In today’s reading, the descendants of Jacob - Israel - have grown from a clan into a nation in Goshen of Egypt. The hospitable Pharaoh of Joseph’s day has died, and another Pharaoh “who knew not Joseph” ascends the throne. Concerned about the massive population of the children of Israel becoming a threat to the Egyptians, he enslaves them. After about four centuries Moses is born to a Hebrew family of the tribe of Levi and given up as an infant to Pharaoh’s house in order to save his life. He is taken in by Pharaoh’s daughter and becomes her son, a member of Pharaoh’s household. When he is grown he kills an Egyptian to save a fellow Hebrew, and after must flee for his own life. Abiding in Midian, he marries and starts a family, living as a shepherd for his father-in-law Jethro. Moses encounters God in the miraculous vision of the burning bush, and is commissioned to spearhead the deliverance of the captive Hebrew nation in Egypt. He returns to Egypt with his brother Aaron and demands the release of the Hebrews to go and serve God in the wilderness.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission