Child of the Nile

Summary

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The Chosen People: "Child of the Nile"

Date: January 4, 2026
Host: Pray.com

Overview of the Episode

In the “Child of the Nile” episode, The Chosen People podcast dives into the dramatic and heart-wrenching birth story of Moses, exploring the oppression of the Hebrew people under Pharaoh, the courageous defiance of Hebrew women, and the desperate, faithful actions of a mother determined to save her son. Through evocative storytelling and immersive dialogue, the narrative brings to life the emotional struggles and cultural complexities of the time, focusing on universal themes of faith, sacrifice, and hope in the darkest of times.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Pharaoh’s Brutality and Decree (00:33 – 02:45)

• The episode opens with the narrator detailing the death of Ramses I and his son Seti’s continuation of harsh policies against the Hebrews.
• Pharaoh’s notorious edict is issued: all Hebrew boys must be killed at birth or, if not, cast into the Nile.
  • “When you are on the birthstool and you see a son born to a Hebrew woman, you shall kill him without a second thought. If it is a daughter, then the baby shall live. This is the decree of Pharaoh, the image of Ra, the lord of the Nile, the morning and evening star.” (01:20)

2. Acts of Defiance: Sifra and Pua (02:04 – 03:27)

• Midwives Sifra and Pua struggle between survival and conscience, telling Pharaoh that “Hebrew women are stronger than the Egyptians and are giving birth before we have a chance to attend them. It’s only a half lie.” (02:04)
• Despite the constant threat, Sifra tries to stall the soldiers, sacrificing herself to buy time:
  • “If I can save just one child, it will all be hit.” (03:05)

3. The Raid on Goshen and Jochebed’s Resolve (04:02 – 07:49)

• As Egyptian soldiers storm Goshen, Pua warns families, focusing on Amram and Jochebed’s household.
• The brutality of the raids is described in visceral detail: “The streets that had buzzed with life now rang with the screams of mothers as soldiers tore their children from their arms.” (05:50)
• Jochebed’s determination to save her baby, Tovi (Moses), leads her to hide in the reeds of the Nile, risking everything.
  • “Hush, my child. I will protect you.” (07:49)

4. Hiding in the Nile and Family’s Desperation (07:51 – 11:59)

• One of the episode’s most tense moments occurs as Jochebed hides underwater with her infant, barely escaping discovery by a soldier.
• The family regroups; Jochebed proposes making a basket to shield the baby from the river’s dangers.
  • “We can make a basket to protect him from the water when they return. I can slip in there with him.” (10:54)

5. The Ark of Bulrushes: A Mother’s Last Hope (11:59 – 15:44)

• As they weave the basket, the scene is rich in maternal tenderness and fear: “This is your vessel of salvation. Your ark.” (11:59)
• With soldiers approaching again, Jochebed entrusts her son to the Nile, overwhelmed with prayer and heartbreak:
  • “My sweet boy, my child. I pray that our God will protect you. I fear I can’t anymore. I have to believe there’s something greater for you, my son. I have to believe.” (15:07)
• Miriam is charged with following the basket downriver, ensuring her brother’s fate is known.

6. Moses Found by Pharaoh’s Daughter (15:44 – 20:34)

• The basket floats into the bathing area of Pharaoh’s daughter, Princess Bitya, who is charmed and moved by the child’s survival.
• While advisers suggest alerting the guards, Bitya declares:
  • “You will do no such thing.” (19:26)
  • “He should have perished from Goshen to here, but he didn’t. He must be a seed from Hapi himself. Why else would he drift right here to me?” (19:53)
• She decides to adopt him, naming him Moses:
  • “His name shall be Moses, because I drew him out of the water.” (20:27)

7. Reunion and Divine Irony: Jochebed Nurses Her Son (20:43 – 23:12)

• Miriam steps forward with quick thinking, suggesting “someone who could nurse the child”—her own mother, Jochebed.
• The princess commissions Jochebed, who is overwhelmed but composed.
  • “Yes, my lady. I am able to nurse the child. Mine was taken from me, but my milk still flows.” (22:38)
• Jochebed is paid and given shelter to nurse Moses until he is weaned.

