The Donkey & The Prophet: Part 2

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the Chosen people. The Mediannite kings filed in, still in their traveling clothes, dust from the road, clinging to them and dirtying his hall. Bailack frowned at it as one of them stepped forward. 00:00:15 Speaker 2: A rival nomadic nation has just stormed through our lands and trunced two fortified cities. They have an army, an army of hundreds of thousand strong. 00:00:28 Speaker 3: In the population of over two million people. 00:00:33 Speaker 2: This horde would devour everything around us like a swarm of locusts. The Israelites cannot succeed in this land. And if we cannot defeat them in mettle, let us turn to the gods ourselves. 00:00:49 Speaker 4: What do you have in mind? 00:00:52 Speaker 1: Bailamb was a renowned sorcerer, prophet, and conjurer of the mysterious arts. Many of his talents were mere tricks of the trade he'd learned from his master, Yet other aspects of his job required a true connection to the spiritual forces. This is where he truly made his weight in silver. 00:01:12 Speaker 5: Please tail, our King has authorized great sums for your reward. That nothing keep you from coming with us. Our King will give you the moon and stars. If that's what it takes. All you have to do is come to Mowab and put a curse on the people of Israel. 00:01:30 Speaker 1: But as Balamb urged her forward with his heels, the donkey froze, refusing to move. Baylamb's frustration boiled over, and he yelled, flailing at the animal. 00:01:41 Speaker 3: What is I want you move? What have I done to you? 00:01:46 Speaker 6: Then? 00:01:46 Speaker 3: You have been me these three times? 00:01:49 Speaker 1: He dropped the stick he was holding. An angel wielding a mighty sword stood directly behind him. 00:01:56 Speaker 4: Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? She saw me and turned away. I came out to oppose you because I consider what you are doing to be evil. If your donkey had not turned away from me, I would have killed you by now and let her live. 00:02:30 Speaker 7: Click the link of the description to grow closer to God. There you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans, sleep stories, and so much more, all on the prey dot com app. Click the link of the description to get started. 00:02:44 Speaker 1: What Baylamb experienced on that Barren Hill would stay with him forever. This God of Israel was unlike any power he had encountered before. Baylamb had spent his life summoning and communing with supernatural entities. Some had been intimidating, but none compared to this presence, and he had no desire to encounter it again. The orders he received had been unyieldingly clear. The weather had shifted violently. The mountain groaned under foot, as if in all fear. From a clear sky. The storm had erupted, battering in with rain and winds that threatened to throw in from the peak. As he stood receiving the God's message, adrenaline surge through him, leaving his knees shaking beneath his heavy robes and a nervous sweat clinging to his brow. As he descended, the storm miraculously calmed with each step he took down from the summit. Baylak, the Mediunite kings and their entourage stared at him with wide eyes through the haze of altar smoke. 00:03:51 Speaker 3: Good. 00:03:51 Speaker 1: He must have looked more imposing than he felt. Baylamb brushed sweat and rain from his face, swallowed hard, and clenched his fists, steadying himself to deliver the message from the God of Israel. The king would not be pleased, No, he would not like. 00:04:09 Speaker 2: This one bit, Black King of Mobe, you have sought me to put a curse on your enemies, the Israelites. I have sought to do as you have asked, that their God has come to meet me on the mountain. Instead. Behold, he has an answer for you. This is what the God of Israel would have me relay. How can I curse someone God has not cursed? How can I denounce someone the Lord has not denounced? I Milan can see them from the top of this mountain. 00:04:42 Speaker 3: All I sees are people. 00:04:43 Speaker 2: Living alone, do not even consider themselves among the nations. There are people set apart for their God's holy purpose. Someday their descendants will be like the stars and the night sky, in innumerable. Hearing of their future the distinct calling, it almost makes me wish I were one of them. 00:05:08 Speaker 1: Bailamb concluded his speech and awaited what would surely be a furious response from the king. Bailac stood stupidly and blinted baylamb As the words he had spoken took effect, Bailac's face grew red and his eyes, still wide from shock at Baylam's dramatic appearance, now narrowed in rage. 00:05:29 Speaker 3: What are you playing at Baylam? 