Day 9: Miriam and a Basket in the Reeds
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And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank. And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.
Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it. And when she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.”
Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?”
And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” So the maiden went and called the child’s mother. Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. So she called his name Moses, saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.”
—From Exodus 2:1–10 (NKJV)
“Isn’t it interesting that the Hebrew word used for Moses’s boat of reeds is translated in another story as ark?”
Reflection
Miriam was a child of Yes born into a world of No. She had a zest for joy and celebration, but lived the crushing life of a forced laborer, at the mercy of the powerful Pharaoh. If she and her mother were indeed the midwives mentioned in the biblical history, then she and her mother said Yes to life before Moses, despite Pharaoh’s resounding No. And when Moses was too large to hide, she said Yes to risking her own life for his. Imagine her fear—for her brother’s fate, her mother’s anxious heart, her own life. Imagine her heart and legs trembling as she presented herself to the Egyptian princess. Are you a child of Yes in our world of No? The world says No to purity—so old fashioned, outdated, it says. The world says No to selflessness—do what makes YOU happy, it says. The world says No to God—belief in the unprovable, the unseen is absurd, it cries. Reflect today on how you might say Yes to God and No to the distractions, darknesses, and deceptions of the world.
Celebrate Together
Gather the family for today’s Celebration in our book, The Joy of Advent. Watch with Miriam as she awaits Moses’s rescue, explore the Jesse Tree symbol of a basket in the reeds, discover the history behind today’s carol, and enjoy a family conversation (or private journaling) about boats and providence.
Today’s Jesse Tree Symbol:
A baby in a basket reminds us of a sister’s love and God’s provision.
Inspiration
The Mother of Moses
Simeon Solomon, 1840–1905. One final caress before giving her child over entirely to God’s will.
Music
Reflect as you enjoy Mary Did You Know? that like Mary, Miriam could not have imagined how her act of courage and faith would shape her people forever. [Play Video]
Do You Hear What I Hear will remind us Miriam’s story is a whisper of things to come. [Play Video]
Visit our YouTube full playlist of all our favorite carols, or find sing-along carols to enjoy karaoke style here.
Prayer
In your unfailing love, O Lord,
you lead the people whom you have redeemed.
And by your invincible strength
you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
You will bring them in and plant them, O Lord,
in the sanctuary which your hands have established.
Thank you, O Lord, for your unfailing provision.
Amen
(Adapted from The Song of Moses, Exodus 15)
Resources
Would you like to know Ten Little-Known Facts About Miriam?
Enjoy a printable coloring page of Miriam and baby Moses from a children’s book author.
The animated film, The Prince of Egypt, is incredibly moving and entertaining. Consider joining our family in watching half today and half tomorrow when we will read about the plagues and escape from Egypt.
Would you like to make Jesse Tree ornaments to accompany your readings? Find tutorials and ideas from simple to advanced at our Jesse Tree Ornaments Pinterest board.
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