November 20, 2025 • 25 mins
# 34 - The God of Isaac - In this episode of The Chosen People, Isaac faces opposition as his wells are repeatedly sabotaged by his neighbors. Through perseverance and faith in God's provision, Isaac finds peace and room to thrive, teaching us that blessings often come through persistence, even in the face of conflict.
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Episode 34 of The Chosen People is inspired by the Book of Genesis.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.”
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
A good name is more desirable than great riches, and
loving favor is better than silver and gold Proverbs twenty
two one. Dear Lord, we thank you for the wisdom
of your word, reminding us that a good name is
far more valuable than great riches. You show us that
(00:22):
honor and integrity are treasures that last beyond this life.
We think of Isaac, who may not have achieved the
fame of Abraham or Jacob, yet lived with quiet faith
and steadfast obedience. His legacy of righteousness continues to inspire
us today. Help us to build lives rich in character
(00:46):
and truth. Teach us to value honesty over wealth, humility
over pride, and faithfulness over success. Let our names reflect
your glofe and bring good to others. Guide our steps
so that our actions speak of your love. May our
(01:08):
lives become a lasting testimony of your goodness and grace.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of a name that
honors you. Amen, thank you for praying with me today.
You're listening to the Chosen People. Remain here for a
dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Don't forget to download
(01:30):
the Prey dot Com app to discover daily encouragement Thank
you for praying with me today you're listening to The
Chosen People. Remain here for a dramatic story inspired by
the Bible. Be sure to leave a review and share
your journey of faith today.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Previously on The Chosen People, Isaac dropped to his knee,
trembling and bowed his head to receive the word of
his father's God.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
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 4 (02:20):
Thank you, My God will do all that you ask of.
Speaker 5 (02:23):
Me, My loved Isaac. May our God bless you and
keep you. May you walk in His ways all the
days of your life, and may you be the blessing
to all nations as God promised to me. May you
(02:48):
inherit the land promised to us, and may your descendants
be as countless as the stars in the sky. May
the Law establish his covenant with you and your offspring forever,
and may His promises be fulfilled through your faithfulness and obedience.
(03:17):
My dear Isaac, May you be a blessing to generations
to come. And may our God be your God now
and forevermore.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Isaac was speechless of this beautiful speech, which formerly bound
him to the precious promise made to his father. He
swore to do everything in his power to uphold it
and steward his part of their legacy.
Speaker 6 (03:46):
Well, Deborah, did you bring us anything other than gossip
from the city. I won't have you feeling my son's
head with useless nonsense from merchant's wives.
Speaker 7 (04:03):
Oh pardon me, Lady Rebecca, but if I didn't travel
into the city for you, you would never know what
was going on outside this caravan. You and Master Isaac
are completely consumed with the tasks of running this caravan
and the fields of crops and cattle where our own
city and our own rights. The merchant's wives should be
(04:23):
coming to us for the latest.
Speaker 8 (04:25):
Gossip, Deborah, the news.
Speaker 9 (04:29):
Oh, yes, Master Jacob. The rumor in town is that
Abimelech has seen how Master Isaac's wealth has grown. He
has taken notes. You see.
Speaker 6 (04:40):
Yes, our God has blessed us every seed sown in
this land. We have reaped a hundredfold. We have had
to hire hundreds of laborers just to keep up.
Speaker 8 (04:50):
And our wealth has surely only boosted the economy of Gerra.
But tell me the nature of these rumors, ill or favorable.
Speaker 9 (04:59):
They are saying that a bimelek in his court have
grown envious of the wealth amassed by your father. It
could mean trouble.
Speaker 8 (05:07):
Speaking of trouble, here comes Esau from his hunt.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Sure enough, Esau was striding through camp with his latest
kill thrown over his shoulder. He looked to be in
a foul mood, fouler than usual to Jacob's eyes. Anyway,
it had been nearly fifteen years since their grandfather's death,
and since he had won Esau's birthright over a bowl
of stew. The years had done nothing to cool his
(05:32):
temper toward Jacob, and he kept his distance to be
sure it never came to blows.
Speaker 10 (05:38):
Where is father?
Speaker 8 (05:40):
Greetings to you is well, dear brother.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Both his mother and Deborah shot him a disapproving look
at his whispered comment. They were not keen on seeing
the two young men start a fight.
Speaker 6 (05:52):
He has not come in from the field all day
to day. What is the matter, Esau? You look upset?
Speaker 10 (05:57):
I am upset. They have done it again. Done what
the wells they keep filling them? With dirt.
Speaker 9 (06:07):
Oh, my master Esau, isn't that the third time we've
caught them this month?
Speaker 6 (06:14):
You're sure they were men from Garar, servants of Abimelech.
Speaker 8 (06:18):
Yes, what did you do to them?
Speaker 10 (06:21):
I scare them off?
Speaker 8 (06:22):
Did you start to warar with our hosts?
Speaker 10 (06:26):
No? I scare them. What's done is done. We must
dig back the wells months of work, just.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
Like the others. I do not like it. Filling in
the wells could be a simple defense of the land,
preventing enemies from taking hold of water supplies that are remote,
or it could be for more nefarious reasons. This sabotage,
combined with the rumors from the city, I do not
think we shall remain peaceful neighbors with Abimelech for long.
(06:57):
We would be foolish to ignore these indicators who war.
I doubt your father would go for that. We should
see what can be done with diplomacy first. I will
speak with your father when he returns.
Speaker 10 (07:09):
That's why I want father I coming to tell him
about wells.
Speaker 8 (07:14):
Yes, but would you counsel a violent course of action?
Would you lead us into war?
Speaker 10 (07:19):
You want us to do nothing?
Speaker 4 (07:23):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (07:24):
You forget we are not residents in this land, Esau,
provoking our house would leave us homeless. We must proceed
carefully if we want to keep our livelihood.
Speaker 10 (07:34):
I forgot nothing.
Speaker 6 (07:36):
I enough, I said I would speak with your father
when he returns. You have delivered your news, Esa, go
see to your carcass. Your kill is making a mess
at your feet.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Esau huffed in response, but said nothing else as he
stormed off to clean his kill.
Speaker 6 (07:53):
Oh must you always provoke him, Jacob?
Speaker 8 (07:57):
I cannot help myself. He just doesn't think. He craves violence,
and you sing the way he lusts after the local
Canaanite women. He forgets our ways.
Speaker 9 (08:08):
Oh, Master Jacob is not wrong, Lady Rebecca. I have
heard troubling rumors about young Master Esau and some of
the Hittite women. He has become very friendly with their
people in his hunting and traveling. Master Isaac would not approve.
Speaker 6 (08:26):
And I would not either. But that is tomorrow's trouble.
We must deal with a bimelech, and he's destroyed Wells.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
First, when Isaac returned from the fields, Rebecca told him
about the rumors in the city and the latest destroyed well.
Speaker 4 (08:44):
What would you have me do? I cannot keep maintaining
these wells. If a Bimelech is intent on sabotaging them,
and what are the rumors of his discontent? Why should
I trouble myself. If a Bimelech is concerned about.
Speaker 6 (08:59):
My wealth, He's not concerned, Isaac. He's intimidated. Abimelech is
scared of your wealth, growing wealth. You're outgrowing this region.
Speaker 4 (09:11):
That's the opinion of one man.
Speaker 6 (09:14):
A king never holds the opinion of one He is
the summation of his court, his advisers, and his people.
His opinion was no doubt informed by the Council of Many.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
Speak plainly, Rebecca, I am tired.
Speaker 6 (09:28):
Go to him, get ahead of this before more than
wells are destroyed.
Speaker 4 (09:33):
I would do as you ask.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
And so Isaac called an audience with Abemelek to see
what could be done between their people. He traveled down
the plains into the great city where statues have passed.
Abemeleks towered over the streets like god. Isaac rolled his
shoulders back, feigning a confidence he knew he should have.
(09:56):
He entered the great halls of Abemelek, illuminated furs of
past hunts and tapestries of past conquests. The room had
a certain stench, one of incense burned to idols and
rotten meat laid before hollow altars. A Beemelek was both
lord and priest in his region, a god among his people.
(10:19):
Every war lord and king from Canaan to Egypt thought
they were the image of the gods. But Isaac knew better.
He knew every man and woman was crafted in God's image.
It's what gave him the confidence, the boldness to step
before such an imposing man. He tilted his head down
to a Beemelech and.
Speaker 4 (10:40):
Began, Oh, Greater Bimelech, I come to you concerning the
wells that your men continue to fill. It is hard
to not take such acts as slights against me.
Speaker 10 (10:53):
Go on.
Speaker 4 (10:55):
My counsel believes you are intimidate by my presence in
the region, and that is why you continue to sabotage
our water sources.
Speaker 10 (11:08):
There is truth in what you say. There is growing
discontent with your wealth amongst my court. Isaac son of Abraham.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
Your highness, really nothing I can do about that. I
cannot helpe that my God has seen fit to bless me.
Speaker 10 (11:24):
Indeed, I suppose that's.
Speaker 4 (11:27):
True, But I recognize I am a guest in your lance.
How can we live in peace? How can we live
together as we did in the days of my father?
Speaker 10 (11:39):
It is as you say, you are a guest in
my lance. But I cannot guarantee that my people's discontentment
will not cause them to do something rash or raise
their hand against you.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
What do you suggest to Bmelech. I am not a
diplomat or strategist like my father. I am a simple man.
