Loading summary
Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying big wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a try@mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment
Mint Mobile Announcer
of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available. Taxes and fees extra.
Narrator
See full terms@mintmobile.com previously on the Chosen People.
Philistine King
The Philistine Kings have gathered at Aphek. They march against Saul and Jonathan.
Narrator/Commentator
Does Achish demand more from us?
Philistine King
We'd be lucky if we made it out of Ziklag. So David has a choice to make. Does he shed Jonathan and Saul's blood on the battlefield or doom us and our families to burn in our own fields?
Narrator
David gathered his men, all 600 of them, and led them from Ziklag. The Kings were already gathered, warriors in their own right, Hard men with darker eyes. Lords of Ekron, Gaza, Ashdod and Ashkelon.
Philistine Soldier
I say he goes back. Send him back to whatever dirt hole you gave him.
Philistine King
Go back to Ziklag. When we've defeated these Israelite dogs, some will likely run to our borders. I'll have you snatch them up.
Philistine Soldier
That smoke. It's coming from our village, our homes.
Narrator
And they saw it. Ziklag was burned to a crisp. Charred timber lay scattered like bones.
Philistine Soldier
The Amalekites. You made us march away from our families. The Amalekites never would have attacked if we had been here.
Wayfair Announcer
The grill is shot. The chairs are held together by optimism. And what happened to the rug? Sounds like your outdoor setup is not ready for patio season. Fix it all with Wayfair. Shop Wayfair for grills, rugs, furniture and more. With 20 million 5 star reviews, room of choice delivery and expert setup on qualifying orders, it's never been easier to do more for less. Get 10% off your first eligible purchase. Hurry to Wayfair.com or download the app now.
Alliance Defending Freedom Spokesperson
Wayfair.
Mint Mobile Announcer
Every style, every home.
Alliance Defending Freedom Spokesperson
Colorado is at it again, trying to silence free speech. A law in Colorado forces businesses to use customers preferred pronouns even if they're biologically inaccurate. And even if using those incorrect pronouns would violate a person's religious beliefs or conscience. That's a violation of free speech. But as Colorado has proved time and again, it has little concern for the First Amendment. At Alliance Defending Freedom, we're challenging the law on behalf of a Christian bookstore and a Colorado based sports apparel company, but a court recently ruled against them with ADF's help. They appealed the ruling and they'll continue fighting to ensure Colorado doesn't get away with this next attempt to skirt the First Amendment. Your gift helps protect free speech in cases like this all over the country. And for a limited time, your first gift to ADF is doubled by a special matching grant while funds last text pray to 83 or go to joinadf.com pray to have your gift doubled.
Philistine Soldier
Who helps America go farther, fly higher, dream even bigger? People do. Since 1879, our people have been more than a source of energy, they've been a source of progress. Today, that same progress is helping deliver record US Energy production, fueling the workers, the makers, the boundary pushers and risk takers who spark the breakthroughs that move America forward. Learn more about what our people do@chevron.com USA250.
Ryan Reynolds
It. It.
Narrator/Commentator
Through every trial, wars, divisions and cultural change, men and women of faith in America have turned to God for wisdom and strength. As we look forward to the next 250 years, we as a nation must be committed to prayer because living up to these ideals as a country begins on our knees. Commit with us at Alliance Defending Freedom. To pray For America, visit joinadf.com pray250 or text Parade 250 to 83848 to sign up.
Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to do@mintmobile.com
Mint Mobile Announcer
Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full terms@mintmobile.com.
Alliance Defending Freedom Spokesperson
It. It's sa. Sa.
Philistine King
Sa.
Alliance Defending Freedom Spokesperson
It.
Philistine King
It.
Narrator/Commentator
It.
Narrator
This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Steven Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith Written by Aaron Salvato Bree, Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review.
This episode of The Chosen People (Pray.com) plunges listeners into the climactic moments preceding the great battle between the Philistines and Israel. Centering around David’s dilemma between loyalty, survival, and faith, the narrative explores the haunting consequences of war and the struggles of the faithful during tumultuous times. The episode uses dramatic storytelling and biblical interpretation to reflect on the complexities of God’s commandments and their resonance for modern listeners, highlighting themes of loyalty, consequence, and hope amidst struggle.
Philistine King (01:02):
“David has a choice to make. Does he shed Jonathan and Saul’s blood on the battlefield or doom us and our families to burn in our own fields?”
Philistine King (01:40): “Go back to Ziklag. When we've defeated these Israelite dogs, some will likely run to our borders. I'll have you snatch them up.”
Philistine Soldier (02:00):
“And they saw it. Ziklag was burned to a crisp. Charred timber lay scattered like bones.”
Philistine Soldier (02:10):
“You made us march away from our families. The Amalekites never would have attacked if we had been here.”
Narrator/Commentator (11:46):
“Through every trial, wars, divisions and cultural change, men and women of faith in America have turned to God for wisdom and strength. As we look forward to the next 250 years, we as a nation must be committed to prayer because living up to these ideals as a country begins on our knees.”
00:52–02:23 – David’s Dilemma and the Attack on Ziklag
The unfolding crisis as David is sent home and discovers devastation.
11:46 – Contemporary Reflection on Faith in Hard Times
Narrator reflects on faith amid cultural change, calling for prayer and perseverance.
This episode invites listeners to meditate on the consequences of divided allegiance and the importance of grounding one’s decisions in faith. The devastation of Ziklag becomes both a literal and symbolic crossroads for David and for anyone wrestling with the cost of compromise and the hope found in returning to God. Through evocative storytelling, the narrative draws a powerful parallel between biblical endurance and today’s quest for meaning and moral clarity.
For more episodes and resources: The Chosen People Official Site