MPV Commentary

Birth and Preservation of Moses.

1. A man from the family of Levi, Amram, was married to Jochebed (compare Ex 6:2; Nu 26:59). They had two children, Miriam and Aaron, before the edict requiring the death of all Hebrew male infants was issued.

2. The woman gave birth to a son, and his parents were struck by his exceptional beauty. This led them to believe that he would be great in the future. Beauty was considered a sign of divine favor among the ancient people.

3. They hid him for three months, taking measures not only out of parental love but also because they trusted God's blessing on their efforts to save the infant.

4. To protect the child, Jochebed took an ark made from papyrus reeds and coated it with Nile mud and tar. The chest was then placed on the riverbank, where it would appear as if it had been carried by the current and stopped by a thicket of reeds. This spot is traditionally believed to be the Isle of Rodah near Old Cairo.

5. Miriam, who was likely around ten or twelve years old at the time, watched over her brother from a distance.

6-9. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe in the river during a religious ceremony. She had an enclosure reserved for her use, and her maid accompanied her. When she discovered the child, she was moved by his appearance and decided to adopt him as her own son.

10. Jochebed brought Moses to Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him as her own. Although this must have been a difficult experience for Jochebed, she trusted that God had a greater purpose for her son. Moses was old enough to be instructed in the principles of true religion and would carry these early impressions with him throughout his life.