The Tower of Babel

Summary

---

The Chosen People – Episode: The Tower of Babel

Host: Pray.com
Release Date: October 16, 2025

---

Overview

This episode of "The Chosen People" podcast delves into the Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel. Through vivid storytelling and insightful character dialogue, the episode traces the aftermath of the flood, the rise of Nimrod as a legendary leader, and the collective ambition leading humanity to construct a tower meant to reach the heavens. The narrative explores themes of pride, unity, ambition, faith, and the limits of human aspiration in the face of divine will.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Aftermath of the Flood and the Spread of Humanity

• Recap: The episode revisits Noah’s story, the aftermath of the flood, and the familial drama that follows (01:06–02:20).
• Spreading Out: The sons of Noah multiply and settle across the earth, setting the stage for the rise of different peoples (04:34–05:35).

2. Introduction of Nimrod – The Mighty Hunter

• Nimrod's Power: Explores Nimrod as an archetype of strength, charisma, and ambition (05:35–06:45).
• Legendary Leader: Nimrod is portrayed as both a hero to his people and a king blessed by God, aspiring to greatness through conquest and vision (06:45–07:55).

3. The Birth of Ambition – Unity or Hubris?

• Nimrod’s Vision:
  • Plans to unify tribes, not by force but by inspiring a shared pursuit of greatness ("Why use force against each other when we can use force for each other?" – Nimrod, 09:55).
  • Decides greatness will be achieved with a monument to human ingenuity:
    • Not a temple, but a tower.
    • Quote: “Not a temple. Temples are for gods. We are men. We will build a tower.” (11:06–11:16)

4. The Gathering at Babel and the Tower’s Construction

• Council Scenes: Nimrod discusses his vision for Babel—a city and tower that will reach the heavens and bring the world’s envy (14:05–15:02).
  • Unity as Power: “Greatness is built brick by brick, stone by stone, on top of one another." – Nimrod, (09:28)
  • Hubris: “Perhaps together we can reach paradise again. Maybe we could be like God himself.” – Nimrod, (16:09)
• Dissent and Doubt: Some, notably Javen the builder, raise concerns about the dangers of such ambition and potential divine wrath (18:34–19:52; 23:18–24:47).

5. The Pursuit of Human Glory

• Labor and Hope: The people of Babel pour effort and faith into their work, driven by a collective desire to achieve immortality through the tower (19:52–22:15).

  • Leadership: Nimrod motivates by tying human greatness to participation in the tower project.

• Accidents and Omens: Trouble arises as resources stretch thin and accidents occur. Still, Nimrod doubles down:

  • Quote: "There are no accidents. Only failures of preparation and vigilance." – Nimrod, (27:08)
  • Rhetoric: “Are the people of Babel cowards? Will you shrink back at the first sign of weakness?... Or will you gather and build like predators?” (27:46)

6. Divine Response – Confusion and Dispersion

• God’s Concern: The Council of God notes that unchecked unity will lead to unbounded ambition (28:57–29:13).

  • Quote: "They are one people, unified in language. And yet unified to destruction." (28:57)

• The Curse of Babel: God confuses their language, turning unity to chaos. Suddenly, workers cannot understand each other (33:00–33:19), creating immediate panic and halting construction.

• Collapse and Aftermath:

  • Nimrod’s final defiance—challenging God even as chaos erupts:
    • Quote: “If he doesn’t accept my offering, then maybe I shall build my tower even higher… Maybe then it is he who will fear me.” (24:58)
  • The tower’s collapse and Nimrod’s symbolic fall—divine justice executed (34:09).

