Exodus 2:5

KJV

¶ And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash [herself] at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the daughter {H1323} of Pharaoh {H6547} came down {H3381} to wash {H7364} herself at the river {H2975}; and her maidens {H5291} walked {H1980} along by the river's {H2975} side {H3027}; and when she saw {H7200} the ark {H8392} among {H8432} the flags {H5488}, she sent {H7971} her maid {H519} to fetch {H3947} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe in the river while her maids-in-attendance walked along the riverside. Spotting the basket among the reeds, she sent her slave-girl to get it.

Berean Standard Bible

Soon the daughter of Pharaoh went down to bathe in the Nile, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. And when she saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maidservant to retrieve it.

American Standard Version

And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river-side; and she saw the ark among the flags, and sent her handmaid to fetch it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 2:5 presents the divinely orchestrated discovery of the infant Moses by Pharaoh's daughter at the Nile River. This pivotal moment, seemingly accidental yet profoundly providential, ensures the preservation of Israel's future deliverer from Pharaoh's genocidal decree, setting the stage for Moses' unique upbringing within the very heart of the Egyptian empire and preparing him for his destined role in God's redemptive plan for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 2:5 is a crucial turning point in the early life of Moses, following directly from the desperate measures taken by his parents to preserve him from Pharaoh's decree to drown all male Hebrew infants ([Exodus 1:22](/exodus/1-22 "Pharaoh's Decree to Kill Hebrew Male Infants")). Moses' mother, Jochebed, after hiding him for three months, placed him in a waterproof basket (an "ark") among the reeds of the Nile, with his sister Miriam strategically watching from a distance ([Exodus 2:1-4](/exodus/2-1 "The Birth and Hiding of Moses")). This verse vividly describes the unexpected arrival of Pharaoh's daughter, whose subsequent actions, detailed in the verses that follow ([Exodus 2:6-10](/exodus/2-6 "Moses Adopted by Pharaoh's Daughter")), lead to Moses' rescue, his return to his mother for nursing, and his eventual adoption into the royal household. The narrative skillfully builds tension around Moses' vulnerability and then resolves it through a series of miraculous interventions, highlighting God's sovereign hand at every step.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a powerful, centralized empire, and the Pharaoh was considered a divine ruler. The Nile River was the lifeblood of Egypt, essential for agriculture, transportation, and daily life, including bathing and ritual purification. For the Egyptians, the Nile was sacred, often associated with the god Hapi, symbolizing fertility and life. Pharaoh's decree to drown Hebrew male infants was a brutal act of state-sponsored genocide, reflecting a fear of the growing Israelite population and a desire to suppress them ([Exodus 1:9-10](/exodus/1-9 "Pharaoh's Fear of the Israelites")). The presence of Pharaoh's daughter at the river, accompanied by her maidens, underscores her royal status and the common practice of bathing in the Nile. Her act of compassion in rescuing a Hebrew child was extraordinary and dangerous, directly defying her father's command and highlighting the moral depravity of the regime contrasted with an unexpected act of mercy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's active and sovereign control over seemingly random events, orchestrating Moses' rescue through the most unlikely agent—Pharaoh's own daughter—to fulfill His redemptive purposes ([Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")). It also highlights the theme of **God Using the Unexpected and Unlikely**, as a member of the oppressive ruling class becomes the instrument of salvation for the future deliverer. The **Preservation of the Covenant Line** is paramount, as Moses' survival ensures the continuation of Abraham's descendants, through whom God's promises would be fulfilled. Furthermore, the narrative contrasts **Human Evil and Divine Good**, showcasing God's ability to turn the very means of destruction (the Nile) into a means of salvation, transforming a place of death into a cradle of life for His chosen one.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 2:5 opens a scene of profound irony and divine intervention, where the very instrument of oppression's power (Pharaoh's family) becomes the unwitting agent of God's salvation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **_yârad_ (Hebrew, H3381):** This primitive root, translated as "came down," signifies a deliberate descent. It's not a casual stroll but an intentional movement from a higher position (likely the palace or a residence near the river) to a lower one (the river's edge). This precise verb choice emphasizes the purposeful nature of Pharaoh's daughter's action, which providentially places her at the exact location of Moses' ark. The word often carries connotations of a significant movement, whether for good or ill, and here it marks the beginning of a decisive turn in the narrative.
* **_têbâh_ (Hebrew, H8392):** Translated as "ark," this unique Hebrew term is used in the Old Testament only for Moses' basket and Noah's ark ([Genesis 6:14](/genesis/6-14 "Noah's Ark Construction")). Its singular usage for these two vessels is highly significant, establishing a powerful literary and theological parallel. Both were divinely appointed, water-borne vessels of salvation that preserved life from widespread destruction (a global flood and a genocidal decree). This linguistic connection underscores the theme of divine preservation and God's sovereign hand in rescuing His chosen ones through seemingly fragile means, setting Moses' story within a larger biblical pattern of salvation.
