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Narrator/Announcer
This is an iHeart podcast.
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Prayer Leader
Desirable than great riches and loving favor is better than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1 Dear Lord, we thank you for the wisdom of your word, reminding us that a good name is far more valuable than great riches. You show us that honor and integrity are treasures that last beyond this life. We think of Isaac, who may not have achieved the fame of Abraham or Jacob, yet lived with quiet faith and steadfast obedience. His legacy of righteousness continues to inspire us today. Help us to build lives rich in character and truth. Teach us to value honesty over wealth, humility over pride, and faithfulness over success. Let our names reflect your glory and bring good to others. Guide our steps so that our actions speak of your love. May our lives become a lasting testimony of your goodness and grace. Thank you Lord, for the gift of a name that honors you. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Chosen People. Remain here for a dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Don't forget to download the Pray.com app to discover daily encouragement. Find thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Chosen People. Remain here for a dramatic story inspired by the Bible. Be sure to leave a review and share your journey of faith today.
Narrator/Storyteller
Previously on the Chosen People. Isaac dropped to his knee, trembling, and bowed his head to receive the word of his Father's God.
Isaac
Isaac, son of my servant Abraham. You have spent a lifetime following your father as he followed me. I come now to bless you to carry out the promise I made to your father through your lifetime. Thank you my God, who will do all that you ask of me.
Rebecca
My beloved Isaac, may our God Bless you and keep you. May you walk in his ways all the days of your life, and may you be a blessing to all nations, as God promised to me. May you inherit the land promised to us, and may your descendants be as countless as the stars in the sky. May the Lord establish His covenant with you and your offspring forever, and may his promises be fulfilled through your faithfulness and obedience. My dear Isaac, may you be a blessing to generations to come, and may our God be your God, now and forevermore.
Narrator/Storyteller
Isaac was speechless at this beautiful speech which formally bound him to the precious promise made to his father. He swore to do everything in his power to uphold it and steward his part of their legacy. Well.
Jacob
Deborah, did you bring us anything other than gossip from the city? I won't have you filling my son's head with useless nonsense from merchants wives.
Narrator/Announcer
Pardon me, Lady Rebecca, but if I didn't travel into the city for you, you would never know what was going on outside this caravan. You and Master Isaac are completely consumed with the tasks of running this caravan and the fields of crops and cat. We're our own city in our own rights. The merchants wives should be coming to us for the latest gossip.
Rebecca
Deborah, the news.
Narrator/Announcer
Oh, yes, Master Jacob. The rumor in town is that Abimelech has seen how Master Isaac's wealth has grown. He has taken note, you see.
Jacob
Yes, Our God has blessed us. Every seed sown in this land we have reaped a hundredfold.
Sponsor/Advertiser
We.
Jacob
We have had to hire hundreds of laborers just to keep up.
Rebecca
And our wealth has surely only boosted the economy of Jarrah. But tell me the nature of these rumors. Ill or favorable?
Narrator/Announcer
They are saying that Abimelech and his court have grown envious of the wealth amassed by your father. It could mean trouble.
Rebecca
Speaking of trouble, here comes Esau from his hunt.
Narrator/Storyteller
Sure enough, Esau was striding through camp with his latest kill thrown over his shoulder. He looked to be in a foul mood. Fouler than usual, to Jacob's eyes, anyway. It had been nearly 15 years since their grandfather's death. And since he had won Esau's birthright over a bowl of stew, the years had done nothing to cool his temper toward Jacob. And he kept his distance to be sure it never came to blows.
Esau
Where is Father?
Rebecca
Greetings to you as well, dear brother.
Narrator/Storyteller
Both his mother and Deborah shot him a disapproving look at his whispered comment. They were not keen on seeing the two young men start a fight.
Jacob
He has not come in from the field all day today. What is the matter, Esau? You look Upset.
Esau
I am upset. They have done it again.
Jacob
Done what?
Esau
The wells. They keep filling them with dirt.
Narrator/Announcer
Oh, my God. Master Esau. Isn't that the third time we've caught them this month?
Jacob
You're sure they were men from Gerar? Servants of Abimelech?