8. Moses’ Early Life Between Worlds (23:12 – 24:00)

• The episode closes by touching on Moses’ unique status: raised amidst Egyptian splendor, but forever bearing the mark of his Hebrew ancestry.
• “He was neither fully Egyptian nor entirely Hebrew, neither slave nor free. He was Moses, the stray Hebrew pup raised in the heart of pharaoh’s court.” (24:00)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Pharaoh’s Command:
  “When you are on the birthstool and you see a son born to a Hebrew woman, you shall kill him without a second thought.” — Pharaoh/Seti (01:20)

• Defiant Courage:
  “If I can save just one child, it will all be hit.” — Sifra (03:05)

• The Horror Descends:
  “The streets that had buzzed with life now rang with the screams of mothers as soldiers tore their children from their arms.” — Narrator (05:50)

• The Depth of Maternal Protection:
  “Hush, my child. I will protect you.” — Jochebed (07:49)
  “This is your vessel of salvation. Your ark.” — Jochebed (11:59)

• Letting Go:
  “My sweet boy, my child. I pray that our God will protect you. I fear I can’t anymore. I have to believe there’s something greater for you, my son. I have to believe.” — Jochebed (15:07)

• Finding Moses:
  “You will do no such thing.” — Princess Bitya (19:26)
  “His name shall be Moses, because I drew him out of the water.” — Princess Bitya (20:27)

• Jochebed’s Reprieve:
  “Yes, my lady. I am able to nurse the child. Mine was taken from me, but my milk still flows.” — Jochebed (22:38)

• Moses Between Worlds:
  “He was neither fully Egyptian nor entirely Hebrew, neither slave nor free. He was Moses, the stray Hebrew pup raised in the heart of pharaoh’s court.” — Narrator (24:00)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Pharaoh’s Decree: 00:33 – 02:45
• Sifra’s Sacrifice & Pua’s Warning: 02:45 – 04:44
• Jochebed’s Hiding in the Reeds: 07:49 – 09:59
• Construction of Moses’ Ark: 11:00 – 13:18
• The Casting Away: 15:07 – 15:44
• Princess Finds Moses: 18:43 – 20:34
• Miriam’s Intervention: 20:43 – 21:46
• Jochebed Nurses Moses: 22:29 – 23:12
• Moses’ New Life: 23:12 – 24:00

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Tone & Style

The episode employs vivid, immersive storytelling, blending emotional dialogue, poetic narration, and biblical themes with tensions and triumphs. The tone is reverent and tender, yet unafraid to show the stark brutality of the historical moment.

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Conclusion

“Child of the Nile” powerfully explores the courage of ordinary people—especially women—in the face of unspeakable oppression. The narrative balances the fear, hope, and faith of Jochebed and her family amid their struggle for survival. The episode lays a strong emotional foundation for understanding Moses’ miraculous origins and sets the stage for his larger destiny within the biblical narrative.

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Listening to this episode offers not only a retelling of an essential Old Testament story, but a thoughtful exploration of faith, risk, and the shaping of identity under fire.

Transcript

[Narrator / Jochebed]

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[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Code audio previously on the Chosen People. The cruel pharaoh who enslaved them, Ramses I had passed the Israelite scars told the tale of his legacy. A legacy of brutality, conquest and oppression. His son Seti took his place. Both drank from the same well of hatred and pride as their forebears. These Hebrews are like rats breeding in the shadows. They already outnumber my soldiers. We must cut the Hebrews off before they become unmanageable. Sifra and Pua kept their heads low and their gaze fixed on the door. The tension in the room was thick as they awaited the pharaoh's words. When you you are on the birthstool and you see a son born to a Hebrew woman, you shall kill him without a second thought. If it is a daughter, then the baby shall live. This is the decree of Pharaoh, the image of Ra, the lord of the Nile, the morning and evening star.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

We tell him that Hebrew women are stronger than the Egyptians and are giving birth before we have a chance to attend them. It's only a half lie.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

The Hebrews continued to multiply and thrive. The whips of Pharaoh wouldn't remove their hope. His cruel decrees wouldn't quell their love. The children lived and grew strong. Goshen will weep with the wails of.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

Mothers as I tear their sons from their breasts. Take every son under the age of two and cast them into denial.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

They're marching towards Goshen. We have to beat them there and warn the others.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Sifra turned toward the battalion of soldiers. She steadied her breath and marched toward them. She halted their steps and stretched her arms out. She had no plans to fight. She only needed to buy more time.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

If I can save just one child, it will all be hit.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Sifra fell into the dust. The soldiers trampled over her body on the way to Goshen. Puar was far ahead, desperate to warn the women so the children could be saved.

