The Chosen People – “A New Name”

Podcast by Pray.com
Episode Date: October 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Chosen People podcast explores the transformative story of Abram receiving a new name—Abraham—marking a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. The episode immerses listeners in the emotional and spiritual journey of Abraham as he is called by God ("El Shaddai," God Almighty) to embrace a deeper covenant, which includes not only a new identity but also the introduction of circumcision as a sign of the eternal promise. Reflecting on faith, legacy, and the complexities of family, the episode highlights what it means to be chosen and set apart in obedience to divine command.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap of the Promise and Family Struggles

• Flashback: The episode opens by recalling God's initial, seemingly impossible promise to Abram—that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars (00:37–01:01).
• Struggles with Faith: Abram and Sarai struggle with the delay in the fulfillment of God's promise, leading Sarai to offer her maid Hagar to Abram, resulting in the birth of Ishmael (01:13–01:59).
  • Quote:
    • “Can you count the stars, Abram?... It is to be the same with your offspring. The great nation I shall make through your heir would be as innumerable as the stars.” – God / Divine Messenger (00:37–01:01)
    • “The name means God hears.” – Abraham on ‘Ishmael’ (02:14)

2. Portrait of Abraham’s Life and His Love for Ishmael

• Ishmael's Upbringing: Thirteen years later, Abraham dotes on his son Ishmael, training him as future leader (04:57–06:07).
  • Quote:
    • “He’ll make a fine clan leader one day.” – Abraham (05:31)
• Family Tensions Persist: Abraham tries to balance care between Hagar and Sarai, hinting at lingering household unrest due to his past choices (06:42–07:50).

3. Divine Encounter: The Call and Name Change

• Revelatory Walk: Abraham seeks solitude in the fields for communion and receives a new divine revelation (07:51–09:22).
• The Divine Name: God reveals a new dimension of Himself, “El Shaddai,” meaning God Almighty, stressing divine sufficiency and power (08:31–09:22).
• Covenant Renewal: God reaffirms and expands His promise, initiating an “exchange of names” ceremony—renaming Abram to “Abraham” ("Father of nations") (09:37–10:45).
  • Quote:
    • “Your name will now be Abraham.” – God / Divine Messenger (10:30)
    • “I will make you extremely fruitful and will make nations and even kings come from you.” – God / Divine Messenger (11:05)

4. Institution of the Covenant Mark: Circumcision

• Physical Sign: God commands circumcision as the permanent sign of this covenant for all generations (11:39–13:14).
  • Quote:
    • “Every male among you is to be circumcised at 8 days old… Through that ceremony, my covenant will be marked into their flesh as a reminder of this permanent covenant.” – God / Divine Messenger (12:44)

5. A Promise Fulfilled in God’s Way

• Sarah's New Name and Promise: Sarai is renamed “Sarah” and promised a son, despite her and Abraham's old age. This son, Isaac, is declared the chosen child of promise (13:15–15:54).
  • Quote:
    • “Why can my legacy not be fulfilled through Ishmael?... Wouldn't this be sufficient?” – Abraham (14:32)
    • “No, Abraham. Your wife Sarah will surely bear you a son. Because you laughed at the prospect. You shall name the boy Isaac... It is through him that I will confirm my covenant with you...” – God / Divine Messenger (15:01)

6. Implementation and Communal Response

• Obedience and Identity: Abraham immediately prepares to fulfill God’s command, gathering his people and sharing the significance of this new identity and practice (19:59–21:45).
  • Notable Quotes:
    • “I have heard from our God, El Elyon, God Most High. He gave me a new name to call Him El Shaddai, God Almighty. The last time he spoke with me, he cut a covenant with me on all of our behalf. His promises to us will be upheld, and what's more, they will be everlasting.” – Abraham (21:06)
    • “This completion of the covenant is the start of a new way of living. Now there's a role for you all to play as well...” – Abraham (21:45)
    • “Now who will step up and show me they are loyal? Who will show me they are willing to be set apart from all other peoples? Who will be marked by their faithfulness?” – Abraham (23:32)
• The men respond with overwhelming support, ready to be marked as God's chosen (23:28–23:46).

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Divine Affirmation:
  "I have told you what my name means, and through it you will know that I will supply everything you need....You need not long outside my provision to make my promise come to pass." – God / Divine Messenger (09:37–10:16)
• Abraham’s Laughter:
  Stunned by the promise of a son at nearly 100 years old:
  "How can this be? How can a 90-year-old woman bear a child?...I don't understand, God Almighty." – Abraham (14:32)
• Covenant Mark Commitment:
  "Our covenant mark will symbolize the everlasting promise of our God. Any man in my household from this day forward who does not bear this mark will be cast out." – Abraham (23:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:37–01:59 | God’s promise to Abram; birth of Ishmael | | 04:57–06:42 | Ishmael’s upbringing and Abraham’s affection | | 08:31–10:45 | Divine encounter; name change to Abraham | | 11:39–13:14 | The covenant and command of circumcision | | 13:15–16:28 | Promise of Isaac, Sarah’s new name, distinction from Ishmael | | 19:59–23:46 | Abraham gathers the community, enacts God’s commands |

Conclusion

In “A New Name,” The Chosen People draws listeners into the emotional and spiritual gravity of becoming chosen, set apart, and marked by faith. Through powerful dramatization and scriptural reflection, this episode highlights the tension between human efforts and divine timing, and the transformative power of God’s promises—a narrative still resonant for listeners seeking faith and purpose today.