Esau
Yes.
Rebecca
What did you do to them?
Esau
I scare them off.
Rebecca
Did you start a war with our hosts?
Esau
No. I scare them. What's done is done. We must dig back the wells.
Jacob
Months of work, just like the others. I do not like it. Filling in the wells could be a simple defense of the land, preventing enemies from taking hold of water supplies that are remote. Or it could be for more nefarious reasons. This sabotage, combined with the rumors from the city. I do not think we shall remain peaceful neighbors with Abimelek for long. We would be foolish to ignore these indicators to war. I doubt your father would go for that. We should see what can be done with diplomacy first. I will speak with your father when he returns.
Esau
That's why I want Father I coming to tell him about wells.
Rebecca
Yes, but would you counsel a violent course of action? Would you lead us into war?
Esau
You want us to do nothing?
Rebecca
Oh, you forget, we are not residents in this land. Esau provoking our host would leave us homeless. We must proceed carefully if we want to keep our livelihood.
Esau
I forgot nothing. I.
Jacob
Enough. I said I would speak with your father when he returns. You have delivered your news, Esau. Go see to your carcass. Your kill is making a mess at your feet.
Narrator/Storyteller
Esau huffed in response, but said nothing else as he stormed off to clean his kill.
Jacob
Oh, must you always provoke him, Jacob?
Rebecca
I cannot help myself. He just doesn't think. He craves violence. And you've seen the way he lusts after the local Canaanite women. He forgets our ways.
Narrator/Announcer
Master Jacob is not wrong, Lady Rebecca. I have heard troubling rumors about young Master Esau and some of the Hittite women. He has become very friendly with their people in his hunting and traveling. Master Isaac would not approve, and I would not either.
Jacob
But that is tomorrow's trouble. We must deal with Abimelech and these destroyed wells first.
Narrator/Storyteller
When Isaac returned from the fields, Rebekah told him about the rumors in the city and the latest destroyed well.
Isaac
What would you have me do? I cannot keep maintaining these wells if Abimelech is intent on sabotaging them. And what of the rumors of his discontent? Why should I trouble myself if Abimelek is concerned about my wealth?
Jacob
He's not concerned, Isaac. He's Intimidated? Abimelek is scared of your wealth. Growing wealth. You're outgrowing this region.
Isaac
That's the opinion of one man.
Jacob
A king never holds the opinion of one. He is the summation of his court, his advisors and his people. His opinion was no doubt informed by the counsel of many.
Isaac
Speak plainly, Rebecca. I am tired.
Jacob
Go to him. Get ahead of this before more than wells are destroyed.
Isaac
I will do as you ask.
Narrator/Storyteller
And so Isaac called an audience with Abimelek to see what could be done between their people. He travelled down the plains into the great city where statues of past Abimeleks towered over the streets like gods. Isaac rolled his shoulders back, feigning a confidence he knew he should have. He entered the great halls of Abimelech. Torches illuminated furs of past hunts and tapestries of past conquests. The room had a certain stench, one of incense burned to idols and rotten meat laid before hollow altars. Abimelek was both lord and priest in his region, a God among his people. Every warlord and king from Canaan to Egypt thought they were the image of the gods. But Isaac knew better. He knew every man and woman was crafted in God's image. It's what gave him the confidence, the boldness to step before such an imposing man. He tilted his head down to Abimelek and began.
Isaac
Oh, great Abimelech, I come to you concerning the wells that your men continue to fill. It is hard to not take such acts as slights against me.
Esau
Go on.
Isaac
My council believes you are intimidated by my presence in the region. And that is why you continue to sabotage our water sources.
Esau
There is truth in what you say. There is growing discontent with your wealth amongst my court, Isaac, son of Abraham.
Isaac
Your Highness, there's really nothing I can do about that. I cannot help that my God has seen fit to bless me.
Esau
Indeed, I suppose that's true.
Isaac
But I recognize I am a guest in your lands. How can we live in peace? How can we live together as we did in the days of my father?
Esau
It is as you say. You are a guest in my lands. But I cannot guarantee that my people's discontentment will not cause them to do something rash or raise their hand against you.
