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- [00:00]
A
This is an Iheart podcast.
- [00:02]
B
Guaranteed human. Previously on the Chosen People.
- [00:08]
A
I am Jethro, High Priest of Midian, and the father of the lovely young ladies you saved. I am in your debt, my friend. As a Midianite, I always pay my debts tenfold.
- [00:23]
C
I am Moses.
- [00:24]
A
You are welcome to remain here with us, Moses. Perhaps we can show you who you are.
- [00:32]
B
The firelight danced in her eyes, and for a moment, Moses felt his heart skip a beat. She was more than just her looks. There was a sharpness in her gaze.
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C
I'm Moses.
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D
I'm Zipporah, the daughter of the high priest Midian.
- [00:50]
B
As Jethro had foreseen. Moses married Zipporah. They were wed under the stars, beside the flames, just as they had danced that first night. There was a simplicity to it. A purity that felt truer than all the grand ceremonies of Thebes. The Lord required everything from Moses. He was about to ask the entire nation of Israel to uproot themselves, give up their lives, and follow him into the unknown. If he was going to require this sacrifice from the people, Moses had to follow suit.
- [01:29]
C
He requires everything. I must give up everything. Return with our sons to Midian. I must continue this journey alone.
- [01:40]
D
After all this, you're sending us away?
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B
The crowd pressed in closer to him. Aaron, Miriam and Hur rushed to his side, ready for whatever madness would come next.
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C
Why do you quarrel with me as if I'm the one withholding from you?
- [01:57]
A
Because this is your father.
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B
Bolt.
- [01:59]
C
We're gonna die out here because of you. You're not in your right minds. Why test the Lord even further? Has he not provided everything you've needed?
- [02:16]
B
The sun's harsh rays were quelled under the scattered shade of Jethro's tent. The nomadic people of Medium were settled in the valley not far from Sinai. Jethro, the high priest of Median and father in law of Moses, reclined with a weary traveler. Jethro considered meeting travelers one of life's simplest joys. They came with stories of far off lands. Kings, warlords and gods.
- [02:46]
A
So tell me, my son, now that we've shared water and bread, do you have any tales from the west?
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C
I have heard many strange stories in my travels. Stories that seem impossible to those I've told.
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A
Oh, is that so? Is it a story from the nomads or from the great cities?
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C
There have been tales of great battles in the desert and a mighty exodus of an entire enslaved nation out of Egypt.
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A
The Israelites.
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C
Aye, you know them. They've escaped from the grip of Pharaoh.
- [03:28]
A
You don't say, did they flee or revolt? Or were they freed simply by the goodwill of Pharaoh? That last one would be a tale from the ages, now wouldn't it?
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C
It's hard to say. The stories do not agree. One thing is for sure.
- [03:48]
A
Pharaoh didn't want them gone.
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C
He pursued the Israelites with 600 chariots, but they successfully evaded him.
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A
They escaped Pharaoh's army in chariots?
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C
That's what these stories say.
- [04:08]
A
You mean to tell me a largely unarmed mass of slaves outwitted the Egyptians?
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C
Some say it was a clash between the God of Israel and and the gods of Egypt.
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A
What do you mean?
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C
The Egyptians were afflicted with terrible plagues. Denial turned to blood. All manner of pests came boils and sickness hail from the sky and famine in the land and even death. But the Israelite slaves were spared. That's why people say it must have been their God.
- [04:50]
B
Jethro pondered what he was hearing. The timing of Moses departure and this mass exodus seemed too coincidental. A curiosity overcame him.
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A
And who led these Israelites? Surely there was someone at the helm to shepherd them.
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B
One of their own.
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C
They say he is a mighty prophet and speaks to the God of Israel himself.
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A
And his name?
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B
The man's name is Moses. A sly smile curled on the edges of Jethro's face. He stroked his beard and chuckled. Moses, his son in law, is a liberator of an entire enslaved nation. It would appear he was embraced at last by his native people. He let the man continue to weave his tale. That night, Jethro invited the others to hear him talk about Moses, the God slayer and liberator of Israel. Sitting by the fire, listening to the man waxing tales of Moses was Zipporah, Gershom, and Eleazar. Jethro glanced at his daughter and grandson several seats away. He would need to question Zipporah later. She had been sent back with her sons before her husband entered Egypt and rarely spoke of what occurred on that mysterious brief sojourn. The last time Jethro saw Moses, he had asked permission to go see his relatives. Moses had long struggled with his identity. It was rarely something he spoke aloud. But Jethro was an astute man. He knew his son in law had grown up apart from his native people in the house of his enemy. But they were an enemy who raised him and, what was more, raised him as one of them, he knew. The disparity of his privileged upbringing contrasted with the plight of his people was a silent torment he felt. But it sounded as though Moses found his identity at Last to be Israel's leader and savior. It was truly remarkable. As a priest of Median, Jethro wondered at the God who had rallied around Moses and the Israelites. What had the Israelites done to gain such favor? Their God must have truly been mighty to vanquish the gods of Egypt. Jethro smiled to himself. Perhaps his son in law had followed in his footsteps and become a priest himself. The God of his people had certainly accepted him as such. After the group meal concluded and everyone began to disperse for their tents, Jethro caught his daughter and held her back for a long overdue conversation.
