Berean Study Bible The Birth and Adoption of MosesLevi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and his descendants formed the tribe set apart for service in Israel’s worship. Moses’ birth within this family established his connection to the tribe later entrusted with priestly and Tabernacle duties. Exo 6:16-19 These were the names of the sons of Levi… married a Levite woman, The man and woman were both Levites, preserving their family’s place within Israel. Their union produced Moses, whom God would raise up to lead His people out of Egypt and serve as their mediator under the covenant. Exo 6:20 And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed,… and she conceived and gave birth to a son. Moses was born during Pharaoh’s campaign to destroy Hebrew boys at birth. His parents, Amram and Jochebed, received him as a gift from God despite the danger surrounding his birth. His arrival would become the beginning of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. 1Sa 1:20 So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth… When she saw that he was a beautiful child, Moses’ mother recognized that her son was remarkable and precious. He was a “beautiful” child—Hebrew for “good” or “fine”—suggesting not only physical beauty but also special purpose or divine favor. His appearance strengthened her resolve to preserve his life, though doing so directly defied Pharaoh’s command. Act 7:20 At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful…… she hid him for three months. For three months, Moses’ family sheltered him from those carrying out Pharaoh’s order. Their courage preserved the life of the child God would later use to lead Israel out of bondage. Heb 11:23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months… But when she could no longer hide him, Pharaoh’s order to kill Hebrew boys made Moses’ concealment increasingly dangerous. After protecting him for three months, Jochebed faced the limits of what she could do within her home. Heb 11:23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months… she got him a papyrus basket She prepared a small vessel from materials commonly used along the Nile, giving Moses a means of escape from the death decreed by Pharaoh. Isa 18:2 which sends couriers by sea, in papyrus vessels… and coated it with tar and pitch. The coating sealed the basket against the water, preserving it as it floated on the river. Gen 6:14 Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms… Then she placed the child in the basket Jochebed entrusted her son to God while taking deliberate action to preserve his life. Moses would later become the leader God used to bring Israel out of Egypt. Act 7:21 When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him… and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. The reeds sheltered the basket from the river’s current and kept it near the bank, where it could be found. There, Moses was placed within reach of Pharaoh’s household, setting in motion the events that would preserve him. Isa 19:6 The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt… And his sister stood at a distance Miriam watched from afar as her mother placed Moses among the reeds of the Nile. Though still young, she remained near enough to observe without drawing attention to herself. Her care for Moses shows the family’s determination to preserve his life despite Pharaoh’s order against Hebrew sons. Gen 21:16 Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away,… to see what would happen to him. Moses’ future was uncertain as he lay exposed along the riverbank, yet Miriam stayed to learn whether he would be discovered and spared. Her watchfulness prepared the way for her later intervention when Pharaoh’s daughter found him. Est 2:11 And every day Mordecai would walk back and forth… Soon the daughter of Pharaoh went down to bathe in the Nile, Pharaoh’s daughter came to the river in keeping with the customs and privileges of Egypt’s royal household. The Nile was central to Egyptian life and religious practice, yet God used this setting to preserve the child who would later confront Pharaoh and lead Israel from bondage. Act 7:21 When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him… and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. Her attendants reflect her rank and provided protection and assistance during her visit. Their presence also made the discovery of the child possible without exposing Pharaoh’s daughter to danger. Gen 41:2-3 when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river… And when she saw the basket among the reeds, Moses had been placed where the reeds could conceal the basket while keeping it near the shore. What appeared to be a desperate act by his mother became the means by which God brought him to the attention of the royal family. Job 40:21-22 He lies under the lotus plants, hidden among the reeds… she sent her maidservant to retrieve it. Pharaoh’s daughter acted through her servant, exercising the authority of her position. Retrieving the basket set in motion Moses’ protection, adoption, and upbringing within the household of the very ruler who had ordered the death of Hebrew sons. 2Ki 5:2-4 At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands… When she opened it, Pharaoh’s daughter opened the papyrus basket that had been carefully sealed against the Nile’s water. What had been hidden among the reeds was now brought before a member of Pharaoh’s own household. Gen 8:13 In Noah’s six hundred and first year, on the first day… she saw the child, Moses’ mother had placed him in the basket when she could no longer conceal him from Pharaoh’s order against Hebrew sons. His discovery preserved his life and placed him under unexpected protection. Heb 11:23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months… and behold, the little boy was crying. The infant’s cry revealed both his helplessness and his need. Rather than turning away, Pharaoh’s daughter was moved by what she saw and heard. Gen 21:16-17 Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away,… So she had compassion on him Her mercy overcame the danger and political pressure surrounding a Hebrew child. Through her action, Moses would be raised within the Egyptian royal household while remaining connected to his Hebrew family. Isa 49:15 Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion… and said, “This is one of the Hebrew children.” She recognized his identity immediately, yet chose to spare him. Moses’ rescue marked the beginning of his preservation for the later deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Exo 1:22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son…”… Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, Miriam watched over Moses with courage and wisdom. Though only a Hebrew girl, she approached Pharaoh’s daughter and acted quickly to protect her brother. Her actions helped preserve Moses within both his Hebrew family and the Egyptian royal household. Exo 15:20 Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister,… “Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew women Miriam’s proposal provided a practical solution for the infant’s care while allowing his own mother to remain near him. Moses would receive care from a Hebrew woman during his earliest years, preserving his connection to his family and people. Exo 1:19 The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women,… to nurse the child for you?” Pharaoh’s daughter accepted an arrangement that returned Moses to Jochebed for a time. God used Miriam’s initiative and the princess’s compassion to protect the child who would later lead Israel out of Egypt. Rut 4:16 And Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap,… “Go ahead,” Pharaoh’s daughter immediately accepted Miriam’s proposal, permitting a Hebrew woman to care for the child she had rescued from the Nile. Exo 14:15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me?… Pharaoh’s daughter told her. Though her father had ordered the death of Hebrew boys, the princess’s actions preserved Moses and quietly opposed that decree. Gen 21:12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed… And the girl went Miriam acted courageously and wisely, recognizing the opportunity to protect her brother. Gen 24:28 The girl ran and told her mother’s household… and called the boy’s mother. Jochebed was brought to nurse her own son, allowing Moses to receive care from his family during his earliest years. 2Ki 4:36-37 Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, “Call the Shunammite woman.… Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, The Egyptian princess defied her father’s policy by showing mercy to a Hebrew infant. God preserved Moses through an unlikely member of Pharaoh’s household. Act 7:21 When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him… “Take this child and nurse him for me, Moses’ own mother, Jochebed, was given the opportunity to care for him during his earliest years, allowing him to remain connected to his Hebrew family and identity. Isa 49:23 Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens… and I will pay your wages.” What began as Jochebed’s desperate effort to save her son became a provision in which she was paid to nurse him. Pharaoh’s decree was thus overturned within his own household. Mat 20:8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard… So the woman took the boy and nursed him. Jochebed cared for Moses until he was old enough to be returned to Pharaoh’s daughter, preparing him for a life that would unite his Hebrew heritage with his later position in Egypt. Rut 4:16 And Naomi took the child, placed him on her lap,… When the child had grown older, Moses remained with Jochebed through his early years, receiving the care of his birth family before entering the royal household. Gen 21:8 So the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held… she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, Jochebed faithfully returned him according to the arrangement, entrusting him to the protection God had provided. 1Sa 1:24-28 Once she had weaned him, Hannah took the boy with her… and he became her son. Adopted into Pharaoh’s family, Moses received the standing, education, and access that would later equip him to lead Israel. 2Sa 7:14 I will be his Father, and he will be My son.… She named him Moses His Egyptian name, possibly derived from “mose,” meaning “son” or “born of,” marked his place within the royal court, though he remained a Hebrew by birth. 1Sa 1:20 So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth… and explained, “I drew him out of the water.” His rescue from the Nile, and his name meaning “to draw out,” pointed ahead to the deliverance God would accomplish through him as he led Israel out of Egypt. Psa 18:16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;…
