Story 13: Moses’ Early Years

Exodus 1:1-22, 2:1-22

The Bridge: Over the next 400 years from the time of Joseph’s reign in Egypt, the Israelites multiplied greatly. Since one of Abraham’s ancestors was “Eber” (Genesis 10:24), his descendants became known as Hebrews. A new Pharaoh came into power who did not know of Joseph. He became fearful of a takeover. So, he enslaved the Israelites (Exodus 1:8-12). To reduce their population, he also put out a decree that all the Hebrew baby boys should be put to death (Exodus 1:15-22).

The Story:

• Moses was born in Egypt during this time, but his parents refused to put him to death. So, the mother made a basket and put the baby in the river. His sister, Miriam, watched the baby while she hid near the river during the day (Exodus 2:1-4).
• Pharaoh’s daughter was bathing in the river, found Moses and took him for her own (Exodus. 2:5-6).
• Miriam appeared and offered to find a nurse for the child. Moses’ own mother got to take care of him (Exodus 2:7-9).
• As he got older, Moses lived in Pharaoh’s palace (Exodus 2:10).
• One day when Moses was a young adult, he saw a Hebrew and an Egyptian fighting. In defending the Hebrew, Moses killed the Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-12).
• People found out about the murder, so Moses fled to Midian (Exodus 2:15).
• In Midian, Moses married and stayed there herding sheep (Exodus 2:16-22).

How did God work to save the life of Moses?