Exodus 2

Commentary

The Birth of Moses

1And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.

Pharaoh's Daughter Rescues Moses

5And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. 6And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children. 7Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? 8And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother. 9And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. 10And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

Moses Kills an Egyptian

11And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. 12And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. 13And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? 14And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

Moses Flees to Midian

15Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

16Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. 17And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. 18And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? 19And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. 20And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. 21And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. 22And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

God Hears the Israelites' Cry

23And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. 24And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Birth and Adoption of Moses
(Acts 7:20–22; Hebrews 11:23)

1 A man of the house of Levi went and took a daughter of Levi as his wife. 2 The woman conceived, and bore a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. 3 When she could no longer hide him, she took a papyrus basket for him, and coated it with tar and with pitch. She put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank. 4 His sister stood far off, to see what would be done to him.

5 Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe at the river. Her maidens walked along by the riverside. She saw the basket among the reeds, and sent her handmaid to get it. 6 She opened it, and saw the child, and behold, the baby cried. She had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Should I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?” 8 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” The maiden went and called the child’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away, and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” The woman took the child, and nursed it. 10 The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, and said, “Because I drew him out of the water.”

The Rejection and Flight of Moses
(Acts 7:23–29)

11 It happened in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to his brothers, and looked at their burdens. He saw an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, one of his brothers. 12 He looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one, he killed the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. 13 He went out the second day, and behold, two men of the Hebrews were fighting with each other. He said to him who did the wrong, “Why do you strike your fellow?” 14 He said, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you plan to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian?” Moses was afraid, and said, “Surely this thing is known.”

15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and lived in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well.

16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17 The shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. 18 When they came to Reuel, their father, he said, “How is it that you have returned so early today?” 19 They said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and moreover he drew water for us, and watered the flock.” 20 He said to his daughters, “Where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.” 21 Moses was content to dwell with the man. He gave Moses Zipporah, his daughter. 22 She bore a son, and he named him Gershom, for he said, “I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land.”

God Hears the Cry of the Israelites

23 It happened in the course of those many days, that the king of Egypt died, and the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. 24 God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 God saw the children of Israel, and God was concerned about them.

The Birth and Adoption of Moses
(Acts 7:20–22; Hebrews 11:23)

1 Now a man of the house of Levi married a daughter of Levi, 2 and she conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months.

3 But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket a and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in the basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. 4 And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.

5 Soon the daughter of Pharaoh went down to bathe in the Nile, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. And when she saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maidservant to retrieve it. 6 When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the little boy was crying. So she had compassion on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrew children.”

7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?”

8 “Go ahead,” Pharaoh’s daughter told her. And the girl went and called the boy’s mother.

9 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 boy and nursed him.

10 When the child had grown older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses b and explained, “I drew him out of the water.”

The Rejection and Flight of Moses
(Acts 7:23–29)

11 One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own people c and observed their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. 12 After looking this way and that and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand.

13 The next day Moses went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you attacking your companion?”

14 But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? d Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? e”

Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.”

15 When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.

16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17 And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock.

18 When the daughters returned to their father Reuel, f he asked them, “Why have you returned so early today?”

19 “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they replied. “He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”

20 “So where is he?” their father asked. “Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.”

21 Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. 22 And she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, g saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.”

God Hears the Cry of the Israelites

23 After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God.

24 So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 God saw the Israelites and took notice.

 

Footnotes:

3 a The Hebrew can also mean ark ; also in verse 5; see Genesis 6:14.
10 b Moses  sounds like a Hebrew term that means to lift out .
11 c Or his brothers
14 d Cited in Acts 7:27 and Acts 7:35
14 e LXX Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?  Cited in Acts 7:28
18 f Reuel  was also called Jethro ; see Exodus 3:1.
22 g Gershom  sounds like the Hebrew for foreigner .

The Birth of Moses

1And there goeth a man of the house of Levi, and he taketh the daughter of Levi, 2and the woman conceiveth, and beareth a son, and she seeth him that he is fair, and she hideth him three months, 3and she hath not been able any more to hide him, and she taketh for him an ark of rushes, and daubeth it with bitumen and with pitch, and putteth the lad in it, and putteth it in the weeds by the edge of the River; 4and his sister stationeth herself afar off, to know what is done to him.

