Moses in the Basket
Ilumi Kids · Stories
Long, long ago, in Egypt, there was a very mean king who didn't like God's people, the Hebrews. He was so afraid they would grow strong that he gave a terrible command: all baby Hebrew boys should be thrown into the Nile River.
But, in one Hebrew family, a beautiful baby boy was born. His mother, Jochebed, looked at him, and her heart filled with love. She knew she had to protect him from the king's order.
Pharaoh ordered that the Hebrew baby boys be thrown into the Nile. Moses’ mother hid him for three months and then placed him in a sealed basket among the reeds by the river. His sister Miriam kept watch. Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby, felt sorry for him, and gave him to his own mother to raise.
Where it is in the Bible: Exodus 2:1-10
God protects the little ones and uses people’s courage and faith to carry out his plans.
After reading, use these questions to help your child remember and apply the story.
Long, long ago, in Egypt, there was a very mean king who didn't like God's people, the Hebrews. He was so afraid they would grow strong that he gave a terrible command: all baby Hebrew boys should be thrown into the Nile River.
But, in one Hebrew family, a beautiful baby boy was born. His mother, Jochebed, looked at him, and her heart filled with love. She knew she had to protect him from the king's order.
Jochebed hid her tiny baby at home for three months. But babies grow and make noise! Soon, she couldn't hide him anymore.
So, she came up with a brave and faithful plan. She took a basket made of reeds, which look like strong straw, and covered it with tar and pitch so water couldn't get in. The basket became a little boat, safe and waterproof.
She saw that he was a beautiful baby. So she hid him for three months. — Exodus 2:2
With a heavy heart, but trusting in God, the mother carefully placed the baby inside the basket. She carried the little basket to the bank of the great Nile River and hid it among the tall plants growing at the water's edge.
Miriam, the baby's older sister, didn't go far. She stayed hidden, watching carefully to see what would happen to her little brother.
At that very moment, a very important person arrived at the river: Pharaoh's daughter, the princess! She came with her servants to bathe. Suddenly, she saw something strange floating among the reeds.
"Bring that basket to me," she ordered. When they opened the basket, they found the baby. He was crying, and the princess's heart filled with compassion.
Pharaoh's daughter: This must be one of the Hebrew babies!
Miriam saw everything and, with great courage, approached the princess. "Would you like me to call a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby for you?" she asked. The princess thought it was a great idea and said yes!
Miriam ran and called her own mother! The princess gave the baby to Jochebed to care for him and even promised to pay her for it. God took care of baby Moses in an amazing way, using his mother's faith, his sister's courage, and even the compassion of Pharaoh's daughter.
