All language subtitles for Abraham (1993)en

Advertise your product or brand here
contact www.OpenSubtitles.org today

[Sheep Bleating]

[Children laughing]

[bleats]

[bleats]

Shh. Soon. Soon!

Your child
has her nose

pressed against your heart.

Put one more in here
for shearing.

It appears she's not
too anxious...to face life.

Well, who could blame her,

this world being what it is?

[People speaking indistinctly]

Wives, look after everything
for a while.

I'm just going to see
how things are with Lot.

Serug!
Serug!

Hold her head.

Be gentle.

Be gentle, be gentle.

[wailing]

You're very close.
You're very close.

Aisha, hurry!

Quickly, quickly!

[screams]

Try again.
Try again.

Push. Push!

Push!

[screams]

[screaming continues
in distance]

Ah, ah, ah, ah!
Come inside, Lot.

She's a strong girl.
Come on, in!

She's fine. Fine!

Inside!

You have a god
for every need, Nahor.

Even for my needs?

If you are prepared to become
an accomplice to this god.

Which one is this?

Sen, god of fertility.

Does it have a--

Mm-hmm.

Excellent. Excellent.

[woman cries out]

How much?

You see this
beardless orphan?

He's my nephew.

And that was his wife trying
to drop their first child.

How much?

I'll give you
a good price.

Reko, my friend,

look at this bare-breasted boy
and ask yourself,

how could a child like this
father a child himself?

Hmm? How?

Because he sacrificed
to Sen, god of Moon.

Four silver pieces.

One.

[woman screams]

Don't give up now,
child.

Don't give up.

[wails]

Clear your mind.
Clear your mind.

[wailing]

Clear your mind.

[screams]

If you think
that was loud,

wait till you hear
the sound you'll make

if she drops
a daughter.

Clear your mind.

[screams]

All right, look.

I'll do it for you.
I'll do it for you.

[gasps]

Yeah. Yeah.

I'll do it for you.

[screams]

[sheep bleating]

[groaning]

[people clamoring]

[groans]

Get my brother. Now!

[groans]

Father.

Don't leave me.

Don't leave me.

Not now.

Not yet.

Not yet.

[drums playing bold march]

This market is ended
until further notice.

Clear the square.

Clear the square!

My esteemed first councilor.

You are Nahor,
born son of Terah,

are you not?

You know I am.

But, um, tell me,
why have you ended the market?

This concerns
the royal covenant

to rent the King's lands
to Terah and his people.

I therefore bring
a summons

from the king

for your father
to appear before him.

Our covenant expires
at sunset.

Renew it...

or you and your people will
be expelled from this city,

and all its lands.

Your rightful Honor,

first councilor to the king,

should we discuss
these delicate matters

- Sir?
- under the blistering sun?

A cooler place, perhaps?

Have this dung
cleared immediately.

The king walks here
today.

Sir!

Spit it out. What?

Your father.

Your father.

Oh, Father,

I thank all the gods

for taking away your pain
so quickly.

Huh?

To be robbed again
by that...

thief and his king.

(Abraham)
Brother, for 23 years

you have outwitted
that fool.

Today, no doubt,
you will do so again.

Have you ever tried
to feed a vulture?

[Laughs]

You better count
your fingers afterwards.

[chuckles]

It's good to hear
you laugh, Father.

It means you're
getting better.

Yeah.

It's late.

We have business.

Father, please.
Please stay.

You stay.

Let me talk
to the king.

He makes the covenant
with me,

not you, not yet.

And you say nothing.

Let Nahor talk.

Your brother knows
these people.

His wits have made us
richer every year.

Nahor knows
how to use his tongue.

And you keep yours
in your mouth.

(First Councilor)
This day

marks the end of the covenant

between Asdi Takin,

King of Haran,

and Terah and his people.

So be it.

These shadows grow long.

A new covenant
must be made

before the last light.

I, Nahor, will speak
for my father.

The generosity
of the King of Haran

is known throughout the world.

We have prospered here
for many years

under his benevolent hand.

He has our endless gratitude.

(Officer)
Thanks...

will not feed
our people.

What do you offer?

The new year, we will lay
at the feet of His Majesty

the same number of mature sheep
and cattle as the old year,

the same quantity

of spun wool,

tanned skins,

silver pieces.

The same?

Plus...

[people chattering]

Plus a bonus of one fourth
of all that.

[yawns]

We appreciate...

[yawns]

...your sincere remarks

and your offer.

But, old man,

the bonus will not be
one fourth.

To graze on my lands
for another year,

you will pay double.

[people murmuring]

(Nahor) Double,
Your Majesty?

Double?

This is a--
A--

An unprecedented demand.
It's--

It's out of the question.
We cannot.

Then I am sad to say

your tribe must leave
my...paradise.

Your Majesty,
why do you abuse us

in this manner?

In past years,

you have refused us water.

We dug for it,
you seized our wells

and made us pay silver
for the water we gave you.

You gave us
your worst lands.

After our herds made the earth
fertile with their dung,

you drove us off

so as your farmers could
grow barley fivefold.

You ordered us
to fight your enemies.

We gave you victories
with our blood.

Ah, yes.

Haran is a paradise,

but our people helped
to make it so.

You?

You did all this?

[laughs]

The riches of Haran

pour from the hands
of the blessed god, Sen

and nobody else.

Instead, you wandered
here from Ur,

a small tribe,

and now you are as thick
as the lice in my hair.

You will pay double,

because you are now twice
the number you were.

Our tribe grows
because of the children,

our children.

Must we pay twice

because our women
are fertile?

Not all your women.

Your wife,
for instance,

is a woman of
great beauty,

I hear.

A problem that perhaps
lies elsewhere.

(Nahor)
We will be glad to pay

whatever His Highness,
in his wisdom, asks.

Double?

It will be double.

(First Councilor)
Let the covenant be made.

(Both)
If I break this covenant,

may what is done to these beasts

be done to me.

[cries]

(woman)
Hey.

There, there.

[sobs]

You've done it.
It's over.

[wails]

There, there.
It's over.

You've done it.

You've done it.

Oh, she's so lovely.

All right, all right.
This will help.

Let her drink this.

Look at me,
look at me!

Mint tea.
It will--

[CRACK]

Spoiled, ungrateful child!

[baby cries]

Shh.

[sobs]

Shh.

[baby cries]

Take your baby.

[cries]

She's beautiful.

And hungry.
She wants you.

She's a girl!

Give her
to the servants!

Leave me alone.
I don't want her!

[sobs]

You don't...want her.

[whimpers]

[Sarai sobs]

[coins clink]

Oh, thank you, Sarai.

May you have many more.

[sheep bleating]

(Tears) So the King
of Haran has lice.

[chuckles]

A head of hair to a louse
is a head of hair,

even if
it wears a crown.

Thank you.

Thank you, son.

[coughs]

How are you
feeling?

Ah, that was nothing
yesterday.

Something I ate,
perhaps.

I'm happy
for Lot.

Yes.

A daughter.

And time for more.

Time for a son.

And Sarai,
as usual,

was a very good
midwife.

She should
probably...

Father.

It is killing her.

She has brought so many
children into the world.

Each birth is like
a little death to her.

And when she dies a little,
so do you.

I have
nothing else.

She's all I have.

[sighs]

Abram, you're
a mystery to me.

Now, Lot,
I understand.

He's inherited
from your dead brother,

so he's a child

with the wealth
of a man,

trying very hard
to be a man.

Nahor, I understand.

He is rich, but he
thinks like a pauper,

looking under every stone
for his next piece of silver.

But you, huh?

