# 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.