By Way of the Wilderness by Gilbert Morris Page B

tree.
    The guard stared at him in astonishment. “I do not know you.”
    â€œYou know that the work will be done, for you will watch me.”
    The guard lifted his whip, but suddenly the eyes of the strange slave burned, and the overseer took a step backward, his eyes filled with alarm.
    â€œWhat do you care who does the work as long as it gets done?”
    The guard watched as the strange slave slipped back into the pit. He looked out of place there, his limbs muscular and rounded, his neck wide and strong. The guard watched for a time, then shrugged. “Maybe he’s right. What do I care as long as the work’s done?” He walked over and looked at the frail body of Yagil and saw the blood mixed with mud on his chest. “He won’t last long anyway.”
    ****
    Berione looked up, shocked to see her husband being helped along by a stranger, a tall man who did not appear to be a slave, yet was dressed in a slave’s loincloth.
    â€œHusband,” she cried, rushing to his side, “what is it?”
    â€œHe was too sick to work,” the man supporting him said. “I took his place.”
    â€œPut him down over here.”
    Moses put the limp form down on the mat and watched as the wife bathed his face and body with water. Yagil was panting, unable to get his breath, but he turned to the man and managed to ask in a weak voice, “What is your name?”
    â€œI am Moses … of the tribe of Levi.”
    â€œThe tribe of Levi?”
    â€œYes. I am the son of Amram and Jochebed.”
    Both Yagil and Berione stared unbelieving at Moses. They knew his story, as did all the Hebrews.
    â€œBut you are not a slave. Why are you here?” Yagil asked in astonishment.
    â€œI am a Hebrew. I must join myself to my people.”
    Moses turned to leave, but Berione said, “Wait. Stay. I have food fixed.”
    Moses turned and smiled at her. “Thank you. I am hungry.”
    The meal that Moses sat down to was simple—a watery stew with little meat in it. He did not ask what it was. He watched as Berione urged more food upon her husband, but the man seemed uninterested in food.
    â€œI was surprised that the guards permitted you to work for me,” Yagil said.
    â€œWhy did you do such a thing?” Berione asked.
    â€œBecause my brother here was sick and I wanted to help.”
    â€œAll of our people are sick,” Yagil said huskily. His voice was weak and reedy, and an unhealthy pallor discolored his complexion. “You cannot work for all of us—even as strong as you are.”
    â€œNo, I cannot, but I will do what I can,” Moses said.
    Then he rose and nodded to the couple. “I will come back in the morning. I will find the guard to tell him that I am working in your place. You must rest, my brother, until you are well.”
    But Yagil was studying Moses with the eyes of one who knew his fate. “It is too late for me, but I will pray that the strong God we worship will help others who are stronger than I.”
    After Moses left, Berione said, “I’ve never seen anyone as strong as he is.”
    â€œYes, strong in body but even stronger in spirit. When he put his eyes on the guard, I thought the guard would run away. He is the one sent to help us. Not just you and me, Berione, but our whole people.”
    ****
    After the day’s work had been completed and the evening meal consumed, Korah called a meeting of the elders to order. He stared at Moses, displeasure in his eyes.
    â€œYour brother has done a foolish thing,” Korah said bluntly, directing his words to Aaron. “You should have counseled him better.”
    â€œHe did counsel me.” Moses spoke up, wearing a simple linen garment around his waist, the muscles of his arms and chest standing out in stark relief. He stood with his legs slightly apart and his arms crossed in the Egyptian manner.
    â€œThat is right,” Aaron broke in. “I have