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Narrator/Host
This is an iHeart podcast.
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Narrator/Storyteller
The Chosen People why do you cry to me?
Pharaoh/Antagonist Voice
Tell the children of Israel to advance. Stretch forth your hand over the sea and behold my wonders. I will triumph over Pharaoh and his armies. My glory will be revealed and my name will be exalted among the nations. They will know that I am the Lord.
Narrator/Storyteller
The people fell back and beheld the Red Sea, yielding to the will of God. The voice of the Creator tamed the dark and chaotic abyss. Moses turned, his voice thundering over the stunned crow.
Pharaoh/Antagonist Voice
Run. Step into your freedom. You will feel the tip of my spear, Moses. You and your unnamed God will bow at my feet under my sea.
Moses
He has a name and now all of Egypt will remember.
Narrator/Storyteller
Moses lowered his staff and the waters fell like mountain. Pharaoh was crushed under the weight of the sea. The chariots splintered, the swords disappeared and the rushing waters drowned out their screams. The oppressors of God's chosen people were buried in darkness.
Pharaoh/Antagonist Voice
When Pharaoh refused to bend, our God broke him.
Narrator/Storyteller
The Lord killed every firstborn son in the land of Egypt for you. It is for this reason we redeem our sons. It is for this reason we will sacrifice to the Lord. We are a free people.
Pharaoh/Antagonist Voice
We are a redeemed people. We are the chosen people.
Sponsor/Ad Voice
Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously on Public. You can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member finra SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete Disclosures available@public.com disclosures hey, it's Ryan.
Ryan Seacrest/Ad Voice
Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Are you feeling those winter blues? Well, do not worry, they've got you covered with ways to boost your mood. Add a little sweetness to your day with big savings on all your favorite sweets. Shop in store or online and save on items like Gummy Savers, five Flavors, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Sour Patch watermelon, M&M's party size stand Up Bags and Ferrero Rocher Mixed Variety squares. Offer ends February 24th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.
Narrator/Host
You've never been one to settle, stand down or stand still. You're a lifelong learner, energized by excellence. There's a fire inside you you can't ignore. You've got competition to outrun, momentum to build on and your own high standards to meet. Stop now. Not a chance. At Capella University we help you catch what you're chasing because you've always had the drive. Now go earn the degree. Capella University. What can't you do? Visit capella.edu to learn more.
Narrator/Storyteller
The sun was relentless, an ever watching eye of disdain and agony. Hur felt the back of his neck charring more and more with each passing hour. He looked back at the children of Israel squinting against the harsh rays attempting to blind him. The people had left the Red Sea with light feet and hearts, but their countenance was wilting. After three days in the wilderness of Shur without any fresh water to quench their weary throats. A collective murmur could be heard throughout the crowd.
Pharaoh/Antagonist Voice
I'd sell a finger for for one drop of dew on my tongue.
Narrator/Storyteller
They've let us and our children straight into the desert with no plan. What about our children?
Pharaoh/Antagonist Voice
This was a half baked plan. Moses and Aaron are fools. At least we we had wells in Egypt.
Narrator/Storyteller
Hu was among them, listening with agitated ears. He didn't share their growing disdain, but he did share their thirst. Hur approached his mother with a report.
Sponsor/Ad Voice
I'm afraid that these people will turn feral if we don't find water soon.
Narrator/Host
I share your concern, but I don't want to seem ungrateful to the Lord or Moses.
Narrator/Storyteller
I don't think we can skirt around it, Mother.
Sponsor/Ad Voice
It's better for us to bring the.
Narrator/Storyteller
Complaints to him rather than for him to discover them through a revolt. Miriam and Hur approached Moses, who walked a few paces ahead with Aaron.
Sponsor/Ad Voice
Lord Moses, the people are growing weary.
Moses
From a lack of water.
Narrator/Storyteller
We have to find something soon. Moses nodded to affirm the concern. He pointed to the hills about half a day's journey east.
Moses
When I was a shepherd, I often looked for these types of slopes. When hills collect in this pattern, they tend to host reservoirs. Tell the people we aren't too far.
Narrator/Storyteller
Yes, Lord Moses. Hur jogged back to the rest of the people. Miriam remained beside her brothers. Moses turned back to Hur and smirked.
Moses
You have yourself a fine boy there, Miriam. You should be proud.
Narrator/Host
I am proud. He's a strong young man with a good heart. He didn't inherit his mother's rough edges.
Moses
His grandchildren's generation will grow up without the memory of slavery.
Narrator/Host
It's a remarkable thought.
