◄ Exodus 2 ►
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The Birth and Adoption of Moses (Acts 7:20–22; Hebrews 11:23) 1Now a man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman, 2and she conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months. 3But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basketa 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. 4And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. 5Soon 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. 6When 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.” 7Then 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. 9Pharaoh’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. 10When the child had grown older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Mosesb and explained, “I drew him out of the water.” The Rejection and Flight of Moses (Acts 7:23–29) 11One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own peoplec and observed their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. 12After looking this way and that and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand. 13The next day Moses went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you attacking your companion?” 14But 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.” 15When 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. 16Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock. 18When 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.” 21Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. 22And 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 23After 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. 24So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25God 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. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Exodus 2 Summary The Adoption and Rejection of Moses Verses 1–4 – The Birth of Moses A Levite couple welcomes a son during Pharaoh’s decree to kill Hebrew boys. His mother hides him three months, then places him in a papyrus basket coated with tar and pitch, setting it among the reeds of the Nile. His sister stands nearby to see what will happen. Verses 5–10 – Moses Drawn from the Water Pharaoh’s daughter discovers the basket while bathing. Moved with compassion, she adopts the child. His sister offers to find a Hebrew nurse—his own mother—who cares for him until he is weaned. Pharaoh’s daughter names him Moses, “because I drew him out of the water.” Verses 11–15 – Moses Flees to Midian Grown Moses visits his people and sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. After looking around, Moses kills the Egyptian and hides the body. The next day two Hebrews fight; when Moses tries to intervene, one exposes the murder. Pharaoh seeks Moses’ life, so Moses escapes to Midian. Verses 16–22 – Moses in Midian At a well Moses defends the seven daughters of Reuel (Jethro) from shepherds. Reuel welcomes him, giving Zipporah as wife. She bears a son, Gershom, for Moses says, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.” Verses 23–25 – God Hears Israel’s Groaning Years pass; the king of Egypt dies, but Israel’s bondage deepens. They cry out, and “God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the Israelites and took notice of them.” (Exodus 2:24–25) This chapter unfolds the remarkable journey of Moses, from his miraculous survival of Pharaoh's decree, to his adoption by Pharaoh's daughter, his flight to Midian after standing up against Egyptian oppression, and his divine call to liberate the Israelites. Through the weaving of these remarkable events, we witness the threads of divine providence shaping the destiny of a deliverer. Historical Setting: Egypt’s Harsh Control • Pharaoh likely belongs to the powerful 18th Dynasty, ruling a vast empire that depended on large building projects. Forced labor of Hebrews fitted Egyptian practice of using foreign slaves. • The decree to kill Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:22) shows Pharaoh’s fear of Israel’s growth, yet he allows daughters to live, thinking they will marry Egyptians and assimilate. God overturns that plan by using women—Jochebed, Miriam, Pharaoh’s daughter—to save the deliverer. • Midian lies east of the Gulf of Aqaba. Trade routes linked Egypt and Midian, making Moses’ flight plausible over desert tracks. Archaeological Insights: Nile River Life • Papyrus boats and baskets coated with tar have been found in tomb paintings and digs at Fayum. Such waterproofing matches verse 3 descriptions. • Reeds along the Nile’s edge reduce current, allowing a basket to remain hidden yet retrievable, fitting the sister’s watchful stance. • Egyptian royal households employed Hebrew servants (archaeological lists from Avaris mention Semitic names). Pharaoh’s daughter would therefore find a Hebrew wet nurse believable. Literary Themes: Protection, Identity, and Calling 1. Hidden yet Preserved: God keeps Moses safe in plain sight—within the Nile, the palace, and later Midian. 