You have more wealth
than either of them,

and when I die,
twice that.

And yet, it means
nothing to you.

Instead you brood
and ponder,

question and search.

For what?

Why can't you
be happy

for what
we have here, now?

[sighs]

Abram,
the king's right.

I've never seen
a place so green.

Their gods,
as he said,

have made Haran
a paradise.

I have tried
to reach those gods.

But I get nothing.

Nothing?

You get nothing
from the gods?

Nothing at all?

Nothing.

Listen, Lot took his bride
to the shrine of Sen

for the ritual
of the full moon.

Did you know that?

And no sooner does he
take her to bed than...

a child.

Yes, sometimes
the gods listen.

(Sarai)
What is it?

Is it the King?

The King? No.

No, no, no.
Not the King.

He's no better nor worse

than any other king
I've met.

Is it our life here?

How can one...

not be content
in a place like this?

Water, grass.

And this...

This is a rich land.

Is it me?

Oh.

Oh, no, no, no.

Talk to me.

[sighs]

I don't know.

I don't know. I--

I just need a--

What?
What do you need?

It's--

[sighs]

I want to
give you a child.

No, no, no.

No, it's not that at all.

- Not that at all.
- Then what?

The truth is I--

I don't know.

I just don't know.

Father, without doubt,
Sarai is a good woman.

A beauty.

Enough's enough.

I mean, she is,
after all, only a woman.

Are you suggesting
a second wife?

What else?

Look at me.

After Milcah
dropped three sons

I took Reumah.

A luxury at the time,
perhaps,

but now I have
five sons.

A man can't have
too many.

That's why we marry.

Of course, my brother
can't think like that.

Practical,
feet on the ground.

He fights
his secret war in his heart

and clings to Sarai
like a drowning man.

Abram with
a second wife?

Ah, I don't know.

Why not?

Who knows, he might
even enjoy it,

if he could ever allow himself
to enjoy anything.

Oh, he's such a--
Brother.

[groans]

Oh, those pains.

No, no, no.

They've become
my friends.

I'd miss them
if they didn't visit me

once in a while.

Um, come inside,
Abram.

Something I want
to show you.

Rather impressive,
don't you think?

[chuckles]

Here's a divinity

with a hidden power.

Eh?

Herbs of some kind.

Not sure
exactly which.

It tastes awful,

but it's blessed
by this deity,

which gives it
amazing potency.

Is this why
you've asked me here?

Well, yes, I thought--

Just to show you.

Abram, tonight,

try a little of this.

Sarai too.

Reumah and I tried it

and I can't tell you
the di--

Gods for this.

Gods for that.

A god...

to eat!

Abram,
what are you doing?

A god to sleep!

Are you insane?
Stop it!

- Gods for riches!
- Stop it!

- Gods for rain!
- You're a madman!

They're all worthless!

False!

Useless!

Stop it!

Absurd!

Lies!

Lies!

Lies!

Stop!

No, no, no.

- Evil!
- Stop this madness now!

[wind whistling]

[thunder crashes]

[rain pattering]

[thunder crashes]

[thunder crashes]

Abram.

Abram.

Go away...

from your father's house.

[weakly]
"Your father's...

house"?

From my father's house?

To the land I will show you.

"The land...

will show you"?

"Make...

"of you...

"a great...

nation"?

"And I will bl..."

"Bless...

"all those who bless you...

and curse all those
who curse you"?

"And in...

"you...

"Shall all the families...

"of the earth...

be blessed"?

(Nahon) Now, let me see
if I understand this.

There you were,
face down in the mud

and a god
spoke to you.

Fine,
but what god?

What powers
does he have?

What does he
look like?

Where does he live?

Brother, I have studied
every god known to man

and they all have
names, faces, places!

Besides you, Abram,
who knows this god?

[sighs]

I don't know,
Father.

(Abram)
Perhaps many...

in their hearts.

Oh, I see.

A god to be worshipped
in ignorance.

Not so, brother.

It is simply
that I am ignorant.

I do not know Him...yet.

But in time.

Fine. Fine. In time.

But now he's telling you to
pack up everything and everyone

and leave
for who knows where?

No!
It's insane!

I refuse to follow this brother
of mine and his voices.

We've worked
too hard,

we've paid too high a price
for what we have here.

And he wants
to forsake it?

For what?

You have changed, Abram.
I can see it.

No, he hasn't.

He's still
as stubborn as an ass!

(Terah) Stop pacing
and sit down.

Tell me, Abram.
Help me understand.

What has happened
to you?

This god said Abram's name
would be famous.

That he will make of him
a great nation.

But how? How can Abram make
a nation of people without--?

Children?

I don't know.

(Nahor) I've had enough
of this nonsense!

If Abram and his men leave,
we are at risk.

And you, brother,
are in greater danger.

Out there, alone?

Your people will be
like sheep among jackals!

I feel...

that I am protected.

[scoffs]

This nameless god, again!

(Tears)
Nahor...

Lot...

leave us.

Come on. Go. Out.

Abram,

you're my son.

You owe me
obedience.

And instead, you listen
to this unknown god,

a nameless god
who whispers into your ear

and bids you to leave
your father's house,

to break your heart
and mind.

What--?

What kind of god
is this?

I don't know, Father.

But I-- I heard His voice.

It spoke to me above the silence
of all the other gods.

You despise the gods
who have given us protection.

They made us rich

and allowed our children
and herds

to grow healthy and strong.

You renounce all our gods

because you've found
a new god?

Ha.

[sighs]

I cannot stay, Father,

as much...

as it grieves me,

the thought of leaving you.

But I've felt...

I... I've heard Him
call to me.

[sighs]

Abram...

you're taking away
much joy from our lives.

I counted on you,

my son,

on the days
to come.

You have a new heart
and I don't know it.

But you know mine.

Go.

Go in peace...

...with the blessing
of your god,

whoever he is,

and with mine.

(Lot)
Uncle...

I'm going to
come with you.

To protect you.

Let us gather
the herds.

[sobbing]

[crying]

(woman) Abram,
she'll miss you.

Farewell.

[wind howling]

[baby crying]

[people cheering]

(man)
Don't drink too fast.

(man 2)
Drink slowly.

(man 3) Leave some
for the animals.

Where were you
going to?

To Haran,
in the north.

That's where
we came from.

Then you're going south?

Yes.

Toward Damascus?

Yes.

That's not a place where one
is necessarily welcomed.

Or at least...

[chuckles]

...as far
as I'm concerned.

There's
much oppression there.

In fact, I would...

[man shouts alarm]

[people murmuring]

(man)
How many of them?

We come in peace.

That man is a slave.

He ran away from his master
in Damascus.

We are taking him back.

That man is a guest
in our camp.

Therefore,
his life is sacred to us.

He must come with us,

back to the man who owns him.

"Owns him"?

Then I am willing to pay
for this slave's freedom.

(man)
The price is high.

His master spent a fortune
to buy him as a scribe.

He's fed him
for years.

I will pay the price.

[coins clink]

[coins clink]

[camel groans]

[people murmer]

Thank you, master.

I'm your slave.

My name is Eliezer.

No, please, please.

Please, please, please!
No, no!

No.

You are free.

You are free to go
where you choose.

I'll give you what you need
to reach Haran.

I have a brother there
who may have work

for an educated man.

I can never repay you.

But you have
my lifelong gratitude.

And I want to give you
this small piece of advice.

Turn back.

Stay the night with us.

Eat and rest.

(Lot)
Uncle!

Haran is
probably worse...

than Damascus.

One question, please.

Why are we traveling south?

[yells]

[cheering]

O my God...

...with all my heart,

I give thanks.

I have seen it
as You have shown it to me.

Canaan.

This is the land of promise.

(Abram)
This piece of paradise

is no accident.

The hand of man
is everywhere.

We are not alone here
in Canaan.

Take what men
you can spare

and form a circle right around
this valley as we...

I am Mambre,
the Amorite.

And these are
my two brothers.

I am Abram.

This is my nephew, Lot.

These are my people.

And this valley
is our land.

And your people
are on it.

It is
a well-tended valley.

Yes, it is.

Because my father's
father's father

dug for water here.

And he found a river
under the earth.

Now it flows above.

And my father's
father

planted these trees

and my father dammed the water
to make the lake

where your animals
now drink.

Well, there's not much work
for you and your brothers to do.

Oh, yes.

We defend it.

Uncle Abram...

We have
the advantage.

The land
is good here

and the people
are tired of wandering.

Let's take the place now.

We can defend it
as well as any.

First, we kill these men?

If necessary.

Oh.

It would be necessary.

My nephew believes
we have the advantage.

Your nephew is good
with numbers.

Now we'll see
if he knows how to use them!

No!

There is no justice
between men

if our differences are measured
in numbers and in blood!

Your father...

and his father and his father
made this valley green.

This land is yours.

We will leave in peace.

Gather the herd.
We're going back to our valley.

[people murmuring]

[LAUGHING]

[WIND HOWLING]

My Lord, God,

You have led me here.

You have given me the land
that You have promised.

But why are You
taking it away now?

I have brought with me
the hope of my people.

But how do I feed them?

Shall I remain here?

Shall I take them away?

But where, Lord?

Where?

Where?

Tell me what to do.

I am Your servant,

but how can I serve You?

How am I to serve You?

[wind whistling]

O my Lord,

do not abandon me.

I speak to Him

and He will not answer.

This is a mysterious god.

He wanted us to come here,

we did.

He showed me Canaan
as it will be.

He said He would make our people
a great nation.

But how do we exist
until then?

He will provide.

He made me a promise.

He cannot be untrue
to that promise.

Last night,

in a tent next to ours,
a child died.

I know.

- The animals are wailing.
- I know.

- The land has dried up.
- I know.

How can you follow
this god?

I-- I do,

I can,

and I will.

[sighs]

[softly]
Not you.

Not you too.

If Canaan is the home
that He has promised us

and we leave,

will He not
be displeased?

Will He not
abandon us?

But if we stay...

We will starve.

But if--

But if Canaan is not...

[whimpers]

[sighs]

[weeps]

We will not die here.

We will not die here.

[wind howling]

[baby cries]

My People...

What am I doing?

What have I done?

Stay with it.

Stay with your faith.

Faith?

[sobbing]

Uncle, we must find
water and grass soon.

(Eliezer)
There's plenty of both.

Not far from here.

I traveled
through here once

with a caravan
of merchants

carrying spices.

Spices?
To where?

To Egypt...

the land of
the great river Nile.

It's a very fertile place.

Well, maybe that's where
we should be going.

That may not be so easy.

Egypt is ruled
by a terrible tyrant

they call Pharaoh.

He watches over his land
like a--

Like a jealous husband.

Could there not be
an oasis,

a fertile valley,
anything,

between here
and that Pharaoh?

Nothing.

The desert remains harsh
and unfriendly all the way.

Well...

we will go on
to this...land

of the river Nile.

We will go on.

Ah!

[people murmuring]

Abram!

Abram.

I have just been told
by someone up ahead

that you may have
an even greater problem

than we ever imagined.

It seems this Pharaoh
has a lust

for beautiful women.

He pays great rewards
for men who supply them.

Are there
no laws?

(Eliezer)
Oh, yes.

In fact, Egyptians are
very strict about such matters.

It's forbidden by sacred law

for one man to take
the wife of another.

And so?

The Pharaoh has found a way
around the law.

He...kills the husband.

I am not the kind of woman
a king would want.

You are?

Abram, son of Terah.

And these are?

These are my people.

Do you think
you could be

a little more precise
than that?

Yes.

Lot, son of Haran,
my nephew.

Eliezer of Damascus.

Sarai, daughter of Terah,

my sister and--

Enough, enough,
enough.

Just count them.

Fifty-three now.

What do you want in Egypt?

We'd like to rest a while,

pasture the animals, trade.

Trade?

Yes, trade.

Oh. Trade what?

Uh, we spin wool
and, um,

tan hides, make tunics,
cheese, sandals.

(Officer)
You're a little late.

- Late?
- Late.

Egypt's choking with nomads
and their filthy sheep.

The hills look like maggots
crawling on a dung heap.

Permission to enter...

denied.

Denied?

Denied.

You.

Wait.

A bit warm for all this,
don't you think?

(man) And for your crimes of
theft against this merchant,

it is the judgment
of our Pharaoh

that justice will prevail.

Cut off their hands.

(Thief) No!

(Thief 2)
Oh, please, no!

(Thief) No!
Please, no!

Lovely.

Yes.

Lovely woman.

Now, then.

You.

You are the brother.

Is that correct?

And your people are shepherds,
are they not?

Splendid.

You will be given
two score of sheep,

one score of cattle,

oxen carts filled with food,
tents and so forth,

plus grazing land
in the delta.

You'll obey Egyptian laws,
pay Egyptian taxes,

worship Egyptian gods.

Your sister is now a member
of the Pharaoh's household.

I know.

I know it's
a ridiculously large reward.

Almost embarrassing, isn't it?

But no need for thanks.

The Pharaoh's generosity

is as boundless
as the light of the Sun.

Welcome to Egypt,
enjoy your stay.

(Abram)
Lot, bring in the tribe.

Get them water,
food.

Take care
of them.

Eliezer, we've got to
get her out.

We've got to try.

Find out if she's guarded,
how many guards.

I'll try my best.
Be careful.

No, no, no,
don't move.

I've almost
finished.

I know. It's so thick you can
hardly keep your eyes open.

But even the men
around here use it.

Everybody looks like
everybody else.

Ha, half-awake.

Even the Pharaoh?

I've only seen
the Pharaoh twice,

the first day
they brought me here

and when he decided
I was to be your slave.

His first gift to you.

What is he like?

Well, the priests say
he is a living god.

I thought he was
more like...a man.

A very cruel man
sometimes.

What's your name?

Hagar.

How did you come here?

My father lost his farm.

He had debts.

I'm the payment.

Do you have to stay long?

Mistress...

no one ever leaves.

Hmm, we are racing
to get you ready

but it might be weeks
before he wants you.

Then, if you
don't resist,

the worst thing
that happens

is the usual thing
that happens

between a man
and a woman.

[sighs]

[people shouting,
sheep bleating in the distance]

[man shouts indistinctly]

[Sarai gasps]

(Soldier) And if you will,
I will too!

[soldiers laugh]

(Soldier 2)
And did you?

They were wrong
as usual.

I was told you were

one of the most
beautiful women

ever to arrive
from the desert.

But they were wrong.

You're one of
the most beautiful women

to arrive from anywhere.

Come.

Sit down.

What are you thinking?

Are you afraid to answer?

I've never punished anyone
for their thoughts.

Are you thinking,

"What's going to happen
between us?"

Nothing will happen.

Nothing you don't want
to happen.

You don't believe me?

You're very lovely.

But I have many, many
beautiful women around me.

And I'm quite powerful.

But the mere exercise
of power

I find boring.

I hope we're going
to be friends.

If we are to be
more than friends,

that's something...

you will decide.

Now it's time
for my prayers.

