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Narrator / Story Introduction
It wasn't long after Tamara and her husband moved into their new home in Tajikistan that she was visited by a group of Muslim women. She welcomed them warmly, but she soon realized the visit was not a friendly one. Tamara and her husband had been sharing the gospel, and these women came to her with a stern warning. Christians were not welcome. Only later would Tamara fully understand the danger she and her husband now faced. You can read her full story by getting your very own copy of hearts of Fire 2 for free from the Voice of the Martyrs. The book highlights courageous women who have served Christ in some of the world's most difficult and dangerous places. Today, you can receive your own copy of the book for free by visiting vom.org chosenpeople. That's vom.org chosen people previously on the Chosen People.
Moses
It's just Lord Moses hasn't come back yet. It's been over a month. We're starting to wonder, what if it doesn't come back? Make us a God, Lord Aaron. The people need it or they'll lose heart. Maybe our God will put Moses spirit inside it and it'll inspire the people as Moses did.
Aaron
Go and spread the word to all who share your concerns. Bring me gold. A supply of gold. With this gold, I will do as you ask. Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives, your sons, your daughters, and bring them to me.
Moses
What are you thinking, Uncle?
Aaron
Calm down. Er. They only want a symbol to guide them. Moses presence is a comfort to them, and I don't blame them. Look at all we've been through. They're still going to be worshipping our God.
Narrator / Storyteller
There was no mistaking the animal he'd shaped. The calf stood about 2ft tall and 3ft long. Tobiah approached, inspecting it closely before turning to the crowd and shouting in triumph, Israel.
Moses
This is your God who brought you up from the land of Egypt.
Narrator / Storyteller
The next day, they did as Aaron had instructed, offering burnt offerings before the golden calf. Food and wine flowed, and by midday, the camp's mood swelled to a fever pitch like a wartime victory, but quickly descended into chaos.
Aaron
It is not an idol. It's a symbol.
Moses
Call it what you want. The result will be the same, and I will not play a part in it.
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Come on, her.
Moses
We need to get out of here. What you're doing isn't right, Tobiah. What all of you are doing is evil. This is forbidden in the eyes of our God. How quickly do you forget your promises and forsake your oaths?
Narrator / Storyteller
A stone found Hur's temple and sent him flying onto the floor. Blood sprang from his temple, ran up to escape, who was quickly grabbed by Tobiah and tossed into the crowd. They bound him and threw him beside one of the bonfires. Aaron caught Miriam's arm as she rushed forward, holding her back as horror gripped them both. Blood pooled beneath Hur's head and for a long moment they stood frozen, breath caught, watching his body battered by the mob. When the air finally tore back into Aaron's lungs, he pulled his wailing sister away, icy panic pushing him through the crowd. They had to escape to wait out the madness somewhere safe. But as he dragged Miriam from the scene, he wondered if there was any coming back from this. In his heart, he knew they hadn't seen the last of the violence. He knew he had made a grave mistake.
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Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI it all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index, and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com disclosures.
Narrator / Storyteller
Moses sat enraptured as he had for days, listening to the Lord's vision for their young nation, the instructions and precepts that would become his people's law, setting them apart from every other nation. As God spoke, his words appeared on the stone tablets, as if an invisible hand inscribed them. Moses had never seen anything like it. Hunger and thirst felt distant, too faint to pull him from his place before God. Then, breaking the majestic sight before him was a deafening silence. Startled by the suddenness, Moses straightened, realizing his God had stopped speaking and wondering what caused the interruption.
God
Go down at once. Your people whom you brought up from Egypt have acted corruptly. They have quickly turned away from the way I commanded them, making an image of a golden calf. They have bowed down to it, sacrificed to it, and declared Israel. These are your gods who brought you up from Egypt.
Narrator / Storyteller
Moses heart sank. As if reading his very mind, the Lord broke through Moses grief.
God
I have seen these people and they are indeed a stiff necked people.
Narrator / Storyteller
An image sprang to Moses mind, an ox under its yoke, tossing its head, resisting the reins, refusing its master's commands.
Moses
These people, treacherous, defiant, petulant children. Is their memory so short? Have you not lifted the yoke of oppression from them, provided their every need, given them the foundation of a nation?
Narrator / Storyteller
Moses thoughts raced, but in his shock he lost all control. His body vibrated with anger and fear, fear of what would become of his people now that they had so swiftly broken God's commands.
