Rachel & Leah: Sisters at War

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Chosen People

Episode: Rachel & Leah: Sisters at War
Host / Platform: Pray.com
Date: November 26, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Chosen People podcast, “Rachel & Leah: Sisters at War,” offers a dramatic retelling of the biblical saga involving Jacob, his wives Leah and Rachel, and their bitter rivalry. Through immersive storytelling and dialogue, the episode explores themes of love, longing, jealousy, faith, and the pursuit of legacy within the framework of ancient familial relationships. The narrative artfully blends biblical events with emotional nuance, bringing to life the struggle for affection, recognition, and the fulfillment of God's promises.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jacob’s Marriage Deception and Its Aftermath

• Jacob’s love for Rachel led him to labor for seven years for her hand, only to be tricked by Laban into marrying Leah first (01:16–01:59).
• Laban’s manipulation: Laban justifies his actions, emphasizing his own gain (02:13–02:35).
  • Quote (Laban, 02:14): "I knew you wouldn't take Leah for a bride price of seven years. I did what I had to do...Well, by that, of course, I mean that I win twice."
• Underlying tensions: Leah’s unrequited love for Jacob, Jacob’s clear favor for Rachel, and Laban’s control set the stage for familial discord (02:35–03:11).

2. Leah’s Pain and Pursuit of Love

• Emotional exclusion: Leah laments Jacob’s closed heart, despite their marriage (05:17–05:49).
  • Quote (Leah, 05:17): “Jacob opens his heart for Rachel, but when I tried to connect with him, he sealed shut. It’s not fair. He was mine first. By right.”
• Desperation for validation: Leah turns to prayer, seeking God’s favor to conceive children and thus earn Jacob’s love (05:52–06:58).
  • Quote (Leah, 05:52): “No, they [Rachel’s gods] are not my gods. My God is the God of his forefathers...He can open up wombs. I shall pray to him and pour out my longing.”

3. The Childbearing Rivalry Begins

• Leah bears sons: Leah gives birth to Reuben, hoping her “offering of devotion” will win Jacob’s love (09:12–09:35), but his heart remains with Rachel.
  • Quote (Leah, 09:13): “His name shall be Reuben, which means, behold, a son. Because God has looked at my affliction...Now my husband will love me.”
• Sons as bargaining chips: Leah continues to conceive, naming her sons as narrative markers of her emotional journey (10:44–12:14).
  • Quote (Leah, 12:14): “His name is Levi. Joined. Because this third son will finally attach Jacob to me.”

4. Rachel’s Jealousy and Growing Bitterness

• Rachel’s desperation: Unable to conceive, Rachel grows increasingly resentful (12:48–13:11).
  • Quote (Rachel, 13:01): "You may have the sons, but I have the love of our husband. You can't buy that with more children."
• Rachel’s outburst: Rachel confronts Jacob, demanding children and blaming him for her barrenness (17:24–17:52).
  • Quote (Rachel, 17:47): “Give me a child, Jacob. Give me a child or I will die.”

5. Introduction of Maidservants and Expanding the Competition

• Rachel’s solution: Rachel offers her maidservant Bilhah to Jacob so she may “have” children through her (19:07–19:58).
  • Quote (Rachel, 19:33): “No, Jacob. This is a way for me to seize control...We will exercise the ritual of fertility. I will stand over her when she gives birth so that I too may become fertile.”
• Children through surrogacy: Bilhah bears Dan and Naphtali, Rachel claiming them as her own victories (21:15–22:28).
  • Quote (Rachel, 22:28): “His name shall be Naphtali. With mighty wrestling I have struggled and warred with my sister and seized a victory.”
• Leah matches the move: Leah gives Zilpah, her maid, to Jacob, resulting in additional sons (24:07–24:14).
  • Quote (Leah, 24:10): “Are you sure it must be done?”

6. The Mandrake Episode – Fertility Barter

• Mandrakes as “love apples”: Leah’s son, Reuben, gathers mandrakes, believed to aid fertility (25:22–25:28).
• Barter of affection: Rachel bargains with Leah for mandrakes in exchange for time with Jacob (26:08–26:45).
  • Quote (Rachel, 26:08): “I'll...let you lie with Jacob if you give me those mandrakes.”
  • Quote (Narrator, 26:15): “Leah claimed that Jacob was her husband. Yet here, Rachel was a gatekeeper for his bed. She had the real power.”

