January 27, 2025 • 27 mins
# 72 - Moses, Aaron, and Miriam - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, we explore the powerful reunion of Moses and Aaron, two brothers called by God to lead Israel's deliverance. Witness their journey from doubt to divine purpose, reminding us of the strength found in unity and faith.
Episode 72 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Exodus.
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For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 133:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
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Show Notes:
(02:36) Intro with Yael Eckstein
(03:54) Moses, Aaron, and Miriam - Cinematic Retelling
(20:54) Reflection with Yael Eckstein
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Behold yet of your l he had landsis son of fact,
the edge of all.
Speaker 3 (00:13):
Shows and mother gods, to lead you into.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
A new world and age a power o lordy and
age when Egypt shall be the.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
Envy of gold, were the.
Speaker 4 (00:28):
Law of us.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
If he is arrive myther the heaven, Hello, Nam will.
Speaker 4 (00:34):
Tramp on me.
Speaker 5 (00:35):
B off.
Speaker 6 (00:39):
Did you see his eyes? There is cold as stones
said he was cruel. This one, this one is ambitious.
He will not be satisfied with what his father beat.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
You want more, you want everything.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
Our burden girl heavier.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
I feel it in my bones.
Speaker 4 (01:02):
He will use us until we break, and then he
will grind our bones to dust to make more pitch. Please,
my man will be content with mere servitude.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
He will bleed us dry.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
I have seen the affliction of my people in Egypt.
Speaker 7 (01:23):
I have heard.
Speaker 5 (01:24):
Their cries and beheld their suffering.
Speaker 8 (01:28):
I have come to deliver them out of slavery and
carry them to a land of promise, A vast and
vibrant land healing with life, a land flowing with milk
and honey.
Speaker 3 (01:47):
Who am I to do this to the task. I
am a rogue Egyptian and a former prince. They won't
follow me there and look good for this, You're the
wrong man.
Speaker 5 (02:02):
Your brother Aaron walks among the people. He is an
orator of skill and a man of the people. I
have already instructed him to meet you. When he sees you,
it will please his heart. You shall speak to him,
but he shall proclaim on your behalf. I shall command you,
(02:25):
and you shall command him. He shall be your.
Speaker 8 (02:29):
Mouth, and you shall be like a god to him.
Speaker 9 (02:39):
When Moses spoke, the fire in his heart mirrored the
burning bush, kindling Aaron's spirit shallo my friends from here
in the Holy Land. Welcome to the Chosen People. I'm
ya l Exstein. With the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
Each day we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible,
(03:00):
stories filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the
meaning of life. Through israel story, we find this truth
that we are all chosen for something great. If you're
interested in finding out more about the prophetic, life saving
work of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, you
(03:20):
can visit our website at IFCJ dot org. What happens
when two brothers separated by destiny reunite things to a
divine calling. Have you ever wondered how the paths of
our lives, though seemingly random, are actually orchestrated by a
higher purpose. In this week's episode from the Hebrew Bible,
(03:43):
we encounter the profound and mystical reunion of Moses and Aaron,
a convergence of fate, prophecy, and stirring whispers from God.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Aaron pulled his threadbare cloak title trying to shield himself
from the unrelenting sun that burned down upon the cracked earth.
His feet, sore and blistered, slipped on the loose stones
as he climbed the jagged mountain pile outside Goshen. He
wasn't supposed to be here. He should have been in
(04:19):
the slave pits with his kin. But a voice had
called him, clear and commanding, so he had obeyed. The
voice had come to him in the dead of night,
a whisper in his dreams, yet it had struck like thunder.
Speaker 5 (04:35):
Go into the wilderness.
Speaker 8 (04:38):
There you will meet your brother Moses.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
At the mountain, Aaron had been two days to ask
a question in reply. By the time he had the
wherewithal to respond, he was awake in a cold sweat.
His weathered hands trembled as he recalled the words Moses,
his long lost brother was raised in the gilded halls
(05:02):
of Pharaoh, while Aaron toiled in the mud pits with
his kin. What could God want with the rejected prince
of Egypt? And why, after all these years, had they
chosen to reunite the sons of Amra. Doubt gnaw did
Aaron's God like a hungry jackal. He had heard the
(05:23):
whispers among his people, tales of moses flight from Egypt,
of murder and betrayal. Some claimed he had turned his
back on his true family, embracing the decadence of the oppressors.
Others insisted he was a coward fleeing justice for his crimes.
As Aaron crested a rocky hill, his eyes caught sight
(05:46):
of a lone figure in the distance. The man moved slowly,
his gait uneven, wearing the woolen clothes of a shepherd.
Yet there was something in his bearing, a sense of
authority that could not be mistaken. Aaron's heart thudded painfully
in his chest.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Could it truly be ah Moses?