00:05:32 Speaker 2: I to curse them and instead you come back saying they are blessed. 00:05:38 Speaker 1: Bailamb knew Bailak would be angry, but he grew defensive. 00:05:41 Speaker 2: Anyway, do you not listen at all? I can not speak to you in my own words. Of course, I'd prefer to curse them. I want your money in my pocket. But I have told you multiple times I speak only the words of the Gods, nothing more, nothing less. What did you expect? 00:05:59 Speaker 8: Black? 00:06:00 Speaker 1: Baylamb watched as Bailak's humiliation deepened under the watchful eyes of the mediannited kings and elders in his throne room. Flustered, he smoothed his damp robes, cleared his throat, and tried to reclaim control of the situation. 00:06:15 Speaker 3: You say, you can only speak what this God tells you. What changing his mind? 00:06:20 Speaker 2: And I thought the renowned balm would have some influence in the spiritual world. Haven't you bragged throughout the nations that you are the best? Are the songs written about you? 00:06:31 Speaker 8: False? 00:06:32 Speaker 1: Baylamb gave Bailak a tight smile at that he knew the king was trying to bait him into manipulating the will of God. Internally, his stomach nodded at his inkling of where this confrontation would inevitably lead back to the God of Israel. 00:06:49 Speaker 2: Speak plainly, my king, tell me what you wish me to do. 00:06:53 Speaker 3: Tell me, if we were to go to the different high place in the subalper range, and you were only able to see a portion of the Israelites, would you still be able to set a curse against them? 00:07:07 Speaker 2: I have already told you what the God of Israel has said, will not allow me to curse them. 00:07:13 Speaker 1: Bailak, however, did not seem deterred. If anything, he seemed to recover his confidence as he fleshed out his theory. 00:07:21 Speaker 9: Ah, but what what if we move locations, set up everything again, offer the seven bulls in seven rams to the gods once more, doubling our efforts would surely please bail. 00:07:34 Speaker 2: Maybe this other god would be similarly appeased and be willing to step aside and allow you to place the curse on Israel. 00:07:41 Speaker 1: Bailam scowled as he considered all that effort might please other gods he had encountered it would surely impress then, But this God of Israel seemed different, unlikely to be so easily swayed. Besides, it was a significant amount of effort as he weighed options. The king suddenly stepped forward and gripped Baalam's arm tightly, with his face just inches away. Bailak repeated his desperate request, speaking in a low voice out of earshot of the others. 00:08:14 Speaker 10: Phase come with me to another place where you can see them. 00:08:19 Speaker 2: Remember what I've brought you here to do, and remember the riches you will earn because of it. 00:08:25 Speaker 3: If you do not, I will never stop telling the tale of your failure. 00:08:30 Speaker 2: I will make sure every kingdom in the East knows Balem is a failure. 00:08:35 Speaker 1: Bailamb gritted his teeth. He wanted that reward to come all this way, over five hundred miles and walk away empty handed, and to have this crotchety king besmirch his reputation. No, that would not do. Bailamb bit back his fear of approaching the God of Israel again and shook off the king's grip to approach the others still waiting by the smoldering altars. 00:09:02 Speaker 2: Listen to me, we will go to a different high place from within these mountains. Let us go again and prepare what is required. 00:09:11 Speaker 1: King Bailak's men once again built and prepared seven altars, this time on the field of Zophine within the Pisca range. Bailak glowered down at the distant Israelite camp, only catching a partial view of the massive tent at its center, marked by the strange cloud rising from its roof against the dark sky. The cloud stood stark. Though the rain had paused, The sky threatened to unleash a torrent at any moment. Reports spoke of this cloud pillar transforming into an unearthly column of fire at night, the mysterious source of Israel's power. Bailak's surmised. He was sure they must have powerful magicians or diviners securing this stubborn God's protection. That was why Bailak had sought out Bailamb, rumored to be the most powerful prophet in the world, rumored Bailac seethed. The morning had been disastrous and Bailamb's performance thus far left him unimpressed. Bailac had leveraged hard won favors and rallied the Mediaunited Kings for this gamble, feeling their skeptical eyes on him. As minutes passed without a single curse against Israel, the Bulls and Rams lay smoking on the altars, flames sputtering against the thick, humid air. Bailac glanced at Bailamb, who was staring toward the summit with irritation. The storm clouds grew heavier and the wind whipped around them, as if stirred by an unseen force. Bailamb suddenly turned sharply, eyes flashing, as if driven by the storm itself. 