“And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.”
Context: The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is a continuation of the story of God’s people, the Israelites, after their migration to Egypt during the time of Joseph. Exodus focuses on the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through the leadership of Moses.
Historical Background: At the time of Exodus 2:2, the Israelites were living in Egypt, and a new Pharaoh had risen to power who did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8). The Pharaoh became fearful of the growing population of the Israelites and enslaved them, subjecting them to harsh labor and oppression.
The Woman: The woman mentioned in Exodus 2:2 is Jochebed, the wife of Amram and the mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. She belonged to the tribe of Levi, which was the priestly tribe among the Israelites. Jochebed’s act of courage and faith in hiding her son plays a significant role in the story of Moses.
The Birth of Moses: Jochebed conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a goodly child, she hid him for three months. This act was a response to Pharaoh’s command to kill all the Hebrew male babies (Exodus 1:22). Jochebed recognized the value and beauty of her child’s life, and she took steps to protect him.
Faith and Trust in God: Jochebed’s actions reveal her deep faith in God and her trust in His providence. By hiding Moses, she defied Pharaoh’s decree and placed her trust in God’s care for her child. Hebrews 11:23 mentions Jochebed’s faith, stating that “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.”
God’s Faithfulness: God’s faithfulness is demonstrated through Jochebed’s story. Despite the dangerous circumstances, God protected Moses and eventually used him as the deliverer of His people. It highlights God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through human actions to accomplish His purposes.
Application: The story of Jochebed encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness, even in challenging situations. It teaches us the value of every human life and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it goes against societal norms. We can find inspiration in Jochebed’s example of faith and courage as we face our own trials and seek to follow God’s leading in our lives.
Remember to read Exodus 2 in its entirety and explore the subsequent chapters to see how this story unfolds and the role Moses plays in the liberation of the Israelites.
