THE CIRCUMSTANCE (Exodus 1:7-12, 1:22)
The descendants of Jacob became a huge nation and they were known as “the Israelites.” They were God’s chosen people to bless the world. In the ancient land of Egypt, amidst the reeds and rushes by the banks of the great Nile River, a remarkable event was about to unfold. It was a time of great cruelty and sorrow for the Israelites now known as Hebrews. Pharaoh had issued a cruel order to kill all the male babies born to them. Among these Hebrews was a woman named Jochebed, who found herself in a heart-wrenching problem. She was blessed with a beautiful son, but Pharaoh’s order hung over them like a dark cloud.

THE CHOICE  (Exodus 2:1-4)
Jochebed’s heart was filled with love and hope for her precious son. She chose to defy Pharaoh’s order, for she not only loved her baby, but she believed that this child was special and going to become a great person. She prayed for help from God, then made a daring choice. She knew what she needed to do, so she weaved a basket of bulrushes and sealed it with tar, and pitch to keep it from sinking. With tears in her eyes, and a heart full of love she gently placed her son in the basket and set it afloat among the reeds by the riverbank. Her heart ached as she watched from a distance, praying for his safety. As we reflect on Jochebed’s choice, we must ask ourselves: In the face of adversity, what courageous decisions can we make to protect those we love? When circumstances seem impossible, do we have the faith to take bold steps of hope, trusting in a greater plan?

THE CONSEQUENCE (Exodus 2:5-10)
Jochebed’s faith and love were not in vain. The sovereign hand of God was at work in this history. Pharaoh’s daughter came down to the river to bathe and discovered the basket among the reeds. When she opened it, she saw the beautiful child and was filled with compassion. Moved by love, she recognized the divine hand in this moment. Miriam, Jochebed’s daughter, seized the opportunity and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Miraculously, Pharaoh’s daughter agreed, and Jochebed was reunited with her beloved son. Moses, the child’s name, grew up in Pharaoh’s palace, nurtured by his mother’s love and his adoptive mother’s care.

THE LIFE LESSON
This history prompts us to think about: How often does love triumph over fear? Can we understand the impact on history, because of a mother’s sacrifice and a daughter’s quick thinking? The consequences of Jochebed’s choice were many—the life of a future leader was spared, and God’s plan for the deliverance of His people was set intomotion. We should also realize, that God has a plan for each life and at the right time God will work it out. As we reflect on this ancient history, let us remember the power of love, hope, and faith. Just as Jochebed’s brave choice and Miriam’s quick thinking changed the course of history, our choices can shape the lives of those around us. In times of doubt, may we find inspiration in their example and trust in God’s sovereign plan.
*(Teacher’s Note: The terms “Israelites,” “Hebrews,” and “Jews” are used at different points in the Bible to refer to the descendants of Jacob. Here’s a brief overview of which terms were used:

• Israelites: The term “Israelites” originated after Jacob wrestled with God and received the name “Israel” in Genesis 32:28. The descendants of Jacob’s twelve sons came to be known as the twelve tribes of Israel. This term is used throughout the Old Testament to refer to the people of Israel as a whole.
• Hebrews: The term “Hebrews” is believed to have originated earlier in the Bible, referring to the descendants of Eber, a great-grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:21-25). However, the specific use of “Hebrews” to refer to Jacob’s descendants can be found in Genesis 40:15 and other parts of the Old Testament. It was a term used by other nations to distinguish the people of Israel.
• Jews: The term “Jews” is derived from the name “Judah,” one of Jacob’s sons. Initially, the term was used specifically to refer to the descendants of the tribe of Judah. Over time, it came to represent the entire people of Israel, likely due to the prominence of the tribe of Judah and the kingdom of Judah. The term “Jews” is first used in the Bible in the Book of Esther, which takes place after the Babylonian exile.

In summary, “Hebrews” and “Israelites” were terms used to refer to Jacob’s descendants before the term “Jews” came into use. The shift from “Israelites” to “Jews” likely occurred during the period of the Babylonian exile and afterward, when the descendants of the southern kingdom of Judah became more commonly associated with the term.