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Narrator
Previously on the Chosen People.
God
Jonah, you shall go to Nineveh to preach against their wickedness. Warn them. Call them to repentance.
Jonah
What?
King Sennacherib
No.
Jonah
No, of course not. You have the wrong man. Never.
Narrator
Jonah approached the docks of Joppa with a small pack around his shoulders. It took some searching to find a ship sailing far enough away to widen the distance between Jonah and God. Thunder crashed above, shaking timbers and bones alike. Who are you?
King Sennacherib
Why has this evil befallen us? Speak, stranger. From where have you come? And what madness have you brought upon my sheep?
Jonah
I'm a Hebrew. Your gods, they rule the sea or the earth or the skies. But my God. My God commands all of them. He made the sea and the wind, and he made the land. And it's from him I flee, but he has found me.
Narrator
With grim determination, they seized Jonah, lifted him above their heads, and with cries of anguish, cast him into the raging waters. Something immense, ancient and terrible drew near, its great jaws agape. And then the jaws snapped shut and Jonah was swallowed whole, sealed within a tomb of scales and darkness, lost to the world and the heavens alike.
Jonah
I'm sorry, Lord. I was wrong.
Narrator
In one fierce moment, he was expelled from his watery tomb, cast upward.
God
Arise, Jonah. Go to Nineveh.
Narrator
Is it too late to return to the fish?
Yael Eckstein
This is an iHeart podcast. Shalom, my friends. From here in the holy land of Israel, I'm Yael Eckstein with International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. And welcome to the chosen people. Each day we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Stories filled with timeless lessons of faith, love and the meaning of life. Through Israel's story, we will find this truth that we are all chosen for something great. So take a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if you left us a review. I read every single one of them. And if you're interested in hearing more about the prophetic life saving work of the fellowship, you can visit ifcj.org let's begin.
Narrator
King Sennacherib jolted awake, breathless and shaking, sweat dripping down his brow like oil. His heart pounded in his chest, each thump echoing loudly in his ears. The nightmare clung to him, dark and haunting, the images refusing to fade. The city of Nineveh was burning. Screams pierced the smoke filled air, and a voice, terrible and clear, was calling him to account.
King Sennacherib
Just a dream.
Narrator
The King of Nineveh swung his legs from the silken bed, grimacing as his feet brushed against overturned goblets and shattered jars. The scent of wine Sweat and lingering pleasures turned bitter in his nostrils. His head throbbed, punishing him for the sins of the previous night. He rose slowly, shivering despite the heavy heat, the chill of the dream still gripping his bones. Stepping carefully, he moved into the corridor, robes hanging loosely around him, trailing through the filth stream stained floors. The marble halls, so majestic in daylight, were now littered with empty wine vessels, spilled plates, and sleeping bodies tangled in drunken embrace. The king stepped over naked men and women, breathing shallowly to avoid their stench. He reached the throne room and paused, taking in the scene with tired eyes. He saw flashes of his dream before his eyes. A burning throne, shattered pillars falling on prostitutes and nobles. The echoes of screams filled his ears. The king shook his head and splashed water on his face. Only one guard stood awake. Kuduri. He was leaning heavily against a pillar, eyes heavy from standing watch as the revelries went into the morning hours. He startled as the king approached, hastily straightening himself, hands fumbling nervously.
Kuduri (Guard)
I didn't expect you to rise so early. Is something wrong?
Narrator
The king stared past him, eyes distant, haunted.
King Sennacherib
Just a dream. A terrible dream.
Narrator
The guard hesitated, wary. But the king waved him forward impatiently. I saw Nineveh burn.
King Sennacherib
I saw streets filled with corpses, palaces crumbling to ash. A voice spoke to me.
Kuduri (Guard)
What did the voice say?
King Sennacherib
You have 40 days. And 40 days only. After that, your mighty city shall be overthrown.
Narrator
The guard shifted nervously, glancing around as if the walls themselves might hear.
Kuduri (Guard)
Just a nightmare, my lord. The. The wine.
King Sennacherib
No, this was not wine's deception. This was a warning, a vision. And it was not from Asher.
Narrator
It was from an unknown God.
King Sennacherib
A God more powerful than Ashur.
Narrator
The king sank into his throne, suddenly weary, eyes hollow as he gazed upon his ruined hall. The guard stood awkwardly, uncertain, unable to comfort or counsel his troubled lord.
King Sennacherib
Something is stirring, Kadiri, like a stone.
Narrator
Being thrown into a pond.
King Sennacherib
I want you and your men to survey the city today. Be on the lookout for anything strange. And send word to my council. Bring them swiftly. I want them all prepared.
Kuduri (Guard)
Prepared for what, my lord?
