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.
00:00:18
Speaker 2: We're starving, Nehemiah!
00:00:20
Speaker 1: And who profits from our suffering?
00:00:24
Speaker 3: Our own brothers.
00:00:25
Speaker 2: Lord.
00:00:26
Speaker 4: How can we build walls of stone while tearing each other apart from within? How can we restore your city when we devour one another with greed?
00:00:39
Speaker 3: Restore to them today their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, their homes, and their children.
00:00:51
Speaker 1: Cancel their debts.
00:00:53
Speaker 3: Let justice reign once again among God's people.
00:01:01
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. Nehemiah, his face 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 and cunning. At the far southern edge of the city, Nehemiah 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 morning, Nehemiah sensed the weight of unseen dangers pressing upon his shoulders. Footsteps approached from behind, tentative and cautious. Nehemiah turned calmly, watching as a messenger hesitated, bowed low, and extended a scroll with trembling hands.
00:02:41
Speaker 3: Forgive me, my lord. Sanballat sends this message.
00:02:45
Speaker 1: Nehemiah accepted the parchment and unrolled it, eyes narrowing slightly at the elegant handwriting.
00:02:53
Speaker 2: Come, Nehemiah. Let us meet in one of the villages on the plain of Oro. Let us discuss peace.
00:03:01
Speaker 1: Nehemiah felt a quiet ache behind his eyes. It was a temptation, wrapped in silk. A trap cleverly disguised as diplomacy. He glanced toward the west, imagining the flat plains of Ono. Remote. Isolated. far from the protection of Jerusalem's rising walls.
00:03:24
Speaker 3: Tell your master this. I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?
00:03:33
Speaker 1: The messenger bowed hastily, retreating through the bustling workers. Nehemiah 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 Sanbalat's call came, and four times Nehemiah's response remained unchanged. Frustrated, Sanbalat changed tactics. On the fifth day, his messenger arrived with an open letter. Nehemiah immediately noted the significance. An open letter, unsealed, meant to provoke rumors and fear. Nehemiah read carefully, lips pressed tight in controlled anger.
00:04:23
Speaker 2: It is reported among the nations, and Geshem 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 Artaxerxes.
00:04:44
Speaker 4: Come now.
00:04:46
Speaker 2: Let us meet and settle this matter.
00:04:48
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 Sanballat aimed to shatter their resolve with fear.
00:05:06
Speaker 3: Brother, these accusations.
00:05:09
Speaker 2: The king believes them our lives are at risk.
00:05:13
Speaker 1: Nehemiah rested a hand reassuringly on his brother's shoulder, speaking confidently.
00:05:19
Speaker 3: Sanbalat 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.
00:05:33
Speaker 1: Hanani nodded solemnly, gathering strength from Nehemiah's resolve. Nehemiah summoned the messenger once more.
00:05:41
Speaker 3: Take this reply to Sanbalat. Nothing like what you say is happening. You're inventing it from your own mind.
00:05:48
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. Nehemiah walked toward the house of Shemaiah, a man known to speak prophetic words. Shemaiah waited inside, sitting silently by dim candlelight. His eyes flickered with urgency as Nehemiah entered.
00:06:18
Speaker 5: Nehemiah, 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.
00:06:29
Speaker 1: Nehemiah paused, his gaze fixed carefully upon Shemaiah's face. Something felt wrong and his instincts flared in alarm.
00:06:40
Speaker 3: 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.
00:06:49
Speaker 1: Shamaya's eyes flashed briefly with a hidden fury before he controlled his expression again. But Nehemiah saw it. A betrayal laid bare.
00:07:00
Speaker 3: Sanbalat and Tobiah have bought you, haven't they? They paid you to frighten me, to provoke me into sin and discredit my name.
00:07:09
Speaker 1: Shamaya looked away in silence. Nehemiah's voice lowered, a quiet thunder of righteous anger.
00:07:17
Speaker 3: Remember, my God, what Tobiah and Sanballat have done. May your eyes see truth and your strong arm enact justice.
00:07:28
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. Nehemiah'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 erupting spontaneously as realisation spread. The war was finally complete. Nehemiah 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. Neighbours cheered. Children ran along the completed ramparts, shouting with delight. Nehemiah watched it all, smiling quietly, content to let others revel in the victory. Hanani stood beside him, watching the city come alive.
00:09:04
Speaker 3: It is finished, brother.
00:09:07
Speaker 2: But many thought impossible now stands strong before our eyes.
00:09:10
Speaker 1: Nehemiah nodded, his voice gentle and filled with quiet humility.
00:09:17
Speaker 3: Our enemies thought we would crumble beneath threats and fear. They hoped lies would weaken us and swords would scatter us. But they failed to see one thing clearly.
00:09:27
Speaker 1: Nehemiah smiled, placing a hand affectionately on his brother's shoulder.
00:09:33
Speaker 3: The work was never truly ours alone.
00:09:36
Speaker 4: Was his.
00:09:37
Speaker 1: In the distance, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem 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. Nehemiah 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.
00:10:37
Speaker 3: Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done here is for your glory.
00:10:43
Speaker 1: The sun sank slowly. painting the sky in soft purples and brilliant golds, bathing the completed walls in a radiant glow. Jerusalem stood complete, a silent declaration of triumph over fear, unity over division, and faithfulness over all adversity. And Nehemiah 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 Nehemiah the greatest comfort to know Jerusalem was secure once more, guarded not only by stone and timber, but by faith, courage, and a people united under heaven's watchful gaze. Steve Gatina, Max Bard, Zach Schelleberger 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, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr., Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Lashinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. written by Aaron Salvato, Brie Rosely, 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.
