The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 4: The Unfolding of Time, Part 1 • 147

of their parents or elders, and recited scriptures they had memorized. Then came a blessing and the serving of a first course, unlike anything I had ever been served at a Jewish Seder. After a while, the assembly grew quiet and Melito continued: This is the mystery of the Pascha, as it is written in the law, and just read. But I shall narrate the story from scripture, how God commanded Moses in Egypt, By narrate the story , Melito obviously meant more than just reading the Bible passage, which the first two readers had done. Narrate seemed to be Melito’s word for telling the story as it unfolds. His dramatic retelling of the Exodus emphasized the judgment that came upon the Egyptians. The strangest and most fearful matter you have yet to hear: In groping darkness, death lurked untouchable, as the miserable Egyptians stumbled in darkness, death, commanded by the angel, took hold of the Egyptians’ first born. when he decided to subject Pharaoh to discipline and to free Israel from servitude by Moses’ hand.

Grasping darkness they were taken by death. A first-born Egyptian reaching for darkness screamed aloud, “Who is holding my hand? Who terrifies my soul? Who covers my life in darkness? Is it a father, then help me!

Is it a mother, then comfort me! Is it a brother, then speak to me! Is it a friend, then encourage me! Is it an enemy, then leave me alone for I am a first-born.”