Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (3:11)

My kings, I have more to say that you may like to hear.

Narrator/Storyteller (3:16)

The Medianites inclined their heads and edged closer to Balaam. Intrigued, they leaned in to hear Balaam's advice. This episode of the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein contains explicit content that may be triggering for some listeners and in a appropriate for young children. Listener discretion is advised. Click the link in the description to grow closer to God. There you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans,

Ben Higgins (3:49)

sleep stories, and so much more, all

Narrator/Storyteller (3:52)

on the Pray.com app. Click the link in the description to get started.

Ben Higgins (3:59)

What do you do when the headlines don't explain what's happening inside of you? I'm Ben Higgins, and if you can hear me is where culture meets the soul, a place for real conversation. Each episode I sit down with people from all walks of life, celebrities, thinkers and everyday folks, and we go deeper than the polished story. We talk about what drives us, what shapes us, and what gives us hope. We get honest about the big stuff. Identity when you don't recognize yourself anymore. Loss that changes you. Purpose when success isn't enough. Peace when your mind won't slow down. Faith when it's complicated. Some guests have answers. Most are still figuring it out. If you've ever felt like there has to be more to the story, this show is for you. Listen to if you can hear me on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Narrator/Storyteller (4:58)

Knots of feast goers mulled around at irregular intervals, and a steady drum beat and the sound of music could be heard drifting down the hill in the crisp evening breeze. The sun was just setting and a sprinkling of stars was starting to wink down at all of them. Jeramiel continued looking over his shoulder and nervously eyed the clearing ahead. Raphael, who had brought him here, stood confidently at ease, even in stark contrast to Jeramiel, who kept nervously tugging on his clothing. Are you sure we should be here? And you're sure they will be here?

Phinehas (5:39)

Relax, Jeramiel. You worry too much. We were invited. It would be rude not to accept the invitation.

Narrator/Storyteller (5:49)

Out of the growing shadows, the figures emerged. When Jeramiel took in what they were wearing, his jaw fell open.

Narrator/Host (5:58)

Oh, there you are. Mahar and I were beginning to wonder if you weren't coming. Raphael, who's your friend?

Narrator/Storyteller (6:05)

Raphael jabbed Jeramiel sharply in the ribs as he struggled to remember his name, as his eyes hungrily drank in the scantily clad women standing before him.

Phinehas (6:14)

Jeremiel.

Narrator/Storyteller (6:16)

Raphael rolled his eyes at Jeramiel, strode up between the two women, boldly wrapped his hands around their waists, and started to climb up the hill. They leaned into his touch and giggled as they walked, leaving Jeramiel behind.

Phinehas (6:32)

Come along, Jerem. Jeremiel, you'll miss the start of the feast.

Narrator/Storyteller (6:39)

Embarrassed, Jerameel stumbled After them, the two women's hair cascaded, unbound and uncovered, down their backs, and the thin fabric of their dresses clung to their bodies, leaving very little to the imagination. Jeramiel soon found his mouth hanging open again as he crested the hill and found himself in a clearing just below Mount Peor. The field had been set with low tables and cushions for seating. Inviting fires and lanterns beckoned him to sit and eat. The tables were laden with a bounty of meats, fruit, bread, and pitchers of wine. Musicians played lyres and pipes, keeping in time with the drums. The beat echoed throughout the valley, and Jeramiel's heart seemed to beat in time. His eyes drank in the sight of beautiful women in revealing garments, pouring wine, swaying their hips to the music, and seductively caressing feast goers. Raphael and the two women with him disappeared into the crowd. The feast's tantalizing melody and fragrant smells wound their way into his soul. His mouth watered with more than hunger as he took in all around him. A particularly striking serving woman approached him. He fought to keep his eyes on her smiling face, not her plunging neckline, and see through robes. She pulled him by the arm and led him to an unoccupied table near Raphael and the two other women.