7. Leah and Rachel’s Realizations and Shifting Priorities

• Leah’s new perspective: After bearing many children, Leah realizes the futility of seeking Jacob’s love through sons, seeing her children as blessings rather than bargaining chips (13:11–14:05).
  • Quote (Leah, 14:05): “I will name you Judah. Praise. This time I will praise God...You are a gift and a treasure.”
• Rachel finally conceives: After years of pain and struggle, God “opens Rachel’s womb” and she gives birth to Joseph—Jacob’s favorite (28:41–29:56).
  • Quote (Jacob, 29:51): “My son. I shall name you Joseph.”

8. Legacy, Consequences, and Ongoing Rivalry

• House built on rivalry: Despite the growth of Jacob’s family, the foundation remains shaky, rooted in jealousy, favoritism, and manipulation (29:56–end).
  • Quote (Narrator, 30:12): “Yet the house of Jacob had a foundation built on pettiness, favoritism and jealousy.”
• Seeds for future conflict: The episode hints that these seeds of rivalry will define the destinies of Jacob’s sons and the future of Israel.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Leah’s longing:
  "Could you leave my tent now? I have to wake up before sunrise tomorrow..." (Jacob, 06:58)
• Rachel’s bitterness:
  "Jealous of you? That's laughable, Leah." (Rachel, 12:48)
• The crux of the sibling rivalry:
  "This isn't about Jacob anymore. This is about me and Rachel. This is about who will sit as the matriarch of this family. This is about dominance." (Leah, 23:31)
• The cost of competition:
  "The sons of Jacob were born from petty squabbles of favoritism and vies for power." (Narrator, 24:14)
• Hope through faith:
  "This time I will praise God. I will praise God for you, little one, and all your brothers. You are a gift and a treasure." (Leah, 14:05)
• Rachel’s moment of fulfillment:
  "My son. I shall name you Joseph." (Jacob, 29:51)

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Important Timestamps & Segments

• Jacob’s deception and the weddings: 01:16–02:35
• Leah’s prayer for children: 05:52–06:58
• Naming of Leah’s children: 09:12–12:14
• Rachel confronts her infertility: 17:24–17:52
• Surrogacy and maidservants: 19:14–22:39
• The Mandrake episode and barter: 25:22–26:45
• Leah’s paradigm shift and the birth of Judah: 13:11–14:19
• Rachel gives birth to Joseph: 28:41–29:56
• Narrator’s reflection on the family’s shaky foundation: 29:56–end

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Tone and Language

The episode is delivered in a vivid, emotional, and dramatic tone, capturing the inner turmoil, aspirations, and vulnerabilities of each character. The dialogue is faithful to the biblical context, yet modern in its expression of deep, relatable emotions.

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Final Thoughts

“Rachel & Leah: Sisters at War” powerfully dramatizes one of the Old Testament’s most intense family dramas. By giving voice and depth to both the well-known and overlooked players, it explores the human costs of faith, rivalry, and the search for love and legacy. The retelling prompts listeners to reflect on what it means to desire love, validation, and purpose—and the consequences when these desires collide within the confines of a single, imperfect family.

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For more in-depth biblical explorations, find further episodes on the Pray.com app or at www.thechosenpeople.com.

Transcript

[Rachel]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Jacob]

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[Narrator]

Previously on the Chosen People.

[Jacob]

Lord Laban, it would be a great act of mercy if you'd give me sanctuary here for a while as my mother's kinsman. What's this Lord nonsense? You're my sweet sister's son. You'll stay under my roof as an honored guest. Come, come. There's a hot pot on the flame.

[Narrator]

Jacob turned his gaze back at Rachel. She glanced back, wondering why he was looking at her. A smile curled on the edges of Jacob's face. He turned to Laban with a glint in his eye.

[Jacob]

I'll serve you for seven more years. That should be more than enough for your youngest daughter Rachel's hand in Mary. One thing that's certain, dear Rachel, is that I do love you. And seven years of labor for your hand will seem like mere moments as long as I get to see you every day. Leah. What are you doing here?

[Leah]

I was with you last night, Jacob. Don't you remember?

[Jacob]

What?

[Ryan Seacrest]

No.

