Twins of Promise: Jacob & Esau

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Twins of Promise: Jacob & Esau

Podcast: The Chosen People
Host: Pray.com
Episode Date: November 16, 2025

---

Overview

This episode of The Chosen People podcast centers on the dramatic and prophetic birth of Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Through vivid storytelling, the episode delves into the struggles, anxieties, and divine revelations leading to the twins’ birth, drawing out the familial, personal, and spiritual dynamics that shaped their destinies. The narrative explores the significance of God’s promises to Abraham’s lineage, Rebekah’s personal struggle with infertility, her extraordinary pregnancy, and the foreshadowing of the brothers’ future rivalry.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Promise and Fulfillment: Abraham, Isaac, and the Next Generation

• Recap of God’s Covenant
  • The episode opens with references to God’s promise to Abraham about his descendants being as numerous as the stars ([01:00]).
  • Isaac’s unique path emerges; unlike Abraham and Sarah, Isaac actively prays for Rebekah to conceive, demonstrating a trusting faith ([07:42]).

2. Rebekah’s Infertility and Divine Intervention

• Struggle and Petition
  • Rebekah recounts her two-decade struggle with barrenness and the emotional toll it took on her ([10:25]).
  • The narrative highlights her courage in asking Isaac to intercede with God:

    “I finally asked Isaac to advocate for me and to go to his God, as we would have done with the old gods from back home.” – Rebekah ([10:48])

• Transformation of Faith
  • Upon God answering Isaac’s prayer, Rebekah claims the God of Isaac as her own:

    “He did. And he became my God. That day, the day I learned I was with child, I was so happy that my decades of silence were finally over.” – Rebekah ([11:01])

3. Rebekah’s Pregnancy: Portents and Prophecy

• Physical Turmoil & Spiritual Disturbance
  • Rebekah describes the unsettling and painful movement within her womb, suspecting it to be twins due to the “war being fought” inside her ([05:20]).
• Seeking an Oracle
  • Tormented by her ordeal, Rebekah secretly visits a diviner with Deborah, her trusted attendant ([19:29]).
  • She receives a striking prophecy:

    “Two nations are in your womb. Two people will come from you and be separated. One people will be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger.” – Oracle ([20:58])

4. Isaac’s Inner World and Response to Rebekah’s Labor

• Isaac’s Helplessness and Reflection
  • Isaac is portrayed as loving but simple, feeling powerless as Rebekah agonizes in labor. He busies himself with chopping wood to calm his nerves ([13:29]).
  • He reflects on not understanding his previous inability to have children, struggling to live up to his father’s legacy ([13:29]).

5. The Birth: Symbolism and Future Foreshadowing

• Labor and Birth
  • The narrative graphically describes Rebekah’s pain, the roles of Deborah and the midwife, and the moment of birth ([21:22]).
• A Striking Arrival
  • The first twin emerges “blotchy red and covered with hair,” immediately catching the adults’ attention ([22:48]).
  • The second twin is born clutching his brother’s heel, an omen that echoes the oracle ([24:01]).

6. Naming, Favoritism, and Family Dynamics

• Names Loaded with Meaning
  • The firstborn is named Esau, derived from “red” and “hairy,” marking his unusual birth ([25:08]).
  • The second is named Jacob, meaning “heel-grabber,” with subtexts of trickster or usurper ([25:55]).

    “The name has many meanings. May God protect.” – Rebekah ([26:04])

• Foreshadowing Division
  • Rebekah already sees Jacob as her special child and contemplates the prophecy’s implications ([26:10]).
  • The episode ends by noting Esau becomes his father’s favorite, while Jacob is favored by Rebekah:

