It was with great anticipation that I watched the first installment of The Bible on the History Channel. The story of Adam & Eve and Noah were briefly touched upon. The scenes with the ark plunging through the waves was impressive. Abraham, Sarah and the angle with Hagar was covered in great depth, the near sacrifice of Issac, the emphasis being on the promise of Abram's descendents being numerous as the stars. Sodom's fiery destruction was well done and so was the scene with the two battling angels. It was an unexpected bit of spice, complete with armor and swords with one black angel and one Oriental.
Next up was the story of Moses and his rivalry with the Egyptian pharaoh. The burning bush was impressive but I found it disappointing they made no mention of Moses' wife. Up next was the ten plagues, hurried through and the final release of God's people after the death of the ruler's first born. Stopping at the edge of the Red Sea, the army in pursuit, the parting of the waters was impressive. However, I questions the fact they got wet at all since the Bible says they cross on dry land and there was tons of spray in the air. On the other side, the waters drowned their captor's army and pharaoh was left beaten.
The story left off with the passing of power to Joshua and the two spies sneaking into Jericho and the introduction of Rahab.
Although not the way I personally would have presented the stories, this version is a wonderful attempt to make the Bible available to the masses and I praise the producers, Roma Downey and her husband.