Pharaoh's Daughter Rescues Moses

5And a daughter of Pharaoh cometh down to bathe at the River, and her damsels are walking by the side of the River, and she seeth the ark in the midst of the weeds, and sendeth her handmaid, and she taketh it, 6and openeth, and seeth him -- the lad, and lo, a child weeping! and she hath pity on him, and saith, 'This is one of the Hebrews' children.' 7And his sister saith unto the daughter of Pharaoh, 'Do I go? when I have called for thee a suckling woman of the Hebrews, then she doth suckle the lad for thee;' 8and the daughter of Pharaoh saith to her, 'Go;' and the virgin goeth, and calleth the mother of the lad, 9and the daughter of Pharaoh saith to her, 'Take this lad away, and suckle him for me, and I -- I give thy hire;' and the woman taketh the lad, and suckleth him. 10And the lad groweth, and she bringeth him in to the daughter of Pharaoh, and he is to her for a son, and she calleth his name Moses, and saith, 'Because -- from the water I have drawn him.'

Moses Kills an Egyptian

11And it cometh to pass, in those days, that Moses is grown, and he goeth out unto his brethren, and looketh on their burdens, and seeth a man, an Egyptian, smiting a man, a Hebrew, one of his brethren, 12and he turneth hither and thither, and seeth that there is no man, and smiteth the Egyptian, and hideth him in the sand. 13And he goeth out on the second day, and lo, two men, Hebrews, striving! and he saith to the wrong-doer, 'Why dost thou smite thy neighbour?' 14and he saith, 'Who set thee for a head and a judge over us? to slay me art thou saying it, as thou hast slain the Egyptian?' and Moses feareth, and saith, 'Surely the thing hath been known.'

Moses Flees to Midian

15And Pharaoh heareth of this thing, and seeketh to slay Moses, and Moses fleeth from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelleth in the land of Midian, and dwelleth by the well.

16And to a priest of Midian are seven daughters, and they come and draw, and fill the troughs, to water the flock of their father, 17and the shepherds come and drive them away, and Moses ariseth, and saveth them, and watereth their flock. 18And they come in to Reuel their father, and he saith, 'Wherefore have ye hastened to come in to-day?' 19and they say, 'A man, an Egyptian, hath delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also hath diligently drawn for us, and watereth the flock;' 20and he saith unto his daughters, 'And where is he? why is this? -- ye left the man! call for him, and he doth eat bread.' 21And Moses is willing to dwell with the man, and he giveth Zipporah his daughter to Moses, 22and she beareth a son, and he calleth his name Gershom, for he said, 'A sojourner I have been in a strange land.'

God Hears the Israelites' Cry

23And it cometh to pass during these many days, that the king of Egypt dieth, and the sons of Israel sigh because of the service, and cry, and their cry goeth up unto God, because of the service; 24and God heareth their groaning, and God remembereth His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob; 25and God seeth the sons of Israel, and God knoweth.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Exodus 2?
2Introduction to Exodus 2
3Context of Exodus 2
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Exodus 2 Unique Insights
7Exodus 2 Connections to Yeshua
8Exodus 2 Scriptural Echoes
9Exodus 2 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Exodus 2?

Introduction to Exodus 2

Exodus 2 marks a pivotal moment in biblical history with the birth of Moses, the future deliverer of Israel. This chapter masterfully weaves together themes of divine providence, human courage, and the preservation of God’s chosen instrument of deliverance. Through a series of seemingly coincidental events, we witness how יהוה (Yahweh) orchestrates the protection and preparation of the one who would eventually lead His people out of Egyptian bondage.

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The narrative showcases the faith and ingenuity of common people—a mother, a sister, and a princess—whose actions God sovereignly uses to accomplish His purposes. Their courage and compassion, particularly that of Moses’ mother Jochebed and his sister Miriam, demonstrate how ordinary individuals can participate in God’s extraordinary plans when walking closely with Him.

Context of Exodus 2

This chapter follows the dark backdrop of Exodus 1, where Pharaoh’s oppression of the Israelites reaches its zenith with the decree to murder all Hebrew male infants. The preservation of Moses serves as God’s direct response to Pharaoh’s genocidal edict, showing how divine providence often works through human instruments to accomplish His purposes. The chapter bridges the gap between Israel’s initial settlement in Egypt and their eventual exodus, spanning a period of approximately 80 years.

Within the broader narrative of Scripture, Exodus 2 serves as a crucial link in God’s redemptive plan. The parallels between Moses’ deliverance as an infant and the future deliverance of Israel are striking. Just as Moses was drawn out of the water to live, so too would Israel be drawn out of Egypt to new life. This chapter also establishes Moses’ unique position as one educated in Egyptian wisdom (Acts 7:22) yet connected to his Hebrew heritage, preparing him for his future role as deliverer and lawgiver.

