Such in Old Testament times were held in esteem, as was Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse (Gen. 35:8). Twice the expression, “nursing fathers,” occurs, and queens are to be “nursing mothers” to Israel in the future (Num. 11:12; Isa. 49:23). Paul said, “We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children” (1 Thess. 2:7).