Exodus Chapter 2: A Detailed Explanation

Introduction

Exodus 2 is a pivotal chapter in the Bible that introduces Moses, one of the most significant figures in biblical history. This chapter describes his birth, early life, exile, and God's unfolding plan for the deliverance of Israel. It sets the stage for the great deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, showing how divine providence works even in dire circumstances.

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Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

1. The Birth of Moses (Exodus 2:1-4)

Verse 1:
"And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi."

This verse introduces the parents of Moses, Amram and Jochebed (Exodus 6:20). Both belonged to the tribe of Levi, a tribe later assigned priestly duties. Their union is significant because it aligns Moses with the priesthood and leadership among the Israelites.

Verse 2:
"So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months."

Jochebed gave birth to Moses during Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew male infants (Exodus 1:22). The mention of Moses being "beautiful" may indicate not only his physical appearance but also a divine purpose for his life. The decision to hide him for three months was an act of faith and courage, defying the king’s command (Hebrews 11:23).

Verse 3:
"But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank."

Unable to conceal Moses any longer, Jochebed crafted a small floating basket, coating it with tar for waterproofing, much like Noah's ark (Genesis 6:14). This imagery suggests divine protection, implying that God had a plan for Moses, just as He had for Noah.

Verse 4:
"And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him."

Moses' sister, later identified as Miriam (Numbers 26:59), watched over the basket. Her role in this account highlights the theme of divine orchestration—God used an ordinary family to ensure Moses’ safety.

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2. Moses is Rescued by Pharaoh’s Daughter (Exodus 2:5-10)

Verse 5:
"Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it."

Pharaoh’s daughter, though part of the oppressive Egyptian system, becomes an instrument in God’s plan. Her presence at the river at that moment was no coincidence.

Verse 6:
"And when she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, 'This is one of the Hebrews’ children.' "

The baby's cry moved Pharaoh’s daughter to compassion. This is a crucial moment, as her response led to Moses being raised in Pharaoh’s household.

Verse 7:
"Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?’ "

Miriam bravely approaches Pharaoh’s daughter, offering a practical solution. This shows God’s providence in action—Moses’ own mother would be chosen to nurse and care for him.

Verse 8:
"And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Go.’ So the maiden went and called the child’s mother."

Jochebed was not only reunited with her son but also paid to take care of him. God’s plan ensured both Moses’ safety and his early training in the faith of his ancestors.

Verse 9:
"Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed him."

Jochebed’s faith was rewarded. Not only was her son saved, but she was also given financial support to raise him during his formative years.

Verse 10:
"And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. So she called his name Moses, saying, ‘Because I drew him out of the water.' "

Moses grew up in the Egyptian royal household, receiving the finest education (Acts 7:22). His name, meaning “drawn out,” foreshadows his future role in leading Israel out of Egypt.

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3. Moses' Flight to Midian (Exodus 2:11-22)

Verse 11:
"Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren."

Despite his royal upbringing, Moses identified with his Hebrew heritage. His concern for justice was evident in his reaction to oppression.

Verse 12:
"So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand."

Moses acted impulsively, believing he was helping his people. However, his approach was premature and led to consequences.

Verse 13-14:
Moses realized that his deed was known when a Hebrew questioned him: "Who made you a prince and a judge over us?" This foreshadowed future resistance from his own people.

Verse 15:
"When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well."

Moses fled to Midian, a desert region. This exile became a period of training and humility before his divine calling.

Verse 16-22:
Moses helped the daughters of Reuel (Jethro) at a well, showcasing his protective nature. He later married Zipporah, Jethro’s daughter, and had a son, Gershom, signifying his status as a foreigner in Midian.

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4. God Remembers Israel (Exodus 2:23-25)

Verse 23:
"Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of their bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage."

Despite Moses' absence, the suffering of the Israelites intensified. Their cries reached God, highlighting the power of prayer and divine timing.

Verse 24-25:
"So 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 acknowledged them."

These verses affirm God’s faithfulness to His promises. He was preparing Moses as the deliverer.

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Key Themes in Exodus 2

1. God’s Sovereignty

   • God orchestrated events for Moses’ survival and preparation as Israel’s leader.

2. Faith and Obedience

   • Jochebed’s faith led to divine provision.

3. God’s Timing

   • Moses' exile prepared him for leadership.

4. Divine Compassion

   • God heard Israel’s cries and was ready to act.

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Conclusion

Exodus 2 serves as a bridge between Israel’s suffering and their deliverance. It shows how God works behind the scenes, preparing leaders and answering prayers at the right time. Moses' journey—from royal privilege to exile—shaped him into the instrument through which God would redeem His people.