The Scourge of Amalek

Summary

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The Chosen People – “The Scourge of Amalek”

Podcast: The Chosen People
Host: Pray.com
Air Date: February 2, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode, “The Scourge of Amalek,” delves into the dramatic and formative encounter between the Israelites and the Amalekites shortly after the Exodus. Through vivid storytelling, it explores the Israelites’ struggle for survival in the wilderness, the challenges of faith under pressure, the emergence of new leaders, and the miracle-linked dynamics of ancient Israelite warfare. The episode highlights the famous battle where Moses’ uplifted arms—supported by Aaron and Hur—drive the course of battle, and young Hoshea (Joshua) begins to rise as a leader.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Israelites’ Crisis of Faith and Provision in the Wilderness

• The episode opens with scenes of doubt among the Israelites regarding God’s presence—a recurring theme after the Exodus.
• Moses' striking of the rock to bring forth water becomes a symbolic reaffirmation of God’s provision.
  • Quote (Moses, 01:06): “Is the Lord among us or not?”
• The elders’ bewilderment and the miraculous spring reinforce God’s faithfulness and the need for obedience.
• Key verse is referenced: If Israel obeys God’s commandments, none of the plagues of Egypt will befall them. (“…for I am the Lord, your healer.” 02:29)

2. Introduction of Hoshea (Joshua) as Emerging Leader

• The story shifts to Hoshea, a young member of the tribe of Ephraim, isolated and sharpening his knife—a symbol of both his past in Egypt and readiness for the unknown.

• Hoshea’s chance encounter and miraculous survival when ambushed by an Amalekite scout catalyze the episode’s main conflict (05:22–10:13).

• His immediate response—alerting the camp—sets the Israelites on high alert.

  • Quote (Hoshea, 10:10): “We’re about to be attacked. Over that hill.”

3. The Amalekite Threat and Israelite Vulnerability

• The leadership grapples with their military inexperience; their “fighting men” are mostly untrained former slaves.
  • Quote (Advisor, 11:40): “Using the term fighting men for what we have is awfully generous of you, my son.”
• The recognition of the attackers as Amalekites, descendants of Esau (13:00–13:13), frames the conflict as a continuation of ancient rivalries.

4. Moses’ Leadership and Delegation

• Moses displays trust in the inexperienced but courageous Hoshea by appointing him to organize the defense.
  • Quote (Moses, 13:35): “Hoshea, select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand up on the hilltop with our God’s staff in my hand.”
• Miriam is tasked with protecting women and children, and Moses plans to intercede on a nearby hill with Aaron and Hur (14:54).
• This section teases the pivotal role faith and divine intervention will play in the battle.

5. The Battle Unfolds: Faith, Fear, and Miracles

• On the battlefield, Hoshea experiences doubt and fear—reflective of the whole nation.
• A brief but motivating exchange with a supportive Judahite, later revealed as Caleb, helps rally Hoshea and the troops.
  • Quote (Caleb, 19:32): “Do not be afraid, Hoshea. Remember the mighty things that staff has done in Lord Moses hand.”
• The Israelites launch their attack as Moses raises his staff, resulting in initial success (21:30).

Crucial Battle Dynamics:

• Each time Moses’ arms lower, the Amalekites gain ground; when he lifts the staff, Israel prevails (24:22–26:40).
  • Quote (Narrator, 24:28): “Moses realized what he had held in his hands. His God had promised to be with him and perform miraculous things with it.”
  • Moses is physically exhausted, so Aaron and Hur support his arms—turning the tide back to Israel’s favor.
    • Quote (Aaron, 26:30): “Steady, little brother.”

6. Victory and Its Aftermath

• The Israelites win the battle through a combination of courage, organization, faith, and the staff’s symbolic power.

• The cost of battle and leadership’s burden is poignantly described through Hoshea’s reaction to violence.

• Hoshea and Caleb share a moment of camaraderie, giving Hoshea a much-needed sense of belonging and affirmation as a leader.

  • Quote (Caleb, 29:18): “You led us well, my friend, with courage far beyond your years or experience. None of us has experienced anything like this before. It’s a wonder you held your stomach this long.”

7. Passing the Torch: Moses Commissions Hoshea

• In a quiet, meaningful exchange, Moses affirms Hoshea’s leadership and invites him to learn at his side.
  • Quote (Moses, 30:25): “Hoshea, my son. You did everything I asked of you. You did well.”
  • Quote (Moses, 31:14): “With such a spirit, there’s no limit to what you can do on behalf of God and for our people.”

