In many ways, the book of Exodus is about Moses, God’s dealings with Moses, and God’s dealings with Israel through Moses. Yet Moses’ story begins with four women of purpose.

First there is Jochebed, Moses’ mother, who had the courage to hide his existence from the world for three months and then, when this was no longer possible, the courage to entrust him to the Lord. The word translated here as ‘papyrus basket’ is the same word used for the ‘ark’ of Noah in Genesis 6:14. Pharaoh had ordered the babies to be thrown into the Nile to drown, but Jochebed trusted God to deliver Moses from the waters just as he had delivered Noah and his family.

Then there is Pharaoh’s daughter. Her life could not be more different from Jochebed’s but the futures of these two women became linked the moment that God guided Moses’ basket into the reeds where she was bathing. This woman was probably Hatshepshut, who would go on to rule Egypt. She showed courage and compassion in rescuing a baby she knew her father would have wished to die.

Her attendant could easily have given the game away – she was there and saw the whole thing – but, instead, she obeyed her mistress and did not betray her. The attendant’s discretion and silence helped to save Moses’ life.

Finally, there is Miriam, Moses’ sister, who followed his progress along the river and displayed impressive quick thinking when she offered to find a Hebrew nurse for the baby and then took him back to his own mother. What rejoicing there must have been in the home of Moses’ parents that day!

Moses’ rescue was willed by God, but it was carried out by four very different women, each playing a different role. A princess, a servant, a Hebrew slave and a Hebrew child – each was essential to the purposes of God. Whoever you are, you can be a significant part of the purposes of God!

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH