Previously on the chosen people. Guided by the hand of their brother Joseph, a man of dreams and visions, the families of Israel found sanctuary in the region of Goshen. There on the fringes of Egyptian grandeur, they multiplied.
These Hebrews are contributing nothing and taking everything. They grow crops on my land, heard on my hills, and drink from my rivers.
What do I get in return? Nothing?
Even worse, they are so great in number that they can be trusted.
If our enemies choose to invade. What's to stop.
Them from joining their side?
What are your commands, Lord Pharaoh?
The Israelites are no longer guests in my land. From this day forth, they shall be bricks laid at the foundation of my empire.
The soldiers marched into Goshen, their armor clinking with the cold efficiency of death. They claimed the fields, drove the herds into Pharaoh's barns, and stripped the people of their tools. Egyptian commanders were appointed over the Hebrews, each flanked by battalions of soldiers, eager to enforce their lord's decree, And so the children of Israel were bound in chains. Their
lives consumed by the relentless toil of Pharaoh's ambitions. Day after day, the sun rose and set, casting its unforgiving light upon a land where time itself seemed to stretch into eternity. Under the lash, beneath the weight of stones and mortar, the people of Israel cried out to the God of their fathers, Oh.
Deliver us, rescue york people.
Two midwives, a king's command, and a choice that defied in empire. Shallo, my friends from here in the Holy Land, Welcome to the Chosen People. I'm ya l Extein with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. If you haven't yet followed the podcast, be sure to do so now. That way you never have to miss an episode, and that small step helps us tremendously as we try to be discovered by more people so that we can inspire them.
If you're interested in finding out more about the prophetic, life saving work of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, you can visit our website at IFCJ dot org. Do we fear God more than man? Across the sands of ancient Egypt, Pharaoh's decree comes down, a command to kill every newborn Hebrew boy. Two Hebrew midwives stand at a crossroads of life and death, of power and righteousness. In the face of absolute authority, they choose defiance, fearing God
more than they feared the king. This is a story of quiet rebellion and unwavering faith that changed history forever. As we step into this saga inspired by Exodus one twelve to twenty two, ask yourself this, when human power and divine command collide, where does your allegiance lie?
Blood tears and broken prayers dripped onto the Egyptian sands. The Hebrews, once free, now lived under the crushing yoke of bondage, them memories of liberty fading like distant echoes. The generations that had known life outside the chains of servitude were gone, and in their place remained a people born to the lash, acquainted only with despair. They no longer prayed as their ancestors had. Their prayers were brittle, spoken to a god who seemed more myth than reality.
The God of Abraham was a faint echo passed down through generations. The elders held tightly to his memory, but with each generation the grip loosened. The only god they knew now was Pharaoh an ever present force, his wrath burning upon their backs like the relentless desert sun. His taskmasters were his priests, and the backs of the Hebrews were the altars upon which blood and flesh were sacrificed daily.
Yet within them a.
Spark still smoldered, a remnant of their forefather, Jacob, a sliver of hope that refused to be extinguished. In their despair, they multiplied, They loved, they laughed, They clung to each other in the face of overwhelming aunts. Their shared commitment to one another whispered prayers to the God of Jacob amidst the beatings was their only weapon, their quiet rebellion. But this strength made them a threat the cruel pharaoh
who enslaved them. Rameses the First had passed. The Israelite scars told the tale of his legacy, a legacy of brutality, conquest, and oppression. His son SETI took his place. Both drank from the same well of hatred and pride as their forebears. Their thirst for power was in safe, and their knights were haunted by visions of revolt.
These Hebrews are like rats breeding in the shadows. They already outnumber my soldiers. We must cut the Hebrews off before they become unmanageable.
Shall we execute some of the men, Lord Pharaoh, don't be.
So foolish and short sighted. Those men lay my bricks and hoist the statues of my greatness. I need their arms and legs. No, we need to cut them off for a generation, starve their multiplication. Yes, we must take the children. How shall we proceed, Bring me the middle the women who aid the mothers in labor at.
Once, Yes, Lord Pharaoh.
The air was pierced by the cries of a woman in labor. Her breath ragged as she fought through the pain.
That's right, my dear, keep breathing, Do not push, and do not fight, Just breathe.
Shifra sat on her birthstool, gently coaching a young woman through labor. Her tone was steady, gentle, and comforting. She guided the mother to be through every step and position.
Lay on your side, now, my dear.
