Exodus 2:2

And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he [was a] goodly [child], she hid him three months.

And the woman {H802} conceived {H2029}, and bare {H3205} a son {H1121}: and when she saw {H7200} him that he was a goodly {H2896} child, she hid {H6845} him three {H7969} months {H3391}.

When she conceived and had a son, upon seeing what a fine child he was, she hid him for three months.

and she conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months.

And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.

Commentary

Exodus 2:2 marks a pivotal moment in biblical history: the birth of Moses, the future deliverer of Israel, and the immediate act of faith and defiance by his mother, Jochebed. This verse introduces the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Moses' early life, highlighting his parents' courageous decision to protect him in the face of grave danger.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of severe oppression endured by the Israelites in Egypt. Pharaoh, fearing the rapid growth of the Hebrew population, had issued a brutal decree that all male Hebrew infants be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). In this climate of fear and death, Jochebed gives birth to her son. Her decision to hide him, knowing the immense personal risk involved, demonstrates profound courage and a deep trust in God's unseen hand.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: Despite Pharaoh's cruel decree and human efforts to thwart God's plan, the birth and preservation of Moses vividly illustrate God's sovereign control. Moses' life was divinely protected from the very beginning, preparing him for his future role as a leader.
  • Parental Faith and Courage: Jochebed and Amram's actions are a powerful testament to a mother's love and unwavering faith. They risked their own lives to save their child, demonstrating extraordinary defiance against an unjust authority. The New Testament specifically commends this act of faith in Hebrews 11:23, noting they were "not afraid of the king's commandment."
  • Hope Amidst Despair: In a time when the future of the Hebrew people seemed bleak and their existence threatened, the birth of Moses represents a beacon of hope. His survival was a sign that God had not forgotten His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "goodly child" translates the Hebrew word tov (Χ˜Χ•Χ‘), which literally means "good," "pleasant," or "beautiful." While it certainly implies physical health and attractiveness, it carries a deeper connotation here. It suggests that Jochebed perceived something uniquely special or divinely favored about her son, perhaps recognizing his potential or God's hand upon him. This perception strengthened her resolve to defy the king's command and protect his life.

Practical Application

Exodus 2:2 offers enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Plan: Even in the most challenging and dangerous circumstances, God is at work, often in hidden ways, to accomplish His purposes. We are called to trust His providence, even when we cannot see the full picture.
  • Courageous Obedience: Jochebed's act reminds us that faith can compel us to defy unjust human authorities when their demands conflict with God's moral law or His specific will.
  • The Power of Small Acts: God often uses the seemingly small, courageous acts of individuals to bring about significant historical and spiritual change. Jochebed's decision to hide her baby set in motion the deliverance of a nation.

This verse powerfully illustrates that God is always active, even in moments of great darkness, preparing His instruments for future deliverance and blessing.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:23

    By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw [he was] a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

  • Acts 7:20

    In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

  • Psalms 112:5

    A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
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