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• Faith in Uncertain Times:
  • Moses, questioning Israel’s faith (01:06):
    “Is the Lord among us or not?”
• Hoshea’s Alert:
  • Hoshea, warning of attack (10:10):
    “We’re about to be attacked. Over that hill.”
• Leadership Against the Odds:
  • Advisor, on unprepared soldiers (11:40):
    “Using the term fighting men for what we have is awfully generous of you, my son.”
• Moses Entrusting Hoshea:
  • Moses, appointing Hoshea (13:35):
    “Hoshea, select some men for us and go fight against Amalek…”
• Caleb Encourages Hoshea:
  • Caleb, rallying Hoshea (19:32):
    “Do not be afraid, Hoshea. Remember the mighty things that staff has done in Lord Moses hand.”
• Turning Point in Battle:
  • Narrator, connecting the miracle to Moses’ arms (24:28):
    “Moses realized what he had held in his hands. His God had promised to be with him and perform miraculous things with it.”
• Aaron’s Support:
  • Aaron steadies Moses (26:30):
    “Steady, little brother.”
• Recognition of Hoshea’s Leadership:
  • Caleb, encouraging Hoshea post-battle (29:18):
    “You led us well, my friend, with courage far beyond your years or experience. None of us has experienced anything like this before…”
• Moses as Mentor:
  • Moses, commissioning Hoshea (31:14):
    “With such a spirit, there’s no limit to what you can do on behalf of God and for our people.”

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Crisis of Faith and Striking the Rock: 00:39–02:38
• Hoshea’s Encounter & Raising the Alarm: 05:22–10:13
• Leadership Discussion and Assignment: 10:28–14:54
• Assembly and Motivation of Troops: 18:00–21:25
• Start and Fluctuations of Battle: 21:25–26:09
• Moses, Aaron, Hur Story and Final Victory: 26:09–29:18
• Hoshea and Caleb, Moses’ Commission: 29:18–31:47

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Tone and Storytelling Style

The episode blends epic biblical drama with intimate character moments. The language is vibrant, urgent, and reverent, underscoring themes of faith, vulnerability, and growth. Internal struggles are given as much weight as external conflict, making the heroism of otherwise ordinary people stand out.

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For Listeners New to the Story

This episode is a powerful retelling of a foundational biblical event. Even if you are not familiar with the original Old Testament account, you will come away with a clear understanding of:

• Why the Israelites feared and doubted even after witnessing miracles,
• How faith and leadership are forged under pressure,
• The birth of Joshua/Hoshea as a key figure,
• The persistent consequences of Israel’s history and ancestry (Amalekites as kin of Esau).

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This summary excludes all advertisements, sponsor messages, and non-content sections to focus solely on the story and its insights.

Transcript

[Podcast Host / Announcer]

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[Narrator / Storyteller]

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[Moses]

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[Narrator / Storyteller]

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[Supporting Character / Advisor]

What we cannot see? Where is our God? We could see the gods of Egypt. We had statues, temples and monuments. Is the Lord a nomad? Does he come and go like Moses?

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Moses turned to the elders and stretched out his arms. His staff was in his right hand. His knuckles were white around its shaft, steady and ready to strike.

[Moses]

Is the Lord among us or not?

[Narrator / Storyteller]

No answer from the men. Just a confused silence.

[Moses]

Is the Lord among us or not?

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Again, the elders shrugged, unsure of how to answer.

[Moses]

I ask you again, is the Lord among us or not?

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Moses gripped his staff with both hands, widened his stance, shifted his hips and swung it at the stone. He struck it with brutal force, causing the outer layer of shale to crack. Immediately, a geyser burst out of the rock, spilling water out into the dirt below. The elders recoiled in shock and immediately rushed to the water to drink. Soon enough, the water found a crag and flowed downward towards the Israelite camp. Like the rivers cutting through Eden, the refreshing spring of God brought life. They were his children, his chosen people. He would not let them fall. If you will diligently listen to my voice and do that which is right in my eyes and give ear to my commandments and keep all my statutes, I will put none of the disease on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.

