Moses... Here I am. Take the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you stand is...

God: [whispering] Moses... Moses: Here I am. God: Take the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground. Moses: Who are you? God: I am that I am. Moses: I don't understand. God: I am the God of your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Miriam: [disembodied] You were born of my mother, Yocheved! You are our brother! [Moses quickly removes his sandals and throws them behind him] Moses: What do you want with me? God: I have seen the oppression of my people in Egypt, and have heard their cry. [sound of screams and cracking whips] God: So I shall stretch forth my hand, and lead them out of Egypt, into a good land. A land flowing with milk and honey. And so, unto Pharaoh, I shall send... you. Moses: Me? W-who am I to lead these people? They won't follow me, they won't even listen! God: I shall teach you what to say. Moses: [disembodied] Let my people go! Moses: But I was their enemy. I was the prince of Egypt, the son of the man who slaughtered... their *children*! You've chosen the wrong messenger! H-how can I even speak to these people? God: WHO MADE MAN'S MOUTH? WHO MADE THE DEAF, THE MUTE, THE SEEING OR THE BLIND? DID NOT I? NOW GO! [Moses falls to the ground, cowering] God: [soothing, lifting Moses up] Oh, Moses, I shall be with you when you go to the king of Egypt. But Pharaoh will not listen. So I will stretch forth my hand and smite Egypt with all my wonders! Take the staff in your hand, Moses. With it, *you* shall do *my* wonders. [whispers] God: I will be with you, Moses.