◄ Exodus 2 ►
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Summary The Adoption and Rejection of Moses Despite being born into an era of peril and uncertainty, Moses' life, guided by divine providence, becomes an inspiring testament of courage, defiance, and commitment to justice. His journey from the reeds of the Nile to the land of Midian sets the stage for his calling as a deliverer, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, hope and liberation are within reach. A Child is Born (Verses 1-2) Amidst the threat of Pharaoh's decree, a Levi woman gives birth to a son and hides him for three months, foreseeing his future significance. A Basket in the Nile (Verses 3-4) Unable to hide him any longer, she places him in a tar-coated basket in the Nile, watched over by his sister. Moses is Found (Verses 5-6) Pharaoh's daughter discovers the baby, and moved by compassion, decides to raise him as her own. The Mother's Reward (Verses 7-9) Moses' mother is chosen to nurse her own son, and is paid wages by Pharaoh's daughter. Grown-up Moses (Verse 10) Moses, after being weaned, is brought back to Pharaoh's daughter and officially becomes her son. He's named Moses, meaning "I drew him out of the water." An Act of Defiance (Verses 11-14) Moses, now grown, witnesses the brutality of Egyptian oppression and kills an abusive Egyptian. Flight to Midian (Verse 15) Fearing for his life after his act is discovered, Moses flees to Midian. Living in Exile (Verses 16-22) In Midian, Moses defends Reuel's daughters, marries Zipporah, and becomes a father to Gershom. The Cry of the Israelites (Verses 23-25) As the Israelites' suffering continues under a new Pharaoh, their cries ascend to God, who remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 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. 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' story 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. 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. 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. Bible Study 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? 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. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions