Loading summary
Jacob
This is an iHeart podcast.
Narrator/Advertiser
Guaranteed Human Open enrollment is here. If rising premiums and confusing fine prints have you praying for a better way, consider Crowd Health a community where people pay medical bills directly. You get bill negotiators, low cost prescriptions and lab tools and known networks that keep your healthcare limited. And if something major happens, you pay the first $500. Then the crowd steps in to help with the rest. It's real rapid support with bills being funded within an average of seven days. It's wise stewardship on your health and your wallet. This open enrollment take your power back. Join Crowd Health and get started for just $99 for your first three months. Using code Pray@JoinCrowdHealth.com that's JoinCrowdHealth.com code Pray. Crowd health is not insurance. Opt out. Take your power back. This is how we win. Join CrowdHealth.com previously on the Chosen People.
Jacob
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. 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. Your family's name will be great and I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. Through your lineage, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Narrator/Storyteller
And so Isaac walked confidently with his God in the peace and prosperity he had been granted in the land Promise to his father no, no.
Jacob
No matter the opposition we face, we will wait on our God.
Narrator/Storyteller
Jacob leaned forward and kissed his father on the head.
Jacob
May God give you the dew of heaven, the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine. May people and nations bow down to you and serve you. You will be lord over your brothers and your mother's son will bend a knee to you.
Narrator/Storyteller
His world was one of truth and trust. It was a simple world, one of blessings and gratitude.
Jacob
No matter what comes, I trust that God Most High will provide.
Narrator/Storyteller
He always provides.
Jacob
Sometimes in the final hour, he responds to our silent prayers. Have faith, my little dove, just as I have.
Narrator/Storyteller
So you're telling me that the AI that's meant to make everyone's job easier to manage just adds more to manage on top of the thousands of apps the IT department already manages. Funny how that works. Any business can add AI. IBM helps you scale and manage AI to change how you do business. Let's create Smile to business IBM.
Advertiser
Your pet is your bestie, your therapist, your perfect match. It's easy to love them. It's easy to protect them, too, with pet insurance coverage from Pets Best. These because it's all fun and games until they chew on something they shouldn't and you get a vet bill to match. With perfect timing, Pets Best helps protect your furry friend and your budget from this imperfect world. Get up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills from less than a dollar a day. Pets Best has plans to cover accidents, injuries and more, from puppies and kittens to seniors. Find your Perfect Match plan and get a quote@petsbest.com Pet insurance products offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company or Independence American Insurance. For terms and conditions, visit www.petsbest.com. policy products are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, Independence American Insurance Company or Ms. Transverse Insurance Company and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC. $1.00 a day premium based on 2024 average new policyholder data for accident and illness plans. Pets age 0 to 10.
Narrator/Advertiser
Every generation, every sacrifice, our nation's service members have stood up for our freedom, our families and our future. Now it's our turn to stand up for them. This year, you can honor their service in a deeply personal way by sponsoring a $17 veterans wreath. Each wreath is more than a symbol. It's a heartfelt tribute to the heroes who served and to the families who carry their legacy. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org to sponsor a wreath today. This isn't just a wreath. It's a personal gift to an American hero.
Narrator/Storyteller
Jacob shifted uncomfortably on his feet. The old wound in his hip pained him terribly if he leaned on it for too long. Despite the ache of his leg, his keen eyes never left the small force approaching on the horizon from the south, his twin brother, Esau. In fact, the injury was a reminder of the last time they met. He had prepared for the worst, but fortunately their showdown ended with Esau embracing Jacob, the two men reduced to tears, reconciliation found at last. Ultimately, they went their separate ways again. But Jacob knew that a similar reunion awaited them today. For the purpose of Esau's sojourn north from his desert home in Seir was the death of their father, Isaac.
Jacob
Master Jacob, your brother has arrived.
Send him directly to our father's tent. He'll want to see him and close his eyes before the bodies prepared for burial.
Narrator/Storyteller
It was customary for the eldest to close the parents eyes upon death. Jacob had stolen so much from Esau already this at least he could give him Master Jacob.
Jacob
Pastor Esau. Brother. Brother.