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[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Pua's legs burned with every step as she navigated the treacherous path leading to Goshen, the jagged rocks beneath her sandals biting into her soles. The weight of her mission pressed down upon her, heavier than the scorching sun overhead. She had to reach the women before the first wave of soldiers descended upon them. Her breaths came in labored gasps, her legs quivering with exhaustion, but still she pressed on. When the familiar gates of Goshen loomed before her, she slid into the city, her voice raw and desperate as she shouted her warning to the wind.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Hide. Hide your children. Quickly. Hide the boys. Pua, what's happening? Pharaoh commanded his men to throw every baby boy into the Nile. They're on their way.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Without waiting for a response, she burst into the nearest home, the house of Amram, a man of the tribe of Levi. She found Amram and his wife, Jochebed, amidst their daily routines, unaware of the storm that was about to break over their heads.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Amram Jochebed. Hide the baby. Hide him now. Wha. What's going on? Take your son and hide now. Pharaoh's men are coming.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

They'll have to get through me.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Don't be a fool, Amram. If you confront them, they'll know you're hiding something. Let Yakobed hide you. Stay here with Miriam and Aaron and act normal. I have to warn the others. You're the first home I've come to. I don't have much time.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Jochebed needed no further urging. She slipped out the back door with her baby, her hands trembling as she clutched the precious bundle to her chest. Inside, Amram gathered his older children, Miriam and Aaron, and pulled them in close. His eyes were dark with worry. Stay near me, children, and don't say a word. Puah stepped out into the street once more, her voice rising in a frantic cry that echoed off the mud brick walls. Soon the entire city of Goshen was alive with chaos. Mothers and fathers scrambled to hide their sons, but the Sound of hooves and the rhythmic clatter of armor grew ever nearer, an ominous herald of the doom that approached. When Pharaoh's men arrived, they did so with the violence of a summer storm. The streets that had buzzed with life now rang with the screams of mothers as soldiers tore their children from their arms. Men who dared to resist were cut down without mercy, their blood mingling with the dust at the soldiers feet. If you run, you die. If you fight, your wives and families will die. This is the will of Pharaoh. Those who resisted were met with fire. Homes were reduced to ashes. The air became thick with the smell of smoke and the cries of the dying. Yet amidst the chaos, hidden in the shadowed recesses of the riverbank was Jochebed. Her heart pounded in her chest as she waded into the reeds, the water cool and biting against her skin. She held her infant son close, pressing his small face against her chest to muffle his cries. As she sank deeper into the water, her breath hitched with every step until only her head and the baby's were above the surface. Please, Dove.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Hush, my child. I will protect you.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

I will. But then she heard it. The unmistakable sound of footsteps crunching through the reeds. A soldier with torch and sword in hand drew near. Through the dense screen of reeds she could see his silhouette, his figure dark and menacing against the twilight. She held her breath, forcing herself to remain still, though every muscle in her body screamed with the effort. The water around her felt like ice, but she dared not shiver. The soldier moved closer, the glow of his torch casting eerie shadows on the water. He was near enough for her to reach out and touch, yet somehow he did not see her. Her baby, as if sensing the danger, remained silent, as still as death. For a long moment the soldier lingered, his gaze sweeping over the riverbank. Then, with a grunt, he turned and left. Jochebed remained submerged, her heart pounding in her ears as the distant screams of her people filled the night. She waited, scarcely daring to breathe, until the sounds of the soldiers had faded into the distance, leaving only the crackling of embers and the soft whimpering of mothers who had lost everything. Slowly, Jochebed emerged from the water, her legs numb and unsteady. Beneath her, the baby in her arms was cold and still, but alive. She pressed him close, his small body warming against her own, and began the long, painful journey back up the hill to her hovel. She crawled through the window at the back of the house where Amram and the children waited, their faces etched with fear.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Jochebed.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