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[Narrator / Storyteller]

Osheer sat up on the incline of the rolling hill on a rocky outcropping, absentmindedly sharpening his hunting knife. He wasn't sure why he brought it with him that day. He had never needed anything beyond his staff to ward off predators from his family's flock. With everyone clustered around the only water source in the area, help was never more than a shout away. But yet, something prompted him to pocket the knife that morning when he arose. It was one of the few possessions that he took from Egypt. In fact, it was one of the only possessions he had at all. His parents had died before their exodus, following the prophet Moses. All that remained for him and his siblings was a threadbare inheritance of a few tools and tattered garments. Hoshea gripped the knife. He did not relish the reminder of his life as a slave, but the blade was a useful tool, and Hoshir was nothing if not practical. It was also, perhaps, a good reminder of the violence and oppression they had escaped. Others may be content to complain about their short memories, but Hoshea was determined to remember the miraculous and wondrous things their God had done on their behalf. Hoshea went back to methodically sharpening his knife. When, between strokes, he heard the undeniable snap of a twig behind him, the hair on the back of his neck stood. He whirled around and jumped to his feet. To his horror, a heavily armored man was climbing the slope behind him, clearly trying to catch him unawares. Time stood still and the two men locked eyes. Hoshea in his thin linen shepherd's clothes and a small hunting blade, and the man a mysterious warrior wielding a lethal, jagged sleep sword and other blades strapped to his leather armor. He had almost a foot and at least a decade on young Hoshir. Hoshir still gripped his knife, but his staff leaned uselessly on the rock beside him, just out of reach. A knife would invite close combat, and Hoshia did not want to engage him in hand to hand combat with the man's superior reach and armor. Hoshir glanced over to his staff to judge how far away it was to grab. The warrior took Hoshia's diverted gaze as an opportunity and charged forward, lifting his sword above his head and angling it down, a blow that would surely split Hoshir's unprotected skull. With minimal effort, Hoshir's eyes locked on the man in terror. Abandoning the idea of grabbing for his staff, Hoshir did the only thing that came to his stupefied mind. He yelled out of pure adrenaline and instinct, closed his eyes, and threw a dagger at the man who was ferociously closing the gap between them, weapon at its full apex, a swift squelching thunder of a blade finding flesh, and then a dull crumpling of a Body hitting dust made Hoshir open his eyes. By some miracle, his blade found the only gap in the man's armor at his neck. Blood was still pumping as it spurted in an unsightly death rattle rhythm from the entry wound. He would have stood in shock for who knows how long. However, movement down the hill caught his eye. His mouth dropped as he beheld a sizable host emerging from the haze of the desert. At the bottom of the hill, he saw the tips of their spears above their heads and mighty shields in their hands. They were still a ways off, and the heat of the desert distorted his view, but he could only assume they were as heavily armored as his attacker had been. The man had probably been a scout, he realized. Hoshir was the lone occupier of the only high ground where they camped. But this hill also blocked the host from view, and it would take them only a short time to realize that their scout was not returning. Fear pushed back the wave of nausea. Hoshir was feeding from the sickening sight of his kill. Terror gripped him as he realized that the armed force could mount this hill and be upon their camp in a matter of minutes. He had to tell someone. He had to have survived this encounter for some reason, and he supposed this was it. Forgetting his lodged knife in the corpse's neck, Hoshea scooped up his staff from the rock and sprinted down the hill toward camp, screaming as loud as his lungs could support and raising the alarm that an attack was imminent. Moses was nursing a mounting headache as he listened to two men air their grievances when the boy careened into camp, shouting, invaders.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

We're about to be attacked. Over that hill.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Moses dismissed the men in front of him and nodded to Aaron, Miriam, and Hur, Miriam's son, to go and intercept the boy. They immediately did as he bid, and not even a heartbeat later, the boy was panting before him.

[Moses]

Quickly, my son. What did you see.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Moses? Beyond that hill there's a great host, maybe several hundred men. They're not Egyptian, but they are heavily armed. I was able to kill their scout before I ran here, but they will notice he is missing soon and surely. Attack.

[Moses]

Your name, my son?

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Hosea, son of None.

[Moses]

Your people?

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

My people.

[Moses]

Your tribe. Hosea, son of None. Who are they?

