Who was Daughter of Pharaoh in the Bible?
The daughter of Pharaoh plays a pivotal role in one of the most significant stories in the Bible—the life of Moses. There are two notable references to the daughters of Pharaoh, one in the story of Moses’ early life and another during King Solomon’s reign.
The Daughter of Pharaoh and Moses
In Exodus 2:5-10, we read about the unnamed daughter of Pharaoh who discovers the infant Moses among the reeds by the Nile River. This daughter of Pharaoh shows remarkable compassion and mercy by deciding to adopt Moses as her own, despite knowing he was a Hebrew baby. Her actions set the stage for Moses’ unique upbringing in the royal household of Egypt, where he receives education, privilege, and influence. This royal education and background later enable Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage.
The Daughter of Pharaoh and King Solomon
Another daughter of Pharaoh is mentioned during the reign of King Solomon. In 1 Kings 3:1, it is noted that Solomon formed a marriage alliance with Egypt by marrying a daughter of Pharaoh. This marriage was likely a political strategy to strengthen ties between Israel and Egypt, ensuring peace and cooperation between the two nations.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The stories involving the daughters of Pharaoh offer several profound lessons for modern Christians.
Compassion and Courage
The compassion and courage shown by Pharaoh’s daughter in adopting Moses highlight the importance of caring for others, even those who are different from us. Her willingness to defy her father’s decree to kill Hebrew male infants (Exodus 1:22) and protect Moses illustrates a powerful act of civil disobedience and moral courage. Modern Christians can learn from her example to act justly and compassionately, even when it is difficult or dangerous.
Divine Providence
The story of Moses being adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter is a clear example of divine providence. Despite the oppression of the Israelites, God orchestrates events to position Moses in a place where he can receive the necessary training and connections to eventually lead his people to freedom. This teaches Christians to trust in God’s sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem dire or confusing.
The Impact of Influence
Moses’ upbringing in the Egyptian royal household gave him the skills and education needed to lead the Israelites. This underscores the idea that God can use any background or experience for His purposes. Modern Christians are reminded that their past and present circumstances can be used by God to accomplish His will.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Care for the Vulnerable
Through the story of Pharaoh’s daughter rescuing Moses, we see a reflection of God’s heart for the vulnerable and oppressed. God cares deeply for those in distress and often uses unexpected means to provide rescue and deliverance. This reassures believers that God is always watching over them and working through their circumstances to bring about His good purposes.
God’s Sovereignty
The orchestration of Moses’ rescue and upbringing by an Egyptian princess reveals God’s sovereignty. Even in a foreign land and under the rule of a pagan king, God’s plans prevail. This teaches Christians that God’s authority transcends all human powers and governments, and His will ultimately prevails.
Connection to Jesus Christ
A Foreshadowing of Christ
The story of Moses being saved from death as an infant parallels the story of Jesus’ escape from King Herod’s massacre of infants (Matthew 2:13-16). Both were delivered from death as children to fulfill God’s greater plan of deliverance for His people. This connection points to the recurring theme of God’s salvation plan throughout the Bible.
The Role of Women in God’s Plan
Just as Pharaoh’s daughter played a crucial role in saving Moses, women played significant roles in Jesus’ life and ministry. From Mary, His mother, to the women who supported His ministry and witnessed His resurrection, the Bible highlights the vital contributions of women in God’s redemptive history. This emphasizes the importance of valuing and recognizing the contributions of women in the faith community today.
Biblical References and Hebrew Names
- Exodus 2:5-10 – “Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. ‘This is one of the Hebrew babies,’ she said.”
- 1 Kings 3:1 – “Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter. He brought her to the City of David until he finished building his palace and the temple of the Lord, and the wall around Jerusalem.”
Hebrew Name
The term “daughter of Pharaoh” in Hebrew is בַּת־פַּרְעֹה (Bat-Pharaoh). This designation highlights her role as a royal princess within the Egyptian kingdom.
Conclusion
The daughters of Pharaoh, though unnamed, are significant figures in the biblical narrative. Their actions had far-reaching impacts on the history of Israel and God’s redemptive plan. From the compassionate act of saving Moses to the strategic political marriage with Solomon, these women played crucial roles that demonstrate God’s providence and sovereignty. Their stories offer valuable lessons on compassion, courage, and divine purpose, encouraging modern Christians to trust in God’s plan and act justly and lovingly in their own lives.