Tell me what to do, and I'll do it.
Speaker 10 (12:02):
I would have you leave us. You have become far
too powerful.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
Leave Where would you have us go? Your highness?
Speaker 10 (12:12):
You should take your tents and your flocks to the
valley of Garar. It is less populated, and you would
encounter fewer conflicts with my people there.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
If that will keep the peace er, I shall do
as you say.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
Isaac departed from Abemelech and did exactly what he promised.
Satisfied that the good faith of their move would resolve
the conflict, Isaac sent out his men to restore his
father's wealth. He also retained the names he had given them.
His substantial caravan relocated to the main waddies of the
Negev Desert. The place called Geira Valley. It was a
(12:50):
large dry valley that would only see water if the
rainy seasons ever returned. Isaac knew that to survive here
apart from the city, would need to find a water source,
and soon Isaac sent out his men, who understood the
ways of hydrology. They knew where rainwater and groundwater would
(13:11):
be collected for his hurts. The men surveyed the land
and suggested where Isaac's laborers could dig into the earth
to find the water deep. Within months passed and still
no water was found. That was until one morning when
one such party on the far side of the valley
found a hidden well of spring water.
Speaker 4 (13:32):
That's it. We found it finely.
Speaker 11 (13:36):
And not a moment too soon. And keep your voice down.
We've got company.
Speaker 8 (13:41):
What do you mean those herdsmen have Jirabin following us.
Speaker 11 (13:45):
I think they're letting us do all the work so
they can swoop in and claim the water we find
for themselves.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
You're probably right. Do you think they hurt me or
law that we found some.
Speaker 8 (13:57):
Oh, we heard you and everything. We're gonna let you
take that water for yourself.
Speaker 10 (14:03):
You have water on the brain as opposed to win
the ground. You take my meaning. These are our hills,
and any water here is ours.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
Go run back to camp and tell Master Isaac send
a force here to defend the spring.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
The frightened herdsman did as the surveyor bid and ran
back to Isaac's camp on the far side of the valley,
telling him of the dispute over the water they found there.
Speaker 4 (14:34):
Is this going to happen every time we break ground
in search of water. I will send a force back
with you, But if they do the same, you must
stand down. I have to seek peace. I will name
this spring Essek or the dispute raised there over it.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
The herdsman returned with the four eyes have provided, but
the gear a herdsman had sent for their our own defense.
Isaac's men were forced to stand down and surrender the spring,
and so the search for water continued. Esau was among them,
poised to fight, but forced not to. Instead, they followed
(15:15):
Isaac's commands and stood down. Frustrated and flustered, Esau returned
to his father with a.
Speaker 10 (15:22):
Report, Father, our men in standstill with herdsmen of Gorar.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
Did they find water in the valley?
Speaker 10 (15:30):
Yes? Will you order to attack men from Gerar and
be done with it. We could have entire valley by
now if we fight. Why you not fight them.
Speaker 4 (15:43):
My father, your grandfather made a covenant with the Abimelech.
There will be peace between our two nations. I certainly
would not be the one to break it. Breaking a
covenant is a grave offense.
Speaker 10 (15:56):
My son, we die without water. Better to have dead
men from Garar than our own people.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
No, no, No matter the opposition we face, we will
wait on our God. He will provide the water we
need to sustain us. If they put up a fight
over this spring, we will back down. I will have
no man say we broke our covenant.
Speaker 10 (16:23):
In fact, I.
Speaker 4 (16:24):
Will name this spring Sitna opposition, so it serves as
a reminder that we did not act in violence, even
in the face of great opposition.
Speaker 10 (16:35):
I do not understand you cannot he saw.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
I had hoped you would begin to understand the ways
of our people, of our God. You will see in
time and hopefully understand Our God will make room for
us in this land. You will see as a part
of Abraham's legacy. You must understand these things.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Years passed since they left the city of Ghira and
Isaac's faith was rewarded. The next time his men dug
underground and found water, they found no disputes, no opposition.
Finally they were at peace. Isaac knew they finally found
the room they had been searching for in this land.
He named the well they dug Rahobeth, because his God
(17:27):
had made room for them. Despite Esau's confoundment, Isaac knew
that their prosperity in this land was only due to
the hand of their God. He knew that the blessing
on his family could not be hindered. Isaac gathered his
family and household together to share this triumph with them.
Speaker 4 (17:47):
For now, our God has made space for us, and
we will be fruitful in the land.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
The speech Isaac gave revitalized the faith of his household,
but could be seen shaking his head. He could not
understand this inaction, this path of peace. Esau's hands were
built for action, not diplomacy. He later made plans to
go visit his friends, the Heathites. Rumors later swirled that
(18:18):
he had gone to take a wife or two from
these pagan people groups. From there, Isaac walked out of
his caravan to be a shabber as he and his
father had done that fateful day nearly a lifetime ago.
