“Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months.” – Exodus 2:1-2
The Importance of Moses’ Birth
As we reflect on the birth of Moses, we remember its significance not just for the people of Israel but for the entire biblical narrative. Moses was called by God to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt. His birth came during a time of great oppression, and his arrival was marked by hope and divine purpose. We can take inspiration from how the circumstances of his birth show us that even in times of trouble, God has a plan. This encourages us to trust in God’s timing and providence, knowing that His purposes are often greater than what we can see.
Exodus 2:1
“Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman,” – Exodus 2:1
Exodus 2:2
“and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months.” – Exodus 2:2
Hebrews 11:23
“By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” – Hebrews 11:23
Acts 7:20
“At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for by his family.” – Acts 7:20
Exodus 1:22
“Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: ‘Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.'” – Exodus 1:22
The Protection Over Moses
The circumstances surrounding Moses’ birth reveal God’s divine protection. His mother, Jochebed, showed incredible faith and courage by defying Pharaoh’s orders to kill newborn Hebrew males. This act of bravery illustrates the lengths to which a mother will go for her child. We can be inspired by Jochebed’s faith and the way God intervened in the life of Moses, leading him to a safe and secure future. As we consider our protective roles, whether as parents or caretakers, let us remember to rely on God’s guidance and trust in His plans for those we love.
Exodus 2:3
“But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.” – Exodus 2:3
Exodus 2:4
“His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.” – Exodus 2:4
Exodus 2:5
“Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it.” – Exodus 2:5
Exodus 2:6
“She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. ‘This is one of the Hebrew babies,’ she said.” – Exodus 2:6
Exodus 2:7
“Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?'” – Exodus 2:7
The Role of Faith in Moses’ Birth
The story of Moses’ birth is a testament to faith in action. His parents, seeing that he was no ordinary child, acted on their convictions and demonstrated bravery in the face of danger. In our own lives, we may find ourselves in situations where we must act in faith. This reminds us that with God beside us, our faith can lead to incredible outcomes. Just as Moses was saved and equipped for great purposes, we too can trust God to work in our challenges and turn them into victories.
Exodus 2:8
“Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother.” – Exodus 2:8
Hebrews 11:24
“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” – Hebrews 11:24
Hebrews 11:25
“He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” – Hebrews 11:25
Exodus 2:9
“Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.’ So the woman took the baby and nursed him.” – Exodus 2:9
Acts 7:21
“When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son.” – Acts 7:21
Courage of Jochebed
Jochebed, the mother of Moses, serves as a shining example of a courageous woman. In a time of fear and persecution, she chose to protect her son with unwavering determination. Her actions provoke us to think about the courage we need in our own lives. We all face situations that require us to stand strong and protect what we love, be it our family, beliefs, or friends. With God’s direction, we can emulate Jochebed’s bravery, affirming that courage can bring about remarkable changes and protection even in dire circumstances.
Exodus 2:10
“When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, ‘I drew him out of the water.'” – Exodus 2:10
Exodus 1:16
“He said, ‘When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.'” – Exodus 1:16
Exodus 1:17
“The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.” – Exodus 1:17
Hebrews 11:29
“By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.” – Hebrews 11:29
Exodus 2:11
“One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor.” – Exodus 2:11
The Mission of Moses
Moses’ birth was the initiation of a profound mission crafted by God. As he was saved from the danger of being murdered, we see how God had plans for Moses to lead His people to freedom. This encourages us to recognize that our lives are also filled with God’s intention and purpose. We are created uniquely, and just as Moses’s mission unfolded from a moment of divine intervention, so can our paths lead us to incredible purposes if we simply follow God’s lead and trust in His plans for us.
Exodus 3:10
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:10
Exodus 3:11
“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?'” – Exodus 3:11
Exodus 4:10
“Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.'” – Exodus 4:10
Exodus 4:12
“Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” – Exodus 4:12
Exodus 4:14
“Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, ‘What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you.'” – Exodus 4:14
The Legacy of Moses
Moses holds a significant place in the history of God’s people. His upbringing, the circumstances surrounding his birth, and the divine intervention he experienced laid the foundation for a legacy that we continue to learn from today. His leadership, faith, and obedience serve as a model for us. Through Moses, we see that God can work through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Let us find inspiration in the legacy Moses left behind and strive to live our lives in a way that glorifies God for generations to come.
Deuteronomy 34:5
“And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said.” – Deuteronomy 34:5
Deuteronomy 34:10
“Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” – Deuteronomy 34:10
Numbers 12:7
“But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.” – Numbers 12:7
Joshua 1:1
“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide.” – Joshua 1:1
Luke 9:30
“Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.” – Luke 9:30
Final Thoughts
The story of Moses’ birth is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and purpose. From the challenges his family faced, we can learn about courage and the importance of faith. Moses was no ordinary child; God had a special plan for him, just as He does for each of us. As we explore this narrative, let us ponder our paths and seek God’s guidance in fulfilling the purpose He has set for our lives. Together, we can support and encourage one another as we take steps in faith towards a brighter tomorrow.
There are plenty more enriching topics to read about. We can explore themes like fostering love in our lives or understanding why some scriptures touch on fostering through love and care. It’s a beautiful journey of faith and compassion.
Delve into the rich tapestry of the Bible and discover what lessons await us in every story.