• Moral and Outcome:

  • Humanity’s dreams of greatness, when untethered from humility, lead to downfall.
  • The diversity of peoples and languages emerges as a consequence and fulfillment of God’s command to fill the earth.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nimrod’s Philosophy on Unity and Power:

  • "Greatness is built brick by brick, stone by stone, on top of one another. If we spread and disperse, we weaken what we've built here. Prey scatter outward, but the predators gather together."
    — Nimrod, (09:28)

• On Purpose and Legacy:

  • "The tower is how we reach God. The tower is how we reach greatness.”
    — Narrator, (16:03)

• Pride vs. Faith:

  • “Did he not flood the earth? Did he not curse my Grandfather Hamilton? If he doesn’t accept my offering, then maybe I shall build my tower even higher. Higher than him. Maybe. Then it is he who will fear me.”
    — Nimrod, (24:58)

• God’s Judgment:

  • “Let us go down there and confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.”
    — God/Council, (29:28)

• The Turning Point:

  • Sudden language confusion between Javen and Elam:
    • Javen: “Nimrod. Nazamo nanu sad El Maesta.”
    • Elam: “Yavan Malik’s ma ant.”
      — (33:00–33:19)

• Nimrod’s Downfall:

  • Nimrod, atop the tower, states, “I can be like God.” (31:58)
  • His fall serves as the climax, symbolizing human limitation in the face of the divine.

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:34] Spread of Noah’s descendants & rise of Nimrod
• [06:45] Nimrod’s introduction as a leader and hunter
• [09:28–11:16] Nimrod’s philosophy and plan for the tower
• [14:05–16:39] Council assembly; debate on ambition and divine will
• [18:34] Start of the tower’s construction and signs of pride
• [23:18–24:47] Builder Javen expresses concern; Nimrod’s defiance
• [27:08] Construction accident and Nimrod’s reaction
• [28:57–29:39] God’s decision to confuse their language
• [33:00–33:57] Language confusion begins; chaos unfolds
• [34:09–34:30] Nimrod’s fall and the dissolution of Babel’s unity

---

Tone and Style

• Language & Mood: Epic, dramatic, and contemplative—blending vivid historical imagination with scriptural themes.
• Perspective: Focused on Nimrod as a tragic, prideful anti-hero whose ambition both inspires and destroys.
• Narrative Technique: Dialogue-driven scenes interwoven with narrator summaries and reflective commentary.

---

Conclusion

This episode takes listeners on a thought-provoking journey through the story of the Tower of Babel, exploring the timeless tension between striving for greatness and yielding to pride. It brings to life the Biblical account through memorable characters, dramatic scenes, and thoughtful reflections, ultimately highlighting the enduring relevance of humility, faith, and unity in diversity.

---

Transcript

[A]

This is an Iheart podcast.

[B]

If you want to take your church's livestream to the next level, Switcher makes it simple. It lets you grab your iPhones, iPads, and cameras, sync them together and switch between angles live with no complicated gear needed. You can even add scripture, lyrics or graphics on screen to help keep your congregation engaged. Plus, you can stream to every online platform at the same time, including your website. Think Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, you name it. The best part? Switcher's designed for everybody. Pastors, volunteers, teens. Anyone can jump in and help out with the stream. All in all, Switcher helps you to empower your volunteers, create a polished online presence and grow your community. We without breaking the bank get $30 off a seasonal plan at switcherstudio.com chosen people and keep saving every season with.

[A]

This special offer previously on the Chosen.

[C]

People Behold, I would destroy them with the earth. I will bring a flood to wipe this earth clean.

[A]

Remember me. Remember my family and the animals with me. God hadn't forgotten Noah. The Creator remembered him and all the beasts within the ark.

[C]

Go out from the ark, Noah.

[A]

As a sign of my covenant with you, I have set my bow in the clouds. The never ending pattern of sin and struggle didn't cease with the flood. Cup after cup, Noah drank away his sorrows. Yet it only numbed the pain. His youngest son, Ham, watched from a distance, disdain etched on his face as he witnessed his father's shameful display.

[D]

I present to you the honorable, the.

[C]

Stoic and the righteous Noah, naked and.

[A]

Sleep sleeping in his own vomit.

[C]

Hem, you've disgraced our father. Cursed be Canaan for what his father has done.

