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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 2:1–4. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Moses was a Levite, both by father and mother. Jacob left Levi under marks of disgrace (Gen 49:5); and yet, soon after, Moses appears a descendant from him, that he might typify Christ, who came in the likeness of sinful flesh and was made a curse for us. This tribe began to be distinguished from the rest by the birth of Moses, as afterwards it became remarkable in many other instances. Observe, concerning this newborn infant,
I.How he was hidden.
It seems to have been just at the time of his birth that the cruel law was made for the murder of all the male children of the Hebrews; and many, no doubt, perished by the execution of it. The parents of Moses had Miriam and Aaron, both older than he, born to them before this edict came out, and had nursed them without that peril: but those that begin the world in peace know not what troubles they may meet with before they have got through it. Probably the mother of Moses was full of anxiety in the expectation of his birth, now that this edict was in force, and was ready to say, Blessed are the barren that never bore, Luk 23:29. Better so than bring forth children to the murderer, Hos 9:13. Yet this child proves the glory of his father's house. Thus that which is most our fear often proves, in the issue, most our joy. Observe the beauty of providence: just at the time when Pharaoh's cruelty rose to this height the deliverer was born, though he did not appear for many years after. Note, When men are projecting the church's ruin God is preparing for its salvation. Moses, who was afterwards to bring Israel out of this house of bondage, was himself in danger of falling a sacrifice to the fury of the oppressor, God so ordering it that, being afterwards told of this, he might be the more animated with a holy zeal for the deliverance of his brethren out of the hands of such bloody men.
1.His parents observed him to be a goodly child, more than ordinarily beautiful; he was fair to God, Act 7:20. They fancied he had a lustre in his countenance that was something more than human, and was a specimen of the shining of his face afterwards, Exo 34:29. Note, God sometimes gives early earnests of his gifts, and manifests himself betimes in those for whom and by whom he designs to do great things. Thus he put an early strength into Samson (Jdg 13:24, Jdg 13:25), an early forwardness into Samuel (Sa1 2:18), wrought an early deliverance for David (Sa1 17:37), and began betimes with Timothy, Ti1 3:15.
2.Therefore they were the more solicitous for his preservation, because they looked upon this as an indication of some kind purpose of God concerning him, and a happy omen of something great. Note, A lively active faith can take encouragement from the least intimation of the divine favour; a merciful hint of Providence will encourage those whose spirits make diligent search, Three months they hid him in some private apartment of their own house, though probably with the hazard of their own lives, had he been discovered. Herein Moses was a type of Christ, who, in his infancy, was forced to abscond, and in Egypt too (Mat 2:13), and was wonderfully preserved, when many innocents were butchered. It is said (Heb 11:23) that the parents of Moses hid him by faith; some think they had a special revelation to them that the deliverer should spring from their loins; however they had the general promise of Israel's preservation, which they acted faith upon, and in that faith hid their child, not being afraid of the penalty annexed to the king's commandment. Note, Faith in God's promise is so far from superseding that it rather excites and quickens to the use of lawful means for the obtaining of mercy. Duty is ours, events are God's. Again, Faith in God will set us above the ensnaring fear of man.
II.How he was exposed.
At three months' end, probably when the searchers came about to look for concealed children, so that they could not hide him any longer (their faith perhaps beginning now to fail), they put him in an ark of bulrushes by the river's brink (Exo 2:3), and set his little sister at some distance to watch what would become of him, and into whose hands he would fall, Exo 2:4. God put it into their hearts to do this, to bring about his own purposes, that Moses might by this means be brought into the hands of Pharaoh's daughter, and that by his deliverance from this imminent danger a specimen might be given of the deliverance of God's church, which now lay thus exposed. Note,
1.God takes special care of the outcasts of Israel (Psa 147:2); they are his outcasts, Isa 16:4. Moses seemed quite abandoned by his friends; his own mother durst not own him: but now the Lord took him up and protected him, Psa 27:10.
2.In times of extreme difficulty it is good to venture upon the providence of God. Thus to have exposed their child while they might have preserved it, would have been to tempt Providence; but, when they could not, it was to trust to Providence. "Nothing venture, nothing win." If I perish, I perish.