Phinehas (8:12)

You see, Jeramiel, this is what friendship with the Moabites has to offer. Wine and women aplenty.

Narrator/Storyteller (8:21)

Raphael reclined with a cup of wine. One of the women brazenly sat on his lap, picking at a plate of almonds. The other kneeled behind him, running her fingers through his hair. I thought we were just coming to see how they worship.

Phinehas (8:37)

Oh, my friend, this is how they worship.

Narrator/Storyteller (8:42)

Are you sure we're allowed to be here?

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (8:46)

Does your wife know you're here? Does yours?

Phinehas (8:51)

Look around. You'll see many familiar faces. And besides, we're settled in the region now. It's only fitting we should respect the culture of this land. Festivals like these are how the Moabites

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (9:05)

ensure a fruitful summer.

Narrator/Storyteller (9:08)

Shouldn't we ask the Lord for a fruitful summer?

Phinehas (9:11)

Moses says. Oh, Moses is old and has forgotten how to enjoy himself. Look around you. This is living.

Narrator/Storyteller (9:23)

Jerameel tried to loosen up, but couldn't shake his worry. They had been warned about these high places. Moses warned that they were like the traps of desert spiders, harmless on the outside, but treacherous within. Now that the Israelites had ousted the Amorites and were settled in the region, many had become friendly with the neighboring nation of Moab. Few who attended these feasts were very forthcoming about what they were like. Therefore, curiosity finally convinced Jeramiel to accept their invitation. He looked around and tried to see beyond the alluring women and the enthralled men. He saw many that he recognized. Many had wives and husbands who doubtfully knew they were there. He also realized that what he had mistaken for cook fires initially were actually altars. Ascension offerings were burning around sacrifices, sending their aromas into the heavens. Jerameel lowered his gaze back to the clearing before him. Movement at the edges of the gathering caught his attention. The flames from the altars threw shadows on writhing, intertwined bodies, but the sweaty sheen of their naked skin glowed in the darkness. Jeramiel couldn't peel his eyes away from the desperate, heaving tangle of flesh, open legs, and groping fingers. It was difficult to discern where one body started and another began. Men, women, old, young, it did not seem to matter. Partners were fluid and exchanged. Frequently men and women would join couples already in the throes of fornication. Jerameel had heard wild rumors of such things in his youth, but to see a ceremonial orgy in full effect was something else entirely. Hips thrust and backs arched in time to the drums, their movements breathless and ravenous. His lust hungrily rose within him, shoving out any thought of his duty to his wife and young children. He felt drawn to the Moabites and the Israelites in their thrall, breathlessly worshiping one another's body before their pagan gods. Tracking his gaze, the woman behind Raphael reclined toward him, laying on her side and draping herself around Jeramiel. He tensed as she propped her head up with one hand and placed the other on his knee. She looked up at him and Jeramiel looked down at her and found he was once again unable to form thoughts or speech.

Narrator/Host (12:01)

See something that intrigues you, Jeremiel. And look at you. So. So devoted to your God. How quaint. And so close minded. You're not nomads in the wilderness anymore. Here in Moab, baal Apur rules over our fortunes. Of course you can ask your God for a fruitful summer, but you should really just ask baal. Just last month he commanded the skies and three mighty storms came. Can you imagine that kind of power? Oh, and the way we worship him. Well, that's something you won't want to miss.

Narrator/Storyteller (12:42)

Jeramiel barely registered her words as he watched her hand draw lazy circles from his knee to his thigh.

Narrator/Host (12:50)

Come and join us tonight. You'll learn how we conjure the power of baal. We'll show you how we appease our gods.

Narrator/Storyteller (12:59)

Jeramiel tried to grasp his senses and tamp down the heat that threatening to take over completely. And how do we appease baal? The women exchanged mischievous grins, and he heard Raphael snort into his cup of wine.

Narrator/Host (13:16)

Don't you worry. We will show you how to please baal.