Narrator/Storyteller
The two wayward brothers embraced and wept before their father's deathbed. Despite the strife and rivalry that had been between them for the vast majority of their lives, they were united in their grief for their father. Father. Their last remaining parent, their mother, had passed before Jacob had even returned to Canaan. Jacob's final words to his mother were in a hurried escape. She had not seen him marry, nor have children, nor build a fortune of his own making, nor become a clan leader in his own right. Jacob had also recently buried her maid, Deborah, who had been like a grandmother to him. Her death preceded the death of his beloved wife, Rachel, and before even that, the death of his beloved son, Joseph, though well over a decade ago, still cast a long shadow over his life. The thought of their losses piled onto the grief of his fathers and threatened to consume him. Jacob wordlessly gestured for Esau to step forward and do this final task, for their father to close his unseeing eyes so he could rest at last. When it was done, the two men sat at the foot of his deathbed and added their keening to that of the mourners outside their father's tent. Jacob and Esau had waded through hundreds of said mourners on their way to their father's tent. The commotion of the ceremony was a stark contrast to the emptiness Jacob felt inside under the weight of all his loss. Their scene of public mourning was a far cry from the private moment Jacob had for his dear Deborah, the woman who nursed and raised his own mother, Rebekah. When Jacob came home to Canaan and was devastated by the news of her loss, Deborah entered his service less to take care of his children, now mostly grown, and more to bring him comfort. He loved the woman, and he, in turn wanted her to be comfortable in her advanced years. She was not a noblewoman of his house or even a blood relation, so he knew she would not have a place in their cave tomb at Machpelah. But he still wanted to have a place where he could honor her memory and mourn her all the same. Jacob found an oak tree to the south of Bethel where his caravan had been established. He named the oak Alan Bakuta, the Oak of Weeping. When he buried her there, that was exactly what he did. He mourned both the women who raised him. At the grave of one, there was a finality to losing the last of one's parents. Jacob had 12 children of his own, the beginnings of a nation. But it wasn't until now that he truly felt the weight of what it was to steward their God's promise as the leader of their family. Despite the birthright, despite the blessing, despite the dreams, despite the provision and the protection, despite even the renaming from Jacob to Israel. It was not until he watched his father's eyes closed for the last time that he knew it was now up to him to take up his father's mantle of guardian of the promise and their legacy.
Jacob
Tell me, brother. I have heard strange tales about you since I saw you last night. What have you heard? People of Canaan now fear you. Your son sacked a whole town. Unfortunately, that is true. I also hear you have new name. Ah, yes. A new name for a new people. The beginnings of a great nation established here in Canaan. Ha ha. I understand name change. I also have a new name. Edom.
I suppose that is a strange coincidence. The twins of our great father have in turn fathered two nations. Like our uncles. Sons of grandfather Abraham.
You are never one for giving the promises of our God much weight. And you never honor laws of our land. You never honor me.
What's. What's past is past. I have land and family. I have game and wives. I have sons. I do not need a birthright. You know, I used to think you were stupid for despising father's birthright. But I feel you knew something I didn't. Brother. To live simply is a gift. The responsibilities of this family legacy take its toll. Yes. I am simple man with simple desires. Father's birthright. Not simple. Far from simple. Distracting. Irritating. Speaking of birthrights. I heard your firstborn has lost his. What happened? Did he younger take it from him?
Not quite. But yes, I have had my share of strife amongst my sons.
Narrator/Storyteller
Esau looked eager for Jacob to share more, but Jacob declined. The simmering anger he felt toward his sons, especially with Reuben, was always just under the surface. They were responsible for the disappearance and presumed death of his favorite son all those years ago. And when his beloved wife Rachel died in childbirth after finally conceiving again, Reuben committed an unforgivable crime against him. Jacob recalled the betrayal as if it was yesterday. Despite the events taking place several years ago, Jacob had returned to his tent to find the bedding of his concubine Billah in disarray. The woman nowhere to be found. Her absence was surely a sign of her deep shame and disgrace of being defiled by another man. Jacob's fury ignited as he realized only one man could be responsible for such a heinous act. An act of aggression against not Only his beloved wife's handmaiden, but also his very seat as a clan leader. For to take a clan leader's wife was tantamount to an act of treason. Jacob could still recall their heated argument when he found Reuben and confronted him for this crime.
Jacob
Betrayer. Defiler. Discriminator. Disrespector. You will not even deny what I'm accusing you of. Would you deny your preference for a concubine over your first wife? You would replace her rightful place as your primary wife with a mere servant? Is your hatred for me, my mother truly so plain? Was we baddest disrespect Even when the second wife is dead and buried. You would mask your own ambition for my seat by claiming the slight of your mother? Who will defend her honor when her husband clearly will not. You go too far. Or don't go far enough. You weren't even able to protect your concubine from me. If I can so easily take one of your wives. Perhaps you are not fit to lead us.
Narrator/Storyteller
What?
