The Birth of Moses: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Exodus 2

Executive Summary ✨

Exodus 2, focusing on the birth of Moses and his subsequent flight to Midian, is a foundational chapter in salvation history. We witness Moses’ miraculous preservation as an infant, a poignant act of divine providence against the backdrop of Pharaoh’s genocidal decree. His upbringing in Pharaoh’s household, a paradox of grace, sets the stage for his future role as Israel’s deliverer. The chapter culminates in Moses’ act of righteous anger, his flight to Midian, and his eventual encounter with Jethro and Zipporah. This period of exile is not merely a retreat but a crucial preparation for the monumental task ahead. The chapter reminds us that God’s plan unfolds even amidst suffering and injustice, using unlikely circumstances to shape instruments of redemption. 💡

This commentary will delve into each verse, exploring its historical, geographical, and spiritual significance within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. We will examine the divine interventions, the hidden symbolism, and the profound implications for our lives today. We will explore how the birth of Moses connects to the broader narrative of salvation, foreshadowing Christ’s own deliverance and the Church’s ongoing struggle against the forces of darkness.

Commentary Sections

Exodus 2:1-2 (The Birth and Hiding of Moses)

KJV: And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.

NKJV: And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months.

The chapter opens with a simple statement: a man of the house of Levi marries a woman of the same tribe. This seemingly ordinary event is the genesis of something extraordinary. The Levites, traditionally associated with priestly duties, were chosen to bring forth the one who would ultimately mediate between God and His people in a new way. The phrase “goodly child” or “beautiful child” (τότε δὲ ἰδοῦσα αὐτὸν ἡ γυνὴ ὅτι ἀστεῖός ἐστι, LXX – “when his mother saw that he was beautiful”) hints at a divine favor already upon him. This beauty is not merely physical; it reflects a spiritual grace. The three months of hiding reflect a desperate act of parental love and faith in the face of immense danger. They refused to accept Pharaoh’s decree as final.

Spiritual Application: This passage encourages us to see the potential for divine grace in even the most humble beginnings. Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we must trust in God’s providence and act with faith and courage. We must see the beauty of God’s creation, even in the midst of suffering.

Exodus 2:3 (The Ark of Bulrushes)

KJV: And when she could no 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.

NKJV: But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, and put the child in it; and she laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank.

Unable to conceal him any longer, Moses’ mother, Jochebed, constructs a small “ark” (תיבה, *tevah* in Hebrew, the same word used for Noah’s Ark) from bulrushes and waterproofs it with slime and pitch. This ark becomes a vessel of salvation, mirroring Noah’s ark during the flood. Placing the child in the Nile, the very river Pharaoh commanded to be used for infanticide, is an act of profound faith and a powerful image of entrusting one’s life to God’s protection. The “flags” or reeds by the river’s brink offer a fragile cover, yet God’s protection proves to be stronger than any human threat. This event speaks powerfully of divine providence even in the darkest of times. The reeds by the Nile, a natural source of papyrus, played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian life and provided some concealment for the infant Moses.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa, in his “Life of Moses,” sees the ark as a prefiguration of the Church, a vessel that carries us safely through the storms of life. (Γρηγόριος Νυσσης, Εις τον Βίον Μωϋσέως, PG 44:300) – “The ark, therefore, is the Church, carrying within itself the seed of life and the hope of salvation.”

Spiritual Application: We are called to create “arks” of protection, nurturing environments for those who are vulnerable, entrusting them to God’s care. Like Jochebed, we must act with courage and ingenuity, knowing that God can use even the most precarious circumstances to accomplish His will. Consider the services provided by DoHost, which can facilitate connecting individuals and providing support in times of need, offering a modern-day “ark.”

Exodus 2:4-10 (Moses Found by Pharaoh’s Daughter)

KJV: And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 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. 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. 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? And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

NKJV: And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him. Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?” And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” So the maiden went and called the child’s mother. Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. So she called his name Moses, saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.”

