Description

Exodus 2: Moses' Birth and Rise

Key Themes and Ideas:

1. Divine Providence and Protection: The chapter begins with a direct threat to the Hebrew male children, who are being killed. Despite this terrible circumstance, the birth of Moses is seen as divinely ordained and protected.

• Quote: "And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months." This implies not just physical beauty but a special quality about Moses.
• Analysis: Moses’ life is preserved despite the decree. The ark in which he is placed is a symbol of his protection. The coincidental discovery of Moses by Pharaoh's daughter further highlights the hand of providence.

1. Compassion and Resistance: Despite being an Egyptian and part of the ruling class, Pharaoh’s daughter shows a clear act of compassion for the Hebrew child. She takes him and raises him, essentially defying the decree of her father.

• Quote: "And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children." Her act of compassion is a turning point in Moses’ life.
• Analysis: This act of compassion contrasts with the cruelty of Pharaoh and foreshadows a potential for righteousness even among the ruling class. It is also a form of resistance to the status quo.

1. Hidden Identity and Double Life: Moses' early life is a duality. He is a Hebrew by birth, raised as an Egyptian prince.

• Quote: "And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water." The name “Moses” itself has the meaning of being "drawn out" highlighting the symbolic nature of the adoption.
• Analysis: This duality sets the stage for the conflict he will face later when he must choose between his two identities.

1. Early Signs of Justice and Anger: Despite his upbringing in privilege, Moses is moved by the suffering of his brethren. His act of violence shows a nascent sense of justice but also an impulsive nature.

• Quote: "And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand."
• Analysis: The impulsive killing highlights the strong emotions brewing inside Moses. He sees himself as a defender of the Hebrews even though he has been raised Egyptian.

1. Flight and Exile: Moses' act of violence forces him into exile, revealing the vulnerability of his position.

• Quote: "Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well."
• Analysis: This escape is a significant turning point, stripping him of his privileged status and pushing him into a life of isolation. However, this exile also serves as a period of preparation for his future role.

1. Finding Refuge and Family: In Midian, Moses displays again acts of courage and kindness when he protects the daughters of a priest, leading to his integration into their family.

• Quote: "But Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock."
• Analysis: This scene echoes the earlier action when he intervenes with the Hebrews. It also shows Moses as a man of action and a natural leader. His marriage and the birth of his son further establishes him in this new life.

1. God's Remembrance and Response: The chapter concludes by emphasizing the divine reaction to the suffering of the Israelites. God hears their cries, remembers his covenant, and acts on their behalf.

• Quote: "And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them."
• Analysis: The chapter ends with the promise of God’s intervention. This divine response sets the stage for Moses' return and the subsequent exodus.