“Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?”
Context: Exodus 2:7 is a verse from the second chapter of the book of Exodus in the Old Testament. It is part of the account of the early life of Moses, who would become a central figure in the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Study:
- Background: To understand the significance of this verse, it’s essential to have some context. At this point in the story, Moses had been born during a time when Pharaoh had ordered all Hebrew male infants to be killed. Moses’ mother hid him for three months but eventually placed him in a waterproofed basket and set it among the reeds of the Nile River.
- Pharaoh’s daughter: In this verse, “Pharaoh’s daughter” refers to the princess who discovered the baby Moses in the basket. She had compassion on him and decided to adopt him as her own son, despite knowing he was a Hebrew child.
- Moses’ sister: The verse mentions Moses’ sister. Her name was Miriam. When she saw Pharaoh’s daughter find the baby, she approached her and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child.
- Act of compassion: The actions of Moses’ sister demonstrate compassion and quick thinking. She seized the opportunity to ensure that Moses would still be cared for by his own mother, as the princess would need someone to nurse the child. By suggesting a Hebrew nurse, she cleverly arranged for Moses’ mother to be involved in his upbringing while he was under the care and protection of Pharaoh’s daughter.
- God’s providence: This verse highlights God’s providence in preserving Moses’ life. Despite the cruel edict to kill Hebrew male infants, God orchestrated events so that Moses would not only be saved from death but also raised in the household of the ruling Pharaoh.
Lessons for us:
- Compassion and resourcefulness: Miriam’s actions teach us the value of compassion and resourcefulness in difficult circumstances. Instead of remaining silent, she took the initiative to offer a solution that would benefit her family and preserve Moses’ life.
- God’s sovereignty: Exodus 2:7 reminds us that even in the face of oppression and danger, God is in control. He can use the actions of ordinary people to bring about His purposes and fulfill His plans.
Application: As we reflect on Exodus 2:7, we can be encouraged to trust in God’s sovereignty and seek ways to demonstrate compassion and resourcefulness in our own lives. Like Miriam, we can actively look for opportunities to help others and contribute to God’s work in the world.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and explore the entire narrative of Moses’ life to gain a deeper understanding of God’s redemptive plan and His faithfulness to His people.