- [07:44]
A
My daughter, I am curious to hear what you make of this news out of Egypt.
- [07:50]
D
I am as surprised as you, Father. Although maybe I shouldn't be. Moses gave me hints about what his God had called him to do. He sent us back long before he crossed into their lands.
- [08:01]
A
I did not press you when you came back from Gershom and Eleazar. I could tell the journey was very hard on you and you did not wish to disclose what happened. Will you tell me what happened? What was Moses true purpose in going to the land of his upbringing?
- [08:19]
D
His true purpose? I'm not sure I could tell you that. But I know my husband had a profound encounter with his God. It changed him. I've never seen anything like it. I have seen you and the other priests of our people intercede and preside all my life. But this. This was nothing like that. This God didn't speak through omens or constellations. It was as if he was speaking directly to Moses. As one would with a friend.
- [08:55]
A
Your husband seems to have become a great prophet and leader overnight. But tell me, dear Zipporah, what happened out there in the desert? Why did he send you back to me?
- [09:06]
D
His God became angry with me. He was upset that our son was not circumcised like the firstborn. I can't explain how I knew what his God wanted either, but. But I knew it was the only way to save Moses. I remembered what he told me of the significance of the right for his people. I completed the task and miraculously, Moses was healed. I've never seen anything like it. But I was terrified. I thought I was going to lose him.
- [09:48]
A
Perhaps this was an act of obedience his God needed to see before he was prepared enough to enter Egypt.
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D
It was barbaric. I had to cut my son. But I suppose this God had a mission and a vision in mind.
- [10:09]
A
But now that Moses has done what he sought out to do, perhaps it is time I return you to Him. And I would like to hear more of his encounter with God from him directly. Perhaps I can help him so he doesn't find himself in the same precarious situation he found himself out in the desert. He is very fortunate his God guided you to assist him. We should not deny Moses the support he needs as a prophet and leader.
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D
How will we find him?
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A
Millions of former slaves are following a God who seems to speak through pillars of fire and falling food from the sky. Do you really think it would be that hard to find them?
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C
Lord Moses, with all due respect, how.
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A
Can you possibly rule against me?
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C
I have been nothing but honest, and everyone here knows the same thing cannot be said of the tribe of Gad.
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B
Moses sighed as the crowd gathered to watch his judgment that day erupted into shouts of ascent or dissent. He honestly couldn't tell at this point. What was clear, however, was their disappointment in him. These recent months in the desert, ruling the Israelites, deciding their squabbles, and sorting through their political intrigue, had only given him a great appreciation, ironically enough, for the rulers in Egypt. He remembered the long hours he would spend watching his grandfather Seti training Ramses in the ways of politics when they were both boys. Moses found himself constantly lost in which tribe had feuds, with which and what oaths were made, to whom. The tribes of Israel were interconnected by heritage, yet distinct in their own ways. Moses didn't have the capacity to understand every nuanced tradition, treaty and family line. He'd made his work as a judge and ruler over them sloppy. Moses was lost in himself, growing more flustered by the moment. Aaron was seated beside him, clearing his throat to get Moses attention. The crowd's arguing was getting louder.
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A
Perhaps we should leave this here for the day.
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C
I don't think we settle these matters today.
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You're right.
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C
So be it. Tribe of Asher, tribe of Gadda. Silence. I should hear your arguments tomorrow. We're done here for today.
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B
Moses. Proclamation was met with even more grumbling, but the crowd reluctantly departed. Moses decided to walk around the camp to clear his head and stretch his legs. After many hours of sitting and hearing his people's complaints, their constant grumbling sucked the life out of him. He felt spread thin and weary. He wandered to the outskirts of camp and looked out at the desert. The sun's descending rays curled over the hills, casting long, dark shadows against the dusty expanse. Moses sighed, sat on a solitary stone, and rubbed his temples.
- [13:24]
C
Oh, my Lord, how can I lead these people? I wasn't even raised among them. I don't Know what I'm doing.
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B
That's when he saw a few figures approaching. He thought nothing of them at first, until their faces began to take shape in the light. Moses eyes widened with amazement. He stood to his feet and inched forward. It can't be. Moses looked at his wife and children with a quivering jaw and watery eyes. His legs felt heavy. He wasn't sure how to approach them. But when he saw Zipporah's bright smile glisten in the sunlight, Moses knew he could run to them.