I'm a god in exile
on this earth.

Sometimes I need to ask
my heavenly brothers

for their advice.

(man) And in addition,
the Pharaoh insists

any further discrepancies
will not be tolerated.

The Pharaoh is displeased

and will not condone
any further discrepancies.

Such conduct is deplorable.

We await your immediate...

[whispering]
Eliezer.

Abram, please.

Come away.

Remain here,

and your life won't be worth
more than an Egyptian arrow.

She's too well-guarded.

I've tried to bribe a man

who said he had
friends at court.

He vanished
with my silver.

Abram...

don't forget,

you're responsible
for many others.

They still need you.

Sarai is lost
to you and us.

We all mourn her.

But it's time
you look at reality

in its cruel face.

Sarai belongs to the man
they call Pharaoh,

a god in his own right.

Sarai is mine!

She will always be mine.

Only mine!

How dare you presume
to be wife of that god!

He knows my heart.

He knows it would be better
to have me killed

than sentence me
to a life without her.

Go.

Leave. Leave me.

Alone!

(Pharaoh) And there I'm
having a storehouse built.

And I'm giving them
a school.

A school?

A school.

I've built schools
from Nubia to the delta.

Uneducated people
make a weak nation.

And this is something
very interesting.

What is that?

It looks like
a mountain.

It will be as high
as a mountain.

And large enough.

To do what?

To stop the rush of time.

The pyramid is like

a dam on the flowing river
of time.

Inside there will be a chamber.

The place of eternal being,

where nothing can change.

Time cannot erode.

There I will have eternal life.

Your tomb.

Yes.

For sometime
in the distant future.

For now, it is a stronghold

to guard my present.

A present I would like
to offer you.

My needs are simpler than that.

What are your needs?

Hmm?

Tell me.

What do you want?

Anything.

Anything?

Anything
within my power.

I want to see my family.

My brother.

I want to go back
to my people.

(Hagar)
Mistress?

I thought that maybe you would
like a taste of our dates.

You're hurt.

No.

Yes.

He's...

playing with me.

Torturing me.

He's trying to tear me
away from my own heart.

Did the Pharaoh threaten you?

He shows me kindness.

He treats you like
he's treated no one else before,

and he's been very generous
to your people.

I'm grateful to him for that.

But I hate myself
for how it makes me feel.

By resisting him,
I keep my pride.

But it hurts me to think that
I'm endangering my people.

His anger could fall on them.

Tell me.

Has any woman ever--?

Escaped from here?

No.

They try,
but they don't succeed.

Oh!

Ohhh!

[screaming]

Bring water.
Call the doctor, quickly.

Help! Ohhh!

Your Divine Majesty
has had a dream?

Oh, help!

[groans]

Tell me your dream...
I'm in pain! I'm burning!

That I may render its meaning.
Oh!

Help me.

I'm burning,
I'm in pain!

This is a sign
of how deeply you dream.

Your Majesty, I--

It's not a dream.
I'm on fire!

(Officer)
My Pharaoh, you too?

Oh! Ugh!

Your wives,
your children,

they are like you,
all afflicted.

I've been poisoned.

Someone has poisoned
me and my family.

[screaming]

But who, Majesty?

[groans]

How should I know who?

But whoever it is, kill him!

Kill them!

Kill them,
kill them!

[chanting]

[water splashing]

[Pharaoh groans]

Oh!

Ohhhh!

It burns! It burns,
you incompetent idiot! Ohhh!

We're doing what we can,
my Pharaoh.

Get me out.

Get me out!

Get me out!

It is possible, Majesty,

a divine power,
a god unknown to us

has unleashed his curse.

Curse? What curse?
A god unknown to us?

A god unknown to me?

- I'm the only god here.
- (man) Your Majesty--

The affliction, it's spreading
among our populace.

The panic is building. It's
affecting more and more people.

Our doctors
are becoming desperate.

Pharaoh, I suspect this may be
the curse of a foreign god,

a god who has journeyed here
with foreigners.

Perhaps the desert people
we've allowed to enter Egypt.

The desert people?

You mean the people
of the woman Sarai?

Yes, Majesty.

Your Majesty,

we have come
to learn something.

It could explain the wrath
of the god of these nomads,

a god under whose protection
the woman called Sarai might be.

We have arrested
the leader of her people.

Her brother.

Her husband, Your Majesty.

We should exterminate them,
kill them all.

The men, the women,
the children.

The entire filthy tribe.

Have him brought here at once.

[knock at the door]

Let him
come in.

In.

On your knees.

I said on your knees.

(Pharaoh)
Let him stand.

Come closer.

I can't see you.
Come closer.

You see what you
have done to me,

to my family
and my people.

By your deceit,

some god has taken revenge

for an offence
of which I'm innocent.

Why...did you lie to us?

Why did you say
she's your sister?

Why?

Why?

I lied.

But to my God,

it is a greater offense
to kill a man and steal his wife

than it is to lie.

What...god...

[chuckles]
what strange god...?

What...?

What sort of mysterious god...

is he?

Strange, yes.

And mysterious.

He has spoken to me and--

He has spoken to you?

Yes.

How?

In here.

He has guided my people.

He has guided you
into my Egypt.

Why?

Why?

I don't know.

I don't know
even if he has--

[chuckles]
You say you don't know?

It's all imagination.
It's all your fantasy.

What sort of a god is that?

Do you think it's just
that we have to suffer,

the people, my family and me,

because of your lie?

Can't he take this curse off us?

Who are you?

Abram. A shepherd.

A shepherd.

Where is Sarai?

Your wife is my property.

She is...

in my household.

Your god has sent her to me.

To me.

There are many things
of which I am uncertain,

but one thing
I am certain of,

that my God did not
send her to you.

[chuckles]

Look to her!

Is she not
without affliction?

My God said, "I will bless
those who bless you

and I will curse
those who curse you."

Look to her.

Take him away.

Wait.

I don't want to challenge
your God anymore.

Thus the Pharaoh decides.

Take your wife,

the slaves I gave her,

take everything I've given
you and your people,

everything you have touched,

and be gone from my sight.

Out of Egypt.

And take your contamination
with you.

Go.

(Officer)
Out. Out!

Keep moving!

Don't touch them.

Beware of the affliction!

Come on!

Hurry up.

Out!

Keep moving.

Get those stinking dogs
out of here!

Get back!
Don't touch them!

Out!

Out.

And may you all rot
in the desert!

[laughing]

(man)
We've found it!

Water!

[cheering]

Water!

Abram!

Lot's discovered water,
and he--

[cheering stops]

You're back,
Abram.

We are home,
Mambre.

And you are
digging wells.

We will need
water.

And you have found more.

Much more.

And we will share it
with our neighbors.

And as our neighbors,

our friends
are your friends

and our enemies
are your enemies?

Yes.

So be it.

[cheering]

[people shouting]

You stop it.

What have you done?

You could have killed him.

Lot's men won't let us
water our herds here.

[men shouting]

Have you lost
your minds?!

We are one family!

The water is
for all of us.

I am ashamed of you.
All of you!

And I hope that you are
ashamed of yourselves.

My fellow--
But Lot's men!

Violence will not
solve problems!

Now, the pastures
beyond that river

are overgrazed
and turning brown.

If we do not leave enough grass,

the spring rains will
wash away the soil.

Then I must move
my herds.

Move your herds?

Uncle...

I prefer to keep what's yours
and what's mine apart.

If they're mixed,

it makes the counting
more difficult.

The counting?

Oh, yes, of course.

Of course.

Counting is important.

There isn't enough water here
for all our herds.

