# 152 - Israel Rejects God - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Israel demands a king, longing to look like the nations around them—even if it means rejecting God’s reign. In this episode, Samuel pleads with the people, warning them of what’s to come, while God, in His mercy, allows their request. A powerful story of trust, rebellion, and the cost of choosing human strength over divine leadership.

Episode 152 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-up

For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/

Today's opening prayer is inspired by Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

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:

(01:37) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:43) Israel Rejects God

(15:52) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 151 - The Rise of Samuel - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Samuel calls Israel to lay down their idols and return to the Lord with all their hearts. Witness how true repentance leads to divine deliverance, as the God who thunders becomes the defender of His people once more.

Episode 151 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-up

For 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, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting."

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:

(01:30) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:19) The Rise of Samuel

(18:51) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 150 - The Revenge of the Ark - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, the Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines, they quickly discover that God’s holiness cannot be contained or controlled. In this episode, witness how Yahweh defends His own name, topples idols, and turns judgment into a call for reverence and return.

Episode 150 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-up

For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/

Today's opening prayer is inspired by Exodus 15:11, “Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”

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

(02:16) The Revenge of the Ark

(19:27) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 149 - The Ark of the Covenant is Stolen - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Israel suffers a devastating defeat as the Ark of the Covenant is taken by the Philistines and Eli’s family faces tragic consequences. The story reveals the danger of treating holy things as tools for personal gain, and reminds us that God’s presence cannot be manipulated.

Episode 149 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-up

For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/who-we-are?utm_source=pray

Today's opening prayer is inspired by Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

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

(01:56) The Ark of the Covenant is Stolen

(20:17) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 148 - The Call of Samuel - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, young Samuel hears God's voice for the first time while serving in the temple under Eli. As the Lord calls him in the quiet of night, Samuel begins his journey as a prophet to Israel.

Episode 148 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-up

For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/

Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am 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:

(02:09) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:58) The Call of Samuel

(19:39) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 147 - Eli's Worthless Sons - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, the sons of Eli defile the sacred role of priesthood, turning worship into selfish gain. But even in the darkness, a quiet servant named Samuel rises—faithful, pure, and chosen by God.

Episode 147 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-up

For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/

Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within 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

(02:22) Eli's Worthless Sons

(20:01) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 146 - The Prayers of Hannah - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, we journey with Hannah as she pours out her soul to God in the silence of unanswered prayers. Her story reveals a God who not only hears, but remembers and responds with redemption that echoes through generations.

Episode 146 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-up

For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/

Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

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:

(02:00) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(03:15) The Prayers of Hannah

(27:33) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 145 - Ruth & Boaz Unite - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, we witness a quiet act of courage at the threshing floor that leads to a moment of redemption and lasting legacy. As Ruth and Boaz step forward in faith, their union becomes part of God’s greater plan to restore what was lost and bless generations to come.

Episode 145 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-up

For more information about Yael Eckstein and IFCJ visit https://www.ifcj.org/

Today's opening prayer is inspired by Lamentations 3:24, “The Lord is my portion, says my soul; therefore I will hope in him.”

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

(02:49) Ruth & Boaz Unite

(32:07) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.