Shifra was a master at her craft. Midwives were revered pillars among the Israelites. They were steady guides, bringing babies from the womb into the world and mothers from maidenhood to motherhood. She, like few others, truly feared God Most High, her faith as unshakable as the earth beneath her feet. With each birth, each cry of a newborn, and each silence of a child lost, Shifra drew closer to the heart of the Creator. Shifra gripped the woman's legs and spoke with a firm, steady voice.
Now as the time, my dear, do not hold back.
You must push.
Now, let's meet your child.
The young mother did as she was told, her face contorted with pain and determination. The woman pressed her legs against Sheifra's hands and pushed. Her labored sighs gave way to shouts of brief pain. The woman's screams filled the room, raw and powerful, until finally the child emerged into Sheifra's waiting hands.
A strong, healthy boy, My dear, your husband will be so proud.
Her cry pierced the air. A strong, healthy boy. She immediately placed him on his mother's chest.
May God most hy bless you and your child. My dear, there is no greater joy and pain than being a mother. It hurts you now, but the real soreness comes later when he is no longer suckling, and is off to the quarry. Enjoy these moments, my dear Savor them, as Sarah savored Isaac long ago, for every child is a miracle, not just the ones born to the matriarchs.
The ordeal over, Schifra set to work, cleaning up boiling water for a warm pad and tea. She moved with a practiced grace, her hands never faltering as she stirred the leaves, letting the fragrant steam rise. She soaked cloths in hot water, pressing them gently against the mother's abdomen, and brought a cup of tea to the woman's lips. Shifra left the tent with her birthstool. The moon hung low, shrouded by a haze of dust and smoke. The paths she walked were jagged, ill, kept a reflection of the
broken lives lived by those who walked them. After a day of hauling stones and paving roads for Pharaoh, nothing was left for the Hebrews In Goshen, Sifra watched as men returned from their labor, their bodies battered, their spirits bruised. They steeled themselves before entering their homes, hiding their despair from their children, their pain from their wives. Sifra's heart ached as she watched them, remembering each of them as babes cradled in their mother's arms, full of life and promise.
Now they were shadows of men, their backs bent, their faces hard, trudging forward like beasts of burden. Sifra made it to her home, which she shared with the other midwife. She entered with worry creased on her brow, reclining at a table weaving a basket with her coarse hands.
Was poor.
She was ten years Sheafra as junior, but just as respected. Sensing Sheafra's weariness, Poora stood and took the birthstool from her. She poured a cup and placed it in Sheafra's hands.
Did Ziva have her child?
Yes, a strong little boy with a head fat enough to split the nile. For a moment, I was worried about that poor girl. But she did it. She was a strong one, steady till the end.
Oh, another boy, another back for Pharaoh's whips.
As I walked back and saw all the men coming home, memories of them as babes flashed before my eyes.
Yes, but for all their suffering, they still fall in love and have children. They still laugh and forget their troubles for moments long enough to make love and bring forth a new generation. The cycle repeats again and again. Even in despair, moments of love sustain us. This is the way of our people.
They sat in silence, letting the weight of the day settle around them, until a loud knock shattered the quiet. Sheifra's blood ran cold. She knew that knock the same brutal pounding that had preceded the seizure of her husband and son, taken to serve Pharaoh's army and never returned.
Probo saves.
Ready yourself, my dear.
She opened the door, and immediately it was flung wide. Three palace guards storming inside. One seized Sheifra by the arm, another advanced on poor. They knew better than to resist, remaining silent and submissive as they were dragged away. Sheifra had heard stories about the great city of Pharaoh, but none could properly prepare her for its grandeur. Compared to the slums of Goshen, the city surrounding the palace seemed
like another world. They were escorted through the bustling streets of thieves, The crowded markets were filled with the sounds of merchants walking their wares and the clatter of donkey carts. Merchants and nobles reclined at tables with cups in hand. Music played in the streets, adding to the incessant and never ending noise. The palace loomed ahead, its walls high in imposing, adorned with banners and emblems representing the might
of Pharaoh. Upon entering the palace grounds, the atmosphere changed dramatically. The city's noise gave way to an almost reverent silence, broken only by the murmurs of priests and the soft footsteps of servants. The floors beneath their feet were smooth, polished stone, cool to the touch, and glee under the flickering light of oil lamps. The architecture was awe inspiring, with tall columns carved to resemble lotus flowers and papyrus plants,
symbolizing the eternal life of Pharaoh's kingdom. The air was thick with the scent of incense and a heady mixture of myrrh, frank incense, and other exotic spices meant to purify and sanctify the space. The palace, walls built of limestone, were adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics, each telling stories of gods, kings, and conquests.
