Exodus 2:3

KJV

And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid [it] in the flags by the river's brink.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when she could {H3201} not longer {H5750} hide {H6845} him, she took {H3947} for him an ark {H8392} of bulrushes {H1573}, and daubed {H2560} it with slime {H2564} and with pitch {H2203}, and put {H7760} the child {H3206} therein; and she laid {H7760} it in the flags {H5488} by the river's {H2975} brink {H8193}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When she could no longer hide him, she took a papyrus basket, coated it with clay and tar, put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the riverbank.

Berean Standard Bible

But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in the basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.

American Standard Version

And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch; and she put the child therein, and laid it in the flags by the river’s brink.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 2:3 vividly portrays Jochebed's desperate yet faithful act to preserve her infant son, Moses, from Pharaoh's genocidal decree. Unable to conceal him any longer, she meticulously crafted a specialized waterproof vessel from papyrus reeds, sealed with bitumen and pitch, and strategically placed the child within it among the reeds along the Nile's bank. This pivotal moment underscores divine providence, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in safeguarding Israel's future deliverer through humble means and a mother's profound, courageous love, setting the stage for the nation's miraculous redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 2:3 is nestled within the opening narrative of Moses' birth and early life, immediately following the account of his mother's successful three-month concealment of him. This verse marks a critical turning point where the immediate threat of Pharaoh's decree to cast all Hebrew male infants into the Nile ([Exodus 1:22](/exodus/1-22 "Pharaoh's Decree to Drown Hebrew Infants")) forces Jochebed to relinquish her direct protection. The preceding verses establish the escalating oppression of the Israelites and Pharaoh's increasingly brutal measures, making Jochebed's act not merely an isolated event but a direct response to a life-or-death crisis. The placement of the ark in the river's reeds directly sets up the dramatic discovery by Pharaoh's daughter in the subsequent verses, initiating the miraculous chain of events that would lead to Moses' upbringing in the very palace from which the decree originated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Egypt, a powerful empire that enslaved the Israelites. Pharaoh's decree was a calculated attempt to control the burgeoning Hebrew population, reflecting a common ancient Near Eastern strategy of eliminating perceived threats. The Nile River was the lifeblood of Egypt, central to its economy, religion, and daily life. It was also the designated place of death for Hebrew male infants. The materials used for the ark—bulrushes (papyrus), slime (bitumen), and pitch—were readily available and commonly used in ancient Egypt for constructing lightweight boats and waterproofing. Papyrus was a versatile plant used for everything from writing material to boats, while bitumen and pitch were natural sealants. Jochebed's actions reflect the desperate measures taken by an oppressed people, yet also highlight the ingenuity and resourcefulness required for survival under such tyrannical rule.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's unseen hand orchestrating events to preserve His chosen instrument despite overwhelming human opposition. Jochebed's act, born of desperation, becomes the means through which God's plan unfolds. Secondly, it highlights **Faith Amidst Adversity**, as Jochebed's decision to entrust her child to the river, rather than allow him to be directly murdered, is an act of profound faith, trusting God with the life she could no longer protect. This echoes the faith of other biblical figures who acted in seemingly impossible situations, as celebrated in [Hebrews 11:23](/hebrews/11-23 "The Faith of Moses' Parents"). Thirdly, the motif of **Salvation Through Water** is introduced, foreshadowing Moses' later role in leading Israel through the Red Sea and establishing a pattern of God using water as both a means of judgment and salvation. Finally, the use of the term "ark" for Moses' vessel introduces a profound **Typological Connection** to [Noah's ark](/genesis/6-14 "Noah's Ark and the Flood"), linking Moses' individual salvation from watery death to a broader theme of divine preservation and new beginnings for humanity and God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ark (Hebrew, _têbâh'_):** From an uncertain, perhaps foreign, derivation, this word refers to a box or chest. Its profound significance lies in its exclusive use in the Old Testament for only two vessels: Noah's ark (e.g., [Genesis 6:14](/genesis/6-14 "Noah's Ark Dimensions")) and Moses' basket. This deliberate linguistic choice by the biblical author immediately draws a theological parallel between the two, signifying a vessel of divine preservation and a new beginning amidst overwhelming destruction.
* **bulrushes (Hebrew, _gômeʼ'_):** Properly an absorbent plant, specifically the papyrus. This material was common in ancient Egypt for various constructions, including lightweight boats. Its choice here emphasizes the humble, natural, and readily available means God uses to accomplish His grand purposes, contrasting with the might of Pharaoh's empire.
* **slime (Hebrew, _chêmâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to boil up," this term refers to bitumen or asphalt, often found rising to the surface of the earth. It was a common ancient sealant and waterproofing agent, indicating Jochebed's practical ingenuity and meticulous effort to ensure the ark's buoyancy and the child's safety.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when she could not longer hide him":** This phrase establishes the immediate crisis and the mother's desperation. For three months, Jochebed had defied Pharaoh's decree, but the infant's growth and natural sounds made continued concealment impossible, forcing her hand into a new, public act of faith.
* **"she took for him an ark of bulrushes":** This describes Jochebed's proactive and ingenious solution. The "ark" (Hebrew _tebah_), made of papyrus reeds, signifies not merely a basket but a deliberate vessel of salvation, echoing Noah's ark and highlighting divine design.
* **"and daubed it with slime and with pitch":** This detail underscores the practical effort and care Jochebed put into her desperate act. "Slime" (bitumen) and "pitch" (tar) were ancient waterproofing agents, ensuring the ark's buoyancy and the child's protection from the water, demonstrating both human ingenuity and a trust that the vessel would hold.
* **"and put the child therein; and she laid [it] in the flags by the river's brink":** This describes the culmination of her effort and the strategic placement. Placing Moses in the very river intended for his death is an act of profound irony and faith. The "flags" (reeds) provided a measure of concealment and stability, setting the stage for his miraculous discovery by Pharaoh's daughter, rather than being swept away by the current.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 2:3 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "ark" itself becomes a powerful symbol of divine preservation and new beginnings, directly paralleling Noah's ark. The Nile River, intended as a grave, ironically becomes the pathway to salvation, highlighting **Irony**. The meticulous construction of the ark, despite its humble materials, underscores the **Foreshadowing** of Moses' future role as a deliverer who will lead his people through water (the Red Sea) to freedom. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as **Typology**, presenting Moses' salvation as a type or pattern of God's greater redemptive acts, particularly the ultimate deliverance through Christ. The narrative also employs **Pathos**, evoking deep empathy for Jochebed's desperate situation and courageous act of maternal love.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 2:3 profoundly illustrates God's active, sovereign providence, demonstrating that His plans are not thwarted by human tyranny but often unfold through the seemingly ordinary, desperate acts of faithful individuals. Jochebed's act of faith, born out of a dire situation, becomes the very means through which God preserves His chosen deliverer, Moses, setting in motion the grand narrative of Israel's exodus. This passage teaches that God works through humble means and human obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain, to accomplish His redemptive purposes, proving His ultimate control over history.

