Exodus Chapter 2 Bible Study: The Birth, Rescue, and Calling of Moses

The Birth and Hidden Preservation of Moses

Exodus 2 opens with a Levite woman giving birth to a son during Pharaoh’s genocidal decree (Exodus 1:22). Recognizing his beauty (Acts 7:20), she hides him for three months before placing him in a waterproofed papyrus basket among the Nile’s reeds. His sister, Miriam, watches from a distance (Exodus 2:4). This act of faith parallels Noah’s ark (Genesis 6:14)—both involve divinely ordained preservation through water. The Hebrew word for “basket” (tevah) is the same used for Noah’s ark, linking Moses’ salvation to God’s larger redemptive pattern.

Pharaoh’s Daughter Discovers and Adopts Moses

Pharaoh’s daughter finds the baby, recognizes him as a Hebrew, yet chooses to spare and raise him (Exodus 2:5-6). Miriam intervenes, offering to find a Hebrew nurse (Moses’ biological mother), ensuring he retains cultural and spiritual ties (Exodus 2:7-9). This irony—Pharaoh’s own household undermining his decree—shows God’s sovereignty over human rulers (Proverbs 21:1). Moses grows up in Pharaoh’s court, gaining royal education (Acts 7:22) while being nursed by his Hebrew mother, who likely taught him of God’s promises (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Moses’ First Attempt at Deliverance and Flight to Midian

As an adult, Moses witnesses an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and, after ensuring no one is watching, kills the oppressor (Exodus 2:11-12). The next day, he intervenes in a Hebrew dispute, only to be rejected: “Who made you a prince and a judge over us?” (Exodus 2:14). Realizing his crime is known, Moses flees to Midian. His impulsive violence contrasts with God’s later method of deliverance through miracles, not human strength (Zechariah 4:6). This failure teaches that human zeal without divine timing leads to disaster (Proverbs 19:2).

Moses in Midian: A Divine Preparation Ground

In Midian, Moses defends Jethro’s daughters from shepherds and is invited into their household (Exodus 2:15-20). He marries Zipporah, has a son named Gershom (“a stranger there”), and settles as a shepherd (Exodus 2:21-22). This season mirrors Jacob’s time in Haran (Genesis 29-31)—a period of humbling before divine calling. The desert becomes Moses’ training ground, stripping him of self-reliance and preparing him for leadership (1 Peter 5:6).

God Hears Israel’s Cry and Remembers His Covenant

The chapter closes with Israel’s groans under slavery reaching God, who “remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Exodus 2:23-25). This doesn’t imply God forgot but signals His decisive action (Numbers 23:19). The stage is set for the burning bush encounter (Exodus 3), where God reveals Himself as Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God.

Key Theological Themes

Divine Providence in Human Decisions

From Pharaoh’s daughter’s compassion to Moses’ Midianite refuge, God orchestrates events to preserve His deliverer (Romans 8:28).

The Cost of Premature Leadership

Moses’ failure teaches that true deliverance comes from God’s power, not human force (Isaiah 55:8-9).

God’s Faithfulness to Covenant Promises

Israel’s suffering triggers God’s intervention, proving He honors His word (Psalm 105:8-10).

Practical Lessons

God prepares His servants in obscurity before elevating them (1 Samuel 16:11).
Human methods without divine approval lead to failure (John 15:5).
God hears the oppressed and acts in His perfect timing (Psalm 34:17-18).

Exodus 2 introduces Moses as a flawed yet chosen instrument, setting the stage for one of Scripture’s greatest redemption narratives.