The quarreling
had ceased among his men in the absence of Lot's men,
but there were still dangers from the neighboring clan, and
the land could not support them for much longer. Abram
continued to go to the altar he had built and
waited each day to hear from God. It was on
(17:10):
one of these mornings the same familiar stillness permeated the
hill upon which Abram was sitting. Knowing what to expect
this time, but still struggling to keep his heart beat steady,
Abram bowed his head and braced himself for the booming
voice and all consuming presents.
Speaker 7 (17:30):
Abrahm, look around you. Behold the land, not only the east,
but also the north, south, and west. As I told
you before, this is the land I will give to
you and your offspring, and it will be yours forever.
Speaker 5 (17:51):
Yes, my God, I remember what you told me.
Speaker 7 (17:55):
Do you believe it?
Speaker 4 (17:56):
Though?
Speaker 7 (17:57):
I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth.
If there was ever anyone who could count up all
the dust of the earth, and there is not, then
your offspring could also be.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
Counted, Abram again fell to steadiness and assuredness come over him.
He felt comforted by his God's words, and they pushed
back his doubts and fears about an uncertain future.
Speaker 7 (18:23):
You are to get up and walk around this land.
I will show you where to go, and what's more,
I will give it to you. You will need not
take it. I would provide you with everything you need.
Speaker 1 (18:40):
Abram, heartened and empowered by the words of his God,
did exactly as he was told. He traveled south until
he reached the city of Hebrew, where he was surprised
to find that they were met by hospitality and great
kindness from an emirate chief named Mamory. An alliance was
formed between them two great families, and Abram knew this
(19:02):
to be a sign that his God was protecting him
and giving him success in the promised land of Canaan.
This Prey dot com production is only made possible by
our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard,
Zach Shellabager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of
(19:23):
The Chosen People, Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced
by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald,
Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky.
Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvado, bre
(19:44):
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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