Act One, Scene One

Moses calls out to God during a journey into the desert. God orders Moses to be His prophet. Moses protests that he is old and wants to tend his sheep in peace. The voice of God reminds Moses that his people are enslaved. Moses asks how he can convince the Israelites that he brings the actual Word. God replies that he will receive instructions while his campaign is in progress, and sends Moses into the desert to meet his brother Aron.



Scene Two

Moses and Aron meet in the desert. Aron assumes he is to be God's voice before hearing his brother's instructions. The brothers discuss their plan to spread the Word, and do not see eye to eye. Moses reminds his brother that God cannot be represented because he is everything, eternal and ungraspable. Aron regards this as a problem because claims require proofs and people cannot function otherwise. Moses is being realistic about what God is, while Aron is realistic about what people need in order to believe in something. Despite their differences, both men remain on the same side of the issue; the Word of God must come from them. The Israelites must be rescued from Egyptian slavery.



Scene Three

The enslaved Israelites speak with awe of Aron in his absence. They assume he went into he desert to meet Moses, who had murdered a guard in order to leave the village. Nobody wants more trouble with the Pharaoh, or rebellion, or more gods requiring sacrifices. Some are encouraged by the idea of a god who is stronger than the others, and they have faith in Aron's abilities and intentions. There is a great argument regarding the merits of the situation and how to help the brothers shape events in favor of Israeli emancipation; they arrive at the end of the scene.



Scene Four

The people want God's Word. Immediately, Aron's translations of what Moses says are clearly reformatting the Word to appeal to the excited listeners. Still, the Israelites require further clarification about God, His wants, and his qualities. Aron attempts to be accurate, and his replies become more in keeping with Moses' vision of God. This tactic backfires and the people dismiss this new god, who cannot be seen or represented. Moses is discouraged. Aron becomes frustrated, seizes his brother's staff, and turns it into a serpent. The crowd is listening once again because the miracle demonstrated something divine. Aron wrestles with the collective ear of a now near-hysterical mob. His command that the slaves flee to the desert is met with hostility, but he is fearless and persuasive. The people assent.



Act Two, Scene One

Aron awaits Moses at the foot of the Mountain of Revelation with 70 elders. The elders have waited 40 days and are becoming impatient. Moses does not descend, and the elders see the people begin to act out of despair.



Scene Two

The Israelites are enraged at Moses' disappearance and are out for his blood and that of his elder priesthood, who are now in danger. Many people believe God has already killed Moses. Aron cannot stand the suffering any longer and allows them to worship in the old way. He promises to form an idol from the people's gold. They are overjoyed.



Scene Three

Aron fashions a golden calf at a makeshift alter, claiming that God lives in all things, including this idol, a graven image Moses would not have permitted. Touching the idol heals an invalid woman. Butchers kill animals and wine and oil are distributed. A starving youth attempts to stop the false worship and is murdered. Good humor gives way to debauchery, violence, orgies, and suicide. Priests sacrifice virgins for their blood. Total chaos ensues.



Scene Four

Moses descends from the mountain and immediately makes the golden calf vanish. The people are disheartened.



Scene Five

The brothers discuss the merits of Aron's conduct. Aron says he acted from internal comprehension of the situation and did not require instruction from his brother. Moses demands that the Israelites learn to understand the nature of God and His will. Aron counters that the people's needs must be addressed, that Moses had been gone too long, and that without an image, the Word cannot communicate. A pillar of fire appears, followed by Israelites, believing it to be the way to salvation. Aron also regards it as a sign from God. Moses cries out to God in despair of the incomprehension that surrounds him and his own inability to teach.

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