The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 4: The Unfolding of Time, Part 1 • 135

Pharaoh in that she is taken into Pharaoh’s house to be his concubine. Then God judges Pharaoh’s house, striking it with plagues. After that, Abraham and Sarah go free from Egypt, but wealthier than when they arrived, because of all the livestock Pharaoh gives to them for Sarah’s sake. 32 Isn’t that the story of the Exodus itself?” asked Father Greg. “I see!” I said. “It’s a famine that brings the children of Israel to Egypt; then, the Egyptians oppress them; then come the plagues, and finally redemption from Egypt along with taking their silver and gold utensils.” “Precisely,” said Father Greg, “so Abraham’s experience in Egypt anticipated what would happen in the lives of his offspring. The fathers noticed these patterns and believed they were prophetic for the new people of God—the Church.” By now the others were listening, and Mentor had returned to discuss what we had seen and heard. “Mentor, can you help me understand the plagues?” asked Joseph. “They were signs and wonders from God,” said Mentor. “I know,” said Joseph, “but my uncle, who is a college professor, says the children of Israel were able to cross the red sea only because the wind dried it up, making it shallow.” “That’s modern thinking,” said Father Greg, “the people of our time interpret Exodus through their scientific world view.”

32 Compare the following passages: Gen. 12:10 & 41:56-42:2; Gen. 12:14-15 & Exod. 1:9-16; Gen. 12:17 & Exod. 7-11; Gen. 12:16, 20 & Exod. 12:35-36.