Isaac
What do you suggest, Abimelech? I am not a diplomat or strategist like my father. I am a simple man. Tell me what to do and I'll do it.
Esau
I would have you leave us. You have become far too powerful.
Prayer Leader
Leave?
Isaac
Where would you have us go? Your Highness?
Esau
You should take your tents and your flocks to the valley of Gerar. It is less populated, and you would encounter fewer conflicts with my people there.
Isaac
If that will keep the peace, I shall do as you say.
Narrator/Storyteller
Isaac departed from Abimelech and did exactly what he promised. Satisfied that the good faith of their move would resolve the conflict, Isaac sent out his men to restore his father's wells. He also retained the names he had given them. His substantial caravan relocated to the main of the Negev desert, the place called Gira Valley. It was a large, dry valley that would only see water if the rainy seasons ever returned. Isaac knew that to survive here, apart from the city, they would need to find a water source. And soon. Isaac sent out his men who understood the ways of hydrology. They knew where rainwater and groundwater would be collected for his herds. The men surveyed the land and suggested where Isaac's laborers could dig into the earth to find the water deep within. Months passed, and still no water was found. That was until one morning when one such party on the far side of the valley found a hidden well of spring water.
Isaac
That's it. We found it finally, and not a moment too soon.
Rebecca
And keep your voice down. We got company.
Isaac
What do you mean?
Rebecca
Those herdsmen of Gerar been following us. I think they're letting us do all the work so they can swoop in and claim the water we find for themselves.
Isaac
You're probably right. Do you think they hurt me or know that we found some?
Esau
Ho ho. We heard you. And if you think we're gonna let you take that water for yourself. You have water on the brain as opposed to in the ground. You take my meaning? These are our hills, and any water here is ours.
Isaac
Go run back to camp and tell Master Isaac send a force here to defend the spring.
Narrator/Storyteller
The frightened herdsman did as the surveyor bid and ran back to Isaac's camp on the far side of the valley, telling him of the dispute over the water they found there.
Isaac
Is this going to happen every time we break ground in search of water? I will send a force back with you. But if they do the same, you must stand down. I have to seek peace. I will name this spring Essek, or the dispute raised there over it.
Narrator/Storyteller
The herdsman returned with the force Isaac provided, but the Gera herdsmen had sent for their own defense. Isaac's men were forced to stand down and surrender the spring. And so the search for water continued. Esau was among them, poised to fight, but forced not to. Instead, they followed Isaac's commands and stood down, frustrated and flustered. Esau Returned to his father with a report.
Esau
Father, our men in standstill with herdsmen of Gerar.
Isaac
Did they find water in the valley?
Esau
Yes. Will you order to attack men from Gorar and be done with it? We could have entire valley by now if we fight. Why you not fight them?
Isaac
My father, your grandfather made a covenant with the Abimelech. There will be peace between our two nations. I certainly will not be the one to break it. Breaking a covenant is a grave offense, my son.
Esau
We die without water. Better to have dead men from Gerar than our own people.
Isaac
No. No. No matter the opposition we face, we will wait on our God. He will provide the water we need to sustain us. If they put up a fight over this spring, we will back down. I will have no man say we broke our covenant. In fact, I will name this spring Sitna opposition. So it serves as a reminder that we did not act in violence, even in the face of great opposition.
Esau
I do not understand. You cannot.
Narrator/Storyteller
He saw.
Isaac
I had hoped you would begin to understand the ways of our people, of our God. You will see in time, and hopefully understand. Our God will make room for us in this land. You will see as a part of Abraham's legacy. You must understand these things.
Narrator/Storyteller
Years passed since they left the city of Gerard, and Isaac's faith was rewarded. The next time his men dug underground and found water. They found no disputes, no opposition. Finally, they were at peace. Isaac knew. They finally found the room they had been searching for in this land. He named the well. They dug Rehoboth because his God had made room for them. Despite Esau's confoundment, Isaac knew that their prospect in this land was only due to the hand of their God. He knew that the blessing on his family could not be hindered. Isaac gathered his family and household together to share this triumph with them.
Isaac
For now, our God has made space for us and we will be fruitful in the land.