The events of this chapter also set the stage for understanding God’s pattern of raising up deliverers from seemingly impossible circumstances, a theme that reaches its ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah Yeshua, who like Moses, was preserved from a ruler’s murderous decree (Matthew 2:13-15).

Ancient Key Word Study

  • תֵּבָה (tevah) – “Ark/basket”: The same word used for Noah’s ark in Genesis 6:14. This linguistic connection suggests that like Noah’s ark, Moses’ basket was an instrument of divine deliverance through water. The word appears only in these two contexts in the entire Torah, emphasizing the parallel between these two great deliverances.
  • מָשָׁה (mashah) – “To draw out”: The root of Moses’ name, given by Pharaoh’s daughter. This verb carries deep significance as it prophetically points to Moses’ future role in drawing out Israel from Egypt. The word plays on the Egyptian meaning of Moses (meaning “son” or “born of”) while giving it a Hebrew significance.
  • גֵּר (ger) – “Sojourner”: Used in naming Moses’ son Gershom, this term reflects the reality of displacement and alien status. It carries theological weight throughout Scripture, reminding Israel of their own sojourning and the need to care for strangers.
  • חֵמָה (chemah) – “Wrath”: Describes Moses’ reaction to the Egyptian’s oppression. This word often describes divine wrath in Scripture, suggesting Moses’ action, while imperfect, reflected a genuine concern for justice that aligned with God’s character.
  • נְאָקָה (ne’aqah) – “Groaning”: Describes Israel’s cry under bondage. This term specifically denotes intense suffering that demands divine intervention, appearing frequently in contexts where God responds to His people’s distress.
  • זָכַר (zakar) – “Remember”: Used when God “remembered” His covenant. This doesn’t imply God had forgotten, but rather indicates the moment of divine action based on covenant promises. The word signifies the transition from seeming divine inaction to intervention.
  • בְּרִית (berith) – “Covenant”: References God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This term represents the binding relationship between God and His people, forming the basis for His upcoming intervention.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 1: “A man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman” uses לָקַח (laqach) rather than נָשָׂא (nasa) for “married.” This choice emphasizes the taking of responsibility and divine purpose rather than just the ceremonial aspect of marriage, foreshadowing the couple’s crucial role in God’s plan.
  • Verse 3: The description of the basket being placed “among the reeds” (בַּסּוּף – bassuf) deliberately echoes the future crossing of the Sea of Reeds (יַם־סוּף – yam-suf), creating a literary connection between Moses’ personal deliverance and his future role in Israel’s deliverance.
  • Verse 10: The naming of Moses employs a deliberate wordplay that works in both Hebrew and Egyptian, demonstrating the dual nature of Moses’ identity and calling. The Egyptian princess gives him a name that sounds Egyptian but carries Hebrew meaning.
  • Verse 12: The phrase “looked this way and that” (וַיִּפֶן כֹּה וָכֹה) uses repetition to emphasize Moses’ careful consideration, rather than using a single term for “looked around,” highlighting his awareness of the moral weight of his actions.
  • Verse 15: “Pharaoh heard of this matter” uses the verb שָׁמַע (shama) rather than יָדַע (yada), suggesting the news came through official channels rather than personal discovery, emphasizing the public nature of Moses’ action.
  • Verse 23: “The king of Egypt died” uses וַיָּמָת (vaiyamat) rather than a euphemistic term, emphasizing the finality of death and the opening of a new chapter in Israel’s history.
  • Verse 24: God’s “remembering” uses וַיִּזְכֹּר (vaiyizkor) in the imperfect tense, suggesting ongoing action rather than a single moment of recollection, emphasizing His continuous covenant faithfulness.

Exodus 2 Unique Insights

The rabbinical tradition provides fascinating insights into the details of this chapter. The Midrash Rabbah explains that Jochebed’s marriage to Amram was actually a remarriage after they had separated due to Pharaoh’s decree. Their reunion, motivated by their daughter Miriam’s prophecy, demonstrated extraordinary faith in God’s promises despite overwhelming circumstances. This tradition adds depth to understanding the family dynamics and faith that surrounded Moses’ birth.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen and Augustine, saw in Moses’ rescue from the Nile a prefigurement of baptism. Just as Moses passed through the waters to emerge as Israel’s future deliverer, so Christians pass through the waters of baptism to emerge into new life. This typological interpretation gains additional weight when considering that Paul explicitly connects the crossing of the Red Sea to baptism in 1 Corinthians 10:1-2.

