The Promise Land

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the Chosen people. 00:00:03 Speaker 2: Abrahm, look around you. Behold the land, not only the east, but also the north, south and west. As I told you before, this is the land I will give to you and your offspring, and it will be yours forever. 00:00:25 Speaker 3: Yes, my God, I remember what you told me. 00:00:29 Speaker 2: Do you believe it? Though, I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth. If there was ever anyone who could count up all the dust of the earth, and there is not, then your offspring could also be counted. Behold, I am with you, and I will keep you wherever you go. Though you leave, I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised. 00:01:06 Speaker 4: Hear me, existing one, the God of Abraham and Isaac. If you will be with me, keep me wherever I go, and give me enough bread and clothing to survive so I can depart in peace, then you shall be my god too. Let this monument stand as a testament between us that you are not just the God of my forefathers. You are the God of Jacob. 00:01:33 Speaker 1: Moses hands were trembling. He took a cautious step closer to the tree, still clutching his staff like a lifeline. The flames seemed to welcome him, enveloping him in their warmth without burning him. 00:01:48 Speaker 5: Who are you. 00:01:50 Speaker 2: I am, the God of your Father, the God of Abraham, the God. 00:01:56 Speaker 6: Of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. I have seen the affliction of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries and beheld their suffering. I have come to deliver them out of slavery and carry them to a land of promise, A vast and vibrant land heaving with life, a land flowing with milk and honey. 00:02:28 Speaker 1: Moses staggered back to see the land of promise was the fulfillment of a life long dream. He stretched out his arms in wonder, staff clattering to the ground, and spun slowly in a circle to marvel at all of it. Once more. In this moment of ecstasy at what awaited his people, the familiar and beloved voice of the Lord came to him. 00:02:58 Speaker 2: This is the land he promised Abraham, Isaik and Jacob, and I ye will fulfill that promise by giving it to your people, the descendants of my servant Abraham. 00:03:14 Speaker 7: You will remind them that just as the Lord, your God, dried up the waters of the Red Sea. He did the same here until we had all crossed safely. These stones will forever be a memorial so that all the peoples of the earth may know the might of the Lord's hand, and so that we His people will always fear the Lord. 00:03:38 Speaker 8: Ah God. 00:03:49 Speaker 9: Shallo my friends from here in the holy Land of Israel. I'm y l Extein with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People. Each day we'll hear dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning of life. Through israel story, we will find this truth that we are all chosen for something great. 00:04:15 Speaker 5: So take a moment. 00:04:16 Speaker 9: 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. 00:04:39 Speaker 1: Joshua sat on a boulder atop a gentle rise, whittling a scrap of wood, an old habit of his. He surveyed the building side, stretched out before him. The steady rhythm of hammering echoed through the air, accompanied by the creaking of wood and the rustling of canvas and fabrics were raised by their faithful Gibeonite servants. The sounds, though mixed with the commotion of the camp, soothed his mind as he kept a watchful eye on the road he was waiting for the travelers he had sent out to return. Pausing his work, he flexed his tender arthritic hands miraculously held at bay until the fighting was done. They would never grip the hilt of a sword as they once did. The sounds of hammering and sawing again reached his ear, and he smiled. 00:05:33 Speaker 7: Perhaps the hands grip a different tool to mark this the beginning. 00:05:37 Speaker 1: Over five years had passed since they subdued the land, and thirty one kings surrendered their lives to make it so. Joshua sighed and scanned the camp behind him. Its orderly tents spanned out for miles, though it was not as large as it once was. In light of the prophetic blessings of their forefather, Jacob, Judas and Joe Joseph's descendants received their inheritances. First, Judah settled in the south, and Joseph's descendants, Ephraim and Manassa, settled in the heart of the country. Caleb and his family were also granted their inheritance, as the Lord had promised in recognition of Caleb's faithfulness in standing against the rebellious spies at Kaydish so many years ago. Though there was still work to be done to fully subdue the cities of Canaan, the first of the promised inheritances was allotted, and families were sent out to their new homes. Seven more tribes had yet to settle in the land. They had grown weary and listless in the waiting, since the wars in the north had finally dwindled. But in half waiting, Joshua moved Israel's capital and the tabernacle to Shiloh, at the country's center, to unite the tribes and remind them of their purpose. He had dispatched three men from each remaining tribe to survey the land and report on regions suitable for the allotments. Today, at last, they were to return. General Joshua turned to see finnahas jogging up the slope. 