God
Now leave me alone so that my anger can burn against them and I can destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.
Narrator / Storyteller
God's words of anger stopped Moses racing thoughts. Had God just asked Moses to leave him alone? And did he truly just promise to make Moses into a great nation like Abraham?
Moses
That would be going backward.
Narrator / Storyteller
Moses thought these things to himself. What of the promises to his people? Start over. After all they'd been through. Though Moses knew he'd be safe. The thought of failure, his failure, made him sick. Anger shifted to panic, and in desperation he instinctively turned to bargaining.
Moses
My God, why does your anger burn against your people? The ones you brought out of Egypt with great power and a strong hand? Why should the Egyptians say he brought them out only to kill them in the mountains and erase them from the earth? Turn from your fierce anger and relentless disaster you planned for your people. Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, Israel. You swore to them. I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars and give them this land to inherit forever. Do you remember?
Narrator / Storyteller
Moses clung to that last question like a lifeline. He'd already failed as Israel's leader. He could not fail now as their advocate before God. If God had chosen him for this purpose, it indeed had to count for something. It just had to go.
God
Leave me. Return to the people of Israel.
Narrator / Storyteller
Moses was amazed that God had relented, responding to his pleas. Perhaps this had been the Lord's plan all along. He could have sworn he heard a note of satisfaction in his tone. Did God need to see Moses loyalty to his people? Well, Moses was now even more determined to set things right.
Moses
A calf. Have they broken their covenant? And so quickly, so blatantly.
Narrator / Storyteller
Anger rekindled as he carefully lifted the stone tablets and descended the mountain, leaving behind the dark cloud that had been his shelter these 40 days. Hoshea sat cross legged on a stone, whittling a rough four legged figure, unsure of what it was becoming. His new blade, a gift from the blacksmith after the Amalekite battle, was finer than his old hunting knife from Egypt. He paused, straining to hear. Was that shouting? He frowned. Camped just below the dense cloud covering the mountain peak. He knew Moses was inside, communing with God. It had been 40 days and nights and Moses hadn't needed the provisions Hoshea had hunted and kept ready. The distant cries grew louder. Hoshea tossed the whittled figure into his campfire, where it caught quickly, joining others he'd carved out of idle waiting. Yes. Those were shouts from the camp below. His stomach tightened. An invader perhaps. The snap of a branch behind him made him turn sharply. Knife in hand, Moses had returned. Relief flooded Hoshea and he quickly sheathed his knife. Questions sprang to mind, but Moses unreadable expression stopped him. Moses carried two stone tablets with inscriptions on both sides. Hoshea wondered about their origin, but Moses pressed forward, barely acknowledging him. Scrambling, Hoshea stamped out his fire and gathered his supplies, determined not to be left behind.
Aaron
Lord Moses.
Narrator / Storyteller
No response. Hoshea jogged after him to make up the distance between them. Do you hear the shouting?
God
What do you think is happening? Could you see from your vantage point on the mountain? I think those are the sounds of war coming up from the camp.
Moses
It's not the sound of war. That's no victory cry or a cry of defeat. What you're hearing is sound of singing.
Narrator / Storyteller
Hoshea strained to listen. Yes, there was a rhythmic melodic quality to the sounds drifting up. He tried asking Moses more, but his leader's urgent silence spoke volumes, unsettling him more than the growing clamor. As they descended, Hoshea began to hear horns, strings, drums, and unmistakably singing the celebration. But for what? Moses face remained inscrutable, though anger, determination, and something like torment flickered across it. What did he know that Hoshea didn't? They continued in silence until they reached the camp's outskirts, where the sounds and smells of feasting and revelry washed over them. Hoshea's mouth watered, but something was off. Why was this happening? A sense of dread crept over him and he braced himself for what felt like an imminent collision.
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Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI, it all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc. SEC Registered Advisor. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com disclosures hey.
Narrator / Storyteller
This is US Olympic gold medalist Tara.
Moses
Davis Woodhull and I'm US Paralympic gold medalist Hunter Woodhull.
Narrator / Storyteller
As athletes, our lives are about having.
Moses
A clear path and a team that you can absolutely trust.
