The Divine Intercession of Providence
"Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?" - Exodus 2:7

In the grand narrative of Exodus, Moses emerges as a central figure, a man chosen by God to lead His people out of bondage. However, before Moses could fulfill his divine calling, a series of events had to unfold, one of which is captured in Exodus 2:7: "Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?" This single verse encapsulates not only the immediate care for the infant Moses but also the profound workings of God’s providence in the lives of His people.
At the heart of this moment is Miriam, Moses’ sister, who demonstrates astute wisdom and courage. When Pharaoh’s daughter found the rescued child in the reeds, it was a moment heavy with emotion. Here was a baby surrounded by death, yet drawn into the arms of a royal family. The risks were significant. If Pharaoh’s daughter recognized Moses as a Hebrew child, he could have been returned to the river in death. However, in a twist of divine fate, Miriam steps forward with strategic brilliance. "Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women?" This question is laden with insight; it reflects her understanding of both her brother’s identity and the precarious situation at hand.
Miriam’s role in this moment is a beautiful illustration of how God uses even the smallest among us to fulfill His significant purposes. She wasn’t just a bystander; she was an active participant in God's plan for her brother and, ultimately, for the nation of Israel. In her willingness to speak up, she displayed an unwavering faith and quick thinking that reflect a profound trust in God’s plan.
In our lives, how often do we find ourselves in situations where, like Miriam, we must act decisively? God places opportunities before us daily—opportunities to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, to offer encouragement, or to step into challenging situations where our faith is put to the test. In those moments, we might remember Miriam's faith as she approached the daughter of the most powerful man in Egypt, knowing full well the risks. Her courage encourages us to find our voice in difficult circumstances, trusting that God’s providence goes before us.
Furthermore, this moment reveals the delicate interplay of human action and divine sovereignty. While Miriam acts, it is God who orchestrates their meeting and fateful connotations. Here we see that no act of kindness goes unnoticed by God, and every seemingly simple decision can have ramifications far greater than we can perceive. The nurse that Miriam suggests, who turns out to be Moses' mother, becomes an essential player in Moses' formation and upbringing, steeped in his heritage and identity as a Hebrew. Here, we witness God’s intricate plans at work: even in a world filled with oppression, God raises a protector for His people.
In the tapestry of our lives, may we be reminded that God is constantly at work, weaving our stories together with purpose and intention. Just as God placed Miriam at the right moment, so too are we positioned divinely in our scenarios, often to fulfill roles in accordance with His will. Each day we face choices that can either reflect God’s love and providence or miss the chance to be a part of His story.
Let us therefore resolve to be attentive and obedient, ready to speak words of hope and kindness. Whether it’s as a sister, a mother, a friend, or even a stranger, let our actions echo the echoes of divine purpose. For in every small act, we align ourselves with the grand narrative of grace that God is weaving through history and our lives.
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Exodus 2:7 Artwork
Exodus 2:7 - "Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?"
Exodus 2: 7 Miriam asked Pharaoh's daughter whether she could go and get a hebrew nurse with river, pyramids in background. Maids looking on
"Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?" - Exodus 2:7
Exodus 7:2 - "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land."
Exodus 7:10
Exodus 7:10
Exodus 12:7
Exodus 12:7
Exodus 7:14-24
Exodus 7:7 - "And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh."
Exodus 25:7 - "Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate."
Exodus 7:8 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,"
The Plague of Blood - Exodus 7:14-24
The Plague on Livestock - Exodus 9:1-7
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The Plague of Blood - Exodus 7:14-24
The Plague on Livestock - Exodus 9:1-7
The Plague of Blood - Exodus 7:14-24
Exodus 35:7 - "And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,"
Exodus 36:7 - "For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much."
The Plague of Blood - Exodus 7:14-24
Exodus 7:6 - "And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they."
Exodus 7:25 - "And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river."
The Plague Death on Livestock - Exodus 9:1-7
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Exodus 8:7 - "And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt."
Exodus 31:7 - "The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,"
Exodus 20:2
Exodus 27:7 - "And the staves shall be put into the rings, and the staves shall be upon the two sides of the altar, to bear it."
Exodus 29:7 - "Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him."