“And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink.”
Exodus 2:3 recounts the courageous act of Moses’ mother to protect her baby boy from Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew male children. Here’s a closer examination of the verse:
Hiding the child: Moses’ mother, Jochebed, had kept her son hidden for three months, but as he grew older, it became increasingly difficult to conceal him. Fearing for his safety, she devised a plan to ensure his preservation.
The ark of bulrushes: To save Moses’ life, Jochebed constructed a small boat-like vessel, often referred to as an “ark.” She made it out of bulrushes, a type of reed found near the banks of the Nile River. This vessel would serve as a means to protect Moses and keep him afloat.
Daubing with slime and pitch: Jochebed coated the exterior of the ark with slime and pitch. This waterproofing measure would prevent water from seeping into the vessel, ensuring Moses’ safety as he floated down the river.
Placing the child in the ark: After preparing the ark, Jochebed carefully placed Moses inside it. This act required great faith and trust in God’s providence.
Laid in the flags by the river’s brink: Jochebed chose a strategic location to place the ark. She laid it among the reeds or flags at the river’s edge, ensuring that it would be concealed from view while still being accessible to Pharaoh’s daughter, who frequented the river for bathing.
This passage highlights the remarkable faith and resourcefulness of Moses’ mother. Despite the oppressive circumstances and the danger posed by Pharaoh’s decree, she took great risks to protect her child. God’s hand was at work throughout this event, as the subsequent verses describe how Pharaoh’s daughter discovered Moses and ultimately raised him as her own.
This narrative is not only a testament to Jochebed’s bravery but also reveals God’s providential care over His people, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. The story of Moses’ infancy sets the stage for his future role as the deliverer of Israel and serves as a powerful example of God’s faithfulness and protection.