Narrator
Judgment. Jonah lay upon the shore, motionless as driftwood. Waves gently brushed his feet, cool and mocking, a reminder of the darkness he had barely escaped. His body ached. His skin was raw and scarred, stinging from days spent steeped in the bile and acid. But he was alive. Sort of. Jonah took a shallow breath, pleased not to have his nostrils filled again with the rancid odor of rotten fish. He laughed bitterly to himself, a quiet, humorless sound, lost amid the whispers of the tide. The Lord had already spoken once. Jonah pretended to be too disoriented to hear him so. In his patience and mercy, the Lord spoke again.
God
Rise, Jonah. Go to Nineveh, that mighty city. Warn them that judgment comes swiftly if they refuse to turn from their wicked ways.
Narrator
Jonah groaned, rolling onto his side. The saltwater hadn't been enough to quench Jonah's hatred toward the Assyrians. He despised them, and with good reason. Their savagery had claimed countless lives, and mercy seemed wasted on such creatures. Jonah spat into the sand, tasting bile and bitterness.
Jonah
Nineveh. Mercy wasted on dogs, pearls cast before swine.
Narrator
Yet Jonah knew better now. No man could flee from God. His own scarlet scars were proof enough of that truth. The Almighty had dragged him from the abyss and cast him onto shore, demanding obedience. Jonah sighed heavily, pushing himself up from the sand. The wind tugged at his tattered robes, and he stood there, weary and bitterly amused by the absurdity of it all. Fine. Have it your way. With heavy steps, he turned away from the sea, setting forth reluctantly on the road inland. He knew exactly what would happen. Nineveh would mock him, threaten him, perhaps kill him. He cursed under his breath, bitter laughter trailing behind him as he marched forward.
Jonah
Ninevites are incapable of change. They're stubborn and weak, bitter people. They don't listen.
Narrator
The irony was lost on Jonah as he trudged inland beneath the scorching sun. For three long days, Jonah dragged his feet along the road. He muttered and cursed to himself, pausing only to wipe the sweat from his brow, his robes sticking uncomfortably to his wounded skin. The city of Nineveh loomed ahead, vast and forbidding, a sprawling maze of towers, stone walls, and teeming streets. At last he reached the gates of Nineveh, massive and black, forged of iron and darkened stone. Guards eyed him suspiciously as he passed beneath their shadow, but Jonah paid them no heed. He strode boldly into the city, breathing heavily from exhaustion and resentment alike. The streets were choked with crowds. Traders shouted over one another, merchants haggling fiercely for silver and spice. Soldiers pushed roughly through the throng, beating thieves and beggars with ruthless indifference. Jonah caught glimpses of painted women leaning from brothel doorways, smiles seductive and empty, beckoning eager young fools to ruin. Jonah's disgust deepened with each step. His jaw tightened as anger simmered behind his eyes.
Jonah
Debauchery and cruelty, they'll never change. Ninevites are born wicked and die wicked. God's a fool to waste mercy on such filth.
Narrator
Jonah knew better than to disobey. If he fled now, the Lord would likely find him again, snatching him out with a giant pigeon or turning him into a donkey. As much as Jonah wanted to flee, he wouldn't. He moved deeper into the city's heart, where beggars and nobles bumped shoulders and where guards and prostitutes could hear him.
Jonah
People of Nineveh.
Narrator
A few perked up, but most of them continued their business. They were accustomed to madmen babbling in the streets. Jonah considered what he must have looked like. Dried kelp was caked onto his tun, and he smelled of fish guts.
Jonah
You have 40 days, and 40 days only after that. Your mighty city shall be overthrown.
Narrator
He spat the words like venom. Jonah felt no pity. One of the guards perked up at the words, inching closer in curiosity. Was this the message the king had spoken of?
Jonah
40 days. Enjoy your pleasures while they last, fools. Your judgment is near.
Narrator
Jonah had said what he needed to say, pleased with a job not so well done. Jonah hopped off the platform and brushed his hands.
Jonah
There. The prophet of Yahweh has spoken. My work here is done.
Narrator
Jonah took a step toward the gate, but was immediately tackled by a group of guards. The one in charge marched swiftly and knelt down to Jonah.
King Sennacherib
Who?
Kuduri (Guard)
Who sent you?
Jonah
The Lord of heaven and earth. The God of Israel.
Kuduri (Guard)
And your God told you to come here?
Jonah
Yes. Despite my qualms with the idea.
Narrator
The captain of the guard nodded to his men, and they immediately released him. Jonah rolled his shoulders back and straightened his tunic, a vain attempt, a as it was crusty with dried fish bile and kelp.
Kuduri (Guard)
Please, if you are a prophet, you must come with me to share your message with the king. He will want to hear what else you have to say.
Narrator
No.
Jonah
I've said all I need to say. Your city is wicked and a scorch on the entire planet. The Creator of the universe would be wise to flick you off the map like a gnat.
Kuduri (Guard)
Is. Is there any way from us to atone?
Jonah
I sure hope not. Now, if I'm not being arrested, I'd very much like to leave. I don't want to be around here when this place is turned to sulfur and ash.
Narrator
Kuduri and his guards parted for Jonah, afraid of what might happen if they touched him again. Jonah, somewhat pleased with himself, skulked off and out of the city. Kuduri grabbed one of his men with panicked eyes.
Kuduri (Guard)
We need to notify the king of what has happened.
Jonah
Now.
Narrator
King Sennacherib paced the throne room floor as Kudery relayed Jonah's prophetic warning. 40 days. That's all Nineveh had to repent and make right with the Lord. But how they knew little about Yahweh, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The king of Nineveh shook his head in flustered disbelief.
King Sennacherib
And the prophet just left. No guidance, no sacred text or pearl of wisdom to offer us?
Kuduri (Guard)
No, my king. The man left unconcerned with how we responded to his message.
King Sennacherib
Then. Then we're on our own. Find me everything you can on this God of Israel. I want scrolls, I want teachers, I want any merchant who's travelled to Jerusalem. We haven't much time.
Narrator
Kudery and the king's council bowed their heads and got to work. Jonah savored the last inch of wine left in his cup. He never thought he'd taste it again. He placed the last bite of bread in his mouth and savoured it without chewing. He had gone days without eating and had only managed to pay for a meal because two vagrants dropped a coin while pummeling each other to death. Jonah was pleased to profit off their stupidity.
Jonah
Now that I have a bit of strength in these hips, it's time to get going.
Narrator
Jonah wanted Nineveh behind him. Violence lurked around every street corner. He was lucky to look so disheveled and disgusting, or else he might have been victim to the dozens of muggings happening on every block. He exited the tavern, then quickly staggered back when a stampede of people nearly knocked him over. They were all headed to the palace courtyards where the king had summoned them for a royal decree. Curiosity got the better of Jonah. He meandered through the alleyways, content to watch from the shadows. Jonah's head cocked to the side when he saw the king emerge from the palace doors. King Sennacherib, often called the priest of pigs among Hebrews, was completely covered in silver sackcloth. He stepped down from the high place and knelt in the dust. His voice, powerful and magnetic, spoke with sorrow and genuine contrition.
King Sennacherib
People of Nineveh, the prophecy has reached out streets and ascended to the heights of my palace. A prophecy of warning, of judgment.
Narrator
The people shifted uncomfortably, Jonah among them.
King Sennacherib
We have sought out to know this God, his ways, his nature, to stave off judgment and to right the wrongs we have inflicted upon the world. I hereby make a royal decree.
Narrator
You've got to be kidding me.
King Sennacherib
Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks taste anything. Do not let them eat or drink. We shall find fast as a nation, purging ourselves from indulgence and the arrogance of riches. Riches we've gained through warfare and bloodshed. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth Let everyone call urgently on the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? This God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.
Narrator
Jonah stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief, as Nineveh, the great city of sin, fell to its knees. From street to street, alley to alley, men and women tore their garments, covered their heads in ash, and wept bitterly in repentance. Even the cruelest, most hardened men broke into tears, their hands lifted toward heaven, begging mercy from a God they barely knew. And when 40 days had passed, the entire city drew a sigh of relief. No judgment had come. Instead, what had come was flourishing beyond imagination, flourishing born from hearts genuinely changed and transformed by mercy. Yet Jonah felt no relief. The prophet of the Lord stood upon a jagged ridge outside the city, exposed to the sun, hot with anger.
King Sennacherib
No.
Jonah
No. This is all wrong. This.
King Sennacherib
This is.
Jonah
They're sinners. They're. They're worthless. They're. They're.
God
Who are they, Jonah?
Narrator
The Lord's calm voice contrasted Jonah's rage.
Jonah
Oh, they're dirty. They're rotten. Godless. Good for nothing. Assyrians, pigs, dogs.
God
They are image bearers, as are you.
Narrator
No.
Jonah
No, they are enemies of your chosen people. They've slaughtered our people. They've killed thousands of us.
Narrator
Jonah snatched a stone from the dusty ground, hurling it toward the city with a bitter curse. The stone fell far short, bouncing impotently upon the slope below. He turned his eyes upward, voice rising with bitter accusation.
Jonah
Do you know why I fled from you on that cursed boat? Because I know you too well, perhaps. I knew you would show mercy, forgiving those dogs who deserve nothing but ruin you. You're too kind, too patient. I wanted nothing, no part of it. I want them to burn. They deserve any violence that comes to them and then some.
Narrator
His voice echoed, carried away by the wind. Jonah paced the rocky summit, beating his chest and snarling curses toward the heavens. God's reply came gentle, like the whisper of a patient father.
God
Is it right for you to hold this anger, Jonah?
Jonah
Is it right for you to bless a foreign nation while ours endures famine and infighting? I'm done with you. I'm done with this game. You make no sense.
Narrator
Rage and resentment burned through him until exhaustion overcame him. His voice grew hoarse and raw, and his legs trembled beneath him. He stumbled toward a nearby tree, sinking heavily to the ground, resting his back against its smooth trunk. Above him, branches stretched wide, shielding him from the harsh heat of the midday sun. The shade felt impossibly cool and welcoming, a balm to his weary spirit. Jonah breathed deeply, closing his eyes, savoring this unexpected mercy. A rare peace washed over him as he relaxed, body and mind soothed by the tree's gentle embrace. In that moment, Jonah's fury softened. Gratitude filled him, sudden and overwhelming. He loved that tree more deeply than he had loved anything for a long time. Beneath its branches, memories drifted gently through his mind. Simpler days, quieter moments. His breathing slowed and he slipped gently into the first restful sleep he had known since before his flight from Israel. As night fell softly upon the hill, Jonah slept beneath his beloved tree, wrapped in dreams of peace and comfort. But the Lord, in wisdom subtle and sharp, sent forth a tiny servant, a worm, small and silent, who burrowed quietly into the earth. Beneath Jonah's restful sleep, the creature gnawed tirelessly at the tree's roots, infecting it with quiet death. As the worm worked unseen, the great tree trembled gently, losing its strength, its leaves shriveling and falling softly to the ground. Morning broke harshly upon Jonah, awakening him with a searing, merciless wind from the east. The scorching breeze tore across the hilltop, swirling dust and brittle leaves into Jonah's face, face choking his breath and stinging his eyes. Coughing violently, Jonah staggered to his feet, squinting painfully into the blinding sun. His head pounded with the relentless heat, and sweat dripped down his raw, burning neck. When Jonah turned his gaze upward, despair crushed him. His beautiful tree, the gentle shelter of his peace, had crumbled overnight, branches bare and brittle, trunk twisted and dead. His safe haven, the one comfort he had cherished, lay ruined at his feet. Jonah fell to his knees in grief, fists beating furiously upon the dust. Tears mingled with dirt as he wailed in bitter rage and sorrow.
Jonah
Why would it not be better for me to die?
Narrator
The sun grew hotter, still burning Jonah's cracked lips and blistering skin. He lifted his face defiantly toward heaven, anguish mingling with fury in his eyes. His body shook violently with anger and exhaustion. The gentle voice of God drifted down once more, calm amidst the chaos.
God
Jonah, are you justified in your anger about the plant?
Jonah
Yes. I have every right. Anger enough to wish for death.
God
You weep in rage for this plant, Jonah, which you neither planted nor nurtured. You gave it no water, no care. It rose in a day and perished just as quickly. Yet you mourn as if it were your own flesh and blood. Should I not feel greater compassion for Nineveh? That city is filled with more than 120,000 souls lost, blind, ignorant of right from wrong. Should I not care more deeply for them than you do. This simple tree.
Kuduri (Guard)
Foreign.
Yael Eckstein
If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and it has affected your life, we'd love it if you left a review. We read them and me personally, I cherish them. As you venture forth boldly and faithfully, I leave you with the biblical Blessing from Numbers 6. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you. May he be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace. Amen.
Narrator
You can listen to the Chosen People.
Production Announcer
With Yael Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to ThePray.com app today. This prey.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 with Yael Eckstein. Edited by Alberto Avila. 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 Lashinsky. And the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosely and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin Van Etten, Caleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, Rabbi Edward Abramson and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the CH and People with Yael Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.
Yael Eckstein
This is an iHeart podcast.
Episode: Jonah & The Beast II
Date: September 9, 2025
Host: Yael Eckstein (International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Pray.com)
This episode continues the story of Jonah, exploring themes of prophecy, divine mercy, human prejudice, repentance, and the struggle with God’s compassion. Through powerful dramatization, the narrative picks up after Jonah’s reluctant acceptance of God’s call to warn Nineveh. The episode shifts perspectives between Jonah and King Sennacherib, drawing listeners deep into the personal turmoil and transformative moments within the ancient story. The episode’s tone is contemplative, dramatic, and at times, wry, especially through Jonah’s bitter inner monologue and biting dialogue.
Notable Moment:
Memorable Quote:
Pivotal Quote:
The episode’s narrative is rich, descriptive, and dramatized, mixing anguish, dark humor, and divine wisdom. Jonah’s voice is especially raw and human, providing a personal entry point into the struggle everyone faces with forgiveness and understanding of God’s generosity.
For more episodes filled with biblical insight and engaging storytelling, listeners are encouraged to subscribe and leave feedback directly with the show.