The Chosen People

# 260 - Returning to God - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, the walls of Jerusalem stand complete, but Nehemiah knows true restoration must begin in the hearts of God’s people. Through the public reading of the Law, heartfelt repentance, and renewed covenant, Israel rediscovers that their real strength is not in stone—but in returning to their God.Episode 260 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:23) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:12) Returning to God(12:19) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 259 - The Wall is Complete - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Nehemiah faces lies, threats, and betrayal meant to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem—but faith and perseverance carry the people through. At last, the walls stand complete, a living testimony that God’s strength turns fear into triumph and ruins into restoration.Episode 259 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Nehemiah 5:19, Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(00:58) Intro with Yael Eckstein(01:48) Jerusalem Reborn(12:47) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 258 - Justice & Generosity - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Nehemiah confronts injustice within Jerusalem, calling the nobles to repent and restore what they had taken from their own brothers and sisters. Through courage, justice, and radical generosity, God’s people learn that true rebuilding happens not only with stone—but within the heart.Episode 258 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Micah 6:8, He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(00:58) Intro with Yael Eckstein(01:47) Justice & Generosity(12:54) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 256 - Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem with the king’s blessing to rebuild the city’s broken walls. As stone by stone is lifted, the people rise together in unity and faith, trusting that God’s hand is the true strength behind their restoration.Episode 256 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Isaiah 61:4, “They will rebuild the old ruins. They will raise up the former devastations. They will repair the ruined cities, that have been devastated for many generations.” Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(00:56) Intro with Yael Eckstein(01:45) Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall(15:48) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 255 - Nehemiah’s Heart - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein,Episode 255 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/who-we-are?utm_source=prayToday's opening prayer is inspired by Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:04) Intro with Yael Eckstein(01:54) Nehemiah’s Heart(13:55) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 254 - The Chosen People Return - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Prophets Haggai and Zechariah rouse a stalled people as King Darius’ decree clears the way to finish the second temple—yet God soon sends Ezra, a Torah-scribe, to confront hearts that have grown cold. With scrolls in hand and tears on the temple steps, Ezra leads Israel into costly repentance and true return, turning rebuilt walls into renewed worship.Episode 254 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can’t deny himself.”Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:42) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:32) The Chosen People Return(23:35) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 253 - Rebuilding The Temple - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Returned exiles rebuild the altar and lay the temple’s foundation in Ezra 3–4, their songs of joy mingling with elders’ tears as worship rises from the ruins. When fake “allies” scheme and opposition mounts, the work stalls—but the altar’s flame keeps burning, calling a weary people to faithful beginnings.Episode 253 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:32) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:24) Rebuilding(18:21) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 252 - Return of the Exiles - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Exiled Israel hears King Cyrus’s stunning decree and begins the long road home, as Zerubbabel and Jeshua rally families, priests, and Levites to return and rebuild. In Ezra 1–2, names are recorded, temple vessels are restored, and worship—more than walls—becomes the first foundation of renewal.Episode 252 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Hebrews 10:23, “Let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.”Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(02:24) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:13) Return of the Exiles(18:02) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 251 - Esther the Hero - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, With Haman gone, Esther and Mordecai still face an irrevocable death decree and must act with courage and wisdom. Empowered by the king’s signet, they issue a counter-edict, lead their people to defend themselves, and transform a day marked for annihilation into Purim—a celebration of deliverance, steadfast faith, and God’s quiet providence.Episode 251 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by 1 Samuel 16:7, “for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.”Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:09) Intro with Yael Eckstein(01:58) Esther the Hero(22:57) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 250 - Haman Hangs - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, At Esther’s second banquet (Esther 6:14–7:10), the queen unveils her identity, exposes “this wicked Haman,” and the king orders Haman hung on the very gallows he built for Mordecai. This gripping episode explores courage under pressure, God’s quiet justice, and how pride prepares its own downfall.Episode 250 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 103:8–10, “Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us for our iniquities.”Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:29) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:19) Haman Hangs(18:05) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 249 - Haman's Plot - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, we witness Haman’s pride unravel as the gallows he builds for Mordecai become the stage for his own humiliation. In Esther 5:9–6:13, God’s hidden hand turns power upside down, reminding us that true honor belongs to the humble and that justice comes in His timing.Episode 249 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:19) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:09) Haman's Plot(18:55) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 248 - The Rise of Esther - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Mordecai’s public grief forces Esther to choose between palace safety and covenant courage, leading her to fast, reveal her true name—Hadassah—and step toward the throne “for such a time as this.” With the golden scepter extended and a strategic banquet set, her quiet wisdom begins to unravel Haman’s plot and awaken hope for her people.Episode 248 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Matthew 16:24, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:38) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:28) The Rise of Esther(21:16) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 247 - Whispers of Evil - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Mordecai exposes an assassination plot and is forgotten as Haman rises to power, demands homage, and spins a sealed decree to annihilate the Jews. In the shadows of Persia’s palace, Esther’s hidden position—and a single act of defiance—sets the stage for a showdown between whispering evil and quiet courage.Episode 247 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 139:23–24, “Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:42) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:32) Whispers of Evil(21:14) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 246 - The Peasant Princess - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Dragged from obscurity into Persia’s palace, an orphan named Esther is swept into a beauty selection that feels more like exile than honor—yet quiet courage and hidden providence begin to move behind the curtains. In Esther 2, witness how favor, fidelity, and a remembered name (“Hadassah”) set the stage for a peasant princess to become a queen.Episode 246 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by 1 Corinthians 1:27, “But God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise.”Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:49) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:39) The Peasant Princess(28:49) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 245 - The Exiled Queen - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein,Episode 245 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 118:6, “Yahweh is on my side. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:06) Intro with Yael Eckstein(01:57) The Exiled Queen(18:04) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 244 - Daniel & The Lion’s Den - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, When a royal decree outlaws prayer, Daniel’s only “crime” is faithfulness—so his enemies throw him into a pit of lions. Journey through Daniel 6 as God shuts mouths, topples schemes, and proves that allegiance to the Eternal King outlasts every empire.Episode 244 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Joshua 1:9, Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid. Don't be dismayed, for Yahweh, your God is with you wherever you go.Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(0_:__) Intro with Yael Eckstein(0_:__) Daniel & The Lion’s Den(__:__) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 243 - The Writing on The Wall - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, A drunken feast in Babylon is shattered by a disembodied hand writing judgment on the wall—MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. Walk with Daniel in Daniel 5 as he deciphers the message, confronting pride, false worship, and the urgency to humble ourselves before the God who numbers our days.Episode 243 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by John 10:27, My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:51) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:02) The Writing on The Wall(22:12) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 242 - The King & The Beast - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Nebuchadnezzar—the “Beast King”—is stripped of his glory and driven to the fields until he lifts his eyes to heaven. Discover how pride dehumanizes and how humble worship restores our reason, dignity, and calling as God’s image-bearers.Episode 242 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by James 4:6, God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:52) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:42) The King & The Beast(28:07) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 241 - The Fiery Furnace - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, When Babylon’s music swells and a golden idol towers over the plain, three exiles refuse to bow—choosing faith over survival. Their stand leads to the furnace, where a fourth figure appears in the flames and a humbled king witnesses the God who rescues “even if not.”Episode 241 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/Today's opening prayer is inspired by Romans 12:2, Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(01:55) Intro with Yael Eckstein(02:45) The Fiery Furnace(22:52) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 240 - Daniel & The King's Dreams - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dream of a towering statue reveals the fragility of every earthly empire. In this episode, Daniel unveils its meaning and points to the eternal kingdom that will never be shaken.Episode 240 of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein is inspired by the Book of Joshua.Sign up for The Chosen People devotionals at https://www.thechosenpeople.com/sign-upFor more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/who-we-are?utm_source=prayToday's opening prayer is inspired by Proverbs 10:32, The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app.Show Notes:(02:36) Intro with Yael Eckstein(03:26) Daniel & The King's Dreams(24:56) Reflection with Yael EcksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.