Ben Higgins (13:29)

What do you do when the headlines don't explain what's happening inside of you? I'm Ben Higgins, and if you can hear me is where culture meets the soul, a place for real conversation. Each episode I sit down with people from all walks of life, celebrities, thinkers, and everyday folks, and we go deeper than the polished story. We talk about what drives us, what shapes us, and what gives us hope. We get honest about the big stuff. Identity when you don't recognize yourself anymore. Loss that changes you Purpose when success isn't enough. Peace when your mind won't slow down. Faith when it's complicated. Some guests have answers. Most are still figuring it out. If you've ever felt like there has to be more to the story, this show is for you. Listen to if you can hear me on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Narrator/Storyteller (14:27)

Sweat beaded on young Phinehas forehead and he tightened the grip on his spear. He squinted against the bright noonday sun as he walked beside his father, Eleazar, the high Priest of Israel.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (14:41)

Tell me, my son, are you nervous about what you must do for me today?

Narrator/Storyteller (14:46)

Phineas considered for a moment as they walked alongside Israel's judges.

Phinehas (14:52)

I understand why we must do what we must do.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (14:57)

Yes, but are you nervous?

Narrator/Storyteller (14:59)

Phineas looked up at his father and observed his resolved and steady countenance. Phineas swallowed. He was decided.

Phinehas (15:08)

No, I will not be nervous. I will not be afraid. I know that this is right. This is justice.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (15:16)

Yes, it is. You have grown very wise these days, Phinehas. You will make a fine priest one day. Perhaps even High Priest after me.

Narrator/Storyteller (15:27)

Phineas could not help but smile at that, but he quickly returned to his stoic walk, remembering their duty here today. Eleazer broke off from Phinehas and the other judges to stand by Moses before the people. Phinehas and the judges then proceeded to stand before a condemned man. The man before Phineas trembled uncontrollably, his blubbering face contorting as he awaited what was inevitable. The guilty man's name was Raphael. He was another failed leader, one of several who had embraced idolatry and debauchery on the high places of Moab. Now, stripped of dignity and power, he would face the consequences for his sins, Raphael had partaken in pagan rituals. They were lewd affairs meant to appease lesser gods with indulgence and unsavory sacrifices of blood. The Moabites called them high places. But Phineas knew what they really were. False Edens manufactured attempts at paradise. And like the forbidden fruit long ago, they promised more than they gave. Raphael and his companions thought they were joining in on a night of simple pleasures. Wine and women. What they had failed to see is that there were much darker forces at work. Orgies turned to blood rituals and human sacrifice. Such atrocities required punishment. Their blatant disregard for their integrity and the holiness of God's law caused for Phineas anger to burn at the man across from him. They were all traitorous adulterers, and now they were all being sentenced to die. The pagans would call such a sentence harsh, but Phineas knew better.

Phinehas (17:17)

Strong nations require strong families. These high places threaten the fabric that hold us together.

Narrator/Storyteller (17:24)

Moses stood before them all now, each traitor standing with bound hands before a spear aimed at his heart. All of Israel was gathered to witness this public execution.

Phinehas (17:37)

The Lord, our God, has spoken to me. There are those of you among us who have sinned. You have cast the holiness of our laws aside and instead pursued idolatry, worshipping a false God. You know the law.

Narrator/Storyteller (17:57)

They knew the law.

Phinehas (17:59)

They even swore a covenant to obey it. But yet they spat on the law and debased themselves by breaking their oaths. The penalty for this sin is death. The plague ravages us even now, affecting the guilty among us. The Lord told me to take all the leaders of the guilty people and execute them in broad daylight. And here their bodies will remain, so that his burning anger may turn away from Israel.

