Arya (3:16)

My husband, you have done plenty. Please let me lead the cart the

Samuel (3:20)

rest of the way.

Narrator (3:21)

Aya heaved as he handed her the reins. Two seasons ago, he had lost feeling in his left leg after an accident in the fields. He rarely sought help from others. For mundane tasks and never looked for pity. But he knew that wasn't what his wife gave. Every offer to help was an act of love. The small family rounded to the back of the gathering. Arya lifted his young daughter, Difficulty, into his arms as his son pressed against his hip. He knelt as best he could.

Follower/Israelite Man (3:54)

Do you see that man there?

Narrator (3:55)

His children nodded.

Follower/Israelite Man (3:57)

That is the one they called Samuel, the most faithful man in all of Israel. The Lord speaks to him, and he shares his word with us.

Narrator (4:06)

As though summoned by Ayer's words, Samuel stepped to the edge of the outcropping of rock. He planted his staff firmly beside him, and the rumbling crowd dulled to a hush. Samuel's strapping figure was resolute, and his presence was commanding yet humble. Around his shoulders was tied a weathered cloak tattered from years of traveling throughout Israel to serve the people of God. It had been many years since his apprenticeship with Eli. The lines on his face told the story of a life devoted to God, a man whose strength was rooted not in force but in faith. Samuel raised his arms and the last whispers of the crowd disappeared. The judge's voice rang out with the strength and clarity of a man who had done this many times before.

Samuel (5:01)

Hear, O Israel, if you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and Ashtaroth from among you. Dedicate yourselves to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.

Narrator (5:20)

His voice teemed with conviction, and though he was not adorned with the trappings of kings, his every movement spoke of divine authority. He had become a shepherd of a nation, guiding them through their waywardness and back toward the God who loved them. For 20 years, Israel lamented after the Lord, burdened by the weight of their sin and their oppression under the Philistines. Yet in the midst of their sorrow, God raised Samuel, a man of unwavering faith, to lead them.

Samuel (5:58)

You have heard the call to gather here at Mizpah and have listened that I might pray to the Lord for you.

Narrator (6:06)

Arya set his daughter on the cart beside him and with a withered hand grasped Liba's. He led her to the back of the cart, where they removed various idols of wood and stone. Others in the crowd proceeded to do the same in one beautifully chaotic mess. Sounds of splintering wood and shattering stone rang through the valley as idols were cast to the ground and trampled underfoot. Arya pulled his family tightly into a circle and wrapped his arms around them. He whispered a prayer of repentance for Them all believing that the Lord was gladly receiving each one. Water had been drawn from nearby wells and was being passed to the people. Each one filled their vessels from the wooden buckets before handing them to other nearby pilgrims. Samuel raised a vessel above his head and began to pour it on a rock. It trickled down in a stream through the cracks. The people followed his model and began to upturn their vessels as a symbol of their repentance. The parched ground drank up the water without delay. A soft murmur rose as the Israelites collectively confessed their sins before the Lord. Tears from weathered faces mixed into the muddy ground as all the people bore sinful hearts before the God of mercy. Samuel lifted a prayer that fell on every ear, bringing a newfound hope to God's chosen people. In the midst of their worship, the ground beneath them trembled faintly. Those at the outskirts of the gathering were the first to learn of the source. As scouts ran down the vast plain, the voice of the nearest could be faintly heard, growing louder as he shouted breathlessly, the Philistine army is approaching.

Arya (8:06)

They've heard we've gathered together and meet the attack us here.

Narrator (8:11)

Panic struck like a stone and rippled through the well of people. Mothers clutched their children close as men scrambled to arm themselves with knives and short swords brought for protection on the journey. Arye hobbled to the back of the cart and began to rummage. Liebe followed.

Arya (8:29)

You cannot fight. You haven't the strength within you.

Narrator (8:34)

Her voice broke at the thought of what might be lost in battle. But before Aria could answer, Samuel called out from his precipice, calm but firm.

Samuel (8:44)

Do not fear. Lord has not brought us here to abandon us and leave us to ruin. Would he bring us here in great numbers to worship him, only to have them taken away by the very enemies he brought vengeance on 20 years ago?

Narrator (8:59)

Samuel's words quelled the people's fear. For a moment, they turned away from the preceding enemy and gazed towards. Their eyes were fixed on Samuel. He made them want to hope even when it seemed lost. He made them want to believe even when their faith was dwindling.

Samuel (9:18)

Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines. Once more.

Narrator (9:26)

The frantic crowd steadied, their movements, swaying slightly in anticipation. To Samuel's left stood a makeshift altar. He called for a servant to bring him a lamb as he made his way across the stone. A young man led a bleating lamb to Samuel and handed him the thin rope laced around its neck. The army's March grew heavier as they drew nearer. Samuel removed a small blade from its sheath and slit the lamb's throat. Blood poured across the face of the rock. Another servant had prepared a roaring fire next to the altar. Samuel began to prepare the burnt offering as he lifted his eyes to the heavens.

Samuel (10:08)

O Lord God of Israel, hear our cries. Deliver your people from their enemies. They may see and know that you are the true and living God.

Narrator (10:22)

Smoke spiraled into the air after Samuel's prayers. Dark clouds blotted out the sun as they sailed above the people. The slow roll of thunder reverberated through the skies. It grew louder and more menacing with each passing moment. The men of Israel had ordered themselves to the edge of the group. To Liebe's dismay, Arya joined with them. They raised their weapons. High tips pointed to the heavens. Lightning burst from the black abyss above and cracked to the ground in front of the Philistine army. Bolts continued to rain from above, shattering trees and scorching the earth. The Philistine army faltered, ranks breaking as terror overtook them. By now Samuel had made his way off the stone and stood in front of the Israelite men.