    “The years passed, and as their naming would inform, Esau became his father's joy and Jacob his mother's.” – Narrator ([26:37])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It is not happening to you, my lady. It is just happening. The pain of birth has been the way of women since the ancient garden. Just keep breathing.” – Deborah (Midwife), ([19:16])
• “Two nations are in your womb. Two people will come from you and be separated. One people will be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger.” – Oracle’s prophecy ([20:58])
• “His little fist grasped the first's heel with such force, I thought he should pull him back inside you.” – Deborah (Midwife), ([24:07])
• “Let’s call him Jacob… The name has many meanings. May God protect.” – Rebekah, ([25:55]–[26:04])
• “He’ll grabber. Are you sure? Well, I suppose it’s fitting.” – Narrator on the choice of the name Jacob ([25:59])

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:00 | Remembrance of God’s promise to Abraham | | 05:07 | Rebekah’s distress over the turmoil in her womb | | 10:25 | Rebekah reflects on infertility and prayer | | 11:01 | Rebekah embraces the God of Isaac as her own | | 19:29 | Rebekah seeks a prophetic oracle about her pregnancy | | 20:58 | The oracle delivers the pivotal prophecy about the twins | | 21:22 | The moment of labor and the delivery of the twins | | 24:01 | Noticing the second twin gripping the heel of the first | | 25:06 | Naming of Esau and explanation of the names’ significance | | 25:55 | Rebekah names Jacob and discusses the meanings | | 26:37 | Reflections on favoritism and the boys’ early natures revealed|

---

Tone & Narrative Style

The episode features dramatic, intimate, and emotional storytelling, blending Biblical faithfulness with imaginative narrative flesh and realistic characterizations. Dialogue is warm, personal, and at times candid, conveying both the fear and joy of human experience while threading through the gravity of God’s bigger plan.

---

Conclusion

Twins of Promise: Jacob & Esau offers a powerful depiction of the birth of Israel’s pivotal patriarchs, capturing the human vulnerability of their parents and the spiritual stakes surrounding their destinies. Vivid portrayals, personal reflections, and the echo of ancient prophecy all combine to lay the foundation for the brothers’ fateful rivalry—one that will shape the course of a nation.

---

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Salam]

This is Salam. I Serve the Lord in the Middle east with Help The [e-mail] Once I heard about a family who fled their city because they trusted Christ as their savior. I wanted to encourage the family before preaching at church that night. I told them that the Lord will never forsake them, the man answered. When we were in darkness, he was with us. This man reminded me that the Lord is working in the darkness to bring to the light those who are seeking the truth. I was reminded of the biblical truth in Isaiah 9:2 the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death. Upon them a light was shined. May his light shine upon you.

[Narrator]

Learn more about the work of Help.

The [e-mail] previously on the Chosen People.

Can you count the stars, Abram?

Abram shook his head, uncertain.

You cannot, for there are too many. It is impossible. It is to be the same with your offspring. The great nation I shall make through your air would be as innumerable as the stars in the night sky.

I would have you seek out a wife for Isaac from the land of my family in Harran. He is ready, Master. He will make a fine husband, just as he will bear his inheritance well.

For two weeks, Eliezer had pondered how to fulfill his task. Now, standing at Haran's well, he devised a test. He closed his eyes and prayed silently to the God of Abraham.

God most High, God of my master Abraham, make this happen for me today and show kindness to my master Abraham.

As he opened his eyes, a young woman approached, her water jug balanced gracefully on her shoulder.

[Rebekah]

Please, my Lord, allow me to serve you.

[Narrator]

Rebecca ran home and promised to send someone back to meet them and escort them to her house.

Let her be. Be the woman that God Almighty has appointed for my master's son.

Rebecca's heart soared in anticipation.

[Rebekah]

Eleazar, who is that in the field coming out to meet us?

[Narrator]

That, my lady, is Master Isaac.

Rebecca blushed and grinned like a fool.

[Rebekah]

My, my lord, I have traveled a long way to meet you. I am honored to become your wife.

[Narrator]

Oh no, no, Rebecca. It is I who am honored.

[Podcast Host]

No, it's not too soon to start holiday shopping. Ulta Beauty's early Black Friday event is happening now through November 22nd. Shop $10 beauty minis from brands like Mac and Too Faced. Take 30% off Lancome and Touchland fragrances and body mists. With new offers dropping every week, our associates can help you find the perfect gifts. Head into Ulta Beauty today to shop our early Black Friday event Ulta Beauty Gifting happens here.

[Narrator]

The world is buzzing with AI tools.

[Salam]

But instead of making things easier, they've made things overwhelming. There's a better way. Meet Superhuman, the AI productivity suite that gives you superpowers so you can outsmart the word chaos with Grammarly, mail and coda. Working together, you get proactive help across your workflow. No matter how you work, experience AI that meets you right where you are. Learn [e-mail] podcast that's superhuman.com podcast football.

[Commercial Announcer]

Season is only getting more exciting and you've got to get a Samsung TV if you want to experience game day in all its glory. From game winning touchdowns to momentum shifting hits, Samsung TVs are designed to showcase every moment in unbelievable clarity. Even day games look Great on Samsung TVs with glare free tech that keeps reflections from distracting you when the sun shines through the window. And most importantly, even on the biggest 2025 TVs like 115 inches big, there's no blur thanks to supersized picture enhancer. With Samsung TVs you can finally watch your favorite team on an elite screen. Select Black Friday deals start now. Go big and save big on the ultimate fan worthy [e-mail] Sales dates vary by model. Supersize Picture Enhancer utilizes AI based formulas available on 85 inch and larger TVs on models QN70F and above.

[Rebekah]

This thrashing about. I can't take much more of this. These babies will tear themselves from my womb before I can get them out.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Oh I know my leaf. You will soon be in your labors in earnest and we will bring them outside of you. Then you can rest.

[Rebekah]

But then what violence will I have unleashed unto the world?

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Now my lady, do not be so dramatic. They are only babes. They are just eager to be in the world with us.

[Narrator]

Rebecca groaned and then doubled over, gripping one of the poles of the tent as another contraction raged through her body. Real or false, she was not sure. The savage fighting of the two children in her womb had led her to cry out for the midwives twice before, only for her to be told it was not time for them yet. Just breathe and walk about, they had told her. She wanted to throttle them. No one understood the severity of the war being fought within her. What frustrated her further was that they would not confirm that it was twins. They said they could not say for certain, so they did not want to say at all. But what else could all this commotion be surely one babe was not at war with itself. It had to be two of them, Rebekah felt sure, and the oracle she had sought had proved it as well. She had not shared what she had learned with anyone. She was still not sure what to make of it herself. What she had thought might be a contraction began to subside and but that only seemed to spur the warring babes within to wage a fresh assault. They kicked and struck from within her, causing her to wince in pain as she straightened. She clutched her side, and Deborah, her maid, gave her a helpless look that came to assist her in getting back to her bedroll.

[Rebekah]

How long ago was the last one?

[Deborah (Midwife)]

If another one comes soon, my lady, I. I will call for the midwife. I fear she won't have anything new to tell you if we call her too soon.

[Narrator]

Rebecca exhaled sharply again as a limb jabbed her in the side. A retaliation came from the opposite corner. Half a heartbeat later, Isaac timidly poked his head into her tent.

Are you well, my love? Is it time yet? Should I send for the midwife?

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Master Isaac, I tell you the same as I told your wife. It is not time yet. Now you should not be in here. This is a woman's domain.

[Rebekah]

Thank you, my husband, for inquiring, but no, I am not well. I will not be well until I have delivered the boys.

[Narrator]

I hate this feeling. I wish there was something to be done. I want to help, Rebecca. I really do.

[Rebekah]

You're sweet, dear, but your words offer little comfort.

[Narrator]

Rebekah smiled weakly at Isaac. There was nothing to be done. The twins would indeed come when they were ready, but this was Isaac's way. He loved her. That was undeniable. As undeniable as his faith in the God of his father? His father told him to believe, and so he did. Yes, he was a man of great faith, but also profound simplicity. Rebekah was so touched and grateful that he had gone to their God on her behalf and simply asked to conceive. She gathered that Abraham had never done that when he and his wife could not conceive. They waited and waited, which had merits in and of itself, but Isaac had simply gone and asked. In that regard, Rebekah and her husband were much alike. Rebekah rarely denied herself anything, but outside of that, they could not be any more different. Just then, a powerful contraction wracked her body. Eyes wide, she stared daggers at Deborah for minimizing her pain. Only moments ago, Rebecca knew that it was a real contraction, but she only glared because she found that speech was no longer Accessible to her through the agonizing pain. What's wrong?

What do I need to do?

[Deborah (Midwife)]

That's another contraction. The labor has begun in earnest now. Master Isaac, go fetch the midwife. I'll stay with my lady.

[Narrator]

Rebekah found her lungs at last and screamed out as the contraction continued. Deborah had her lean back on the bedroll and grasped her hand tightly. The woman was, in truth, more of a mother to Rebecca than her own had ever been. Rebecca had often been praised for being bold enough to leave the house of her father and follow Abraham's servant through the desert to marry Isaac and join his family. Still, Rebecca knew that perhaps she had been so bold because she knew she would have a faithful companion in Deborah by her side. As she had been her own caregiver. She knew the woman would become like a grandmother to her own children. The woman vexed her sometimes, but she could not deny the love she felt for her. She knew her twins would come to feel the same someday.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

My lady, can you speak now?

[Narrator]

Rebecca gave her a stiff nod. Deborah, in turn, gave her a questioning look.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Yes, Talk to me, My lady, until the next contraction or the midwife comes. It will take your mind away from here.

[Rebekah]

What should I speak of?

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Tell me how you learned you were pregnant, my lady. Also tell me how long you waited to become so. Remind yourself of the answer.

[Rebekah]

I was thought to be barren for so long, for over two decades. I wondered if I would ever know what it would be like to bear children. I wondered if Isaac had been right to choose me, if his God had been right to choose me.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

I remember it well, my lady. But you didn't give up.

[Rebekah]

No. I finally asked Isaac to advocate for me and to go to his God, as we would have done with the old gods from back home.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

But this one answered. Didn't he, my lady?

[Rebekah]

He did. And he became my God. That day, the day I learned I was with child, I was so happy that my decades of silence were finally over. Oh, but even now, I am reminded with every kick that my years of solitude and peace are behind me.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

My lady. You are right about that. No more silence. No more sleep. The peace of mind you've had will be replaced with the constant and incessant wailings of babes. But take heart, it's worth all the struggle. I promise.

[Narrator]

Isaac found the midwife and hurried her along to the entrance of his wife's tent, the tent that had also been his mother's, the tent of the mistress of his household. As soon as the midwife opened the flap of the tent. Rebecca's screams hit him like a slap in the face. He could not enter, and he could not just stand there and do nothing at all. He had to go find something to do. He took off with renewed purpose. Eventually, he spied an axe leaning against a pile of wood gathered from the sparse wilderness. He picked up the axe in one of his large rough hands and lifted the first gnarled branch from the pile with the other. He dragged it over to the clearing and set to his task of breaking it down.

Master Isaac, I understand Lady Rebekah has begun her labor.

Isaac was startled and looked up to see Eliezer and his father standing before him.

My son, this will be a day you remember forever. It was the same for me the day my Sarah bore you for me. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Eleaza. You are quiet, Master Isaac. I confess I am surprised to see you so reserved on today of all days. Would you like to join us as we walk? Come, Eleazar. We should leave Isaac to his task. My son, I will leave you to savor the day ahead when Rebecca bears your heir. We will celebrate even now. Eleazar and I are seeing to the preparations. Thank you, Father.

