Exodus 2:6

KJV

And when she had opened [it], she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This [is one] of the Hebrews' children.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when she had opened {H6605} it, she saw {H7200} the child {H3206}: and, behold, the babe {H5288} wept {H1058}. And she had compassion {H2550} on him, and said {H559}, This is one of the Hebrews {H5680}' children {H3206}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She opened it and looked inside, and there in front of her was a crying baby boy! Moved with pity, she said, "This must be one of the Hebrews'children."

Berean Standard Bible

When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the little boy was crying. So she had compassion on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrew children.”

American Standard Version

And she opened it, and saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 2:6 details the pivotal moment when Pharaoh's daughter discovers the infant Moses, hidden in an ark among the reeds. Moved by his weeping, she experiences profound compassion, immediately recognizing him as one of the Hebrew children destined for death under her father's decree. This act of unexpected mercy from within the oppressor's household is divinely orchestrated, setting in motion God's redemptive plan for Israel through the life of their future deliverer.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated against the backdrop of a brutal decree issued by the Egyptian Pharaoh, who, fearing the growing number and strength of the Hebrew people, commanded that all newborn Hebrew boys be cast into the Nile River to drown ([Exodus 1:22](/exodus/1-22 "Pharaoh's Decree to Kill Hebrew Boys")). Moses's parents, defying this edict, hid him for three months before placing him in a basket, or ark, on the Nile, entrusting him to God's providence. Pharaoh's daughter's discovery thus occurs at the height of this genocidal policy, making her act of compassion all the more remarkable and counter-cultural.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The narrative of [Exodus 2:6](/exodus/2-6 "Pharaoh's Daughter Discovers Moses") unfolds with deliberate precision, highlighting the divine orchestration of events:

* **"And when she had opened [it], she saw the child:"** This moment marks the culmination of Moses's mother's desperate act and God's protective hand. The "it" refers to the ark, or basket, in which Moses was placed, specifically designed to be watertight and hidden among the reeds. Pharaoh's daughter, by chance or divine appointment, ventures to the very spot where the ark rests. Her opening of the ark reveals the vulnerable infant, initiating the next phase of God's plan.
* **"and, behold, the babe wept."** The infant's cry is not a mere whimper but a genuine, heart-rending lament. The Hebrew word *bakah* (בכה) denotes a deep, expressive weeping. This sound is crucial, as it elicits a powerful emotional response from Pharaoh's daughter, serving as the immediate catalyst for her compassion. It humanizes the child, transcending the decree that dehumanized Hebrew infants.
* **"And she had compassion on him,"** This is the turning point of the verse and, indeed, of Moses's early life. The Hebrew word for "compassion" is *chamal* (חמל), which signifies pity, mercy, or sparing. This is a profound act of defiance against her father's decree and the prevailing prejudice. Her compassion overrides the political and social pressures, demonstrating a moral sensibility that aligns with God's own character of mercy. It is this divinely inspired compassion that saves Moses's life and allows him to be raised in the very household of his oppressors, preparing him for his future role.
* **"and said, This [is one] of the Hebrews' children."** Despite the ark's concealment and Moses's infancy, Pharaoh's daughter immediately identifies his ethnic origin. This recognition is likely due to the context (the location near the Hebrew dwellings), the distinctive appearance of Hebrew children, or perhaps an intuitive understanding guided by divine providence. Her accurate identification underscores the severity of her decision to save him, as she knowingly takes into her care a child marked for death by her own father.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Providence and Sovereignty:** God's hand is evident in every detail, from the ark's placement to Pharaoh's daughter's presence and her sudden compassion, demonstrating His ability to work through unexpected means and individuals to achieve His purposes, even within the enemy's camp.
* **Compassion as a Catalyst for Deliverance:** The act of *chamal* by Pharaoh's daughter is not merely an emotional response but a divinely inspired act of mercy that directly facilitates the preservation of Israel's future deliverer, highlighting compassion as a powerful force in God's redemptive plan.
* **God's Protection of the Vulnerable:** The helpless infant Moses, abandoned to the river, represents the ultimate vulnerability. God's intervention through Pharaoh's daughter underscores His commitment to protecting the innocent and oppressed, even when human systems are designed for their destruction.
* **God Using Unlikely Instruments:** Pharaoh's daughter, a member of the oppressive regime, becomes an unwitting instrument in God's plan, demonstrating that God's grace and purposes are not limited by human allegiance or social standing.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 2:6 serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans often unfold through unexpected channels and unlikely individuals. It challenges believers to recognize God's hand at work even in seemingly random events or through those outside the covenant community. The compassion shown by Pharaoh's daughter calls us to cultivate empathy and mercy, particularly towards the vulnerable and marginalized, even when it goes against societal norms or personal convenience. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign care, knowing that He can orchestrate circumstances and move hearts to accomplish His will, even in the most hostile environments.

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh's daughter go to the river at that specific time?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state why Pharaoh's daughter went to the river at that precise moment. However, it is commonly understood as an act of divine providence. While she may have gone to bathe, as the text suggests, the timing of her arrival, coinciding with the ark's presence, points to God's sovereign orchestration, ensuring Moses's discovery and rescue.

**What is the significance of Moses weeping?**

Answer: The infant Moses's weeping (*bakah* in Hebrew) is highly significant because it elicits compassion from Pharaoh's daughter. A silent child might have been overlooked or ignored, but the genuine cry of a baby appeals to the universal human instinct for pity. It serves as the immediate catalyst for her merciful act, demonstrating how God can use even the vulnerability of an infant to move hearts and advance His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The salvation of Moses in [Exodus 2:6](/exodus/2-6 "Pharaoh's Daughter Discovers Moses") foreshadows the ultimate deliverance brought by Jesus Christ. Moses, saved from a decree of death and destined to deliver his people from bondage, serves as a type of Christ. Just as Moses was preserved from the waters of death to lead Israel through the Red Sea, so Christ was preserved from the forces of evil to lead His people through the waters of baptism into new life, delivering them from the bondage of sin and death. Pharaoh's daughter's compassion, defying the murderous decree, mirrors God the Father's ultimate compassion in sending His Son to rescue humanity from the decree of eternal death, demonstrating a divine mercy that transcends all human enmity.

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.