[Rachel]

What? No.

[Jacob]

How's that possible? I was supposed to be with Rachel. I. How did you.

[Leah]

My father insisted that it should be this way. He sent Rachel back to her tent and bid me meet you in here to be your wife. We sealed the covenant. It's done.

[Jacob]

That treacherous snake Laban tricked me.

[Rachel]

I swear, Jacob, I had no choice.

[Narrator]

Jacob. Jacob, you know better.

[Jacob]

I knew you wouldn't take Leah for a bride price of seven years. I did what I had to do. This way, I get to marry off my eldest daughter and you work my fields for far more years than she's worth. It's a win. Win. Well, by that, of course, I mean that I win twice.

[Narrator]

They sealed their promise that night with passion underneath the stars. To Jacob, it was well worth the 14 years. Yet something was hiding in the margins between love and longing. Leah's love for Jacob, Jacob's love for Rachel, Leah's contempt for Rachel and Laban's love of control were all brewing. Like the eastern, western, southern and northern winds, they were doomed to collide, causing a storm of epic proportions.

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[Leah]

He's exactly like this.

[Narrator]

Well, Leah was at the Shepherd's well venting to Zilpa. While drawing out water, she gestured to the large stone that sealed the top shut.

[Leah]

Jacob opens his heart for Rachel, but when I tried to connect with him, he sealed shut. It's not fair. He was mine first. By Right.

[Narrator]

Zilpa, her loyal servant, friend and sister, placed a tender hand on Leah's shoulder, her expression one of sympathy and understanding.

[Rachel]

Perhaps when you bear him children, he'll begin to love you earnestly, Mistress. Give a man a son and he'll treasure you forever.

[Leah]

We've lain together enough times to make me concerned I can't conceive.

[Rachel]

Perhaps you may pray to the gods for favor.

[Leah]

No, they are not my gods. My God is the God of his forefathers. Now Jacob told us how his father was conceived to a woman far beyond her childbearing years. He can open up wombs. I shall pray to him and pour out my longing.

[Narrator]

Leah prayed to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. She asked that he would see her plight and respond with a child. That night, she entered Jacob's tent while he was alone. It was rare, since Rachel was usually with him in the late hours. She made love to him, although Jacob did not. To her, their union was a sad and unrequited one. Leah longed for him, pining for a simple glance of affection in her direction. Still wounded by the tricks played on him, Jacob tolerated Leah long enough to fulfill his husbandly duties and give her a child. When they were through, they lay beside each other in silence. Leah wanted to roll over and hold him. She longed for the simplest touch of genuine affection. Jacob refused.

[Jacob]

Could you leave my tent now? I have to wake up before sunrise tomorrow and bring the flocks to the shearers.

[Leah]

You'd send me away so late? I could sleep beside you and help you prepare early in the morning.

[Jacob]

No, that won't be necessary. Please leave now.

[Narrator]

Leah left quietly, her heart heavy with sorrow. Jacob turned away, burying his face in his blanket, consumed by a maelstrom of guilt and anger. Guilt for not loving Leah and anger at the trickery that had bound him to her. The favor of the Lord shone upon Leah, and her womb quickened with life. The discomfort of pregnancy was a small price to pay for the joy of bearing Jacob's child. She sat opposite Jacob, her hands lovingly cradling her belly.

[Leah]

Jacob, do you think it will be a boy or a girl?

[Jacob]

Laban tells me a man always hopes for a son, but would not love his daughter any less. I think that's how I feel.

[Narrator]

Leah's cheeks flexed with a smile and her forehead became like a rose. But Rachel, seated nearby, wore a mask of somber longing. She had yet to conceive, and the weight of her worry grew with each passing day.

[Leah]

I know it's a boy. God Most High has Nearly confirmed it. He will be the heir to Abraham's promise.

[Rachel]

We'll see about that.

[Leah]

What do you mean, Rachel?

[Rachel]

I mean we shall see. Jacob's family has an untraditional history. His father, Isaac, was the second born. Jacob himself was the second born as well. You'd know these if you were closer to him.

[Narrator]

Leah's eyes fell, shame washing over her. She rose and left, feeling Rachel's jealous gaze burning into her back. In due time, Leah gave birth to a son. She cradled him tenderly, marveling at his dark hair and sturdy frame. To Leah, he was perfect.

