David Slays Goliath

1 Samuel 17
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 1 Samuel 17:45

The Philistines and the Israelites were at war with each other. The Philistines gathered their armies on one mountain, while King Saul and the men of Israel gathered across the valley on the opposite mountain (see 1 Samuel 17:23).

Goliath was a giant Philistine soldier who was over nine feet tall. He wore heavy armor and a brass helmet and carried a large spear. (See 1 Samuel 17:47.)

Goliath shouted to the Israelite army to send a man to fight him. He said that if the Israelite killed him, the Philistines would be servants to the Israelites. But if Goliath killed the Israelite, then the Israelites would be servants to the Philistines. (See 1 Samuel 17:810.) King Saul and his army were afraid of Goliath (see 1 Samuel 17:11).

Goliath repeated his challenge each night and day for 40 days, but no one was brave enough to fight him (see 1 Samuel 17:16).

A man named Jesse had three sons who were part of Saul's army. But David, Jesse's youngest son, still lived in Bethlehem with his father. Jesse asked David to take some food to his three brothers and find out how they were doing. (See 1 Samuel 17:13, 1 Samuel 17:1718.)

While David was with his brothers, Goliath again shouted his challenge. The Israelites fled when they saw Goliath. (See 1 Samuel 17:2324.) David asked the soldiers, "Who is this ... Philistine, that he should defy [challenge] the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26).

When Saul was told what David had said, he sent for him. David told Saul that he would fight Goliath. (See 1 Samuel 17:3132.) But Saul said to David, "Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth" (1 Samuel 17:33).

David told Saul that the Lord had helped him kill a lion and a bear while he tended his father's sheep. He said the Lord would help him as he fought Goliath. (See 1 Samuel 17:3437.) Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with thee" (1 Samuel 17:37).

Then Saul gave David his armor, a helmet, and a sword, but they were too big and heavy for David. He removed the armor and took only his staff, five smooth stones, and a sling as he went to face the mighty Goliath. (See 1 Samuel 17:3840.)

When Goliath saw the young boy without armor, he made fun of him and cursed him (see 1 Samuel 17:4244). David said, "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel" (1 Samuel 17:45). David told Goliath that with the Lord's help, he would kill him (see 1 Samuel 17:46).

As Goliath came near, David put a stone in his sling, swung the sling around his head, and let the stone go. The stone sank into Goliath's forehead, and Goliath fell to the ground. David then used Goliath's sword to kill the giant and cut off his head. When the Philistine army saw that Goliath was dead, they fled, but the men of Israel chased them and defeated them in battle. (See 1 Samuel 17:4853.)

Summary

Goliath, a giant Philistine soldier, challenged the Israelite army to send out a man to fight him. No Israelites were brave enough to stand against Goliath except David, a young shepherd. Armed with his faith in the Lord and with his sling, David went to fight the giant. Goliath made fun of the boy when he saw him, but David was not afraid. He trusted in the Lord's help. David put a stone in his sling, swung it, and let go. The stone sank into Goliath's forehead and he fell to the ground. David ran forward, picked up Goliath's sword, and cut off his head.

Artist, Ted Henninger

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: David is the Great-grandson of Ruth. He developed a strong testimony of the God of Israel (Jehovah, Jesus Christ.) When did he develop this testimony? Perhaps first at his father's knee and later in the solitude of keeping watch over the sheep. Now just think of a teenage boy, alone hours on end, becoming proficient with a sling seems perfectly logical. I like the way this artwork shows "motion." Remember, David ran toward Goliath! Do you cower at your "giants" or can you conquer them with faith and enthusiasm? Attitude is everything!

Assignment: Read 1 Samuel 17! Everyone should know this story...it's every Primary aged child's favorite! Identify some of your "Goliath's." Use the feeling you get when reading David's response to Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-46) and slay your giants! Do you think that a little "solitude" is necessary in developing a testimony? Set aside a few minutes each day to ponder what you have learned about the scriptures. (This is why I don't mind doing the dishes too much...it's the time that no one interferes....they are afraid they'll be put to work.) What have you learned about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Do you see Them involved in the lives of the people we are reading about? Look for Them, They are there!