He brought wood, the means to build a fire, a knife,
and a sacrificial animal so that he could build an
(18:40):
altar to call on the name of his God. At
least this time he came fully prepared. They secured at
least one new water source free of conflict, but Isaac
wanted to seek his God to ensure they were in
the right place before they settled more permanently. He was
still awaiting conformation of the place his God would tell
(19:02):
him about. Bier Shebber was where his father had cut
the covenant with the Abimelech. The journey took him about
a day, and when he arrived that night, he prepared
the altar and the sacrifice and waited on his God
to see if he would speak to him. Sure Enough,
the evening quieted around him, and all the world grew still.
(19:24):
Isaac knelt and waited, as he had done the times before.
This was the blessing of his father. It wasn't the wealth, status,
and prosperity. It was moments like these, moments of connection
and intimacy with the Creator.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
I am the God of your father, Abraham, do not
be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless
you and multiply your offspring because of my servant Abraham.
Speaker 2 (20:01):
Isaac sagged in relief to hear God's words. For all
the faith he had displayed to his people, he did
not realize until that moment how much he needed to
hear the promise his God had given his father confound.
The next morning, Isaac hiked back and brought his entire
caravan to where he had built the altar to God Almighty.
(20:25):
They pitched their tents and established a more permanent foothold
in the region. Isaac also sent his men out to
dig a well near by to add to the others
in the area. After some time in the area, Isaac's
men spotted an approaching company from the city of Ghira.
Isaac did not need to wait long until he received
(20:46):
word that it was Abemeleh, his adviser, a Huzad, and
even Fikor, the commander of his army.
Speaker 8 (20:53):
The Eubimelech. With his adviser and his commander.
Speaker 6 (20:56):
We have no reason to think this is a declaration
of war. We have surrendered the wells his people thought
were theirs.
Speaker 8 (21:03):
Well coming here with his highest ranking officials. Seems awfully direct.
Don't you think I imagine he will not be cagy
with his intentions.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
Indeed, Master Isaac, mister Rebecca, Master Jacob, I present his
Highness of Gharah a Bimelech Oosis, his chief adviser, and Fichel,
the commander of a Bimelech's armies. You will most welcome.
Speaker 10 (21:30):
Your highness, Thank you, Isaac son of Abraham, and to
you Lady Rebecca and Jacob son of Isaac.
Speaker 4 (21:39):
Your highness forgive my bluntness. But why have you come here?
You hated me and sent me away.
Speaker 10 (21:47):
It is true, Isaac, son of Abraham, we did send
you away on account of your wealth and the power
you amassed in our land. We have seen how your
God has blessed you. He has truly chosen you as
he chose your father.
Speaker 8 (22:02):
His Highness a Biminlic suggests an oath between two parties,
us and you, just as it was with Abraham.
Speaker 10 (22:11):
Let us cut a covenant and renew the oaths between
your father and my predecessor for this new age.
Speaker 8 (22:19):
You will agree not to harm us, just as we
have not harmed you, but have done only what was
good to you, sending you away in peace.
Speaker 10 (22:28):
Please say you will accept our athor, Isaac son of Abraham,
for we can see that you have been blessed by
your God, and we wish to share in that blessing
as well.
Speaker 2 (22:39):
Isaac took a moment to absorb what the king and
his adviser was saying. This gesture was surely another affirmation
of his God's promise. They recognized the blessing and wanted
to be a part of it themselves. Isaac would not,
and indeed had not gone out of his way to
harm them, And if his God was going to share
(23:00):
the blessing in return for protection from this foreign nation,
then all the better.
Speaker 4 (23:06):
Ah, I shall accept your offer. I will swear an
oath between our two nations. I will prepare a great
feast for us, and we can cut the covenant and
swear our oaths.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
In the morning.
Speaker 4 (23:20):
You will be my guests. Take a seat, and I
will begin preparing for the great banquet. Oh, I will
have my son he saw make his famous stew, will
have fig butter, fresh bread, and oh a, my, it
would be great, how wonderful. May this be the first
(23:41):
of many meals of friendship together? Ha ha ha.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
Isaac's excitement entertained Abimelech. Isaac's simple charm endeared him to
even his enemies. While his father Abraham stood as an
imposing figure, tactician and diplomat, Isaac seemed to float around peacefully,
allowing God's favour to do most of the work for him.