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.
00:00:18
Speaker 2: We're starving, Nehemiah!
00:00:20
Speaker 1: And who profits from our suffering?
00:00:24
Speaker 3: Our own brothers.
00:00:25
Speaker 2: Lord.
00:00:26
Speaker 4: How can we build walls of stone while tearing each other apart from within? How can we restore your city when we devour one another with greed?
00:00:39
Speaker 3: Restore to them today their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, their homes, and their children.
00:00:51
Speaker 1: Cancel their debts.
00:00:53
Speaker 3: Let justice reign once again among God's people.
00:01:01
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. Nehemiah, his face 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 and cunning. At the far southern edge of the city, Nehemiah 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 morning, Nehemiah sensed the weight of unseen dangers pressing upon his shoulders. Footsteps approached from behind, tentative and cautious. Nehemiah turned calmly, watching as a messenger hesitated, bowed low, and extended a scroll with trembling hands.
00:02:41
Speaker 3: Forgive me, my lord. Sanballat sends this message.
00:02:45
Speaker 1: Nehemiah accepted the parchment and unrolled it, eyes narrowing slightly at the elegant handwriting.
00:02:53
Speaker 2: Come, Nehemiah. Let us meet in one of the villages on the plain of Oro. Let us discuss peace.
00:03:01
Speaker 1: Nehemiah felt a quiet ache behind his eyes. It was a temptation, wrapped in silk. A trap cleverly disguised as diplomacy. He glanced toward the west, imagining the flat plains of Ono. Remote. Isolated. far from the protection of Jerusalem's rising walls.
00:03:24
Speaker 3: Tell your master this. I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?
00:03:33
Speaker 1: The messenger bowed hastily, retreating through the bustling workers. Nehemiah 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 Sanbalat's call came, and four times Nehemiah's response remained unchanged. Frustrated, Sanbalat changed tactics. On the fifth day, his messenger arrived with an open letter. Nehemiah immediately noted the significance. An open letter, unsealed, meant to provoke rumors and fear. Nehemiah read carefully, lips pressed tight in controlled anger.
00:04:23
Speaker 2: It is reported among the nations, and Geshem 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 Artaxerxes.
00:04:44
Speaker 4: Come now.
00:04:46
Speaker 2: Let us meet and settle this matter.
00:04:48
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 Sanballat aimed to shatter their resolve with fear.
00:05:06
Speaker 3: Brother, these accusations.
00:05:09
Speaker 2: The king believes them our lives are at risk.
00:05:13
Speaker 1: Nehemiah rested a hand reassuringly on his brother's shoulder, speaking confidently.
00:05:19
Speaker 3: Sanbalat 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.
00:05:33
Speaker 1: Hanani nodded solemnly, gathering strength from Nehemiah's resolve. Nehemiah summoned the messenger once more.
00:05:41
Speaker 3: Take this reply to Sanbalat. Nothing like what you say is happening. You're inventing it from your own mind.
00:05:48
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. Nehemiah walked toward the house of Shemaiah, a man known to speak prophetic words. Shemaiah waited inside, sitting silently by dim candlelight. His eyes flickered with urgency as Nehemiah entered.
00:06:18
Speaker 5: Nehemiah, 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.
00:06:29
Speaker 1: Nehemiah paused, his gaze fixed carefully upon Shemaiah's face. Something felt wrong and his instincts flared in alarm.
00:06:40
Speaker 3: 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.
00:06:49
Speaker 1: Shamaya's eyes flashed briefly with a hidden fury before he controlled his expression again. But Nehemiah saw it. A betrayal laid bare.
00:07:00
Speaker 3: Sanbalat and Tobiah have bought you, haven't they? They paid you to frighten me, to provoke me into sin and discredit my name.
00:07:09
Speaker 1: Shamaya looked away in silence. Nehemiah's voice lowered, a quiet thunder of righteous anger.
00:07:17
Speaker 3: Remember, my God, what Tobiah and Sanballat have done. May your eyes see truth and your strong arm enact justice.
00:07:28
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. Nehemiah'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 erupting spontaneously as realisation spread. The war was finally complete. Nehemiah 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. Neighbours cheered. Children ran along the completed ramparts, shouting with delight. Nehemiah watched it all, smiling quietly, content to let others revel in the victory. Hanani stood beside him, watching the city come alive.
00:09:04
Speaker 3: It is finished, brother.
00:09:07
Speaker 2: But many thought impossible now stands strong before our eyes.
00:09:10
Speaker 1: Nehemiah nodded, his voice gentle and filled with quiet humility.
00:09:17
Speaker 3: Our enemies thought we would crumble beneath threats and fear. They hoped lies would weaken us and swords would scatter us. But they failed to see one thing clearly.
00:09:27
Speaker 1: Nehemiah smiled, placing a hand affectionately on his brother's shoulder.
00:09:33
Speaker 3: The work was never truly ours alone.
00:09:36
Speaker 4: Was his.
00:09:37
Speaker 1: In the distance, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem 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. Nehemiah 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.
00:10:37
Speaker 3: Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done here is for your glory.
00:10:43
Speaker 1: The sun sank slowly. painting the sky in soft purples and brilliant golds, bathing the completed walls in a radiant glow. Jerusalem stood complete, a silent declaration of triumph over fear, unity over division, and faithfulness over all adversity. And Nehemiah 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 Nehemiah the greatest comfort to know Jerusalem was secure once more, guarded not only by stone and timber, but by faith, courage, and a people united under heaven's watchful gaze. Steve Gatina, Max Bard, Zach Schelleberger 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, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr., Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Lashinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. written by Aaron Salvato, Brie Rosely, 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.