Narrator / Storyteller
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Narrator / Storyteller
Each step confirmed Israel's grave betrayal Compounding Moses anger He knew he should acknowledge Hoshea dazed and trotting by his side. But he couldn't see beyond the mounting blinding fury threatening to break his composure. Moses knuckles were white on the stone tablets and his fingers were numb from his grip. Nothing could have prepared him for the scene as he entered camp. A drunken madness had overtaken the people. It was like the the destruction of Sodom come to life. Immorality, violence and wild dancing filled every corner. The closer he and Hoshea drew to the center, the worse it grew. With no one sparing him a glance, Hoshea's shock was plain, but Moses was already consumed by fury. God had warned him, but seeing it firsthand ignited his indignation. Drumbeats echoed his racing heart, and in the center of it all was an altar before a crude golden calf. His brother and nephew were nowhere to be found. How could they have led Israel into such blatant idolatry? Moses anger reached a breaking point. How could all their suffering, waiting and survival have led to this? And beneath the rage was annoying guilt. This was his failure, even if it wasn't his hand that molded the calf. He had appointed the leaders who allowed it. Where had he gone wrong? How could his people betray him like this? But he couldn't spiral into self Doubt now. This injustice demanded correction. The betrayers would pay. He'd cleanse the camp as God had cleansed Sodom, leaving only those who could be reformed. Moses marched up to the stony outcrop hanging over the camp. He peered down at all of them. The skies were dark and swirling, mimicking the anger brewing in Moses heart.
Moses
You stiff necked people.
Narrator / Storyteller
With fury, Moses lifted the stone tablets high above his head, shouting as he smashed them down. They descended down into the revelry like a meteor and shattered fragments striking the musicians and dancers. Everything went silent and all eyes turned to Moses. The people swayed as the effects of the wine faded under his glare.
Moses
What have you done?
Narrator / Storyteller
The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a blade. And it was so silent that the only sound was Moses ragged breath.
Moses
What have you done?
Narrator / Storyteller
Moses marched down and shoved his way through the crowd. He stepped up to the altar and peered down at the pathetic golden idol they had made for themselves. Moses spat on it. People gasped, earning them another violent shout from Moses. He held up the idol to them.
Moses
So this is what you replace the Lord with? A three foot tall cow? The God who parted seas and sent fire down from heaven? Replaced by a bovine that can fit in a child's knapsack.
Narrator / Storyteller
Moses took the golden calf, hauled it off its pedestal and smashed it on the ground before his now silent people. He flung the pieces into the blazing fires and all of Israel watched as the gold and wooden components of the idol crackled and melted down.
Moses
Where's Aaron? Where is her? What madness is it? Overcome you all? Have you not a shred of decency? Integrity? Where is your loyalty?
Narrator / Storyteller
The crowd trembled and whimpered before him at that, but no one dared offer up any answers. Hoshir was similarly shaken. Disgust had settled into his features as he stood behind Moses and watched the scene on foot. Moses turned to him and roared.
Moses
Go and find my elders. Find Aaron and her and bring them to me at once. Search in every tent and under every bedroom until you find the cowards.
Narrator / Storyteller
Hoshea flinched at the harshness of Moses words, but he did not delay in carrying out his orders. At last, Aaron, dragged by the persistently annoying Hoshea, was thrown at Moses feet. Miriam trailed reluctantly behind Ghost like, her eyes puffy and bloodshot. Harren peered up at his brother, feeling utterly alone, too stunned to speak.
Aaron
Moses, I.
Moses
And where is her?
God
They would not say. And I haven't been able to find him anywhere.
Narrator / Storyteller
Harren kept his eyes fixed on the ground, refusing to look at the faint Crimson stain where Hur's body had lain hours before. Miriam choked out a sob, gesturing to the spot. Moses and Hoshea gasped as they realized what had happened. What?
Moses
By whose hand? We don't know. The mob took him down. He tried. He tried to stop the people.
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But.
Moses
It turned on him.
Narrator / Storyteller
Moses then turned his focus back to Aaron, who was still collapsed on the ground before him. His shock quickly turned to anger as he hurled his accusation at Aaron.
Moses
What did these people do to you that you've led them into such grave sin?
Aaron
Don't let your anger burn my brother. You know the people are bent on evil.
Narrator / Storyteller
Harren shot a sharp look at Tobiah in the crowd. He would make sure Tobiah paid for his nephew's murder and take any blame he could shift his way. Aaron wasn't going down for this. He'd only done what was necessary to pacify the people's unruliness.
