Tharbis, Moses’ First Wife

Tharbis was the daughter of the Ethiopian king. When she observed Moses bringing his army near the ramparts and waging battle valiantly, she admired the resourcefulness of his undertakings. Suspecting that he was responsible for the Egyptians’ success when they had previously given up their hope of liberty and that he was the reason for the extreme danger that the Ethiopians were confronting when they had previously boasted of their great achievements, she fell deeply in love with him. Under the spell of that passion, she sent her most loyal servants to him to discuss the subject of marriage. He received the proposal favorably on the condition that she hand over the city, and he swore that he would take her as his wife and that when he assumed power over the city, he would not violate his oath. The agreement took effect immediately. Following the defeat of the Ethiopians, Moses gave thanks to God and consummated his marriage, leading the Egyptians back to their own land.

Translated byWilliam Whiston, adapted byAaron Samuels.