Speaker 1 (06:10):
The figure turned at the sound of his name and
In that moment, the years of separation fell away like
dust in the wind. Aaron did not see the lost
Prince of Egypt or the rumored murderer. He saw only
the bright eyed babe he had cradled in his arms
before setting him adrift on the nile. Without thought, without hesitation,
(06:33):
he rushed forward, embracing his brother with a fervor born
of decades of longing. He kissed him on the cheek
as if he were a child.
Speaker 7 (06:42):
Again, My baby brother, he returned.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
Moses steadied himself, trying to hold back the torrent of
emotions that threatened to overwhelm him, but he could not.
He crumbled into his older brother's arms, a mixture of exhaustion, confusion,
and relief flooding over him like a breaking way. For
a moment, he felt like a child again, finding refuge
(07:09):
in the strength of his big brother's embrace. Aaron patted
his back, holding him close as Moses wept, releasing years
of pent up anguish in sobs that echoed off the
stone walls of the mountain. Finally, after what felt like
an eternity, Aaron spoke, his voice low and tender.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
The God of our forefathers, appeared to me in a dream,
commanding me to come here and meet you.
Speaker 7 (07:39):
What has happened? Why have you returned? He has a name.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob, the Lord.
Speaker 7 (07:59):
He is shown himself to you.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
Yes, he appeared to me in flames of fire. He
said that he's heard the cries of our people. He
will defeat Pharaoh and lead them out of this place.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
Aaron pulled back his eyes, searching his brother's face. Gone
was the smooth skinned baby he had once known. In
his place stood a man marked by the wilderness, his
eyes burning with a strange inner fire that both awed
and unnerved. Aaron, tell me everything. The two retreated to
(08:37):
the shade of a gnarled acacia tree, where the sun
could not reach them. As the day he dragged on,
Moses recounted his encounter with the Almighty. He spoke of
the bush that burned but was not consumed of a
staff turned to a serpent, of a hand struck with leprosy,
and then restored with each pale of divine wonder. Aaron
(09:02):
felt the walls of doubt inside him crumble, replaced by
something both frightening and exhilarating.
Speaker 3 (09:10):
And the Lord has chosen you, brother, he says, your
tongue is silver where mine is bled. You ought to
be my voice, to speak to our people and to
Pharaoh himself.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
Aaron chuckled, the idea almost absurd. He broke a dry
twig between his fingers and tossed it aside, his face
suddenly serious.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Miriam and I have been praying for this day. We've
been praying for deliverance. We've already rallied the people to
see God most the Lord, but we never imagine what
it would actually look like when that deliverance came. I
never thought in a million years that baby TV would
(09:55):
drift back upstream to save us.
Speaker 7 (09:57):
And yet here you are.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
In the flesh, so you will help me.
Speaker 7 (10:04):
Do I have a choice?
Speaker 3 (10:06):
No, neither of us do. If I'd had it my way,
I would have remained a midion.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
Oh, my dear brother, Now you know what it's like
to be a slave.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
The two laughed under the acacia tree. At that moment,
they both realized the years that had been lost between them.
Moses gripped Aaron's shoulder, his touch firm yet gentle.
Speaker 3 (10:39):
The Lord will be with us both. You will teach
us what to say and what to do. We are
but instruments of his will.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
As the brothers made their way back to the outskirts
of Goshen, word of their arrivals spread like wildfire through
the Hebrew encampments. Men and women emerged from their mud
brick hovels, their faces weary and drawn, etched with suspicion
and the hard won caution of the opbreast.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
Have you come to be our master again?
Speaker 1 (11:14):
Aaron felt Moses stiffen beside him, and saw the flash
of pain in his brother's eyes. He knew then the
true weight of the task ahead, not just to defy Pharaoh,
but to heal the wounds of a broken people, to
unite a nation that had been fractured by centuries of suffering.
Speaker 7 (11:34):
Ignore them, they'll come around.
Speaker 3 (11:38):
It's what I expected. I'm not a true Hebrew, Egyptian
or Midianite. I'm You're chosen.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
I suppose that's what matters most.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Eh.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
Aaron led Moses through the jagged streets of Goshen, guiding
him to a small humble dwelling near the Niles banks.
As they approached, Moses paused, breathing, in the sense of
pitch and baked bread mingling in the air. He heard
the reeds whispering in the breeze, and though he had
(12:10):
no memory of it, a strange familiarity tugged at his heart.
Speaker 3 (12:15):
This was our home, wasn't it? It still is.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
Aaron opened the door. Inside, his wife and children were
gathered around a low table, sharing a simple meal.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
This is my wife, Elishaba, and my son's naidad by
who Eliezer.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
And Isamah Elisheba.
Speaker 7 (12:38):
This is my brother Moses, the one I've told you about.
