The birth and early life of Moses are pivotal events in the biblical narrative, setting the stage for the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is introduced in the Book of Exodus, which details his miraculous preservation and divine calling.

Historical Context

The account of Moses begins during a time of great oppression for the Israelites in Egypt. After the death of Joseph, a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph and viewed the growing Israelite population as a threat. To curb their numbers, Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites and ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:8-16). When the midwives feared God and disobeyed Pharaoh, he commanded that every Hebrew boy be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:17-22).

The Birth of Moses

Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed, both Levites, during this period of persecution (Exodus 2:1-2). Recognizing that he was a fine child, his mother hid him for three months. When she could no longer conceal him, she placed him in a papyrus basket coated with tar and pitch and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile (Exodus 2:3).

The Rescue by Pharaoh's Daughter

In a providential turn of events, Pharaoh's daughter came to bathe at the river and discovered the basket. Moved with compassion, she decided to adopt the child, despite recognizing him as a Hebrew baby (Exodus 2:5-6). 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. Jochebed was thus able to nurse her own son until he was old enough to be brought to Pharaoh's daughter, who named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water" (Exodus 2:7-10).

Moses' Early Life in Egypt

Moses was raised in the Egyptian royal household, receiving an education and upbringing befitting a prince. Despite his privileged position, Moses retained a connection to his Hebrew heritage. This connection is evident in his actions as a young man when he witnessed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. In a moment of anger and identification with his people, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand (Exodus 2:11-12).

Flight to Midian

The next day, Moses attempted to mediate a dispute between two Hebrews, only to be rebuffed with the question, "Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?" (Exodus 2:14). Realizing that his actions were known and fearing for his life, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he would spend the next phase of his life (Exodus 2:15).

Life in Midian

In Midian, Moses encountered the seven daughters of Reuel (also known as Jethro), the priest of Midian, at a well. After defending them from shepherds, he was invited to stay with their family. Moses married Zipporah, one of Reuel's daughters, and had a son named Gershom, signifying his status as a foreigner in a strange land (Exodus 2:16-22).

Divine Preparation

During Moses' time in Midian, the king of Egypt died, and the Israelites' cries for deliverance reached God. The narrative emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as He prepared to act on behalf of His people (Exodus 2:23-25). Moses' years in Midian were a period of preparation, as he learned humility and leadership while tending Jethro's flocks, setting the stage for his future role as the deliverer of Israel.

The birth and early life of Moses highlight themes of divine providence, protection, and preparation, as God orchestrated events to raise up a leader who would confront Pharaoh and lead His people to freedom.