Exodus 2:4

Exodus 2:4 describes a pivotal moment in the early life of Moses, emphasizing the courageous vigilance of his older sister.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of immense danger for the Israelite people in Egypt. Pharaoh, fearing the growing numbers of the Hebrews, had issued a cruel decree to kill every male child born to the Israelites. Moses's mother, Jochebed, defied this order by hiding him for three months. When she could no longer conceal him, she placed him in a basket, or "ark," made of bulrushes and bitumen, setting it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile River. It is at this critical juncture that his unnamed sister, later identified as Miriam (Numbers 26:59), takes her position.

Key Themes

• Divine Providence: Even in the face of brutal oppression, God's plan for deliverance is unfolding. Miriam's presence is a testament to God's careful oversight and protection of Moses, the future liberator of Israel.
• Faith and Courage: Miriam's act of "standing afar off" was not passive. It required immense courage to remain in a dangerous location, observing what would happen, knowing the potential consequences if discovered. Her faith in God's ability to protect her brother, or at least her determination to act, is evident.
• Family Loyalty and Love: This verse beautifully illustrates the deep familial bond and concern within Moses's family. Miriam's dedication to her infant brother's safety is a powerful display of sisterly love and responsibility.
• Vigilance and Watchfulness: Miriam's purpose was "to wit what would be done to him," meaning to ascertain or know what would happen. This highlights her active and watchful role, ready to respond or intervene if possible, which she does in the very next verses by speaking to Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:7).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to wit" is an archaic English expression from the King James Version, meaning "to know," "to ascertain," or "to find out." The underlying Hebrew verb is yada (יָדַע), which signifies not just intellectual knowledge but often a deep, experiential knowing or observation. Here, it conveys Miriam's deliberate, watchful intent to perceive the outcome of her brother's fate.

Significance and Application

Exodus 2:4 serves as a powerful reminder that God often uses seemingly small, faithful acts of individuals to accomplish His grand purposes. Miriam, a young girl, played a crucial role in the preservation of Moses, who would become the central figure in the Exodus narrative. Her watchful presence ensured that when Pharaoh's daughter discovered the baby, a solution was immediately at hand. This story encourages us to:

• Be Vigilant and Prayerful: Like Miriam, we are called to be watchful and intercessory for those in vulnerable situations, trusting that our presence and prayers can make a difference.
• Embrace Our Role in God's Plan: No act of faithfulness, no matter how small it seems, is insignificant in God's eyes. Miriam's courage set the stage for Moses's upbringing and subsequent leadership, demonstrating how God uses ordinary people for extraordinary tasks. Miriam herself would later be recognized as a prophetess and leader among Israel (Exodus 15:20; Micah 6:4).