Narrator/Storyteller (18:31)

Phinehas looked out at the crowd and saw some of the afflicted. The plague came quickly. One of Rephael's companions, Jerameel, was among the afflicted. Jerameel was likely one of the many men Rephael had led into this terrible sin. To sin in this way was despicable enough, but to lead and deceive others into sin was egregious. In stark contrast to the guilty stood Raphael's wife with their children. Fury and disgust were written all over her face. She spat at her husband's feet and turned her face away so as not to witness his death or provide any comfort in his final moments. Raphael still cried out, pleading with them to turn back and look at him.

Narrator/Host (19:20)

Please, Roma, look at me.

Phinehas (19:30)

Judges, the time has come. Execute each of the men who aligned themselves with baal.

Narrator/Storyteller (19:38)

At Moses command, the judges lunged forward and thrust their spears into the convicted men's hearts. Phinehas, standing in for his father, Eleazar, the high priest, was tasked with enacting this justice on his behalf. The high priest was not allowed to become ritually impure. Phineas drove his spear into the man's chest or tried. The tip of the spear cut through Raphael's flesh quickly and blood spurted, dripping back towards his hands. But the spear met the sternum and caught. Raphael screamed in pain over the sickening grating noise of metal on bone. Phineas eyed the flowing blood as it inched down the spear's shaft and toward his hands. He had to move quickly or his hands would be too slick to maneuver the weapon. Phineas deftly adjusted the spear, hoping to catch one of the narrow openings of the ribs beside the sternum. He threw his weight into the weapon. Once he shifted its angle, a horrific squelching noise and a geyser of more blood told him he had been successful. Raphael choked on the blood pumping from his dying heart, and life slowly left his eyes. His body slumped further into the spear, and Phineas relinquished his grip before the blood dripped onto his hands. Phineas looked down the line of crumbled bodies, the abandoned spears of the judges swaying vertically in the air, protruding from flesh. It was an ominous sign of defeat before all of Israel. Their bodies would be left there in the sun, not as a warning to the people of their misdeeds, but rather to rob them of an honorable burial. A wave of nausea hit Phineas as he stepped back. He had never killed a man before. As a soon to be priest, he had made countless sacrifices. He slaughtered multiple animals every day. He naively assumed this would not be so different. But taking a human life was not the same as taking an animal. It made him feel heavy. The weight of taking a life grieved him despite knowing it was justified.

Phinehas (21:53)

If this grieves my heart, how must the Lord feel?

Narrator/Storyteller (21:58)

He reminded himself, that this killing was not wanton violence or fits of passion. This was justice. The Lord understood justice. Cosby stood coolly with her arms folded, leaning against the stones of the well just outside her camp. She watched the nervous Hebrew man work out how to best approach her. She had noticed him observing her for a while. He had worked out that she frequented this well to accompany her handmaidens as they drew water for her and her family. Cosby didn't need to go with them, and she would never admit this out loud. She liked to feel important. Overseeing their tasks gave her something to do, and more importantly, it allowed her to be seen. She decided to lean into that need as she pushed off the stones and flashed the Hebrew a beckoning smile. With a look akin to relief, he opened the door and approached her.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (23:03)

Forgive me for lingering here, but I have to know.

Narrator/Storyteller (23:07)

Cosby's pride purred at the man's shy admission.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (23:12)

Are you the princess, daughter of King Zur of the Midianites?

Narrator/Storyteller (23:17)

Cosby's lips curled into a dazzling smile in response to the man's question.

Narrator/Host (23:22)

I am indeed the daughter of King Zur of the Midiants. My name is Cosby. I see my fame has spread to even the nation of Israel. And you are?

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (23:32)

I am Zimri, son of Salu, the leader of the tribe of Simeon of Israel.

Narrator/Host (23:38)

Zimri. Well, tell me, Zimris, son of Salu, of tribe Simeon of Israel, have the stories of my beauty been exaggerated?

Narrator/Storyteller (23:48)

Cosby nearly burst out laughing when she saw the look of shock shoot across Zimri's face.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (23:56)

Ah, no, they have not been exaggerated. You are very beautiful.