Narrator/Storyteller
Let's just make sure we make it to the next generation. We're only guessing there'll be water over those hills.
Moses
Faith, brother.
Narrator/Storyteller
Faith.
Moses
Just because you can't see something now doesn't mean it doesn't wait on the horizon.
Sponsor/Ad Voice
Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI, it all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year. You can literally type any prompt and and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete Disclosures available@public.com disclosures hey, it's Ryan.
Ryan Seacrest/Ad Voice
Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Are you feeling those winter blues? Well, do not worry, they've got you covered with ways to boost your mood. Add a little sweetness to your day with big savings on all your favorite sweets. Shop in store or online and save on items like Gummy Savers Five Flavors, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Sour Patch watermelon, M&M's party size stand Up Bags and Ferrero Rocher Mixed Variety squares. Offer ends February 24th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.
Narrator/Host
You've never been one to settle, stand down or stand still. You're a lifelong learner, energized by excellence. There's a fire inside you you can't ignore. You've got competition to outrun, momentum to build on, and your own high standards to meet. Stop now. Not a chance. At Capella University, we help you catch what you're chasing because you've always had the drive. Now go earn the degree. Capella University. What can't you do? Visit Capella Edu to learn more.
Narrator/Storyteller
The desert hills coiled around a deep ravine like a serpent. The sun charged every plant on the periphery except a small ring of green sloping down into a shaded pool. The children of Israel stood atop the hills, looking down at the water. It was a deep indigo with a thin film of oil atop it. Aaron winced at the sight of it. It doesn't look very refreshing, does it?
Moses
No, it doesn't. I wonder if it's good to drink.
Narrator/Storyteller
I'll inspect it, Lord Moses. Hur descended the slope and approached the water skeptically, taking his hand and bringing it to his face. He sniffed it, recoiled from the stench, and then sipped some in his mouth. Immediately he spat it out, shaking his head in disgust. Hur quivered and looked up.
Moses
It's bitter, Lord Moses.
Sponsor/Ad Voice
There's no way we can drink it.
Narrator/Storyteller
Blast it.
Sponsor/Ad Voice
What are we going to do?
Narrator/Storyteller
These people don't have enough strength to travel any Longer. The people all began to stir. A collective groan traveled like a wake from the front of the throng all the way to the back. Their murmurs rose to the heavens, a sigh of distrust and irritability. Moses feared the worst might come from their thirst.
Sponsor/Ad Voice
Hey.
Pharaoh/Antagonist Voice
What are we supposed to do now, Moses?
Narrator/Storyteller
You're the one who brought us out here. It's your responsibility. What are we going to drink?
Pharaoh/Antagonist Voice
We're gonna die out here.
Narrator/Storyteller
Moses eyes widened. Their incessant groaning pricked at his mind. He felt anger traveling up his spine and to his extremities. He clenched his staff tightly, feeling as if he might snap it in two.
Moses
God just ported an entire sea for you people. As we speak, a cloud of smoke is before us to guide us to paradise. Yet here you are, whining like children.
Narrator/Storyteller
Moses rolled his neck back and composed himself. He looked at Aaron on his right and Miriam on his left.
Moses
Speak to them and tell them it will be all right. I'm going to speak with the Lord.
Narrator/Host
As you wish. But what do we tell them?
Sponsor/Ad Voice
Where will we find water?
Narrator/Storyteller
Moses ignored her and stormed off. His feet churned up dust as he stomped. He stood at the banks of the large, bitter pool, gazing at it for answers. It smelled sulfuric with a tinge of rotted algae. He whacked a stone with his staff and watched it travel upward and plop into the water. Moses. Moses stared at the water some more, then at the staff in his hand. The Lord had performed mighty wonders through this staff. Through it, seas had parted and rivers had turned to blood. Perhaps with it, Moses could remove the bitterness from the water. He inched close to it and gently placed the tip of his staff into the pool. He watched the oil separate slightly. Moses removed his staff and crouched down to the water. Then, with a steady hand, he lapped up some of it. His eyes widened. Then he spat it out with utter disgust. Moses wiped his tongue on his tunic and spat whatever he could out. The water was still bitter. The same tactics hadn't worked. With frustrated breaths, he spoke to the Lord.
Moses
What are we to do, Lord? We can't travel any further without water. You wouldn't have brought us out here without plans to provide for us. What is your will? What do I do?