[Leah]

His name shall be Reuben, which means, behold, a son. Because God has looked at my affliction, he's seen me and answered my prayers. Now I get to present Jacob with a son. He will be an offering of devotion. Now my husband will love me.

[Narrator]

But Jacob's heart remained distant. Though he loved his son, Reuben, he paid Leah little heed. Most of his time was spent with Rachel under the sycamore tree, whispering secrets and sharing laughter. Leah watched from afar, her heart aching for a love that remained just out of reach. She turned to Zilpa, her ever devoted servant, sister and friend.

[Leah]

She still hasn't given him a child. Perhaps he'll see my value if I conceive again and the gap between us will close.

[Narrator]

Leah waited until the sunset. Rachel left for her tent and Jacob returned alone to his. Leah whispered to God an earnest and longing prayer.

[Leah]

Please grant me another son. Hear me, God of Jacob.

[Narrator]

Hear me once more. Leah called upon Jacob to fulfill his duties. Despite his coldness, Leah clung to the hope that another child might bridge the chasm between them. They conceived again. A month later, Leah bore a second son.

[Jacob]

What is his name?

[Leah]

His name is Simeon. Because God has heard that I am hated, he has given me a gift of pity.

[Jacob]

You are not hated, Leah.

[Leah]

Just not loved.

[Jacob]

I'm grateful for the sons you've given me. That is what I'll say.

[Narrator]

Lia's pain and longing lingered. Each day, the tension between her and Rachel thickened. Rachel made a point to hold Jacob closer when they walked together, tightening her grip around his arm when they passed. Rachel consumed more of his time in the evenings, blocking access to him later in the night. If Leah wanted time with Jacob, she had to be an opportunist like her father. When Rachel left Jacob's tent and returned to hers early in the morning, Leah snuck in. Jacob laid on the bed, sprawled out in heavy slumber. Leah ran her hands over his chest and kissed his neck. In a dreamlike daze, Jacob embraced her Leah felt tinges of guilt, but pushed them away. She was locked in Jacob's embrace and received another seed to grow a child. Another son. Leah entered the dining hall with her third son wrapped around her chest. Rachel was sitting with her servant, Billah. Rachel's jaw clenched with anger when she saw the child.

[Rachel]

What sad name have you given this one, Leah? Is his name Miskenim? Pathetic? No.

[Leah]

His name is Levi. Joined. Because this third son will finally attach Jacob to me. Our hearts and fates will be bound with these three sons. You know it's true. And that's why you've been so nasty to me.

[Rachel]

I've been nasty to you because you stole my husband from me. He wanted to marry me. You and Father tricked him. I bet every time he sees you beside him in his bed, he just sees Laban. That's why he spends most nights with me.

[Leah]

You're just bitter and jealous, Rachel.

[Rachel]

Jealous of you? That's laughable, Leah.

[Narrator]

Rachel stood up and began walking out. Before leaving, she leaned into her sister's ear.

[Rachel]

You may have the sons, but I have the love of our husband. You can't buy that with more children.

[Narrator]

Leah's body tensed with grief. She looked at little Levi curled up against her chest. She heard Reuben and Simeon playing tag outside. Three sons, all gifts given to her by God. Perhaps she had been obsessing over the wrong thing all this time. Maybe these children were gifts given to her instead of bargaining chips for her husband's affection. Months went by and Leah was able to conceive another child. She laboured for hours with Zilpah close by. This child was her most painful labour. Love for the child fueled her resolve as she pushed late into the night. Finally, thankfully, the child arrived. Leah held the babe with trembling arms. Tears and sweat soaked her garments. Her chin quivered as she placed a finger on the child's nose.

[Leah]

I will name you Judah. Praise. This time I will praise God. I will praise God for you, little one, and all your brothers. You are a gift and a treasure.

[Narrator]

Leah pressed Judah against her chest and wept tears of joy mingling with sorrow. Jacob entered the tent, his expression wary. Leah smiled at him, a warm, contented grin that asked for nothing in return. She placed Judah in Jacob's arms.

[Jacob]

Ah, Judah. Now there's a name. What will become of you, sweet child? Who will you become?

[Narrator]

Rachel was listening from the other side of the canvas. When she heard Jacob's tender whispers toward his son, her heart sank.