Jacob
No response to that? I fought as much. Would you also seek to replace me with Rachel's second son? With Benjamin? Do you think his namesake is some mystery to the rest of us? Son of my right hand. Your designs to replace me are obvious. You so clearly favored Rachel and her sons. That's no secret to any of us.
Do not speak his name. I can speak it if I so please. You will not. And you are no son of mine. It was under your watch that we lost one of our own. I hold you responsible for Joseph's death. I always have. I should have stripped you of your birthright then. Thou will not make that mistake twice.
Reuben. I deny you your birthright. What? You heard me. Your actions have shown me you despise it. Why should I stand in your way? This is your own doing. All my brothers, Simeon and Levi. Would you pass over them as well? Would you discriminate against all your sons? Your favoritism of Rachel and her sons was always so apparent. You were upsetting our every order. You mock Ovary customs. You have reaped what you have sown. I will not change my mind. I withhold my blessing from you and your brothers. Your corruption stains all of us. I am ashamed of you.
Narrator/Storyteller
Jacob's face still flushed in anger at the thought of his firstborn's actions. And though the conflict of his youth with his brother Esau were buried and behind them he still felt as resolute as he ever did. That the birthright should not go to one who is so easily swayed into despising it. And he knew his father, Isaac, despite his love and preference for Esau, agreed. The birthright and the blessing remained with Jacob the second born even all these years later, Jacob's thoughts returned to Esau and the present, and the two men prepared themselves for the burial of their father.
So you're telling me that the AI that's meant to make everyone's job easier to manage just adds more to manage? On top of the thousands of apps the IT department already manages? Funny how that works. Any business can add AI. IBM helps you scale and manage AI to change how you do business. Let's create smarter Business IBM.
Advertiser
Your pet is your bestie, your therapist, your perfect match. It's easy to love them. It's easy to protect them too, with pet insurance coverage from Pets Best because it's all fun and games until they chew on something they shouldn't and you get a vet bill to match. With perfect timing, Pets Best helps protect your furry friend and your budget from this imperfect world. Get up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills from less than a dollar a day. Pets Best has plans to cover accidents, injuries and more, from puppies and kittens to seniors. Find your Perfect match plan and get a quote@petsbest.com Pet insurance products offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Co. Or Independence American Insurance Co. For terms and conditions, visit www.petsbest.com. policy products are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, Independence American Insurance Co. Or Ms. Transverse Insurance Co. And administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC. $1.00 a day premium 2024 average new policyholder data for accident and illness plans pets age 0 to 10.
Narrator/Advertiser
Every generation, every sacrifice, our nation's service members have stood up for our freedom, our families and our future. Now it's our turn to stand up for them. This year, you can honor their service in a deeply personal way by sponsoring a $17 veterans wreath. Each wreath is more than a symbol. It's a heartfelt tribute to the heroes who serve served and to the families who carry their legacy. Visit Wreaths Across America.org to sponsor a wreath today. This isn't just a wreath, it's a personal gift to an American hero.
Narrator/Storyteller
Jacob and Esau buried their father, Isaac, next to their mother, Rebecca, and their grandparents, Abraham and Sarah in their family tomb in Hebron. Many shared their fond memories of Isaac and spoke of his kindness and his faith. He had lived a long and full life in the land promised to Abraham by their God, Isaac never saw the land of his ancestors and lived all his years as an alien in the land of Canaan. But yet their God had prospered and sustained him. The favour in his life was undeniable amongst his family and their neighbours. Long after everyone had gone back to their tents, Jacob stayed by the entrance of the cave tomb at the end of that field his grandfather Abraham had purchased all those years ago in the wake of the death of his grandmother Sarah. Though the memory was a distant one from the days of his youth, Jacob could still recall his father Isaac remaining in this very place hours after his own father's death, to mourn alone. The memory brought a faint smile to his lips. Such a tender memory. In the midst of such sadness, Jacob wished he could have brought this beautiful and beloved Rachel here to this place to rest alongside his family. He wished she could have met his mother Rebekah and spent more time with his father. In life, Jacob did the best he could do for her. When she died, he buried her with honor and marked the grave so no one would disturb it. He returned there as often as he could. But he also had his beloved son Benjamin to comfort him. Rachel had given him a beautiful final gift by bearing him a second son, the only one to be born here in the land promised to his forebearers. It was a fitting notion that his last son be born here. The death of Rachel and the birth of Benjamin marked the start of his sons inheriting his family's legacy. For his God had told him that his sons would possess this land. Someday.
Jacob
I will give you and your offspring the land on which you are lying. Your offspring will be like the dust of the earth and you will spread out towards the west, the east, the north and the south. All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.
