# 256 - Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem with the king’s blessing to rebuild the city’s broken walls. As stone by stone is lifted, the people rise together in unity and faith, trusting that God’s hand is the true strength behind their restoration.

Episode 256 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 Isaiah 61:4, “They will rebuild the old ruins. They will raise up the former devastations. They will repair the ruined cities, that have been devastated for many generations.”

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:

(00:56) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(01:45) Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall

(15:48) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

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# 255 - Nehemiah’s Heart - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein,

Episode 255 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 Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”

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

(01:54) Nehemiah’s Heart

(13:55) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

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# 254 - The Chosen People Return - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Prophets Haggai and Zechariah rouse a stalled people as King Darius’ decree clears the way to finish the second temple—yet God soon sends Ezra, a Torah-scribe, to confront hearts that have grown cold. With scrolls in hand and tears on the temple steps, Ezra leads Israel into costly repentance and true return, turning rebuilt walls into renewed worship.

Episode 254 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 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can’t deny himself.”

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:

(01:42) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:32) The Chosen People Return

(23:35) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 253 - Rebuilding - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Returned exiles rebuild the altar and lay the temple’s foundation in Ezra 3–4, their songs of joy mingling with elders’ tears as worship rises from the ruins. When fake “allies” scheme and opposition mounts, the work stalls—but the altar’s flame keeps burning, calling a weary people to faithful beginnings.

Episode 253 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 Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

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:

(01:32) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:24) Rebuilding

(18:21) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 252 - Return of the Exiles - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Exiled Israel hears King Cyrus’s stunning decree and begins the long road home, as Zerubbabel and Jeshua rally families, priests, and Levites to return and rebuild. In Ezra 1–2, names are recorded, temple vessels are restored, and worship—more than walls—becomes the first foundation of renewal.

Episode 252 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 Hebrews 10:23, “Let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.”

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:

(02:24) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:13) Return of the Exiles

(18:02) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 251 - Esther the Hero - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, With Haman gone, Esther and Mordecai still face an irrevocable death decree and must act with courage and wisdom. Empowered by the king’s signet, they issue a counter-edict, lead their people to defend themselves, and transform a day marked for annihilation into Purim—a celebration of deliverance, steadfast faith, and God’s quiet providence.

Episode 251 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 1 Samuel 16:7, “for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.”

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:

(01:09) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(01:58) Esther the Hero

(22:57) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 250 - Haman Hangs - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, At Esther’s second banquet (Esther 6:14–7:10), the queen unveils her identity, exposes “this wicked Haman,” and the king orders Haman hung on the very gallows he built for Mordecai. This gripping episode explores courage under pressure, God’s quiet justice, and how pride prepares its own downfall.

Episode 250 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 103:8–10, “Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us for our iniquities.”

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:

(01:29) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:19) Haman Hangs

(18:05) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 249 - Haman's Plot - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, we witness Haman’s pride unravel as the gallows he builds for Mordecai become the stage for his own humiliation. In Esther 5:9–6:13, God’s hidden hand turns power upside down, reminding us that true honor belongs to the humble and that justice comes in His timing.

Episode 249 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 Job 20:6–7, “Though the pride of the wicked person reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever like his own dung; those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’”

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

(02:09) Haman's Plot

(18:55) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.