Exodus 2
Exodus 2
As we explore Exodus 2, we are drawn into an incredible narrative that highlights God’s sovereignty and the role of women in shaping history. Moses, the future leader of the Hebrews, is placed in a basket and sent down the Nile River, only to be discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter. In a twist of divine irony, Moses's sister connects Pharaoh's daughter to his biological mother, Jochebed, who is then paid to nurse the very son the enemy sought to kill. It’s astonishing! The river intended for death becomes a source of life.
God’s Sovereignty in the Nile
The Nile, the second longest river in the world, discharges an astounding 9.2 million pounds of water every second. Amid this powerful flow, a baby Moses is set adrift, a profound symbol of God’s sovereignty at work. Remarkably, the very palace that issued the decree against the Hebrew children becomes the place where Moses is raised and protected.
The role of women shines brightly in this story—Moses’s mother, sister, and Pharaoh’s daughter each play crucial parts in his early life.
In verses 11-13, we see the weight of Egyptian education, which dehumanized Hebrew slaves, treating them as nothing more than tools for labor. Yet, Moses instinctively understands that this was not God’s design. He turns away from wealth, prestige, and power to connect with his people. This serves as a poignant reminder for us as parents: the values we instill in our children are foundational. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but the ways of the Lord far outweigh extracurricular activities or fleeting pursuits.
Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
Identity and Rejection
Filled with compassion, Moses courageously confronts injustice, yet his actions lead to tragic consequences. Verse 12 reveals that he “looked to see if anyone was looking” before he struck down the Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew. Though his heart was in the right place, Moses mismanaged the situation, causing him to flee into the wilderness—a place where he would not only encounter God but also learn dependence on Him.
It’s a profound truth: human-instigated violence often leads to failure. Despite his good intentions, Moses acted no differently than the oppressors he sought to fight against. To fulfill his destiny, he needed to leave Egypt so that God could work Egypt out of him.
In Midian, Moses rescues Jethro’s daughters from mistreatment, reinforcing the themes of salvation and deliverance woven throughout Exodus. Within a few short verses, he transforms from murderer to fugitive, then to savior, guest, husband, and father. His son, Gershom, which means “to drive away,” reflects Moses’s recognition of his own status as a foreigner—a sentiment echoed in his life as a sojourner between Egypt and Midian.
In verse 22, Moses identifies himself as a “foreigner in a foreign land,” recognizing his displacement and connection to God’s family. The author of Hebrews describes Abraham as a “stranger in a foreign country” (Hebrews 11:9), which mirrors how Moses perceives himself. He is an Egyptian by adoption, a Midianite by marriage, yet he truly belongs to neither. This resonates with us today: we are in the world, but not of it (John 17:14-18).
God’s Faithfulness
Verses 23-25 redirect our focus back to God. He heard, remembered, saw, and knew the plight of His people. This narrative reflects God’s larger story of salvation, leading His people home.
Hebrews 11:24-27 tells us, “By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” He chose to endure mistreatment with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin, recognizing that disgrace for the sake of Christ was of greater value than the treasures of Egypt. Moses left Egypt, undeterred by the king’s anger, for he had his eyes fixed on the unseen.
After our own conversions, we too become pilgrims and sojourners. Our understanding of “home” shapes our worldview, ethics, and how we treat others. Are we drawn to the sinful pleasures and treasures of Egypt, or are we willing to stand alongside the people of God, even in hardship?
We can’t help but reflect on the rejections faced by both Moses and Jesus from their own people. As John 1:11 tells us, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” As we journey through this powerful story, let’s remember that God uses the most unlikely circumstances and people to fulfill His promises. Together, let’s continue to seek Him and trust in His divine plan for our lives.
