Exodus - The Story of Israel

Cecil B. de Mille

Cecil B. de Mille filmed, 'The Ten Commandments' in late 1956, early 1957. It was a 220 minute epic and was based on the works of Philo, Josephus, and Eusebius, with reference to The Midrash and the Torah. The story touched me then. It touches me now.

Seti, Pharoah of Egypt

Historically, the Pharoah at the time of the birth of Moses was Seti. He died during the sojourn of Moses in the desert and was replaced by his son Ramses. It was Seti, who fearing that growing numbers of the Israelites might bring harm to his kingdom, put them into slavery. He ordered that they be used to build the cities of Pithom and Raamses.

Moses is born

Into this setting was born Moses, the son of a Levi man and woman, named Amram and Jochebed. Torah says of this time, "And Seti decreed that all Hebrew male children be put to death."

It was then that Jochebed, the mother of Moses, hid her child for three months. When she could no longer hide him, she made a basket of reeds, set it asail on the Nile, and told Miriam, her daughter, to note its destination. The basket went floating down the river.

Adopted into Royalty

Moses grew up to be a Prince of Egypt, and at some point became aware that he was of Hebrew birth. So it was that he began to explore his roots and went to visit his people. When he saw their hardship, his heart must have been stirred, for he saw an Egyptian hitting a Hebrew, and he killed the Egyptian.

The next day, he once more went out to see his people. This time, he saw two Israelites fighting with each other. Again, Moses intervened. The Hebrew mentioned Moses' action the previous day. It was then that Moses realized his danger as it was not politically expedient to be seen as a friend of the Israelites. Indeed, it was not long before Pharaoh heard of his deeds and sought to stop Moses from protecting the slaves.

Moses flees

Sensibly, Moses fled.