Moses Baby Basket

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Saturday, June 19th, 2010

moses baby basket

Bible Stories: Moses in the Bulrushes

The Children of Israel continued to multiply in the land of Goshen in Egypt, long after Joseph and his brothers had died. On the throne was another Pharaoh who had not heard about the amazing story of how Joseph and his brothers came to be in Egypt. He only saw that there were large families and was worried that if there was a war they could join with the enemy against him.

So he forced them to build him two cities, Pithom and Rames. They had to burn clay into bricks to build these great cities. Men were put in charge of them called taskmasters, they worked them hard and were cruel to them. Yet still the number of sturdy babies continued to be born and the numbers grow.

So Pharaoh made a new rule that all the baby boys must be thrown into the River Nile. It was a terrible time for the Israelites. Then one day an Israelite named Amram who belonged to the tribe of Levi, married A women called Jochebed of the same tribe. As time went on they had a little girl who they named Miriam. She grew to be a clever and sensible girl.

Then Jochebed had a baby boy. He was beautiful, with satiny skin and little curls. His family loved him especially his sister Miriam. Earnestly Miriam helped her mother to hide the baby; and for three months no one knew he was in the house. There came a day when Jochebed told Miriam that the time had come when they could no longer hide him and would have to trust him to God.

If you want to take your baby across the River Nile as you swam you would put the baby in a basket or ark, as they are called. These special baskets were made of bulrushes and smeared with a gum to keep out the water, a lid would be put keeping the baby safe inside. So Jochebed took one of these baskets and put the baby in it.

Very quietly they took the basket down to the River Nile near a pool that the Pharaoh’s daughter used. Putting the basket among the reeds which grew in the river, Jochebed took one last look then went home. Miriam stayed close by to see what would happen. As Miriam watched, she saw the princess take off her robes ready to step into the water. Suddenly she saw the basket. She called to one of her servants to fetch it and bring it to her.

As she lifted the lid, the baby awoke and started to cry. The princess looked at him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrew babies – he belongs to the children of Israel.” As she spoke she noticed Miriam who had crept up and was watching. “Shall I go and find a nurse for him,” said Miriam. “Yes.” said the princess. Miriam hurried away and bought back her mother. “Take this child away and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.”

So now they had no need to hide the baby for everyone knew he was the adopted child of the daughter of the king. When he no longer needed the daily help of his mother, he went back to live with the princess who called him Moses.

About the Author

Julia Shipley is a committed Christian worshipping and serving in her local church. She has a heart for the young children and the youth believing the word of God is the final authority. For information regarding Sunday school lessons and other Bible stories visit http://www.quick-christian-resources.com