2. Dual Identity: Moses is Hebrew by birth, Egyptian by upbringing, Midianite by marriage. This prepares him to stand before both Pharaoh and Israel. 3. God Remembers: The covenant promise (Genesis 15:13–14) is now activated; the phrase “God remembered” signals turning point toward rescue. Character Snapshots • Jochebed: Courageous mother (cf. Hebrews 11:23) who trusts God with a river instead of a crib. • Miriam: Likely early teens, shows boldness before royalty; later leads Israel in song (Exodus 15:20). • Pharaoh’s Daughter: An unlikely protector; her compassion shows God can move any heart (Proverbs 21:1). • Moses: Begins as a helpless baby; ends the chapter as a married shepherd—training for leading stubborn flocks (Israel). Connections to Other Scriptures • The basket (“teva”) echoes Noah’s ark (Genesis 6:14); both are covered with pitch and preserve life through water. • Stephen retells Moses’ account in Acts 7:17–29, stressing God’s timing and Moses’ initial rejection by his people. • Jesus, like Moses, escaped a king’s slaughter of infants (Matthew 2:16–18) and later delivered His people. Timeline and Geography Approximate dates (using early Exodus view): • 1526 BC – Birth of Moses. • 1486 BC – Moses flees to Midian at age 40 (Acts 7:23). • 1446 BC – Exodus, after 40 years in Midian (Acts 7:30). Key Sites: • Goshen: Hebrew settlement in the Nile Delta. • Nile River: Lifeline of Egypt, scene of deliverance and soon-to-be scene of judgment (blood in Exodus 7:17–18). • Midian: Wilderness region fostering humility and dependence on God. Covenant Thread God “remembered His covenant” (2:24). This links back to: • Genesis 15:13–14 – Promise of deliverance after 400 years. • Genesis 50:24 – Joseph’s dying assurance, “God will surely visit you.” His memory is not recall of forgotten facts but a moment of action. Practical Takeaways • Ordinary faithfulness—nursing a baby, watching a basket, drawing water—becomes part of God’s rescue plan. • Righteous anger without God’s timing (Moses killing the Egyptian) leads to setback; humility in Midian shapes a true leader. • When bondage seems endless, God is still listening; He acts in covenant love, not forgetting His promises. Key Hebrew Words • Teva (תֵּבָה) – “Basket/Ark”; used only for Noah’s ark and Moses’ basket, signaling salvation through water. • Zaaq (זָעַק) – “Cry out”; Israel’s groan reaches heaven, prompting divine action (also in Judges 3:9, Psalm 34:17). Foreshadowing of Deliverance Moses’ rescue from water previews Israel’s safe passage through the Red Sea. Both events involve an impossible barrier parted by God’s hand. Simple Leader Lessons from Midian 1. Solitude precedes service. 2. Serving at a well (2:17) mirrors later providing water from a rock (17:6). 3. Naming his son Gershom keeps the longing for home alive; leaders must never forget their mission field is temporary. New Testament Echoes • Hebrews 11:24–27 celebrates Moses’ faith in rejecting palace privilege—an encouragement to believers choosing eternal reward over temporary pleasure. • 1 Peter 2:9 recalls Israel’s calling as a chosen people, continuing the theme of deliverance for purpose. Exodus 2 introduces the deliverer, yet the real hero is God—quietly orchestrating events so that salvation will unfold right on time. Connections to Additional Scriptures Hebrews 11:23-27 This passage highlights the faith of Moses' parents and Moses himself, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's promises. Acts 7:20-29 Stephen's speech provides additional insight into Moses' early life and his role in God's plan for Israel. Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. This verse echoes God's response to the Israelites' groaning. Teaching Points The Birth of Moses Exodus 2:1-2 introduces us to Moses, born to a Levite family during a time of great oppression. Despite Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants, Moses' mother sees that he is a fine child and hides him for three months. This act of faith sets the stage for God's deliverance plan. Moses in the Basket In Exodus 2:3-4, Moses' mother places him in a basket and sets it among the reeds of the Nile. This act of desperation is also an act of trust in God's protection and provision. Pharaoh's Daughter In a remarkable turn of events, Pharaoh's daughter discovers the basket and has compassion on Moses (Exodus 2:5-6). This unexpected ally in Pharaoh's own household becomes instrumental in Moses' survival