Free By Way of the Wilderness by Gilbert Morris Page A

shepherds shoved her away, so that she fell down.
    Moses was on his feet, flying over the ground without thought. He halted before the shepherd, his eyes blazing. “You call yourself a man, yet you treat helpless women like this?” Moses’ hand shot out, and he grabbed the man’s throat. The man struggled like a fish on a line but was powerless against Moses’ strength. “Take your mangy sheep and get away from here before I break your neck!”
    Moses flung the man backward. The shepherd fell in the dirt and scrambled to his feet. He gave Moses a murderous look, but then looked at his two companions, who were watching him. “Come on. There are other wells,” he muttered.
    Moses turned to the young woman, who by now had gotten to her feet. She was dusting the sand from her garment, and she smiled at him, saying, “Thank you, sir.”
    â€œLet me help you collect your flock.” Moses helped the young women as they gathered their sheep and watered them. When they were finished and started to lead them away, Moses said, “Go in peace,” and the tall young woman smiled at him and nodded. “Yes. We will go, and we thank you, sir, for your help.”
    ****
    Moses had dozed beside the well, thinking of how very similar his encounter with the tall, black-haired woman was to that of his ancestor Jacob. It pleased him to think this, although he did not know why. Finally hearing the sound of feet, he looked up and saw that very woman approaching. Her face was flushed and her eyes were bright. He stood up at once, and she said breathlessly, “Our father, Jethro, sent me to get you. Please come with me so that you may break your fast and eat bread under our father’s roof.”
    Moses was pleased. “I will be happy to.” As he went with her, he asked, “Who is your father?”
    â€œHe is the priest of Midian. I am Zipporah, the oldest of my father’s children.”
    They reached the dwelling of Jethro, and a close-shaven man came out to greet them. He bowed low before Moses and greeted him. “My daughters have told me how you kept them safe from the men at the well. Please come into my house and take bread with us.”
    Moses bowed also, gave his name, and then went inside. The meal was excellent, and after it was over, Jethro said, “You have an Egyptian name, but you do not look like an Egyptian.”
    â€œNo, I am not. My people are slaves of the pharaoh.”
    Jethro’s eyes flew open. “You are a Hebrew?”
    â€œYes. I’m surprised that you should know them.”
    â€œWhy should I not know the descendants of Abraham, the father of the Hebrews?”
    Moses stared at the man in shock. He could not believe that here in the desert he had found those who knew the God of his people and of his people’s history. “How could you know such a thing?”
    â€œHow could I know Abraham, you ask? Why, who does not know him? I know his entire history. Are you indeed a descendant of Abraham?”
    â€œYes. I was raised as an Egyptian, but I am a Hebrew, the son of Amram of the tribe of Levi.” He wondered how much to tell this man and finally decided to tell the whole truth. He related the parts of his story that he felt were good for Jethro to know, and finally said, “And so I am a fugitive.”
    â€œThen you may stay with us,” Jethro said firmly. “I do not have any sons, only daughters, but I am the priest of Midian. Since you are trained in the arts of the Egyptians, you might become a priest also.”
    â€œNot I,” Moses said hastily. He had seen enough of the priesthood in Egypt that the very idea offended him. Then a thought leaped into his mind, and he said abruptly, “I will tend your flocks and your herds. My forefathers were shepherds, and I have a yearning to know their trade. I will keep your sheep.”
    â€œAnd what shall be your reward?”
    Another idea came