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Summary
Exodus 2:2 profoundly narrates the birth of Moses, Israel's future deliverer, and the immediate, courageous act of faith by his mother, Jochebed. This pivotal verse introduces the extraordinary and perilous circumstances surrounding Moses' earliest days, underscoring his parents' defiant decision to protect him against Pharaoh's genocidal decree, thereby setting the stage for God's unfolding redemptive plan.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 2:2 immediately follows Pharaoh's escalating oppression against the Israelites, culminating in his horrific decree to cast every newborn Hebrew male into the Nile River, as detailed in Exodus 1:22. This verse marks a crucial turning point, shifting the narrative focus from the general plight of the Hebrews to the specific, miraculous preservation of the individual who would become their deliverer. It serves as the direct prelude to Moses' placement in the ark of bulrushes and his subsequent discovery by Pharaoh's daughter, establishing the foundational circumstances for his unique upbringing and future leadership.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is ancient Egypt, a powerful empire that had enslaved the rapidly multiplying Israelite population. Pharaoh's decree was a desperate attempt to control the demographic threat posed by the Hebrews, reflecting a deep-seated fear of rebellion. Infanticide, though abhorrent, was not unknown in the ancient world, and the Nile, a life-giving river, was ironically turned into an instrument of death. The cultural context emphasizes the absolute authority of the Pharaoh, making Jochebed's defiance an act of immense courage and faith, risking not only her own life but also the lives of her entire family.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully introduces several overarching themes central to the book of Exodus and biblical theology. First, it highlights Divine Providence, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work even amidst human cruelty and seemingly insurmountable odds, preserving His chosen instrument. Second, it exemplifies Faith and Defiance, as Jochebed and Amram's actions embody a profound trust in God that supersedes fear of human authority, echoing the earlier defiance of the Hebrew midwives in Exodus 1:17. Finally, it foreshadows the theme of Deliverance, as the miraculous preservation of this "goodly child" signals the beginning of God's redemptive work to free His people from bondage, a theme that culminates in the exodus itself and points forward to the ultimate deliverance found in Christ.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From a primitive root meaning "to be (or become) pregnant," this word emphasizes the natural yet divinely ordained beginning of Moses' life. It highlights the miracle of conception and birth even under the most oppressive and dangerous circumstances, underscoring that Moses' existence was not accidental but part of God's intentional plan.
This adjective (H2896), meaning "good," "pleasant," or "beautiful" in its widest sense, is crucial. While it certainly conveys physical attractiveness, its use here implies a deeper, perhaps spiritual, perception by Jochebed. It suggests that she recognized something uniquely special or divinely favored about her son, a quality that compelled her to protect him. This aligns with the Septuagint's translation "asteios" (ἀστεῖος), meaning "comely" or "beautiful," a term also used in Acts 7:20 to describe Moses, indicating a divine beauty or favor that made his abandonment unthinkable.
This primitive root (H6845) means "to hide (by covering over)," but also carries implications of hoarding, reserving, or protecting. Jochebed's act of hiding Moses was not merely concealment but an active, protective measure taken to preserve his life. The word suggests a deliberate and desperate effort to keep him safe from Pharaoh's decree, highlighting the immense risk and the profound love and faith that motivated her.
Verse Breakdown
"And the woman conceived, and bare a son:"
This opening clause states the simple, biological fact of Moses' birth. The "woman" is Jochebed, later identified as the wife of Amram and a Levite (Exodus 6:20). In the context of Pharaoh's decree to kill all male Hebrew infants, this statement of birth is immediately fraught with tension and danger, setting the stage for the extraordinary measures that follow.
"and when she saw him that he [was a] goodly [child],"
This phrase reveals the pivotal moment of Jochebed's decision. Her perception of Moses as "goodly" (Hebrew: ṭôwb) transcends mere physical attractiveness; it implies a recognition of his specialness, perhaps a divine anointing or an exceptional quality that marked him for a unique purpose. This spiritual discernment fortified her resolve to defy the king's command, believing that this child was worth risking everything for.
"she hid him three months."
This final clause describes Jochebed's immediate and courageous response. For three months, she undertook the perilous task of concealing her infant son within her home, a feat requiring immense vigilance and secrecy given the constant threat of discovery and the severe penalty for non-compliance. This act of hidden protection underscores the desperate measures taken by Moses' parents to preserve his life against overwhelming odds, demonstrating profound faith and setting the stage for the dramatic events that would soon unfold.