Speaker 3 (12:44):
It is an honor to meet you all.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
Lord Moses, or I.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Just Moses is fine.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
The tender moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps
behind them. A woman appeared in the doorway, her dark
hair streaked with gray, her thin lips curled into a
knowing half smile. Moses needed no introduction. Her eyes told
him everything. This was his sister, Moses, Visus Miriam, our sister.
(13:17):
Moses opened his mouth to speak, but was quickly interrupted.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
Why are you here, easy, Miriam?
Speaker 4 (13:27):
I want to know why have you returned after all
these years?
Speaker 2 (13:32):
The God of our ancestors sent him.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
I'm not speaking to you Aaron, I'm speaking to our
little brother, the royal pup prince of Egypt, the one
who always knew his heritage, yet did nothing to help us.
He offered no mercy or charity in our direction. The
only time he did stand up for us, he made
a mess and made Pharaoh come down on us harder.
So I will ask the question again, Moses, why are
(13:59):
you you here?
Speaker 1 (14:02):
Moses gripped his staff, his jaw clenching against the sting
of her words. He knew there was truth in her accusations,
that still they cut deep, poking at the raw pride
that still lingered from his royal upbringing. He realized at
that moment just how great a chasm lay between him
(14:23):
and these people. He needed Aaron's comforting presence, but Miriam's
harsh prodding honesty might prove just as crucial.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
I am no prince. I am a servant, a servant
of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. His commands
brought me here. He is why I have come. I
didn't want this role. I rejected it at first, but
the Lord wouldn't let me. And there are no doubts
you can pose to me that I haven't posed to myself,
(14:57):
for better or worse. I am the Lord's man. Through
me and this staff in my grip, he shall deliver you.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
Miriam took a few silent steps forward, me to moses gaze.
Speaker 4 (15:12):
How can we trust that you won't run again? When
you killed that Egyptian all those years ago, Pharaoh's grip
became harder.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
I had been met by one who alters the wind's course.
I have seen his wonders before my eyes. I know
there's nowhere I can run to where he will not
find me. It is love and fear that binds me
to you and to these people.
Speaker 4 (15:41):
We've prayed for deliverance. We've prayed for so long.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
It will come easy, Miriam, But it will come, and
I'm not leaving.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Miriam's half smile finally gave way to a full one.
Cracking the edges of her weathered face. She held Moses's
face and bent his forehead down to hers.
Speaker 4 (16:07):
Welcome home, brother, I will follow you.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Moses let out a sigh of relief.
Speaker 7 (16:15):
Let's eat.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Moses can tell us tales of everything that happened to
get him here. Then tomorrow we gather the people.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
The crowd was unruly, stirred by Moses' presence.
Speaker 9 (16:31):
How do we know he wasn't sent from Pharaoh to
spy on us?
Speaker 1 (16:35):
Raising his hands, Aaron called out in a voice that
carried across the murmuring crowd.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Brothers, sisters, hear me.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
The din subsided, all eyes turning to the unlighty pair
standing before them.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
I know the doubts that plague your hearts. They have
plagued mine as well. But I tell you now the
God of our fathers has not abandoned us. He has
sent us a deliverer, one who will lead us out
of bondage into a land of milk and honey.
Speaker 1 (17:11):
A ripple of whispers passed through the crowd. Aaron pressed on,
gesturing to Moses.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
This man, my brother in blood and in spirit, has
been chosen by the Almighty. He has seen wonders and
heard the very voice of God, and now he brings
a message of hope to all who will listen.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
As Aaron spoke, he saw the change come over the
gathered Hebrews. Suspicion gave way to curiosity, and then to
a tentative hope. When at last he fell silent, Moses
stepped forward, his eyes shining with unshed tears. He was nervous,
which gave way to more of his stammering.
Speaker 3 (17:59):
The Lord hath your misery. He has heard your groaning,
and he remembers his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and
with Jacob.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
A hush fell over the crowd. As Moses paused, He
drew a deep breath and steadied himself. He knew that
they needed more than words. If they were going to
risk their lives in defiance of Pharaoh, they needed to
know for certain that the Lord was on their side.
Moses raised his staff, the gnarled wood gleaming in the
(18:33):
fading sunlight. With a swift motion, he cast it to
the ground, and before the astonished eyes of all present,
it transformed into a writhing serpent. Gasps of awe and
fear irrupted from the onlookers. Some fell to their knees,
while others pressed forward for a closer look. Aaron watched
(18:55):
in amazement as Moses calmly reached down and grasped the
snake by tale, transforming it once more into a harmless staff.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
This is but a taste of the wonders the Lord
will perform.
Speaker 10 (19:10):
Through his power, we will be freed from the yoke
of Pharaoh. Our children, children will tell tales of this day,
the day when hope.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
Was rekindled in the land of our oppressors.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows
across the gathered Hebrews, Aaron saw the change in their faces.
Where once there had been despair and resignation, now burned
the first ends of faith and determination. They bowed their heads,
(19:45):
murmuring prayers of thanksgiving and supplication. In the growing darkness.
