Prologue

 

For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6)

 

Darkness descended with delicate grace. Puah reclined against soft pillows, thankful for the luxury. At ninety-eight years, her bones ached, especially after the previous night’s grueling march across the seabed, which came on the heels of an equally trying journey in blistering desert heat the day before. Now, cool night air circulated freely past the flap of her tent, bringing with it the succulent aroma of roasting lamb.

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Fears of the previous days lay at the bottom of the Red Sea with Pharaoh and his soldiers. Images flashed through Puah’s mind. She shuddered, drawing a blanket closer around her....