Narrator/Host (24:04)

I always love to hear it. Now, take. Tell me, why have you sought me out?

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (24:09)

Well, I'm sure you've heard of the recent events in the Israel camp.

Narrator/Storyteller (24:13)

Cosby stilled. She had. Her father had been summoned to meet with King Balak of Moab and the other Medianite kings that very morning to discuss the events. The kings had done nothing but encourage commingling and friendship between their nations and Israel. They had apparently been been talked into the idea by a famous prophet, Balaam. Cosby wished she could have spoken with the prophet as something of a priestess and prophetess herself. But as of this morning, King Balak was concerned that the recent events would lead their nations to war. And if the stories were true, he had reason to fear the Israelites who were found worshipping BAAL on the mountain had been harshly punished.

Narrator/Host (25:00)

I had heard rumors there were executions. Right, and a plague now runs through the people.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (25:07)

All true.

Narrator/Host (25:08)

I'm sorry.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (25:10)

Thank you. But I actually came to find you to see if you could help.

Narrator/Storyteller (25:14)

Cosby's eyes narrowed, but she could not deny that she was curious. Not to mention being sought out. It made her feel important.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (25:24)

I've heard your people people know of an ancient way, secret way of healing. I've heard you may know how to appease the gods.

Narrator/Host (25:34)

I heard your people are only allowed to worship your Israelite God.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (25:39)

Yes, but we don't know what to do. It's been a week since the leaders were executed and still the plague has not stopped. More people die every day. It's hard to keep track of the death. But our priests estimate the death. 24,000 are dead.

Narrator/Storyteller (25:53)

Cosby gasped. She could hardly fathom such a pandemic. And the Israelites camp was as large as a city. The desperation in the man's voice moved her. The suffering in the Israelite camp was staggering. If she could do something about it, she would. Her pride purred again at the idea of being a hero.

Narrator/Host (26:14)

I see you seek to reverse the plague with a ritual of my people.

Narrator/Storyteller (26:20)

Yes.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (26:20)

But my people have begun to wonder as this plague stretches on. Perhaps our God has turned his back on us. Perhaps we need to appease the gods of this land now. And you're a princess among your people. Your gods chose your bloodline. Maybe they will receive your offering and listen where others have failed.

Narrator/Storyteller (26:39)

Cosby could not deny that she was flattered by the man's words. But should she intervene? Especially when intermingling between the Moabites and Israelites had gone so poorly? The need was urgent. Decided. Cosby answered the desperate Hebrew, lead me

Narrator/Host (26:57)

to your house of the dead, for that is what Israel has become.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (27:02)

What must we do? What does the ritual require?

Narrator/Storyteller (27:05)

Cosby looked the man up and down. He was not so bad looking. Perhaps saving the Israelites would be enjoyable as well as heroic. She smiled at him.

Narrator/Host (27:16)

Did your Moabite friends show you the way? We ask the gods for fertility.

Narrator/Storyteller (27:22)

His cheeks instantly reddened. Yes. He knew the way.

Narrator/Host (27:27)

The thing about death is that we must not forget to live. This ritual will differ from the one for fertility, but there are some aspects that are similar. Come. We must not delay. Lead the way.

Narrator/Storyteller (27:50)

The tabernacle courtyard was packed with mourners, yet the plague persisted. Phineas watched as Moses and Eleazar stepped out to address the crowd, silencing the commotion. At that moment, Phinehas noticed a man leading a woman through the camp, away from the assembly. While Israel repented, this man moved in defiance. Phineas sensed the wrong, the malice. It was as if every fiber of him was on high alert, compelled to act.

Phinehas (28:23)

Something evil's about to occur, and right at the the heart of Israel.