(24:07):
They feasted with Isaac and his family, and true to
their word, they arose early the following day to swear
their oaths of peace, and so Isaac walked confidently with
his God in the peace and prosperity he had been
granted in the land promise to his father. This prey
(24:38):
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(25:01):
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A good name is more desirable than great riches, and
loving favor is better than silver and gold Proverbs twenty
two one. Dear Lord, we thank you for the wisdom
of your word, reminding us that a good name is
far more valuable than great riches. You show us that
(00:22):
honor and integrity are treasures that last beyond this life.
We think of Isaac, who may not have achieved the
fame of Abraham or Jacob, yet lived with quiet faith
and steadfast obedience. His legacy of righteousness continues to inspire
us today. Help us to build lives rich in character
(00:46):
and truth. Teach us to value honesty over wealth, humility
over pride, and faithfulness over success. Let our names reflect
your glofe and bring good to others. Guide our steps
so that our actions speak of your love. May our
(01:08):
lives become a lasting testimony of your goodness and grace.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of a name that
honors you. Amen, thank you for praying with me today.
You're listening to the Chosen People. Remain here for a
dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Don't forget to download
(01:30):
the Prey dot Com app to discover daily encouragement Thank
you for praying with me today you're listening to The
Chosen People. Remain here for a dramatic story inspired by
the Bible. Be sure to leave a review and share
your journey of faith today.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Previously on The Chosen People, Isaac dropped to his knee,
trembling and bowed his head to receive the word of
his father's God.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
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 4 (02:20):
Thank you, My God will do all that you ask of.
Speaker 5 (02:23):
Me, My loved Isaac. May our God bless you and
keep you. May you walk in His ways all the
days of your life, and may you be the blessing
to all nations as God promised to me. May you
(02:48):
inherit the land promised to us, and may your descendants
be as countless as the stars in the sky. May
the Law establish his covenant with you and your offspring forever,
and may His promises be fulfilled through your faithfulness and obedience.
(03:17):
My dear Isaac, May you be a blessing to generations
to come. And may our God be your God now
and forevermore.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Isaac was speechless of this beautiful speech, which formerly bound
him to the precious promise made to his father. He
swore to do everything in his power to uphold it
and steward his part of their legacy.
Speaker 6 (03:46):
Well, Deborah, did you bring us anything other than gossip
from the city. I won't have you feeling my son's
head with useless nonsense from merchant's wives.
Speaker 7 (04:03):
Oh pardon me, Lady Rebecca, but if I didn't travel
into the city for you, you would never know what
was going on outside this caravan. You and Master Isaac
are completely consumed with the tasks of running this caravan
and the fields of crops and cattle where our own
city and our own rights. The merchant's wives should be
(04:23):
coming to us for the latest.
Speaker 8 (04:25):
Gossip, Deborah, the news.
Speaker 9 (04:29):
Oh, yes, Master Jacob. The rumor in town is that
Abimelech has seen how Master Isaac's wealth has grown. He
has taken notes. You see.
Speaker 6 (04:40):
Yes, our God has blessed us every seed sown in
this land. We have reaped a hundredfold. We have had
to hire hundreds of laborers just to keep up.
Speaker 8 (04:50):
And our wealth has surely only boosted the economy of Gerra.
But tell me the nature of these rumors, ill or favorable.
Speaker 9 (04:59):
They are saying that a bimelek in his court have
grown envious of the wealth amassed by your father. It
could mean trouble.
Speaker 8 (05:07):
Speaking of trouble, here comes Esau from his hunt.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
Sure enough, Esau was striding through camp with his latest
kill thrown over his shoulder. He looked to be in
a foul mood, fouler than usual to Jacob's eyes. Anyway,
it had been nearly fifteen years since their grandfather's death,
and since he had won Esau's birthright over a bowl
of stew. The years had done nothing to cool his
(05:32):
temper toward Jacob, and he kept his distance to be
sure it never came to blows.
Speaker 10 (05:38):
Where is father?
Speaker 8 (05:40):
Greetings to you is well, dear brother.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Both his mother and Deborah shot him a disapproving look
at his whispered comment. They were not keen on seeing
the two young men start a fight.
Speaker 6 (05:52):
He has not come in from the field all day
to day. What is the matter, Esau? You look upset?
Speaker 10 (05:57):
I am upset. They have done it again. Done what
the wells they keep filling them? With dirt.
Speaker 9 (06:07):
Oh, my master Esau, isn't that the third time we've
caught them this month?
Speaker 6 (06:14):
You're sure they were men from Garar, servants of Abimelech.
Speaker 8 (06:18):
Yes, what did you do to them?
Speaker 10 (06:21):
I scare them off?
Speaker 8 (06:22):
Did you start to warar with our hosts?