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C
Zipporah.
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D
Moses.
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B
The two ran to each other and embraced Zoro. Their bodies folded into each other and each refused to let go. For a long while, buried in each other's shoulders, they said what they had been feeling all this time.
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C
I missed you. I thought about you every day.
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B
Zipporah wiped tears away from Moses eyes and smiled. She pressed her palms against his cheeks and leaned in earnestly.
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D
I didn't understand before, but hearing what your God has done and seeing all these people. I understand.
- [14:55]
B
Moses brought Zipporah in close. His boys joined in to him. They were home. They were a security and a comfort he had been forced to leave behind when he took up the this new mantle. He then turned to Jethro, his father in law, a man who was the only true father he had ever known, and bowed before him when Jethro finally made him rise. Moses then kissed him, a sign of friendship and familiarity. But paired with a bow, this was the ultimate sign of reverence and respect. When he leaned back, he took in the astonishment on his father in law's face. Though Moses was now regarded as a pseudo king among his people, he still held Jethro in the highest esteem. He greeted him as one with a much higher social standing than his own.
- [15:52]
A
You honor me, my son. Lord Moses. Or should I call you Priest Moses or King Moses, or the Great Pharaoh Slayer? Moses.
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To you, Jethro. I am your son. I've missed you dearly. Thank you for bringing my family to me and for caring for them in my absence.
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A
Gershom is a good lad. He's been a very good help to me. And your boy, Eleazar. He's growing into a fine man. When he chooses to listen, that is. But enough of this. I would like to learn more about your absence. From you, I've heard many tales, but I would like to hear it directly from the camel's mouth.
- [16:44]
C
And you should hear them. Please come. Come with me. I'll have you watered and fed and well rested while you're under my tents.
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B
Moses gestured for his family to follow him within the tents. When Zipporah and the boys were a few steps ahead, Jethro held out a hand to slow Moses and asked him in a hushed voice, but first, my.
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A
Son, tell me really, how are you?
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C
There's no simple answer to that question, Father. The things I've seen, what I've been. Been asked to become. I hardly know where to start. I hardly know who I am.
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A
Ah. I seem to recall you in a similar spiral of uncertainty when I first met you. Come, let's see if we can once again cure your existential dread and wandering. But first, I would very much like to rest these old knees.
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B
Moses family was cared for and fed. And he told them all that had happened from the time he entered Egypt to where they found him now. All the hardships, all the signs and wonders he spoke about. The reunion with his brother and sister, and even the mysterious encounter with his God that began it all. After hours of speaking, and long after his wife and sons had gone to sleep, he found he finally arrived at the end of his tales, sharing all his God had done to deliver his people from the hands of Pharaoh and how they were now to enter the promised land.
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A
Baruch Hashem. That's how you would say it in your native Hebrew tongue, correct?
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C
Blessed be the name of my God. Yes, yes, that's exactly right.
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A
Blessed be your God who rescued you from the power of Egypt and from the power of Pharaoh. He has rescued the people from under the power of Egypt. I now know that your God is greater than all gods. It is undeniable his wonder. Shut up those powers, pompous Egyptians. In all my years as a priest of the gods of Midian, I have never heard such miraculous signs of true power and authority.
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C
He would accept worship even from a Midianite priest.
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A
Then that settles it. Tomorrow, at first light, I would offer up a burnt offering and sacrifice to your God.
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B
Moses beamed at his father in law and at his words. The next morning, Jethro, Moses, Aaron, Miriam and the other elders in their ranks gathered together and feasted after they worshiped their God. The euphoria and joy of Moses reuniting with his family was short lived. Eventually he had to return to his duties as judge. He sat before the tribes of Gad and Asher, presiding over their dispute. Moses head throbbed from annoyance and fatigue.
- [19:53]
C
As I told you yesterday, son of Asher, I will stand by my ruling in favor of the tribe of Gad. You have presented your side twice now. But I remain unchanged.
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A
Our leader, Moses has spoken. Go now. In Peace, my brothers.
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C
Aaron, are there any more today or was that the last one?
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A
That was the last of them.
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C
Thank you, Aaron.
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B
Moses rubbed his temples with both hands, but then turned to his father in law. Jethro had asked to attend that day. They had been hearing the people's complaints from morning to evening. Moses stomach was growling and his headache was pounding, but a relief to be finished for the day flooded his body.
- [20:44]
C
Well, there you have it. It's a lot of the same story over and over again. Property lines being crossed, tensions between tribes, loans being extended and such. Nothing too dramatic, thankfully. Indeed, we'll continue our feast in celebration of your arrival this evening.