and upbringing. Moses' Early Life Exodus 2:7-10 describes how Moses' sister, Miriam, cleverly arranges for their mother to nurse him. Moses is raised with the knowledge of his Hebrew heritage, even as he grows up in the Egyptian palace, preparing him for his future role. Moses' Flight to Midian In Exodus 2:11-15, Moses' sense of justice leads him to kill an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew. Fearing for his life, Moses flees to Midian, where he begins a new chapter, marrying Zipporah and starting a family. God Hears Israel's Groaning The chapter concludes with Exodus 2:23-25, where God hears the groaning of the Israelites and remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This sets the stage for the deliverance to come. Practical Applications Trust in God's Providence Like Moses' mother, we can trust God with our most desperate situations, knowing He is in control and working for our good. Courage in Adversity Moses' account encourages us to act with courage and faith, even when circumstances seem dire. God Uses Unlikely People God can use anyone, even those we least expect, to accomplish His purposes. We should remain open to His leading and guidance. Preparation for God's Calling Moses' time in Egypt and Midian was preparation for his future role. We should embrace the seasons of preparation in our own lives. People 1. A man of the house of Levi This refers to the father of Moses, traditionally understood to be Amram. He is a descendant of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Levites were later designated as the priestly tribe. 2. A Levite woman This is Moses' mother, traditionally identified as Jochebed. She is also from the tribe of Levi, emphasizing the priestly lineage of Moses. 3. The child (Moses) Moses is the central figure in this chapter. His name, given later by Pharaoh's daughter, is derived from the Hebrew root "משה" (mashah), meaning "to draw out," as she drew him out of the water. 4. Moses' sister Traditionally identified as Miriam, she plays a crucial role in watching over Moses when he is placed in the Nile and later suggests her mother as a nurse to Pharaoh's daughter. 5. Pharaoh's daughter She discovers Moses in the basket among the reeds of the Nile and decides to adopt him. Her actions are pivotal in Moses' survival and upbringing in the Egyptian royal household. 6. Moses' brother (Aaron) Although not directly mentioned in Exodus 2, Aaron is an important figure in the broader narrative. He is Moses' elder brother and later becomes his spokesperson. 7. The Hebrew man This refers to the man Moses sees being beaten by an Egyptian, which prompts Moses to intervene and kill the Egyptian. 8. The Egyptian The taskmaster who is beating the Hebrew man, leading to Moses' act of defense and subsequent flight from Egypt. 9. The two Hebrew men These are the men Moses encounters fighting the day after he kills the Egyptian. Their confrontation with Moses reveals that his actions have become known. 10. The priest of Midian (Reuel/Jethro) Moses flees to Midian and meets Reuel, also known as Jethro, who becomes his father-in-law. He is a priest, indicating a position of respect and authority. 11. Reuel's daughters Among them is Zipporah, who becomes Moses' wife. The daughters are initially harassed by shepherds but are defended by Moses. 12. Zipporah She is given to Moses in marriage by her father, Reuel, and later becomes the mother of his children. Places 1. Egypt The broader setting for the events of Exodus 2, Egypt is where the Israelites are living in bondage. The Hebrew term for Egypt is "Mitzrayim" (מִצְרַיִם), which is used throughout the Old Testament to refer to the land where the Israelites were enslaved. 2. The Nile River In Exodus 2:3, Moses' mother places him in a basket and sets it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. The Nile, referred to in Hebrew as "Ye'or" (יְאֹר), is a significant geographical feature in Egypt and plays a crucial role in the survival and discovery of Moses. 3. The House of Pharaoh In Exodus 2:10, after being found by Pharaoh's daughter, Moses is brought to the house of Pharaoh. This is the royal palace where Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, resides. The Hebrew term "Par'oh" (פַּרְעֹה) is used for Pharaoh, indicating the Egyptian king. 4. Midian After fleeing Egypt, Moses arrives in the land of Midian, as mentioned in Exodus 2:15. Midian is located in the northwestern region of the Arabian Peninsula. The Hebrew name "Midyan" (מִדְיָן) refers to this area, which becomes a place of refuge for Moses. Events 1. Birth of Moses A Levite woman gives birth to a son and sees that he is a fine child. She hides him for three months to protect him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys (Exodus 2:1-2). The Hebrew word used for "fine" is "טוֹב" (tov), which can also mean good or beautiful. 