When Pharaoh addresses you, keep your eyes on the floor. Only Egyptians can gaze at the sun and live.
I cannot tell if he's breathing a threat or explaining a fact.
The opulence became even more overwhelming as they were brought deeper into the palace. The walls were painted in vibrant colors, depicting scene of gods and pharaohs triumphing over enemies, with gold and lapis lazuli inlays catching the light. The air was cool there, protected from the heat by thick stone walls and high ceilings. They passed through gardens filled with lush greenery, rare flowers, and fountains, all meticulously maintained, creating
an oasis of tranquility. Yet Shifra and Poor were far from tranquil.
What could Pharaoh possibly want with us?
We wouldn't be summoneer in such a manner for something good. He is going to demand something of us.
Finally, Shifra and Poor were led into the throne room. It was vast, with a high ceiling supported by massive columns, each painted with images of the gods. The throne was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, inlaid with precious stones and gold, flanked by statues of falcons and sphinxes, symbols of the pharaoh's divine authority. Then they saw him, Pharaoh SETI, seated on this throne as a figure of almost other worldly presence. His shaved head wore a head dress adorned with sapphires.
His bare chest bore golden wings. In his hands with a crook and flail, symbols of his rule over Upper and Lower Egypt. His gaze was stern and penetrating, and the weight of his authority was palpable, filling the room with an almost tangible sense of power. The midwives were brought forward, their movements closely monitored by the guards and courtiers.
Meil before the image of raw the Lord of the Nile, the morning and evening star.
Pil Pharaoh, Shifra, and Poor kept their heads low and their gaze fixed on the door. The tension in the room was thick as they awaited the pharaoh's words. The women were acutely aware that their lives were entirely in the hands of this living God. Any slight misstep could lead to severe punishment.
You are the midwives who aid the Hebrew women in labor.
Yes, yes, Lord Pharaoh.
Then you know where and have more witness to the rapid multiplication of your people. You are breeding like rats under ground. I shall have an end to it.
The women were silent, knowing better than to ask questions or reply with a comment.
I have brought you here instead of sending an.
Envoy to communicate the severity by which I give my command. When you are on the birth stool and you see a son born to a Hebrew woman, you shall kill him without a second thought. If it is a daughter, then the baby shall live. This is the decree of Pharaoh, the image of raw, the Lord of the Nile, the morning and evening Star.
Poor tensed her entire body. Sheifer could tell she was about to speak, so she grabbed her forearm and squeezed, wanting to silence Poor before she had a chance to speak.
These are the commands you are to relay to the other midwives. I want the streets painted red with the blood of the Hebrew rats. And I understood it.
Took everything in Shiphra to open her jaw and breathe.
Out a reply, yes, Lord Pharaoh.
Poora's eyes darted sideways to Sheifra. She returned her gaze with an intense stare to remind her of where they were and who they were speaking to.
Now leave me.
The women were roughly escorted out and thrown into the streets of thieves, forced to find their way back to Goshen on their own. The second the gods were gone, poor lashed out at Sifra.
How could you agree to such a hideous thing? Schiffra, be quite.
Proud, Come with me.
The two women wove through the busy streets and tucked themselves into the shadows of an aneway. The slight flickering of nearby torches illuminated Sheifra's intense stare.
Do you really think I'd kill those babes?
Do you?
Defying Pharaoh would have led to our deaths. Then he would recruit other midwives and threaten them. If they refused, then he would rifle through all of them until he found someone willing to agree. We had to say yes, no choice. Does that mean will do what he's asked? Of course not I fear God most high, more than Pharaoh. It would be his children slain on those birthing stools. I will play no part in it.
You speak the truth. But what are we to do with these commands? Pharaoh will know if we have disobeyed him.
We tell him that Hebrew women are stronger than the Egyptians and are giving birth before we have a chance to attend them. It's only a half lie.
We must tell every woman under our care to hide their children from the taskmasters and guards. Yes, good, my dear Shifra, I fear this is only the beginning of Pharaoh's cruelty. We must prepare the rest of our people for what's to come.
The clouds hovered low of Agoshin as if to shield the Hebrew women from Pharaoh's high gaze. Shifra Poor and the other midwives operated by night, stealthily helping each mother through birth. They sent messengers to each household when a baby was expected to be born. That signaled the older children to start a commotion on the opposite side of town to distract Pharaoh's guards, allowing the women to give birth without fear of being heard. Months of this past,
and newborn boys were kept safe. God blessed the other midwives and gave them favor. He gave them children of their own and kept them safe. The Hebrews continued to multiply and thrive. The whips of Pharaoh wouldn't remove their hope. His cruel decrees wouldn't quell their love. The children lived and grew strong. However, their defiance wouldn't go unnoticed for long. Pharaoh didn't forget his decree and knew that Goshen's silence was deafening to their guilt. He sent for Sifra and
Poa again. This time they were taken by and thrown onto the palace floors. Pharaoh's rage was a living thing, coiled and ready to strike. He gripped his scepter, pointing it directly at them, his voice trembling with fury.
Did you think your defiance would escape my eye? I am Sah. I alone can awaken the eye of horace. Nothing passes from my gaze. Why have you let these children live?
Answer me?
Poor began to speak, but she first stopped her. She was the elder. If anyone would receive the ire of Pharaoh, it would be her. It was her joy to risk her life for the children's sake.
Lord Pharaoh, truly nothing escapes your eye. However, we are not blessed with such a sight ourselves. These hebrew women are not like the Egyptians. The Egyptian women give birth on silken sheets. You have rituals and ceremonies that harken to the arrival of each child. Yet these Hebrews are vigorous. They are able to give birth while working the fields or stirring a pot of stew. Once whispers of your decree surfaced, they've been giving birth before we have a chance to attend to them.
Pharaoh took a step down from his throne, and though Sheipra dared not look up, she could feel his presence looming over. Each step he took was like a hammer blow to her soul. The air thick with his anger.
I gave you Hebrew dogs a chance door bay. It was my mercy that held my spears at the bay. But no longer my will cannot be thwarted. It is as steady as denial, and as forceful as the lady eating flame of the sun.
You Hebrews will.
Know my power.
Pharaoh turned to his captain and raised his scepter. Sheifra caught a glimpse of his arms. They were tight with muscle, firm and steady. His entire body was tense with anger.
Gush, will weep with the whils of mothers, as I tell their sons from their breasts. Take every son under the age of two, and cast.
Them into the nile.
The crocodiles will feast on the flesh, and the waters were turned crimson as a symbol of my power over them.
Pharaoh turned to Sifra and Poor. His breaths were hot with rage.
I ought to kill you both for failing me, but I want I want you to bear witness. I want you to gaze upon the blood denile and remember that no man or God is more powerful than the Pharaoh.
PUA's hands were pressing aggressively against the marble floors. Her body was shaking with grief. Tears streamed down her silent, trembling cheeks.
Weep if you must, but know that your tears do not sway me.
Gods, get them out.
Of my sight.
Shifra and Pooa were cast out again. This time they were thrown down the steps. They tumbled into the dust. The midwives cast their heads up from the floor and watched hundreds of soldiers march out of the palace barracks towards Goshen.
They're marching towards Goshen. We have to beat them there and warn the others.
You run ahead, my dear. I am not as spry as I used to be. I will see if I can slow them down.
What how, what are you going to do?
Shifra held her friend's face and kissed her on the forehead.
I will do what I must, as should you run, my dear.
Pouare's legs moved swiftly, bending through the crowded streets of thieves. Her strides were like a gazelle's as she desperately tried to reach Goshen before the soldiers. She for a turn toward the battalion of soldiers. She steadied her breath and marched toward them. She halted their steps and stretched her arms out. She had no plans to fight. She only needed to buy more time.
If I can say just one child, it will all be worth it.
Shifra lifted her voice and echoed the promise God made to Abraham. She believed in her heart of hearts that they were a chosen people, and not even fairer would thwart the promises made to them. With a resolute stare and steady voice, Sifra yelled, I will.
Make you a great nation.
I will bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you, and through you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Quit your babbling and step aside.
Remember your promises, O God, most hime, shut up, remember your chosen people.
Silence her, deliver us.
She for a step back and looked down. Her spear was driven straight through her belly. She coughed and blood poured out onto the dust. She fell to her knees and looked up. Her final thoughts were that of her husband and sons.
She missed them.
She longed to hold her child again in her arms. In her final moments, she prayed that God would deliver her people. She for a fell into the dust. The soldiers trembled over her body. On the way to Goshen, Poor was far ahead, desperate to warn the women so the children could be saved.
Wow.
What an incredible story. The raw unyielding courage displayed amid such brutal oppression is awe inspiring. My heart aches for the lives lost, but it sores that the resilience of the Chosen people. Here's something that I find fascinating. During the darkest period of Israel's enslavement, it was the courageous women of Israel who led the way. In Exodus one seventeen, it says, quote the midwives, however, feared God end quote. Their bravery was a beacon and a land crouded by despair.
