Previously on the Chosen People.

Tell me, Israel, for you have found favor with me.

What is it you desire more than anything else?

I will grant you anything you request.

Allow me to return to my people in Jerusalem.

I long to worship the Lord there at the rebuilt Temple.

I also desire to bring the law of our Prophet Moses.

I will bring spiritual revival to my people.

And with that they fasted and they prayed as they prepared themselves for their long journey to Jerusalem, the land of Promise, the land of their forefathers, the city established by David.

And though the city's walls still lay in ruin, the hearts of the people had begun to stand tall again.

Another return was still to come, another rebuilding still awaited.

Shello, my friends, from here in the holy Land of Israel.

I'm ya l Exstein with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, and welcome to the Chosen People.

Each day we'll hear a dramatic story inspired by the Bible, stories filled with timeless lessons of faith, love, and the meaning of life.

Through Israel's story, we will find this truth that we are all chosen for something great.

So take a moment 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.

The Persian Palace of Susa stood tall and majestic under the late afternoon sun, its spires glinting with gold, as the scent of incense lingered in the air.

Inside, the marbled corridors buzzed with quiet elegance, servants moving swiftly, courtiers laughing softly in huddled corners.

But beyond the outer chambers, deeper within the royal complex, the mood was much heavier.

Nehemiah paced rhythmically back and forth against the back wall of his chamber.

The thumping of his heart pulsed warmly in his ears, but it wasn't enough to drown out his anguished thoughts.

Anxious nerves clawded his innermost being as compassion and heartbreak opened up the floodgates to his sobs.

What has become of israil?

How long must we endure?

Lord incline, You're ear to me, please.

Nehemiah clutched at his burning chest with a tight grip.

As he pressed his other fist against his wet face.

Images of Jerusalem's fallen wall flashed in his mind.

He fell hard to the floor and felt the cold sting of the stone floor against his cheek.

The words of Hannah and I, one of the men who had come from Judah, still echoed in his mind.

People are in great trouble and disgrace near Mayah.

The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, her gates burned with fire.

The words were filled with sorrow, but not surprise.

His eyes barren as he spoke.

This had been life for the return to Israelites for years, but for Nehemiah, something broke inside him at that moment.

He had served faithfully in the king's court.

He had earned favor and standing with royalty.

He had earned respect and trust from the most powerful, but none of that mattered.

Now his people were suffering, and he was far from them.

Day turned to evening.

Evening tonight near Mayah, neither ate nor drank.

He wept, he prayed, and he waited, Oh Lord.

Lot of him, the grated, awesome God who keeps steadfast love with those who love him, and keep his wardness.

That you attended, and your eyes offen to hear the prayer of your servant.

He pressed his forehead against the floor, his breath shallow and reverent.

He couldn't comfort Israel in her time of need, but he knew the one who could.

We have acted compleatly against you.

We have not kept the commandments, the statues, the rules that you commanded your servant, Moses.

You said, if we've returned to you and kept your commands, even if we were exiled to depart this horizon, you would gather us.

Care and bring us back to the place you chose as a dwelling for your name.

His voice cracked, O, Lord.

Let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants.

Could you like to fear your name?

You've success to your servant today, grant him mercy.

In the sight of the.

Oil lamp behind him hissed as it ran dry, extinguishing the flame.

Silence settled around him like a warm cloak.

Despite the darkness, a new flame began to ignite.

A fire in Nearmiah's chest began to glow with a different kind of heat.

Resolve, passion flooded Nearmiah's heart.

For his nation, he would not sit idly by, not anymore.

The following day, the great court of King Artaxerxes bustled with movement.

Gold and lapis gems shimmered on every surface, and long silken curtains billowed gently in the breeze.

The light of midday spilled out onto the polished statues scattered throughout the great hall.

The king, flanked by guards and noblemen, on his throne, lifted above the others.

Nehemiah approached the base of the steps before the king, caup in hand.

For decades he had served as cupbearer, idly listening to conversations others would only dream of hearing.

Smiling at the king's company, as though his ears were deaf to their talk, he stepped forward and offered the goblet.

Over the years, his face had been the picture of composure, always pleasant, always respectful.

But today something was different.

Neemiah's eyes remained fastened to the ground, his creased lips pursed in sorrow.