This part of the land is
too small for both of us.

With respect, Lot,

by dividing our people,
we grow weaker.

Well, of course you are...

free to choose.

If you wish to go to the right,
I will go to the left.

If you choose the left,
I will go to the right.

Beyond that hill
there are green pastures,

along a river
called the Jordan.

And there are cities.

I can go there
to trade wool and skins.

(Abram)
But those merchants

come here
to trade with us.

Yes. And they
pay us less.

Whereas if I make
the journey to them,

then I can get
a better price.

Price?

A better price?

Oh, yes.

Yes, of course.

Price is important.

Well, so be it.

You go, then.

I will miss you.

I hope it brings you
what you want.

But be cautious.

I have seen many cities,

some better,
some worse.

In none, however,

have I felt a sense
of fulfillment.

So keep your people
outside the gates.

Thank you, uncle.

Gather the herds.
We're going.

[cheering]

He is my brother's son.

But he's like my own.

May God protect him.

[metal clanging]

[people clamoring]

The four kings!

The four kings!

They did it!

They...

They attacked Sodom!

The four kings are coming!

Get some water!

[GROANING]

Are you attempting
to save this one's life?

How very kind of you.

[clicks tongue]

[imitates sheeps bleating]

[soliders laughing]

[shrieking]

To whom do you owe allegiance?

To Abram, the son of Terah.

But you're in the land
of the King of Sodom.

For the water, the grass.

Good, is it?

Well, you're wrong.

The grass of Sodom
is as bitter as bile.

But soon it'll taste sweet...

when we water it
with blood.

[soliders laughing]

Seize tents,

goods, animals,
everything you can find.

These people are--

Shepherd, you're moving
to greener pastures.

Take them north, as slaves.

(child)
Mother!

Mother!

My child!

(Abram) There was a time
long, long, long ago

when all men on earth
spoke the same language.

They came to a land
called Shinar,

and they said to each other,

"Let us build

a tower tall enough
to rise above the clouds

and touch God's heaven

so we will be famous
throughout the earth."

So they worked and worked
and worked,

piling brick upon brick
upon brick

until God saw
their arrogance.

And he was very angry.

So he made it

so that they forgot
their common language

and began to speak in
so many different tongues

that they couldn't understand
each other anymore.

Bluh, bluh, bluh, bluh, bluh.

[children laugh]

So confusion rose all around.

The tower was left
halfway built,

and God scattered them
across the face of the earth,

all of them separated
by their different languages.

Abram!

Abram!

Lot and his people,

they've been taken!

Get Mambre and his brothers.

Quickly.

[people speaking indistinctly]

(Abram)
This king thinks he's...

outrun the war.

He's posted no sentries.

It's a cold night.

They keep their faces
toward the fire.

Circle to the hills
in the north.

Eshcol to the west,

Aner to the east.

Be in place when the stars
of the Scorpion

are above us.

On my signal, we will all
attack at once.

(man) How many are
there, do you suppose?

(Abram)
Too many.

But they don't know our number,

and there's no moonlight
to betray us.

When your warriors attack,

each man make
the noise of five.

We will make
the noise of 10!

Serug.

[warriors clamoring]

Come on, men,
follow!

Come on, men.

My nephew's not here.

Eliezer.

Gather what food you can.

Feed these people.

Talk to them.

Perhaps they might have news

of the other kings.

(man)
They're coming back!

[thud]

[screams]

[gasps]

[whispering] He's dead.

I saw him.

[sobs]
Abram, he's dead!

No, no, it was only a dream.

A bad dream.

No, he's dead!

Through his heart.

This fever burns your sleep.
[weeping]

No, I know the meaning
of the sweat.

It's not fever.

I'm not a woman anymore.

He's not dead.

Yes!

It's only dreams
and fever.

He's dead.

Abram is not dead.
Look at me.

No, fool, look at me!

I'm empty.

Old, dry.

Abram is dead.

[sobs]

And his seed's dead with him.

[men laughing]

Two of our men saw
Lot and his family.

They're still alive.

[quietly]
Oh, God...

Mambre and his men
in position?

Not yet.

They'll give us a signal.

I'm afraid this time
we are facing a great danger.

These two kings
are much stronger.

(Abram)
Eliezer.

Last night,

a lance came
close enough to me

to taste death.

Years ago, my God promised me

that I would father
a great nation.

But his promise
is still...

only a promise.

Now, it is harvest time
for Death,

and if it should take me,

I have no son

to inherit the tribe

and no one to protect Sarai.

No one.

[laughs]

Nothing.

But I have made a decision.

That you will inherit.

Abram--

- Abram--
- I want your word

that you will use
all your wisdom

to guide my people

and your life to protect

Sarai.

Abram.

I give you my word.

I will.

[men shouting]

[women shrieking]

Serug, wait!

[clamoring ceases]

Let him go.

Who are you?

Abram.

This man is my nephew.

So you want this?

And his people.

Is that all?

No.

His goods,

his animals

and all the prisoners
you've taken.

Eh, what do I get
in return?

Your life.

I could take yours now.

[metal clinks]

Oh, yes, you could.

And then we would be even.

[scoffs]

It's an interesting offer.

But only as honest
as the man who makes it.

[men murmur]

Let them go!

All of them.

[people speaking indistinctly]

(Abram)
Enough blood...

has been spilt.

We have got what we came for.

It will end here.

SOLDIER:
Move on.

[LAUGHS]

Get up. Get up.

Now I've got a stallion!

[LAUGHS]

[FESTIVE MUSIC PLAYING]

[PEOPLE LAUGHING]

[MOANING]

I don't think that your children
should witness any of this.

Uncle Abram's right.

Take the girls
back to the tent.

Goodbye, Abram.

Goodbye,
and thank you.

[laughs]

Praise be to Abram,

conqueror of our enemies!

[cheering]

I, Bera, King of Sodom,
declare

that because of your courage
and valor,

you shall receive the riches
and spoils of the battlefield.

A king's reward...

to a brave man.

[people cheering]

I want none of it.

I fought only
to free my nephew.

None of it?

None of it.

I swore to
the Lord God most high,

Creator of heaven and earth,

that I would not take
a string,

a sandal thong...

or any of the spoils
of my victories.

They are yours.

Serug!

Leave the animals
with the spoils.

[people chattering]

[people cheering]

Abram!

Aren't you forgetting something?

My people,
the prisoners you freed.

The people I freed
are just that.

Free.

Free to go
where they choose.

Uncle, try
to understand.

We have a life
here in Sodom.

We work hard.
We earn well.

We can't leave now.

You too are free to choose.

Take care
of your family.

They're back!

They're back!

They're back!

I thought
you were dead.

I would not desert you
by dying.

I will never fail you.

But I have failed you.
I've not given you a son.

And now it's too late.

The Lord
has failed us.

No, He has not failed us.

He kept His promises.

He's given us
great victories

with very few losses.

And I love you.

More than life
itself.

[insects chirruping]

[softly]
My Lord God...

My Lord God, I...

I am afraid.

I am alone.

Tell me...

Tell me what You want of me.

Speak to me.

I beg you.

Speak to me.

(God)
Fear not, for I am your shield.

Your reward shall be great.

Oh.

Oh...

[laughs]

O my Lord God.

Why do You reward me?

Why me?

I...have no child...

no son.

I am alone and I will die alone.

Why do You bless me...

with Your gifts?

The heir
to all You have given me

will be Eliezer of Damascus.

He will inherit.

(God)
Abram, not Eliezer.

He will not be your heir.

Go to your altar,
prepare a sacrifice

and look toward heaven.

Number the stars.