Miriam, Moses’ sister, strategically positioned herself to witness the outcome. Pharaoh’s daughter’s descent to the Nile for a ritual bath (likely associated with fertility rites) becomes the moment of divine intervention. Her compassion, stirred by the weeping child, overrides the edict of her father. This compassion stands as a powerful contrast to Pharaoh’s cruelty. Miriam’s quick thinking leads to the reunion of Moses with his mother, who is compensated for nursing her own child – a remarkable act of divine reversal. Moses is named “Moses” (מֹשֶׁה, *Mosheh*), meaning “drawn out,” a constant reminder of his miraculous rescue. He is raised in the heart of the Egyptian court, receiving the best education and training available, yet retains his Hebrew identity through his mother’s influence. This duality shapes him into the leader God intends him to be.

Spiritual Application: This passage highlights the importance of compassion, even towards those who are perceived as enemies. God can work through unexpected individuals and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Miriam’s resourcefulness reminds us to be vigilant and proactive in serving God. We should be prepared to act decisively when opportunities arise, even in situations that seem hopeless.

Exodus 2:11-15 (Moses Kills an Egyptian and Flees)

KJV: And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in Midian, and he sat down by a well.

NKJV: Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. And when he went out the second day, behold, two Hebrew men were fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, “Why are you striking your companion?” Then he said, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” So Moses feared and said, “Surely this thing is known!” When Pharaoh heard of it, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in Midian; and he sat down by a well.

Now an adult, Moses identifies with his Hebrew brethren and is deeply moved by their suffering. He witnesses an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and, in a surge of righteous anger, kills the Egyptian. While his intentions may have been noble, his actions were impulsive and lacked divine guidance. This act demonstrates a premature attempt at deliverance, highlighting the difference between human zeal and God’s timing. The next day, he attempts to mediate a dispute between two Hebrews, but his authority is challenged, and his past deed is exposed. Fearful of Pharaoh’s wrath, Moses flees to Midian, a desert region east of Egypt. Sitting by a well in Midian, he finds himself in a state of exile, both geographically and spiritually. This forced exile becomes a crucial period of preparation and humbling.

Patristic Insight: St. Basil the Great cautions against acting rashly, even when motivated by good intentions. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and acting in accordance with His will. (Βασίλειος ο Μέγας, Ομιλία Εις την Αρχήν των Παροιμιών, PG 31:397) – “Let every deed be done with counsel, for rashness is the mother of regret.”

Spiritual Application: This passage warns against acting impulsively, even when motivated by righteous intentions. We must always seek God’s guidance and act in accordance with His will. Moses’ flight to Midian demonstrates that even mistakes and setbacks can be part of God’s plan. God can use periods of exile and difficulty to refine us and prepare us for greater service. Even our errors can be turned into blessings by God’s divine intervention and plan.

Exodus 2:16-22 (Moses Defends the Daughters of Jethro and Marries Zipporah)

KJV: Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

NKJV: Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. And they came and drew water, and they filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. Then the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. When they came to Reuel their father, he said, “How is it that you have come so early today?” And they said, “An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds; and he also drew enough water for us and watered the flock.” So he said to his daughters, “And where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Invite him to eat bread.” Now Moses was content to live with the man, and he gave Zipporah his daughter to Moses. And she bore him a son. He called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land.”

In Midian, Moses encounters the seven daughters of Jethro (also known as Reuel), the priest of Midian. He bravely defends them from abusive shepherds, demonstrating his continued concern for the oppressed. Jethro, recognizing Moses’ character and generosity, invites him to stay and eventually gives him his daughter Zipporah in marriage. This marriage to a foreign woman has both symbolic and practical implications. It signifies Moses’ separation from his past and the beginning of a new chapter in his life. The birth of their son, Gershom (גֵּרְשֹׁם, *Gershom*), whose name means “a stranger there,” reflects Moses’ sense of alienation and his temporary dwelling in a foreign land. However, this “strangeness” is part of God’s plan to prepare him for his ultimate mission.

