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Jacob/Israel
Actually, that will no longer be Esau's decision. He sold me his birthright.
Narrator
Esau sold you his birthright?
Jacob/Israel
What do you mean?
Narrator
For what price?
Jacob/Israel
It's Esau who isn't serious. I, on the other hand, know exactly what I want and the value this birthright holds in the future. If he despises his birthright so much, isn't it better that it's in my hands? I'm the one who wants it. May people and nations bow down to you and serve you. You will be lord over your brothers, and your mother's son will bend a knee to you.
Narrator
Jacob opened his eyes to a vision. He found himself standing at the base of a monumental staircase that stretched upwards into the infinite expanse of the heavens.
Joseph
The land on which you lie I.
Narrator
Will give to you and your descendants.
Joseph
Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth and and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south. Through you and your descendants, all families of the earth will be blessed.
Jacob/Israel
So you have blessed me.
Narrator
There would be no more running tricks or lies. If Jacob wanted a blessing from God, he would have to face him. The man's pace quickened from a walk to a run. Jacob rolled his neck back, drew a deep breath and charged. The damp earth slid under each stride. Jacob knew what he had to do. He felt sure that he had to wrestle with God himself and prevail.
Jacob/Israel
Please bless me. I won't let you go until you bless me.
Narrator
What is your name? Jacob.
Jacob/Israel
Your name shall no longer be Jacob.
Narrator
It shall be called Israel. For you have struggled with God and.
Jacob/Israel
Have prevailed.
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Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules. Sunday mornings are sacred. I've got my game day routine, coffee jersey laid out and my lucky playlist. But the real game changer. New morning Uncrustables sandwiches.
Julian Edelman
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Rob Gronkowski
Up an apple. Tough and reliable like a do it all tight end.
Julian Edelman
And players love them. Did you know teams crush over 80,000 uncrustable sandwiches a year? They know it's good.
Rob Gronkowski
It's a snack that can go with you anywhere from the couch to the tailgate or even in the locker room. Soft bread. Yummy fillings. Protein packed. Once it's part of your ritual, you.
Julian Edelman
Don'T skip it easy enough for Gronk to grab straight from the freezer.
Rob Gronkowski
Your new Sunday kickoff ritual starts here with the new morning Uncrustable sandwiches packed with 12 grams of protein.
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Narrator
Joseph held up his father as they walked beside the stream. Israel leaned on his son's arm, steadily moving and talking. They spoke about Joseph's dreams, the ones that foretold the future and shaped the past. Joseph asked questions about Jacob's heritage and untold stories that remained untouched like buried treasure. Joseph relished every moment with his father, each stroll made up for lost time. 17 years had passed since Jacob arrived in Egypt. The famine finally released its grip on the land, but its effects still lingered in the minds and bodies of those who survived. Even more, the nation of Egypt wasn't the same. Pharaoh had total power and ownership over each Egyptian who the citizens had turned to serfs. But at least they were alive, thanks to Joseph.
Jacob/Israel
You've done well, my son. So, so well. I always knew you'd rise to greatness. I give myself some credit as your father, but we both know Judah gets the lion's share of that.
Joseph
Judah and I have repaired what was broken between us. All has been forgiven.
Jacob/Israel
Ah, yes. You inherited a pure heart from your grandfather. He was an innocent soul. He was more innocent than I.
Joseph
You're a pure soul as well, Father.
Jacob/Israel
No, no, no, dear boy. I am many things, but pure is far from one of them. No, no, no. I cheated and stole my weight Blessing. Ask my own brother. Esau. You may not remember this, but there was a time when I thought he was going to kill me. I even thought of using you and your brothers as human shields to ward off his attacks. But he didn't. He showed me mercy, just as you did to your brothers.
Joseph
Do you regret the choices you've made?
Jacob/Israel
When you live as long as I have, regret is inevitable. I regret some choices I've made, people I've hurt, and opportunities I let pass by. But look at where I am, strolling beside a quiet stream, talking to my son, the governor of Egypt. I have wrestled and ward with God and man. At the end of it all, I feel victorious.