00:10:50 Speaker 2: Stay here by your burnt offering, as you did before, I will go again to consult with this God of Israel and return to tell you what he says. 00:11:00 Speaker 1: Without waiting for a response, the fuming prophets stormed up the incline to the summit to attempt to do the job Bailak had hired him to do. When he was out of his line of vision, Bailak sat heavily on a nearby boulder and folded his arms just as it started to rain. Despite the downpour, his attendants even attempted to offer him whine, olives, and bread. He waved them all off and made a show of not meeting anyone's eyes while they waited. Theirs, or the media, nite Kings, or the elders of the two nations. A short while later, Bayliam returned. Bailak sprang to his feet, not bothering to worry how desperate it made him appear. This had to have worked. This couldn't have all been for nothing. 00:11:46 Speaker 2: Balem, what did the Israelite God say? Did you persuade him to step aside? Have you cursed Israel? 00:11:54 Speaker 1: The prophet again wiped his stringy hair from his eyes, his face unreadable. Helam then yelled back, full throated, to be heard over the wind. 00:12:04 Speaker 2: The God of Israel has a message for you, my king. Remember, I only say what the God places in my mouth. 00:12:14 Speaker 1: Bailak's temper flared at his words, but he could do nothing now but listen to the prophet's words. Bailack braced himself, and the Medianites and the elders leaned forward in anticipation. 00:12:26 Speaker 2: Black Son of Zippor, pay attention to what I say. God is not like a man. He cannot lie or be persuaded to change his mind. I belom, the prophet have instead received a command to bless and since the Almighty God has commanded me, I cannot change it. He considers no disaster for Jacob. He sees no trouble for Israel. The Lord de godd is with them. He brought them out of Egypt. There is no magic curse against Jacob, and no divination or sorcery against Israel. 00:13:13 Speaker 1: Bailak's temper reached its peak at the Prophet's blatant refusal to curse Israel. 00:13:19 Speaker 2: What about what I have commanded of you? You're not willing to curse them? Don't bless them? In fact, don't curse them or bless them, say nothing at all. How many times have I told you, but you refuse to listen after the Lord says I must do? Why do you insist on sending me before him? 00:13:39 Speaker 1: If Bailak was not mistaken, there was a tinge of fear behind the prophet's eyes. The god's unbreakable loyalty to his people was worrying. But then he considered his own people. Would they be thrown aside by Israel? Fear pulsed through his veins and threatened to consume his anger. 00:13:58 Speaker 3: He heard what happened. 00:13:59 Speaker 1: To the Amorites, the two kings who no longer possessed their kingdoms or their heads. Bailak looked over at the Mediannite kings. King Zuh inserted himself in the heated exchange between the king and prophet. 00:14:12 Speaker 6: If you forbid the prophet from speaking, then is our business here finished? 00:14:17 Speaker 3: Should we go back and arm our people for war? 00:14:21 Speaker 2: Now you heard the oracle the prophet has foretold the designs of war against some would fail. 00:14:27 Speaker 6: Then what you rallied our peoples and promised us this was the only way to undermine Israel's rise in our land. But all we've done is labor in the reign over fourteen altars and twenty eight sacrifices for this prophet to bless our enemy and proclaim their future victories. 00:14:45 Speaker 2: We should go to another spot prepare again for the curse. But this time do not seek out this god of Israel. Bailim instead just professes the curse. No divination, no prophecy, just sorcery. 00:15:00 Speaker 1: Bailak whirled to baylamb who was still standing before them. Watching Bailak's control over the assembly devolve. Bailac again closed the distance between himself and the prophet. 00:15:12 Speaker 2: Do I make myself clear? You are to go with us to Mount Pierre. That is a place where we appease our gods, and you will curse Israel from its heights. 