I thought they had killed you.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Tovi's safe for now. Miriam, please take your brother. Aaron, please boil some water.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Jochebed placed the baby into Miriam's waiting arms, her own hands shaking uncontrollably. Amram wrapped a blanket around her. Aaron hurriedly brought a cup of hot water to his mother, along with a few warm stones wrapped in cloth. He pressed them gently against Tove's tiny chest, his young face set with grim determination. Miriam and Aaron held the baby close, the weight of their responsibility heavy on their small shoulders. They both knew this might be the last time they saw their little brother. Amram's voice was low, almost a growl, as he voiced the fear that gnawed at him.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

What do we do when they returned?

[Narrator / Jochebed]

We were hidden by the reeds. If they return, I can slip into the banks again.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

The babe is lucky to still be.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

Breathing after being in the water that long.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

We can make a basket to protect him from the water when they return. I can slip in there with him.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

I'm not sure what other choice we have. We can't take him beyond the borders. The taskmasters will notice.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Nor can we hide him in here.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Miriam, bring me some bulrushes from the shore. Aaron, bring me pitch from the building sites. Make sure no one sees you. Do you understand?

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

The children nodded and dashed off into the night. Jochebed knew they had little time. The men would return with the dawn, and they had to be ready when the children returned. The family worked together in silence, weaving the basket with trembling hands. They filled the gaps with pitch and bitumen, sealing it against the water. It was their last hope, their ark. As the night deepened, Jochebed cradled the baby in her arms, his tiny heartbeat of fragile rhythm against her own. She whispered to him, her voice tender despite the fear that choked her.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

This is your vessel of salvation. Your ark.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she held him close, her heart breaking with the knowledge that she might soon have to let him go. She did not sleep that night, her ears attuned to every sound, every whisper of the wind. When the night grew cold, Amram held her, his arms wrapped around her and the baby, while Aaron and Miriam curled up beside them on the mat. For a brief, fleeting moment, they were a family, but Jochebed knew it would not last. Pharaoh's wrath was relentless, and it would not be long before it reached them. Dawn broke, but the light was dim and grey, filtered through the ash and dust that hung heavy in the air. Jochebed had finally drifted into a restless sleep when the sound of a woman's shriek shattered the morning stiries. She woke with a start, clutching Tove to her chest. Outside, the scream was abruptly silenced, the sickening sound of a blade slicing through flesh. Following in its wake, the familiar dreaded sound of marching feet echoed through the streets.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Wake up, everyone wake up. They're back.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

Aaron reinforced the doors. Quickly, Muriel, grab the basket and follow your mother to the shore.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Aaron's small legs dashed to the door. He shimmied a few pieces of wood near the hinges and slid their tools at the doorstep. Jochebed swaddled Tove and wrapped him to her chest. She pointed to the basket and shouted to Miriam.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Miriam, grab that basket and follow me.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Miriam held the basket close and rushed after her mother out the back and toward the coast. Just as they had disappeared from sight, the doors burst open and guards stormed through.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

Where's the baby?

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

We heard you've been hiding a boy from Pharaoh. Amram stepped forward, pulling Aaron close. This is my only son.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

He is well above the age of execution. My only other child is my daughter, who is with her mother, visiting her sister.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

The general narrowed his eyes, the point of his spear pressing against Amram's throat until a thin line of blood trickled down his chest. Search them for any signs of a baby. The soldiers tore through the hovel, overturning every piece of furniture, but found nothing. They left as quickly as they had come, moving on to the next home.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Hurry, Miriam. Quickly now.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Dear Jochebed and Miriam hurried to the shore, their feet slipping on the wet reeds. The baby was nestled in the basket, his tiny face serene despite the danger that surrounded him. Jochebed's hands trembled as she placed the basket into the water, her heart breaking with each breath.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

My sweet boy, my child. I pray that our God will protect you. I fear I can't anymore. I have to believe there's something greater for you, my son. I have to believe.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

