Jerusalem Reborn

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the Chosen People. Voices angry and weary rose from the streets of Jerusalem. No sound of clanging stone or rhythm of chisels, only cries of injustice and of desperation. 00:00:17 Speaker 2: We're starving, Nehmiah. 00:00:20 Speaker 1: And who profits from our suffering? 00:00:23 Speaker 2: Our own brothers? 00:00:25 Speaker 3: Lord? How can we build woes of stone while telling each other apart from within? How can we restore your city when we devour one another with cleed? 00:00:39 Speaker 1: Restored them today their fields, their binions, their olive grows, their arms, and council their things. 00:00:53 Speaker 4: Lets just dispray once again among God's people. 00:01:00 Speaker 5: Shello, my friends, from here in the holy Land of Israel. I'm ya l Exstein with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning of life. Through Israel's story, we will find this truth that we are all chosen for something great. So take a moment today to follow the podcast. If you're feeling extra grateful for these stories, we would love it if you left us a review. I read every single one of them, and if you're interested in hearing more about the prophetic, life saving work of the Fellowship, you can visit IFCJ. Dot Org. Let's begin. 00:01:50 Speaker 1: The sunlight filtered through a pale haze, draping Jerusalem in a thin golden mist. The scars of her Ruin no longer defied the city, but by the strength of rebuilt walls and gates that now stood tall and proud, nearly complete, the city's fortifications stood as a defiant testament to unity and faith. Near Mayah, his faith, shadowed beneath the deep hood of his cloak, moved silently among the workers. For months, his life had been defined by this labor, a leader whose actions spoke louder than any proclamation ever could. Yet, now, as the project neared completion, the threats against Jerusalem and against Nehemiah personally grew more dangerous than cunning. At the far southern edge of the city, near Mayah paused, running a calloused hand along a newly laid stone. His fingers traced the grooves cut by laboring hands. These walls told stories, the stories of sacrifice, sweat, courage, and dedication. Yet even in the peace of mourning, Neamiyah sensed the weight of unseen dangers pressing upon his shoulders. Footsteps approached from behind. Tentative and cautious, Neemiah turned calmly, watching as a messenger hesitated, bowed low, and extended a scroll with trembling hands. 00:03:31 Speaker 4: Forgive me my lord sand Bellitt sends this message. 00:03:34 Speaker 1: Neamiah accepted the parchment and unrolled it, eyes narrowing slightly at the elegant handwriting. 00:03:42 Speaker 2: Come near, Maiah, let us meet in one of the villagers on the plane of odor, Let us discuss peace. 00:03:50 Speaker 1: Neamyah felt a quiet ache behind his eyes. It was a temptation wrapped in silk, a trap cleverly disguised diplomacy. He glanced toward the west, imagining the flat plains of Ono, remote isolated far from the protection of Jerusalem's rising walls. 00:04:13 Speaker 4: Tell your master this, I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stuff while I leave it and go down to you. 00:04:22 Speaker 1: The messenger bowed, hastily, retreating through the bustling workers. Neemiah watched him disappear, aware that this would not be the last attempt. Days later, another messenger arrived bearing an identical request, then another, and yet another after him. Four times san Balad's core cain, and four times Neamiah's response remained unchanged. Frustrated, san Balad changed tactics. On the fifth day, his messenger arrived with an open letter. Niemiah immediately no did the significance. An open letter unsealed, meant to provoke rumors and fear. Nehemiah read carefully, lips pressed tight in controlled anger. 00:05:12 Speaker 2: It is reported among the nations and Geisham confirms that you and the Jews intend rebellion. This is why you rebuild the wall, planning to proclaim yourself king. Furthermore, you have appointed prophets to declare your king in Judah. This report will reach King ar taxerxis. Come now, let us meet and settle this matter. 00:05:38 Speaker 1: Nehemiah took a steadying breath, controlling the surge of indignation within him. He looked around at the weary men and women, still hard at work. They had sacrificed so much. Now san Balad ain't to shatter their resolve with fear these accusations. 00:05:59 Speaker 4: King believe still our lives are at risk. 00:06:02 Speaker 1: Neemiah rested a hand reassuringly on his brother's shoulder, speaking confidently. 00:06:08 Speaker 4: San Baalat wants fear to weaken our hands, but they have forgotten something crucial. We labor under the eyes of the God of Heaven. Our strength doesn't come from our own might, but from his faithfulness. 00:06:22 Speaker 1: Hannah and I nodded solemnly, gathering strength from Nehemiah's resolve. Near Mayah summoned the messenger once more, take. 00:06:31 Speaker 4: This reply to san Balat. Nothing like what you say is happening. You're inventing it from your own mind. 00:06:37 Speaker 1: The messenger nodded silently, fleeing quickly back into the open roads beyond the city gates. But even as this threat subsided, another surfaced from within the very heart of Jerusalem. Neamyah walked toward the house of Shemiah, a man known to speak prophetic words. Shemiah waited insane, sitting silently by dim candlelight. His eyes flickered with urgency as Nehemiah entered. 00:07:07 Speaker 2: Near Mayah, your life is in danger. They're coming tonight to kill you. Let us flee to the temple, lock its doors behind us, and hide inside. 00:07:19 Speaker 1: Nehemiah paused, his gaze fixed carefully upon Shemaiah's face. Something felt wrong, and his instincts flared in alarm. 00:07:29 Speaker 4: Should a man like me run away? Should someone in my position enter the temple to save his own life? No, I will not go. 00:07:38 Speaker 1: Shemaiah's eyes flashed briefly with a hidden fury, before he controlled his expression again. But Nehemiah saw it a betrayal laid bare. 00:07:49 Speaker 4: San Balat and Tobiah have bought you. Haven't they be paid you to fronten me, to provoke me into sin and discredit my name. 00:07:58 Speaker 1: Shemaiah looked away in silence. Near Mayah's voice lowered a quiet thunder of righteous anger. 00:08:06 Speaker 4: Remember the God with Tobia and Sambalakabu. Your eyes seek ruth, and your strong arm and act justice. 00:08:18 Speaker 1: Days continued to pass, each marked by vigilance, labor, and quiet determination. Workers stayed alert, ever mindful of outside threats, yet they never wavered in their purpose. Near Mayah's resolve inspired theirs, and the city of Jerusalem rose steady from the ashes, stone by stone. Then, on a sunlit afternoon, amidst the bustle of construction, a cheer echoed along the walls, rolling from gate to gate like a wave. Workers paused, wiping sweat from their brows, laughter irrupting spontaneously. The realization spread the war was finally complete. Neemiah stood at the heart of Jerusalem, eyes lifted to the sky, his heart swelling with joy, relief, and quiet gratitude. Tears filled his eyes, not tears of sorrow, but of awe. A city once mocked, burned, and abandoned, now stood strong, defying every expectation. Workers embraced, neighbors cheered. Children ran along the completed ramparts, shouting with delight. Neemiah watched it all, smiling quietly, content to let others revel in the victory. Hannah and I stood beside him, watching the city come alive. It is finished, Brother. 00:09:56 Speaker 2: Many, not impossible, now stands strong before our eyes. 00:10:00 Speaker 1: Yes, Neamyah nodded, his voice gentle and filled with quiet humility. 00:10:06 Speaker 4: Our enemies thought we would crumble beneath threats and fear the hook and eyes, with weakness, and swords would scatter us. But they feeled to see one being clewed. 00:10:17 Speaker 1: Neamiah smiled, placing a hand affectionately on his brother's shoulder. 00:10:22 Speaker 4: The work was never truly ours alone, It was his. 00:10:26 Speaker 1: In the distance, San Balad Tobiah and gieshum watched silently, their faces darkened with realization their efforts to halt Jerusalem's rise had utterly failed. A unified, faithful people had risen from despair, led not by power or ambition, but by quiet strength, resilience, and trust in their God. Near Mayah knew more challenges would come. Life would always have opposition, but today was a day for celebration, gratitude, and remembrance. The walls that stood around them were not merely stone. They were testimonies, symbols of a people's courage, perseverance, and unyielding faith. Nehemiah turned his gaze upward, his voice quiet yet steadfast. 00:11:26 Speaker 4: Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done here is for your glory. 00:11:32 Speaker 1: The sun sank, slowly, painting the sky, and soft purples and brilliant golds bathing the completed walls in a radiant glow. Jerusalem stood complete, a silent declaration of triumph over fear, and unity over division, and faithfulness over all adversity. And Near Mayah stood quietly at its center, a leader whose humility spoke louder than words, whose courage had rekindled the spirit of an entire nation. Jerusalem had risen not by strength alone, but through the quiet, steady faithfulness of one who chose obedience over fear, sacrifice over comfort, and service over power. It brought Neeliah the greatest comfort to know Jerusalem was secure once more, goded not only by stone and timber, but by faith, courage, and the people united under Evan's watchful gaze. 00:12:49 Speaker 5: If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and it has affected your life, we'd love it if you left her of view. We read them, and me personally I cherish them as you venture forth boldly and faithfully. I leave you with the biblical blessing from numbers sex ivare Hashem vishmerecher Yeah Heir hashempanave eleven ye sa hashempanave Lehra shellon. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you. May he be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace. Amen. 00:13:32 Speaker 1: You can listen to the Chosen People with Isle Exstein add free by downloading and subscribing to the pray dot Com app today. This prey dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zak Shellavaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People with Yael Exstein, edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltefianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Gotten, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky, and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paulinier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, Rabbi Edward Abramson, and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Prey dot Com productions on the Prey dot Com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People with Yeile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.