* **_çûwph_ (Hebrew, H5488):** Rendered as "flags" (referring to reeds or rushes), this word is famously part of "Yam Suph," often translated as "Red Sea" or "Sea of Reeds." Its presence here highlights the natural, yet divinely chosen, hiding place that provided concealment and protection for the infant Moses. The reeds, common along the Nile, offered both camouflage and a barrier, making the ark inconspicuous yet discoverable. The association with the "Sea of Reeds" subtly foreshadows the later, greater deliverance of Israel through water, reinforcing the motif of God's use of water for both judgment and salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash [herself] at the river":** This opening clause establishes the identity of the key actor—Pharaoh's daughter, a figure of immense authority within the oppressive regime. Her purpose for descending to the Nile, likely for bathing or a ritual purification, places her directly in the path of God's unfolding plan. The act of "coming down" implies a deliberate movement from her elevated status to the common ground of the river, a symbolic descent that paves the way for a humble act of rescue.
* **"and her maidens walked along by the river's side":** The presence of her maidens underscores her royal status and the public nature of her activity. While providing a retinue, their presence also serves to make the discovery of the ark a witnessed event, not a private one, adding a layer of authenticity and ensuring the subsequent actions are carried out with official sanction. Their walking "by the river's side" suggests a leisurely pace, allowing time for the ark to be noticed.
* **"and when she saw the ark among the flags":** This is the pivotal moment of divine orchestration. The verb "saw" (H7200, _râʼâh_) implies more than a casual glance; it suggests a deliberate observation, a noticing that draws her attention. The ark, hidden "among the flags" (reeds), was both concealed and positioned to be found. This "seeing" is not accidental but a divinely guided perception, ensuring that the right person at the right time discovers the vulnerable infant.
* **"she sent her maid to fetch it":** Pharaoh's daughter's immediate response is one of curiosity and, implicitly, compassion. Her decision to "send her maid to fetch it" demonstrates her authority and her nascent interest in the mysterious object. This seemingly simple command initiates a chain of events that will profoundly alter the course of Israelite history, leading to Moses' rescue and his subsequent upbringing within the very palace from which the decree of his death originated. It is an act of defiance, however unwitting, against her father's genocidal policy.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 2:5 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. **Irony** is prominent, as the daughter of the very king who ordered the death of Hebrew male infants becomes the instrument of salvation for the most important Hebrew male infant. This dramatic reversal underscores God's ability to work through unexpected channels. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, with the Nile River representing both death (for the Hebrew infants) and life (for Moses), highlighting God's power to redeem and transform. The "ark" itself is a powerful **symbol** of divine preservation and salvation, directly linking Moses' story to Noah's, establishing a pattern of God's redemptive work through water. The "flags" or reeds also carry **symbolic** weight, representing both concealment and the natural environment that God uses for His purposes. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Divine Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at Moses' future role as a deliverer who will lead his people through water (the Red Sea), echoing his initial salvation from water.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 2:5 is a profound testament to God's active and intricate providence, demonstrating that His sovereign will cannot be thwarted by human decrees, even those of the most powerful rulers. It reveals that God often works through unexpected agents and circumstances, turning what appears to be a threat into an opportunity for His redemptive plan to unfold. This verse reassures believers that God is meticulously at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events and even influencing the hearts of those seemingly opposed to His purposes, all to ensure the fulfillment of His promises and the salvation of His people.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All Things Work Together for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 2:5 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that even in the darkest and most desperate circumstances, God remains supremely sovereign, actively working to fulfill His purposes. For believers, this narrative offers profound encouragement to trust in God's meticulous providence, even when His hand is not immediately visible or His methods seem unconventional. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate challenges and perceive the larger, divine tapestry being woven. This verse calls us to cultivate a deeper faith in God's ability to use anyone—even those from unexpected or seemingly hostile backgrounds—as instruments in His grand design. It also prompts us to consider our own role: are we attentive to the "arks among the flags" in our lives, opportunities for compassion or intervention that God might be placing before us? By embracing a posture of trust and openness to God's surprising ways, we can find peace amidst chaos and participate in the unfolding of His redemptive story in our world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing circumstances that feel overwhelming or beyond your control? How might the story of Moses' rescue encourage you to trust in God's unseen hand?**
* **Can you identify instances in your own life or in history where God used an "unlikely agent" to accomplish His purposes? What does this teach you about God's boundless creativity and sovereignty?**
* **How does the contrast between Pharaoh's decree of death and his daughter's act of compassion challenge your understanding of where God's grace can emerge?**
* **What "arks among the flags" (opportunities for compassion, intervention, or obedience) might God be placing in your path today, inviting you to participate in His work?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh's daughter go to the river?**