Narrator
Israel rested on a large stone beside the brook. He dipped the tip of his staff in the water, watching it split and bend around. A sly grin curled on the side of his face. Then he flicked his staff up and splashed his son.
Jacob/Israel
King of Egypt or not, I'm still your father.
Joseph
Age hasn't tamed you at all, has it?
Jacob/Israel
No. No. But it has made me more content. My youth was marked by ambition. Now all I desire is to rest.
Joseph
When the time comes, I will have a monument built over your grave. It will be brilliant and beautiful.
Jacob/Israel
My son, come close to me. Put your hand under my thigh and make a promise to me.
Narrator
Joseph placed a hand on his father's thigh, eye signifying a promise both binding and intimate.
Jacob/Israel
If I have found any favor in your sight, you will deal kindly and honestly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt. I don't want monuments. I don't want a palace. My dead body's rotten. No, no. Let me lie with my fathers. Place me in the hills beside Abraham and Isaac.
Joseph
I will see it done, Joseph.
Jacob/Israel
Swear to me.
Narrator
Joseph looked at his father for a long while, Intensity creasing his brow and the sides of his eyes in his expression betrayed something sad. It had now dawned on Joseph that Jacob had settled his people. People outside the land promised to him and his forefathers. Although Egypt was an oasis, it wasn't the land God promised. It wasn't Canaan. Jacob must have felt like a failure. He clasped his father's thigh and nodded.
Joseph
I swear.
Narrator
Joseph led his father back home and rested him on the bed. Then Jacob back bow to Joseph. In that instant, Joseph was taken back to his dream where the sun and moon bowed to him. His brothers had bowed, but now the patriarch of God's chosen people was prostrate before him. Joseph's eyes moistened at the edges and his throat clenched. He kissed his father and laid him down. Jacob slept. He slept with long, deep and peaceful breaths.
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Narrator
No.
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Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules. Sunday mornings are sacred. I've got my game day routine coffee jersey laid out in my lucky playlist. But the real game changer New morning Uncrustables sandwiches.
Julian Edelman
I've always loved uncrustable sandwiches and now I'm all about the new flavors with 12 grams of protein. Bright Eyed Berry or Up an Apple Bright Eyed Berries got that flashy, finesse vibe like your favorite slot receiver.
Rob Gronkowski
Up an apple Tough and reliable like a do it all tight end.
Julian Edelman
And players love them. Did you know teams crush over 80,000 uncrustable sandwiches a year? They know it's good.
Rob Gronkowski
It's a snack that can go with you anywhere from the couch to the tailgate or or even in the locker room. Soft bread. Yummy fillings. Protein packed. Once it's part of your ritual, you.
Julian Edelman
Don'T skip it easy enough for Gronk to grab straight from the freezer.
Rob Gronkowski
Your new Sunday kickoff ritual starts here with the new morning Uncrustable sandwiches packed with 12 grams of protein.
LifeLock Advertiser
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Jacob/Israel
Enter Zafethnath Paniya. Your brother Benjamin is here to see you.
Joseph
Send him in.
Narrator
Benjamin inched his way into the door. Joseph smiled and stood from his desk. He held his little brother's shoulders.
Joseph
What can I help you with, Benji?
Jacob/Israel
I've come to tell you Father's time is approaching. He's grown very ill these past weeks.
Joseph
I'll come to him immediately.
Jacob/Israel
He's asked that your children Come as well. He's going to bestow a blessing.
Joseph
I see. They haven't really met their grandfather yet. It's. It's complicated. You see, them being half Egyptian, there are customs I must uphold. But I suppose. No, this is right. I will bring my sons to him at once.