Boy Samuel Called by the Lord

1 Samuel 3
The Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. 1 Samuel 3:10

When Samuel was a young boy, he served in the temple at Shiloh with Eli, the elderly priest (see 1 Samuel 3:12).

One night after Samuel had gone to bed, the Lord called, "Samuel." Samuel answered, "Here am I" (1 Samuel 3:4), then ran to Eli because he thought Eli had called him. But Eli said he had not called and sent him back to bed. (See 1 Samuel 3:5.)

Again the Lord called, "Samuel," and once more Samuel answered, "Here am I" (1 Samuel 3:6). The boy ran to Eli, who answered, "I called not, my son," and sent him back as before (see 1 Samuel 3:6).

The third time this happened, Eli knew that the Lord had been calling Samuel (see 1 Samuel 3:8). He told the boy to go back to bed and, if the voice called again, to say, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth" (1 Samuel 3:9).

When the Lord called, "Samuel, Samuel" again, the boy answered as Eli had told him (see 1 Samuel 3:10). Then the Lord talked to Samuel, "and Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him. ... And all Israel ... knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord" (1 Samuel 3:1920).

Summary

The child Samuel served in the temple with Eli, the high priest. One night while Samuel was sleeping, the Lord called to him by name. Samuel answered, "Here am I," and ran to Eli, believing he had called. Eli told Samuel he had not called him and to go lie down again. The Lord called Samuel two more times, and each time Samuel went to Eli. Eli now realized that the Lord must be calling Samuel and told the boy to answer. When the Lord called a fourth time, Samuel answered and then listened to His words. The Lord was with Samuel as he grew, and all the people knew he was a prophet.

Artist, Harry Anderson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: There are so many wonderful stories that we have past by (I mean come on, thousands of years of history in a few pages.) I have to remind myself this is just a very shallow overview! You are learning about people who lived righteously and served the Lord throughout their lives....but, there are also other characters with great potential who just don't live up to their birthright. We can learn a lot from them also. Take for instance Samson, Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas, even Samuel's sons Joel and Abiah, Achan...he gives us quite a lesson, Naaman's payment to Gehazi (can you figure out what Gehazi did wrong?), these are just a few that come to the front of my mind. (If you look up the bold names in the BD you will find the references for these stories...it's amazing what a few verses will teach us.)

Alright, we see that the Lord calls youth to the ministry. Is it so impossible for the Lord to call a teenager in 1820 to restore His gospel to the earth? Joseph Smith began to become spiritually minded a few years before the "First Vision." Have you ever felt compelled to learn more about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Don't stifle those feelings, let them grow and respond to the urgings.

I want to tell you about Hannah, Samuel's mother. She is another woman I want to visit with. She was a faithful daughter of God but that didn't keep her from having trials. Hannah was barren (childless) and her husband's other wife threw her fertility and children in Hannah's face continuously. Hannah prays and begs for a child and promises to raise him to serve the Lord all of his days. Her request is granted. At the age of three or so she takes Samuel to the Tabernacle and leaves him with the Prophet Eli. How did she do that? She also took an ephah of flour (about 20 quarts ... I may be wrong it possibly could be more.) I wondered why this particular detail would be mentioned. Have you ever tried to grind wheat? It is extremely difficult! I like to think that with every stroke of the grinding rock she was praying and thinking about her covenant with God. What might she have been taught in her moments of meditation?

ASSIGNMENT: Read at least the first couple of chapters of 1st Samuel. Look up the bold names above in the BD and write down the lessons we learn from those people. In your repetitive work (that doesn't take a lot of thought) focus your thoughts on spiritual things. Ask questions (silently in your mind), practice a hymn or primary song, pretend you are going to teach a lesson about a gospel principle (I have given many a talk in my mind while I do the dishes...I've learned a lot doing that!) Do you see a pattern concerning the women we have learned about so far? What is the pattern? Write down the steps to having your requests granted.

