Biblical Context:
The birth and adoption of Moses is a pivotal event in the narrative of the Israelites, marking the beginning of God's deliverance of His people from Egyptian bondage. This account is primarily found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 2:1-10. Moses, who would later become the great leader and lawgiver of Israel, was born during a time of severe oppression for the Hebrews in Egypt.

Historical Background:
The Israelites had been living in Egypt since the time of Joseph, initially enjoying favor and prosperity. However, as their population grew, a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph and viewed the Hebrews as a threat. To curb their growth, Pharaoh decreed that all newborn Hebrew boys were to be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22).

The Birth of Moses:
Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed, both Levites, during this period of persecution. The Bible records that Jochebed saw that her son was "a fine child" and hid him for three months (Exodus 2:2). The act of hiding Moses was an act of faith and defiance against Pharaoh's edict.

The Ark of Bulrushes:
When it became impossible to hide him any longer, Jochebed crafted an ark of bulrushes, daubed it with tar and pitch, and placed the child in it. She then set the ark among the reeds along the bank of the Nile (Exodus 2:3). This act of placing Moses in the river, while seemingly an act of desperation, was also a strategic move, trusting in God's providence.

The Adoption by Pharaoh's Daughter:
Pharaoh's daughter came down to bathe at the river and discovered the ark among the reeds. Upon opening it, she saw the crying baby and felt compassion for him, recognizing him as one of the Hebrew children (Exodus 2:6). Despite her father's decree, she decided to adopt the child.

Miriam's Intervention:
Moses' sister, Miriam, who had been watching from a distance, approached Pharaoh's daughter and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Pharaoh's daughter agreed, and Miriam brought Jochebed, Moses' mother, to nurse him. Jochebed was thus able to care for her son during his early years, instilling in him the faith and heritage of the Hebrews (Exodus 2:7-9).

Naming of Moses:
When the child grew older, Jochebed brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him as her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water" (Exodus 2:10). The name Moses is significant, as it foreshadows his future role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt through the waters of the Red Sea.

Theological Significance:
The birth and adoption of Moses highlight several key themes in the biblical narrative. It underscores God's sovereignty and providence, as He orchestrates events to preserve the life of the one who would deliver His people. The account also illustrates the courage and faith of individuals like Jochebed and Miriam, who played crucial roles in God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, Moses' adoption into Pharaoh's household provided him with an education and position that would later be instrumental in his leadership of Israel.

References:
· Exodus 1:22 · Pharaoh's decree to cast Hebrew boys into the Nile.
· Exodus 2:1-10 · The account of Moses' birth, hiding, and adoption.
· Hebrews 11:23 · The faith of Moses' parents in hiding him.