And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
When she had opened it - the princess exclaimed, "This is one of the Hebrews' children" - most probably recognized to be one of that race by the mark of circumcision upon his body ('Cause Morale de Circoncision,'
p. 180). The narrative is picturesque. No tale of romance ever described a plot more skillfully laid or more full of interest in the development. The expedient of the ark-the slime and pitch-the choice of the time and place-the appeal to the sensibilities of the female breast-the stationing of the sister as a watch of the proceedings-her timely suggestion of a nurse-and the engagement of the mother herself,-all bespeak a more than ordinary measure of ingenuity, as well as intense solicitude on the part of the parents. But the origin of the scheme was most probably owing to a divine suggestion, as its success was due to an overruling Providence, who not only preserved the child's life, but provided for his being trained in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Hence, it is said to have been done by faith (Hebrews 11:23) in the general promise of deliverance; and in this view the pious couple gave a beautiful example of a firm reliance on the Word of God, united with an active use of the most suitable means.