[A]

Shut up, old man. Men's sins stretched alongside Noah's descendants, but God's promises remained. His faithfulness wouldn't waver even in the face of human imperfection.

[E]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through November 4th. Shop the annual beauty event and save $5 when you spend $25 on select beauty products. Shop in store or online for items like Dove Body Wash, Native Body Wash, Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, Dr. Squatch body wash, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Dial Liquid Hand Soap and Olay Body wash and save $5 when you spend $25 or more. Offer ends November 4th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com this is Matt.

[F]

Rogers and Bowen Yang from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds are for those who don't conform to the standard. Yeah, I mean if you want to get into some touchscreen technology, how about the smart charging case Clear sound? These are not standard things. You're only going to get them with the JBL Tour Pro 3 baby. And I love the sound of JBL when it goes. These earbuds are packed with innovation because you can't stand out by following others. Touchscreen smart charging case for one touc control, instant EQ customization, true adaptive noise canceling and the one of a kind audio transmitter which can plug and play with everything from game consoles to in flight entertainment. The audio transmitter also allows for JBL Spatial360 sound that takes any audio and turns it into a 360 immersive experience. What more could you want first doesn't follow grab a [e-mail] this Mailchimp horrific.

[E]

Jingle is brought to you by Mailchimp.

[B]

Mailchimp.

[D]

You're marketing with AI and more advanced automations to connect to your store.

[A]

Mailchimp your marketing and boost your clicks.

[D]

Multi channel campaigns now with SMS lights lit mailchimp.

[E]

You're marketing today with the number one AI powered email marketing and automation platform Intuit. Mailchimp number one based on publicly available data on competitors customers. Plans vary SMS available as add on visit mailchimp.com.

[A]

The Sons of Noah spread across the land, hands stretching out to seize the promise God gave them. Japheth sired many sons whose clans became the people of the Coastlands. They were voyagers, fishermen, and tradesmen of great renown. Their influence stretched beyond the seas to lands untouched. The sons of Shem scaled the hill country of the East. They were people of the promise, just as God had foretold. From his line would come Terah, the father of Abraham. Yet the sons of Ham were cursed with ambition. His sons were Canaan, Egypt, put and Cush. Out of the line of Cush came a man unlike any other, a man of strength, influence, and power. His name was Nimrod. Nimrod stood atop the hill, a silhouette against the dying light of the sun. The air was thick with the scent of earth and blood, the spoils of his latest hunt arrayed around him. His cloak, fashioned from the pelts of lions, billowed in the evening breeze. To his people, he was not just a man, he was a legend, a giant among mortals, a hunter favored by the Creator. As the last rays of sunlight bled out of the sky, Nimrod descended from the hill with the carcass of a stag carried over his shoulders, his eyes sharp and piercing as an eagle's scanned the crowd at the bottom. They looked upon him with awe and reverence, whispers of his name rippling through the assembly like a prayer. The whispers rose like a song, eventually becoming a chant singing his glory. The great hunter's gaze fell upon the carcass of a stag, its antlers spanning wide, a testament to its once proud stature. Nimrod's hand rested on its flank, his fingers brushing against the coarse fur.

[C]

Tonight we feast. We honor the life taken, and we give thanks to the Creator for his bounty.

[A]

He watched as his men began to prepare the feast, the crackle of firewood and the savory scent of roasting meat filling the air. Nimrod turned away, his mind already drifting to thoughts of the hunt to come. He craved another challenge in the wilds of Shinar. For Nimrod, the hunt was more than a means of survival. It was a test, a sacred rite that affirmed his dominance over nature and man alike. His camp was a sprawling expanse of tents and makeshift shelters, filled with warriors and craftsmen, women and children. It was a kingdom in its infancy, a realm forged from blood and sweat under the rule of a man who feared nothing. As he walked through the camp, his people parted before him, their eyes shining with admiration. Nimrod's presence was a promise of protection and prosperity. In his tent, lit by the flickering light of torches, Nimrod sat before a map of his domain. It was drawn from charcoal on parchment crafted from tanned pelts. The parchment was marked with symbols and drawings, a record of his conquests and the cities he had founded. Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh. His kingdom was growing, and with it, his power. Yet Nimrod's ambitions stretched further still. He envisioned a city like no other, a monument to his greatness, a testament to human ingenuity and divine favor. A shadow fell across the entrance of his tent. Nimrod looked up to see one of his trusted servants, a man named Elum, standing there with a grim expression.

