46 pages 1 hour read

Zora Neale Hurston

Moses, Man of the Mountain

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1939

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Chapters 31-40Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 31 Summary

Moses and the Hebrews march on towards Sinai. Moses believes the Hebrews must see the mountain to fully accept God. The people complain about hunger, wishing they had stayed in Egypt. That evening, Moses brings a miracle of quail and bread called manna, which satisfies the people. Later, when they complain of thirst, Moses draws a stream of fresh water out of a rock.

The march towards Sinai takes the Hebrews through the territory of the Amalekites, who prepare to attack. Moses tells Joshua to lead the troops, while he stands on a ridge and fights with his staff. When Moses raises his staff, the Hebrews advance successfully in the battle. The effort drains Moses, and Aaron and Hur have to hold him up through the day until the Hebrews eventually defeat the Amalekites.

Chapter 32 Summary

The next morning, Aaron and Miriam corner Moses and demand more recognition. Moses promises to give them places of preference when they reach Sinai. When the caravan finally arrives at Sinai, Moses waits for God to call him up. Jethro arrives with Zipporah and Moses’s family. After an emotional reunion, Moses leaves to be with Zipporah, who immediately asks about Miriam.