Ruth Gleaning in the Fields

Ruth 14
And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers. Ruth 2:23

During the time the judges governed ancient Israel, there was a famine in the land. Elimelech, a man who lived in Bethlehem, decided to take his wife, Naomi, and his two sons to the land of Moab, where they would have enough food to eat. (See Ruth 1:12.)

After Elimelech died, Naomi stayed in Moab with her two sons, who married two Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth. After 10 years Naomi's sons died. Because the famine was over in Israel, Naomi decided to return to her people in Bethlehem. (See Ruth 1:36.)

Naomi's daughters-in-law started on the journey with her, but Naomi told them to go back to their own families (see Ruth 1:78). Both of the younger women wanted to go with Naomi, but she finally convinced Orpah to return to Moab. Ruth, however, would not leave. She pleaded with Naomi to let her go with her to Bethlehem: "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" (Ruth 1:16). Naomi returned to Bethlehem with Ruth at her side.

It was harvesttime when the women arrived in Bethlehem. During the harvest men gathered the grain into small bunches. As they worked, some stalks fell to the ground. Poor people were allowed to gather, or glean, the stalks left behind. Because they had no food, Ruth offered to glean the fields to get grain for Naomi and herself (see Ruth 2:2).

Ruth worked in the fields of a righteous relative of Elimelech named Boaz. Boaz was impressed with Ruth's kindness to Naomi and said, "The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel" (Ruth 2:12). Boaz was kind to Ruth and told her she could always glean from his fields. He even instructed his harvesters to leave grain behind for her to gather. (See Ruth 2:816.)

Naomi wanted Ruth to marry and have children. So she taught Ruth about the customs of the Israelites and told her to go to Boaz and ask to be his wife. Ruth did what Naomi said to do, and Boaz, knowing that Ruth was a virtuous and kind woman, married her. (See Ruth 3:14:12.)

After they married, Ruth and Boaz had a son, whom they named Obed. Obed grew up and had a son named Jesse, who later became the father of David. (See Ruth 4:1317.) David became the king of Israel, and it was through this line that Jesus Christ was born.

Summary

When the judges governed Israel there was a famine in the land. Naomi, who lived in Bethlehem, went with her husband and their two sons to the land Moab so they would have food to eat. While in Moab Naomi's husband died, and later her sons married two Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. When her sons died, Naomi returned to Bethlehem. Orpah stayed in Moab, but Ruth went to Bethlehem with Naomi. Ruth cared for her mother-in-law by gathering leftover grain during the harvest. Boaz, who owned the fields, told Ruth that God would bless her for being kind to Naomi. Boaz married Ruth, and they had a son named Obed, the grandfather of King David. Many years later Jesus Christ was born into the royal family of King David.

Artist, Judith Mehr

© 1997 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: The story of Ruth (if you read all of it...it's only a few chapters) may seem confusing and a bit risque'. But in fact, she makes a proper proposal of marriage to Boaz, following the laws and customs. Ruth has truly been converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ (I wonder what the church was called then) and is determined to stay with her mother-in-law, to look after her and also move to the center of religious worship. (Ruth 1:16 pg. 377) Ruth (daughter-in-law) and Naomi (mother-in-law) is very heartwarming....two women who look after each other and love each other. Read Ruth 4:13-16....I would love to have this relationship with each of my daughters! Assignment: Ponder ways in which you can increase in love towards a family member. Make a list. Then do something! Be prepared to be amazed.

Moses Calls Aaron to the Ministry

Exodus 4:10, Exodus 4:1416, Exodus 4:27; Exodus 5:1; Exodus 7:9; Exodus 8:617; Exodus 16:12; Exodus 24:910; Exodus 28:1; Exodus 40:1216
Thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. Exodus 40:13

When the Lord called Moses to go to Egypt to free the Israelites, Moses did not feel he could do it. He said he was slow of speech and was afraid to talk to Pharaoh (see Exodus 4:10). The Lord was angry with Moses. He told Moses he could take his brother, Aaron, with him to be his spokesman. (See Exodus 4:1416.) The Lord then spoke to Aaron: "Go into the wilderness to meet Moses" (Exodus 4:27). Aaron and Moses were happy to be together again.

