Pharaoh’s quest to annihilate the Hebrew baby boys led to the passage of the “babies in the Nile” edict. The growing numbers and strength of the Israelites also known as Hebrews scared the reigning Pharaoh. The fear of a growing Hebrew army to attack the Egyptians caused Pharaoh to do the unthinkable. Exodus 1:22 states that, “Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.” This order did not just seek to kill the Hebrew baby boys but was meant to weaken the willpower of the Hebrews. In such a toxic environment, a Hebrew couple, Amram and Jochebed brought forth their son. Amram and Jochebed were from the family of Levi. Jochebed was actually the sister of Amram’s father (Exodus 6:20). The couple gave birth to Miriam, Aaron and Moses. Aaron and Miriam were born before the “babies in the Nile edict”. The Bible does not record the number of Hebrew baby boys that were consumed by the Nile because of this edict. What we know is that the order was taken with all seriousness and even parents were afraid to keep their sons at home because of the edict. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. (Exodus 2:3) This is how the story of Moses’ birth is presented in Exodus 2 :1-4: “Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.” Jochebed knew that her son was no ordinary son. She wanted to keep him and for three months, the innocent baby was hidden from Egyptian soldiers. When Jochebed realized that keeping the baby was the most dangerous thing to do, she did the impossible by preparing the baby for his trip to the palace. With a papyrus basket coated with tar and pitch, she placed her son among the reeds of the Nile. The same Nile which consumed other baby boys transported this fine baby to his new home. Watching from a distance was Miriam, the baby’s sister. “Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.” (Exodus 2:5-6). The rescuer of this Hebrew baby was the daughter of the man who gave the evil edict. God drove the basket right to the bathing place of the enemy. This fine child needed a royal upbringing for the task ahead and God had a big plan. Jochebed’s boldness sent her son to safety. In the long run, the baby’s own mother became a nanny to Pharaoh’s grandson. The child Pharaoh hated, grew up right in his palace as a prince of Egypt. “When the child grew older, she (Jochebed) took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.” (Exodus 2:10). Moses spent the first few years of his life with his family. He might have been taught about the ways of God and the love for humanity. He might have learnt to defend the weak in his own parents house. He might have heard the story of the Hebrews and their God. Though Moses grew up as a Prince of Egypt, Jochebed’s upbringing shaped his life and mission. When Pharaoh thought he was destroying the Hebrews, God used a bold woman to give one Hebrew son training and preparation for God’s perfect agenda. Jochebed might have been a proud mum of a brave Egyptian Prince. May God turn what was meant to destroy us as the stepping stones to our greatness. May God position Jochebeds in our lives, men and women who know the times and seasons and who don’t give up at the sight of attack. Whatever the enemy meant to use to harm us, will ultimately propel us to greatness. El Roi: Jehovah sees!
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