Exodus 2:10

And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

And the child {H3206} grew {H1431}, and she brought {H935} him unto Pharaoh's {H6547} daughter {H1323}, and he became her son {H1121}. And she called {H7121} his name {H8034} Moses {H4872}: and she said {H559}, Because I drew {H4871} him out of the water {H4325}.

Then, when the child had grown some, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter; and she began to raise him as her son. She called him Moshe [pull out], explaining, "Because I pulled him out of the water."

When the child had grown older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses and explained, “I drew him out of the water.”

And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses, and said, Because I drew him out of the water.

Commentary

Exodus 2:10 marks a pivotal moment in the early life of Moses, detailing his adoption into Pharaoh's household and the origin of his significant name. This verse concludes the miraculous account of his preservation from Pharaoh's decree to kill all male Hebrew infants, establishing the foundation for his future role as God's chosen deliverer of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse follows the dramatic events of Moses's birth and his mother Jochebed's desperate attempt to save him from the infanticide ordered by Pharaoh (Exodus 1:22). After being hidden for three months, he was placed in a basket on the Nile River, where he was discovered by Pharaoh's daughter while she was bathing (Exodus 2:5). Through the clever intervention of Moses's sister, Miriam, his own mother was hired as his nurse, ensuring he was raised with a foundational understanding of his Hebrew heritage before being brought into the royal palace. This background is crucial for understanding the unique position Moses would occupy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence: Moses's survival and adoption into the very household that sought to destroy his people is a powerful testament to God's sovereign plan and divine providence. God strategically placed His chosen leader within the seat of power, preparing him with the best education and experience for his monumental task.
  • Identity and Naming: The naming of Moses is central to this verse. His name, given by Pharaoh's daughter, directly links to his rescue from the water. This act of naming signifies his new identity within the Egyptian royal family, yet it ironically foreshadows his ultimate purpose: to draw his people out of bondage.
  • Preparation for Leadership: Moses's upbringing in Pharaoh's palace meant he was "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds" (Acts 7:22). This unique education and access to Egyptian society would be invaluable for his future role as the deliverer of Israel, providing him with knowledge of Egyptian customs, law, and military strategy.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Moses" (Hebrew: Mosheh, מֹשֶׁה) is explained by Pharaoh's daughter as "Because I drew him out of the water." The Hebrew verb for "to draw out" is mashah (מָשָׁה). While the name Mosheh grammatically suggests "one who draws out" (active voice), the context given by Pharaoh's daughter clearly implies "one who was drawn out" (passive voice). This subtle linguistic nuance is profound: Moses was first passively "drawn out" of the water to be saved, and later, he would actively "draw out" the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt (Exodus 3:10).

Practical Application

Exodus 2:10 offers several timeless lessons for believers today. It highlights that God often works in mysterious and unexpected ways, even through seemingly impossible or adverse circumstances, to fulfill His purposes. Moses's life demonstrates that God prepares individuals for His service in unique ways, often using their background and experiences, even those not chosen by them. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His glory and for the good of those who love Him (Jeremiah 29:11). It also reminds us that our true identity is found in God's calling, not in our worldly status or circumstances.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:24 (10 votes)

    By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

  • Genesis 16:11 (10 votes)

    And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou [art] with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.

  • 1 Samuel 1:20 (10 votes)

    Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD.

  • Acts 7:21 (10 votes)

    And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

  • Acts 7:22 (10 votes)

    And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

  • 1 John 3:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

  • Matthew 1:21 (8 votes)

    And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.