Aaron
You know how they get when they're anxious. They came to me saying, make gods for us, to lead us. Because as for Moses, who brought us out of Egypt, we don't know what's happened to him.
Moses
So you made them an idol to replace God?
Aaron
They were fearful. There were even rumors of mutiny. I did what I thought would unite them in your absence. I feared for my life and for hers.
Narrator / Storyteller
Miriam's sobs intensified at Aaron's words, and he was forced to speak over the sound. It sickened Aaron, but he forced himself to keep up his bravado.
Aaron
So I said, bring your gold. And then I threw it into the fire. And then out came this calf.
Moses
Out came this calf. Did it trot out or crawl?
Aaron
Well, it came out. But it was only meant to be a symbol, Moses. A reminder of your leadership. I organized the worship of our God. Not this idol, but these people, they quickly lost sight of that and slipped back into the old ways. Frankly, I'm as horrified as you.
Narrator / Storyteller
Still on his knees, Aaron held Moses gaze, waiting for his brother's judgment. Though Moses rage was intense, Aaron's senses something shift, a silent struggle flickering in his eyes. Moses flexed his hands, and Aaron felt a queasiness rise, as if Moses had just bargained for his life with God. He couldn't bring himself to admit his failure, pride weighing his words down. Even as shame settled in his heart. Moses fury toward his brother and his grief for Huah surged, meeting the righteous anger of his God. Rising in his mind. At that moment, he sensed the Lord's intent to strike down Aaron and the people. Biting back his anger, Moses Strengthened his resolve from the mountain, pleading silently for Aaron and the people. They were out of control, and he would need to see who could return to reason. Tearing his gaze from his stubborn brother, he stepped back and addressed the disgraced Israelites.
Moses
Whoever is for our God, come to me.
Narrator / Storyteller
A tense stillness hung in the air. Then, cautiously, a group on the edge of the altar timidly stepped forward, mostly from Moses tribe, the Levites. From what he could tell, they seemed more or less innocent of the drunken revelry he had witnessed, though they hadn't stopped the idol worship. Moses watched as Nadab and Abihu emerged from the crowd and helped their father to his feet. The trio approached, ashamed, with Miriam joining them, her face now stoic and determined. Hoshea took his place on Moses right, offering a reassuring look. The others hesitated, their guilt apparent uncertainty of what to do.
Moses
Do not come forward if you're unsure where your loyalties lie. You have worshiped before an idol. If you still wish for an earthen leader, I will only tell you this once. You will not find one here. I follow only the true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He will not share worship.
Narrator / Storyteller
A few more repentant souls joined the mostly Levite group, while the rest stood uncertain, perhaps wondering if they would be presented with another choice, or possibly regretting their choices. Moses turned his back on the lost Israelites and addressed those now standing with him.
Moses
Now listen carefully. This is what our God, the God of Israel. Every man fasten his sword to his side. Go back and forth throughout the camp from entrance to entrance, and each of you killed his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.
Narrator / Storyteller
Audible gasps went up in the crowd before and behind him. The Levites and others who stood before him looked apprehensive as Moses had heard the commotion of what was surely fleeing men and women behind him. Go.
Moses
You've been given your command. Come back to me here at dawn. Cut anyone down who worship at the foot of the idol or is not repentant.
Narrator / Storyteller
Moses motioned for Hoshea to follow him, strode over to a boulder and sat himself upon it.
Moses
Hoshea, bring me fresh water and food. I need to eat after my stay on the mountain. Be quick about it. Do not tarry or entangle yourself in the violence of the camp.
Narrator / Storyteller
Hoshea inclined his head and ran off to obey. Moses watched as those who deemed themselves faithful cut down their brothers, friends, and neighbors. Moses trusted God to judge who should live or die, but his anger was still burning at the people's failure. He sat in tense silence until Hoshea returned safely. Side by side, they watched as the Israelites exacted God's justice upon one another. Aaron kept his sons and Miriam close at the camp's edge, determined to survive the bloody chaos unleashed by his brother's sentence of justice. He hadn't survived slavery and desert trials to become collateral damage. Now, unarmed, he wasn't about to risk crossing camp for his weapons. But Nadab and Abihu had their hunting knives. The brothers flanked him and Miriam. It was better than nothing. Just then, Tobiah stumbled around the tent corner, clutching a bloody gash in his side. Blood slicked down his legs as he slipped. Perhaps still drunk, Aaron smirked. Miriam gripped Aaron's shoulder in recognition. It was as if their God had hand delivered their vengeance for Huah's murder. Tobiah, unaware of them, sank into the shadows to hide. Aron's eyes glinted with revenge as he seized a baiku's knife and stalked forward. He drove the blade into Tobias back and wrenched his head back to meet his eyes. Fear and understanding flashed Intobias gaze as Aaron leaned in to whisper.