Miriam and Aaron turned to their brother, their expressions a
mixture of gratitude and resolve.
Speaker 4 (19:58):
You have given them home, Now give them freedom.
Speaker 5 (20:04):
I will be your voice. Brother.
Speaker 2 (20:06):
Together we shall shake the very foundations of Egypt.
Speaker 3 (20:10):
And lead our people to the promised Land. And so
it begins.
Speaker 1 (20:17):
The siblings stood side by side, facing the uncertain future
that lay before them. The path ahead would be fraught
with danger, doubt, in the ever present threat of Pharaoh's wrath.
But for the first time in a generation, the children
of Israel dared to dream of a life beyond the
(20:39):
mud pits and whips of Egypt. The eyes of their
hearts were turned toward Canaan, the land of Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob, the land flowing with milk and honey.
Speaker 9 (20:56):
Already in our journey through the Bible, we've seen so
much family draw divisions, reconciliations, feuds, reunions. And now, in
Exodus four twenty seven to thirty one, we see two
brothers reunited, Moses and Aaron. God tells Erin to meet
Moses at Mount Sinai, the spot where God had just
given Moses his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
(21:20):
The two brothers embrace and kiss, and are tasked with
the redemption from slavery of the Chosen People. The Jewish
ages see this meeting as a joining of the two
most important themes for a nation under God, truth and peace.
Moses represents truth, the one to transmit the word of
(21:41):
God to the Chosen People, and Arin represents peace. In
Jewish tradition, he is known as the ultimate peacemaker during
the Chosen People's forty years in the desert. Both qualities
are necessary for a godly nation, the truth of God's
word and peace among human beings, and the launch of
this tale of redemption had to take place at the
(22:04):
very spot where God would soon reveal himself and give
his Torah, the very Bible that we are now studying
together each day? My friends, how badly do we need
both of these qualities in our world today? The truth
of God's word and his shalome his peace, And in
both the Jewish and Christian traditions, these two ideas are
(22:27):
what we seek every day, every hour, every minute, truth
and peace. In this story, we witness a pivotal moment
where Moses and Aaron reunite, embracing their divine mission. They
are called to bridge the gap between God and the
chosen people, much like we are called in our own
lives to do as it is written in Exodus nineteen six. Quote,
(22:51):
you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and
a holy nation end quote. This calling is not just
about religious risk vituals. It's about shining God's light and
a world shrouded in darkness. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heshel once said,
when I was young, I admired clever people. Now that
I'm old, I admire kind people like Moses. Our role
(23:15):
as intermediaries is not defined by our intelligence or eloquence,
but by our capacity to reflect God. Moses and Aaron
faced rejection and skepticism from their very own people. And
this echoes the experience of many who have come before us,
people with noble intentions, who are often misunderstood and even
(23:38):
opposed by those that they sought to save. In this
we find a very profound truth that following the path
of righteousness often means walking a road marked by resistance.
How many of the people that we look at as
holy and historically changing the world for better were rejected
(24:00):
in their life, but they walked through it. They were
committed to fulfilling their mission in this world. And it's
through a struggle sometimes that we also truly connect with
our purpose. Jewish tradition teaches us that true service to
God is not without challenges. It's actually through these trials
(24:23):
that our faith is tested and strengthened. Now, how does
this ancient story speak to us today. First, it reminds
us that we too are called to be bridge builders
in our communities. My Abba, my father, Rabbi Riel Ekstein
of Blessed Memory, was a bridge builder through the International
(24:46):
Fellowship of Christians and Jews. His calling was to build
bridges of understanding and true friendship between Christians and Jews.
It's the work that I am so honored and privileged
to continue today at the Fellowship. And what I see
is that we can all be bridge builders in our
own ways, whether in our workplaces, schools, or neighborhoods. We
(25:07):
can shine our lights reflecting God's goodness and mercy. Just
as Moses faced opposition, but he still continued, we too
may encounter pushback. Blanke Moses and Aaron, we have to continue.
Our faithfulness can inspire others. It can contribute to the
larger narrative of redemption and justice. We just have to
(25:30):
keep ongoing. So when faced with rejection or misunderstanding, remember
Moses and Aaron. They continued their mission not because it
was easy, but because it was right. Our perseverance in
the face of adversity can be a powerful testimony to
those around us. And finally, let's embrace the small acts
(25:51):
of kindness and compassion in our daily lives. It is
through these acts that we truly bring God's presence to
a world in deep need of it. May we find
courage in the story of Moses and Aaron. May we
stand firm in our calling, knowing that God is with
us every step of the way.
Speaker 1 (26:13):
You can listen to The Chosen People with Isle Eckstein
ad free by downloading and subscribing to the Prey dot
Com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made
possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein. Edited by
(26:36):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold,
Sylvia Zaradoc and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore.
Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Bree Rosalie and
Aaron Salvato. Special thanks to Bishop Paulinier, Robin van Ettin,
(26:59):
K Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship
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Previously on the chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Behold yet of your l he had landsis son of fact,
the edge of all.
Speaker 3 (00:13):
Shows and mother gods, to lead you into.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
A new world and age a power o lordy and
age when Egypt shall be the.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
Envy of gold, were the.
Speaker 4 (00:28):
Law of us.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
If he is arrive myther the heaven, Hello, Nam will.
Speaker 4 (00:34):
Tramp on me.
Speaker 5 (00:35):
B off.
Speaker 6 (00:39):
Did you see his eyes? There is cold as stones
said he was cruel. This one, this one is ambitious.
He will not be satisfied with what his father beat.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
You want more, you want everything.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
Our burden girl heavier.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
I feel it in my bones.
Speaker 4 (01:02):
He will use us until we break, and then he
will grind our bones to dust to make more pitch. Please,
my man will be content with mere servitude.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
He will bleed us dry.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
I have seen the affliction of my people in Egypt.
Speaker 7 (01:23):
I have heard.
Speaker 5 (01:24):
Their cries and beheld their suffering.
Speaker 8 (01:28):
I have come to deliver them out of slavery and
carry them to a land of promise, A vast and
vibrant land healing with life, a land flowing with milk
and honey.
Speaker 3 (01:47):
Who am I to do this to the task. I
am a rogue Egyptian and a former prince. They won't
follow me there and look good for this, You're the
wrong man.
Speaker 5 (02:02):
Your brother Aaron walks among the people. He is an
orator of skill and a man of the people. I
have already instructed him to meet you. When he sees you,
it will please his heart. You shall speak to him,
but he shall proclaim on your behalf. I shall command you,
(02:25):
and you shall command him. He shall be your.
Speaker 8 (02:29):
Mouth, and you shall be like a god to him.
Speaker 9 (02:39):
When Moses spoke, the fire in his heart mirrored the
burning bush, kindling Aaron's spirit shallo my friends from here
in the Holy Land. Welcome to the Chosen People. I'm
ya l Exstein. With the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
Each day we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible,
(03:00):
stories filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the
meaning of life. Through israel story, we find this truth
that we are all chosen for something great. If you're
interested in finding out more about the prophetic, life saving
work of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, you
(03:20):
can visit our website at IFCJ dot org. What happens
when two brothers separated by destiny reunite things to a
divine calling. Have you ever wondered how the paths of
our lives, though seemingly random, are actually orchestrated by a
higher purpose. In this week's episode from the Hebrew Bible,
(03:43):
we encounter the profound and mystical reunion of Moses and Aaron,
a convergence of fate, prophecy, and stirring whispers from God.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Aaron pulled his threadbare cloak title trying to shield himself
from the unrelenting sun that burned down upon the cracked earth.
His feet, sore and blistered, slipped on the loose stones
as he climbed the jagged mountain pile outside Goshen. He
wasn't supposed to be here. He should have been in
(04:19):
the slave pits with his kin. But a voice had
called him, clear and commanding, so he had obeyed. The
voice had come to him in the dead of night,
a whisper in his dreams, yet it had struck like thunder.
Speaker 5 (04:35):
Go into the wilderness.
Speaker 8 (04:38):
There you will meet your brother Moses.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
At the mountain, Aaron had been two days to ask
a question in reply. By the time he had the
wherewithal to respond, he was awake in a cold sweat.
His weathered hands trembled as he recalled the words Moses,
his long lost brother was raised in the gilded halls
(05:02):
of Pharaoh, while Aaron toiled in the mud pits with
his kin. What could God want with the rejected prince
of Egypt? And why, after all these years, had they
chosen to reunite the sons of Amra. Doubt gnaw did
Aaron's God like a hungry jackal. He had heard the
(05:23):
whispers among his people, tales of moses flight from Egypt,
of murder and betrayal. Some claimed he had turned his
back on his true family, embracing the decadence of the oppressors.
Others insisted he was a coward fleeing justice for his crimes.
As Aaron crested a rocky hill, his eyes caught sight
(05:46):
of a lone figure in the distance. The man moved slowly,
his gait uneven, wearing the woolen clothes of a shepherd.
Yet there was something in his bearing, a sense of
authority that could not be mistaken. Aaron's heart thudded painfully
in his chest.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Could it truly be ah Moses?
Speaker 1 (06:10):
The figure turned at the sound of his name and
In that moment, the years of separation fell away like
dust in the wind. Aaron did not see the lost
Prince of Egypt or the rumored murderer. He saw only
the bright eyed babe he had cradled in his arms
before setting him adrift on the nile. Without thought, without hesitation,
(06:33):
he rushed forward, embracing his brother with a fervor born
of decades of longing. He kissed him on the cheek
as if he were a child.
