Moses, Man of the Mountain

News of Moses’s arrival in Egypt spreads quickly among the people of Goshen. Moses asks Aaron to summon the Elders of the tribes, and is surprised to find Aaron’s sister Miriam among them. Aaron says that Miriam has been called to prophecy, and insists that she be a part of Moses’s team. Sensing Aaron’s competitiveness and personal ambition, Moses encourages him to think of himself as a tool for the mountain god’s work. Moses tells the Elders that the mountain god plans to deliver them from Egypt, and that the sound of thunder will mark their freedom. The Hebrews call Moses their rod of salvation, and pray for thunder.

Moses and Aaron meet with Ta-Phar at the palace. Although Ta-Phar speaks arrogantly and flaunts his power, Moses senses his nervousness. Ta-Phar accuses Moses of trying to become king and insults the skills of the Hebrew army. Moses says the power of his right hand is enough to defeat Egypt. Ta-Phar brings in his priests, who turn sticks into snakes to demonstrate their power. Moses gives his staff to Aaron; when Aaron drops it, it turns into a snake that eats the priests’ snakes before turning back into a budding branch.