Aaron
The man of the people. It is right that I should bring you to justice for your crimes and leading us astray.
Narrator / Storyteller
Tobiah tried to choke out final words, but only foamy, bloody spittle emerged from his gaping mouth as Aaron twisted the knife further into his back. His eyes glazed and life left them. Aaron shoved him forward with his knife and wiped the blood on his cloak. He then shrank back into the shadows with his family to wait out the rest of the night. 3000 Israelites lay dead by day's end. At dawn, the survivors returned to the city center of camp. But Moses had left before sunrise to climb the mountain again, leaving them to clean up the carnage. Exhausted, he knelt before God as he had for the last 40 days before everything had gone so wrong.
Moses
My God, these people have committed a grave sin. They did indeed make a God of gold for themselves.
Narrator / Storyteller
Moses paused, recalling the words he had planned on his climb.
Moses
Now, if you would only forgive their sin. But if not, please erase me from the book you've written.
Narrator / Storyteller
The weight of failure plagued him. If he couldn't teach or lead these people in God's ways, he would rather die than than watch their downfall and shame. Finally, the answer came.
God
Whoever has sinned against me, I will erase from my book. Now go lead the people to the place I told you about. I will go before you, but on the day I settle accounts, I will hold them accountable for their sin.
Narrator / Storyteller
God's presence receded. There was nothing more to say. It seemed that the people would still be punished for this crime against their God, but Moses would still lead them until that day. He would also be responsible for preparing the innocents to follow the commandments and laws. It would be them who would take the Promised Land. When Moses returned to camp over the following days, news reached his tent that a voracious plague had inflicted the people. This was one sign he did not need to interpret. For them, justice was being enacted on the remaining guilty Israelites for their crimes against their God. This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, 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 prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.
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Janice Torres here and I'm Austin Henkiewicz.
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Moses
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Narrator / Storyteller
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Moses
And I'm US Paralympic gold medalist Hunter Woodhull.
Narrator / Storyteller
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Moses
A clear path and a team that you can absolutely trust.
Narrator / Storyteller
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Episode Title: The Golden Calf: Part 2
Date: February 9, 2026
This episode of The Chosen People continues the gripping retelling of the golden calf incident from Exodus, dramatizing the turmoil, betrayal, and desperate repentance within the Israelite camp while Moses communes with God on Mount Sinai. It vividly explores the themes of faithlessness, leadership, divine justice, intercession, and the heavy costs of idolatry.
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:00 | Israelites demand Aaron make a god, Aaron relents | | 02:00 | Golden calf created, idolatrous celebration begins | | 03:04 | Hur's murder by the mob | | 06:40 | Moses on Mount Sinai, receives the Law | | 07:28 | God informs Moses of Israel’s sin, divine anger | | 09:21 | Moses’ plea for Israel’s survival | | 10:44 | God relents, Moses descends the mountain | | 12:52 | Moses and Hoshea approach camp; realize chaos below | | 18:27 | Moses destroys the tablets in rage | | 19:24 | Moses ridicules the golden calf, confronts the people | | 21:05 | Moses confronts Aaron, Aaron’s defense | | 24:55 | Moses calls for the faithful to choose sides | | 26:29 | The Levites’ grim task, execution of idolaters | | 29:20 | Aaron kills Tobiah in vengeance | | 30:18 | Moses’ desperate intercession before God | | 31:02 | God’s judgment: personal accountability, promise to Moses |
This episode powerfully dramatizes the golden calf narrative, exposing the deep flaws and faith struggles within the Israelites and their leaders. Through evocative storytelling and haunting dialogue, it lays bare timeless lessons about the dangers of faithlessness, the burden of leadership, and the cost of divine justice—while also showing the profound power of intercession and mercy.
For more episodes and immersive biblical storytelling, visit thechosenpeople.com.