Literary Devices
Exodus 2:2 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is Foreshadowing, as the miraculous preservation of the infant Moses hints at his future role as the deliverer of Israel. His "goodly" appearance, perceived by his mother, can be seen as a form of Divine Recognition or Symbolism, indicating God's special hand upon him from birth. The very act of hiding, in defiance of a tyrannical decree, introduces the theme of Rebellion against Oppression and Faithful Resistance, which will define Moses' adult ministry. The brevity of the verse, juxtaposed with the immense danger and profound implications of the actions described, creates a sense of Dramatic Irony, as Pharaoh's attempt to annihilate the Hebrew males inadvertently leads to the preservation of the very one who would dismantle his empire.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 2:2 is a profound testament to God's sovereign providence and the power of human faith in the face of overwhelming evil. Despite Pharaoh's genocidal decree and the seemingly impossible odds, God's plan for His people's deliverance was already in motion, intricately woven into the birth and preservation of a single child. Jochebed's act of hiding Moses, driven by a deep conviction of his unique significance, exemplifies courageous defiance against unjust authority and a trust in a divine purpose beyond human comprehension. This verse underscores that God often works through the faithful, even seemingly small, acts of individuals to accomplish His grand redemptive purposes, turning human despair into a beacon of hope for His covenant people.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 2:2 offers enduring lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's sovereign hand is always at work, even in the most perilous and hidden circumstances. Jochebed's courageous decision to hide Moses, driven by a profound spiritual discernment of his "goodly" nature, challenges us to cultivate a similar faith that perceives God's unique purpose in seemingly ordinary lives and to act boldly in accordance with that perception. This verse calls us to trust in divine providence, even when the future seems bleak or when we cannot fully comprehend the "why" behind our struggles. Moreover, it serves as a powerful reminder that faithful defiance against unjust human systems, when they conflict with God's moral law or His specific will, is not only permissible but often commanded. Just as Jochebed's seemingly small act set in motion the deliverance of a nation, our own acts of obedience, courage, and faith, however hidden, can contribute significantly to God's unfolding kingdom purposes, bringing light into darkness and hope into despair.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Moses described as a "goodly child" and what is its significance?
The Hebrew word ṭôwb (H2896), translated "goodly," means "good," "pleasant," or "beautiful." In the context of Exodus 2:2, it suggests more than just physical attractiveness; it implies that Moses possessed a special quality or divine favor, recognized by his parents. This perception was likely a spiritual discernment, strengthening their resolve to defy Pharaoh's decree and protect his life, believing God had a unique purpose for him. Stephen's speech in Acts 7:20 uses the Greek word asteios ("exceeding fair"), further emphasizing this divine beauty or favor.
What risk did Jochebed take by hiding Moses, and what does it tell us about her faith?
By hiding Moses, Jochebed was directly defying Pharaoh's genocidal decree that all male Hebrew infants be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). Discovery would have meant not only the certain death of her son but also severe punishment, potentially death, for her and her entire family for obstructing the king's command. Her act demonstrates profound faith, courage, and a deep trust in God's unseen hand, prioritizing His perceived will over the terrifying commands of the most powerful man on earth. The New Testament commends this very act of faith in Hebrews 11:23.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Moses' birth and miraculous preservation in Exodus 2:2 serve as a profound type and foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Deliverer. Just as Moses was born into a time of severe oppression under a tyrannical ruler (Pharaoh) who sought to kill male infants to prevent the rise of a promised deliverer, so too was Jesus born under the oppressive rule of Herod, who, upon hearing of the birth of the "King of the Jews," ordered the slaughter of all male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity (Matthew 2:16). Both Moses and Jesus were divinely protected from these genocidal decrees in their infancy, highlighting God's sovereign hand in preserving His chosen instruments for salvation. Moses was raised to be the deliverer of Israel from physical bondage in Egypt, but Christ, as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), offers a far greater deliverance from the spiritual bondage of sin and death. The "goodly" nature of Moses, recognized by his parents, points to the inherent perfection and divine nature of Christ, who is "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3). Moses' early life, marked by a mother's faith and God's protective hand, thus powerfully anticipates the greater salvation wrought by the Son of God, who is superior to Moses in every way (Hebrews 3:1-6).