“When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch…” (Exodus 2:3, English Standard Version)
The story many of us know by heart—Moses in a basket—is more than just a touching moment from Sunday School lessons. It reveals God’s profound providence, working quietly yet powerfully behind the scenes. Consider the unique Hebrew word for “basket,” tevah (תֵּבָה), used here and only in the story of Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6–8). By choosing this rare word, the writer draws a distinct parallel: just as Noah and his family were preserved through chaotic waters, baby Moses floats in a miniature ark, protected symbolically by the Lord Himself, set apart to fulfill divine purposes.
Moses’ mother, defying Pharaoh’s deadly decree (see Exodus 1), carefully places her precious child in the Nile. She does all that she humanly can do, yet must ultimately trust divine providence with her child’s fate. It is this exquisite balance between human action and divine oversight that characterizes God’s work throughout Scripture (compare Proverbs 16:9).
Cross References: - Genesis 6:14 (God instructs Noah to build the ark) - Proverbs 16:9 (“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” English Standard Version)
“She [Pharaoh’s daughter] named him Moses, ‘Because,’ she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.’” (Exodus 2:10, English Standard Version)
A remarkable irony emerges here: Pharaoh commands Egyptian strength to drown Hebrew children, yet it is Pharaoh’s own daughter who rescues the very Hebrew child God will use to liberate Israel. The naming of Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Mosheh) reflects this irony—meaning “drawn out” or “rescued,” but also prophetically pointing to Moses’ role in drawing Israel out of Egypt. God’s sense of poetic justice is wonderfully evident here. Augustine, the great theologian, cites this as deeper evidence of God’s supreme sovereignty, where even the evil intentions of human beings become instruments through which God achieves His good purposes.
Historical Note: Archaeological evidence reveals that Egyptian royalty frequently visited the Nile for ritual bathing, believing the waters possessed life-giving, renewing properties. For an Egyptian princess to discover Moses here was not mere chance, but a divine intersection of circumstances culturally meaningful to Egyptians yet providential for the Hebrews.
We often overlook Moses’ years in Midian. After fleeing Egypt due to the killing of an Egyptian overseer (Exodus 2:11–15), Moses arrives among Midianite shepherds and eventually marries Zipporah. These long, quiet years are not incidental—God often uses periods of obscurity, wilderness experiences, and humble situations to prepare leaders (David tending sheep; Paul in Arabia, Galatians 1:17). Moses’ pragmatism, humility, and his developing understanding of shepherding become critical later, when he shepherds God’s flock from Egypt into the wilderness.
In these years, God shapes Moses into the humble servant He needs (Numbers 12:3). The Midianite period reminds us that “lostness” and “waiting” are often divine incubators of character.
Cross Reference: - Galatians 1:17 (“Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia…” English Standard Version) - Numbers 12:3 (“Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.” English Standard Version)
“God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.” (Exodus 2:24, English Standard Version)
The chapter closes with the beautiful and comforting theme of covenant remembrance. God remains faithful—even when His people feel abandoned or forgotten. “Remembered” here is not passive recall; rather, in Hebrew understanding, it signals holy action based upon steadfast love (chesed חֶסֶד), mercy, and commitment.
Theologically, God’s remembrance is the bedrock of Israel’s hope. God never truly “forgets”; He acts at the perfect timing according to divine wisdom. Augustine interprets God’s action here as the divine movement from hidden care to overt salvation, much like Christ’s incarnation—when at the right time God sent forth His Son (Galatians 4:4).
Cross Reference: - Psalm 105:8 (“He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,” English Standard Version) - Galatians 4:4 (“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…” English Standard Version)
“O God, Our Help in Ages Past” (Isaac Watts), a powerful reminder of God’s continual faithfulness stretching through all generations.
Heavenly Father,
In dark times and silent years, help us trust Your providence. Remind us
that You quietly prepare us in hidden, humble places so we may fulfill
Your holy purposes. Remember Your covenant promises to us in Christ
Jesus, and comfort us with patience and peace as we wait upon Your
timing. Draw us out of the chaotic waters of this world; guard us by
Your strong hand that we may serve You with humble hearts and renewed
minds. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.