[Sponsor / Advertiser Voice]

Ephraim.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

I am of the tribe of Ephraim.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Besides the hesitation in naming his tribe, this Hoshea had proven himself valuable by dispatching the scout. The young man standing before Moses was unassuming enough. He was grown but still young and lacked the gravitas to Stand before his leader and speak confidently. But he was quick on his feet. And their God had granted himself success and brought him here to warn Moses of the coming threat. Perhaps the boy, like his nation, could be molded. Aaron entered the tent, swiftly returning with a report.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

It's true, Moses. We're hearing reports of a host of men just beyond that ridge. The boy has spoken true. Our scouts estimate the numbers to be 500 or so. 500 against our 600,000 men? How could they even dare against our numbers? And our numbers are even greater beyond the fighting men. Using the term fighting men for what we have is awfully generous of you, my son. How many of our men have actually wielded weapons, much less seen battle? Aren't there a few who served as mercenaries in Pharaoh's army? Perhaps a dozen of them. And they're old and rickety now. Hardly enough to count on, unfortunately. These approaching soldiers are fully armed with spears, swords, and shields. They may even have archers amongst their ranks. God save us. Most of our fighting men carry clubs and axes for defending their flocks. What are such weapons against bronze and iron. But still. Perhaps they just mean to scare us off. We are camped around the only drinkable.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Water in the area.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

They cannot truly intend to destroy millions. And do we know who they are? There are rumblings that there are Amalekites. Ah, the line of Edom, sons of Esau. Yes. These Amalekites are of Edom, descendants of Esau through his first son, Eliphaz. Yes, and perhaps the first of many foes we will meet before we enter Canaan. They have traveled very far to have encountered her.

[Moses]

They are nomads in this land, and we stand between them and the only water source for miles. We must stand against them and show them we are not worth the effort.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

The three advisors dipped their heads in agreement. Hoshea watched them intently and with intelligent eyes, but seemed content to be forgotten in the flurry of discussion between Moses inner circle.

[Moses]

Hoshea, select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand up on the hilltop with our God's staff in my hand.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Hoshea gaped at Moses words. But as the other three heads turned to him in surprise, he straightened his shoulders and held his head high before nodding in acknowledgment. Moses was pleased his instincts were right about this one.

[Moses]

Go now and make your selections and ready them for the battle. We only have a few swords at our disposal, and be sure to take one for yourself. See what weapons the other men have. If we have archers or those who can use a sling, organize them first and see what you can find for shields. You want to make sure our front lines are secure before you do anything else. And leave a small company in reserve behind to protect the women and children.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Yes, Lord Moses. I will go now and see it done.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

With that young Hoshea ran off. Moses turned back to his advisors.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

That's a lot of trust for a boy. You just met Moses. He's a lamb of a boy. Against wolves.

[Moses]

We are all lambs, Miriam. Lest you forget how the Lord delivered us from Pharaoh.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Very well, my brother. What will you have me do?

[Moses]

Miriam, you are to organize the women and children. Draw them in close so the defenders young Hoshea raises will not be spread too thin. Erin and her, you're with me. Tomorrow at dawn, we'll view the battle from above and call upon the help of our God.

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[Narrator / Storyteller]

Sweaty hands gripped his staff, and he drew a shuddering breath as he beheld the Amalekite army marching toward them. It may have been Hoshea's imagination, but either the ground was shaking beneath the steady march of their impending footsteps, or his heartbeat had traveled fully into his head and was spilling out his ears. He could not recall a time he had ever been so scared. The Israelites stood before them in great numbers, but the tang of fear hung tensely in the air. They lacked experience and resources and courage. They had all been mere slaves only weeks ago. Hoshea had organized the men as Moses had asked. He delegated each tribe to assign their men to various roles and gather what weapons they had. Hoshea stood at the back of the great host, in the general's position. He was still dumbfounded that anyone had listened to him at all. But they had. And now they kept looking. Between him, the tiny figure of Moses on the hilltop, and the nearing enemy army, Hoshea was tempted to despair. He felt unqualified because, well, he was. He was no warrior. Hoshea's shoulders slunk downward, but then a young man from the tribe of Judah placed a hand on his shoulder. His brow was furrowed with determination. His voice was Deep for a man his age, but deeply reassuring.

[Supporting Character / Advisor]

Do not be afraid, Hoshea.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Remember the mighty things that staff has done in Lord Moses hand.