Pharaoh demanded the death of every male Hebrew child. But Schiffra and Poah, those midwives with godly hearts, they stood defiant. They feared God more than the king of Egypt, choosing life over death, choosing hope over despair. We've all heard that old saying behind every great man is a great woman. But isn't it true? Not only do great women stand behind the great men of history, Almost every major step in God's plan in the Bible was actually driven by
the courage and initiative of great women. Sarah's decision to follow Abraham Rebecca's plan for Jacob to secure the blessing of Isaac roots kindness and care for Naomi, Abigail's wisdom for David, and Esther's decision to risk her own life to save the Chosen people.
The list goes on and on.
When we think of the story of Exodus from Egypt, the first name that comes to mind is the hero of the story is Moses, and Moses is certainly deserving of this recognition. It was Moses who heeded God's call to confront Pharaoh. The Bible itself testifies to Moses's status as the greatest of all prophets of Israel. But as we see from today's story, during the darkest period of Israel's enslavement in Egypt, it was the courageous women of
Israel who paved the path to redemption. They defied Pharaoh, risking their lives in the process and allowing the children of Israel not only to survive, but to flourish. In our next episode, we see Moses's mother hiding her newborn son from the Egyptian authorities for three whole months. When she couldn't hide him any longer, she actually put him in the river to save his life. And then Moses's sister, Miriam, another courageous woman, stood guard so she could interview at
exactly the right moment. We'll also see Pharaoh's daughter defind her father's royal orders by saving this Israelite child, who had ultimately become the redeemer of the chosen people. While the rest of the Exodus story is led by Moses and Aaron, these courageous Israelite women set the stage for Israel's liberation from Egypt and eventual birth as a nation. Let's take a closer look at these two Hebrew women who aren't as known as Esther or Ruth or Rebecca.
These women who ordered by Pharaoh to kill all male newborn babies actually feared God more than Pharaoh's punishment. These women who showed their full compassion to those little babies. Verse twenty tells us, so God was kind to the midwives, and the people increased and became even more numerous. But what does it mean that God was kind to the midwives. One train of fife and Jewish tradition teaches that the midwives reward was the second half of that verse, which
says the people increased and became even more numerous. You see the love of the midwives for the nation, for Israel was so great that this was the most wonderful reward that they could possibly receive. I'm speaking to right now from Israel, the Holy land which the Chosen People have now returned in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. And one thing that allowed us to return and allows us to remain here is that love for the nation that God gave us and for His word, the Bible that
we are still studying right now. Before we go, this is another interesting teaching in Jewish tradition about the midwives that I want to share with you. In English, verse fifteen says the King of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, but the Hebrew text is actually ambiguous. It reads ivriot lem al dot mietzrae melerillomort. These two words ivriotle mi al dota ivriot can be translated either as the Hebrew midwives or the midwives of the Hebrews.
You know what that would mean.
One of those translation means that the midwives were Hebrew, that they were the Israelites, and the other translation actually means that these midwives were Egyptian. That would mean that these brave Egyptian women had such a strong sense of morality, of what was right and wrong, that they even defied the decree of their own king in order to save
the Israelite babies. This alternate teaching in Jewish tradition is very important to me because it reminds me that the work that we do at the Fellowship, work that's only possible because of the help of millions of Christian friends who support and love Israel and the Jewish people, is
something that's holy. Like these Egyptian midwives, you are Christian friends, just like Corey ten Boone, so many others see clearly what is wrong and what is right, and you, our friends, are proud to stand with Israel and help save Jewish lives here in the Holy Land. So what does this ancient story mean for us today? Think about your own life. Have you ever faced a moment where doing the right
thingment standing alone? At our workplaces and our schools, or even with our families, we encounter modern day pharaohs, pressure to conform to what's wrong, to compromise our values shift from who as courage reminds us that our small acts of faithfulness really matter. You may feel like your stand is insignificant. When we stand up for what is right. We participate in the same story that saved Moses' life,
God's story. Our everyday choices to be honest, to be kind, to stand up for the oppressed are how we His Chosen People take part. Your faithfulness is seen by God. Trust in him and he will bless you.
You can listen to The Chosen People with Isle Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the Pray dot Com app today. This prey dot Com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabager and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People with Yile Eckstein, Edited by
Alberto Avilla, narrated by Paul Coltefianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvatore, A Celts, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Bree Rosalie and Aaron Salvato. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin van Ettin, kayleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller, and the team at International Fellowship
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