MOSES

The holiday of Passover, which begins on Monday night,  is a celebration of the Exodus and freedom. The story of the Exodus centers around Moses, who led the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt and gave them the Ten Commandments.

Here are two patterns that illustrate scenes from the life of  Moses.  The first shows Moses floating in a basket among the bulrushes on the Nile.  He is found by the daughter of Pharaoh and her handmaiden.  (She takes pity on the baby, and raises him as her own.)  The second pattern, "Scripture Illustrations, Moses On Mount Sinai,  Exodus Chap. 20," shows Moses receiving the Ten Commandments.  The Ten Commandments are still the core of our ethical laws.

The story of Moses resonates with children as well as adults.  He is a baby who is saved, a prince of Egypt who defends a slave,  a man who confronts the Pharaoh.  He parts the Red Sea, leads the Hebrews in the desert, and gives them the Ten Commandments.   He is a hero worthy of a Hollywood movie!  (Of course, a movie starring Charlton Heston, "The Ten Commandments," was made in the 1950s). 

Moses in the bulrushes 6.25 inch saucer by an unknown maker, c. 1825

"Moses On Mount Sinai" 8 inch plate from the "Scripture Illustrations" Series,  Knight Elkin & Bridgwood (1829-1840)

"Moses On Mount Sinai" mark