Narrator/Storyteller
The speech Isaac gave revitalized the faith of his household. But Esau could be seen shaking his head. He could not understand this inaction, this path of peace. Esau's hands were built for action, not diplomacy. He later made plans to go visit his friends, the Hethites. Rumours later swirled that he had gone to take a wife or two from these pagan people groups. From there, Isaac walked out of his caravan to Beersheba, as he and his father had done that fateful day nearly a lifetime ago. He brought wood, the means to build a fire, a knife and a sacrificial animal so that he could Build an altar to call on the name of his God. At least this time he came fully prepared. They secured at least one new water source free of conflict. But Isaac wanted to seek his God to ensure they were in the right place before they settled more permanently. He was still awaiting confirmation of the place his God would tell him about. Beersheba was where his father had cut the covenant with the Abimelech. The journey took him about a day, and when he arrived that night, he prepared the altar and the sacrifice and waited on his God to see if he would speak to him. Sure enough, the evening quieted around him and all the world grew still. Isaac knelt and waited as he had done the times before. This was the blessing of his father. It wasn't the wealth, status and prosperity. It was moments like these. Moments of connection and intimacy with the Creator.
Isaac
I am the God of your father, Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your offspring because of my servant, Abraham.
Narrator/Storyteller
Isaac sagged in relief to hear God's words. For all the faith he had displayed to his people, he did not realize until that moment how much he needed to hear the promise his God had given his father confirmed. The next morning, Isaac hiked back and brought his entire caravan to where he had built the altar to God Almighty. They pitched their tents and established a more permanent foothold in the region. Isaac also sent his men out to dig a well nearby to add to the others in the area. After some time in the area, Isaac's men spotted an approaching company from the city of Gera. Isaac did not need to wait long until he received word that it was Abimelek, his advisor Ahuzad, and even Fickol, the commander of his army, the Abimelech.
Rebecca
With his advisor and his commander.
Jacob
We have no reason to think this is a declaration of war. We have surrendered the wells his people thought were theirs.
Rebecca
Well, coming here with his highest ranking officials seems awfully direct, don't you think? I imagine he will not be cagey with his intentions.
Isaac
Indeed. Master Isaac. Mistress Rebecca. Master Jacob. I present his highness of Garaar, Abimelech Ahuzith, his chief advisor, and Fikal, the commander of Abimelech's armies. You are most welcome, your highness.
Esau
Thank you, Isaac, son of Abraham. And to you, Lady Rebecca, and Jacob, son of Isaac.
Isaac
Your highness, forgive my bluntness, but why have you come here? You hated me and sent me away.
Esau
It is true, Isaac, son of Abraham. We did send you away on account of your wealth and the power you were in our land. We have seen how your God has blessed you. He has truly chosen you as he chose your father.
Rebecca
His Highness Abimelech suggests an oath between two parties. Us and you. Just as it was with Abraham.
Esau
Let us cut a covenant and renew the oaths between your father and my predecessor. For this new age.
Rebecca
You will agree not to harm us, just as we have not harmed you, but have done only what was good to you, sending you away in peace.
Esau
Please say you will accept our offer, Isaac, son of Abraham. For we can see that you have been blessed by your God. And we wish to share in that blessing as well.
Narrator/Storyteller
Isaac took a moment to absorb what the king and his advisor were saying. This. This gesture was surely another affirmation of his God's promise. They recognized the blessing and wanted to be a part of it themselves. Isaac would not, and indeed had not gone out of his way to harm them. And if his God was going to share the blessing in return for protection from this foreign nation, then all the better.
Isaac
Ah. I shall accept your offer. I will swear an oath between our two nations. I will prepare a great feast for us and we can cut the covenant and swear our oaths. In the morning. You will be my guests. Take a seat. And I will begin preparing for the great banquet. Oh, I will have my son Esau make his famous stew. We'll have fig butter, fresh bread and oh my, it would be great. Wonderful. May this be the first of many meals of friendship together.