So shall your descendants be.

I am the Lord

who brought you from Ur
of the Chaldeans

to give you
and your descendants

this land to possess.

But how, O Lord?

Without a son,

how can I have descendants?

(God) Abram, I make
this covenant with you.

A son of your own flesh

shall be your heir.

[blows horn]

[people clamoring]

Blessed be, Abram,
by the Lord most high,

Maker of heaven
and earth.

And blessed be
the Lord most high

Who has delivered your enemies
into your hands.

I come to you
in the Lord's name.

Shh.

Shh.

[camel groans]

I am Melchizedek,

king and the Lord's
high priest of Salem.

I've brought you
bread and wine.

I am grateful to you
for your words.

The Lord most high?

Creator of...?

Heaven and earth, yes.

And I--
Worship him?

Yes.

And you know Him.

[sighs]

I...

I have heard His voice.

And He has--

Given you these victories.

Victory, yes.

I praise the Lord
for them.

But these victories--

Are bitter?

It is not by force alone
that man finds his reward.

You have also won

great wealth,

but you, Abram,
have turned your back on it.

- For it means--
- Nothing.

Nothing.

Nothing compared to the vision
He has opened to us,

a vision
beyond our time.

You've found
a home

in this land

and defended it.

The Lord be blessed.

[wine pouring]

You've met a man
who understands you.

My good Lord
sent him to me.

Come.

Come.

Mistress, how may we
help you?

Leave us, please.

Sit.

I need to ask
a favor of you.

Of me, mistress?

I'm your servant.
Anything you ask I must do.

I want this to be your choice

so there's no strife between us.

You are Egyptian

and may not understand
the ways of my people.

If you agree, it is to this.

Each night, you will come to
my tent and lay with my husband.

You will do this
until you are with child,

and only until then.

When you give birth,

you will do so
sitting on my knees.

In this way,

the child will be mine...

and only mine...

under the law.

Mistress...

I see no other way.

[sheep bleating]

The Lord has prevented me
from bearing children.

Take my servant...

that you and I might
obtain a child by her.

[whispers] Could you
leave us alone, please?

"I will give you a son...

of your own flesh."

[Abram laughing]

Go, go, go, go.

Isn't it wonderful?

More births this year
than ever before.

And one more
in the winter.

Hagar is with child.

I will have a son!

[people cheering]

And what if it's
a daughter?

It will be a son...

as the Lord promised.

And we will raise him

to be strong and wise.

I will give you
your son.

Yes. Yes.

[sniffs]

This smells strange.

Just a pinch of herbs
and lamb tastes.

Mmm.

Where'd you find this?

In places
only an Egyptian knows.

What is that?

I'm cooking something
for Abram.

I do the cooking for my husband.

As I recall, this was
the Pharaoh's favorite.

You enjoyed it with him
many times, didn't you?

Bury it.

[coughing]

What are you doing?

What is that?

A cradle...for the child.

Made like that?

A basket?

But the reeds will tear
his skin off.

I've lined it
soft as a sparrow's nest.

I'll find one from the city
made with fragrant cedar

and Egyptian linen,

perfumed with
crushed flowers.

I wouldn't raise a child
in a thing like that.

Well, have no fear.

He's mine to raise.

And it won't be
in a perfumed box.

It'll be according to
our traditions.

This woman behaves
as though

she were the mistress
and I the servant.

May the wrong done to me
be done to you.

I gave my servant
to your embrace.

And since the day she conceived,

she has looked on me
with contempt.

May the Lord be the judge
between you and me.

Has an agreement
not been made between you?

Then between you,
you must resolve it.

However,
she is your servant

and you are entitled
to do with her as you wish,

but in accordance to our law

an agreement must not be broken.

It is right that she respect
not only our agreement,

but also the ways of our people.

You may go back to work.

(Abram)
Hagar!

Hagar.

Ha--

You, that way.

In the areas around.
Go.

Go, go.

(Abram)
Hagar!

Hagar!

Ugh! Uh!

Oh, oh!

Oh. Oh!

(man)
Hagar.

You know my name.

Where have you come from
and where are you going?

I'm fleeing from my mistress.

You're with child
and will bear a son.

And the Lord will so greatly
multiply your descendants

that they cannot be numbered.

Your son shall be a man
the world cannot break.

Wild and unconquered,
his hand against every man,

and every man's hand
against him.

He shall rule in front
of his brothers.

You shall call your son
Ishmael...

meaning,
"God listens."

Return to your mistress,
Hagar...

and submit to her.

(Abram)
Try further down the valley!

(man)
Don't worry, Abram!

(Sarai) Nothing?
MAN: We'll find her!

Nothing, nothing.

(woman)
There, she's back!

[women clamoring]

(woman 2)
We were so worried!

(woman 2)
Are you all right?

[quietly] O my God.

[sighs]

I have seen
an angel of the Lord.

I shall have a son,

and his name
shall be Ishmael.

[sighs]

[Hagar screams]

[Hagar screaming]

(Sarai)
You're doing well.

One more time.
You're very close.

[screams]

That's it.
That's it.

You're
doing it.

It's coming.
I know it's coming.

[groans, screams]

[panting]
Okay, push. Push.

Push.

All right, lean on me.
I'll do it for you.

On your knees as agreed...

but this is mine to do...

alone!

[screams]

[baby crying]

Abram.

Abram!

Oh, yes.

Oh, oh.

Oh, ohhh.

My son.

My son, Ishmael.

Ishmael, yes.

My son.

My son.

Ishmael.

Ishmael.
[crying ceases]

Ishmael, yes.

Ishmael,
you must sacrifice

something of great value
to yourself,

something that you love,

something that you would
risk your life for,

as you would this ram.

[gently]
He is a handsome animal

who could father
many sheep

that will add
to your wealth.

But you will offer the life
of this creature to God

as a sign.

As a sign that shows the Lord
that you would put nothing,

nothing of this world
above Him,

the Lord God most high.

Do you understand?

Yes.

Now, the ritual
must be carried out properly.

The creature that you sacrifice
must lie quietly,

accepting his sacrifice.

Now...

You must bind him.

[bleats]

Shh.

Good boy.

Now-- Ooh!
[bleats]

Ooh. Shh!
[bleats]

Talk to him, son.
Touch him.

He is afraid,
and he must not show his fear.

Talk to him.

There. Good.

Now we will place him
on the altar.

Now take his life.

Quickly.

Now, son, you have hunted
and killed many animals.

But this is different.

Oh, yes, and in your heart,
it must feel very different.

Do it.

[BLEATS]

[blade cuts]

Now we will
give thanks.

O my Lord,

I give thanks.

I give thanks,
O my Lord.

And which you give me anew
each morning that I awake.

And which you give me anew
each morning I awake.

O my Lord, I thank thee
for my son Ishmael...

who is brave and strong...

and will one day lead our people
into the future.

May you always be with him.

Now we gather wood.

And we'll burn the offering.

[WIND WHISTLING]

(God) Abram.

I am your God.

And I will make my covenant
between me and you.

No longer shall your name
be Abram, Man of Greatness,

but Abraham, Father of Nations.

For I will make you
the father of multitudes.

Kings shall come from you.

As for Sarai, your wife,

you shall no longer
call her Sarai, a princess,

but Sarah, a queen.

And she shall be
the Mother of Nations.

Kings shall come from her,

for I will give you
a son by her.

[exhales]

Well...

[chuckles]

My Lord.

My Lord!

[laughs]

Lord.

A man of my age...

[laughs]
How can I have a child?

And S--

How can Sarai--?