The two brothers traveled to Egypt and went before Pharaoh. Aaron spoke for Moses, trying to get Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go (see Exodus 5:1). Through the power of the Lord, Moses and Aaron performed miracles (see Exodus 7:9) and brought plagues upon the Egyptians (see Exodus 8:617).

Aaron was with Moses when he led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness (see Exodus 16:12). He was also with Moses and 72 other priesthood bearers when the Lord appeared to them (see Exodus 24:910).

Once when Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Lord told him to anoint Aaron and Aaron's sons to serve as priests in the tabernacle (see Exodus 28:1). When the tabernacle was completed, Moses anointed Aaron and his sons to this calling. He gave them the priesthood of God and the authority to perform sacred ordinances. (See Exodus 40:1216.)

Summary

When Moses went before Pharaoh to free the Israelites, his brother, Aaron, went with him to speak for him. Aaron helped Moses to accomplish what the Lord had commanded. After the Israelites were led out of Egypt, the Lord instructed Moses to anoint Aaron and Aaron's sons to serve as priests in the tabernacle. When the tabernacle was finished, Moses did as the Lord directed and gave Aaron and his sons the priesthood of God.

Artist, Harry Anderson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

MY WORD: I love this picture! The artist, Harry Anderson gives us so much information (that is if we are aware of what we are looking at!) ASSIGNMENT: Read about the Tabernacle in your Bible Dictionary (pg. 778) Look at the picture as you read to help you understand what you're reading. Also read about the Aaronic Priesthood (pg. 599.) What is another name for this Priesthood and why? What I really get excited about is the clothing worn by Aaron! Read about this clothing in Exodus 28 be sure to use your footnotes for better understanding. I use to think this was such a boring section of scriptures... really, I did! So much of the history of the Old Testament is centered around the Tabernacle and it's artifacts. It's a must read now and that's what I'm going to do today!

Moses and the Brass Serpent

Numbers 20:17, Numbers 20:21; Numbers 21:49; John 3:1415; 1 Nephi 17:41; Alma 33:1920; Helaman 8:1415
And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Numbers 21:9

After the prophet Moses led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt, they journeyed in the wilderness for 40 years. During this time the Lord blessed the Israelites in many ways, including taking care of their physical needs.

The Israelites were nearing the end of their travels and were close to the borders of Canaan—the promised land. But when they asked the king of Edom if they could pass through his land, which would have been a short journey into Canaan, he told them no (see Numbers 20:17, Numbers 20:21). As a result, they had to travel a long way to find a different route into the country (see Numbers 21:4).

The Israelites became discouraged during this journey and "spake against God, and against Moses." They complained about the very things they should have been thankful for: God's help in freeing them from bondage and the manna He had provided for them in the wilderness. (See Numbers 21:5.)

Because of the ingratitude of the Israelites, "the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died" (Numbers 21:6).

When the children of Israel saw family members and friends dying, they realized they had sinned in complaining against God. They asked Moses to pray to the Lord to take away the serpents. (See Numbers 21:7.)

Moses prayed, and in response the Lord told him to make a brass serpent, put it on a pole, and place it where the people could see it. The Lord promised that everyone who had been bitten would live if they looked at the serpent. (See Numbers 21:89.)

Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet, explained that many Israelites did look at the serpent and live, "but few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them" (see Alma 33:1920; see also 1 Nephi 17:41).

Part of what the Israelites did not understand, because of the hardness of their hearts, was that the brass serpent was a symbol of Jesus Christ being lifted up on the cross and bringing eternal life:

"Yea, did [Moses] not bear record that the Son of God should come? And as he lifted up the brazen serpent in the wilderness, even so shall he be lifted up who should come.