Spiritual Application: This passage teaches us the importance of hospitality and helping those in need, regardless of their background. God can use unexpected encounters and relationships to shape our lives and prepare us for His service. Moses’ willingness to assist strangers highlights the Christian call to show compassion and care for all, regardless of their origin or social status. Hospitality and welcoming the stranger are foundational virtues in Christian tradition. This section serves as a reminder that even in exile, God provides.

Subtopic Sections

Themes of Divine Providence

Exodus 2 is saturated with the theme of divine providence. God’s hand is evident in the seemingly coincidental events that lead to Moses’ preservation and preparation.

Protection: God protects Moses from Pharaoh’s decree.
Compassion: God stirs compassion in Pharaoh’s daughter.
Reunion: God reunites Moses with his mother.
Preparation: God prepares Moses for leadership in Egypt and Midian.
Provision: God provides for Moses’ needs in Midian.
Purpose: God works all things together for good in Moses’ life.

The Significance of Water

Water plays a pivotal role in Exodus 2, symbolizing both danger and salvation.

The Nile: A source of life and death, used for infanticide but also becomes the means of Moses’ rescue.
The Ark: A vessel floating on water, representing safety amidst chaos.
Bathing: Pharaoh’s daughter’s bathing signifies ritual purification and leads to the discovery of Moses.
The Well: A place of encounter and provision in Midian.
Drawing Water: Moses helps the daughters of Jethro draw water, demonstrating his compassion and strength.
Cleansing: Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal, foreshadowing baptism.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why is it important that Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s household?

A: Being raised in Pharaoh’s household provided Moses with the education, training, and exposure necessary to understand the Egyptian system and culture, making him an effective leader and negotiator. This provided him the strategic skills necessary to later challenge Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery. This unexpected upbringing was crucial for God’s plan.

Q: What is the significance of Moses’ flight to Midian?

A: Moses’ flight to Midian was a period of humbling and preparation. It removed him from the privileges of Egyptian life and forced him to learn humility and dependence on God. This time of isolation and spiritual growth was essential for him to be ready for his divine calling. This was also a period of divine protection for Moses from Pharaoh’s wrath, ensuring his future role.

Q: How does Exodus 2 foreshadow the coming of Christ?

A: Exodus 2 foreshadows the coming of Christ in several ways. Moses’ miraculous preservation as an infant parallels Christ’s escape from Herod’s infanticide. His role as a deliverer prefigures Christ’s role as the ultimate deliverer from sin and death. The themes of salvation and redemption in Exodus 2 find their fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Q: How does the Coptic Orthodox Church interpret the “ark of bulrushes”?

A: The Coptic Orthodox Church views the “ark of bulrushes” as a symbol of the Church, a safe vessel that carries believers through the storms of life, as mentioned by St. Gregory of Nyssa. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of the Church as a place of refuge and spiritual nourishment.

Conclusion

Exodus 2 paints a compelling portrait of God’s providential care and transformative power. From the seemingly hopeless circumstances of infanticide to the unexpected encounter with Pharaoh’s daughter, God orchestrates events to preserve and prepare Moses for his divinely ordained mission. His act of righteous anger, though imperfect, reveals his heart for justice, while his exile in Midian becomes a crucible for refinement. The themes of protection, compassion, and preparation resound throughout the chapter, reminding us that God is actively involved in our lives, even when circumstances appear bleak. Understanding the birth of Moses within this context allows us to discern the hand of God in our own lives, trusting that He can use our weaknesses and mistakes to accomplish His purposes. Let us emulate Moses’ compassion and seek God’s guidance in all our actions, knowing that He is able to work all things together for good.

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Explore Exodus 2 in depth with a Coptic Orthodox commentary on the birth of Moses. Uncover the spiritual significance, divine providence, and lessons for modern life.

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Exodus 2 – The Birth of Moses and His Flight to Midian