# 160 - Saul: The Rejected King – In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, we explore 1 Samuel 15 and the unraveling of Saul’s kingship after he defies God’s command. Through dramatic storytelling and spiritual insight, we reflect on the cost of partial obedience and the call to trust God fully, even when His ways seem difficult to understand.

Episode 160 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 1 Samuel 15:22, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

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:

(01:46) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:59) Saul: The Rejected King

(30:46) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 159 - Jonathan: The Philistine Slayer - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, we explore 1 Samuel 14 and the story of Jonathan’s surprise attack on a Philistine outpost. As fear paralyzes Israel’s army, Jonathan’s quiet faith and decisive action reveal how God can work through even the smallest steps of trust.

Episode 159 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 Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be 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:

(01:18) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:17) Jonathan: The Philistine Slayer

(20:59) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 158 - Saul: The False Priest - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Saul faces growing pressure as Israel trembles before the Philistine army, and in a moment of fear and impatience, he performs a sacred duty meant only for the prophet Samuel. This episode explores how Saul’s decision to take control rather than trust in God’s timing marks a turning point in his leadership—and in Israel’s future.

Episode 158 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:

(01:55) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:45) Saul: The False Priest

(15:21) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 157 - Jonathan: Son of Saul - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Jonathan steps into battle with courage and faith, while his father Saul wavers under pressure, grasping for control in the face of fear. This episode explores how a leader’s choices shape not just their own legacy, but the hearts of the next generation.

Episode 157 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; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth”

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:

(01:15) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:04) Jonathan: Son of Saul

(11:41) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 156 - Samuel's Farewell - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Samuel gives his final address to the people of Israel, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and warning them of the cost of turning away. As Saul steps into leadership, the prophet urges both king and people to walk in humility and obedience, trusting that only God can sustain the nation.

Episode 156 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 121:8, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

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:

(01:36) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:36) Samuel's Farewell

(14:21) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 155 - Saul: The Conqueror - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Saul rises from obscurity to lead a fierce rescue—and prove himself as king. But even in victory, questions loom: is this the beginning of God’s deliverance, or the first crack in a crown forged by human desire?

Episode 155 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 28:7, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps 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:

(01:12) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:07) Saul: The Conqueror

(23:13) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 154 - Saul: The King - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Israel's first king is revealed—but not with triumph or celebration, rather with trembling and hesitation. In this pivotal episode, Saul is called out of hiding to wear the crown the people demanded, raising the haunting question: what happens when God gives us what we ask for, even when it's not what we need?

Episode 154 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 James 4:6, “God opposes the proud but shows favor 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:

(01:17) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:10) Saul: The King

(14:10) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 153 - Saul: The Anointed - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Saul sets out to find lost donkeys but instead stumbles into divine destiny. In this episode, the reluctant future king of Israel is anointed by Samuel, setting in motion a story of leadership, fear, and the fragile weight of being chosen. Through the ordinary, God begins something extraordinary.

Episode 153 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 Matthew 20:26, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

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:

(01:27) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:22) Saul: The Anointed

(20:26) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.