# 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 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

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.

# 248 - The Rise of Esther - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Mordecai’s public grief forces Esther to choose between palace safety and covenant courage, leading her to fast, reveal her true name—Hadassah—and step toward the throne “for such a time as this.” With the golden scepter extended and a strategic banquet set, her quiet wisdom begins to unravel Haman’s plot and awaken hope for her people.

Episode 248 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 16:24, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow 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:

(01:38) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:28) The Rise of Esther

(21:16) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 247 - Whispers of Evil - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Mordecai exposes an assassination plot and is forgotten as Haman rises to power, demands homage, and spins a sealed decree to annihilate the Jews. In the shadows of Persia’s palace, Esther’s hidden position—and a single act of defiance—sets the stage for a showdown between whispering evil and quiet courage.

Episode 247 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, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” 

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) Whispers of Evil

(21:14) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 246 - The Peasant Princess - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Dragged from obscurity into Persia’s palace, an orphan named Esther is swept into a beauty selection that feels more like exile than honor—yet quiet courage and hidden providence begin to move behind the curtains. In Esther 2, witness how favor, fidelity, and a remembered name (“Hadassah”) set the stage for a peasant princess to become a queen.

Episode 246 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 Corinthians 1:27, “But God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise.”

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:

(01:49) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:39) The Peasant Princess

(28:49) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 245 - The Exiled Queen - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein,

Episode 245 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 118:6, “Yahweh is on my side. I will not be afraid. What can man do to 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

(01:57) The Exiled Queen

(18:04) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 244 - Daniel & The Lion’s Den - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, When a royal decree outlaws prayer, Daniel’s only “crime” is faithfulness—so his enemies throw him into a pit of lions. Journey through Daniel 6 as God shuts mouths, topples schemes, and proves that allegiance to the Eternal King outlasts every empire.

Episode 244 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, Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid. Don't be dismayed, for Yahweh, your God is 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:

(0_:__) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(0_:__) Daniel & The Lion’s Den

(__:__) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 243 - The Writing on The Wall - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, A drunken feast in Babylon is shattered by a disembodied hand writing judgment on the wall—MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. Walk with Daniel in Daniel 5 as he deciphers the message, confronting pride, false worship, and the urgency to humble ourselves before the God who numbers our days.

Episode 243 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 John 10:27, My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow 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:

(01:51) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:02) The Writing on The Wall

(22:12) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# 242 - The King & The Beast - In this episode of The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, Nebuchadnezzar—the “Beast King”—is stripped of his glory and driven to the fields until he lifts his eyes to heaven. Discover how pride dehumanizes and how humble worship restores our reason, dignity, and calling as God’s image-bearers.

Episode 242 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 resists the proud but gives grace 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:

(01:52) Intro with Yael Eckstein

(02:42) The King & The Beast

(28:07) Reflection with Yael Eckstein

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.