Narrator/Storyteller
Isaac's excitement entertained Abimelech. Isaac's simple charm endeared him to even his enemies. While his father Abraham stood as an imposing figure, tactician and diplomat, Isaac seemed to float around peacefully, allowing God's favour to do most of the work for him. They feasted with Isaac and his family. And true to their word, they arose early the following day to swear their oaths of peace. And so Isaac walked confidently with his God in the peace and prosperity he had been granted in the land promised to his father. 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. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton and Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Steven Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky Music by Andrew Morgan Smith Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree, 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.
Isaac
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Rebecca
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Isaac
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Jacob
10 more presents to wrap. You're almost at the finish line. But first. Ah, there, the last one. Enjoy a Coca Cola for a pause that refreshes. You know what a girl's best friend is not diamonds.
Narrator/Storyteller
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Esau
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Isaac
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Jacob
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Rebecca
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Jacob
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Esau
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Rebecca
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Isaac
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Narrator/Announcer
This is an iHeart podcast.
Host/Production: Pray.com
Date: November 20, 2025
This episode of The Chosen People centers on the biblical patriarch Isaac, exploring themes of quiet strength, faithfulness, and legacy. Through dramatized storytelling inspired by the Old Testament, the episode weaves together Isaac’s struggles, his quest to fulfill God’s promises to Abraham, and his commitment to peace amid escalating conflict. The narrative brings to life Isaac’s journey, his interactions with his family, local rulers, and his faith-driven leadership style—emphasizing how faith, patience, and humility can become a foundation for generational blessing.
“Isaac, son of my servant Abraham. You have spent a lifetime following your father as he followed me. I come now to bless you…” (03:05, Voice of God)
“May you walk in his ways all the days of your life, and may you be a blessing to all nations…” (03:29, Rebecca)
“The rumor in town is that Abimelech has seen how Master Isaac’s wealth has grown… It could mean trouble.” (05:32, Deborah)
“Every seed sown in this land we have reaped a hundredfold.” (05:43, Jacob)
“He just doesn’t think. He craves violence… And you’ve seen the way he lusts after the local Canaanite women. He forgets our ways.” (09:00, Rebecca)
“They keep filling them with dirt… Isn’t that the third time we’ve caught them this month?” (07:04, Esau & Deborah)
“Oh, great Abimelech, I come to you concerning the wells that your men continue to fill. It is hard to not take such acts as slights against me.” (11:44, Isaac)
“I would have you leave us. You have become far too powerful.” (13:05, Abimelech)
“If that will keep the peace, I shall do as you say.” (13:24, Isaac)
“Do you think they heard me or know that we found some?” (14:45, Isaac)
“If they put up a fight over this spring, we will back down. I will have no man say we broke our covenant.” (17:08, Isaac)
“For now, our God has made space for us and we will be fruitful in the land.” (18:50, Isaac)
“It wasn’t the wealth, status and prosperity. It was moments like these. Moments of connection and intimacy with the Creator.” (20:33, Narrator)
“I am the God of your father, Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your offspring…” (20:46, Voice of God)
“We have seen how your God has blessed you. He has truly chosen you as he chose your father… Let us cut a covenant and renew the oaths between your father and my predecessor.” (22:50–23:13, Abimelech)
“Oh, I will have my son Esau make his famous stew… May this be the first of many meals of friendship together.” (24:09, Isaac)
Isaac’s Humility and Faith:
“No matter the opposition we face, we will wait on our God. He will provide the water we need to sustain us. If they put up a fight over this spring, we will back down. I will have no man say we broke our covenant.”
(17:08, Isaac)
God’s Affirmation:
“I am the God of your father, Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your offspring…”
(20:46, Voice of God to Isaac)
Blessing in Peaceful Actions:
“While his father Abraham stood as an imposing figure, tactician and diplomat, Isaac seemed to float around peacefully, allowing God’s favor to do most of the work for him.”
(24:49, Narrator)
The storytelling is contemplative and faithful to biblical narrative traditions, with dramatic flair and an emphasis on the internal emotional and spiritual struggles that accompany Isaac’s journey. The language remains reverent, often poetic, and interspersed with moments of warmth, gentle humor, and humility.
For further reflection or to continue the journey, download the Pray.com app or listen to other episodes in "The Chosen People" series.