Exodus 2:1-4 And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.… I. THE GOODLY CHILD — Moses. 1. Its birth. (1) In an evil time. The edict of Pharaoh, like the sword of Damocles, over its head. God takes care that men needed for His work in evil times shall be born in them — Wickliffe, Luther. (2) Of an oppressed people and humble origin. Great men often of lowly extraction. 2. Its appearance — "Goodly." Beautiful, not only to a mother's eyes, but really so. Its beauty appealed to the mother, as its tears to the princess. 3. The excitement caused by its birth. Babes usually welcomed. Here were fear and sorrow and perplexity. This Divine gift becomes a trial, through the wickedness of man. Sin turns blessings into Curses, and joy into sorrow. II. THE ANXIOUS MOTHER — Jochebed. 1. Her first feelings. Touched by the rare loveliness of her child. Bravely resolves to evade the decree. She had another son — Aaron — now three years of age (Exodus 7:7); but could not spare one. 2. Her careful concealment. For three months she contrived to preserve her secret from the Egyptians. Anxiously thinking what she might presently do. 3. Her ingenious device. Concealment no longer possible. She will trust God rather than Pharaoh. III. THE OBEDIENT DAUGHTER — Miriam. 1. Her obedience. The blessing of obedient children. Trusted by the mother. The elder should care for, and watch over, the younger. 2. Her surprise. The princess and her retinue appear. She attentively watches. The ark discovered, brought out, and opened. Her anxiety. She approaches. 3. Her thoughtfulness. She is quick-witted. Sees compassion in the princess's face. Shall she fetch a nurse? Of the Hebrew women? 4. Her great joy. Her brother saved. Her return home. Perhaps the mother was praying for the child. Jochebed's surprise and gratitude and joy. A great result grew out of her obedience (1 Peter 1:14; Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20). IV. THE COMPASSIONATE PRINCESS. Kindness in the house of Pharaoh! "Out of the strong sweetness." Children not always to be judged by their parents. Eli's sons were not godly (1 Samuel 2:12). Pharaoh's daughter not cruel, as her father. Moved by an infant's tears, she at once comprehends the history of the child, Resolves to adopt it. Providential use of compassion, maternal solicitude, filial obedience, infantile beauty and helplessness. "All things work together for good." Learn — 1. To prize a mother's love, and return it. 2. To imitate Miriam's obedience and sisterly affection. 3. Not to judge of children by their parents. 4. To admire the wisdom of Providence. 5. "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given" — Jesus. (J. C. Gray.) Parallel Verses KJV: And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.WEB: A man of the house of Levi went and took a daughter of Levi as his wife. |
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