Such in O.T. times were held in esteem, as was Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, Genesis 35:8 . Twice the expression, 'nursing fathers,' occurs, and queens are to be 'nursing mothers' to Israel in the future. Numbers 11:12; Isaiah 49:23 . Paul said, "We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children." 1 Thessalonians 2:7 .