Speaker 7 (06:42):
Again, My baby brother, he returned.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
Moses steadied himself, trying to hold back the torrent of
emotions that threatened to overwhelm him, but he could not.
He crumbled into his older brother's arms, a mixture of exhaustion, confusion,
and relief flooding over him like a breaking way. For
a moment, he felt like a child again, finding refuge
(07:09):
in the strength of his big brother's embrace. Aaron patted
his back, holding him close as Moses wept, releasing years
of pent up anguish in sobs that echoed off the
stone walls of the mountain. Finally, after what felt like
an eternity, Aaron spoke, his voice low and tender.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
The God of our forefathers, appeared to me in a dream,
commanding me to come here and meet you.
Speaker 7 (07:39):
What has happened? Why have you returned? He has a name.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob, the Lord.
Speaker 7 (07:59):
He is shown himself to you.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
Yes, he appeared to me in flames of fire. He
said that he's heard the cries of our people. He
will defeat Pharaoh and lead them out of this place.
Speaker 1 (08:14):
Aaron pulled back his eyes, searching his brother's face. Gone
was the smooth skinned baby he had once known. In
his place stood a man marked by the wilderness, his
eyes burning with a strange inner fire that both awed
and unnerved. Aaron, tell me everything. The two retreated to
(08:37):
the shade of a gnarled acacia tree, where the sun
could not reach them. As the day he dragged on,
Moses recounted his encounter with the Almighty. He spoke of
the bush that burned but was not consumed of a
staff turned to a serpent, of a hand struck with leprosy,
and then restored with each pale of divine wonder. Aaron
(09:02):
felt the walls of doubt inside him crumble, replaced by
something both frightening and exhilarating.
Speaker 3 (09:10):
And the Lord has chosen you, brother, he says, your
tongue is silver where mine is bled. You ought to
be my voice, to speak to our people and to
Pharaoh himself.
Speaker 1 (09:23):
Aaron chuckled, the idea almost absurd. He broke a dry
twig between his fingers and tossed it aside, his face
suddenly serious.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Miriam and I have been praying for this day. We've
been praying for deliverance. We've already rallied the people to
see God most the Lord, but we never imagine what
it would actually look like when that deliverance came. I
never thought in a million years that baby TV would
(09:55):
drift back upstream to save us.
Speaker 7 (09:57):
And yet here you are.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
In the flesh, so you will help me.
Speaker 7 (10:04):
Do I have a choice?
Speaker 3 (10:06):
No, neither of us do. If I'd had it my way,
I would have remained a midion.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
Oh, my dear brother, Now you know what it's like
to be a slave.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
The two laughed under the acacia tree. At that moment,
they both realized the years that had been lost between them.
Moses gripped Aaron's shoulder, his touch firm yet gentle.
Speaker 3 (10:39):
The Lord will be with us both. You will teach
us what to say and what to do. We are
but instruments of his will.
Speaker 1 (10:49):
As the brothers made their way back to the outskirts
of Goshen, word of their arrivals spread like wildfire through
the Hebrew encampments. Men and women emerged from their mud
brick hovels, their faces weary and drawn, etched with suspicion
and the hard won caution of the opbreast.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
Have you come to be our master again?
Speaker 1 (11:14):
Aaron felt Moses stiffen beside him, and saw the flash
of pain in his brother's eyes. He knew then the
true weight of the task ahead, not just to defy Pharaoh,
but to heal the wounds of a broken people, to
unite a nation that had been fractured by centuries of suffering.
Speaker 7 (11:34):
Ignore them, they'll come around.
Speaker 3 (11:38):
It's what I expected. I'm not a true Hebrew, Egyptian
or Midianite. I'm You're chosen.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
I suppose that's what matters most.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Eh.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
Aaron led Moses through the jagged streets of Goshen, guiding
him to a small humble dwelling near the Niles banks.
As they approached, Moses paused, breathing, in the sense of
pitch and baked bread mingling in the air. He heard
the reeds whispering in the breeze, and though he had
(12:10):
no memory of it, a strange familiarity tugged at his heart.
Speaker 3 (12:15):
This was our home, wasn't it? It still is.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
Aaron opened the door. Inside, his wife and children were
gathered around a low table, sharing a simple meal.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
This is my wife, Elishaba, and my son's naidad by
who Eliezer.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
And Isamah Elisheba.
Speaker 7 (12:38):
This is my brother Moses, the one I've told you about.
Speaker 3 (12:44):
It is an honor to meet you all.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
Lord Moses, or I.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Just Moses is fine.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
The tender moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps
behind them. A woman appeared in the doorway, her dark
hair streaked with gray, her thin lips curled into a
knowing half smile. Moses needed no introduction. Her eyes told
him everything. This was his sister, Moses, Visus Miriam, our sister.
(13:17):
Moses opened his mouth to speak, but was quickly interrupted.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
Why are you here, easy, Miriam?