Answer: The text explicitly states she "came down to wash [herself] at the river." In ancient Egypt, the Nile was not only a source of life but also a common place for bathing, personal hygiene, and potentially ritual purification, especially for royalty. Her presence at the river was a routine activity for her, yet it became the divinely appointed moment for Moses' discovery, highlighting God's ability to use ordinary circumstances for extraordinary purposes.

**What is the significance of the "ark" (תֵּבָה, _tebah_) being the same word as Noah's ark?**

Answer: The shared Hebrew term, _tebah_, for both Moses' basket and Noah's ark ([Genesis 6:14](/genesis/6-14 "Noah's Ark Construction")), is profoundly significant. It establishes a powerful theological and literary parallel. Both vessels were divinely appointed instruments of salvation and preservation through water, protecting life from widespread destruction (a global flood and a genocidal decree). This linguistic connection underscores God's consistent method of delivering His chosen ones through seemingly fragile means, emphasizing a theme of salvation and new beginnings emerging from watery chaos. It signals that Moses' rescue is part of a larger, ongoing narrative of God's redemptive work in history.

**How does Exodus 2:5 demonstrate God's providence?**

Answer: This verse powerfully illustrates God's providence by showcasing His active and sovereign control over events, even those seemingly random or orchestrated by human malice. Despite Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants, God orchestrates the rescue of Moses, the future deliverer, through the most unlikely agent—Pharaoh's own daughter. Her routine trip to the river, her noticing of the ark, and her subsequent act of compassion are all divinely guided to ensure Moses' survival and upbringing in a way that prepares him for his unique role. It reveals God's meticulous ability to use even the actions of an oppressor's family for His redemptive purposes, demonstrating that His plans for Israel's liberation cannot be thwarted.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses, miraculously preserved from death in the water and raised in the very household of his people's oppressor, serves as a profound type of Christ. Just as Moses was God's chosen deliverer who led His people out of bondage in Egypt through the Red Sea ([Exodus 3:10](/exodus/3-10 "God Calls Moses to Deliver Israel"); [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Crossing the Red Sea")), Christ is the ultimate Deliverer who rescues humanity from the bondage of sin and death, leading His people into true freedom ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "The Son Sets You Free")). Moses' preservation from the waters of the Nile foreshadows Christ's triumph over death through His resurrection ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Buried with Christ through Baptism")), offering new life to all who believe. While Moses delivered Israel to a physical promised land, Christ delivers His people to a spiritual and eternal inheritance ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "A Sabbath Rest Remains for the People of God")). The law given through Moses pointed to the need for a greater salvation, which ultimately came through Christ, who is the fulfillment of the law, bringing grace and truth ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")). Thus, the miraculous rescue of Moses in Exodus 2:5 prefigures the greater, eternal salvation accomplished by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Acts 7:21

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

Psalms 9:9

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Psalms 12:5

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.

Psalms 46:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Exodus 8:20

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Exodus 7:15

Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand.

Proverbs 21:1

¶ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.