“And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.”
This verse is part of the account of Moses’ early life and highlights an important event in his upbringing. To understand the significance of Exodus 2:10, let’s delve into the context and explore the key themes and lessons it conveys.
Moses’ Upbringing: At the time of Moses’ birth, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and Pharaoh had ordered the death of all Hebrew baby boys. In an act of faith and desperation, Moses’ mother hid him for three months and eventually placed him in a basket made of bulrushes, setting it adrift on the river Nile. By God’s providence, Pharaoh’s daughter discovered the basket and rescued the baby.
Adoption by Pharaoh’s Daughter: In verse 10, we see that Pharaoh’s daughter decided to raise Moses as her own son. Despite his Hebrew heritage, Moses grew up in the palace as an Egyptian prince. This act of adoption not only ensured Moses’ survival but also placed him in a position of privilege and influence.
Moses’ Name and Identity: Pharaoh’s daughter named the child Moses, which means “drawn out” or “to draw out.” This name reflects the circumstances of his rescue from the water. It is worth noting that this name holds symbolic significance throughout Moses’ life and the biblical narrative.
Divine Intervention and God’s Purpose: This verse demonstrates God’s providential guidance and intervention in Moses’ life. God orchestrated events in such a way that Moses, who would later play a pivotal role in the liberation of the Israelites, grew up in Pharaoh’s court. This preparation would prove essential for Moses’ future task of leading God’s people out of Egypt.
Lessons from Exodus 2:10:
- God’s Providence: The story of Moses’ adoption highlights God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through challenging circumstances. Even in the midst of difficult times, God can guide our lives and fulfill His purposes.
- Identity and Purpose: Despite growing up as an Egyptian prince, Moses never forgot his Hebrew roots. This serves as a reminder that our true identity is found in God, and He has a purpose for each of us, regardless of our background or circumstances.
- Faithfulness and Obedience: Moses’ mother demonstrated great faith by entrusting her son’s life to God. Likewise, Moses obeyed God’s calling in his later years. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s plan, even when it may seem uncertain or challenging.
- God’s Redemption: Moses’ story foreshadows God’s redemptive plan for His people. In Exodus, God would use Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage and towards the Promised Land. This points to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, who delivers us from the bondage of sin.
Exodus 2:10 provides a glimpse into Moses’ early life, highlighting God’s providential care, the shaping of Moses’ identity, and the fulfillment of His divine purpose. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and encourages us to trust in His guidance and leading throughout our lives.