2. Moses Placed in a Basket Unable to hide him any longer, the mother places Moses in a papyrus basket coated with tar and pitch and sets it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile (Exodus 2:3). The Hebrew word for "basket" is "תֵּבָה" (tevah), the same word used for Noah's ark. 3. Moses Found by Pharaoh’s Daughter Pharaoh’s daughter comes to bathe in the Nile and discovers the basket. She opens it and sees the crying baby, feeling compassion for him despite recognizing him as a Hebrew child (Exodus 2:5-6). 4. Miriam’s Intervention Moses’ sister, Miriam, who has been watching from a distance, approaches Pharaoh’s daughter and offers to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. Pharaoh’s daughter agrees (Exodus 2:7-8). 5. Moses Returned to His Mother Miriam brings Moses’ mother, who is then hired by Pharaoh’s daughter to nurse him. The child grows, and when he is older, he is brought to Pharaoh’s daughter and becomes her son. She names him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water” (Exodus 2:9-10). The name "Moses" is derived from the Hebrew "מֹשֶׁה" (Mosheh), meaning "to draw out." 6. Moses Kills an Egyptian As an adult, Moses witnesses an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. He looks around, and seeing no one, he kills the Egyptian and hides him in the sand (Exodus 2:11-12). 7. Moses Flees to Midian The next day, Moses sees two Hebrews fighting and tries to intervene. One of them questions his authority and mentions the killing of the Egyptian. Realizing his deed is known, Moses flees to Midian to escape Pharaoh’s wrath (Exodus 2:13-15). 8. Moses at the Well in Midian In Midian, Moses sits by a well. The priest of Midian’s seven daughters come to draw water, but shepherds drive them away. Moses stands up and helps them, watering their flock (Exodus 2:16-17). 9. Moses Marries Zipporah The daughters return to their father, Reuel (also known as Jethro), who invites Moses to stay with them. Moses agrees and eventually marries Zipporah, one of Reuel’s daughters. She bears him a son named Gershom, for Moses says, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land” (Exodus 2:18-22). The name "Gershom" is related to the Hebrew "גֵּר" (ger), meaning "sojourner" or "stranger." 10. God Hears the Israelites’ Groaning During this time, the king of Egypt dies, and the Israelites groan under their slavery, crying out for help. God hears their groaning and remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 2:23-25). The Hebrew word for "remembered" is "זָכַר" (zakar), indicating a covenantal remembrance. Lessons from Exodus 2 1. Divine Providence in Unlikely Places In Exodus 2, we see God's hand at work in the most unexpected circumstances. Moses, a Hebrew baby, is placed in a basket and set adrift on the Nile, only to be discovered by Pharaoh's daughter. This story reminds us that God can orchestrate His plans even in the most unlikely situations. As it is written, "The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me" (Psalm 138:8). Trust that God is working behind the scenes in your life, even when you can't see it. 2. Courageous Faith of Ordinary People Moses' mother, Jochebed, displayed incredible faith by hiding her son for three months and then placing him in the river. Her actions demonstrate that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they trust in God. Hebrews 11:23 highlights this faith: "By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict." Let this inspire you to act courageously in faith, knowing God is with you. 3. Compassion Transcends Boundaries Pharaoh's daughter, moved by compassion, chose to save Moses despite his Hebrew heritage. This act of kindness shows that compassion can break down barriers and bring people together. As believers, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). Look for opportunities to show compassion, even to those who are different from you. 4. God Prepares Us for Our Calling Moses' upbringing in Pharaoh's palace uniquely prepared him for his future role as a leader. God often uses our past experiences to equip us for His purposes. Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Reflect on how your life experiences might be shaping you for God's calling. 5. The Power of Identity Moses' identity as a Hebrew was pivotal in his life. When he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, he was moved to act. Understanding who we are in Christ is crucial to living out our faith. Galatians 3:26-27 states, "For all of you are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Embrace your identity in Christ and let it guide your actions. 6. Consequences of Impulsive Actions Moses' decision to kill the Egyptian was impulsive and led to significant consequences, including his flight from Egypt. This teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance before acting. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Pause and pray before making decisions. 7. God's Timing is Perfect Moses spent 40 years in Midian before God called him to lead the Israelites. This period of waiting was part of God's perfect timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." Be patient and trust that God's timing is always right, even when it requires waiting. 8. The Importance of Humility Moses' time in Midian humbled him, transforming him from a prince of Egypt to a shepherd. Humility is a vital trait for those who wish to serve God effectively. James 4:10 encourages us, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." Embrace humility as a strength, not a weakness. 9. God Hears Our Cries The Israelites' cries for help reached God, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This reassures us that God hears our prayers and is faithful to His promises. Psalm 34:17 declares, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles." Keep praying, knowing that God is listening. 10. Preparation for Deliverance Exodus 2 sets the stage for the deliverance of the Israelites. It reminds us that God is always preparing a way for our deliverance, even when we can't see it. As Isaiah 43:19 promises, "Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert." Trust in God's plan for your deliverance and remain hopeful. Topics 1. Birth and Early Life of Moses Exodus 2 begins with the birth of Moses, a significant figure in the Bible. His mother, a Levite woman, hides him for three months to protect him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants. The Hebrew word used for "hide" (צָפַן, tsaphan) implies a careful and protective concealment. 2. Moses in the Basket When she can no longer hide him, Moses' mother places him in a basket coated with tar and pitch and sets it among the reeds along the Nile. The Hebrew word for "basket" (תֵּבָה, tevah) is the same used for Noah's ark, symbolizing divine protection. 3. Discovery by Pharaoh’s Daughter Pharaoh’s daughter discovers the basket while bathing in the Nile. She recognizes the child as a Hebrew baby but is moved with compassion. The term "compassion" (חָמַל, chamal) indicates a deep, empathetic response. 4. Moses’ Adoption Moses' sister, who has been watching, offers to find a Hebrew nurse for the baby. Pharaoh’s daughter agrees, and Moses' own mother is hired to nurse him. Eventually, Moses is adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, who names him Moses, meaning "drawn out" (מֹשֶׁה, Mosheh), reflecting his rescue from the water. 5. Moses’ Flight to Midian As an adult, Moses witnesses an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and kills the Egyptian in defense. The Hebrew word for "looked" (פָּנָה, panah) suggests a deliberate and careful observation before taking action. Fearing for his life after the incident becomes known, Moses flees to Midian. 6. Moses at the Well in Midian In Midian, Moses defends the daughters of Reuel (also known as Jethro) from shepherds and helps them water their flock. This act of justice and kindness leads to his acceptance into Reuel’s family. 7. Moses Marries Zipporah Moses is invited to stay with Reuel and eventually marries his daughter Zipporah. This union marks the beginning of Moses' new life in Midian, away from Egypt. 8. Birth of Gershom Moses and Zipporah have a son named Gershom, which means "a stranger there" (גֵּרְשֹׁם, Gershom), reflecting Moses' status as a foreigner in Midian. 9. God Hears the Israelites’ Groaning The chapter concludes with the Israelites groaning under their bondage in Egypt. God hears their cries and remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Hebrew word for "remembered" (זָכַר, zakar) implies a covenantal faithfulness and readiness to act. Themes 1. Divine Providence and Protection Exodus 2 illustrates God's providence and protection over Moses from birth. Despite Pharaoh's decree to kill Hebrew male infants, Moses is preserved. His mother hides him for three months, and then places him in a basket on the Nile, where Pharaoh's daughter finds and adopts him. This theme highlights God's sovereignty and care, as seen in Exodus 2:6, "When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the boy was crying. She took pity on him and said, 'This is one of the Hebrew children.'" 