“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.”
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Moses’ early life, specifically during the time when he was hidden by his mother to protect him from Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew male infants. Let’s explore the significance of this verse in context.
- Context and Background: At this point in the narrative, Moses’ mother had placed him in an ark made of bulrushes and covered it with pitch to ensure it would float. She placed the ark in the river, trusting that God would protect her son. Pharaoh’s daughter, who is unnamed in the Bible, discovers the ark while she and her maidens go to the river to bathe.
- The Daughter of Pharaoh: The daughter of Pharaoh plays a crucial role in this story. Her compassionate and courageous actions contribute to the preservation of Moses’ life. Her character contrasts with her father’s oppressive decree, highlighting God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through unexpected channels to fulfill His purposes.
- Divine Intervention: The daughter of Pharaoh noticed the ark among the flags (or reeds) and recognized its uniqueness. It was likely God’s providential guidance that directed her attention to Moses’ hiding place. The fact that she sent her maid to fetch the ark indicates her desire to investigate and potentially rescue the child.
- God’s Protection: Through this series of events, we see God’s hand of protection on Moses. Despite Pharaoh’s command to kill Hebrew male infants, God ensured that Moses was preserved and eventually raised in the palace of Pharaoh, which ultimately positioned him to fulfill his calling as the deliverer of the Israelites from Egypt.
- Symbolism: This verse also contains symbolic elements. The ark, made of bulrushes and covered with pitch, can be seen as a foreshadowing of the future ark of the covenant, which was a sacred container in which God’s presence dwelt among the Israelites. Additionally, the daughter of Pharaoh can be seen as a symbol of the Gentiles who would eventually embrace the Hebrew Messiah, as Moses would later become the leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt.
Overall, Exodus 2:5 demonstrates God’s providential care, His ability to work through unexpected circumstances, and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. It sets the stage for the unfolding of Moses’ extraordinary life and his role in the liberation of the Israelites from bondage.