The historical background of Egyptian court life during this period provides crucial context. Archaeological evidence from the New Kingdom period reveals that foreign princes were often educated at the Egyptian court, suggesting that Moses’ adoption into Pharaoh’s household followed an established pattern. This practice would have given Moses access to the highest levels of Egyptian education and culture, preparing him for his future role as leader and lawgiver.

Jewish mystical tradition finds significance in the three-month period Moses was hidden, connecting it to the three patriarchs and seeing in it a period of divine protection corresponding to the three pilgrimage festivals. This interpretation adds layers of meaning to the timing of Moses’ placement in the Nile.

Exodus 2 Connections to Yeshua

The parallels between Moses and Yeshua are striking and numerous in this chapter. Both were born during times of oppression and faced death threats as infants from ruling authorities. Just as Moses was preserved through divine providence to become Israel’s deliverer, so Yeshua was protected from Herod’s massacre to become humanity’s ultimate Deliverer (Matthew 2:13-15).

Moses’ rejection by his own people when he first sought to help them (Exodus 2:14) prefigures Yeshua’s rejection by Israel during His first coming (John 1:11). Both Moses and Yeshua experienced periods of exile before beginning their public ministry of deliverance. The theme of a deliverer who must first be rejected before being accepted runs through both narratives, pointing to God’s pattern of redemption through suffering servants.

Exodus 2 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical passages and themes. The preservation of Moses echoes the protection of other key figures in redemptive history, such as Joseph (Genesis 50:20) and David (1 Samuel 16). The theme of God using the weak things of the world to confound the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27) is powerfully illustrated in how a helpless infant ultimately becomes the instrument of Egypt’s defeat.

The crying out of Israel in their oppression finds parallel expressions throughout Scripture, particularly in the Psalms (Psalm 107:1-3) and the prophets (Isaiah 40:27-31). God’s remembrance of His covenant connects to numerous passages affirming His faithfulness to His promises (Psalm 105:8-11).

Exodus 2 Devotional

This chapter reminds us that God’s timing and methods often differ from our expectations. Moses’ mother faced an impossible situation, yet her faith led her to act creatively within her circumstances. Like her, we’re called to trust God’s providence even when we can’t see the full picture of His plan.

Moses’ initial attempt to help his people, while well-intentioned, was premature and relied on his own strength. This serves as a powerful reminder that God’s calling must be fulfilled in God’s timing and power, not our own. Sometimes our wilderness experiences, like Moses’ time in Midian, are necessary preparation for the work God has for us.

The chapter concludes with God hearing Israel’s groaning and remembering His covenant. This should encourage us that no matter how dark our circumstances may seem, God hears our cries and remains faithful to His promises. He may not act according to our timeline, but He always acts according to His perfect plan.

Did You Know

  • The name of Moses’ wife Zipporah means “bird” in Hebrew, possibly reflecting her quick and decisive action in later protecting Moses through circumcising their son (Exodus 4:25).
  • The Midianites, among whom Moses found refuge, were descendants of Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2), making them distant relatives of the Israelites.
  • According to Jewish tradition, the Egyptian princess who rescued Moses was named Bithiah, and she was later honored for her righteous action in saving Moses (1 Chronicles 4:18).
  • The phrase “drew him out” in Moses’ naming contains a prophetic play on words, as Moses would later “draw out” Israel from Egypt.
  • Archaeological evidence suggests that the area of Midian where Moses fled was in modern-day Saudi Arabia, not the Sinai Peninsula as traditionally assumed.
  • The well where Moses met Zipporah became a significant landmark in ancient times, with traditions about its location preserved in various historical sources.
  • The three-month period Moses was hidden corresponds to the length of time a mother was considered ritually unclean after giving birth to a male child, suggesting possible symbolic significance.
  • According to rabbinic tradition, Moses’ father Amram was the leader of the Israelites in Egypt, making Moses’ birth into this family particularly significant for his future leadership role.
  • The concept of being “drawn out” of water became a powerful metaphor in Jewish thought for salvation from death, influencing later biblical imagery.
  • The daughters of the priest of Midian were unusual in their role as shepherdesses, suggesting their father’s unique standing and possibly explaining why Moses, a foreign fugitive, was welcomed into their household.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. Learn more about the F.O.G.

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