2. Identity and Heritage Moses' identity as a Hebrew is central to the narrative. Raised in Pharaoh's household, he is aware of his heritage, which influences his actions later in life. The Hebrew word for "Hebrew" (עִבְרִי, 'Ivri) signifies his connection to God's chosen people. Exodus 2:11 states, "One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own people and observed their hard labor." 3. Injustice and Compassion Moses' response to the oppression of his people reveals a theme of justice and compassion. When he sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, he intervenes, demonstrating his innate sense of justice. Exodus 2:12 records, "After looking this way and that and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand." 4. Exile and Preparation Moses' flight to Midian represents a period of exile and preparation. This time away from Egypt is crucial for his development and future leadership. The Hebrew word for "sojourn" (גּוּר, gur) in Exodus 2:22, "I have been a foreigner in a foreign land," reflects his status as an outsider and the transformative journey he undergoes. 5. God's Faithfulness to His Covenant The chapter concludes with God's remembrance of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This theme underscores God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Exodus 2:24-25 states, "So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the Israelites and took notice." The Hebrew root זָכַר (zakar) for "remembered" emphasizes God's active engagement with His promises. Prayer Points Pray for trust in God's providence and timing, even when we cannot see the full picture. Ask for courage to act in faith, especially in challenging situations. Seek God's guidance in recognizing and embracing the roles He has prepared for us. Pray for those who are in positions of influence, that they may be used by God for His purposes. Thank God for His faithfulness in hearing our cries and remembering His promises. Answering Tough Questions 1. Exodus 2:2 – How could a newborn be successfully hidden for three months without detection by Pharaoh’s forces? 2. Exodus 2:3 – Is there any historical or archaeological evidence for Hebrew mothers using pitch-covered baskets to conceal infants on the Nile? 3. Exodus 2:5–6 – Why would Pharaoh’s daughter openly defy her father’s edict by saving and raising a Hebrew child? 4. Exodus 2:11–12 – Is there any record or indication in Egyptian history that an adopted prince could commit murder and remain largely unnoticed by Pharaoh? 5. Exodus 2:15 – How realistically could Moses escape from Pharaoh’s reach and suddenly reappear in Midian without leaving any trace in Egyptian historical accounts? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Moses' mother demonstrate courage and faith? Can you think of a personal situation where you exhibited similar traits? 2. How does Pharaoh's daughter act in defiance of her father's decree? What does this tell us about personal responsibility and justice? 3. Discuss the significance of Moses' name. How does it reflect his journey and his future role? 4. How did Moses' act of defending the Hebrew worker shape his future? 5. Can you draw parallels between Moses' flight to Midian and situations of asylum-seeking today? 6. How did Moses' experience in Midian prepare him for his future task of liberating the Israelites? 7. How does Moses' intervention on behalf of Reuel's daughters reflect his character? 8. Why do you think Moses' act against the Egyptian was discovered? What lessons can we draw from this? 9. How does the naming of Moses' son, Gershom, reflect Moses' personal feelings about his situation? 10. Discuss how the Israelites' cry for deliverance represents collective suffering and longing for liberation. 11. How does the story of Moses inspire you to act justly and courageously? 12. What does God remembering His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob tell us about divine faithfulness? 13. How can we apply the lessons from Moses' journey to our daily lives? 14. In the face of oppression, how can individuals stand up for justice like Moses did? 15. What does this chapter teach about the importance of holding onto faith during times of despair? 16. How does Moses' life story encourage perseverance and resilience? 17. How does Moses' journey from being a prince of Egypt to a shepherd in Midian relate to identity and purpose? 18. Discuss the divine intervention in Moses' life. Can you think of any personal experiences of divine intervention? 19. How can Moses' actions in defending Reuel's daughters inspire us in today's context? 20. Discuss the role of compassion and empathy in the story, as demonstrated by Moses' mother and Pharaoh's daughter. How can we cultivate these virtues in our lives? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions