“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.”
Exodus 2:6 is a verse from the book of Exodus, which recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This specific verse is part of the narrative that describes the early life of Moses.
In this verse, “she” refers to Pharaoh’s daughter, who had gone to bathe in the river. The “it” mentioned in the verse is the basket made of bulrushes in which Moses, as a baby, was placed by his mother to protect him from Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew male infants.
The Discovery of the Child: When Pharaoh’s daughter opened the basket, she saw the baby Moses inside. This moment was significant because it demonstrated God’s providence and intervention in preserving the life of Moses. It was a divine setup for Moses’ future role as the deliverer of the Israelites.
The Babe Wept: The Bible mentions that Moses began to cry when Pharaoh’s daughter saw him. This natural response of a baby to his surroundings might have moved the heart of Pharaoh’s daughter, evoking sympathy and compassion.
Compassion and Identification: Pharaoh’s daughter had compassion on the child when she saw him crying. Instead of following her father’s decree to kill Hebrew male infants, she recognized the humanity and vulnerability of the child. Her compassionate response stands in stark contrast to the cruelty of Pharaoh’s command and demonstrates that even in the midst of an oppressive regime, God can work through individuals to show mercy and kindness.
Acknowledging the Hebrew Identity: Pharaoh’s daughter identified the child as one of the Hebrews. This act of recognition acknowledged his heritage and marked an essential turning point in the life of Moses, who would later become the leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery.
This verse highlights several themes, including God’s providence, the compassion of an individual within a oppressive system, and the identification of Moses as a Hebrew child. It sets the stage for Moses’ later journey, which includes his upbringing in Pharaoh’s household and his eventual call by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
By studying this verse and the broader context of the Exodus narrative, we can gain insights into God’s faithfulness, His sovereign plan, and His ability to use ordinary individuals to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