Speaker 4 (13:27):
I want to know why have you returned after all
these years?
Speaker 2 (13:32):
The God of our ancestors sent him.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
I'm not speaking to you Aaron, I'm speaking to our
little brother, the royal pup prince of Egypt, the one
who always knew his heritage, yet did nothing to help us.
He offered no mercy or charity in our direction. The
only time he did stand up for us, he made
a mess and made Pharaoh come down on us harder.
So I will ask the question again, Moses, why are
(13:59):
you you here?
Speaker 1 (14:02):
Moses gripped his staff, his jaw clenching against the sting
of her words. He knew there was truth in her accusations,
that still they cut deep, poking at the raw pride
that still lingered from his royal upbringing. He realized at
that moment just how great a chasm lay between him
(14:23):
and these people. He needed Aaron's comforting presence, but Miriam's
harsh prodding honesty might prove just as crucial.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
I am no prince. I am a servant, a servant
of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. His commands
brought me here. He is why I have come. I
didn't want this role. I rejected it at first, but
the Lord wouldn't let me. And there are no doubts
you can pose to me that I haven't posed to myself,
(14:57):
for better or worse. I am the Lord's man. Through
me and this staff in my grip, he shall deliver you.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
Miriam took a few silent steps forward, me to moses gaze.
Speaker 4 (15:12):
How can we trust that you won't run again? When
you killed that Egyptian all those years ago, Pharaoh's grip
became harder.
Speaker 3 (15:20):
I had been met by one who alters the wind's course.
I have seen his wonders before my eyes. I know
there's nowhere I can run to where he will not
find me. It is love and fear that binds me
to you and to these people.
Speaker 4 (15:41):
We've prayed for deliverance. We've prayed for so long.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
It will come easy, Miriam, But it will come, and
I'm not leaving.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Miriam's half smile finally gave way to a full one.
Cracking the edges of her weathered face. She held Moses's
face and bent his forehead down to hers.
Speaker 4 (16:07):
Welcome home, brother, I will follow you.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Moses let out a sigh of relief.
Speaker 7 (16:15):
Let's eat.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Moses can tell us tales of everything that happened to
get him here. Then tomorrow we gather the people.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
The crowd was unruly, stirred by Moses' presence.
Speaker 9 (16:31):
How do we know he wasn't sent from Pharaoh to
spy on us?
Speaker 1 (16:35):
Raising his hands, Aaron called out in a voice that
carried across the murmuring crowd.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Brothers, sisters, hear me.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
The din subsided, all eyes turning to the unlighty pair
standing before them.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
I know the doubts that plague your hearts. They have
plagued mine as well. But I tell you now the
God of our fathers has not abandoned us. He has
sent us a deliverer, one who will lead us out
of bondage into a land of milk and honey.
Speaker 1 (17:11):
A ripple of whispers passed through the crowd. Aaron pressed on,
gesturing to Moses.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
This man, my brother in blood and in spirit, has
been chosen by the Almighty. He has seen wonders and
heard the very voice of God, and now he brings
a message of hope to all who will listen.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
As Aaron spoke, he saw the change come over the
gathered Hebrews. Suspicion gave way to curiosity, and then to
a tentative hope. When at last he fell silent, Moses
stepped forward, his eyes shining with unshed tears. He was nervous,
which gave way to more of his stammering.
Speaker 3 (17:59):
The Lord hath your misery. He has heard your groaning,
and he remembers his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and
with Jacob.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
A hush fell over the crowd. As Moses paused, He
drew a deep breath and steadied himself. He knew that
they needed more than words. If they were going to
risk their lives in defiance of Pharaoh, they needed to
know for certain that the Lord was on their side.
Moses raised his staff, the gnarled wood gleaming in the
(18:33):
fading sunlight. With a swift motion, he cast it to
the ground, and before the astonished eyes of all present,
it transformed into a writhing serpent. Gasps of awe and
fear irrupted from the onlookers. Some fell to their knees,
while others pressed forward for a closer look. Aaron watched
(18:55):
in amazement as Moses calmly reached down and grasped the
snake by tale, transforming it once more into a harmless staff.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
This is but a taste of the wonders the Lord
will perform.
Speaker 10 (19:10):
Through his power, we will be freed from the yoke
of Pharaoh. Our children, children will tell tales of this day,
the day when hope.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
Was rekindled in the land of our oppressors.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows
across the gathered Hebrews, Aaron saw the change in their faces.
Where once there had been despair and resignation, now burned
the first ends of faith and determination. They bowed their heads,
(19:45):
murmuring prayers of thanksgiving and supplication. In the growing darkness.
Miriam and Aaron turned to their brother, their expressions a
mixture of gratitude and resolve.
Speaker 4 (19:58):
You have given them home, Now give them freedom.
Speaker 5 (20:04):
I will be your voice. Brother.
