Ezrae’s Story, Part One: “Israel & The Red Sea.”

"The plagues were a testament to Yahweh's power," Ezrae picked up speaking where Aaron had left off, his eyes shining with conviction. "They shook the very foundation of Egypt, forcing Pharaoh to reconsider his stance on the slavery of Israel. Yet, it was the final plague, the death of the firstborns, that finally broke Pharaoh Rameses II's resolve."

Hur set his attention on Ezrae and smiled. It had been 37 years since he heard Ezrae tell a story. "Aahhhh… brother Ezrae, if you don't mind. I must truly say that I love the way you say words. I've missed you more than anyone else in these last 35 years. Okay. Continue. I apologize." He continue to listen as Ezrae faltered for a second, his voice cracking from the power of the emotion in his heart.

"And so, under the cover of night, Moses led us out of Egypt, a nation in turmoil," Ezrae's voice echoed through the camp. "But for some reason, Rameses decided that he actually didn't want to let us leave, and he pursued us with his mighty army, seeking to bring us back into bondage."

Ezrae raised his arms dramatically, his voice filled with intensity. A small visual of the events at the Red Sea took place in the sand because of Ezrae's blessing, as he recounted the story, "The Pharaoh thought he would win, but our God, Yahweh, had a plan. As we stood before the Red Sea, trapped between its mighty waters and the approaching Egyptian army, Moses raised his staff high, calling upon the very blessings of Yahweh, and the Lord God worked a miracle before our very eyes."

Ezrae's gestures became grander as he described the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. A large valley occurred in the sand mimicking the sea. "The waters, like towering walls, parted, revealing a path of dry land, in the midst of the sea. We walked across, our hearts filled with awe and gratitude, as Yahweh protected us."

Hur was enraptured by this idea, looking at Moses saying, "You really managed to split an entire ocean?!"

Moses chuckled and shook his head, sleepily saying "All glory to God, Hur. You know that." In response, Ezrae smiled at them both and chuckled to himself, as he watched Moses nodding off in his peripheral view. He took a deep breath, before continuing.

"But Pharaoh and his army, their hearts hardened by their desire for vengeance, pursued us into the sea. It was then that Yahweh caused confusion, destruction, and even death to fall upon them. A Pillar of Fire, Smoke, and Dust descended upon them, obscuring their vision, making them stumble and lose their way…"

Ezrae's voice dropped to a whisper, a sense of reverence and a tinge of sadness in his words. "And when Moses stretched out his hand once more, the waters came crashing down, engulfing Pharaoh's army. They were vanquished, never to threaten us again… Rameses, finally realizing he was facing powers far beyond his comprehension, took the few men he had left and went back to Egypt.

That was far from the end though… Our journey through the wilderness has not been without challenges, brother. That was simply the beginning." he stretched, yawning. It was late, very late. While they had spoken, they had gone in turns to collect food and sleeping sacks and water, in order to prepare for bed.the moon was high in the sky and the darkness of the night consumed the Israelite encampment.

Ezrae slumped against the tent next to Hur, weariness etched on his face as he inspected his long lost brother's face. He took a deep breath and began sharing the story.

"Hur, my friend, these last few months have been absolutely insane. It has been a journey filled with challenges and miracles.

We have been wandering through the desert, searching for water, food, shelter, peace, and proper civilization, for MONTHS. We're going on 4 or 5 months at this point… We have quarreled amongst ourselves; dealt with the shortages of food, water, and fellowship; and we have even fought legendary beasts of the Old Lore. We have been to many an oasis, and we have witnessed the power, blessings, miracles and mercies of our Lord God, Yahweh"

He looked at Hur, his eyes reflecting the weariness they shared in. Moses had fallen asleep in his chair in the corner, and Aaron had dozed off on a sleeping sack. Miriam was still up, sitting with the 2 boys, and listening to Ezrae tell his story.