Moses in Rabbinic Literature - Removes Pharaoh's Crown

Removes Pharaoh's Crown

Moses was a very large child at the age of three; and it was at this time that, sitting at the king's table in the presence of several princes and counselors, he took the crown from Pharaoh's head and placed it on his own. The princes were horrified at the boy's act; and the soothsayer said that this was the same boy who, in accordance with their former predictions, would destroy the kingdom of Pharaoh and liberate Israel. Balaam and Jethro were at that time also among the king's counselors. Balaam advised the king to kill the boy at once; but Jethro (other sources say it was Gabriel in the guise of one of the king's counselors) said that the boy should first be examined, to see whether he had sense enough to have done such an act intentionally All agreed with this advice. A shining piece of gold, or a precious stone, together with a live coal, was placed on a plate before the boy, to see which of the two he would choose The angel Gabriel then guided his hand to the coal, which he took up and put into his mouth This burned his tongue, causing him to stutter; but it saved his life.

Moses remained in Pharaoh's house fifteen years longer. According to the Book of Jubilees, he learned the writing of the Assyrians (the Ketab Ashurit; the square script) from his father, Amram. During his sojourn in the king's palace he often went to his brethren, the slaves of Pharaoh, sharing their sad lot. He helped anyone who bore too heavy a burden or was too weak for his work. He reminded Pharaoh that a slave was entitled to some rest, and begged him to grant the Israelites one free day in the week. Pharaoh acceded to this request, and Moses accordingly instituted the seventh day, the Sabbath, as a day of rest for the Israelites