00:07:14 Speaker 5: Genius, what knows our scouts have reported seeing our men return. 00:07:19 Speaker 1: Joshua looked back toward the road, and tiny, hazy figures had materialized on the horizon. Joshua frowned. His eyesight just wasn't what it used to be. 00:07:31 Speaker 5: Uncle Ithamar's gathering the people and the clearing. The courtyard of the Tabernacle is not ready to receive the assembly just yet. 00:07:39 Speaker 1: Joshua nodded, the sounds of construction still drifting up to them on the incline. The tabernacle had not moved from its place by the river at Gilgal for years, but they hoped it would stand here in Shiloh for many years to come, perhaps one day with walls made of stone instead of canvas, and wooden door instead of curtains. But that would be an endeavor for a future day. Today they had to complete the promise made to their forefathers centuries ago. Lead the way, phineas the two men reached the clearing, where Ishamar was barking orders at Gibeonites and other attendants to fetch clan leaders, telling them where to stand and what to expect. In stark contrast to Ihama's lively exuberance in yelling at servants. Eliezer sat nearby, slumped and stooped before a low table in the clearing. Age had swiftly come upon him the last few years. Though his body was failing, his mind was as sharp as ever, and his eyes were irritated with his brother's brusque directives. 00:08:47 Speaker 5: Father, Father, I brought Joshua for you. Should I make sure the lots for the remaining tribes are ready? 00:08:55 Speaker 7: Yes, my boy, thank you. 00:08:58 Speaker 1: Finnahas disappeared through the tent toward the tabernacle assembly site with a confident stride would. 00:09:04 Speaker 7: Be in good hands with that one once my generation finally dies out. 00:09:08 Speaker 1: Joshua lowered himself beside Eliezer, poorly masking his difficulty with a WinCE, and the two of them watched Ithamas stomp around. Eliezer gave him a long, knowing look and a sympathetic, crooked smile as he nodded in Ithamar's direction. 00:09:25 Speaker 10: Do you suppose his sourness is what has kept is aging at by? 00:09:31 Speaker 2: Maybe so? 00:09:33 Speaker 7: At least we've come by our aging. Honestly, my friend, these long years are finally caught up to us at last. Not all of us can age like Caleb eighty five and as strong as a bear, and battling the sons of a kN Ach, the descendants of the Neverlim in the South. True, apparently not imagine Moses in my father Aaron. 00:10:03 Speaker 10: Had lived to see this day. Oh, no one can say that the Lord did not fulfill what he promised. We have done as we were commended. 00:10:14 Speaker 8: That's all we can do. 00:10:15 Speaker 1: Joshua nodded solemnly as Finnahas returned from gathering the lots to help them determine which region would go to each of the remaining tribes. Ithamarh approached his brother and Joshua, announcing that the clan leaders were ready. Eliezon nodded, and Finnahas sprang forward to help his father reach his feet. Joshua hesitated before standing for a fleeting moment. Ithamar looked conflicted about whether he should help Joshua, but Joshua gave him a stern look. Perhaps he would need help one day, but today was not that day. When he stood before the assembly, Joshua cleared his throat and looked out at the remaining tribes of Israel. 00:11:00 Speaker 7: My brothers, the Lord has given us the land he swore to our ancestors. Together we have taken possession of it. None of our enemies could stand against us, for the Lord has handed them over to us. Now we must settle for our inheritance. You have sent out your representatives to serve the land. They have briefed you on what they found, and now before our guard, our high priest will divide which tribe gets what region. The Lord will guide his hand. The tribe that is chosen will choose from the allotments before you. 00:11:35 Speaker 1: Joshua gestured at the low table before them. Stretched over its surface was a map of curled and tattered parchment depicting the region. There were already markings on it to show the land already possessed. The clan leaders all nodded in agreement at Joshua's instructions. Joshua similarly nodded to Eliezer, who now held the pouch that contained the lots of the remaining tribes of Israel. He reached his hand inside and plucked one from its depths. 00:12:06 Speaker 8: Benjamin. 00:12:07 Speaker 1: The clan leaders approached the table, and, after consulting with their scouts who had surveyed the land, they selected the land between Judah and Joseph's descendants in the center of the land, the land containing Jericho, Gibeon, and the yet to be subdued Jerusalem. The unfinished business in the southern stronghold would become Benjamin's responsibility. Now, Joshua only hoped they were up to the task. When if Theamar marked their selection on the map, Eliezer drew the next lot. Shimeien, one of the clan leaders of Simeon, came forward and spoke on his tribe's behalf brothers. 