The sound of soldiers drawing closer urged her on. She looked out over the river, the morning breeze lifting her hair, and sent the basket adrift. The water carried it away, its precious cargo cradled within. She turned to Miriam, her voice cracking with emotion.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Follow him down the shore, Miriam. Follow him and see what comes of him.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Miriam moved with quick feet along the shores of the Nile, trudging through waist deep marshes and scurrying atop jagged shorestones. She kept her gaze fixed on the basket as it bounced up and down with the water's wakes. In the distance, she saw crocs sunbathing on the shores opposite her. Past them, fishermen with large nets and spears, the Nile was full of perils, yet the baby passed through all of them. The basket was a vessel of salvation. Although chaos raged around him, the baby was safe inside. Miriam watched the basket flow into the banks near Pharaoh's palace, where a group of women were bathing in the morning sun. Miriam remained low, watching the basket gently glide over the water, harbouring just within reach of the women. One stood among them with servants at attention. Her silk bathing gown was adorned with gold fringed lace and purple trim. She wore an amulet around her neck, the signet of Pharaoh. Miriam's eyes widened. Her baby brother had just drifted into the arms of the royal family. Certainly she would report him to Pharaoh at once. Miriam's bottom lip quivered. She thought it would have been more merciful if he had been taken by the crocs.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

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[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Princess Bitcher ran the water through her fingers and smiled. She turned her cheek to the mild morning sun, welcoming its warmth against the chill of the morning. She breathed in deeply and sighed in satisfaction.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

The water is best in the morning, wouldn't you say?

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Yes, my lady. Crisp and refreshing.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Would you fetch me that cloth and some oil? I shall do my hair today.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Bitya drew another breath and submerged herself in the water. She emerged and drew her hair back, laughing as the droplets twinkled in the morning light. Her laughter was cut by the high pitched cries of a baby in the distance.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Do you hear that crying?

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Yes, my lady. Look.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

It seems to be coming from over there.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Gently flowing downstream toward them was a basket woven from bulrushes. It's a child, Princess. Bitya waded toward the basket and brought it back to the steps. She looked inside to see a crying baby, face damp and cold from his long journey down the Nile.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

What is a child doing here on the Nile?

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Has someone lost him?

[Narrator / Jochebed]

No. Look at these blankets. This child is a heavy Hebrew. Whoever placed her in this basket was trying to spare him from my father.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

I shall alert the guards immediately.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

You will do no such thing.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Bitch's voice was commanding. A maternal. She brought the baby in close and looked him in the eyes. She hushed him to sleep and cradled him close in her arms. She looked forward, scanning the distance for any sign of where the baby came from. She looked down again and placed a finger, finger on the child's nose. He cooed at her touch, and a wave of euphoria came over her.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

He should have perished from Goshen to here, but he didn't. He must be a seed from Hapi himself. Why else would he drift right here to me?

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

Then you plan to keep him, my lady?

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Yes. He will be mine. A child from the Nile. He will bless my father's dynasty.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

How so?

[Narrator / Jochebed]

All the newborn sons in Goshen have been thrown into the Nile, yet this boy remained. He is a gift, a symbol of victory.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

What will you name him?

[Narrator / Jochebed]

His name shall be Moses, because I drew him out of the water.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

A Hebrew name.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

Why not an Egyptian one?

[Narrator / Jochebed]

He isn't highborn, but he is mine. Now it is time to fetch someone who can nurse him.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

The princess turned swiftly to see a little girl stumbling out of the reeds and into the water. The girl sprang up and gasped. Some of the guards jumped to action, pointing their spears directly at Miriam. The girl shivered in place with her hands held high.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Why are you spying on me, slave? No, my lady, not at all. I was a. I. Spit it out, girl. Do you know this child?

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Miriam's eyes widened with panic. She quickly regained control of herself and came up with a lie.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

I was gathering bulrushes for the maidens down the way when I heard the baby's cries. I followed the basket until I reached you, my lady. I didn't mean to spy. I just wanted to make sure this baby was all right. Yet you've trespassed in the process. Guards, remove her. Wait. I heard you say you needed someone to nurse the child. I know someone who could. She's quite respectful. You. You wouldn't have to worry about her saying anything. Very well. Bring her to me at once. My guards will go with you.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Miriam held back her smile and bowed her head. She led the guards back to her home, where Jochebed was soaking the floor with her tears. Later, in the echoed halls of Princess Bitia's palace, Jochebed walked with her head bowed, her hands clasped tightly to still their trembling. When they reached the courtyard, she saw Tove swaddled in silk and cradled in the princess's arms. It took all her strength not to rush forward and claim him as her own, but she held herself back, forcing herself to remain calm and composed as the princess turned her gaze upon her.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

