The Attack

Moses Born in the Worst of Times

While this command was in full force, a baby boy was born to Amram and Jochebed, Israelites of the tribe of Levi. The parents, believing that the time for Israel to be set free was drawing near and that God would raise up a deliverer for His people, determined that their little one should not be sacrificed. Faith in God strengthened their hearts, “and they were not afraid of the king’s command” (Hebrews 11:23). 1TC 159.1

The mother hid the child for three months, then finding that she could no longer keep him safely, she prepared a little boat of rushes, making it watertight by using asphalt and pitch. Laying her baby in the little boat, she placed it among the reeds at the river’s edge. His sister Miriam lingered near, anxiously watching to see what would become of her little brother. 1TC 159.2

And there were other watchers. The mother had committed her child to the care of God, and unseen angels hovered above his humble resting place. Angels directed Pharaoh’s daughter to that spot. The little basket aroused her curiosity, and as she looked at the beautiful child within, his tears awakened her compassion; her sympathies went out to the unknown mother who had tried to preserve her precious little one in this way. She determined that he would be saved—she would adopt him as her own. 1TC 159.3

Miriam, seeing that the child was being received tenderly, dared to go closer, and at last said, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?” Permission was given. 1TC 159.4

The sister hurried to her mother with the happy news and quickly returned with her to Pharaoh’s daughter. “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages,” said the princess. 1TC 159.5