[Rachel]

Will I ever be able to give him a son?

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[Narrator]

Jacob returned to his tent, weary from a day of hard work and a night of waiting for Leah to give birth. He finally laid down, ready to slip blissfully to sleep. However, his peace was interrupted by heavy footsteps approaching his tent. Rachel burst in and grabbed Jacob by the tunic. She kissed him violently and pressed against him aggressively. Jacob grabbed her shoulders to stop her.

[Jacob]

What on earth are you doing?

[Rachel]

Give me children now.

[Narrator]

She leaned in again with anger and aggression.

[Jacob]

It's not up to me, Rachel. Get off. You're not in your right mind.

[Rachel]

Are you calling me mad, Jacob? Are you Calling me a mad woman?

[Jacob]

That's not what I said. Don't put words in my mouth.

[Rachel]

Give me a child, Jacob. Give me a child or I will die.

[Jacob]

Am I in the place of God? He's withheld the fruit of the womb from you. Not me. You're coming to a sheep for eggs. I'm not in control of whether you can conceive or not.

[Narrator]

Rachel threw her fists against Jacob's chest and jumped off him. She paced back and forth, vibrating with jealousy and anger.

[Rachel]

What good am I if I can't give you a child? How soon before you leave my side and bind yourself to Leah? She's the one who's given you son.

[Jacob]

Rachel, my love is for you and you alone. You know this.

[Rachel]

Yes, but for how long, Jacob? How will we measure up when I am old and barren and Leah has given you a hundred sons?

[Narrator]

Jacob was silent, shifting his eyes down and to the side. Rachel's upper lip curled upward into a snarl. She was a shepherdess, not a prophetess, but she could see the future. In that moment, she could see Jacob and Leah side by side, advancing the call of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebecca.

[Rachel]

I won't lose you and my status to Leah. I refuse.

[Jacob]

What are we supposed to do, Rachel? I can't make you fertile any more than I can make the sun rise.

[Rachel]

No. But there are other ways for me to give you children. Marry my half sister and maidservant Bilhah. She can have children on my behalf.

[Narrator]

Jacob froze and peered at Rachel for a long while.

[Jacob]

Is. Is this a trap?

[Rachel]

No, Jacob. This is a way for me to seize control. Bilhah is still young. She can give you more children on my behalf. We will exercise the ritual of fertility. I will stand over her when she gives birth so that I too may become fertile. This way you have a son in my honor and my womb may be opened.

[Narrator]

Jacob knew about his grandfather's history. He knew about Hagar, Ishmael and the ensuing chaos after Abraham had taken a second wife. Yet for all this knowledge, Jacob couldn't see the trapdoor to chaos right before him. With the same clueless carnal decision making as Abraham, Jacob agreed.

[Jacob]

Very well. Send Bilhah in. The two of us will be bound in covenant, and she will give me sons on your behalf.

[Rachel]

Bilhah.

[Leah]

Yes, my lady?

[Rachel]

We have discussed this matter already. You will bear Jacob's sons on my behalf. Between the two of us, we will catch up to Leah.

[Leah]

As you say, my lady.

[Rachel]

Don't be so uptight now, Billa.

[Narrator]

Was brought to Jacob's side. Together they consummated a marriage and bound her future children to Rachel's. It was an awkward and unsavoury event. Rachel, warring with her own self worth, shared her husband with yet another. Billah conceived and bore a son. Rachel, in accordance with the rituals of the time, stood over her in an attempt to open up her womb. It was a vain attempt.

[Leah]

What should his name be, my lady?

[Rachel]

His name will be Dan. For God has heard my voice and judged rightly that I should have a son.

[Narrator]

Jacob's growing family was marked with tension. Rachel and Leah, bound by blood and marriage, were forced to live in close proximity to each other. But their hatred boiled even deeper towards each other since Billa entered the fray.

[Rachel]

Oh, isn't Dan precious? He's going to be a strong boy.

[Narrator]

Rachel swooned over Billa's child, loudly and in front of Leah.

[Leah]

Yes, perhaps. Bila must be happy to have such a healthy child.

[Rachel]

He's mine by right too, you know.

[Leah]

Sure, Rachel. Whatever brings you comfort.