[Supporting Character / Advisor]

We await your command, Hoshea.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Hoshea gave him a grateful smile and rallied his resolve. He then swallowed nervously, but schooled his face into neutrality as he kept his eyes on their leader, waiting for his command. The Amalekites halted before them in neat despair. Disciplined lines. Their archers stood off and at an angle to avoid getting in the fray once the battle began in earnest. Their mighty shields were perfectly locked in an impenetrable line at the front of their column, and Hoshea could see a line of glistening speartips extending far above them. Even if they somehow broke the line of shields, the spearmen could skewer them from a safe distance with a mighty blow. Far above their heads, carrion birds circled. One thing was in mere hours they would feast on the armies below. No matter the outcome, the Amalekites seemed content to wait for the green Israelite army to make the first move. It was as if they could sense the unease and inexperience. Across the field, Hoshea kept his focus on the force, but out of the corner the of of his eye waited for Moses signal. He saw Moses take the staff in both hands and suddenly raised it over his head. Hoshea didn't realize how tightly he was wound until in response to the staff being raised overhead, Hoshea let out a roar. To his surprise, it was joined almost instantaneously by the entire Israelite army. The front lines carried their battle cry in their lungs as they charged towards the enemy's fortified lines.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Archers. Knock. Draw.

[Supporting Character / Advisor]

Loose.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

In answer, a thrum of arrows soared from bows and rained down on the shields of the Amalekites. By some miracle, many of the arrows found their marks, felling several shield bearers. But the holes were quickly replenished with fresh men and shields. The front line of Israelites was almost to the enemy lines.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Archers again. Knock.

[Sponsor / Advertiser Voice]

Draw.

[Supporting Character / Advisor]

Loose.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

For a second time, the arrows hummed over the army and found their marks. The lions faltered with this second wave. Just as the Israelites met them with axes and clubs, Shepherds and farmers clobbered the stunned, seasoned Amalekites with unimaginable ferocity, beating them back. As the next wave of Israel Israelites flooded in to relieve them, Hoshea charged himself with another group of men. They burst through the broken lines with ferocity foreign to slaves and peasants. But they were no longer slaves. Hoshea thought it best to remind them.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Pharaoh has been slain. You are no longer chained men. You are free. Fight. Fight as free men.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

The men around Hoshea cheered and hollered. They were doing it. Somehow, and against all reason or odds, they were defeating their enemy. Hoshea shouted along with them and beamed at their triumphant leader Moses, still holding his staff high above his head. On the hill overlooking the battle. Sweat pooled at Moses hairline and dripped down his neck. His knuckles were white and shaking as they gripped his staff above his head. His head. Hoshea had found his stride. Leading the army, he orchestrated the few archers and slingshots. He had to time their assault to proceed with the waves of attack on the front line. And they were successfully chipping away at the enemy's lines little by little. Without thinking, Moses began to lower his now trembling arms as he leaned forward to watch the faltering lines. Victory seemingly within grasp with just a few more charges forward. But suddenly the booming voice of the Amalekite general sounded and an ominous twang of bowstrings responded. Hundreds of Israelites from the middle of the army crumpled to the ground. They were well beyond the protection of the shields. Moses could sense the Israelites recoil in fear as their concentration and confidence broke. The Amalekites Israelite spearmen then charged forward. Tilting their iron weapons forward through tiny gaps in the shields, they broke through the front lines with ease. The side columns of their army then broke off and flanked the Israelites as the archers took out another round of men behind the front lines. The coordinated effort effectively cut off the front lines from the rest of the army, to be destroyed with no hope of retreat.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Our men are waning most.

[Moses]

What's happening? We were winning.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

And then Moses gaped helplessly at the scene before him. It all happened so fast. Aaron and Hur were equally engrossed in horror. But Moses realized what he had held in his hands. His God had promised to be with him and perform miraculous things with it. Moses thrust the staff into the air as he had for the first part of the battle. And in response, the Israelite forces surged forward, throwing down their enemies. Those who hemmed in suddenly fell away and another round of arrows and slung rocks aided their retreat. To regroup, however, Moses arms tired quickly and they shook to keep the staff in the air. It was like a battle with forces beyond gravity and the failing strength of his arm. He cried out in pain as the tremors of his arms shook through his entire body. As exhaustion sapped his body, as his arms began to lower, the enemy surged forward and took out another score of men Moses had been entrusted to protect every one of them. If his God required he aid them in this strange way, he would not fail. Though there were thousands of them, each life lost weighed on his soul. He gritted his teeth until his head felt like it might explode. He strained against fatigue and towed the ground around him without taking his eyes off the battle before him. He finally felt the rocky seat he sought and collapsed, using the boulder's edge to support his trembling arms.