00:12:48 Speaker 3: A tribe of Simeon would choose a portion within the southernmost part of Judah's Olchmen, as the portion of land is too large for him to occupy alone. We have pledged ourselves to help Caleb take back the land in exchange for Judas protection and an alliance between our two tribes. Simon and Judah were possess the south of Canaan together. 00:13:13 Speaker 1: Joshua nodded at the public formality of this agreement. He already heard from Caleb that this would likely happen. Simeon had dwindled since the time of the last census, and in the subsequent battles. The clan leader stepped back and Ishamar again made a mark on the map to note the arrangement between Simeon and Judah. Eliezer made the next selection. Shabulun Zebulun chose the northwest allotment by the Great Sea, Ishikar Isakar chose to land inland beside it. Asher Asher chose even further northwest by the Great Sea now Tali Naftali chose the inland northernmost territory surrounding the Sea of Kinnereth. In the Galileean Hill country, there was now one allotment left, Dun. The clan leaders of Dan stepped forward reluctantly, their expressions betraying their displeasure. They undoubtedly knew what portion remained. Their allotment was a small coastal region in the central hill country bordering Joshua's tribe Ephraeum. The distaste on their faces was unmistakable, but the outcome was not changing. Joshua understood their dissatisfaction and knew they would need to rely on their faith to withstand any future threats and influences of the region or its native neighbors. Dissatisfaction, after all, often opened the door to temptation, and resisting it would. 00:14:49 Speaker 7: Not be easy. 00:14:50 Speaker 1: Ihamar marked the city on the map, and then stood and addressed Joshua with a formality he rarely saw from the generally informal priest. 00:15:00 Speaker 7: You represent your tribe well with Maa speaking on behalf of your priestly brothers. When the high priest cannot and will not remain impartial well remembered, we will grant the clans of Levis cities and passion lands from our inheritance. 00:15:14 Speaker 1: Eliezer again drew the lots, and forty eight cities were given to the clans of Levi throughout the land, and all the tribe's allotments. When it was done, Joshua turned to the remaining clan leaders in the crowd and addressed them. 00:15:29 Speaker 7: My brothers from Reuben, Gad and Manassa, I have not forgotten Moses's promise to you. You have fulfilled everything the Lord commanded, and obade every command I gave you. You have not deserted your brothers. You may return to your homes in the land that Moses, the Lord's servant, gave you across the Jordan. 00:15:50 Speaker 1: The trans Jordan tribesmen bowed respectfully to Joshua and made to depart that Eliezer surprised Joshua by turning to him and addressing him before Israel. 00:16:02 Speaker 10: Tell us, Joshua, where would you have your inheritance? 00:16:07 Speaker 1: Joshua knew this question would come and was ready for it. 00:16:11 Speaker 7: I would rebuild the city of Timnath Sarah and settle there such a rugged place. 00:16:17 Speaker 10: Why not somewhere more fertile, abundant established? 00:16:24 Speaker 8: Why because I am so old and worn out? Should I not be permitted to build up the land I fought on? No, I want to spend the rest of my life building into the region my God promised me. The Lord handed it over to us, but we still had to fight for it, just as I now want to fight for my own. Besides, I want to be among my tribesmen. Timnath Sarah lies at the heart of Ephraim's inheritance, but it is also near Shiloh in the tabernacle, where I can remain close should our people ever need me. 00:16:59 Speaker 10: Very well In maths Sriz Yours General Joshua. 00:17:04 Speaker 1: Joshua looked out at all the tribesmen of Israel standing before him with pride. 00:17:10 Speaker 7: Now you have all chosen, and now, at long last, you will go and take possession of the land. The Lord has given you. None of the good promises the Lord had made to the House of Israel failed. Everything has been fulfilled. Carefully obey the command and instruction that Moses, the Lord's servant, gave you. To love the Lord your God, walk in his ways, keep his commands, be loyal to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul. 00:17:49 Speaker 9: If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and it has affected your life, we'd love it if you left her of you. 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 six Ivare Hashem vischmurecher Yeah, Heir, hashempanave eleven Ye sa hashempanavelera Salon. 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. 00:18:32 Speaker 1: You can listen to the Chosen People Withyle Exstein add free by downloading and subscribing to the prey dot Com app today. This Prey dog Com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People with Yaile Estein, edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltefianu. Character are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvado, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin, Kayler Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, 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 Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.