[D]

My lord, the scouts have returned. There are whispers of dissent among some of the tribes.

[C]

What's the matter?

[D]

Your bow is mighty, Lord Nimrod, and your arrow strong. But its reach wanes in the borderlands. Some tribal elders seek to make a name for themselves by stretching further out. They want to scatter, as the descendants of Japheth and Shem have troubling. It was the divine mandate passed from the forefathers, was it not? We are meant to stretch outward and fill the earth.

[C]

Yes, but that isn't how greatness is achieved. Elam greatness is built brick by brick, stone by stone, on top of one another. If we spread and disperse, we weaken what we've built here. Prey scatter outward, but the predators gather together.

[D]

Would you like me to send more men to the borderlands to impose your will?

[C]

No, no, that would be short sighted. Why use force against each other when we can use force for each other? These people dissent because they want to be significant. They don't want to live in my shadow. But what if I could somehow manufacture greatness for them? What if I could give them the feeling of greatness under my rule?

[D]

Are you suggesting you give up some of your power and divide it among the elders?

[C]

Oh, no, sweet Elam. I don't need to relinquish freedom or power. I need to rally them under an ideology, a cause that gives them a sense of significance. But it will all be under my rule.

[D]

Will you build a temple?

[A]

Nimrod rose to his feet, his stature imposing even in the confines of the tent. He opened the flap of his tent and looked up, gazing at the night sky. The stars scattered like diamonds across the velvet darkness.

[C]

Not a temple. Temples are for gods. We are men. We will build a tower.

[A]

Nimrod turned to his friend and grabbed his shoulders. His massive hands nearly wrapped around his entire back. He shook him enthusiastically.

[C]

I have been blessed by God with the strength and the will to lead. I will lead them to greatness. Upward we will ascend. People want to scatter abroad for greatness. They want to go into the unknown and venture out.

[B]

No.

[C]

No true greatness is found above. We will build a city so great, so large that it reaches the heavens.

[D]

I can begin preparations. We can consolidate the tribes and bring them closer together. Of all your kingdoms, where shall this tower be? Where will the people gather?

[A]

Nimrod looked back at Elum with a glint in his eye. His mind was set, his path clear. He would build his tower, and it would reach the heavens. In doing so, he would carve his name into the annals of history, a name spoken with reverence and fear for generations to come. For Nimrod, the mighty hunter was more than a man. He was a force of nature, a king among kings, destined to leave his mark on the world. And nothing, not even the will of God, would stand in his way.

[C]

Bring them to Babel.

[A]

Nimrod's dreams were turned to stone and stacked upon each other. His kingdom rose from the plains of Shinar. The city he founded was a marvel of architecture and ambition, its walls high and strong and streets bustling with life. Babel, Erek, Akkad, and Kalna. These were the jewels of his realm, each a testament to his vision and might. Yet for all their splendor, they were but the beginning of Nimrod's grand design. In the heart of Babel, Nimrod stood atop a balcony overlooking his city. Below, the streets teemed with people, merchants hawking their wares, craftsmen plying their trades, children playing and laughing. It was a city alive with energy and purpose. A city that bore the mark of its king. Nimrod's gaze was steady, his expression one of pride and determination. This was his creation, his legacy, and he would see it flourish. Elam interrupted his gaze.

[D]

My lord, the council is assembled. They await your command.