Narrator/Storyteller
Moses listened for the comforting, commanding and terrifying voice that had often occupied his. For a moment, he wondered if the Lord would be silent now that he had freed his people. Had he resigned to doing enough? Were they on their own now? Was Moses doomed to lead without the guidance of the Almighty? Who was he without the voice These wrestlings of doubt and fear often visited his mind. In his waiting, a shift in the air occurred. It was subtle, brief and nearly unnoticeable. Yet it rustled the branches of a small tree nearby enough to catch Moses ear. It was a gingo tree with leaves of bright green and coarse roots. Moses remembered these trees from his wandering in Median. They were used by the healers for purification ceremonies and treating infections. Immediately. Suddenly, Moses rose to inspect it. He ran his hand over the jagged bark, sliding it upward towards a low hanging branch. He held it, pulled it and broke a piece off. The SAP dripped from where the branch had been broken. He looked around, seeing a log from a tree that had just fallen. The log was sweating SAP from the harsh sun. It dripped with the amber substance to the floor and caramelized against the stones. A smile curled up Moses weathered and wrinkled face. He laughed and shook his head, turning his chin upward. The Lord didn't want to use Moses staff. He wanted to remind Moses that this desert was not a death sentence. Within it were hidden treasures placed by him to provide for for his people. The Lord had saved his children from death. He certainly wouldn't lead them to their death. Moses turned and waved to Aaron, Miriam, and Hur.
Moses
Aaron, Hur, over here. Help me with this.
Narrator/Storyteller
Hur was the first to descend, lifting the log with Moses and bringing it closer to the shore.
Moses
Toss it in on three. 1, 2, 3.
Narrator/Storyteller
The log floated atop the dark water. Hur's eyes widened in surprise as the oils dissolved and the inky water cleared.
Moses
Aaron, try the water.
Sponsor/Ad Voice
What?
Narrator/Storyteller
Why me?
Moses
Because her and I have tried it already. It's your turn.
Sponsor/Ad Voice
No matter what happens, I'm naming this place Mara. The bitterness has played with my emotions.
Narrator/Storyteller
Aaron approached the water, cupped it in his palm and groaned. He looked back at Moses and then at the water. He sipped, smiled, and took another sip. He cupped another, palm full and threw some back at Moses.
Sponsor/Ad Voice
It's sweet as honey.
Narrator/Storyteller
Hur and Miriam hurried over to take a sip. They smiled and hugged, then bent down to drink some more. That's when the voice spoke again to Moses. The voice of a provider, protector and sustainer.
Pharaoh/Antagonist Voice
If you will diligently listen to my voice and do that which is right in my eyes and give ear to my commandments and keep all my statues, I will put none of the disease on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.
Narrator/Storyteller
Tears flowed down the cracks in Moses face. He nodded and sprinted up the hill to the people with a raspy and labored voice. He shouted to them.
Moses
The Lord is your healer, not your taskmaster. Long gone are the days of being under a tyrant. If we listen to his voice and hear his commands and keep his laws, will not suffer the same fate as the Egyptians.
Narrator/Storyteller
You're right.
Pharaoh/Antagonist Voice
The Egyptians perished from too much water. We will perish from no water.
Moses
Not true. My brothers and sisters, descend the hill. Taste. See for yourselves. Behold the power of our God.
Narrator/Storyteller
Moses gestured back to the water. The crowd peeked down, seeing the others dancing by the banks of the pool. They rushed with great force downward, gleefully sharing from the spring. The pool of Marah had been purified by the SAP in the log, but what remained in the water was even more purifying. Within the water were all the minerals needed to cleanse their stomachs of the sickness that often spread in the slums of Egypt. Their bodies were also replenished from the salt in the water, and each person felt more powerful to press on. The Lord provided healing and purified them from the inside out. He had turned their bitterness into sweetness, their despair into delight. The Lord is God of restoration and healing. Moses face beamed with delight. He looked in the distance where the pillar of smoke still smoldered for guidance.
Moses
Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay, whether it be on Marah's banks or the Promised Land shores.
Narrator/Storyteller
After the children of Israel were replenished, they followed the Lord through the sharp ravines down into a valley tucked between two mountains. The place was named Elim, adorned with grassy patches for their livestock and palm trees for shade. Twelve springs were arrayed throughout, with 70 palm trees towering over them to provide shade. Each pool hosted a tribe of Israel. That night, the people danced by the fire and enjoyed cups of boiled water and tea leaves. The Lord was among them, pleased to provide this moment of peace to his chosen people. Aaron sat beside Moses. Both of them stared at the fire's reflection in the water. Aaron smiled and nudged his brother. Do you ever have doubt, Moses?
Moses
Of course I do.
Narrator/Storyteller
It doesn't seem like it. You seem to always be a steady pillar of trust.
