MOSES

Miriam and her parents lived in Egypt. They were really Hebrews, the people of Israel. But they had left Israel during a famine and come to Egypt. There they worked as slaves.

                In those days, the Egyptians worshipped many gods. But the Hebrews worshipped only one God. So the ruler of Egypt, the Pharaoh, was angry with them. He was also afraid of them. He thought they would one day fight with the people of Egypt. So he ordered that all newborn Hebrew boys be thrown into the river.

                At this time, Miriam had a new baby brother. Her mother was worried about the boy. She hid him in the house for three months.

                One day she put the baby in a basket and took him to the bank of the river. She hid the basket in the tall grass and said to Miriam, “The princes come to this place to bathe every day. She is a kind woman. Even her servants are fond of her. She will see the baby; she will like him, I’m sure of it.” Then she said something in Miriam’s ear and went away.

                Soon the princess and her maids came to the river. The princess was surprised at seeing a little baby in a basket. She asked a maid to bring the baby to her. Miriam, hiding behind the tall grasses, was looking on; she was troubled about her little baby brother.

                “This is a little Hebrew boy,” said the Princess. “He looks so beautiful. I’m Sorry for him. But how can I take him to the palace and look after him?”

                Miriam ran to the princess, went down on her knees, and said, “Princess, I know a Hebrew woman who is very good at nursing babies. I’ll bring her here.” The princess agreed.

                Miriam ran to her mother and brought her to the Princess. “This girl says you are good at looking after children,” said the Princess.

                “Take this baby and look after him for me. When he is older, bring him to me.”

                So the little baby lived with his own father and mother! When he was older, his mother took him to the Princess. The princess looked at him and said, “He’s a very fine boy! I’m fond of him. He shall live with me; and I shall call him Moses.”

                Then she turned to Miriam’s mother and said, “I’m pleased with you; you’ve looked after him very well.”

                Moses grew up in the Pharaoh’s palace. He became a great leader of the people of Israel.

***

GATHERED FROM MY OLD TEXT BOOK