"And as many as should look upon that serpent should live, even so as many as should look upon the Son of God with faith, having a contrite spirit, might live, even unto that life which is eternal" (Helaman 8:1415).

Jesus Christ Himself taught that the account of the brass serpent is a lesson for us about the importance of looking to the Savior and His atoning sacrifice: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:1415).

Summary

After the Lord helped free the children of Israel from bondage, Moses led them in the wilderness for 40 years. The Lord provided for all their needs. When the people complained and were not grateful for all Heavenly Father had done, the Lord sent serpents among them, which bit some of the people. The people knew they had sinned for not being grateful. Moses prayed for them. The Lord told Moses to make a brass serpent and set it on a pole for the people to see. The brass serpent represented the Savior's sacrifice. The Lord promised that everyone who had been bitten would live if they looked at the brass serpent.

Artist, Judith Mehr

© 1997 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: I had to go to manuals and the Bible Dictionary to learn more about the timing of this event. It seems that this is in the last year or so before the Israelites entered into the land of Canaan. They have been given many years previously the 10 commandments, the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, manna and quail. At this time God is providing all of their needs and has been for some time...yet they complain, why? Some possible answers could be...boredom, tired of waiting, sick of wearing the same clothes, "what? manna again? (never mind it's a daily miracle)!

Assignment: When do you complain? Identify your weak moments and resist complaining next time you find yourself in those moments. Also, ponder the simpleness of the way ....Christ taught, faith, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. Are you ever like the Israelites and say it is too hard or "that won't save me"? Finally....Be GRatefuL!

Moses and the Burning Bush

Exodus 3:14:17

God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. Exodus 3:4

As Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law and the priest of Midian, he led the flock to the mountain of God. When Moses reached the mountain, an angel appeared to him "in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush ... and the bush was not consumed" (Exodus 3:2; see also Exodus 3:1). As he watched this miraculous sight, he heard a voice, which was the voice of God, calling "Moses, Moses" from the bush. Moses said, "Here am I." God told Moses to move back and take his shoes off because he was standing on holy ground. When God identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, "Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God" (Exodus 3:6; see also Exodus 3:45).

Moses learned that God was aware of the children of Israel and their bondage to the Egyptian rulers. God told Moses to tell Pharaoh to release the children of Israel. Moses said, "Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?" But God assured Moses that He would be with him. (See Exodus 3:712.) Moses was then concerned about what he should say to the children of Israel. God told him to say that I AM, the Lord God, had sent him unto them. (See Exodus 3:1314.) Moses' next concern was that the people would not believe him. The Lord asked Moses what he had in his hand, and Moses replied that he had a rod. Moses was told to cast it on the ground; it became a serpent and Moses fled. But the Lord told Moses to pick up the serpent, and it became a rod again. (See Exodus 4:14.)

The Lord gave Moses more signs from the burning bush (see Exodus 4:69), but Moses was still reluctant to perform the mission God had called him to do. He complained of being slow of speech, but God promised to help Moses with his speech (see Exodus 4:1012). When Moses continued to complain and ask for help, God finally became angry with his excuses. God told Moses he could take his brother, Aaron, for a spokesman. (See Exodus 4:1416.) Before Moses left the mountain, the Lord told him to take the rod and use it to make signs (see Exodus 4:17).

Summary

While tending his father-in-law's flock, Moses came to the mountain of God. There he saw a bush that was burning but not being destroyed by the flames. God called Moses by name from the burning bush. He told Moses to remove his shoes, for he was standing on holy ground. The Lord said that He knew of the troubles of His people, and He told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. Moses did not think he could do this. He was concerned that the people would not believe him and said that he was slow of speech. However, the Lord promised to be with him and to give him power. He said that Moses could take his brother, Aaron, to speak for him.

Artist, Jerry Thompson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: Moses has now been away from Egypt for about 40 years (see Acts 7:30 in the New Testament) when he received his call to go back and lead the people out of Egypt. I love pondering about 'holy ground'. What makes something holy? Is it holy if I'm the only one who thinks it is? ASSIGNMENT: Look up Homes, Abode, Temple, House in the Topical Guide ... read some references in the different topics. Write down what you learn about 'holy places'.