[A]

Nimrod nodded, his eyes lingering on the city for a moment longer before he turned and strode inside. The council chamber was a grand hall. Furs from Nimrod's hunts laced the ground, the pelts of bears, lions, and wolves draped over his throne, centered at the head of a large table. Beside the table sat the leaders of Shinar, men who had sworn fealty to Nimrod and shared in his vision for the kingdom.

[C]

Welcome, friends. Our kingdom thrives, but there is still much to be done. The cities we have built are merely stepping stones to our ultimate goal. A city that will be the envy of the world. A tower that will touch the heavens.

[A]

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the council. Nimrod's ambitions were well known, and his charisma had won him the loyalty of even the most skeptical among them. Yet as he spoke, a note of caution crept into a few voices.

[C]

My lord, there are whispers of unrest.

[D]

Among some of the tribes. They fear that our ambition may bring the wrath of God upon us.

[C]

Haven't you heard the songs? I am Nimrod, the hunter who stands before God. He is the one who has blessed us with this land and this power. It is our duty to use it to its fullest. We will build this tower, and in doing so, we will show the world that the people of Babel and the entire region of Shinar are not to be trifled with.

[A]

The tower is how we reach God. The tower is how we reach greatness.

[C]

Perhaps together we can reach paradise again. Maybe we could be like God himself.

[A]

The council members nodded. Nimrod's words had a way of dispelling doubts, of igniting a fire in the hearts of his followers. He was a leader unlike any other, a man whose vision extended beyond the horizon, whose will could bend even the most obstinate to his cause.

[E]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway now through November 4th. Shop the annual beauty event and save $5 when you spend $25 on select beauty products. Shop in store or online for items like Dove Body Wash Native Body Wash, Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, Dr. Squatch body wash, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Dial Liquid Hand Soap and Olay Body wash. And save $5 when you spend $25 or more. Offer ends November 4th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[F]

This is Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. JBL Tour Pro3 earbuds are for those who don't conform to the standard. Yeah, I mean, if you want to get into some touchscreen technology, how about the smart charging case Clear sound? These are not standard things. You're only gonna get them with the JBL Tour Pro 3 baby. And I love the sound of JBL when it goes. These earbuds are packed with innovation because you can't stand out by following others. Touchscreen Smart Charging case for one to Instant EQ Customization, True Adaptive Noise Canceling and the one of a kind audio transmitter which can plug and play with everything from game consoles to in flight entertainment. The audio transmitter also allows for JBL Spatial360 sound that takes any audio and turns it into a 360 immersive experience. What more could you want? First doesn't follow. Grab a [e-mail] this Mailchimp Forific jingle.

[E]

Is brought to you by Mailchimp Mailchimp.

[D]

Your marketing with AI and more advanced.

[A]

Automations to connect to your store Store.

[D]

Mailchimp your marketing and boost your clicks Multi channel campaigns now with SMS lights.

[E]

Lit mailchimp you're marketing today with the number one AI powered email marketing and automation platform Intuit. Mailchimp number one based on publicly available data on competitors customers. Plans vary. SMS available as add on visit mailchimp.com.

[A]

In the days that followed, Nimrod's vision began to take shape. Plans were drawn, resources gathered and work on the tower commenced. The people of Babel toiled day and night, their efforts guided by the hand of their king. The tower rose steadily, its base broad and robust, its height a testament to human ingenuity and ambition. Yet for all the progress made, some harbored doubts. Among them was Javen, a builder of great skill and wisdom who had been tasked with overseeing the construction. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Javen approached Nimrod. His expression troubled. My lord, I fear our ambition may be our undoing. Some speak of omens. God may not look kindly upon our attempts to reach the heavens.

[C]

It is God who has given us the strength and the will to achieve greatness. We honor him by striving for the impossible and pushing the boundaries of what is known and possible. Fear not, Jevon. We are destined for glory.

