Who Raised Moses?
Moses, one of the most significant figures in biblical history, is renowned as the leader who liberated the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and delivered God’s law to His people. However, the question of who raised Moses reveals a remarkable story of courage, providence, and divine orchestration.
Early Life of Moses
Moses was born during a time when the Israelites were living as slaves in Egypt. Pharaoh, fearing the growing number of Israelites, decreed that every newborn Hebrew male should be killed to control their population (Exodus 1:22). This posed a direct threat to Moses, who was born to a Levite family.
To protect him, Moses’ mother, Jochebed, devised a courageous plan. She hid her son for three months, likely relying on her faith in God’s protection. When hiding him became impossible, she constructed a small basket, coated it with pitch to make it waterproof, and placed Moses in it, setting him among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River (Exodus 2:3-4).
The Pharaoh’s Daughter
Moses’ life took a miraculous turn when Pharaoh’s daughter discovered him while bathing in the Nile. Moved with compassion upon seeing the crying infant, she chose to adopt him as her own son (Exodus 2:5-6). This act saved Moses from certain death and provided him with a unique upbringing within the royal Egyptian household.
By raising Moses in Pharaoh’s palace, the princess unknowingly placed him in a position to later challenge Egyptian oppression. He received an education and upbringing befitting a prince, learning the culture, language, and leadership skills of Egypt—tools that would later prove essential in his role as leader of Israel.
Jochebed, Moses’ Birth Mother
Interestingly, even though Pharaoh’s daughter adopted Moses, she did not raise him entirely on her own. Recognizing the child’s Hebrew origins, she called for a Hebrew nurse to care for him. God orchestrated events so that Moses’ own mother, Jochebed, became his nurse (Exodus 2:7-9).
This arrangement allowed Moses to benefit from both worlds: the royal nurturing and education of Egypt, alongside the early spiritual and cultural teachings of his Hebrew family. Jochebed’s role ensured that Moses was grounded in his heritage, understanding his people’s plight, traditions, and faith in God.
The Significance of Moses’ Upbringing
The dual influence of Pharaoh’s household and his Hebrew mother played a crucial role in shaping Moses’ character and destiny. Raised in Pharaoh’s palace, he acquired leadership qualities, eloquence, and strategic thinking. At the same time, Jochebed instilled in him a sense of identity, faith, and moral grounding aligned with God’s promises to Israel.
This unique upbringing prepared Moses to navigate both worlds—Egyptian authority and Hebrew suffering—and ultimately positioned him to fulfill God’s plan of liberation for the Israelites. His life is a testament to the divine providence and careful orchestration that often operates behind the scenes in pivotal moments of history.
Conclusion
Moses’ upbringing was a combination of providence, courage, and faith. Pharaoh’s daughter saved and adopted him, providing royal privileges and education, while his mother, Jochebed, nurtured him with Hebrew values and faith. Together, these influences prepared Moses to become the prophet, leader, and lawgiver who would deliver God’s people from slavery and lead them toward the Promised Land.
Moses’ story reminds us that sometimes our destiny is shaped not just by who saves us, but also by who nurtures and teaches us, combining protection, education, and faith to prepare us for a greater purpose.