Speaker 10 (06:26):
No? I scare them. What's done is done. We must
dig back the wells months of work, just.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
Like the others. I do not like it. Filling in
the wells could be a simple defense of the land,
preventing enemies from taking hold of water supplies that are remote,
or it could be for more nefarious reasons. This sabotage,
combined with the rumors from the city, I do not
think we shall remain peaceful neighbors with Abimelech for long.
(06:57):
We would be foolish to ignore these indicators who war.
I doubt your father would go for that. We should
see what can be done with diplomacy first. I will
speak with your father when he returns.
Speaker 10 (07:09):
That's why I want father I coming to tell him
about wells.
Speaker 8 (07:14):
Yes, but would you counsel a violent course of action?
Would you lead us into war?
Speaker 10 (07:19):
You want us to do nothing?
Speaker 4 (07:23):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (07:24):
You forget we are not residents in this land, Esau,
provoking our house would leave us homeless. We must proceed
carefully if we want to keep our livelihood.
Speaker 10 (07:34):
I forgot nothing.
Speaker 6 (07:36):
I enough, I said I would speak with your father
when he returns. You have delivered your news, Esa, go
see to your carcass. Your kill is making a mess
at your feet.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Esau huffed in response, but said nothing else as he
stormed off to clean his kill.
Speaker 6 (07:53):
Oh must you always provoke him, Jacob?
Speaker 8 (07:57):
I cannot help myself. He just doesn't think. He craves violence,
and you sing the way he lusts after the local
Canaanite women. He forgets our ways.
Speaker 9 (08:08):
Oh, Master Jacob is not wrong, Lady Rebecca. I have
heard troubling rumors about young Master Esau and some of
the Hittite women. He has become very friendly with their
people in his hunting and traveling. Master Isaac would not approve.
Speaker 6 (08:26):
And I would not either. But that is tomorrow's trouble.
We must deal with a bimelech, and he's destroyed Wells.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
First, when Isaac returned from the fields, Rebecca told him
about the rumors in the city and the latest destroyed well.
Speaker 4 (08:44):
What would you have me do? I cannot keep maintaining
these wells. If a Bimelech is intent on sabotaging them,
and what are the rumors of his discontent? Why should
I trouble myself. If a Bimelech is concerned about.
Speaker 6 (08:59):
My wealth, He's not concerned, Isaac. He's intimidated. Abimelech is
scared of your wealth, growing wealth. You're outgrowing this region.
Speaker 4 (09:11):
That's the opinion of one man.
Speaker 6 (09:14):
A king never holds the opinion of one He is
the summation of his court, his advisers, and his people.
His opinion was no doubt informed by the Council of Many.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
Speak plainly, Rebecca, I am tired.
Speaker 6 (09:28):
Go to him, get ahead of this before more than
wells are destroyed.
Speaker 4 (09:33):
I would do as you ask.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
And so Isaac called an audience with Abemelek to see
what could be done between their people. He traveled down
the plains into the great city where statues have passed.
Abemeleks towered over the streets like god. Isaac rolled his
shoulders back, feigning a confidence he knew he should have.
(09:56):
He entered the great halls of Abemelek, illuminated furs of
past hunts and tapestries of past conquests. The room had
a certain stench, one of incense burned to idols and
rotten meat laid before hollow altars. A Beemelek was both
lord and priest in his region, a god among his people.
(10:19):
Every war lord and king from Canaan to Egypt thought
they were the image of the gods. But Isaac knew better.
He knew every man and woman was crafted in God's image.
It's what gave him the confidence, the boldness to step
before such an imposing man. He tilted his head down
to a Beemelech and.
Speaker 4 (10:40):
Began, Oh, Greater Bimelech, I come to you concerning the
wells that your men continue to fill. It is hard
to not take such acts as slights against me.
Speaker 10 (10:53):
Go on.
Speaker 4 (10:55):
My counsel believes you are intimidate by my presence in
the region, and that is why you continue to sabotage
our water sources.
Speaker 10 (11:08):
There is truth in what you say. There is growing
discontent with your wealth amongst my court. Isaac son of Abraham.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
Your highness, really nothing I can do about that. I
cannot helpe that my God has seen fit to bless me.
Speaker 10 (11:24):
Indeed, I suppose that's.
Speaker 4 (11:27):
True, But I recognize I am a guest in your lance.
How can we live in peace? How can we live
together as we did in the days of my father?
Speaker 10 (11:39):
It is as you say, you are a guest in
my lance. But I cannot guarantee that my people's discontentment
will not cause them to do something rash or raise
their hand against you.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
What do you suggest to Bmelech. I am not a
diplomat or strategist like my father. I am a simple man.
Tell me what to do, and I'll do it.
Speaker 10 (12:02):
I would have you leave us. You have become far
too powerful.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
Leave Where would you have us go? Your highness?