Narrator
Joseph took Manasseh and Ephraim to Dothan. They walked the grassy hills, scaling upward to Israel's estate. Joseph was proud of what he could build for his father, although he knew Israel longed to dwell in a tent again. Content in Canaan. Joseph entered with his sons, holding their hands as they entered the dark room, warmed by torches. Israel lay in his bed with Benjamin at his side. He stared out his window with foggy, aged eyes.
Jacob/Israel
Father, your son Joseph is here to see you.
Narrator
Israel strained to sit up. Benjamin helped him, padded his pillow under his back and left. Joseph brought Manasseh and Ephraim close. Joseph took a place by Israel's bedside with his sons on his lap.
Jacob/Israel
God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan. There he blessed me and said, behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you. I will make your people great and give this land to your offspring. It will be their everlasting possession.
Joseph
I know the story well, Father. You've inherited the land promised to Isaac and Abraham.
Jacob/Israel
No, my son. We have inherited it. My sons are me and I am my sons. We are Israel now. Who are these I have before me?
Joseph
These are the sons God has given me. Manasseh and Ephraim?
Jacob/Israel
Yes. My eyes are dim. Come closer to me. Ephraim. Manasseh. Ah, sweet children. Joseph. These two sons born to you in the land of Egypt are mine. Just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. They will bear the promise of our people. Ephraim and Manasseh will be brothers to my sons and receive an inheritance.
Joseph
Will they be given what I was owed before? Well, before all this?
Jacob/Israel
Yes.
Narrator
Jacob held out a trembling hand to his son's face. His eyes had turned bluish grey, like mineral pools in deep canyons. Reflected in those pools, Joseph saw a lifetime of love, loss, triumph and terror. Jacob had lived a rich, full life of adventure. What a cruel thing death was to rob the world of such a spirit. Jacob stroked Joseph's cheek.
Jacob/Israel
You always favoured the looks of your mother, my love. Rachel. When I came from Padan to my sorrow, she had died in Canaan. Along the way. We were too far away, so I had to bury her in Ephrath. Some call it a more beautiful name. Bethlehem.
Joseph
I wish I could have said Goodbye to her. There was so much time lost.
Jacob/Israel
She loved you, dear Joseph. As do I now. Bring your sons close to me so that I may bless them.
Narrator
Joseph brought the boys near while they still sat on his lap. Israel wrapped them both in his arms and kissed them. A gentle, innocent tinge of jealousy pricked Joseph. For a brief moment, he longed to be that small again. So he too could be wrapped in his father's arms.
Jacob/Israel
I never thought I'd see your face again, Joseph. And behold, God has let me see your children's faces also.
Narrator
Joseph removed his boys from his knees and bowed. He pressed his face against the floor, moistening it with his tears.
Joseph
God promised you that you'd be great. And here you are with a small nation forming before your very eyes.
Jacob/Israel
And now my time has come. Bring your sons closer.
Narrator
Joseph brought Ephraim for Israel to bless him with his left hand. He brought in Manasseh so that Israel would bless him with his right hand. But Israel crossed his arms and placed his left hand on Manasseh and his right on Ephraim. Joseph's head cocked to the side in confusion. The eldest son was supposed to be blessed with the right hand. Jacob spoke with as much energy as he could muster in his old age.
Jacob/Israel
May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd for all the days of my life, and the angel who has redeemed me from evil, bless these boys. May my name carry on through them, as did the names of Abraham and Isaac. Let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
Joseph
Father, this isn't the way. Manasseh is my firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.
Jacob/Israel
I know, my son. I know. Manasseh shall become a great tribe nevertheless. His younger brother shall be greater than he. His offspring shall become a multitude of nations stretching further than the reaches of the plains.
Narrator
It was just like Jacob to give one last blessing to a younger brother. Some things never changed. Yet interwoven in Jacob's blessing was a thread of God's character. The younger rising up to rule over and save the older. A slight smile twitched on the sides of Joseph's face.
Jacob/Israel
I am about to die, Joseph. But I know God will go before you. You will dwell in Canaan once again. I have given you the mountain slope that I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow. It is mine to give, and to you, my sweet Joseph, it is given.