* [Hebrews 11:23](/hebrews/11-23 "The Faith of Moses' Parents"): This New Testament passage explicitly commends Moses' parents for their faith in hiding him and not fearing the king's decree, directly affirming the spiritual significance of their actions in Exodus 2:3.
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps"): This proverb beautifully encapsulates the divine orchestration seen in Exodus 2:3, where Jochebed's plans to save her son are ultimately guided and established by the Lord, even when she could not foresee the miraculous outcome.
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "God Chooses the Weak"): This passage highlights God's pattern of choosing the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the strong, a principle perfectly exemplified by the humble ark of bulrushes preserving the future leader of Israel against the might of Pharaoh.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 2:3 serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the unwavering nature of God's providence, even in the darkest of times. Jochebed's courageous act, born of desperation but rooted in profound trust, challenges us to consider our own responses when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. When our human efforts are exhausted and conventional solutions fail, are we willing to surrender our deepest fears and trust God with what we hold most precious? This passage reminds us that God often uses humble, seemingly insignificant acts of obedience to accomplish His grandest purposes. It encourages us to act faithfully, even when the path ahead is unclear, knowing that our sovereign God can orchestrate miraculous outcomes from the most vulnerable of circumstances. Our faith is not in the strength of our own plans, but in the omnipotence of a God who can turn a death sentence into a pathway to deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you holding onto control, rather than entrusting them to God's providence, even when human solutions seem exhausted?**
* **How does Jochebed's act of faith inspire you to take courageous steps, even when the outcome is uncertain or seems impossible?**
* **Can you identify instances in your own life where God used humble or unexpected means to bring about a significant outcome?**
* **What does this passage teach you about the nature of God's sovereignty and His ability to work through ordinary people to achieve extraordinary purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why is the vessel called an "ark" (_tebah_) and not just a basket?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _tebah_ (תֵּבָה) is profoundly significant because it is used only twice in the entire Old Testament: here for Moses' vessel in [Exodus 2:3](/exodus/2-3 "Moses in the Ark") and for Noah's Ark in [Genesis 6:14](/genesis/6-14 "Noah's Ark Dimensions"). This intentional linguistic choice by the biblical author creates a powerful theological parallel. Just as Noah's ark preserved humanity from a global flood, Moses' ark preserved the future deliverer of Israel from a genocidal decree. Both vessels represent divine intervention, salvation from watery judgment, and the beginning of a new era for God's people. It elevates Moses' humble basket to a symbol of God's redemptive work.

**What does Jochebed's act tell us about God's providence?**

Answer: Jochebed's act is a profound demonstration of God's providence, which is His continuous oversight and control over all of creation and events. While Jochebed's action was born of desperation and maternal love, it was also an act of faith that God used to accomplish His sovereign will. God did not directly intervene by, for example, striking Pharaoh down or sending an angel to rescue Moses. Instead, He worked through Jochebed's ingenuity, her faith, and the seemingly random placement of the ark in the reeds. This illustrates that God's providence often operates through ordinary human actions, natural means, and the orchestration of circumstances (like Pharaoh's daughter discovering the ark) to achieve His divine purposes, even in the face of immense evil and human opposition. It shows that God is actively involved in the details of history, guiding events towards His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous preservation of Moses in the ark of bulrushes from Pharaoh's decree of death serves as a profound **type** of Christ, foreshadowing the ultimate Deliverer. Just as Moses was God's chosen instrument to lead His people out of bondage in Egypt through the waters of the Red Sea, Jesus Christ is the ultimate Deliverer who saves humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Moses' humble beginnings, placed in a fragile vessel, parallel Christ's own humble incarnation, born in obscurity in Bethlehem and laid in a manger. The salvation of Moses through water, leading to a new life and a new covenant for Israel, powerfully prefigures Christ's own victory over death through His resurrection, which brings about a new covenant and eternal salvation for all who believe, as prophesied in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Prophet Like Moses") and affirmed in [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Peter's Sermon on the Prophet"). Both figures are presented as mediators between God and humanity, but Christ is superior, the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Moses' rescue from the waters of death ultimately points to Christ's triumph over the grave, offering true freedom and life to all who are "in Christ" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 1:22

And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

Acts 7:19

The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

Genesis 6:14

Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

Matthew 2:16

¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

Isaiah 18:2

That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, [saying], Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!

Matthew 2:13

¶ And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Genesis 11:3

And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.