Speaker 10 (12:12):
You should take your tents and your flocks to the
valley of Garar. It is less populated, and you would
encounter fewer conflicts with my people there.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
If that will keep the peace er, I shall do
as you say.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
Isaac departed from Abemelech and did exactly what he promised.
Satisfied that the good faith of their move would resolve
the conflict, Isaac sent out his men to restore his
father's wealth. He also retained the names he had given them.
His substantial caravan relocated to the main waddies of the
Negev Desert. The place called Geira Valley. It was a
(12:50):
large dry valley that would only see water if the
rainy seasons ever returned. Isaac knew that to survive here
apart from the city, would need to find a water source,
and soon Isaac sent out his men, who understood the
ways of hydrology. They knew where rainwater and groundwater would
(13:11):
be collected for his hurts. The men surveyed the land
and suggested where Isaac's laborers could dig into the earth
to find the water deep. Within months passed and still
no water was found. That was until one morning when
one such party on the far side of the valley
found a hidden well of spring water.
Speaker 4 (13:32):
That's it. We found it finely.
Speaker 11 (13:36):
And not a moment too soon. And keep your voice down.
We've got company.
Speaker 8 (13:41):
What do you mean those herdsmen have Jirabin following us.
Speaker 11 (13:45):
I think they're letting us do all the work so
they can swoop in and claim the water we find
for themselves.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
You're probably right. Do you think they hurt me or
law that we found some.
Speaker 8 (13:57):
Oh, we heard you and everything. We're gonna let you
take that water for yourself.
Speaker 10 (14:03):
You have water on the brain as opposed to win
the ground. You take my meaning. These are our hills,
and any water here is ours.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
Go run back to camp and tell Master Isaac send
a force here to defend the spring.
Speaker 2 (14:21):
The frightened herdsman did as the surveyor bid and ran
back to Isaac's camp on the far side of the valley,
telling him of the dispute over the water they found there.
Speaker 4 (14:34):
Is this going to happen every time we break ground
in search of water. I will send a force back
with you, But if they do the same, you must
stand down. I have to seek peace. I will name
this spring Essek or the dispute raised there over it.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
The herdsman returned with the four eyes have provided, but
the gear a herdsman had sent for their our own defense.
Isaac's men were forced to stand down and surrender the spring,
and so the search for water continued. Esau was among them,
poised to fight, but forced not to. Instead, they followed
(15:15):
Isaac's commands and stood down. Frustrated and flustered, Esau returned
to his father with a.
Speaker 10 (15:22):
Report, Father, our men in standstill with herdsmen of Gorar.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
Did they find water in the valley?
Speaker 10 (15:30):
Yes? Will you order to attack men from Gerar and
be done with it. We could have entire valley by
now if we fight. Why you not fight them.
Speaker 4 (15:43):
My father, your grandfather made a covenant with the Abimelech.
There will be peace between our two nations. I certainly
would not be the one to break it. Breaking a
covenant is a grave offense.
Speaker 10 (15:56):
My son, we die without water. Better to have dead
men from Garar than our own people.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
No, no, No matter the opposition we face, we will
wait on our God. He will provide the water we
need to sustain us. If they put up a fight
over this spring, we will back down. I will have
no man say we broke our covenant.
Speaker 10 (16:23):
In fact, I.
Speaker 4 (16:24):
Will name this spring Sitna opposition, so it serves as
a reminder that we did not act in violence, even
in the face of great opposition.
Speaker 10 (16:35):
I do not understand you cannot he saw.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
I had hoped you would begin to understand the ways
of our people, of our God. You will see in
time and hopefully understand Our God will make room for
us in this land. You will see as a part
of Abraham's legacy. You must understand these things.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Years passed since they left the city of Ghira and
Isaac's faith was rewarded. The next time his men dug
underground and found water, they found no disputes, no opposition.
Finally they were at peace. Isaac knew they finally found
the room they had been searching for in this land.
He named the well they dug Rahobeth, because his God
(17:27):
had made room for them. Despite Esau's confoundment, Isaac knew
that their prosperity in this land was only due to
the hand of their God. He knew that the blessing
on his family could not be hindered. Isaac gathered his
family and household together to share this triumph with them.
Speaker 4 (17:47):
For now, our God has made space for us, and
we will be fruitful in the land.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
The speech Isaac gave revitalized the faith of his household,
but could be seen shaking his head. He could not
understand this inaction, this path of peace. Esau's hands were
built for action, not diplomacy. He later made plans to
go visit his friends, the Heathites. Rumors later swirled that
(18:18):
he had gone to take a wife or two from
these pagan people groups. From there, Isaac walked out of
his caravan to be a shabber as he and his
father had done that fateful day nearly a lifetime ago.