Samuel (11:15)

Today you shall taste and know that the Lord is is good. Today you do not fight for victory, but from it. For the Lord our God has already delivered the enemy into our hands.

Narrator (11:34)

The armed men cheered along with the clapping thunder. At Samuel's command, the Israelites charged forward, seizing the opportunity. Their hearts were emboldened by the sight of the Philistines stupor. Their legs carried them swiftly down the hillside and across the field. They struck the Philistine army in their confusion with alarming force. Before blades could meet flesh, the Philistine army had begun their retreat. Israel pursued them relentlessly as the once mighty men fled in disarray and chaos. The Israelites didn't cease from advancing until the Philistine army was driven back as far as Bethkar. With the battle over before it had begun, Samuel gathered the men around him. Those who had gone into battle with ferocity now rallied with faces lit with gratitude and awe for what God had done. Samuel pressed through them and took his place on a hilltop before the Israelite men. Samuel pressed his shoulder into a large stone and began to roll it to the top. Several of the men came to his aid. With grunts, they set the stone upright overlooking the surrounding valley. Samuel caught his breath and stretched out his hand towards the stone.

Samuel (12:59)

Each of you has proven great faith before the Lord today. Let it be known to you that it was our gracious and powerful God who triumphed over the enemy on your behalf. Let it be. When you look at this stone, you are reminded of his faith. This stone shall be called Ebenezer, for thus far the Lord has helped us.

Narrator (13:24)

The men raised shouts of praise to the Lord, lifting their voices like a shofar for their king. For the first time in years, the people began to feel the weight of oppression lifting. They now looked to Samuel, who stood tall among them. His eyes filled with a quiet joy. The men had returned from battle. Liebe desperately spied through the crowd for her husband. As her worries began to set in, she spied Arja making his way back with the others. But to Liebe's surprise, his strength had not left him. In fact, the fervor in his step made it seem as though his strength had been renewed. She wrapped her arms around him and sobbed tears of thanksgiving at his return. The innocent family packed their belongings and began the journey back home. As they passed the stone called Ebenezer, Arya taught his family of God's faithfulness to help his people even in the darkest of places. He wiped a tear from his eye and lifted a prayer up to the Lord. Many of the men shared the same testimony with their loved ones as they travelled past the Stone of Help. Generations would look upon the monument and recall God's sovereignty over all the nations. Years passed, and Samuel's leadership became a cornerstone of Israel's revival. He was a man of the people, traveling from town to town to settle, display disputes and teach God's law. His journeys took him to Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpah and back to Ramah, where his home became a place of worship and guidance. In one of his travels, Samuel entered the bustling marketplace of Gilgal. Farmers and merchants paused their work to greet him, their faces lighting up at the sight of the faithful judge. He stopped to listen to their concerns, mediating conflicts with wisdom that brought peace to feuding neighbours.

Samuel (15:39)

The Lord has given us his law not to burden us, but to guide us into righteousness. When we obey, we find peace. When we strain and fight chaos, let us walk in his ways together.

Narrator (15:52)

His words resonated with the people, not because they were lofty or complex, but because they were spoken with conviction and lived out. In his own life. Samuel's humility and faithfulness made him a leader unlike any other, modeling a life of holiness in submission to God. One evening in Ramah, Samuel stood by the altar he had built near his home. The sun dipped low, casting a golden glow over the hills. A group of men of various ages approached, their faces a mixture of curiosity and reverence. One of the men looked familiar to Samuel.

Samuel (16:35)

You are Aria. You are with us in the battle against the Philistines.

Narrator (16:39)

Arya blushed and tipped the crown of his head towards the kind judge.

Follower/Israelite Man (16:44)

I am honored to be recognized. If we may, Samuel, we have come with the question.

Narrator (16:51)

Samuel nodded.

Follower/Israelite Man (16:52)

How can we serve the Lord as you do? How can we be faithful in times of trouble?

Narrator (16:58)

Samuel shifted his staff from his left hand to his right. He smiled at their boldness, the beauty of their inquiry, and the faith they showed in coming to ask it.

Samuel (17:09)

It all begins with the heart, then the mind and the soul seeking. The Lord requires that you give him all that you are not be swayed by fear or pride. Serve him with humility and you will find strength beyond your own.

Narrator (17:28)

He placed a hand on Arya's shoulder, his voice softening.

Samuel (17:32)

And never forget, when the Lord calls in a still, small voice, answer him. Trust in Him. He will guide your steps.

Narrator (17:43)

The men nodded, their hearts stirred by his words. Samuel's presence was more than commanding, it was inspiring, a reflection of God's faithfulness and love.

Producer/Announcer (18:04)

This pray.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, Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review.

Arya (18:50)

Wendy's new Biggie Deals lets you choose whatever you're in the mood for. It's like a music mixing board of deals and you're the producer. Go with some chill folk music with a JJBC in the $4 Biggie Bite Snack. Try the drum and bass of Deals with a double stack and a $6 biggie bag. Or go full on Sandwich Symphony with an $8 Biggie bundle. Grand finale of snacking. And the best part? They all come with napkins. Four, six and eight dollar Biggie Deals how you want them at Wendy's, price

Samuel (19:17)

and participation may vary. Single items at regular bright prices may be higher in Alaska, California and Hawaii.

Arya (19:20)

This is an I Heart Podcast.

Narrator (19:23)

Guaranteed human.