[A]

Javen nodded, though the worry did not leave his eyes. As he departed, Nimrod watched him go, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his mind. He pushed it aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. The tower would be built, and it would stand as a monument to his reign, a symbol of the indomitable spirit of Shinar. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. The tower rose higher and higher, its shadow stretching long across the plains. The people of Babel looked upon it with a mixture of awe and pride, their faith in Nimrod unshaken. For in their king they saw a man who could turn dreams into reality and lead them to unimagined heights. And so, under the watchful eye of Nimrod, the Tower of Babel continued, continued to rise. Fires burned in the heart of Babel, casting long shadows that danced across the half built tower. Nimrod stood on a platform high above the ground, surveying the work below. The structure was a marvel, its base broad and solid, climbing steadily toward the sky. Every stone laid, every brick set was a step closer to his vision. Below, people were chanting and singing. A smile curled on the edges of Nimrod's face. It was working. They had made the tower a religion in itself. They wouldn't dream of leaving it or leaving him. They would remain because their greatness was tethered to the tower. Nimrod turned to his gathered advisors, their faces illuminated by the flickering light. They were his most trusted lieutenants, the pillars upon which he built his kingdom. Yet even in their eyes, he could see the flicker of doubt. Javen stepped forward, his eyes earnest. My lord, the tower's design is sound. The higher we go, the more challenging it becomes. The weight, materials, and labor pose a new set of challenges. We must be cautious.

[C]

Caution has its place, Jaban. But this is not a time for fear. It is a time for boldness. We will face these challenges and overcome them just as we have overcome all others.

[A]

The days that followed were a blur of activity. The people of Babel worked tirelessly, driven by their desire to be part of something greater than themselves. Yet as the tower grew, so did the whispers of dissent. Some questioned the wisdom of such an undertaking. Fearing the wrath of the Elohim, others worried about the strain it placed on resources and labour. Nimrod heard these whispers, but paid them no heed. He had come too far, sacrificed too much, to be swayed by fear and doubt. One night, as the stars shone brightly above, Nimrod found himself alone at the base of the tower. He placed his hand on the cool stone, feeling the pulse of the dream that lived within it. The tower was more. More than a monument. It was his legacy, a mark that would endure long after he was gone. A figure approached, and Nimrod turned to see Javen standing there, his expression thoughtful. My lord, I have seen many wanderers in my time, but this tower, this is something beyond anything I ever imagined.

[C]

It is the work of our many hands, Javan, but it is also the work of one vision. A vision that we share.

[A]

Javen looked up at the tower, his eyes reflecting the firelight. Do you ever fear, my lord, that we are reaching too high? That God might take offence? Nimrod's smile faded, his expression turning solemn.

[C]

I have heard this exhausted warning too many times. Has the Elohim not given us the earth, the sky, and the strength to build, to dream? If we do not use these gifts, if we do not strive for greatness, then we dishonor him. This tower is not an affront. It is an offering.

[A]

Javen nodded slowly, his doubts not entirely dispelled. Nimrod sensed his trepidation. Irritated, the king continued his pontificating.

[C]

And why should I fear him anyways? Did he not flood the earth? Did he not curse my Grandfather Hamilton? If he doesn't accept my offering, then maybe I shall build my tower even higher. Higher than him. Maybe. Then it is he who will fear me.

[A]

Nimrod's voice reverberated through the empty stone halls. Javen said nothing. Together they stood silently gazing up at the tower that reached ever closer to the heavens. Dawn broke, casting a golden light over the plains of Shinar. Babel awoke to the sound of hammers, chisels, and stone being set upon stone. Nimrod watched them with pride, his heart swelling with the knowledge that they were building something that would endure, something that would be remembered for generations to come. As the day wore on, the heat grew oppressive. The sun beat down mercilessly on the workers, sweat pouring from their brows as they toiled under the watchful eyes of the overseers. Nimrod's presence was a constant, his shadow falling over every aspect of the project. He was a man possessed, driven by a vision that consumed him. The sounds of construction filled the air. Hammers and chisels rang out in a symphony of labor, mingling with the shouts of foremen and the grunts of workers. Nimrod moved among them, his presence a constant reminder of the stakes. He spoke with the masons, offering words of encouragement and, when necessary, stern rebukes. His people needed to see that their king was as invested in this endeavor as they. In the midst of the chaos, a cry went up. Nil turned to see a group of workers gather around a fallen scaffold, A man pinned beneath the wreckage. He strode over, his expression grim.

