Topical Encyclopedia A wet-nurse is a woman who breastfeeds and cares for another's child. In biblical times, wet-nurses played a significant role in child-rearing, especially among families of higher social status or in situations where the biological mother was unable or unavailable to nurse her own child. The practice of employing a wet-nurse is mentioned in several biblical narratives, reflecting the cultural and social norms of the ancient Near East.Biblical References: 1. Moses and Jochebed: One of the most notable references to a wet-nurse in the Bible is found in the account of Moses. After Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants, Moses' mother, Jochebed, placed him in a basket on the Nile River. Pharaoh's daughter discovered the child and, moved with compassion, decided to adopt him. Moses' sister, Miriam, who had been watching from a distance, approached Pharaoh's daughter and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Jochebed was then hired to be Moses' wet-nurse, allowing her to care for her own son during his early years. This account is recorded in Exodus 2:7-9 : "Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, 'Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?' 'Go ahead,' Pharaoh’s daughter told her. And the girl went and called the boy’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, 'Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay your wages.' So the woman took the boy and nursed him." 2. Hannah and Samuel: Although not explicitly mentioning a wet-nurse, the account of Hannah and her son Samuel provides insight into the cultural practices surrounding child-rearing. After praying earnestly for a child, Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord's service. Once he was weaned, she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. The weaning process, which could involve a wet-nurse, was significant as it marked the transition from infancy to early childhood. 1 Samuel 1:24 states: "Once she had weaned him, Hannah took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh." 3. Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, as in other ancient cultures, the use of wet-nurses was common among those who could afford it. Wet-nurses were often employed by royal families and the wealthy, as seen in the case of Moses. The role of a wet-nurse was not only to provide nourishment but also to offer care and protection during the child's formative years. This practice underscores the communal nature of child-rearing in biblical times, where extended family and community members played vital roles in the upbringing of children. Symbolic and Theological Implications: The use of wet-nurses in the Bible can also be seen as a symbol of God's providence and care. In the account of Moses, the employment of Jochebed as his wet-nurse highlights God's intervention and protection over Moses' life, ensuring that he was nurtured by his own mother despite the perilous circumstances. This narrative illustrates the theme of divine provision and the fulfillment of God's purposes through human agents. In summary, the role of the wet-nurse in biblical times was both practical and symbolic, reflecting the social structures of the day and the overarching theme of God's care and provision for His people. Library Concerning the Likeness and Agreement of the Fabulous and Civil ... Footnotes The Cocal Treatise iii. On the Lapsed. Thesaurus Wet-nurse (1 Occurrence)Wet-nurse. Wet, Wet-nurse. Wetted . Multi-Version Concordance Wet-nurse (1 Occurrence). Exodus 2:7 And his sister said ... /w/wet-nurse.htm - 6k Wet (25 Occurrences) Wetted (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible say about breastfeeding? | GotQuestions.orgIs a wet dream / nocturnal emission a sin? | GotQuestions.org Is it acceptable to "lay out a fleece" before God in prayer? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wet-nurse (1 Occurrence)Exodus 2:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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