Moses
I doubt, Aaron, but I rarely have time for those doubts to take shape. The Lord has done what he said he was going to do time and time again.
Narrator/Storyteller
He fulfills his promises, yes, but people have short memories. Most.
Moses
It will be part of your job as a leader to keep the Lord's goodness on the top of their minds.
Narrator/Storyteller
Aaron nodded, considering the weight of his mantle. He was one of the people, but close to Moses. He constantly oscillated between their feelings of doubt and Moses words of faith. Soon enough he'd have to figure out how to bridge the that gap in his own heart and for the people. This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Caltofianu. 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 Rosely 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.
Ryan Seacrest/Ad Voice
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Are you feeling those winter blues? Well, do not worry, they've got you covered with ways to boost your mood. Add a little sweetness to your day with big savings on all your favorite sweets. Shop in store or online and save on items like Gummy Savers five Flavors, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Sour Patch Watermelon, M M's Party Size Stand Up Bags and Ferrero Rocher Mixed Variety squares. Offer ends February 24th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details. Janice Torres here and I'm Austin Hankowitz.
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Pharaoh/Antagonist Voice
Look, the time is here. It's 2026 and everybody talks about having a new year and a new life. But what do most people do? They create a few resolutions, and in the end, they don't really do anything. If you want this to be the best year you've ever had in your life, it's going to take a new tool, a new strategy, a new momentum, and maybe a new community of people to hang out with. So come join me for the Time to Rise Summit. I do it only once a year. It's coming up January 29th through the 31st. There's absolutely no charge for it, but it'll be an experience I promise you, you will not forget. It'll give you a momentum, a plan, and a strategy to make 2026 the best ever. If you're up for that and you're hungry for more, come join me. There's no cost for it whatsoever. Just go to timetoriseummit.com timetoriseummit.com, i'll see you then. Hey.
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This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
Podcast Host: Pray.com
Episode Overview:
In this immersive episode, “Bittersweet Water,” The Chosen People podcast draws listeners into the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their miraculous escape from Egypt. Through vivid dramatic narration and authentic dialogue, the episode brings to life the people’s struggles with thirst, bitterness, and faith, culminating in the transformation of the waters of Marah from undrinkable to pure—a moment that becomes both a physical and spiritual turning point. The narrative not only reimagines this Old Testament story but also explores timeless themes of doubt, trusting God’s provision, and the power of leadership in times of adversity.
(01:14–03:27)
(05:40–06:49)
(07:14–08:43)
“When hills collect in this pattern, they tend to host reservoirs. Tell the people we aren’t too far.” (08:00)
(10:53–13:02)
“What are we supposed to do now, Moses?...We’re gonna die out here.” (12:15–12:25)
“God just parted an entire sea for you people...Yet here you are, whining like children.” (12:42)
(13:15–16:49)
“What are we to do, Lord? We can’t travel any further without water. You wouldn’t have brought us out here without plans to provide for us. What is your will? What do I do?” (14:36)
(16:49–17:48)
“It’s sweet as honey.” – Aaron (17:48)
“Just because you can’t see something now doesn’t mean it doesn’t wait on the horizon.” – Moses (08:35)
(18:05–18:54)
“If you will diligently listen to my voice and do that which is right in my eyes...I will put none of the disease on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.” (18:05)
“The Lord is your healer, not your taskmaster. Long gone are the days of being under a tyrant...Behold the power of our God.” (18:37, 19:02)
(20:29–21:42)
“Faith, brother. Just because you can’t see something now doesn’t mean it doesn’t wait on the horizon.” (08:32–08:35)
“I doubt, Aaron, but I rarely have time for those doubts to take shape. The Lord has done what he said he was going to do time and time again.” (21:29)
“I am the Lord, your healer.” (18:05)
“It’s sweet as honey.” – Aaron (17:48)
“Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay, whether it be on Marah's banks or the Promised Land shores.” – Moses (20:17)
The episode weaves dramatic dialogue with narration that is both contemplative and poetic. The character voices—Moses’ resolute yet vulnerable leadership, Aaron’s relatable questions, Miriam’s nurturing perspective—bring the ancient story alive with empathy and immediacy, making its lessons relevant for today’s journey of faith.
“Bittersweet Water” skillfully retells the Israelites’ first true test after leaving Egypt: When faced with bitter water at Marah, their faith almost fails, but God provides healing and restoration, both physically and spiritually. The episode closes with a gentle reminder that doubt is natural, but faith and remembrance are essential as we walk the paths laid before us. Through its storytelling, the episode suggests that even bitterness can be transformed—sometimes by miracles, sometimes through the quiet provision that waits just over the next hill.