Isaac nodded respectfully to his father as Abraham and his faithful servant took their leave. Mercifully, Rebecca's tent was too far away for him to hear her screaming, but he did hear the whimpering of another babe crying somewhere nearby to think. In a few short hours, Isaac could be hearing the sound of his own child. His stomach knotted in anticipation, and he again took up the axe and resumed his task, losing himself in his thoughts as his father knew he would. The crying child could belong to anyone, but most likely it was one of his half siblings or nieces or nephews. The camp was practically crawling with Abraham's many children, and now their children's children from his second wife. Father of multitudes. Indeed. For a long time he could not understand why he and Rebekah could not conceive. He felt like he was simultaneously failing her and failing to live up to his father's legacy. Isaac tried not to think of it at all. He placed the failure far away from his mind and into an unreachable place. That way he could work hard, lead his family, and offer all a smile or joke, as he so often did. Rebecca was so different from himself. She was passionate and spiritual, wants and desires in a way that Isaac never could. It was not that Isaac did not have a rich inner world. He loved to appreciate a good joke and be at ease with those he loved, but he also longed for the quiet walks on his property where he would commune with his God, hoping to be half the leader his father was. He followed his father's ways, the way of God Most High, and that was that. He didn't question or bargain or wrestle the way Rebekah did. She had embraced his family and their culture with a strength that Isaac wasn't sure he would have been able to do if their roles had been reversed. But he also knew that her adoption of his God came slowly. He didn't see the understanding in her eyes until she finally received a miracle of her own. Isaac smiled at the memory of the and then he recalled the day that had set it all in motion. She came to him in pain and anguish, and finally, at her wit's end of two decades of being unable to conceive. In response, Isaac did the only thing he could think of. He asked God, it had been so simple. How had he not thought to ask before? It had taken Rebecca's boldness to push him to action, and he was so grateful that he did act and he would be all over again if it all went well. With Rebekah's labor, Isaac realized he had come to the end of the pile of wood, axe lifted high above his head, ready to strike at nothing. He laughed to himself as he lowered the axe and returned it to where he had found it. Isaac then wandered off to seek out another task to take his mind away from whatever was happening with Revolution. Rebecca on her birthing bed in her tent.

[Podcast Host]

No, it's not too soon to start holiday shopping. Ulta Beauty's early Black Friday event is happening now through November 22nd. Shop $10 beauty minis from brands like Mac and too faced. Take 30% off Lancome and Touchland fragrances and body mists. With new offers dropping every week, our associates can help you find the perfect gifts. Head into Ulta Beauty today to shop our early Black Friday event Ulta Beauty Gifting happens here.

[Commercial Announcer]

Football season is only getting more exciting and you've gotta get a Samsung TV if you want to experience game day in all its glory. From game winning touchdowns to momentum shifting hits, Samsung TVs are designed to showcase every moment in unbelievable clarity. Even day games look Great on Samsung TVs with glare free text that keeps reflections from distracting you when the sun shines through the window. And most importantly, even on the biggest 2025 TVs like 115 inches big, there's no blur thanks to super sized picture enhancer. With Samsung TVs you can finally watch your favorite team on an elite screen. Select Black Friday deals start now. Go big and save big on the ultimate fan worthy [e-mail] Sales dates vary by model. Supersized picture enhancer utilizes AI based formulas available on 85 inch and larger TVs on models QN70F and above.

Tired of mystery ingredients you can't even pronounce? Meat Flav City with only real ingredients that actually fuel your day. Their All In One protein smoothie is ready in 20 seconds with 25 grams of protein, 10 grams of collagen, real fruit and real functional mushrooms. Just scoop, shake and sip. No blender needed. And this season the limited edition Pumpkin Spice Spice Latte Protein Smoothie is back. Caffeine, protein and actual pumpkin and spices in one delicious sip. But hurry, it always sells out. Go to shopflavcity.com and grab yours before it's gone.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Breathe, my lady. Breathe through it. It's not time to push yet.

[Narrator]

Rebecca screamed in the midwife's face.

[Rebekah]

How could it not be time to push yet? I feel like I'm either going to bring this baby into the world or or relieve myself right here on the floor.

[Narrator]

Deborah squeezed her hand in a comforting but also slightly chastising way. Rebecca ignored the urge to scream at her as well. Another contraction ripped through her body though, rendering her speechless until it passed.

