Sola Scriptura: In The Beginning Ch.8

INT. PHAROAH'S PALACE - DAY

All the elders of Israel are nearing the entrance led by Aaron and Moses. The handsome man only looks sixty. He is usually strong, but not now. Moses stalls at the doorway.

MOSES
Eighty years takes its toll on a man. Where is that toilet?

Aaron doesn’t buy it. He grabs his arm, no turning back. The doors open before a young pharaoh, Amenhotep II. He gives many bratty orders to his servants. Soon he gives attention to the mass before him, but is too proud to speak in Hebrew.

PHARAOH
What are you all staring at? Why aren't you working?

AARON
You sent for us at our request, king Amenhotep.

PHARAOH
Yes, what is it you want?

AARON
This man is God's instrument and my brother. He is Mosheh, and I am his prophet. Out of the names of modern things deemed holy and gods not a few there arises the Ancient’s name heretofore not uttered neither honored. Yahweh, the I AM! I AM, says our God, and besides me there is no god! The Lord God of Israel sends word: Let my people go, so that they may celebrate a feast to me in the wilderness.

Moses studies pharaoh who does not seem to recognize him. Calmness comes over him.

PHARAOH
A feast? A feast?
(laughs)
Well, will you need provisions for your votive pilgrimage?
(furious)
Who is the Lord that I should obey? I am A-kheperu-ra, ruler of this world and commander of myriads! I row faster than two hundred navy men and shoot through a palm of copper without a squint!

VOICE
(whisper)
Be not afraid, for I am with you always.

MOSES
-We beseech you on behalf of the God of Zaphnath-paaneah that as we were received into this land so let us depart in peace. Let us go prithee three days journey into the desert and sacrifice to the Lord our God lest he fall on us with pestilence or sword.

PHARAOH
I know not that name. I know not your God. Neither will I let Israel go.
(beat)
Yours is a god of laziness! What mean you Moses and Aaron by keeping my gawking workers in suspense? Here at the center of the world sits a spoiled dog, a whining dog longing rather to be let outside! Do you not know the weather is harsh, dog?

MOSES
Sire, for your own sake-

PHARAOH
Dare not impugn me ‘neath your threats, old man! You’ve enough strong men to do any issued task, more than the sands of the shores, and ye make them rest for want of a feast? Get to your jobs! Go!

EXT. OUTSIDE THE PALACE - CONTINUOUS

Moses and Aaron lead the Hebrew elders out, Moses trying to get a head start to avoid every look.

AARON
What happened?

MOSES
I was sure I could gain the young king’s favor, but the boy has none to spare!

AARON
Is that Mosa the fearless leader shining through? Do you still need a toilet?

MOSES
Well, not anymore! A new stomach perhaps... and a bath.

EXT. WORK SITE – DAY

Pharaoh's makes orders to the slaves’ taskmasters. His orders resonate throughout the land. The increased labor is merciless. Whips fly and crack, and the people howl.

PHARAOH
Spread word: You shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks, as before; let them gather straw themselves with no less their quota. Double their labors! They are lazy; that is why they cry out. Let heavier work be laid on them! Then they will not have time to listen this Mosa and his lies.

INT. PHARAOH’S PALACE - DAY

The Hebrew elders have returned without Moses and Aaron. Rather the sons of Amram wait outside.

ELDERS
Why does Pharaoh deal so harshly with his servants? There is no straw given unto your servants yet they say, Make brick! They beat us when the fault in your people.

PHARAOH
Idle! Ye are idle!

The elders free their hands of prophets at the gate. Moses and Aaron proclaim to the slaves that God will work his wonders for them, but the people curse them through sweat, yellow teeth, and spit.

ELDERS
The Lord look upon you, and judge; because ye have made us to stink before Pharaoh and his servants. You put a sword in their hand to slay us!

Moses is fallen on his knees, face in dirt, praying to God in tears and wailing.

MERGE TO

EXT. WILDERNESS BESIDE MT.HOREB – NIGHT

Moses is bowed in tears eastward toward the silhouetted man outlined by the Mountain. The atmosphere is now but a serene breeze.

MOSES
Oh, Lord! Why? What is my duty but to slay the people myself! Why will you suffer such evil upon this people? Why did you ever send me? Since I came to speak in your name behold, naught but evil!

GOD
Now you shall see what I will do to pharaoh. With a strong hand he will let them go; with a strong hand he will drive them out.

MOSES
I have spoken to Israel who chastises me through gnashed teeth. How shall this pharaoh hearken these uncircumcised lips?

GOD
I told you since the mountain that he would not. His choice was his own, but I have endured him for this purpose: that I should show my power unto all the corners of the earth; that everyone will know Israel's God. Open your eyes Mosheh, see that I have made you like God to pharaoh and Aaron your mouth. In my name go, and set this king and his gods in their place.

Screenplay by: Tim Seaton