By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. (Hebrews 11:23-27)

Hidden For Three Months

It must have been unusual for Moses to write down the history of the children of Israel beginning with his own birth. Writing his second book, he unveils the story of the terrible world he was born into. The king of Egypt grew fearful of the Hebrews and began a slaughter of all male children born to the foreigners. It became a difficult task as the midwives feared the Lord God more than they feared Pharaoh. The final solution came in the order to throw all males born to the Hebrews into the river. Into this world, Amram and Jochebed bore a second son.

The parents of Moses saw that he was a beautiful child. Stephen explains in his sermon that baby Moses was well pleasing to the Lord and his parents hid him for three months. Anyone who has had a small infant knows the difficulty of keeping hidden a child and so Amram and Jochebed devised a great plan of courage. They sent Miriam to place Moses in a basket among the reeds by the river’s bank. Pharaoh’s daughter was accustomed to come to this place to bathe. Seeing the baby and hearing its cry her heart was filled with compassion. Immediately Moses’ sister asked if the princess would like a nurse to care for the child and Jochebed was summoned. Commanded by the daughter of Pharaoh to care for the child a joyful mother returned home with her baby boy.

We do not know the Hebrew name of Moses. Pharaoh’s daughter named this great man of God from her drawing him out of water. The life of Moses has changed the world and still echoes through the generations of time because of his faith, courage and determination to serve God and Him alone. This character was formed early in the life of Moses. His parents were people who feared the Lord more than Pharaoh. They risked their lives to save the young child trusting in the providence of God to lead them. Hiding a child for three months is not an easy task. Knowing the penalty of being caught was certain death for everyone must have weighed heavy on their hearts. The courage to trust God when Moses was placed in the river was excruciating.

The early years of Moses came from the lap of his godly mother. Amram impressed upon the young boy faith and fidelity to serve the Lord. Growing up in the palace of Pharaoh had its temptations but Moses learned early what was important in life. His parents hid him from the king for three months but Moses hid God in his heart for life. Let us have the courage to trust God. Faith should rule our lives to believe that God will work in our day-to-day walk. Allow the providence of the Lord to shape our lives to His glory. Hide the word of God deep in your heart. Now that is a great story.

Courage: fear that has said its prayers. (Author Unknown)