Exodus 2

Exodus 2 narrates the early life of Moses, who would become one of the most significant figures in Israel's history. It tells of his birth during a time of oppression, his miraculous preservation from Pharaoh's decree to kill Hebrew boys, his upbringing in Pharaoh's household, and his eventual flight to Midian after defending a fellow Israelite. This chapter sets the stage for Moses' later call to deliver Israel from slavery.

Exodus 2:1-3 (NKJV)
1 And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi.
2 So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months.
3 But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank.

In these verses, we are introduced to Moses' parents, both of the tribe of Levi. His mother, recognizing something special in her child, defied Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. For three months, she managed to hide him, but when it became impossible, she made a waterproof basket to place him in the Nile. The reference to an "ark" recalls Noah's ark, symbolizing God's preservation in times of danger. His placement in the Nile is a desperate yet hopeful act, trusting in divine intervention for his safety.

Exodus 2:4 (NKJV)
4 And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.

Moses’ sister, who we later learn is Miriam, watches from a distance as the basket floats in the Nile. This verse highlights her concern and involvement in her brother’s fate. Despite the danger, she carefully observes, possibly hoping for a miracle or intervention. Her role in this moment demonstrates the care and courage of Moses' family, even in a situation of powerlessness under Egyptian rule.

Exodus 2:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it.
6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.”

In an unexpected twist, the daughter of Pharaoh, the ruler who ordered the death of Hebrew boys, finds Moses. Her compassion upon seeing the crying baby reflects a human connection that transcends her father’s cruel decree. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of Moses’ journey, as God’s providence works through unlikely means. Pharaoh’s own household unknowingly becomes the sanctuary for the future deliverer of Israel.

Exodus 2:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?”
8 And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” So the maiden went and called the child’s mother.
9 Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him.

Miriam seizes the opportunity to intervene and suggests that a Hebrew woman nurse the child, and Pharaoh’s daughter agrees. Moses' mother is then providentially reunited with her son, not only able to care for him openly but also paid to do so. This passage shows how God orchestrates circumstances to fulfill His plans, ensuring that Moses would be nurtured by his own family, even under the protection of the royal family.

Exodus 2:10 (NKJV)
10 And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. So she called his name Moses, saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.”

Moses, now weaned, is brought to Pharaoh’s daughter and officially becomes her son. His name, Moses, means “drawn out,” reflecting both his rescue from the water and foreshadowing his future role in leading Israel out of Egypt. This verse emphasizes the significance of his name and origin, as well as the blending of his Hebrew heritage with his Egyptian upbringing in Pharaoh's household.

Exodus 2:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren.
12 So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.

As Moses matures, he becomes aware of the suffering of his fellow Israelites. His identification with the Hebrew people is evident when he defends one of them by killing an Egyptian overseer. This act of violence, though motivated by a sense of justice, reflects Moses’ inner conflict and his impulsive nature. Rather than seeking a lawful solution, he takes matters into his own hands, which will soon have consequences.

Exodus 2:13-14 (NKJV)
13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two Hebrew men were fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, “Why are you striking your companion?”
14 Then he said, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” So Moses feared and said, “Surely this thing is known!”

The next day, Moses tries to intervene in a dispute between two Hebrews. Instead of gratitude, he is met with hostility and suspicion. The reference to his killing of the Egyptian reveals that his actions are no longer secret, and Moses realizes he is in danger. This incident reveals the tension between Moses' sense of justice and the distrust of those he aims to help, foreshadowing future challenges in his leadership.

Exodus 2:15 (NKJV)
15 When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well.

Upon learning of Moses’ crime, Pharaoh seeks to kill him. Moses’ flight to Midian marks the beginning of his exile, where he escapes the threat of Pharaoh’s punishment. Sitting by a well, Moses enters a new phase of his life, one of solitude and reflection, far from the palace and the people he was trying to protect. This period of isolation in Midian will prepare Moses for the divine calling he will later receive.

Exodus 2:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. And they came and drew water, and they filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
17 Then the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

In Midian, Moses encounters the daughters of the priest of Midian. True to his nature, Moses steps in to defend them from shepherds who try to drive them away, ensuring they can water their flock. This act of justice and compassion reflects the same characteristics that led him to defend the Hebrew slave earlier, showing that even in a foreign land, Moses remains sensitive to injustice and oppression.

Exodus 2:18-20 (NKJV)
18 When they came to Reuel their father, he said, “How is it that you have come so soon today?”
19 And they said, “An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and he also drew enough water for us and watered the flock.”
20 So he said to his daughters, “And where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.”

Moses’ intervention leads to a surprising encounter with Reuel (also known as Jethro), the priest of Midian. When his daughters return home early, they recount how Moses helped them, referring to him as an Egyptian due to his appearance. Reuel, impressed by Moses’ actions, invites him to join them, setting the stage for Moses’ integration into Midianite society. This invitation also marks the beginning of Moses' connection to the priestly family, which will be significant in his journey.

Exodus 2:21-22 (NKJV)
21 Then Moses was content to live with the man, and he gave Zipporah his daughter to Moses.
22 And she bore him a son. He called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land.”

Moses settles into life in Midian and marries Zipporah, one of Reuel's daughters. The birth of his son, Gershom, whose name means "a stranger there," reflects Moses’ feelings of exile and disconnection from his people and his former life in Egypt. This period of Moses' life represents a time of transition, where he lives in relative peace but still feels the weight of being a foreigner in a distant land, disconnected from the destiny that awaits him.

Exodus 2:23-25 (NKJV)
23 Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage.
24 So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.
25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them.

With the death of the king of Egypt, the oppression of the Israelites continues, and their suffering intensifies. In their distress, they cry out to God for deliverance. These verses highlight the turning point in Israel’s plight, as God hears their cries and remembers His covenant with the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The language emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises and His awareness of their suffering. Though God had not yet acted, these final verses of the chapter signal that He is preparing to intervene on behalf of His people, setting the stage for the deliverance that will follow through Moses.