[Narrator]

That night, Rachel gave Billa to Jacob again. Out of spite. Jacob was once again thrust into the middle of a war between sisters. In the moment, he enjoyed playing his part. But with each child born to him, things only seemed to get worse. Billa conceived and bore another son. Rachel laughed at the sight of him. She had a competitive fire in her against Leah.

[Rachel]

His name shall be Nephtali. With mighty wrestling I have struggled and warred with my sister and seized a victory.

[Narrator]

Leah paced back and forth, bouncing Judah on her hip. Zilpa was close by, weaving a basket for Reuben to take down to the stream for catching toads.

[Leah]

Rachel's so smug about these new children. The one thing I had over her was that I could bear children. But of course. Clever, smart and talented, Rachel finds a way. It's just like our childhood.

[Rachel]

Bilhah seems happy with the children. I'm at least glad she gets that joy.

[Leah]

Don't take their side.

[Rachel]

Yes, my lady.

[Leah]

I've tried many times to conceive another child, but I'm afraid I've dried up or something. At this rate, Rachel and Bela will catch up. And who's to say Rachel won't end up having children of her own?

[Rachel]

I think Jacob is content with having five healthy sons. My lady. Do we need to press this further?

[Leah]

You don't understand. This isn't about Jacob anymore. This is about me and Rachel. This is about who will sit as the matriarch of this family. This is about dominance. Zilpah this is about whose name will be etched next to Jacob's in history.

[Rachel]

Then what do we do, my lady? We can't open your womb to receive more children any more than we can close Bilhah's.

[Leah]

Rachel has changed the rules of the game. We'll play by her rules. You'll marry Jacob as well and have children on my behalf.

[Rachel]

It would be an honor, my lady.

[Leah]

Are you sure it must be done?

[Narrator]

Leah gave Zilpah to Jacob, another pawn in the war between Leah and Rachel. Leah spoke truly. It was no longer about love gained and love kept between Jacob and his wives. It had become a battle of dominance. The sons of Jacob were born from petty squabbles of favoritism and vies for power. Zilpah bore two sons. Gad, which means good fortune, and Asher, which means happy. They represented Leah's abundance and the growing confidence she had as a woman of prominence in Jacob's household. The heat of summer gave way to the chilly bite of fall. The morning dew grew frosted and the wheat crops were fresh and ready for harvest. Leah knew this was the perfect time to dig for mandrakes. Often called love apples, they were well known to affect fertility. Leah sent Reuben out to dig for mandrakes. His hands bore through the cold earth, digging up as many roots as possible. When Rachel approached, he was carrying them back to his mother in a basket.

[Rachel]

You there, boy. Come here. What do you have there, man?

[Narrator]

Mandrakes for my mother.

[Rachel]

Give some to me.

[Jacob]

I don't think I should.

[Rachel]

Come now. I'm your dear aunt. Give me some of your mandrakes.

[Leah]

Stop harassing my son.

[Narrator]

Leah approached with the tenacity of a mother bear.

[Rachel]

Give the me some of your son's mandrakes.

[Leah]

Not only have you taken my husband away from me, but now you want my son's mandrakes.

[Rachel]

Enough of that nonsense about me stealing your husband. It's childish. Besides, I need those mandrakes more than you do.

[Leah]

Yet they're mine to give or keep as I please. Come, Reuben.

[Rachel]

I'll. I'll let you lie with Jacob if you give me those mandrakes.

[Narrator]

Leah's ears perked up. Jacob had been denying Lear ever since she stopped bearing him children. An arrogant smile flashed across Rachel's face. Leah claimed that Jacob was her husband. Yet here, Rachel was a gatekeeper for his bed. She had the real power. Leah's mind went back to the beginning of this mess, when she was but a girl. Desperate for Jacob's affection, she longed to be close to him again. She drew a deep breath, nodded to.

[Leah]

Reuben and said, give her the mandrakes.

[Rachel]

You say I stole your husband. Fine. But he's mine to give now. Don't forget it.

[Narrator]

Through the agreement struck with Roots, Leah conceived two more sons, Issachar and Zebulun. She also bore him a daughter, Dinah.

[Leah]

God has given me what's fair since I've been generous. Now my husband has no choice but to honor me since I've given him six sons and a daughter.