00:15:21 Speaker 1: Bailamb steadily met his gaze. Though he was breathing heavily. The man was waging an internal battle, maybe even consulting with the other worldly voices only he could hear. After a long moment, baylamb gave his answer, I will go. Bailamb stood on the high place of Mount Pire, Rain, blurring his view of the Israelite camp below. Under better conditions, it would be an ideal spot to pronounce a curse, but nothing about this felt ideal. The God of Israel was relentless, and his unwavering devotion to these people people was baffling. Fear had given way to frustration, and Balam's pride simmered with offense. This god had summoned him to this miserable land, making him believe there was a way to fulfill his task. Now, Balam's reputation was crumbling, and Bailak's fury left little hope of receiving any promised reward. King Bailak barked orders as his men prepared the altars and sacrifices for the third time, their faces betraying irritation and distrust. They had lost faith hours ago, and Balam couldn't blame them. Unlike the fickle gods he knew, sin shamash Ishtar, or even Marduk. This God of Israel was unwavering. Even more disheartening was the silence of those familiar deities. None answered his cause, not even their lesser servants. 00:16:52 Speaker 11: By too far away from home from Aram, are they respecting the boundaries and lands hill by this god of his rule? Why from the popole, the slocal diadity feared by the mob white and midy nights is silent. 00:17:07 Speaker 1: This was what perturbed Bylamb the most, the silencing of the voices he had grown accustomed to. It was as if they could not stand to be in the presence of the God of Israel. As Baylamb stood on the mountain side, he strained to hear the familiar voices of the gods he had known all his life, any god but the God of Israel. But only his own voice echoed back. There was no other. The men had finished their work, and the sacrifices were smoking on the lit altars. How they lit them in the rain was beyond Bailamb, But it was no easy feat. The wind still howled and the rain still fell steadily around them. The kings were now waiting expectantly. Blamb nodded solemnly and turned his gaze to the Israelite camp below. He would not seek the God on the heights again. Instead, he studied the rain so tense arranged tried by tribe in ordered circles around their sacred courtyard. Baylamb's eyes swept over every row, every detail, as he prepared to speak a curse. But when he opened his mouth, no sound came out. His throat had been closed. Panic surged as he grasped at his neck, struggling for air. The moment stretched into what felt like an eternity, his mind reeling from the lack of oxygen. Suddenly, relief came as breath rushed back into his lungs, but his eyes widened in shock as words poured from his mouth, words not his own. The voice that spoke was controlled by a power greater than him. The spirit of the God of Israel had taken. 00:18:50 Speaker 8: Hold all the cloth plans, all the oracle of the man's arms opened. 00:18:59 Speaker 4: The girl who hears. 00:19:01 Speaker 2: The saying of God. 00:19:03 Speaker 8: Who sees a fish from the Almighty, who falls to a translate. 00:19:08 Speaker 2: His eyes uncovered, How beautiful are your taints, Jacob, Your dwellings Israel. 00:19:16 Speaker 8: They stretch out like real valleys, like gardens beside a stream, like flowers. 00:19:23 Speaker 10: The more is planted like cedars beside the water. God brought him out of Egypt. He is like the horns of a wild ox. 00:19:34 Speaker 8: For there he will feed on emanations and all their bones. You strike there with his arrows, he crouches, He lies down like a lion or a lioness. 00:19:48 Speaker 2: Or dares to rouse him. 00:19:51 Speaker 10: Those less will relest, and those who curse. 00:19:56 Speaker 8: You will be cursed. 00:20:02 Speaker 1: Bailamb fought to regain control of his voice and body throughout this speech, while the kings and elders stood paralyzed in astonishment. After what felt like a lifetime, Bailamb regained his autonomy at the speech's conclusion and stumbled forward, gasping for air. He kneeled on the ground panting when King Baylak recovered his shock and rounded on him. 00:20:26 Speaker 2: You, arrogant pretender, you deny my summons twice, and when you finally deigned to arrive in my lands, you would deny my requests three times. 00:20:39 Speaker 3: And not only that, you would bless my enemy three times. How there's no one else found. 00:20:46 Speaker 2: You out for what you are aretender. If you think your own compensation of any kind, you are sorely mistaken. Israel, with whom you are clearly aligned, has denied you a reward. Now go o. 00:21:08 Speaker 1: Bailac turned on his heel and stormed off. His attendants reluctantly followed, leaving baylamb sprawled out, still choking for air. When he caught his breath, his temper flared at Bailak's accusations. He staggered to his feet to defend himself, yelling after him. 00:21:26 Speaker 2: What if I've been telling you your stobbornness has made you death? Even if you would to give me your full house of silver and gold, I could not go against this God's command. You soften yourself. I had no choice but to say whatever. 