to one of those today, a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain of Moses' infancy.
We all know the story: Pharaoh, gripped by fear of the Israelites' growing numbers, decrees that all newborn Hebrew boys be cast into the Nile. A brutal, heartbreaking command. And as the Book of Jubilees, an ancient Jewish text that retells and expands upon the biblical narrative, specifically Chapter 47, tells us, this wasn't a fleeting moment of terror. This went on.
“And Pharaoh, king of Egypt, issued a command regarding them that they should cast all their male children which were born into the river.” The text says, “And they cast them in for seven months until the day that thou wast born.” Seven months of unimaginable grief and fear. Imagine being a Hebrew mother during that time.
Then Moses is born. His mother, Yocheved, bravely hides him for three months, a risky act of defiance fueled by a mother's love. But inevitably, she can no longer conceal him.
So, what does she do? She builds an ark. Not the massive ark of Noah, of course, but a small, protective basket. She covers it with pitch (kopher) and asphalt (zefet), sealing it against the waters of the Nile. She places the baby Moses in this tiny vessel.
And here's where the Book of Jubilees adds some beautiful, intimate details: "and placed it in the flags on the bank of the river, and she placed thee in it seven days, and thy mother came by night and suckled thee, and by day Miriam, thy sister, guarded thee from the birds."
Seven days. Seven days of Yocheved sneaking to the riverbank under the cover of darkness to feed her baby. Seven days of young Miriam, watchful and brave, protecting her little brother from danger. The sheer dedication, the unwavering love, the palpable fear. These are not just names in a story; they are people. Yocheved, driven by maternal instinct and faith. Miriam, stepping up to protect her family in the face of unimaginable adversity.
This passage in Jubilees gives us a more human, visceral understanding of the Moses story. It's a reminder that even the greatest leaders have humble beginnings, and that their journeys are often shaped by the love and sacrifice of those around them. It transforms a familiar narrative into a poignant testament to family, faith, and the enduring power of hope in the face of despair. It also emphasizes the important role Miriam played in the Exodus story.
What does this little peek behind the curtain tell us? Perhaps that even in the darkest of times, acts of love and courage, no matter how small they may seem, can have a profound and lasting impact. And that sometimes, the greatest heroes are not those who wield power, but those who protect and nurture life in the face of overwhelming odds.