Despite his best efforts to hide it, the grief etched into his features had not gone unnoticed.

Near meyerh, why does your face look so troubled?

Neamiyah froze.

Rarely did he expect an acknowledgment in his duties, least of all from the king.

Surely you are not ill, or I would have heard of it.

There is something else I sense.

There is a great sadness in your heart.

Nea Maya's throat dried.

He was standing before the most powerful man in the empire.

While he had always found contentment in his anonymity, it was now apparent that his presence was more noticed than he realized.

He vainly attempted to capture his emotions and translate them into words.

One wrong answer could mean disgrace or worse.

But the God of Israel was with him.

An unseen presence thrust Ne'emiah forward as he bowed deeply.

Truth demanded courage, and now was the time for truth.

Made the king live forever.

Why should my face not be set when the city of my ancestors lies in ruins and its gates had been destroyed by fire?

The court fell silent.

The king studied him, then leaned forward.

Slightly, lift your head and meet my gaze.

Nehemiah looked up hesitantly, but he was not met with anger or irritation as he thought he would.

No, the eyes of the king were soft, studying his servant.

He spoke, calmly, what is it you would ask of me?

The fear that had gripped Neemiah's heart began to melt, his trembling hands easing their grip around the goblet.

Nehemiah took a steady breath, then another.

In his heart, he pleaded with God one more time.

If it pleases the king, and if your servant has not favorab must send me Jude to the city of my ancestors so that I may rebuke it.

A pause that felt like eternity followed.

The King exchanged a glance with the queen beside him.

How long will your journey and when will you return?

The question sent a job through Nehemiah's chest.

It wasn't to dismissal, it wasn't to rebuke.

It was interest, and more importantly, permission.

Niemiah responded, and, to his delight, was met with a nod.

Neemiah bowed in preparation to depart, but was hindered by a thought he couldn't ignore.

Speaking was never his strong suit, but his mind wouldn't let him ignore the thought.

If it pleases.

My day, what board it wist?

After Xerxes raised his eyebrows, he waved an open hand towards the cup bearer, inviting him to speak further.

Nehemiah swallowed as his eyes started about the floor.

I ask all letters for the governors beyond the river, that they may grant me safe passage until I arrive at Judah, and a letter to Aesa, the kith of the King's forest will give me temple, for the gates of the fortress of the temple, for the city wan, and.

For the house I will pot the Neemyah lifted his eyes slowly to meet the king.

The king nodded with a smile.

Impressed by the servant's boldness, he respected near Maiah's devotion to his people.

Let it be done, Oh that you ask, shall be who worded?

Neamiah lowered his head in awe.

Undoubtedly the gracious hand of God was upon him.

Evening's darkened glow blanketed the Persian landscape.

Neemiah stood at the edge of the palace gardens, gazing out across the orange horizon.

The torches of Sousa flickered behind him, but his eyes were already looking eastward.

Footsteps approached behind him.

You spoke with the king.

Nehemiah nodded, unfazed.

His eyes remained on the eastern skies.

Believe with Jerusalem within the weak Hanna, and I let out a quiet breath of disbelief, not really going after all these years, Nehemiah turned to his brother.

His voice was steady, though the tear gliding down his cheeks.

Spoke of the immense way of his emotions.

Our people are a disgrace.

Add I can no longer be content with luxury while they suffer.

The walls are rock the gates are burned.

But our God is faithful.

He looked up at the stars bright against the night sky, and.

I will not step by while his name is forgot.

Far beyond the palace walls, in the land of his ancestors, the city of God awaited.

Nehemiah closed his eyes and smiled.

He was going home.

If your faith has been kindled by this podcast and it has affected your life, we'd love it if you left her review.

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 Iva Hashem Vishmerechra Yeah Heir hashempanave eleven ye sa hashempanave lera.

Salon.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make his face shine upon you.

May he be gracious to you.

Made the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.

Amen.

You can listen to the Chosen People with Isle Exstein add free by downloading and subscribing to the pray 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 uses of the Chosen People with Yil Eckstein, edited by Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltofianu.

Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotten, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky, 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 Paulinier, Robin van Ettin, Kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, Rabbi Edward Abramson, and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

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If you enjoyed The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.