Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Dear children, keep yourselves from idols first John five twenty one. Lord,
you alone are worthy of our worship. Yet our hearts
so easily chase after lesser things. We confess that we
often place our desires, ambitions, and comforts above.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
You.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Help us to tear down every idol that competes with
our devotion. When we are tempted to seek fulfillment in
what the world offers, draw us back to your all
satisfying presence. Purify our hearts, Lord, and teach us to
love you with undivided loyalty. Let nothing take the place
(00:52):
that belongs only to you. May our lives reflect the
truth that ye you are our greatest treasure, and in
you alone we find true joy. Amen, thank you for
(01:14):
praying with me today. You're listening to The Chosen People
with y l Extein Remain here for a dramatic story
inspired by the Bible. Be sure to follow this podcast
so you never miss an episode.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Previously on The Chosen People.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Here, Oh is free of me. If you are returning
to the Lord with all your heart and put away
the foreign gods and astros from among you, dedicate yourselves
to the Lord and serve him only and he will
deliver you from the hand of the Philistines. Today you
(01:57):
shall taste and know that the Lord is good. Today
you do not fight for victory, but from it.
Speaker 4 (02:07):
For the Lord, our God.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Has already delivered the enemy into our hands.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
The armed man cheered along with the clapping thunder. At
Samuel's command, the Israelites charged forward, seizing the opportunity.
Speaker 4 (02:26):
Therefore, fear the Lord and worship him in sincerity and truth.
Rid yourselves of the gods of your ancestors, the gods
they worship beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and
worship the Lord. But if it doesn't please you to
worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today which for you worship,
(02:50):
the gods of your ancestors, who they worship beyond the
Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose
land you now live. For me and my family, we
will worship the Lord. How do you answer, Israel.
Speaker 5 (03:12):
What happens when a nation exchanges faith for a throne? Shelloh,
my friends, from here in the holy Land of Israel,
i'm l Extein with international Fellowship of Christians and Jews,
and welcome to the Chosen People. The story begins with
a quiet murmur, a discontent brewing just beneath the surface.
(03:33):
The people, once a kingdom of priests, a holy nation,
are tired. They've had enough of wandering judges and their
unpredictable ways. They want something different, something that they can
see and touch. They want a king. Have you ever
wondered what lies at the root of dissatisfaction? Is it
(03:54):
really about the thing we ask for? Or about the
trust that we lack and the one who provides? Here
in one Samuel eighth the stage except for a confrontation,
not with swords or armies, but with choices. The God
of Israel rejected, and the people caught between faith and fear.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
The light of dawn crept over the hills of Ramah,
warming the frigid and quiet fields. Dew clung to the
tall grass, shimmering faintly as the first rays of the
sun spread across the land. The tranquil hum of wildlife
sang faintly under the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.
(04:41):
It was a serene backdrop for a moment that was
anything but. Samuel stood at the entrance of his home,
his staff in hand, watching as elders from across Israel approached.
Their faces bore grim expressions, their strides purposeful and resolute.
(05:01):
Dust rose beneath their sandals, marking their journey along the
winding paths that led to Samuel's home. The air was heavy,
thick with anticipation and unspoken concerns. After years of peace
under Samuel's leadership, the Israelites hearts grew restless, much like
(05:22):
the Hebrews wandering through the wilderness. God had delivered them
from darkness, but they had slowly slipped back into dissatisfaction
with his provision. In their arrogance, they now sought a
new path, one that would alter their destiny as a
nation forever. The elders assembled and encircled Samuel at his threshold,
(05:46):
their grim presence heavy in the tranquil morning. One of
the elders stepped forward. His hair was silver, though his
crown of wisdom had been lost to years of self reliance. Nevertheless,
he spoke resolute to the aging judge and.
Speaker 6 (06:01):
Prophet, Samuel, you have led us well, but your years
are advancing. Though I do not want to insult you,
your sons do not walk.
Speaker 7 (06:10):
In your ways.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Samuel said nothing. He had learned that, despite his call
as a prophet to speak on God's behalf, being quick
to listen had always played in his favor.