The girl tells me you can nurse my child until he is weaned.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Jochebed winced at the words. The princess had already claimed Tov as hers.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Yes, my lady. I am able to nurse the child. Mine was taken from me, but my milk still flows.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Vitya nodded, her expression unreadable.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Very well. You shall take my son. I will pay you a fair wage and house you nearby so he doesn't sleep in squalor. You will bring him back to me the moment he is weaned and no later. Am I clear? Crystal clear, my lady. My maidservants will be back and forth to attend to the child. They will report back to me with how the baby's growing and if he's.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

Taken care of Jochebed nodded, her heart aching as Bitya smiled down at the baby, then handed him to the maidservant, who placed him gently in Jochebed's arms. The moment the baby felt her warmth, he began to squirm, seeking the comfort only a mother could provide. Jochebed bowed deeply, holding her son close as she was escorted to her new quarters. When Moses was weaned, he was returned to Princess Bicha and raised as a prince of Egypt. He grew up alongside Ramses, the son of Pharaoh Seti, the future ruler of the land. But despite the opulence of the palace, a shadow hung over Moses, a lingering scent of the Hebrews that clung to him like a second skin. While Ramses embodied the glory of Ra, Moses remained a figure sustained between two worlds. He was neither fully Egyptian nor entirely Hebrew, neither slave nor free. He was Moses, the stray Hebrew pup raised in the heart of pharaoh's court. This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Shellevaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the prey.com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and and leave a review live.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

CBS January 11, Hollywood's biggest party is now bigger than ever.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Perfect.

[Narrator / Pua / Sifra / Amram / Miriam / Aaron / Princess Bitcher (Bitia)]

No, no.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

The Golden Globes. With more stars, more glamour, more chaos and more host Nikki Glazer.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

We're gonna laugh at the celebrities that can take it and completely ignore the ones who can't. I'm just kidding. They're not safe either.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

The Golden Globes lives CBS, Sunday, January 11th, and streaming on Paramount. Plus, this is Julian Edelman from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jewels. Sunday mornings I've got my game day ritual, coffee, lucky socks and now new morning Uncrustable sandwiches. It's all about that 12 gram protein boost with the new uncrustables Bright eyed berry or up and apple flavors. Bright Eye Berries got a feisty receiver energy up an apple. Your classic do it all tight end, soft, pillowy, packed with protein and easy enough for Gronk to grab from the freezer. Whether you're on the couch, driving to the tailgate or heading to the locker room, new morning uncrustable sandwiches are the MVP of snacks. Your new Sunday kickoff ritual starts here with new morning uncrustable sandwiches packed with 12 grams of protein. Running my small business was like playing basketball. Five on one and I was the one. Now QuickBooks gives me access to a team of AI agents and trusted experts for the assists I need. Not from Whitney Out.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

Do it with Intuit. QuickBooks feature availability varies by product.

[Jacob Goldstein / Advertiser / Announcer]

This is Jacob Goldstein from what's yous Problem? Business software is expensive and when you buy software from lots of different companies, it's not only expensive, it gets confusing. Slow to use, hard to integrate. Odoo solves that because all Odoo software is connected on a single affordable platform. Save money without missing out on the features you need. Odoo has no hidden costs and no limit on features or data. Odoo has over 60 apps available for any needs your business might have, all at no additional charge. Everything from websites to sales to inventory to accounting. All linked and talking to each other. Check out Odoo at O D O o dot com. That's O d O o dot com My favorite thing about Shipt since I signed up for target. Circle360. No price markups When I order same day delivery from tons of local stores, only a handful of alcohol retailers and items don't count. I won't lie, I've had too much fun being like markups on groceries, not in my fridge. Markups on pet food, not for my dog, markups on tools, electronics, home goods, meds, not in my house. Anyway, it's awesome. Order [e-mail] 360 terms apply.

[Narrator / Jochebed]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.