The Old Testament is packed with fantastic tales of triumph and strength and honor. It also unhesitatingly records events of shame, deceit and loss with equal candor. Perhaps no other book so aptly demonstrates this unique compulsion towards almost painful straightforwardness than does Exodus.

Here the Hebrews risk everything: They bravely go for broke, experience unheard of deliverances, obediently follow miraculous leadership and finally taste sweet freedom. Yet here also are the records of a whiny-mouthed, faithless-spirited, stiff-necked, head-strong, faint-hearted, weak-kneed, loosely committed band of rabble. Which is the true face? God knows, and later Moses knew, that when it comes to human beings, it takes both of these personality profiles to make a completed portrait.

This wee…