Speaker 6 (06:22):
With no one to take your place, the elders and
I request that you appoint the king to judge us.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
Even though Samuel knew their request before it was made,
the words still pierced his heart like the death blow
of an arrow.
Speaker 6 (06:36):
All of the nations are ruled by kings, and you
see how they prosper. Perhaps, with God's guidance, you might
grant us this request.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
The elder stepped back and awaited a response. Samuel's hands
gripped his staff tighter. His gaze swept over the group.
He had hoped to find even one who showed any
sign of hesitation doubt, but his searches yielded him nothing.
All he saw was determination fueled by earthly desires. Samuel
(07:10):
let the request linger in the cold air. If he
were a vain man, Samuel would have felt offended at
this request. Instead, he felt sorrow, sorrow that they had
strayed so far from God's heart. Their plea was a
reflection of a greater rejection, one that Samuel knew would
(07:30):
only bring pain and turmoil back to the people of Israel.
He humbled his heart before the elders, placing the glory
of God as the first priority in his mind and
his concern for the nation at a close second.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
A king king like other nations, Other nations who slay innocence,
who bow before the gods of stone and wood.
Speaker 6 (07:58):
Other nations that are united, Samuel, nations that have commerce
and a united army. Kings bring such things.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
What do kings bring tyranny, change burden? Is it another
pharaoh you would have over.
Speaker 6 (08:15):
You know that isn't true?
Speaker 2 (08:16):
We has the Lord not shut us apart to be
different on the nations? Has you not fought our battles,
delivered us, provided for us, and I dare remind you
given us or our tresmasses throughout the generations.
Speaker 3 (08:36):
The elder's eyes softened. They respected Samuel and were thankful
for all he had done for Israel over the decade,
But they had come with unwavering resolve and now had
only hoped to soften the blow.
Speaker 6 (08:50):
We want to be like other nations. The king will
secure our borders, that'll expand our empire and teach the
other nations a lesson will make.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
Us great, And what does it mean to be great?
Is it not greatness that the Lord promised to Abraham
Since the beginning, Our greatness has depended on trusting the Lord.
If you abandon him, abandon true greatness.
Speaker 6 (09:25):
We aren't forsaking the God of our past, who embracing
the future. Israel needs this.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
Samuel struck the ground with his staff and puffed his
chest out.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
What Israel needs is to remember. You've forgotten where you
came from. If you forget your past, your future is doomed.
Speaker 3 (09:56):
Samuel stormed out, slamming the door behind him. The elders
exchanged glances, wondering if any of the others would follow,
but none found such boldness. Instead, they waited, certain that
Samuel would return. Samuel slowly drifted down the road in
(10:18):
a funeral procession of one. His heart mourned the death
of the last shreds of Israel's faith in God's provision.
He had given them devoted patriarchs, timely judges, and devout
leaders in their most desperate need, But now, in their greed,
they only sought immediate gratification in their desire to be
(10:42):
like other nations. Samuel's heart was grieved as He repeatedly
mulled the elder's request in his mind. His shuffling stopped abruptly. No,
he thought to himself. In the quiet of the night,
he found a grassy hill and sat at its summit.
The breeze rustled the tall grass.
Speaker 2 (11:04):
Lord, they have rejected me, and worse, they seek to
replace you with a man. What shall I say to them?
Grant your servant wisdom, and I may be your mouthpiece
to the nation.
Speaker 3 (11:26):
An icy breeze flooded through the valley. Samuel looked up
at the night sky. The stars seemed to grow brighter.
Samuel pressed himself upright on his knees. He raised his
palms upwards in his lap, preparing to receive the word
of the Lord.
Speaker 7 (11:44):
Samuel, my servant.
Speaker 2 (11:48):
Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening.
Speaker 7 (11:53):
Heed the people's voice in everything.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
They ask, what, Ah, but why?
Speaker 7 (12:04):
Surely they have not rejected you. They have rejected me
and desire that I should not reign over them. Since
I brought them out of Egypt. They have forsaken me
and served other gods.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
So you will forsake them as well. That isn't you,
That isn't your character.
