Baby Moses

In a small house in Egypt, a mother held her baby tight. She loved him so, so much.

But the mean king, Pharaoh, had made a terrible rule. 'No more Hebrew baby boys!' he said.

Jochebed hid her baby every day. 'Shh, little one,' she whispered. 'We must be very quiet.'

But baby Moses was growing bigger. And bigger babies cry louder! Jochebed knew she needed a plan.

'Mama, I can help,' said Miriam bravely. She was only ten, but she was strong and smart.

Jochebed picked up some long reeds. 'I'm going to make something special,' she said. 'A little boat for our baby.'

All night long, Jochebed wove the reeds together. In and out, in and out. She made a tiny basket, just big enough for a baby.

She covered it with sticky tar to keep the water out. 'There,' she said. 'Now it will float.'

She lined the basket with soft cloth. 'Nice and cozy for you, my sweet boy,' Jochebed smiled through her tears.

'Miriam, I need you to be very brave,' Mama said. 'Can you watch over your brother at the river?' Miriam nodded. 'I promise, Mama.'

Jochebed kissed her baby one more time. 'God will keep you safe,' she whispered. 'I just know it.'

Very gently, she laid baby Moses in his little basket boat. He looked up at her and smiled.

In the quiet early morning, Jochebed and Miriam walked to the great River Nile. The water was calm and gentle.

At the river's edge, Jochebed held the basket close one last time. The tall reeds swayed gently in the breeze.

Slowly, carefully, she placed the basket in the water. It floated! Just like a tiny boat among the reeds.

The little basket bobbed gently on the water, safe among the tall reeds. Baby Moses looked up at the blue sky and cooed.

Jochebed had to walk away. It was the hardest thing she'd ever done. But she trusted God to watch over her baby.

But Miriam didn't leave. She hid in the tall reeds and watched. 'I promised Mama,' she whispered. 'I'll keep you safe.'

Miriam waited and watched. The sun grew warmer. Birds sang. And still she didn't move.

Baby Moses didn't worry at all. He fell fast asleep in his cozy little boat, rocking gently on the water.

Then Miriam heard something. Voices! And footsteps coming closer. Her heart beat fast. Who was coming?

It was the Princess! Pharaoh's own daughter had come to the river to bathe. She walked gracefully to the water's edge.

'What's that?' the Princess said, pointing at the reeds. She could see something floating between the tall green stems.

'Bring it to me!' she told her helpers. The Princess reached out and pulled the little basket from the water.

She opened the basket and gasped. Inside was a beautiful baby boy, looking right up at her!

The baby began to cry. The Princess felt her heart melt. 'Oh, you poor little thing,' she said softly.

'This must be a Hebrew baby,' the Princess said. She didn't care about her father's rule. She held him close.

Miriam watched from her hiding spot. Her heart was pounding. The Princess wasn't angry - she was being gentle!

Miriam took a deep breath. This was her chance. She had to be the bravest she'd ever been.

Miriam stepped out of the reeds and walked right up to the Princess. Her knees were shaking, but her voice was strong.

'Would you like me to find a Hebrew woman to help take care of the baby for you?' Miriam asked politely.

The Princess smiled. 'Yes! Go quickly!' she said. What a good idea!

Miriam ran as fast as her legs could carry her! She knew exactly who to bring back - Mama!

'Mama! Mama! The Princess found him! And she loves him! She wants YOU to take care of him!' Miriam shouted joyfully.

Jochebed's tears turned from sad to happy. 'Thank you, God,' she cried. 'Oh, thank you!'

Miriam led her mother straight back to the river. Jochebed could hardly breathe. She was about to hold her baby again!

The Princess placed the baby gently in Jochebed's arms. 'Take care of this child for me,' she said.

Jochebed held her baby close and cried happy tears. Miriam hugged them both. They were together again!

As they walked home together, the golden sun warmed their faces. God had kept baby Moses safe, just like Mama knew He would.

That night, in their little home, Mama held her baby and Miriam sat close. Baby Moses was safe. And one day, he would grow up to do something very, very special.