[C]

What happened here?

[D]

The supports gave way, my lord.

[A]

It was an accident.

[C]

There are no accidents. Only failures of preparation and vigilance. Ensure that that man receives the the care he needs. And see to it that the supports are reinforced properly. We cannot afford any more mistakes.

[A]

Yes, my lord.

[D]

It will be done.

[A]

Javen came out from among them, eyes intense with anger. I told you that something like this might happen. It will continue if we don't relent.

[C]

We will only relent when I stand atop my tower, looking out at the world like it's an apple fitting in the pine palm of my hand.

[A]

Nimrod gestured to the crowd, charisma dripping from him like sweat.

[C]

Are the people of Babel cowards? Will you shrink back at the first sign of weakness? Will you scatter and scurry like prey? Or will you gather and build like predators? We will make a name for ourselves. We will be great. We will build something to rival Eden.

[A]

The crowd cheered, but Javen slunk back into the rubble, helping the fallen workers to their feet. The Lord God saw Babel. The tower rose brick by brick, reaching toward the heavens, a monument to human pride and unity. But the people of Babel were sorrowfully mistaken. No earthly structure could pierce the divine realm, the celestial plains where the Almighty dwelled. These realms existed beyond the mortal coil, destined to one day reside in the hearts of those who trusted in him. Seeing the path to their doom, the Council of God convened to thwart their endeavors. They are one people, unified in language.

[C]

And yet unified to destruction.

[A]

This is only the beginning of what they will do.

[C]

Soon they will have the power to do whatever their heart desires, and nothing will be impossible.

[A]

God knew men's hearts. He knew that their plans ultimately led to their demise. So he crafted a plan of his own. Come, let us go down there and confuse their language so that they may.

[C]

Not understand one another's speech. The words used to unite them under an impure cause will become confusing to them.

[A]

They shall be the City of Babel.

[C]

Chaos.

[A]

The sky above Babel darkened with the approach of a summer storm. Thunder rumbled in the distance, a low and ominous growl that seemed to echo the unease growing among the people of Shinar. Nimrod stood atop the incomplete tower, his eyes scanning the horizon. The wind whipped his cloak around him, but he stood unmoved, a statue of unyielding resolve. Elam approached the balcony, worry etched on his brow.

[D]

My lord, there are omens we cannot ignore. The storm is but one. The oracles speak of divine displeasure. People fear that we have angered the Elohim.

[A]

Nimrod snarled as he looked out at the incoming storm. His face scrunched with a contemptuous scowl.

[C]

Yeah, he's threatened by us. He's worried that we will become too great for him to control. He is right to fear me.

[A]

Nimrod turned to Elam, his gaze piercing.

[C]

The people need to see strength, not fear.

[A]

As Elam departed, Nimrod's eyes returned to the horizon. The storm clouds gathered thick and black, reflecting the turmoil within his kingdom. He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his vision pressing down on him. He could not afford to falter now. The tower must rise. As the storm raged on, Nimrod ascended the tower once more, standing defiant against the elements. Lightning flashed, illuminating the dark sky, and thunder cracked like the voice of an angry God. Yet Nimrod stood firm, a solitary figure against the wrath of nature. The reins descended like arrows. They beat against Nimrod's broad shoulders. His eyes glowed in the lightning, reflecting an ancient evil like the serpent of old.

[C]

I can be like God.

[A]

The king shouted downward at some of the remaining workers. His voice bellowed like the thunder above.

[C]

Get Javan. Gather all the able bodied men in the city. Today we build this tower in defiance of the Creator. Today we seize greatness for ourselves.

[A]

Nimrod laughed at the heavens. When Javen arrived, Nimrod commanded for the furnaces to be lit.

