In the biblical context, the role of a nurse is often associated with caregiving, nurturing, and providing support, particularly in the upbringing of children. Nurses in the Bible are typically women who are entrusted with the care of infants and young children, often within the households of prominent families. Their presence underscores the importance of maternal care and the nurturing of future generations.

Old Testament References

1. Rebekah's Nurse: One of the earliest mentions of a nurse in the Bible is found in the account of Rebekah. When Rebekah left her family to marry Isaac, she was accompanied by her nurse, Deborah. Genesis 24:59 states, "So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men." Deborah's role as a nurse is further highlighted in Genesis 35:8, where her death is recorded: "Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died and was buried under the oak below Bethel. So it was named Allon Bacuth."

2. Moses' Nurse: In the account of Moses, his mother Jochebed becomes his nurse after Pharaoh's daughter discovers him in the Nile. Exodus 2:7-9 describes how Moses' sister, Miriam, suggests to Pharaoh's daughter that a Hebrew woman could nurse the child. Pharaoh's daughter agrees, and Jochebed is paid to nurse her own son: "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 child and nursed him."

3. Mephibosheth's Nurse: The nurse of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, is mentioned in 2 Samuel 4:4. During a hurried escape following the death of Saul and Jonathan, the nurse drops Mephibosheth, causing him to become lame: "Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became disabled."

Role and Significance

The role of a nurse in biblical times was crucial, especially in the context of child-rearing and the continuation of family lineage. Nurses were often trusted members of the household, responsible for the physical and emotional well-being of the children in their care. Their duties extended beyond mere feeding and included nurturing, protection, and sometimes even education.

In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, the presence of a nurse also highlights the communal aspect of child-rearing, where extended family and household members played significant roles in the upbringing of children. The trust placed in nurses is evident in the narratives, as they were often involved in critical moments of transition and crisis.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

Theologically, the figure of the nurse can be seen as a symbol of God's nurturing care for His people. Just as a nurse provides for the needs of a child, God is depicted as a caregiver who tends to the needs of His children, Israel. This nurturing aspect of God's character is reflected in various biblical passages that speak of His compassion and provision.

Moreover, the accounts involving nurses often carry themes of providence and divine intervention. For instance, the account of Moses' nurse highlights God's providential care in preserving the life of the future deliverer of Israel. Similarly, the account of Mephibosheth's nurse underscores themes of loyalty and the unforeseen consequences of human actions within God's overarching plan.

In summary, the role of the nurse in the Bible, while often understated, is integral to the narratives in which they appear. These women, through their acts of care and devotion, contribute to the unfolding of God's purposes in the lives of the individuals and families they serve.