Unleashing Chaos on Chaos

The angel of God, who had been leading Israel’s army, now moved and went around behind them. And the column of cloud, moving from in front of them, took up its place behind them, so that it came between the Egyptian army and that of Israel. And when it became dark, the cloud illumined the night; … Read more

History, Memory, and Liturgy

And on that day you will explain to your son, ‘This is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ It will be like a sign* on your hand and a reminder on your forehead, so that the teaching of the LORD will be on your lips: with a strong hand the LORD brought … Read more

Israel as Firstborn Priest

“When the LORD, your God, has brought you into the land of the Canaanites, just as he swore to you and your ancestors, and gives it to you, you will dedicate to the LORD every newborn that opens the womb; and every firstborn male of your animals will belong to the LORD.  Every firstborn of a … Read more

Life: A Drama of Inescapable Terror

And so at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh sitting on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn of the animals. Pharaoh arose in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians; … Read more

Pharaoh’s Hard Heart

But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the Land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you; then I will lay my hand upon Egypt and bring forth my hosts, my people, the sons of Israel, by great acts of judgement.   And the Egyptians shall know that … Read more

Moses’ Uncircumcised Lips

And Moses said to the Lord, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then shall Pharaoh listen to me, who am a man of uncircumcised lips.  Exodus 6:12 Up to this point Moses has been a failure, at least with regard to accomplishing great things. His first attempt as a young man … Read more

The Battle Begins: An Allegory

The LORD said to Aaron: Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. So he went; when meeting him at the mountain of God, he kissed him.   Moses told Aaron everything the LORD had sent him to say, and all the signs he had commanded him to do. Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered all the elders … Read more

The Young Moses

So [Moses’ mother] took the child and nursed him.  And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son; and she named And the child grew, and she named him Moses, for she said, “Because I drew him out of the water.” Exodus 2:9f. Seven times Moses is referred … Read more