Narrator/Storyteller
Jacob was indeed back in this land and he sat at the foot of his fathers and grandfathers graves. His God had done all he said he would do. And now there was nothing for Jacob to do but sit back and watch the promise unfold. Despite the death around him, he knew that there would be life. And in the life around him, the promise would continue.
This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavager 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, 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 Pray.com productions on the Pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review Every generation.
Narrator/Advertiser
Every sacrifice, our nation's service members have stood up for our freedom, our families and our future. Now it's our turn to stand up for them. This year you can honor their service in a deeply personal way by sponsoring a $17 bill. Veterans wreath each wreath is more than a symbol, it's a heartfelt tribute to the heroes who served and to the families who carry their legacy. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org to sponsor a wreath today. This isn't just a wreath, it's a personal gift to an American hero. With Venmo Stache A taco in one.
Jacob
Hand and ordering a ride in the other means you're stacking cash back. Nice. Get up to 5% cash back with Venmo Stash on your favorite brands when you pay with your Venmo debit card. From takeout to ride shares, entertainment and more, pick a bundle with your go tos and start earning cash back at those brands. Earn more cash when you do more with Stash. Venmo Stash terms and exclusions apply. Max $100 cash back per month. See terms at Venmo Me Stash Terms.
Narrator/Advertiser
Men today are measurably weaker than men 30 years ago. Grip strength, bone density, muscle mass all declining. We don't move like we used to. Your grandfather lifted and carried. All day long you sit at a desk, then try to make up for it with a 45 minute workout. But here's what military trainers have used for decades. Load bearing during normal activity. Research shows it can burn an extra 400 calories daily. The Wolf Tactical Weighted Vest Trufit engineering means it locks to your core without flopping around and risking injury. Turn your morning walk, your chores, your entire day into functional strength training. Go to wolftactical.com to see more. That's wolftactical.com what a matchup we got y'. All.
Jacob
This is that classic HBCU vibe.
Narrator/Advertiser
Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit chant. Echo drum beat everybody showing that school.
Jacob
Pride game like this.
Narrator/Advertiser
Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah crisp and refreshing.
Jacob
That's a game changer right there.
Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime.
Narrator/Advertiser
And just like that, we're back at it.
Jacob
Passionate fans, school colors everywhere, and an ice cold Coca Cola.
Narrator/Advertiser
That's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work.
Jacob
So grab a Coca Cola and keep.
Narrator/Advertiser
That HBCU pride going.
Narrator/Storyteller
You know what a girl's best friend is not diamonds her lawyers.
Jacob
From executive producer Ryan Murphy comes a fiery new legal drama.
Narrator/Storyteller
It's our own boutique. Women representing women you can't afford to miss.
Advertiser
Make it rigged.
Jacob
Showtime, ladies. Stand up straight and breeze into that room like a storm no one saw coming.
Hulu Original Series All's fair now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney for bundle subscribers terms apply. This is an iHeart podcast.
Narrator/Storyteller
Guaranteed Human.
In “The Passing of Isaac,” The Chosen People podcast delivers a contemplative and richly dramatized retelling of Genesis’s generational transitions, centering on the death of Isaac and its profound impact on his sons, Jacob and Esau. With moving narration and evocative character dialogue, this episode explores themes of legacy, reconciliation, grief, and the burden of the covenant—translating ancient struggles into a narrative that resonates personally and spiritually.
| Segment | Timestamp (MM:SS) | |-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Isaac’s Final Blessing over Jacob | 01:09 – 02:52 | | Jacob and Esau Reunite/Isaac's Passing | 05:25 – 06:45 | | Jacob’s Losses and the Oak of Weeping | 07:00 – 08:30 | | Esau and Jacob Reflect on Legacy/Birthright | 09:58 – 11:52 | | Flashback: Reuben’s Betrayal & Disinheritance | 13:17 – 15:44 | | Isaac’s Burial & Mourning | 18:25 – 20:31 | | Reflection on Covenant Fulfilled | 20:31 – 21:39 |
The episode blends solemn storytelling with reflective first-person dialogue, striking a tone that is reverent, honest, and emotionally resonant. The biblical language is retained, with creative expansions that deepen the characters’ motivations and pain. Family drama, faith, loss, and legacy are all depicted in ways that are both ancient and immediately relevant.
“The Passing of Isaac” is a moving, reflective exploration of loss, generational change, and the wrestling with faith inherent in biblical narrative. Through the voices of Jacob and Esau, listeners witness both the humanity of these ancient figures and the enduring weight of the promises they carried. The episode closes not in despair, but with a quiet affirmation of legacy—a reminder that even amidst mourning, God’s covenant persists.