Read Online By Way of the Wilderness by Gilbert Morris - Free Book Online Page A

Moses.”
    Moses smiled and moved over to put his arm around Miriam. “You have followed me all of my life to see this day, haven’t you?”
    â€œYes. I knew when I saw the princess pick you out of the water that you were going to redeem Israel from slavery.”
    Jochebed suddenly began to cry. “I remember how very hard it was to give you up that day.”
    â€œBut now,” Moses said, “God has given me back to you.” He stood tall and strong, and his parents saw the burning light of strength in the eyes of their broad-shouldered son. “God will deliver our people.”
    ****
    When Moses stopped by the hut of Yagil and Berione early the next morning, he saw a guard named Magon, one of the cruelest of the taskmasters, outside the hut taunting Berione. He was holding her by the shoulders and laughing as she protested. Yagil came out of the hut and said, “I will go to work today. Leave her alone.”
    Magon reached out and struck the old man a terrible blow in the chest. It drove Yagil backward, and he began gagging and choking.
    Berione tore herself loose and went to her husband. She fell down and put her arms around him, calling his name. Moses moved forward, and as he did, he heard her cry, “He’s dead! He’s dead!”
    â€œThen you need a man now,” Magon said with a cruel laugh, grabbing Berione’s arm and pulling her up. He had begun to tear at her clothing and Moses knew he had to do something.
    â€œLet her go.”
    Magon turned to see a large figure coming at him swiftly. He dropped Berione’s arm and plucked a dagger out of his belt, holding it out menacingly. “On your way, fellow.”
    But Moses continued to advance. “You have killed him,” he said.
    â€œAnd I’ll kill you!” Magon growled in a guttural tone. He had killed many of the slaves, and though this one was bigger, he had no doubt he would kill him as well. He leaped forward, thrusting the dagger out, intending to pierce his opponent through the heart.
    But Moses’ training in arms stood him in good stead. With a quick motion of his wrist, he turned the blow of the dagger aside, then closing his hands over the fist that held the dagger, he put his leg behind Magon and threw him to the ground. The breath rushed out of Magon, and he saw the dagger in his own fist coming down toward his throat.
    â€œNo—no!” he cried out.
    But it was too late. Inexorably the dagger came down, piercing the throat of the Egyptian, scraping on the bone until it was down to the hilt. Scarlet blood exploded from the struggling man’s neck, and a filmy red mist floated from his mouth. He tried to speak, but his mouth was filled with blood.
    Moses stood up and watched as Magon made a feeble attempt to pull the dagger out. But it was too late. He shuddered, kicked the ground with his heels, then went limp and still. With one look at Berione, Moses knew he had to get rid of the body of the Egyptian or she would pay the price.
    â€œHere. Let me help you move Yagil inside and then I will come back and see to his burial.” He carried the fragile body into the hut and then, with an easy motion, scooped up the body of the Egyptian. He threw it over his shoulder and hurried away. He looked carefully for witnesses but saw no one, for it was very early in the morning, the light barely dawning. By the time full light had come, he was standing beside a grave he had scooped out with his bare hands and dumped the body of the Egyptian in. He looked down at the man in disgust, feeling no compassion or pity for him. “You will kill no more Hebrews,” he said, then turned and went back to see what he could do for his dead brother.
    ****
    For several days Moses was apprehensive that someone might have seen him. He half expected one of the Egyptians to arrest him, but nothing happened. A week later he began to relax. Although he kept up his work as a slave, it all