Speaker 2 (20:06):
Together we shall shake the very foundations of Egypt.
Speaker 3 (20:10):
And lead our people to the promised Land. And so
it begins.
Speaker 1 (20:17):
The siblings stood side by side, facing the uncertain future
that lay before them. The path ahead would be fraught
with danger, doubt, in the ever present threat of Pharaoh's wrath.
But for the first time in a generation, the children
of Israel dared to dream of a life beyond the
(20:39):
mud pits and whips of Egypt. The eyes of their
hearts were turned toward Canaan, the land of Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob, the land flowing with milk and honey.
Speaker 9 (20:56):
Already in our journey through the Bible, we've seen so
much family draw divisions, reconciliations, feuds, reunions. And now, in
Exodus four twenty seven to thirty one, we see two
brothers reunited, Moses and Aaron. God tells Erin to meet
Moses at Mount Sinai, the spot where God had just
given Moses his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
(21:20):
The two brothers embrace and kiss, and are tasked with
the redemption from slavery of the Chosen People. The Jewish
ages see this meeting as a joining of the two
most important themes for a nation under God, truth and peace.
Moses represents truth, the one to transmit the word of
(21:41):
God to the Chosen People, and Arin represents peace. In
Jewish tradition, he is known as the ultimate peacemaker during
the Chosen People's forty years in the desert. Both qualities
are necessary for a godly nation, the truth of God's
word and peace among human beings, and the launch of
this tale of redemption had to take place at the
(22:04):
very spot where God would soon reveal himself and give
his Torah, the very Bible that we are now studying
together each day? My friends, how badly do we need
both of these qualities in our world today? The truth
of God's word and his shalome his peace, And in
both the Jewish and Christian traditions, these two ideas are
(22:27):
what we seek every day, every hour, every minute, truth
and peace. In this story, we witness a pivotal moment
where Moses and Aaron reunite, embracing their divine mission. They
are called to bridge the gap between God and the
chosen people, much like we are called in our own
lives to do as it is written in Exodus nineteen six. Quote,
(22:51):
you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and
a holy nation end quote. This calling is not just
about religious risk vituals. It's about shining God's light and
a world shrouded in darkness. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heshel once said,
when I was young, I admired clever people. Now that
I'm old, I admire kind people like Moses. Our role
(23:15):
as intermediaries is not defined by our intelligence or eloquence,
but by our capacity to reflect God. Moses and Aaron
faced rejection and skepticism from their very own people. And
this echoes the experience of many who have come before us,
people with noble intentions, who are often misunderstood and even
(23:38):
opposed by those that they sought to save. In this
we find a very profound truth that following the path
of righteousness often means walking a road marked by resistance.
How many of the people that we look at as
holy and historically changing the world for better were rejected
(24:00):
in their life, but they walked through it. They were
committed to fulfilling their mission in this world. And it's
through a struggle sometimes that we also truly connect with
our purpose. Jewish tradition teaches us that true service to
God is not without challenges. It's actually through these trials
(24:23):
that our faith is tested and strengthened. Now, how does
this ancient story speak to us today. First, it reminds
us that we too are called to be bridge builders
in our communities. My Abba, my father, Rabbi Riel Ekstein
of Blessed Memory, was a bridge builder through the International
(24:46):
Fellowship of Christians and Jews. His calling was to build
bridges of understanding and true friendship between Christians and Jews.
It's the work that I am so honored and privileged
to continue today at the Fellowship. And what I see
is that we can all be bridge builders in our
own ways, whether in our workplaces, schools, or neighborhoods. We
(25:07):
can shine our lights reflecting God's goodness and mercy. Just
as Moses faced opposition, but he still continued, we too
may encounter pushback. Blanke Moses and Aaron, we have to continue.
Our faithfulness can inspire others. It can contribute to the
larger narrative of redemption and justice. We just have to
(25:30):
keep ongoing. So when faced with rejection or misunderstanding, remember
Moses and Aaron. They continued their mission not because it
was easy, but because it was right. Our perseverance in
the face of adversity can be a powerful testimony to
those around us. And finally, let's embrace the small acts
(25:51):
of kindness and compassion in our daily lives. It is
through these acts that we truly bring God's presence to
a world in deep need of it. May we find
courage in the story of Moses and Aaron. May we
stand firm in our calling, knowing that God is with
us every step of the way.
Speaker 1 (26:13):
You can listen to The Chosen People with Isle Eckstein
ad free by downloading and subscribing to the Prey dot
Com app today. This Prey dog comproduction is only made
possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina,
Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive
producers of The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein. Edited by
(26:36):
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by
Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold,
Sylvia Zaradoc and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore.
Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Bree Rosalie and
Aaron Salvato. Special thanks to Bishop Paulinier, Robin van Ettin,
(26:59):
K Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship
of Christians and Jews. 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 with Yile Eckstein, please rate and
leave a review,
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