Joseph
In this life or the next. I shall go to that mountain. Father.
Jacob/Israel
It'S time. Go fetch your brothers. Gather yourselves together so I may tell you what is to happen in the days to come.
Narrator
The twelve sons of Israel gathered at their father's bedside, the son's radiant gaze turned downward, diving into the verdant plains of Goshen. Dusk glow painted the men's faces as they looked down at their dying father. Joseph looked at each of them in this light. He could see the cracks in their brows, the leathering of their cheeks, and the dark rings beneath their eyes. They were no longer young men, but patriarchs in their own rights, bearing the weight and wisdom of years. Israel turned his chin upward and raised his voice. It was quieter, but no longer quivering like a steady stream.
Jacob/Israel
Assemble and listen, O sons of Jacob. Listen to your father, Reuben. You are my firstborn, my might and the first fruits of my strength, preeminent in dignity and power. Yet you are unstable as water. You shall not have preeminence because you went up to your father's bed. Then you defiled it. Simeon and Levi, brothers and warriors. Weapons of violence are their swords. Let my soul come not into their council, O my glory. Be not joined to their company. They're angry men and have shed blood in rage. In their stubbornness they've hamstrung even oxen. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, and cursed be their wrath, for it is cruel. I will divide them in my name and scatter them in Israel.
Narrator
It wasn't a great start. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi dipped their heads in shame. Israel's harsh tones softened for a moment. Judah was next. Judah tensed, anticipating a similar blow from his father.
Jacob/Israel
Judah, your brothers shall praise you. Your hands shall be on the neck of your enemies. And all my sons shall bow down before you.
Narrator
Judah's tight shoulders relaxed momentarily and the creases on his brow gave way to glistening eyes. He and Israel locked eyes for a long, drawn out moment. Finally, at the end of his life, Jacob saw his son Judah for who he was meant to be.
Jacob/Israel
Great Judah is a lion cub from the prey. My son, you have gone up. Who would dare rouse you? The scepter shall not depart from the house of Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet until a tribute comes to him. To Judah is given the gift of obedience. All the people shall heed his words. Your plain shall be filled with verdant wine, so much so that donkeys will be bound to the vines.
Narrator
Judah bowed his head in reverence for his father. For the first time in his life, he felt a sense of greatness upon him. His lineage would hold the line of kings.
Jacob/Israel
Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea. He shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall be at Sidon. Issachar is a strong donkey, but lazy and passive. For this reason his shoulders would bear the weight of others, and forced labor will be his burden. Dan, you shall be a judge of the people. But from Dan shall come a serpent, a viper. By the path that bites the horse's heels. I will wait for the Lord's salvation. Gad. Oh, my Gad. Raiders shall come for Gad, but he shall have the final word. Yes, he will be stricken down, but rise again to fight back. Asha's food shall be rich and abundant. Blessing will flow from Asher. From his land will spring forth not only necessities but luxuries. Naphtali is a deer on the loose who bears beautiful fawns. Beautiful words will grace your land one day. Words of truth and healing.
Narrator
Israel placed his palms on the bed and rose himself up slightly. His body was weak, but his resolve was strong. Israel looked at Joseph. Behind the Egyptian headdress and markings was the young boy he splashed by the streams in Canaan. What a strong man he had become, trustworthy and righteous. Israel's smile created small canyons on his cheeks.
Jacob/Israel
Joseph is a fruitful branch. He is the seed that was planted by a stream to grow and run over the wall. Though archers bitterly attacked him, shot him and harassed him to the point of death, he remained unmoved. His bow was steady and his aim was true. His arms were made agile by the hands of the mighty one of Jacob. The shepherd stone of Israel was with you. By the God of your Father, who will help you, by God Almighty, who will bless you with blessings from heaven above. Blessings of the deep that crouches beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. My blessings have been greater than that of my fathers Abraham and Isaac. A scoundrel I am yet blessed. My blessings stretch across the everlasting hills. May those blessings be on the head of you, Joseph, and may they rest on you like a crown. For you have been set apart from your brothers to rule, to save, to redeem. Now, where is Benjamin? Ah, yes, Benji, my ravenous wolf. In the morning you devour your prey, and in the evening divine the spoil. Fierce you will be, but also generous.