This is an oft repeated quote from President David O. McKay. "No other success can compensate for failure in the home. The poorest shack in which love prevails over a united family is of greater value to God and future humanity than any other riches. In such a home God can work miracles and will work miracles."

This is an oft repeated quote by me. "Everything I need to learn I learned at home."

There are some places made holy by sacred priesthood authority. Other places become sacred as we adhere to the commandments of our God. Where do you "take off thy shoes"?

Moses in the Bulrushes

Exodus 1:12:10And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. Exodus 2:5
After Joseph and all of his generation died in Egypt, a new king came to power. This king forgot what Joseph had done for the Egyptians and saw only that the Israelites were becoming a fruitful and mighty people. (See Exodus 1:79.) Pharaoh decided to put the Israelites in bondage so they would not become too strong and help Egypt's enemies. The Israelites continued to multiply, however, even though they had hard work to perform and cruel taskmasters to afflict them. (See Exodus 1:1014.)
So Pharaoh decided to keep the Israelites from becoming any mightier. He told the midwives to kill the newborn Israelite sons. When the midwives said they could not do it, Pharaoh decreed that all sons born to the house of Israel were to be drowned in the river. (See Exodus 1:1622.)
At this time Jochebed, a woman of the tribe of Levi, gave birth to Moses. She could not bear to drown her son, so she hid him for three months. When he became too large to hide, she made a basket of bulrushes and sealed it. She put Moses in the basket in the river, and Miriam, his sister, watched from a distance to see what would happen to the baby. (See Exodus 2:14.)
Pharaoh's daughter came to the river to bathe. She saw the basket in the water and sent her maid to get it. When Pharaoh's daughter saw a Hebrew baby in the basket, she had compassion on the child and decided to keep him. Miriam then came forward and offered to find a nurse for the baby. When Miriam brought her mother for a nursemaid, Pharaoh's daughter told her, "Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages" (Exodus 2:9). After "the child grew," his mother brought him back to Pharaoh's daughter so that he could become her son. Pharaoh's daughter called him Moses because she had pulled him from the water. (See Exodus 2:510.)
Summary
Pharaoh, king of Egypt, worried about the large number of Israelites in his land. Thinking they might become a threat to the Egyptians, he decided to make them slaves. They were made to work hard and were treated harshly. Still their numbers grew. So Pharaoh ordered all the baby Israelite boys killed. An Israelite woman named Jochebed protected her baby son by hiding him for three months. When she could no longer hide him, she put him in a basket made from bulrushes and placed the basket in the river. The baby's sister, Miriam, kept watch to see what would happen to him. Pharaoh's daughter noticed the basket and sent a maid to get it. When Pharaoh's daughter saw that the basket held an Israelite baby, she decided to keep him as her own. Miriam came forward and offered to find a nurse for the baby. She brought their own mother, Jochebed. Pharaoh's daughter named the boy Moses.
Artist, George Soper
© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

MY WORD: It is now at least 400 years after Joseph and the Israelites have become numerous. Moses is a direct descendant of Levi (one of Jacob's sons, one of Joseph's brothers.) Moses would have been taught by Jochebed (his mother) Hebrew (I had to look that word up in the BD so you do that also pg. 699) and their religious beliefs. He would have been educated very well when he lived as an Egyptian prince with access to great libraries.

ASSIGNMENT: Jochebed is one of my heros! She will be an interesting person to talk to in the next life. How in the world did she become so courageous and faithful? How did she have the strength to take her youngest son and turn him over to another woman to raise...especially when she knew he would be taught false doctrine?! She is definitely a woman we should study and hold up as an example to live by. Who are your heros? Think of the people who have influenced you life....what have they taught you? Why would you want to emmulate them? Who are you being a hero to today? Make a note in your journal or pick up the phone and tell someone how special they are to you today.