[Rebekah]

Why is this happening to me?

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Oh, there there. It is not happening to you, my lady. It is just happening. The pain of birth has been the way of women since the ancient garden. Just keep breathing.

[Narrator]

The words slipped from her mouth before she realized the exact phrase had led her to seek a diviner to ask that question. When she started showing and she first began to feel what she initially thought was one babe within her, it quickly intensified to the point where she grew desperate enough to seek answers. Deborah had gone with her, of course, but no one seemed to understand the struggle happening inside her womb. She may have never carried a baby before, but every instinct told her this was abnormal. She didn't tell Isaac that she was seeking an oracle from a prophet. She knew he would disapprove of her returning to the ways of her people, but she was concerned that something was wrong. She was scared, and she wanted to learn more before risking disappointing him. She could not bear the idea of seeing that joy, that wide creased smile of his that she loved, fall from his face. If she knew more, perhaps she could figure out what to do next. So Deborah had found the diviner and they went. The man had sought whatever deity he communed with. But she could sense that something was off when he delivered the first message. It had a ring of falseness to it. But then the strangest thing happened. That same overwhelming sense of peace and presence that she had felt as a child when she drew the water for the camels, and again when she knew it was safe to go with Eleazar, came upon her. The diviner gave her a second oracle. This time she knew it was true.

Two nations are in your womb. Two people will come from you and be separated. One people will be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger.

Another contraction ripped through her lower abdomen and the pressure of it all disrupted her memory and brought her back to her birthing bed.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

It's time, my lady. It's time to start pushing. You're almost there. They will be here soon. Come, let's breathe together.

[Rebekah]

Good.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Now push me.

[Narrator]

The first tiny peel of a cry came from the firstborn as Rebecca panted with exhaustion. But she knew she was not done yet.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

My lady, you need to push again. There is another babe in your womb. I know there is one more push. He's right there. And look. Your firstborn. You can hold them both soon. But you're not done yet. Breathe. Push.

[Narrator]

Rebecca bellowed as the second twin finally emerged from her womb. She collapsed back in exhaustion. Deborah brought the first infant to her and placed him on her chest. Delirious with exhaustion, Rebecca frowned at the tiny babe. He was a dull, blotchy red and covered with hair like a fur coat. Like an animal. Did all babes look this way when they first emerged? She had seen countless infants, but never one so recently birthed. But no. The midwife now approached with the second and he appeared as he should.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Another boy, my lady. Congratulations.

[Narrator]

Rebecca stretched her arm out for the second child and drew him to her breast. Her heart felt as if it would burst. The euphoria of emotions swelled inside her body, the pain of just moments ago forgotten. Her world narrowed to the babies in her arms. They were hers. She did it. And now they were here. She hadn't noticed tears streaming down her face. Or even that Isaac now stood beside her, bathing her in the glow of his face splitting smile. She blinked and was brought back to reality. He gently placed his arms around all three of them and gazed down at them with admiration and awe in his eyes. Rebecca could have wondered at his joy all day, but something was nagging in the back of her mind. Some question she had. The birth had been a blur. Then her mind sharpened, piercing the post birth haze and she remembered.

[Rebekah]

What was it you were saying before the second twin was born?

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Oh, it was his hand, my lady. He was grasping the heel of the first.

[Narrator]

What?

[Rebekah]

But how is that normal with twins?

[Deborah (Midwife)]

His little fist grasped the first seal with such force, I thought he should pull him back inside you.

[Narrator]

Is that true? Whatever could that mean? Surely that is some sign of the future.

Deborah caught Rebecca's eye in question. Rebecca shook her head. Not here. Not now. But she could not help but think of the oracle.

The older will serve the younger.

This babe, beside his red and hairy brother, would surely grow to do incredible things one day.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Master. Mistress. What will you name them?

[Narrator]

Well, the firstborn has been born with such an unusual color.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

It will fade, Master Isaac.

[Narrator]

Yes, but perhaps we should mark its significance in his name. Perhaps it's a sign as well. We should name him Esau.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Why?

[Narrator]

Well, the name borrows for the words red and hairy.

[Rebekah]

That's very clever, Isaac.

[Narrator]

He will grow into it. But this will help us remember how my boy's great legacy began. Now, what of the second born, Rebecca? What do you think?

Rebecca took a moment to think. She could not help but think of the ominous prophecy about the babe in her arms. He came out fighting. But surely his life would be a battle until he finally achieved whatever formidable legacy was his own. He would need protecting if he was to succeed. She intended to be there to help shape it. And he would require the protection of their God, too.

[Rebekah]

Let's call him Jacob.

[Narrator]

He'll grabber. Are you sure? Well, I suppose it's fitting.

[Rebekah]

The name has many meanings. May God protect.

[Deborah (Midwife)]

Heel.

[Rebekah]

Grabber.

[Narrator]

In the back of her mind, Rebecca knew the other meaning of the name. Name. Trickster. Usurper. Even now, seeds of a plan to reverse the roles of her two sons were in motion. Thus, Jacob became Rachel's precious child. Before Esau even had a chance to latch onto her breast. He was the second son in her eyes.

It's settled. Esau and Jacob.

The years passed, and as their naming would inform, Esau became his father's joy and Jacob his mother's. The midwife was right. Esau's red coloring faded, but the hare remained. He was large and short of words, like his father, but he was more bear than man, as the hare would suggest. He would spend days in the wild and come back with an elusive game that proved his skill as a hunter. Even. Even as a boy. His outdoorsmanship was far beyond the other boys his age. Esau would proudly trek his kills through camp and cook and serve them to his delighted father. With every meal, he cemented the love and favor of his father. Jacob, on the other hand, had a more robust inner world. She could see it turning in his mind even from a young age. He kept to camp mostly, and by design by his mother's side. Jacob had a cunning and quickness to him that his brother woefully lacked. He saw everything and understood things far beyond his years. He didn't always let on that he was observing and learning, but his mother recognized the same quiet cleverness that she possessed, and as her husband had chosen a favorite child, she chose Jacob. This prey.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, 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, Stephen Ringwald, Steven 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.

[Commercial Announcer]

Okay, only 10 more presents to wrap. You're almost at the finish line, but first, there the last one. Enjoy a Coca Cola for a pause that refreshes. The weather outside is frightful, the fire so delightful, and you're living your best holiday life in Old Navy Jingle Jammies. Because honestly, it's not the season without them. They're instant spirit wrapped in flannel. Get the whole family in matching sets for the photo, the cocoa and the big morning. Old Navy has the classics like plaid and plenty of fun new options too, including exclusive Disney prints. Think Mickey and friends, Stitch and Angel, even Star wars jammies. Find Jingle Jammies and all your festive favorites [e-mail] no, it's not too soon.

[Podcast Host]

To start holiday shopping. Ulta Beauty's early Black Friday event is happening now through November 22nd. Shop $10 beauty minis from brands like Mac and too faced. Take 30% off Lancome and Touchland fragrances and body mists. With new offers dropping every week, our associates can help you find the perfect gifts. Head into Ulta Beauty today to shop our early Black Friday event. Ulta Beauty Gifting Happens here.

[Narrator]

This is what the market used to sound like. Pretty complex. But today with iShares by BlackRock, investing is easier with over 450 ETFs iShares gives you easy access to countless market opportunities. IShares by BlackRock the market is yours. Visit www.ishares.com to view a perspective, which includes investment objectives, risk, squeeze, expenses, and other information you should read and consider carefully before investing. Risk includes principal laws prepared by BlackRock Investments, LLC.

Member Finra Ford was built on the belief that the world doesn't get to decide what you're capable of. You do. So ask yourself, can you or can't you? Can you load up a Ford F150 and build your dream with sweat and steel? Can you chase thrills and conquer curves in a Mustang? Can you take a bright bronco to where the map ends and adventure begins? Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right. Ready, Set, Forward.

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.