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A
Ah, yes, it's not every day we have meat for feasts. I can smell the aroma from here. I will go and see that final preparations are underway and meet you soon. That sounds fine.
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B
Aaron hurried off to do what he said, but Moses lingered until it was just he and his father in law in the clearing where Moses judged the people.
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C
Father, do you have more? You'd share? It's not like you to have so little to say, my son.
- [21:35]
A
What is this thing you are doing for these people?
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C
What do you mean? I'm judging the people.
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A
Yes, but why do you sit alone?
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C
What do you mean? Aaron stands beside me. And so do Miriam and the other leaders.
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A
But they are just standing around you from morning until evening. Are they not wise? Are they not capable leaders?
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B
They are.
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C
But I judge the people because they come to me to inquire about the will of our God. I teach them our God's statutes and laws.
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A
And your inner circle of elders, do they not know your God's laws?
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C
They do. But they do not hear from our God as I do. This is the way it's been since I entered Egypt, as my God instructed me to do.
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A
And when those two women came to you disputing over who got to keep their mother's clay pots, did the Lord speak to you about that? Did he shout to you from the heavens and say, moses, it is the older sister who gets the pots? Thus says the Lord.
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C
No, no. The more trivial matters I leave to common sense.
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A
Ah, I see. You're the only man here who knows the law of the Lord. And as it so happens, the only man with any common sense.
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C
Oh, that's not true at all. There are plenty of wise and godly men under me.
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A
Then use them.
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C
What do you mean?
- [23:18]
A
What you're doing is not. You will certainly wear out both yourself and the people who are with you. Because the task is too heavy for you cannot do it alone.
- [23:30]
B
Moses was struck by his father in law's words. Delegating his responsibilities had not crossed his mind. His God had appeared to him and given him the task of leading his people. Sure, he had given him Aaron and Miriam to assist him. And he leaned on them when he could. But the bulk of leadership fell on his shoulders, as was right. So he thought, My boy, you are timed.
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A
I can see it in your eyes and hear it in your voice. And the people who notice reflect on the state of your soul. You should not be overseeing these trivial matters. You have been appointed to a great mantle. But you cheapen the honor of the position when you burn yourself out, as you've been doing. Did you not learn this at the courts of the Egyptians? Did you not sit in court and see the Pharaoh and regent rulers administer their laws and justice?
- [24:28]
C
Pharaoh had judges and a scribal class to verify the laws of court. But I thought that I was not to mimic the ways of a pagan court. I see now how oppressive the Egyptians were. The Israelites are called to be different, circumcised, set apart. We are ruled by the one true God.
- [24:50]
A
Yes, yes, my son, it's true. What you say has merit. But let me ask you this. Cannot two things be true at once? Could it not be? Your God's laws are holy and at the same time you are but one man with just two hands and one head. Listen, listen. I will give you a little advice, free of charge, mind you. I know I am an old man, but I know a few things. You must be the one to represent the people before God, just as you've been doing. Bring their cases to him. Argue for them, cry out for them. Yes. That much must stay. It is your job, your calling. You know your thing. And teach them, Moses. Teach them the laws, the statutes, the ways to live, the things they must do. But why not share a little bit of the work? Is it such a crime to get a little help? Here's the idea. Choose some men. Not just any men, but God fearing men. Men who cannot be bribed with a sweet sack of coins or a good meal. You understand? Appoint them, Moses, just like you would officers in your army. Over groups of thousands and hundreds and fifties, and even the tens. Make them the judge for the smaller things. You know, the neighbor's goat ate my turnips. Or the boundary line between my field and his barn. You know, the usual complaints. Let them handle these things so you're not up all night hearing about chickens and fences. Moses. The big cases the real big ones, they can still be brought to you. Let those come to you. But the little things, Moses. Let them sort it out. This way, my boy. You lighten the load and they carry it with you. After all, you're not a donkey. And if God agrees with this plan, and you know better than I how he feels about these things, you'll live to see another day. You'll have strength for the long haul. And these people. These people will go home satisfied, Moses. Imagine that. Happy people. Not bad, eh Moses? Not bad.
- [27:06]
B
Relief flooded Moses body as he took in the wisdom of his Father in law's words. He knew them to be true and wise. Moses had taken on too much. He was not honouring the position his God had called him to.
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C
Thank you, Father. I will take your advice and appoint judges as you have said.
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B
Jethro beamed at Moses and clapped him on the shoulder, drawing him to his side in a paternal embrace.
- [27:36]
A
My son, you have done well and have been obtained obedient to what your God has asked of you. You will find your way through this and lead your people for many years to come. I am sure of it Now. I smell some goat stew. Let's eat.
- [27:55]
B
This. Pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Schellewager 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 pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.
- [28:41]
A
This is an iHeart podcast.
- [28:43]
B
Guaranteed Human.