Narrator
Thus the twelve tribes of Israel were established, given blessings and curses. Israel's words foretold of their extraordinary rise, and for some, their devastating fall.
Jacob/Israel
I have already commissioned Joseph to see to it that I am buried with my forefathers. I will be buried in the cave that belonged to Ephron the Hittite. It is east of Mer, in the field at Machpelah. It is where Abraham was buried with Sarah. Isaac was buried with Rebekah, and Jacob paused.
Narrator
His eyes glistened with something he had not expected. His throat clenched. His voice rocked like a ship at sea.
Jacob/Israel
I will be buried beside my wife, Leah.
Narrator
Israel nodded, sighed, and stretched his legs under the blankets. His sons stood above him, the amber glow of sunset warming their somber smiles. Tears rolled down a few of their faces while others held back anger. He chuckled. It was fitting that his final moments on earth would be spent stirring the pot. No matter how much time passed, he was still a troublemaker at heart. He had once been Jacob the Deceiver, a fitting title for a man who held lies and truth in close company together. Yet at the end of his days, there was no need for tricks, no use for lies. Now he was Israel, he who Wrestled. He looked at his sons. It was their title now. They would wrestle with God. They would struggle to follow, obey and yield. Yet in the end they would be victorious. They were keepers of the promise, God's chosen people. Israel's eyes dipped with the sun as its final light receded from the valley. So did Israel's soul. He breathed his last, his final words a whisper of promise. This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Shellevaga 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, Stephen 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.
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Host: Pray.com
Date: December 29, 2025
This episode of The Chosen People centers on the closing chapters of Jacob's life, also known as Israel, from the Old Testament. The narrative follows Jacob as he imparts his final blessings to his sons and his grandsons, Manasseh and Ephraim—a moment symbolic for shaping the future of the tribes of Israel. Through vivid storytelling and dialog, the episode explores themes of legacy, repentance, forgiveness, and the unfolding of God's promises.
Setting: Joseph walks with his aging father, Jacob (Israel), reflecting on their past and the journey that brought the family to Egypt.
Themes: Personal growth, honesty, the pain and necessity of facing one’s past.
Joseph introduces his sons to Jacob for a blessing. Jacob references God’s promises to Abraham and Isaac, and claims Joseph's sons as his own, giving them the rights and inheritance of tribal founders (18:22–19:10).
Jacob recalls Rachel’s (Joseph’s mother) death and burial in Bethlehem, expressing tender regret for lost time and love (20:21–20:52).
The Crossed Hands:
Jacob commands that he be buried with his ancestors—Abraham and Isaac—and specifically mentions being laid to rest beside Leah (32:24).
Quote (31:50):
Jacob/Israel: “I have already commissioned Joseph to see to it that I am buried with my forefathers... I will be buried beside my wife, Leah.”
As Jacob dies, the narrator reflects on the transformation from Jacob the Deceiver to Israel the Wrestler—a legacy now passed to his sons and the tribes they will establish (32:29–end).
The episode is contemplative, dramatic, and intimate, with biblical dialogue interspersed with reflective narration. Characters express vulnerability, humility, and hope. The storytelling is both poetic and accessible, striving to bridge ancient meaning with ongoing relevance for modern listeners.
"Jacob’s Blessings" offers a dramatic, emotionally rich retelling of the end of Jacob’s life and the formation of the tribes of Israel. Through confession, forgiveness, and prophetic declaration, Jacob’s final acts bridge the promises of the patriarchs with the future of God's chosen people. The episode underscores the continuing importance of legacy, the struggle inherent in faith, and God’s habit of lifting the unlikely into greatness.