(God)
Sarah shall bear you a son

and you will call him

Isaac.

Isaac.

Isaac.

(God)
As for you,

this is my covenant,

which you and your descendants
shall keep.

Every male among you

shall be circumcised
in the flesh of the foreskin.

And this shall be
a sign of the covenant

between me and you.

So shall my covenant be
in your flesh everlasting.

And I will give
to your descendants

the land of Canaan
for everlasting possession.

[bleating]

We have guests.

(Abraham)
Bring some water.

Welcome.

Welcome
to my home.

Rest yourselves a while.

Let water be brought
that you may wash your feet,

and food that you may
warm your hearts.

I thank you,
Abraham,

for your hospitality.

Where is
your wife Sarah?

[quietly]
Sarah?

She's...

Sh-she's in the...

The tent.

Abraham.

[exhales]

O my Lord.

If I have found favor
in your heart...

and...

And in your sight,

do not pass
Your servant by.

Stay with me.

Let a bit of bread
be brought

that you may refresh yourself.

(God)
Do as you have said.

Bake bread,
prepare the--

[gasps]

Prepare the best food
we have.

(God)
I will stay a while,

then return to you
in one year.

And Sarah, your wife,
shall have a son.

[GASPS]

[giggles]

(God)
Sarah.

Is there anything
the Lord cannot do?

Do you think
you are too old

to bear a child?

Then why did you laugh?

I-I did not laugh.

(God) Oh, but you
did laugh.

You will bear Abraham
a son.

And you will call him
Isaac,

meaning "laughter."

[laughs]

Lord.

Ishmael.

(God) Do not worry
about Ishmael.

Behold, I have blessed him

and will make him
fruitful

and will multiply him
exceedingly.

Twelve princes
shall he beget.

And I will make him
a great nation.

My Lord, will you not stay
a while longer?

(God)
I shall not hide

from my friend Abraham,
the Father of Nations,

what I am about to do.

The outcry against

Sodom and Gomorrah
is great.

The sins of which they
are accused, very grave.

And I will go there
to see if they indeed

have done according
to these outcries.

My Lord,
will you destroy...

the righteous
with the wicked?

My Lord,

suppose 50 righteous
are within the city,

will you not spare
the whole city

for the 50 righteous
who are in it?

Far be it from the Lord
to do such a thing to...

slay the righteous
with the wicked.

(God) If I find at Sodom
50 righteous,

I will spare the whole city
for their sake.

My Lord, I who am
but dust and ashes

should dare not ask,

but suppose five of the 50
are lacking?

Will you destroy the whole city
for the lack of five?

(God) I will not destroy it
if I find 45 there.

Oh, Lord, be not angry.

Suppose 40 are found there?

(God) For the sake of 40,
I will not do it.

Suppose 30?

(God)
I will not do it if I find 30.

Twenty?

(God) For the sake of 20,
I will not destroy it.

My Lord.

My Lord, I--

May I speak again
just this once?

Suppose 10?

(God)
For 10, I will not destroy it.

My Lord...

What of those...

that are without guilt?

[wind whistling]

[softly]
My Lord.

My Lord.

My Lord.

[people conversing, laughing]

(woman)
Here. Over here.

Hello.

(man) Where have you
just come from?

(woman)
Here we are!

[Groans]

(woman 3)
Oh, stop that!

[people laughing]

(Lot)
You are strangers here.

Welcome to our city.
I am at your service.

Why don't you come
to my house

and stay for the night
and wash your feet.

(Lot's wife)
Yes, do.

Then you may rise up early
and go on your way.

We thank you,

but we will spend
the night in the street.

No. I beg you, my friends.
Not in these streets.

Come with us.

[clamoring]

Come on,
they're in Lot's house.

(Lot's Wife)
He won't admit it,

but he cooks much
better than I do.

We want your beautiful
friends. Lot!

Where are the men
who came to you tonight?

Bring them out.
We want them to join us.

(Men)
Ooh!

(man)
Lot!

Don't keep them
all to yourself.

[LAUGHTER]

Lot?

Oh-ho, ho, ho!

Oh-ho, ho, ho!

Lot!

These men are my guests.

Under my roof, my protection
and my hospitality.

All that all right.

We'll show them both
the hospitality of Sodom.

[man laughs]

[revelers jeering]

I beg you, my friends,

don't do this, please.

I beg you, please don't do this,
my friends.

This is not
the sort of thing--

Friend. Friend?

You think we are
your friends, huh?

You buy a house, you think
you can buy our friendship?

Take me. Don't take them,
take m--

Shh!

What did you say?

Take me. Don't take them.
Take me.

Ooh!

[all laughing]

Now, there's an interesting
offer. Take you?

Protecting a guest
is a sacred duty.

You can take me,
you can take my daughters.

But you can't take my guests.

(man)
Oh-ho! Happy night.

We can take them all.

[screaming]

My eyes! My eyes!

I can't see!

I can't see!
I'm blind!

(Angel) Quickly. Do not
stop and do not look back.

Do not stop.
Flee to the hills.

(Lot)
Hurry.

Remember,

do not look back,
or you will be consumed.

Quickly.
Quickly.

[rumbling intensifying]

(Lot's Wife)
Oh, no. No!

Keep moving. Follow me
and don't look back.

[Women screams]

[Girl shrieks]

Into this cave.
Quickly.

[screams]

Nooooo!

[wails]
No! Ah!

[Lot screaming]

[Sarah cries out]

[Sarah screams]

[SARAH SCREAMING]

God will give you
what He's promised.

Suppose He gives me a son
and He takes Sarah?

[Sarah screams]

Would you--?

- Would you go to her, please?
- Why?

Why?

Well, she's...

She's labored night, day,

and the midwives
won't tell me anything.

She could be in danger.

Please comfort her.

She'd take little comfort
from me.

Something, anything.

It's in God's hands.
Leave it there.

[Sarah screams]

Abraham, tell me.

Have you found Ishmael to be
an acceptable, deserving son?

Ishmael?

Acceptable? Deserving?
O my God, he is a joy.

Why, then, for the 10 years
since his birth

have you and I
walked the same ground

and hardly passed a word?

Why have you never
offered me

a word of gratitude?

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Would you forgive me?

But now you speak.

Only now, when you want my help.

Your wife
has servants enough.

[baby cries]

[people gasp,
murmuring]

And you see,
they've done their job.

Go to her, Abraham.

[people laughing, talking]

[baby crying]

[people cheering]

[Abraham laughs]

Yes! Yes!

And his name...

will be Isaac!

(All)
Isaac! Isaac! Isaac! Isaac!

Isaac! Isaac! Isaac!

Isaac! Isaac!

Isaac!

Isaac! Isaac! Isaac!

Isaac! Isaac! Isaac!

Isaac! Isaac! Isaac! Isaac!

Isaac! Isaac! Isaac!

[drums playing gleeful music,
people clapping]

Ishmael. Ishmael.

(Woman)
Ooh!

[people shouting, laughing]

[rhythm increases]

Ishmael!

Take him now.

Ishmael, get him quick.

The winner, Ishmael!

[cheering]

[women ululating]

Hooray!

Serug, I challenge you
to a joust.

(Serug) Oh, you're feeling
brave tonight, huh?

Mother. Mother!

Did you see
what Ishmael did?

Did you see it?

Yes, Isaac, I saw.

He's very strong.

Come on.

Ishmael continues to amaze me
with his skill and cunning.

He's become
a natural leader.

Now let's see

If Serug can teach him
some manners with his staff.

Wait.

This isn't fair.

Why not?

Isaac!

Come here,
I need your help.

Hold on to my hair
and watch Serug.