Narrator/Storyteller (28:27)

The same searing, righteous anger he felt on the day of the execution rose within him. Phineas feet took him to where the weapons were stored. His hands grasped for his spear. His eyes never left the man and the woman. They did not enter the courtyard, but instead veered left toward the tents of Tribe Simeon. With predatory purpose and stealth, Phineas slipped out of the courtyard and followed. They did not see him the man was distracted by the striking woman he led. She was a Medianite, Phineas realized, based on her dress, jewelry and the strange, foul instruments she carried. She was one of those priestesses for baal. She giggled as the man opened the flap to his tent with a garish flourish. Phineas bought the brazen storm sin unfolding before his eyes.

Phinehas (29:20)

This tribe of Simeon, man would engage in pagan worship over the stones. Throw away from the tabernacle the holy sanctuary of our God. It cannot stand.

Narrator/Storyteller (29:34)

Phineas's rage kicked into a gear that was foreign to him. A killing calm came over him. His shaking hands stilled on the spear and his breath became measured. As he approached the tent entrance, the smell of incense wafted through the seams. He heard more giggling and a throaty voice murmur in response. Phineas transferred the spear to one hand and used the other to draw open the tent. The sudden light from the outside caused the Medianite woman to turn and face him. Her eyes furrowed with confusion, confusion as they met his. But they widened to horror when she saw the spear in his hand. The man's eyes were so glazed in lust that he had not taken them off the prostitute in his tent. Phineas did not even give her a chance to scream before he thrust his spear through her belly. He learned his lesson and aimed just below the ribs. The strength of his arm plunged the spear through her midsection and impaled the man standing behind her. He felt the metal slicing through muscle, single and soft organs, until it finally met bone. The fog of his fury did not clear until he pulled the spear back through their bodies and they fell before him, choking and groaning. He then dropped his spear to the ground and stumbled out of the tent. They pleaded and wept after him. They did not understand, but Phineas did. Some of the priests from the tabernacle, his father and Moses among them, must have followed him. His father hurried to his side.

Voice of the Martyrs Announcer (31:12)

My son. What happened? Are you alright?

Narrator/Storyteller (31:15)

The images of the bloodied and slain adulterers flashed through his mind. The violence of the memory threatened to overwhelm him. But then a calming confidence settled on him, different than the ferocious anger, but just as powerful. It was resolve. Phineas's eyes slid up to meet his father's.

Phinehas (31:36)

I could not stand to let this terrible evil take place again. I took action.

Narrator/Storyteller (31:43)

Helieaza nodded, but seemed uncertain at his son's cryptic words. A curious crowd was beginning to form around them. And from somewhere in the back, the shouting began to echo throughout the camp. Women and men began to shout. They were healed. The people who were afflicted had been miraculously and suddenly relieved. How? They did not know. But Phineas knew. He knew the instant he withdrew his spear. His eyes returned to the entrance of the tent before them. His father tracked the movement and slowly walked forward to draw the flap open. The doorway of the tent perfectly framed the bloody scene. The evidence of their intentions was clear enough. A hush fell over the crowd. Phineas found his voice at last and spoke with the confidence that had settled upon him.

Phinehas (32:33)

They sought to bring further evil into a holy place. Their debauchery would further drench us in pagan filth. I ended their treachery before they could further dishonor the Lord.

Narrator/Storyteller (32:46)

The crowd was silent for a moment, but the people's murmuring in the back slowly rippled until the whole place was in an uproar. Moses held up his hands to quiet the crowd, his eyes never leaving Phinehas as he spoke.

Phinehas (33:01)

Behold Phineas of Eleazar, son of Aaron, the priest. The Lord has turned back his wrath from us because Phineas was zealous among you with the Lord's so that he did not destroy all of us with that very same zeal. The Lord has therefore declared he will grant Phinehas his covenant of peace. It will be a covenant of perpetual priesthood for him and his future descendants because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for Israel.

Narrator/Storyteller (33:42)

If today's reading moved you, the Pray.com app is where you can go deeper with daily prayers, Bible plans, and more. Download it Free Link in The description this pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, 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, 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.

Narrator/Host (34:38)

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