Pharaoh enslaved the Jews. When Moses was born to Amram and Yocheved, Pharaoh was informed by his astrologers that the Jews’ redeemer had been born, so he ordered that all newborn boys be thrown into the Nile River to die. In order to save Moses’ life, Yocheved placed him in a basket, which she hid among the reeds in the Nile River. He was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, Bitya, who adopted him. Bitya employed Moses’ mother as his wet nurse; Yocheved kept Moses at her home until he was about 12 years old.
When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became like a son to her. She named him Moses, “for” – she said – “I drew him out of the water.”
Exodus 2:10
Pharaoh and his court knew that Moses was Jewish, but they assumed that if they raised him like an Egyptian, he would become one of them. In fact, however, since he spent his early, formative years in his parents’ home, the education he received from his people enabled him to remain aloof both from the enticements of Egyptian culture and the social status offered him after he was brought to Pharaoh’s household.
Moreover, his clarity of values enabled him to imbibe whatever positive lessons could be learned in the Egyptian court – the techniques of leadership, organization, regal bearing, and so forth – while remaining true to G-d and His people.
We see here how crucial is the early education of children, particularly their moral education, and how the values we impart to them prepare them for moral and spiritual greatness.
-- Daily Wisdom Volume 3