Speaker 7 (12:28):
My covenant shall not waver. But do this, I command
you to heed their voice solemnly forewarned him of the
consequence of their plea, and show them the true nature
of the King who shall rule over them in my place.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
These final words sent a chill through Samuel's veins. God
had not called Samuel to intercession, but to admonition. He
pressed his eyes shut and mouthed the silent prayer for
sustenance in his calling. His heart ached for the people
of God, but even more so it mourned their betrayal
(13:11):
against the divine Creator. Samuel stood before the elders. A
small collection of other men had gathered with them. In
their efforts to convince Samuel, they felt they had strength
in numbers. The lines of Samuel's furrowed brow were etched
with both wisdom and sorrow. He had spent decades as
(13:33):
a judge and prophet over the double minded people of Israel,
and in his time he'd learned that God would never
forsake them, no matter how far they strayed. His voice
was meager as he addressed them, yet it hadn't lost
its confident authority throughout the years.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
Here now the words of the Lord. If you were
point of king over yourselves. These will be his ways.
He will take your sons and appoint them to his
chariots and horsemen. He will run before his chariots and
(14:13):
fight in his battles.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
The elders remained silent, believing Samuel's ramblings were simply that
of a sen island desperate old man.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks
and bakers in his palace. Will take the best of
your feuds, vineoms, and all of organs and give them
to his servants. You will take a tenth of your
train and flocks to feed his armies, and you will
(14:46):
become whose slaves.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
The elders laughed and rolled their eyes. Samuel lowered his voice,
forcing his audience to lean in.
Speaker 8 (14:57):
And on that day you will cry out because of
your king, but the Lord will not answer you.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Samuel looked intently into each one of their eyes, hoping
upon hope to see a flicker of repentance, a sliver
of hesitancy. That the elders appeared unshakable.
Speaker 6 (15:21):
You know not what you say. You will have a
king over us, a mighty king of valor, and he
shall reign over this nation to the prosperity of Israel.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
The others voiced their support and applauded the idea. Samuel's
shoulders sank into his withering frame with the weight of
their rejection. Samuel shook his head, but he knew he
must stay true to the Lord. His following words were
draped with disappointment and sorrow.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
So beat return to your homes, and I will bring
your request before all the Lord.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
As the gathering departed, Samuel returned to his home. He
knelt on the ornate rug placed at the center of
the room. His voice was low but teemed with bridled emotions.
Speaker 9 (16:16):
Oh Lord, we have chosen the path of destruction, but
I ask you to guide me the path of righteousness,
that I may lute them even in their rebellion, by
your mercy endors.
Speaker 3 (16:37):
Forever a familiar voice met Samuel's ears. It had become
a source of endless comfort and inexplicable peace in times
of distress.
Speaker 7 (16:49):
Obey their voice and make them a king. Take heart, Samuel,
for I will guide you in this. Even in their
wicked ways, purposes shall prevail. Tomorrow. At this time I
will send you a man from Benjamin. He is the
one who will reign over the people, the one they
(17:13):
have begged for. He shall restrain them, deliver them from
their enemies, and bear the weight of their ingratitude.
Speaker 5 (17:28):
This story shakes you the way it moves from the
hope of God's covenant to the sting of rejection, the
heartbreak of a nation that once called God They're king,
now longing for a crown of flesh and blood. You
can almost hear the pleading in Samuel's voice, the grief
in his heart, and you can feel God's sadness, because
(17:49):
this isn't just about a rejection of his leadership, but
it's a rejection of his love. A few episodes ago,
we completed our journey through the Book of Judges. The
Book of Judges reads like a tragedy and repeat a
kingless kingdom spiraling into chaos. It was a story of
(18:09):
violence and betrayal, of leaders who failed to lead and
people who forgot who they were. Every cycle of rebellion
brought more devastation than the last, leaving the nation fractured.
By the end of Judges, the refrain was haunting. In
those days, Israel had no king. Everyone did as they
(18:30):
saw fit, the scriptures tell us, But what was the
real problem. Was it the Chosen people's lack of a
human king, or was it the absence of God as
their king. The people saw the corruption of men like
Eli's sons, the failures of judges like Samson, and the
cruelty of a system where might equalled write. Their solution
(18:56):
was to demand a king, someone with authority, someone to
say at things in order. But here's the twist. They
weren't just rejecting the judges, they were rejecting the very
foundation of their identity. Now, in one sense, the request
of the people for a king was normal. It was
(19:18):
very human. All the other nations had kings, why should
Israel be different? But that was their mistake. The Chosen
People were not meant to be like all the other nations.
