Exodus 2:6 – “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.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 2:6 captures the moment when Pharaoh’s daughter opened the basket and saw the baby Moses. As she looked at the crying infant, her heart was moved with compassion. Despite knowing that this was a Hebrew baby, one whom her father had decreed should be killed, she was drawn to him and felt pity. This verse marks a crucial turning point in the life of Moses, as Pharaoh’s daughter’s compassion led her to save him rather than follow her father’s deadly order.
Her reaction shows that she was not hardened by the prejudices or the harshness of her culture’s laws. Instead, her natural human empathy overrode the cruelty of the edict. This act of compassion sets the stage for Moses to be raised in Pharaoh’s household, where he would receive the education and training that would later enable him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
Historical Context
During the time of Moses’ birth, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and Pharaoh had ordered that all Hebrew male infants be thrown into the Nile River to die. This was part of his strategy to control the population of the Israelites, who were becoming increasingly numerous and strong.
The discovery of Moses by Pharaoh’s daughter took place in a society where the Israelites were oppressed and dehumanized. The fact that an Egyptian princess would feel compassion for a Hebrew baby is striking, given the context of hostility and prejudice that existed between the Egyptians and the Israelites. This moment of compassion is a sharp contrast to the widespread disregard for Hebrew life that was prevalent in Egypt at the time.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 2:6 shows how God’s plans often unfold in unexpected ways through unexpected people. Pharaoh’s daughter, who was part of the ruling family that oppressed the Israelites, became the one who saved the future deliverer of Israel. This act of compassion highlights the idea that God can work through anyone, regardless of their background or status, to accomplish His purposes.
This verse also underscores the theme of God’s providence. Despite the grim circumstances, God orchestrated the events so that Moses was not only saved but also placed in the care of someone who had the power and resources to protect him. It reminds us that God’s plans are sovereign, and His ways are often beyond our understanding.
Literary Analysis
The narrative in Exodus 2:6 is rich with emotional and dramatic tension. The crying baby evokes a natural human response, and the moment of decision for Pharaoh’s daughter is both pivotal and filled with irony. The daughter of the very man who sought to destroy the Hebrew people becomes the savior of the one who would ultimately lead them to freedom.
The use of direct speech in the verse (“This is one of the Hebrew babies”) serves to highlight the realization and the internal conflict that Pharaoh’s daughter may have felt. It also underscores the stark reality of the situation—she knew the child was marked for death, yet her compassion overruled the decree.
Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” This verse highlights God’s control over the hearts and decisions of people, even those in powerful positions.
- Psalm 82:3-4 – A call to defend the weak and fatherless, to maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed, which reflects the compassion shown by Pharaoh’s daughter.
- Matthew 9:36 – Jesus’ compassion for the crowds, seeing them as “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd,” mirrors the compassion shown by Pharaoh’s daughter.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 2:6 serves as a reminder that compassion can overcome even the harshest of circumstances. Pharaoh’s daughter’s pity for Moses shows that acts of kindness and mercy can have far-reaching effects, even changing the course of history. It encourages us to respond to the needs of others with compassion, regardless of societal pressures or prejudices.
This verse also challenges us to recognize that God’s plans may involve us in ways we don’t expect. Just as Pharaoh’s daughter played a crucial role in God’s plan for Moses, we too may be called to act in ways that seem small but have significant implications for God’s kingdom.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 2:6 illustrates God’s love in action. God’s love is often expressed through the compassion of others, as seen in Pharaoh’s daughter’s response to Moses’ crying. Her decision to save him was an expression of God’s protective love over Moses, ensuring that he would survive and fulfill his destiny as the leader of Israel.
God’s love is also evident in His care for the vulnerable and the oppressed. Moses, as a helpless infant, was completely dependent on the compassion of others for his survival. This reflects God’s heart for the weak and defenseless, showing that His love is always reaching out to those in need.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The compassion shown by Pharaoh’s daughter to Moses can be seen as a foreshadowing of the compassion that Jesus showed during His ministry. Just as she rescued Moses from certain death, Jesus came to rescue humanity from the death of sin. Both acts are rooted in deep compassion and a desire to save.
Additionally, Moses’ survival and subsequent role as the deliverer of Israel foreshadows Jesus’ mission as the ultimate deliverer. While Moses led the Israelites out of physical slavery, Jesus leads us out of spiritual slavery, offering salvation to all who believe in Him. The protection and preservation of Moses in this verse point forward to the greater deliverance that Jesus would accomplish.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the compassion of Pharaoh’s daughter inspire you to show compassion to others, especially those who are vulnerable?
- In what ways have you seen God work through unexpected people or circumstances in your life?
- How can you be more attentive to the needs of others, responding with the same compassion that Pharaoh’s daughter showed to Moses?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s providence and His ability to accomplish His purposes through unlikely means?
- How does understanding the connection between Moses’ deliverance and Jesus’ mission deepen your appreciation for God’s compassion and salvation?
This verse encourages us to trust in God’s compassionate love and to be open to how He might use us to show His love to others, even in surprising and unexpected ways.