00:21:41 Speaker 1: Bailamb stopped short. Once more, he saw Bailac and his men turn back to see what was wrong. The median eited kings hadn't taken their eyes off him. Once transfixed since his first outburst, the God of Israel's voice once more sounded in his mind, but mercifully it did not take control of his body. 00:22:02 Speaker 4: Again. 00:22:03 Speaker 1: He stood transfixed, listening to the prophecy. The deity dropped into his mind. It was a prophetic foretelling. 00:22:10 Speaker 3: This time. 00:22:12 Speaker 1: When it was over, he slumped to his knees again and trembled. He looked up and found the king's elders and attendants of both nations standing as spellbound as he had been only seconds before. 00:22:25 Speaker 2: I returned to my people. But first I must warn you about what these people will do to your people in the future. 00:22:35 Speaker 1: They must have known instinctually on some level that the message he was about to impart would not favor them, but they were mesmerized just the same once and all called blows. 00:22:51 Speaker 8: The man's eyes are open, and who is the world of God? 00:22:56 Speaker 12: And seized the vision of the almighty A star, a rise from Jacob, a sept from Israel. 00:23:04 Speaker 8: You must smash the. 00:23:06 Speaker 1: Forehead of Ob Baylamb looked meaningfull at Bailak, who was still enraged but enraptured by the prophecy. 00:23:14 Speaker 8: You don't won't be calm possession, but Israel will be triumphant head foot chick oh uh hello, ries and loqu. 00:23:25 Speaker 12: Was forced of all nations. But his end is structure and the land's fire causes all survive when God. 00:23:37 Speaker 1: Acts By Lamb's words, hung in the air, carried off by the wind and rain that filled the long silence. At last, King Baylak moved, turning abruptly and trudging down the mountain without a word, His attendants trailing behind him. They lamb doubted he would ever hear from the king again. The Mediannite kings lingered, murmuring quietly among themselves. Seeing their disinterest as a sign of dismissal, Baylan gathered his belongings from the high place and loaded them onto his now thankfully silent donkey. He took deep, calming breath, feeling the initial surge of fear ebb as his heart steadied, But as moments passed, his anger began to simmer. He had been made a spectacle, he humiliated. 00:24:29 Speaker 2: How can I imply, my cravenel, How can I possibly return to my homeland with my pride and tact? 00:24:35 Speaker 3: This God of Israel has made a fool of me? 00:24:39 Speaker 1: He stopped short. It had been his plan all along. He realized this was the reason he was permitted to come here at all. 00:24:47 Speaker 2: This Israelite god had no intention of relenting or changing his mind. All he ever wanted was to use me like a puppet. 00:24:57 Speaker 4: Revenge. 00:24:58 Speaker 1: The word took u in Baylamb's mind and heart, expanding with each breath. He had never felt such humiliation, such fear, or the terrifying loss of control he'd experienced when the God of Israel spoke through him. The memory made him shudder. But going against this God directly would be foolish. Bailamb knew better than to challenge prophecy. Still, he pondered an alternative, a way to undermine this God's will and pride. A sly smile crept across his lips. As a plan began to form. He recalled the oracle and noted a glaring omission in the list of Israel's enemies. His eyes slid to the Medianite kings still gathered and murmuring among themselves across the clearing. With renewed confidence, Baylamb smoothed his robes, pushed his damp hair back from his eyes, and walked toward them, each step fueling his mind. 00:26:00 Speaker 3: You found resolve, my kings. 00:26:03 Speaker 2: I have more to say that you may like to hear. 00:26:06 Speaker 1: The Medianites inclined their heads and edged closer to Baylamb. Intrigued, they leaned in to hear Baylamb's advice. 00:26:15 Speaker 7: If today's reading moved you, The Prey dot Com app is where you can go deeper with daily prayers, Bible plans and more. Download at free link in the description. 00:26:26 Speaker 1: This Prey dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Caltafianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Roslie and Chris Bage. 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, please rate and leave a review.