Commentary on Exodus 2

Exodus 2 narrates the miraculous birth and preservation of Moses, the future deliverer of Israel. Facing Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants, Moses's mother bravely hides him, ultimately placing him in a basket on the Nile. He is discovered and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, yet providentially nursed by his own mother. The chapter then fast-forwards to Moses's adult life, his defense of a fellow Hebrew, his flight to Midian after killing an Egyptian, and his marriage to Zipporah, establishing a new life away from Egypt's oppression. This sets the stage for God's later call to deliver His people.

Historical context

The book of Exodus picks up roughly 400 years after the events of Genesis, detailing Israel's enslavement in Egypt and their eventual liberation. The setting is ancient Egypt, a dominant world power of the late Bronze Age, characterized by its polytheistic religion and a pharaoh considered divine. The specific pharaoh mentioned in Exodus 1:8 is not named, but the oppression of the Israelites aligns with periods of Egyptian history where foreign populations were conscripted for massive building projects.

The narrative of Exodus 2 unfolds against this backdrop of severe state-sanctioned genocide, targeting Hebrew male infants to curb their population growth and prevent potential rebellion. The author, traditionally Moses himself, writes to a people who have experienced God's mighty deliverance, reminding them of His faithfulness even in the darkest times. The story of Moses's birth and early life is crucial for establishing his unique position as God's chosen leader, prepared by both divine providence and human experience for the monumental task ahead.

Verse by verse

• 1:

  This verse introduces Moses's parents, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi, who marry and conceive. This detail is significant as Levi was one of Jacob's sons, and the Levites would later become the priestly tribe, foreshadowing Moses's role in establishing Israel's worship.

• 2:

  Moses's mother, Jochebed (named later in Exod 6:20), sees that her newborn son is “a beautiful baby.” The Hebrew phrase tov-re'eh (טוֹב רְאֹה) implies more than just physical attractiveness; it suggests a child of special quality or destiny, echoing the divine assessment of creation as “good” (Gen 1). This perception fuels her decision to defy Pharaoh's decree and hide him for three months.

• 3:

  When she could no longer hide him, Moses's mother places him in a basket made of papyrus reeds, sealed with tar and pitch, and sets it among the reeds along the Nile. This act is one of desperate faith and ingenuity, entrusting her child to God's providence in a vessel reminiscent of Noah's ark, which also saved life through water (Gen 6:14).

• 4:

  Moses's older sister, Miriam (named later in Exod 15:20), watches from a distance to see what would happen to him. Her presence highlights the family's active role in Moses's preservation and demonstrates a remarkable courage and loyalty in the face of danger.

• 5:

  Pharaoh's daughter discovers the basket while bathing in the Nile. This seemingly coincidental event is a clear demonstration of divine providence, as the very daughter of the oppressor becomes the instrument of the deliverer's salvation. God's hand orchestrates the circumstances to protect His chosen one.

• 6:

  Upon seeing the baby, Pharaoh's daughter immediately recognizes him as a Hebrew child. Her compassion, despite her father's decree, is a striking contrast to the cruelty of the regime. She takes pity on him, a pivotal moment that changes the course of Israel's history.

• 7:

  Miriam seizes the opportunity, boldly approaching Pharaoh's daughter and offering to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. Her quick thinking and courage are instrumental in the next stage of God's plan.

• 8:

  Pharaoh's daughter agrees, and Miriam brings Moses's own mother to nurse him. This incredible turn of events means Moses is not only saved but also raised by his biological mother, allowing him to be nurtured in his Hebrew heritage and faith, even while growing up in the royal court.

• 10:

  When Moses is older, his mother brings him back to Pharaoh's daughter, who adopts him and names him Moses, meaning “I drew him out of the water.” This name not only commemorates his rescue but also foreshadows his future role in drawing the Israelites out of Egypt through the waters of the Red Sea.

• 11:

  As an adult, Moses identifies with his Hebrew people, witnessing their harsh labor. His decision to “go out to his people” demonstrates a growing awareness of his identity and a nascent sense of justice, despite his privileged upbringing in Pharaoh's palace.

• 12:

  Moses kills an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, burying the body in the sand. This act, while seemingly impulsive and violent, reveals his deep empathy for his people and his readiness to intervene against injustice. However, it also shows his reliance on his own strength rather than God's, a lesson he would need to learn.

• 15:

  When Pharaoh learns of Moses's actions, he seeks to kill him, forcing Moses to flee to Midian. This exile is a crucial period of preparation, removing Moses from the power and influence of Egypt and placing him in a wilderness setting where God would later encounter him.

• 21:

  In Midian, Moses marries Zipporah, the daughter of Reuel (also called Jethro), a priest of Midian. This marriage and the birth of his son, Gershom, signify a new, settled life for Moses, far from the turmoil of Egypt. The name Gershom means “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land,” reflecting Moses's displacement.

• 23:

  After many years, the king of Egypt dies, but the Israelites' suffering continues and intensifies. Their groans rise to God, who hears their cries and remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This sets the stage for God's direct intervention and Moses's call in the next chapter.

Key themes

• Divine Providence
• Faith and Courage
• Identity and Calling
• God's Remembrance of His Covenant
• Preparation for Leadership

Application

Exodus 2 offers a powerful reminder that God is at work even when circumstances seem bleak and chaotic. The story of Moses's preservation demonstrates God's meticulous care, orchestrating seemingly random events—a mother's desperate act, a princess's bath, a sister's quick thinking—to fulfill His larger redemptive plan. This encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we cannot see His hand or understand His methods. Our own lives, with their unexpected twists and turns, are not outside His watchful eye.

Furthermore, Moses's journey from a hidden infant to a prince, then to a fugitive shepherd, illustrates that God often prepares His chosen instruments through diverse experiences, some comfortable, others challenging. His time in the wilderness, away from the grandeur of Egypt, was essential for shaping his character and dependence on God. We too can find comfort that our own seasons of waiting, learning, or even exile are not wasted, but are often part of God's patient preparation for the work He has for us. Our identity in Christ, like Moses's Hebrew heritage, is fundamental to our calling, even if the world around us tries to obscure it.

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