Don't let him trick me.

[people laughing]

Now it's even.
Two against one.

[drums resume playing]

[woman ululating]

[people cheering]

(Isaac)
Hooray!

(Serug)
Well done.

Let's see what you
can do with the bow

and without any help.

I love you both!

(woman)
Ishmael!

Father.

Ishmael is taking the herds
to the upper pasture tomorrow.

May I go with him?

Of course.

[Abraham chuckles]

It's wonderful.
It's wonderful.

Oh! The children.

God, I love
those children.

Where is Isaac?

Isaac?
He's with Ishmael.

What is it, Sarah?

I've seen something terrible
tonight.

Are you worried?

About what?

The future.

The future?

Ah, the future.

[laughs]

The future.

Ooph!

[chuckles]

The future.

Whose?

My son's.

I don't want Isaac going
into the mountains alone.

He won't be going alone.
He'll be going with Ishmael.

I know.

Ishmael teaches Isaac
something new every day.

When he comes back,

he'll know as much
about the herds

as the best
of our herdsmen.

And if he doesn't come back?

[laughing]
Why wouldn't he come back?

Ishmael would do what Hagar
tells him to do.

And Hagar would do anything

to put her son
in our son's place,

the son that God gave us.

Oh, Sarah, Sarah...

You two have made no secret

of your feelings
towards each other.

That is ancient business.

(Sarah) Every man
in the tribe

is now ready to follow Ishmael
into the teeth of death.

(Sarah) He's so much older
than Isaac.

He's headstrong.

Fearless.

And then I looked at his mother.

Oh, husband,

such dreadful ambition burns
in that girl's eyes.

Oh, Sarah, Sarah, Sarah--

In time, and not much of that,

God will take us.

If we leave
Isaac and Ishmael behind,

who...?

Who will inherit?

Which of those two will lead?

Isaac is God's choice.
He is the choice of God.

And he loves
his brother.

Oh, yes, he does.

So much so
that if Ishmael asked,

Isaac would happily give away
his birthright

to please Ishmael,

to follow Ishmael,

to worship Ishmael.

Isaac is God's choice.

That is God's promise.

Tell me...

without us...

do you think
little Isaac

could stand up to Ishmael
and his mother?

How will God ensure
it will be Isaac?

Will he strike Hagar
and Ishmael dead?

You love both of your sons
so much

you don't see it.

I love them too.

But we created this problem.

And now God's put it
in our hands to solve.

No, no. No.

[sighs]

I...

created the problem.

I did not have sufficient faith
in the words of God.

And now the problem...

is ours to solve.

But how?

How?

Send them away.

What?

[chuckling]
Oh, yes. Oh, yes.

Yes, just send them away.

Send them away?!

For the protection
of our son.

Send them...

away.

[footsteps approach]

I believe...

the words you spoke

were not
yours alone,

but God's will.

Mother and son
will be gone in the morning.

[sighs]

[Softly]
Go with God.

Don't worry about us, Father.

I know how to survive.

Yes.

You learned well.

Hagar. Hagar.

[clears throat]

Remember the words of the Lord.

"Behold, I have blessed him.

"And I will make him...

...a great nation."

[pants]

[Hagar panting]

What is it, son?

Ishmael?

You miss him?

Me too.

You're worried about him?

Me too.

[whispering]
Shall we ask God for His help?

Yes, Father.

Pick a lamb
you love,

as you love Ishmael,

and we will offer its life
for your brother's safety.

Will you choose
or will I?

I will.

[bleating]

Must it be one I love?

Yes.

Must it be
the one I love the most?

As a sign of your faith.

Not today.

Not today, my son.
Not today.

God will provide
for Ishmael.

God will provide.

[wind howling]

[grunts]

Ishmael.

[moans]

Mother.

(Angel)
Hagar.

Fear not,

for God has heard
the cries of Ishmael.

Arise.

Lift up your son
and hold him fast.

For God shall make of him

a great nation.

[panting]

[panting & laughing]

(Abraham) All the stars,
they huddle together

and they take the shape
of little animals.

The Ram comes first.

And then after
comes the Scorpion,

the Goat and the Fish.

Now, knowing where
the stars are

and where they go
in their movement

helps us to journey
at night.

Sometimes they can help us
to win a battle.

Eliezer!

Did you know that the stars
are like little animals

in the night sky?

[chuckles]

No wonder
there are so many!

Get your bow and arrow.
It's time to practice!

Yes, sir.

Oh, he's got so much
to learn.

And I so little time
to teach him.

But...his mind is wonderful.

So fast
in understanding

and his memory
so quick to grasp and to hold.

Yes, Abraham...
No matter what I teach him.

But there's something
that needs your interest.

Look how well
he's learning to ride.

[Isaac laughs]

I've never seen a child,
or indeed a man,

with such a mastery
over animals.

One word, one whisper,
and they do anything he asks.

Yes, he rides
very well, but...

It's more
than a skill.

Isaac has a gift.
He was born with it, I believe.

A power over beasts
that's magical.

Higher with the bow.
Higher. Higher!

Abraham,
may I interrupt you?

Yes, yes, yes.
What is it?

Serug's-- Serug's boy
is 8 days old now.

They are waiting for you
to perform the circumcision.

Ah, yes, yes.

Well, it's a simple thing.
You-- You-- You do it.

But it's not my place.

Good shot!
Good shot!

Well, then, the father. They've
seen me do it a hundred times.

But it's Serug.
He wants you.

Oh, when will they
understand?

Can't you see I'm busy?

Every day, they're growing
more and more like children.

And you, more and more
like a stranger.

Sarah's been talking to you.

Yes.

I thought so.

Well, I will tell you
what I told her.

Isaac will lead our people.

And soon.

Soon, I think.

He is my only son...now.

And I want every day I have
to prepare him.

And nothing is
more important than that.

Do you understand?

Nothing.

Yes.

Eliezer.

I will not disappoint my God
again.

Again?

There were times
in the past

when I believed
that he had abandoned me.

But it was I

who had abandoned him.

And I will not disappoint him
again.

Isaac, come.

(Abraham)
Come with the bow.

Come, let me show you.

Let me show you
how to string the bow.

(God)
Abraham.

Here I am, Lord.

(God)
Take your son Isaac

and go to the land of Moriah.

To a mountain there,
which I will show you.

And offer him
as a burnt sacrifice.

L--

Lord?

(God)
Offer him as a burnt sacrifice.

Lord, Lord...

"Offer him...

as a burnt sacrifice"?

My Lord.

My Lord.

"Offer Isaac...

as a burnt sacrifice"?

Why, Lord?

O my Lord!

Why?!

Whyyyyy...?

[sobbing]

[wind whistling]

[thunder rumbles]

You will stay here.

My son and I will...

go up and worship.

And then we will c--

[weakly]
We will come back...

down to you.

Father, there are no sheep
up this high.

Did you bring the flint
to make a fire?

Yes.

We have wood,

but where is the lamb
for a burnt offering?

God will provide the lamb.

[wind whistling]

Hold out your arms,

Isaac.

Tie me tightly, Father.

O God...

give me the strength

to do what I must.

(Angel)
Abraham.

Do not harm
your child.

For now I know
that you fear God,

seeing that you have not
withheld your son,

your beloved son.

[bleats]

[bleats]

[weeping]

[laughing]

My Son!

My son.

My son. My son.

(God)
I will bless you

and I will multiply
your descendants

as the sand
which is upon the seashore,

as the stars
of the heavens above.

Please rate this subtitle at www.osdb.link/9kdd3
Help other users to choose the best subtitles