In this Bible study, we will explore the book Exodus 2:1-25 in order to understand the rich narrative that portrays divine providence in action. The account of Exodus 2 is a striking testimony to God’s grace and how He cares for His people, even in difficult times. Although the story of Moses is well known, it is important to deepen our understanding and draw valuable lessons in faith, courage, and obedience. In this study, we will examine the verses in detail, comparing different versions of the Bible and incorporating other verses for a more complete understanding.
The Condition of the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 2:1-10)
Exodus 2:1-2 (KJV): “ A certain man of the house of Levi married a descendant of Levi. The woman conceived and gave birth to a son. And when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months .”
Exodus chapter 2 begins with a scene of oppression and fear, where the children of Israel, descendants of Levi, live under the tyranny of the Egyptians. A mother in the house of Levi gives birth to a son, and the child’s beauty catches her attention. However, due to Pharaoh’s order to throw all newborn males into the Nile River, the mother is forced to hide her son for three months.
Exodus 2:3 (NIV): “ But when he saw that he could hide him no longer, he took a basket made of reeds and sealed it with pitch and bitumen. He placed the boy in it and set him among the reeds on the banks of the Nile. “
The mother’s desperation leads her to take desperate measures. She creates a waterproof reed basket and places her son in it, depositing him in the waters of the Nile. This act of faith and trust is remarkable because even though the situation was grim, she trusts that God will take care of her son.
Hebrews 11:23 (ARA): “ By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden by his parents for three months, because they saw that the child was beautiful; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict .”
In this verse from Hebrews, we are reminded of the faith of Moses and his parents, who, moved by faith, defied the Egyptian king’s decree. Although they faced great danger, their faith in God’s providence prevailed.
Exodus 2:6-10: “And Pharaoh’s daughter went down to wash in the river, and her maidens walked along the river bank; and she saw the ark in the midst of the reeds, and sent her maid, who took it. And opening it, she saw the child, and behold, the child was crying; and she was moved with compassion for him, and said, This is one of the children of the Hebrews. Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I call a nurse of the Hebrew women, who will nurse this child for thee? And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto him, Go. So she went to the girl and called the boy’s mother. Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to him, Take this child, and bring him up for me; I will give you your salary. And the woman took the child, and raised him. And when the child was old, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him; and he called him Moses, and said, Because I drew him out of the waters.”
In this excerpt, we see the incredible turn of events. Pharaoh’s daughter finds baby Moses, and her heart goes out to him. She recognizes that the baby is Hebrew, but her compassion leads her to adopt him as her son. However, what is most remarkable is how God’s providence works: Moses’ sister cunningly offers Moses’ mother as a wet nurse, allowing the mother to care for her own child and be rewarded for doing so. This is a testimony to divine sovereignty, even in the most adverse circumstances.
Psalm 46:1 (NIV): “ God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble .”
This Psalm reminds us that God is our refuge, a safe fortress even in the most difficult times. The story of Moses shows us how divine providence can transform a desperate situation into an opportunity to fulfill his plans.
Moses: A Leader in the Making (Exodus 2:11-15)
Exodus 2:11-12: “And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was now a man, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked upon their burdens; and he saw that an Egyptian struck a Hebrew, a man of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and seeing that there was no one there, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.”
Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s court, but he could not ignore the plight of his people. When he witnessed an Egyptian oppressing a Hebrew, his sense of justice led him to act, killing the Egyptian attacker. However, Moses acted hastily, without consulting God or considering the implications of his actions.
Exodus 2:13-14: “And he went out again the next day, and behold, two Hebrew men were fighting; and he said to the unjust, Why do you strike down your neighbor? And he said, Who hath made thee ruler and judge over us? Do you plan to kill me, like you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses feared, and said, Surely this matter is discovered.”
Moses, however, faces rejection from his Hebrew brothers, who question him about his authority to judge them. Moses realizes that his previous action was discovered and that his life was in danger. What he hoped would be the beginning of his people’s liberation became a dead end.
Psalm 37:5 (ARA): “ Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him, and he will do the rest .”
In this context, Psalm 37:5 reminds us of the importance of surrendering our ways to God and trusting Him. Moses acted hastily, but his life story shows us how God was still working on his plans.
Exodus 2:15: “Now when Pharaoh heard this matter, he sought to kill Moses; But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian, and sat by a well.”
Moses realized that his life was in danger and fled to Midian, where, in due time, God would continue to prepare him for the great task that awaited him. This episode demonstrates that although circumstances may seem adverse, God always has a plan in action.
Moses’ Meeting with Jethro (Exodus 2:16-22)
Exodus 2:16-17: “And the priest of Midian had seven daughters, who came to draw water, and filled the troughs, to water their father’s flock. Then the shepherds came and drove them away; But Moses stood up and defended them, and gave the flock water.”
In this passage, Moses arrives in the land of Midian and finds the daughters of Jethro, a priest of Midian, facing hostility from local shepherds. Moses acts as a defender of women and demonstrates his integrity and sense of justice. This encounter marks a new chapter in the life of Moses.
Exodus 2:21-22 (ARA): “And Moses consented to live with that man; and he gave unto Moses his daughter Zipporah, and she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershon: for she said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.”
Moses is welcomed by Jethro and becomes part of his family, marrying one of his daughters, Zipporah, and having a son. This period in Midian is a period of preparation and learning for Moses as he acquires skills that will be essential in his future leadership.
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV): “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.”
This proverb reminds us that although Moses had plans and aspirations, it was God who determined his steps and led him to Midian. Moses’ life is a clear example of how our plans can be guided by God’s sovereignty.
The Call of Moses at the Burning Bush (Exodus 2:23-3:10)
Exodus 2:23-25 (NIV): “And it came to pass after many days, that the king of Egypt was dead, that the children of Israel sighed because of their bondage, and cried out; and their cry went up to God because of their servitude. And God heard his groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob; and God saw the children of Israel, and God considered their condition.”
In these verses, we see God’s compassion in response to the suffering of the Israelites. He hears their cries and remembers the covenant made with the patriarchs. This is a powerful lesson that although we may go through difficult times, God never forgets us.
Exodus 3:1-2 (ARA): “ Now Moses tended the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and leading the flock beyond the wilderness, he came to the mountain of God, Horeb. The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire, in the middle of a bush. Moses looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, and the bush was not consumed .”
It is in this desert setting that Moses has his supernatural encounter with God. The burning bush represents the presence of God, who calls you by name, calling you to an extraordinary mission.
Exodus 3:4-6 (NIV): “ When the Lord saw that he came near to see, God called to him from the midst of the bush, ‘Moses! Moisés!’ He replied, ‘Here I am.’ God said, ‘Do not come near. Take off your sandals, because the place where you are is holy ground.’ And he continued: ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God .”
Moses’ calling is characterized by holiness and reverence. God reveals himself as the God of the patriarchs, the God of the covenant, and Moses, deeply touched by this experience, prostrates himself in fear before the divine presence.
Exodus 3:10 (KJV): “Come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, that you may bring my people (the children of Israel) out of Egypt.”
God reveals to Moses the purpose of his call: to free the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. This is a pivotal moment in history, and Moses, despite his initial hesitations, is chosen to lead his people to freedom.
Isaiah 6:8 (KJV): “ After this I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here I am, send me’ .”
This verse from Isaiah illustrates the willingness to serve God when called. Moses and Isaiah share a readiness to respond to the divine call, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
At this point, our study of Exodus 2:1-25 reveals important lessons about divine providence, the preparation of leaders, and obedience to God. In the next section, we will continue to explore Moses’ calling and how he led the Israelites to freedom.