[Narrator]

Even so, after years of struggle and turmoil, God saw fit to open Rachel's womb. She and Jacob conceived out of love, and thus a grand spiral of love. Favoritism and hatred continued. The grassy plains of Canaan were glowing under the radiance of the stars. The heavens stretched out, bending like a bow across the wilds. Each star was a twinkling witness to Rachel's struggle. Her laboured breaths rose with the fire warming her tent.

[Rachel]

I can't do this. I'm not strong enough. I never imagined this was possible. I thought God had forgotten me.

[Jacob]

What's taking so long? What's wrong?

[Narrator]

Jacob was outside, forming a circle in the dirt with his constant pacing. Rachel lay there, looking up at the canvas above. Sweat beat down her brow and back.

[Rachel]

Jacob.

[Narrator]

Jacob ran close to the canvas wall and placed his face beside it.

[Jacob]

I'm here, my love.

[Narrator]

Rachel closed her eyes and smiled. Having Jacob close helped. She had longed to give him a child since the first time they met. Now, after nearly a lifetime together, here she was, only moments away from her dream. She propped her head up and nodded to the midwife. She curled forward and pushed with all her might. He was coming. She did it again with a high scream. Closer a third time. She clenched her fists and pushed. Her screams were suddenly replaced by the soft cries of a newborn child. A stage, a pined after precious miracle. The minute Jacob heard those cries from the other side of the tent, he ran in. His son cried in Rachel's arms. He was the most beautiful thing Jacob had ever seen. Finally, he had a child born from love. All other blessings in his life seemed to fade into the background as he gazed upon his miracle child. He held him in his arms. His beaming smile revealed his old and cracked face.

[Rachel]

My son.

[Jacob]

My son. I shall name you Joseph.

[Narrator]

He kissed his son's cheek and laid him in the arms of his mother. Out of all of his brothers, Joseph carried the favor of his father. The boy would grow up under the attentive wing of his parents and increase in knowledge, skill and pride. Great would be his rise in his family, and great would be his fall. Jacob expanded his lineage larger than his forefathers could ever imagine. 11 sons to bear the promise given to Abraham and Isaac. Yet the house of Jacob had a foundation built on pettiness, favoritism and jealousy. Jacob did nothing to thwart the coiling weeds of discord, choking out the life of his wives and children. 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 Colterfianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Steven Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Lashinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more Pray.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.

[Rachel]

Did you know Tide has been upgraded.

[Narrator]

To provide an even better clean in cold water?

[Rachel]

Tide is specifically designed to fight any stain you throw at it, even in cold butter. Yep, chocolate ice cream? Sure thing. Barbecue sauce.

[Narrator]

Tide's got you covered.

[Rachel]

You don't need to use warm water. Additionally, Tide pods let you confidently fight tough stains with new coldzyme technology. Just remember, if it's gotta be clean.

[Ryan Seacrest]

It'S gotta be tied. Delta Air lines just turned 100 and is already shaping the next century of flight with the Delta Sustainable Skies Lab. Here they're building the future of flight. Think electric air taxis and next gen aircraft aiming to cut fuel burn significantly.

[Jacob]

And this isn't just future talk.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Today their fleet of Boeing 737s have marine like finlets designed to reshape airflow that reduces drag. The future of travel is more sustainable.

[Jacob]

And Delta's leading the way.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Learn [e-mail] sustainability hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Flu season is here and our pharmacies have you covered with a free flu shot with most insurance plans. Plus it's cough and cold season and now through December 2nd. Stock up on all the season's essentials and get ready for relief with discounts on items like Mucinex, Cold and Flu, Kickstarter, Mucinex, Fast Max Products, Vicks Daquil and Nyquil Combo pack Alka Seltzer plus also airborne and Afrin offers end December 2 restrictions apply and offers may vary by location. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Jacob]

This is Jacob Goldstein from what's yous Problem? When you buy business software from lots of vendors, the costs add up and it gets complicated and confusing. Odoo solves this. It's a single company that sells a suite of enterprise apps that handles everything from accounting to inventory to sales. Odoo is all connected on a single platform in a simple and affordable way. You can save money without missing out on the features you need. Check out Odoo at O D O o dot com. That's O D O o dot com.

[Leah]

Okay, only ten more presents to wrap. You're almost at the finish line. But first, There the last one. Enjoy a Coca Cola for a pause that refreshes.

[Rachel]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.