[C]

More bricks, Javan. More mortar. We will not be dispersed. We will be one city, one utopia, one monument to human greatness.

[A]

Javen peered up at Nimrod, then down at the foundation of the tower. The rains eroded some of the mortar, the winds shifting the scaffolding at the top. Javen's eyes widened in alarm. Nimrod was courting disaster. He had to act before it was too late. Turning to Elam, he shouted, elam.

[C]

Nimrod. Nazamo nanu sad El Maesta.

[A]

Elam stared at Javen with confusion. Perhaps Javen was suffering from an illness. He cocked his head to the side and responded with concern.

[D]

Yavan Malik's ma ant.

[A]

The two men stared blankly at the each other, unsure what they heard. They couldn't understand each other. Javen couldn't play any more guessing games. Shoving Elim aside, he sprinted up the tower steps. The rain slipped. Steps slid under his feet, but he pressed on, finally reaching Nimrod. The king thrashed atop the tower, raising his fists in defiance. Javen reached out a hand and shouted, nimrod. Inzel.

[C]

Yasava. Satan. Zalik. What's the matter, Javan? Has fear stolen your tongue? Come and bask in the glory of our creation.

[A]

Nimrod looked down. Below. Confusion rained. People shoved each other, panic setting in. Nimrod turned to Javen, but before he could speak, a brick slipped from beneath his feet. Nimrod fell back, catching himself on the scaffolding. It bent to his weight, then snapped. Jaden stepped forward, but it was too late. Nimrod plummeted, his screams muted by the thundering skies. Nimrod struck the earth unseen. In the chaos, God had confused their language. People trusted only those they could understand, forming tribes and leaving Babel to seek peace elsewhere. Thus the tribes of the ancient world grew beyond the shadow of their utopia. God's command to fill the earth was full, fulfilled through the diversity of language and thought. Nimrod's body lay beneath the tower's shadow. Slowly the elements claimed the stones, and the sands of time covered its greatness. It returned to dust the destiny of every man since the great fall. This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavaga, 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 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.

[E]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through November 4th. Shop the annual beauty event and save $5 when you spend $25 on select beauty products. Shop in store or online for items like Dove Body Wash, Native Body Wash, Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, Dr. Squatch body wash, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Dial Liquid Hand Soap and Olay body and say $5 when you spend $25 or more. Offer ends November 4th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[C]

This is Alec Murdoch. I need police and an ambulance immediately.

[A]

Murdoch Death in the Family Official podcast is here. I'm joining Patricia Arquette, Jason Clark and the cast to uncover all things Murdoch.

[C]

Family first To unravel the story piece by piece was really surprising because you.

[D]

Don'T want to believe it.

[A]

Murdoch Death in the Family Official podcast Wednesdays and stream Murdoch Death in the.

[D]

Family on Hulu and Hulu on Disney for bundle subscribers. Terms apply.

[E]

It's CyberSecurity Awareness Month. LifeLock is here with tips to help protect your identity. Use strong passwords, set up multi factor authentication, report scams and update your software. And for comprehensive identity protection, Lifelock is your best choice. LifeLock alerts you to suspicious uses of your personal information and fixes identity theft guaranteed or your money back. Start your protection today with a 30 day free trial at LifeLock.com use promo code NEWS Terms apply.

[B]

It's back to school time again and you know you can count on Dietz and Watson for all your favorite lunchtime needs. Cause we got your back and your backpack. Dietz Watson has all the meat and cheese to make those sandwich masterpieces. All made the right way with no fillers or msg like Virginia brand ham that's twice spiced and twice baked and baby Swiss cheese that's rbst free. Dietz and Watson It's a family thing since 1939.

[A]

It's football season and now you can.

[B]

Get anything you need for game day.

[A]

Delivered with Uber Eats.

[B]

Well, almost almost anything. You can't get a running back but baby back ribs?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Uber Eats official on demand food delivery partner of the NFL.

[A]

This is an iHeart podcast.