He brought wood, the means to build a fire, a knife,
and a sacrificial animal so that he could build an
(18:40):
altar to call on the name of his God. At
least this time he came fully prepared. They secured at
least one new water source free of conflict, but Isaac
wanted to seek his God to ensure they were in
the right place before they settled more permanently. He was
still awaiting conformation of the place his God would tell
(19:02):
him about. Bier Shebber was where his father had cut
the covenant with the Abimelech. The journey took him about
a day, and when he arrived that night, he prepared
the altar and the sacrifice and waited on his God
to see if he would speak to him. Sure Enough,
the evening quieted around him, and all the world grew still.
(19:24):
Isaac knelt and waited, as he had done the times before.
This was the blessing of his father. It wasn't the wealth, status,
and prosperity. It was moments like these, moments of connection
and intimacy with the Creator.
Speaker 3 (19:44):
I am the God of your father, Abraham, do not
be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless
you and multiply your offspring because of my servant Abraham.
Speaker 2 (20:01):
Isaac sagged in relief to hear God's words. For all
the faith he had displayed to his people, he did
not realize until that moment how much he needed to
hear the promise his God had given his father confound.
The next morning, Isaac hiked back and brought his entire
caravan to where he had built the altar to God Almighty.
(20:25):
They pitched their tents and established a more permanent foothold
in the region. Isaac also sent his men out to
dig a well near by to add to the others
in the area. After some time in the area, Isaac's
men spotted an approaching company from the city of Ghira.
Isaac did not need to wait long until he received
(20:46):
word that it was Abemeleh, his adviser, a Huzad, and
even Fikor, the commander of his army.
Speaker 8 (20:53):
The Eubimelech. With his adviser and his commander.
Speaker 6 (20:56):
We have no reason to think this is a declaration
of war. We have surrendered the wells his people thought
were theirs.
Speaker 8 (21:03):
Well coming here with his highest ranking officials. Seems awfully direct.
Don't you think I imagine he will not be cagy
with his intentions.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
Indeed, Master Isaac, mister Rebecca, Master Jacob, I present his
Highness of Gharah a Bimelech Oosis, his chief adviser, and Fichel,
the commander of a Bimelech's armies. You will most welcome.
Speaker 10 (21:30):
Your highness, Thank you, Isaac son of Abraham, and to
you Lady Rebecca and Jacob son of Isaac.
Speaker 4 (21:39):
Your highness forgive my bluntness. But why have you come here?
You hated me and sent me away.
Speaker 10 (21:47):
It is true, Isaac, son of Abraham, we did send
you away on account of your wealth and the power
you amassed in our land. We have seen how your
God has blessed you. He has truly chosen you as
he chose your father.
Speaker 8 (22:02):
His Highness a Biminlic suggests an oath between two parties,
us and you, just as it was with Abraham.
Speaker 10 (22:11):
Let us cut a covenant and renew the oaths between
your father and my predecessor for this new age.
Speaker 8 (22:19):
You will agree not to harm us, just as we
have not harmed you, but have done only what was
good to you, sending you away in peace.
Speaker 10 (22:28):
Please say you will accept our athor, Isaac son of Abraham,
for we can see that you have been blessed by
your God, and we wish to share in that blessing
as well.
Speaker 2 (22:39):
Isaac took a moment to absorb what the king and
his adviser was saying. This gesture was surely another affirmation
of his God's promise. They recognized the blessing and wanted
to be a part of it themselves. Isaac would not,
and indeed had not gone out of his way to
harm them, And if his God was going to share
(23:00):
the blessing in return for protection from this foreign nation,
then all the better.
Speaker 4 (23:06):
Ah, I shall accept your offer. I will swear an
oath between our two nations. I will prepare a great
feast for us, and we can cut the covenant and
swear our oaths.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
In the morning.
Speaker 4 (23:20):
You will be my guests. Take a seat, and I
will begin preparing for the great banquet. Oh, I will
have my son he saw make his famous stew, will
have fig butter, fresh bread, and oh a, my, it
would be great, how wonderful. May this be the first
(23:41):
of many meals of friendship together? Ha ha ha.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
Isaac's excitement entertained Abimelech. Isaac's simple charm endeared him to
even his enemies. While his father Abraham stood as an
imposing figure, tactician and diplomat, Isaac seemed to float around peacefully,
allowing God's favour to do most of the work for him.
(24:07):
They feasted with Isaac and his family, and true to
their word, they arose early the following day to swear
their oaths of peace, and so Isaac walked confidently with
his God in the peace and prosperity he had been
granted in the land promise to his father. This prey
(24:38):
door conproduction 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 The Chosen People.
Narrated by Paul Caltefianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton,
Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwall, Called, Sylvia Zaradoc,
(25:01):
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 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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