[Moses]

I'm not sure I will last much longer.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Aaron and Hur tore their eyes away from the battle. They saw Moses waver and then turned back to see the battle's tides shift. They immediately realized what was happening. The momentum of the battle was dependent on Moses resolve. Aaron rushed to his brother and wrapped his arms around his hold.

[Supporting Character / Advisor]

Steady, little brother.

[Sponsor / Advertiser Voice]

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[Narrator / Storyteller]

Flashes of Moses as a babe came rushing back to him. He remembered holding his trembling body that fateful night when Pharaoh's men had come. Aaron's throat clenched and his chest tightened at the memory. He squeezed his brother as if trying to somehow give him his strength. Ur came to his uncle's side as well and took the other arm. Each one took an arm and assisted Moses in keeping the staff raised above his head. With their combined strength, the staff was hoisted back in the air, and Hoshea was able to coordinate another successful strike. The Israelites stepped over their fallen brothers and enemies, threw themselves against shields, spears, and swords, and somehow prevailed. The ground was slick with blood and gore, but their steps were sure and their aim was true. The the three men held the staff steady together until the sun eventually went down and the very last enemy soldier was thrown down. The last light of the day was slipping over the ridge. Hoshea slew a final enemy with a side swipe of his sword to the leg, then a sudden jab upward to the throat. The enemy fell. Then Hoshea whirled around and raised his sword above his head to strike whoever was behind him. He paused as he discovered it was only the man from the tribe of Judah standing before him, hands raised, steady.

[Supporting Character / Advisor]

Hoshea. They're all dead. We won.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Hoshea loosed a shaky sigh, lowered his sword and surveyed the ground around him. The man was right. Hoshir stood in the middle of a lopsided, rough half circle of battered bodies. A haze of frenzied bloodlust Hoshir had not known existed within him lifted as he took in the horror of the battlefield. He still held the sword he had started with, but it was now stained Crimson, with chunks of gore stuck to the edges. He surveyed the the slain enemies around him, then looked beyond and saw similar piles around his countrymen in irregular intervals. Carrion birds were already feasting on the bodies on the tops of the piles. On the outskirts of the battle, Hoshea's knees suddenly gave out and he pitched forward. His companion ran forward to aid him, but Hoshea feebly waved him back just in time to spare him from the vomit that spewed from his mouth. The man of Judah laughed as he clasped Hoshir on his shoulders and hoisted him to his feet.

[Supporting Character / Advisor]

You led us well, my friend, with courage far beyond your years or experience. None of us has experienced anything like this before. It's a wonder you held your stomach this long. I was sick myself before the battle even began. Thought I might as well get it out of the way so no one slept on it on the field.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Thank you.

[Supporting Character / Advisor]

I'm sorry. I forget my manners. The name's Caleb, son of Jephunneh.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Thank you, Caleb, son of Jephunneh. I am Hosea, son of Nun.

[Supporting Character / Advisor]

Pleased to meet you. And even more pleased to share this victory with you. Ah, it looks like the Prophet is summoning you.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Hoshea turned to look where Caleb gestured. Moses was standing on the edge of the field, waiting for Hoshea. He patted Caleb on the back by way of thanks and took his leave. Hoshea approached Moses and saw that Aaron and Hur were nearby, but respectfully out of earshot, so Moses could address Hoshea privately.

[Moses]

Hoshea, my son. You did everything I asked of you. You did well.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Thank you, Moses. That means a great deal coming from you.

[Moses]

As much as it grieves me to say this, I do not believe this battle will be the last of its kind. We have yet to cross into the promised land and have already met opposition. And the land itself is undoubtedly occupied by similar tribes and chiefdoms. I went to battle with my brothers in Egypt once or twice. However, I'm afraid age would keep me from leading the young men against our enemies. I'd have you lead the armies for me, Hoshea. Stand by my side and learn from me.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

You honor me, Lord.

[Moses]

Moses, you have an obedient and faithful spirit. With such a spirit, there's no limit to what you can do on behalf of God and for our people. Come. I'll have you walk with me. I've ensured that the events of today have been recorded. It's important that you remember what our God did today. You'll need to remember this when the days again get hard and hope is scarce.

[Hoshea / Caleb / Other Characters]

Yes sir, I will remember.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

This. Prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, 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 Rosely and Chris Baig. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review.

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