That's what it's meant to be Chosen. Israel already had
a king, the king of the universe, God himself, and God,
(19:39):
seeing that the people were determined to have an earthly king,
told Samuel to agree to their request, hoping that even
if there were a king, Samuel would still exert moral
authority over the nation. But a sense of discomfort and
dread pervades this chapter because the return to God that
Samuel had worked so hard for was now in danger,
(20:04):
and this story speaks to us still today. We have
presidents and prime ministers who make decisions for us, often
even life and death decisions. But sometimes don't we forget
who the real king is. Political and military decisions can
be made by heads of state, but we can't forget
(20:25):
the moral and ethical decisions must follow God's laws and
his ways. The problem is political and military decisions must
be made morally and ethically, and so it is so
important for our leaders to recognize who the real king
is and to do their best to follow his commands
(20:50):
and expectations of us. And again, Israel was never meant
to look like the other nations. From the beginning, the
Chosen People were set up as a holy nation with
God as their king. While the other nations around them
place their trust in swords and thrones, Israel was called
to place its trust in the living God. But trusting
(21:13):
an invisible king is hard, isn't it. It requires faith,
which is messy and uncomfortable. It means stepping into battles
without chariots or a cavalry, armed only with the knowledge
that the God who split the sea fights for you too,
and that's where Israel faltered. They looked at the nations
(21:36):
around them and they saw power, structure, stability, but they
didn't see the tyranny that came with it, the taxes,
the conscription, the heavy hand of human kings who rule
for their own gain. And this isn't just ancient history.
How often do we do the same when life feels uncertain.
(21:58):
Don't we grasp for something tangible, A job, a leader,
a political party, a plan or relationship, anything to make
us feel in control, and in doing so we forget
that it is actually God who fully holds together the universe.
The tragedy of this Bible story is that the people
(22:20):
didn't need a new system of government. They needed repentance.
They needed a return to the covenant, to the God
who had been faithful through every battle, every famine, every failure.
Their problems weren't solved by a king. They were solved
when the people turned their hearts back to God. This
(22:41):
story brings us face to face with one of the
greatest tensions of Scripture, the freedom to choose. God could
have said no, He could have refused their request outright
explained why they were wrong to want a king. Or
he could have simply imposed his will, but instead he
said yes. He allowed the people to have what they wanted,
(23:02):
even knowing it would break their hearts and his. Both
its beauty and its danger runs through the entire Bible,
from the garden of Eden to the foot of Mount
Sinai to the moment Samuel annoyed Saula is king because
God is not a tyrant. He is not a king
(23:23):
who rules by force. He is a father who gives
his children the dignity of choice, even when those choices
lead to sorrow, and even then he doesn't leave. You
see this and how God responds to Israel's demand for
a king. He warns them yes, He paints a vivid
(23:45):
picture of what a human king will cause them, sons
taken for war, daughters taken for labor, fields taken for profit.
Yet he still grants their request. And then, even in
his people's rebellion, God we leaves redemption into their story.
The question this story asks of us is very simple,
(24:08):
but very profound. Who is your king? Non theory, not
in theology, but in practice. When life feels shaky, where
do you run to? Do you trust in God's provision
or do you turn to the things that you can control.
Do you cry out to the Lord or do you
(24:29):
place your hope in a king of your own making?
If we're honest, we all have kings to cling to money, power, success, relationships,
and they promise so very much security, stability, peace, But
like Israel's king, they demand a price. The good news
is this God is still king. He still leads his
(24:54):
people with justice and mercy. The God who pert sees
and tapples walls, as the saying God who calls us
to trust, not because it's easy, but because it's worth it.
The path of faith isn't always clear, but it leads
to a king who is good, a king who does
(25:15):
not fail, a king who has been waiting for us
all along.
Speaker 3 (25:23):
You can listen to The Chosen People with Isle Eckstein
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producers of The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein. Edited by
(25:47):
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(26:12):
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