The Rejection and Flight of MosesMoses had been raised in Pharaoh’s household but remained aware of his Hebrew identity. Having reached maturity, he began to look beyond the privileges of the palace toward the condition of Israel. Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called… he went out to his own people Moses deliberately identified himself with the Hebrews rather than with the Egyptian ruling class. His concern for them would eventually lead him into exile and prepare him for his later calling as Israel’s deliverer. Act 7:23 When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit… and observed their hard labor. Israel’s slavery was severe and oppressive. Moses saw firsthand the injustice imposed upon the people whom God had set apart for Himself. Exo 3:7 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction… He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, The violence of the Egyptian taskmaster exposed the cruelty behind Israel’s forced labor. Moses’ response showed both his identification with the oppressed and his growing refusal to ignore their suffering. Act 7:24 And when he saw one of them being mistreated,… one of his own people. Though raised as an Egyptian prince, Moses regarded the Hebrew slave as his brother. His loyalty to Israel marked a decisive break from the security and status of Egypt. Deu 15:12 If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold… After looking this way and that and seeing no one, Moses acted deliberately, aware that killing the Egyptian would bring serious consequences. His concern for the oppressed Hebrew showed where his loyalties lay, even though he had been raised in Pharaoh’s household. Jhn 3:19-21 And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world…… he struck down the Egyptian Moses defended one of his own people, but he acted before God’s public call and appointed time to lead Israel out of Egypt. Act 7:24 And when he saw one of them being mistreated,… and hid his body in the sand. Attempting to conceal the killing did not prevent it from becoming known, and Moses soon fled Egypt for Midian when Pharaoh sought his life. Pro 28:13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper,… The next day Moses went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. Having been raised in Pharaoh’s household, Moses knew the privileges of Egypt’s court, yet he also recognized his connection to the oppressed Hebrews. After defending a Hebrew from an Egyptian the previous day, he again entered their midst and found conflict within his own people. Their slavery had brought severe hardship, but Moses saw that internal violence also threatened their unity. Act 7:26 The next day he came upon two Israelites who were fighting,… He asked the one in the wrong, Moses did not ignore the dispute or treat both men as equally guilty. He confronted the aggressor, showing the concern for justice that would later mark his leadership of Israel. Lev 19:17 You must not harbor hatred against your brother… “Why are you attacking your companion?” The man being struck was not an enemy but a fellow Hebrew. Moses called attention to their shared identity and the need for peace among a people who would soon need to stand together against Egypt. Pro 3:29-30 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,… But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? The Hebrew’s response exposed Israel’s resistance to Moses’ attempt to intervene. Though Moses would later lead and judge the nation by God’s command, he had not yet been appointed for that work, and his actions had not won the confidence of his people. Act 7:27 But the man who was abusing his neighbor… Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” The killing of the Egyptian was already known among the Hebrews. Moses had acted against oppression, but he had taken judgment into his own hands, and the incident now placed him in danger. Act 7:24-25 And when he saw one of them being mistreated,… Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.” Realizing that Pharaoh would likely hear of the matter, Moses fled Egypt for Midian. His failure did not end God’s purpose for him, but it marked the beginning of a long period in which God prepared him to deliver Israel according to His command. Luk 8:17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed… When Pharaoh heard about this matter, When Pharaoh heard of Moses’ killing of the Egyptian, he sought to put Moses to death. Exo 14:5 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled,… he sought to kill Moses. Pharaoh treated Moses as a criminal and a threat to his rule. Moses could no longer remain safely in Egypt, despite his former position and upbringing. Exo 4:19 Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt,… But Moses fled from Pharaoh Moses left Egypt to escape death, beginning a long period of exile that separated him from both the palace and his Hebrew people. This departure prepared him for the work God would later give him. Heb 11:27 By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger;… and settled in the land of Midian, Midian lay east of the Gulf of Aqaba in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. Its people descended from Abraham through Keturah, and Moses found refuge there for the next forty years. Act 7:29 At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian… where he sat down beside a well. Wells were essential gathering places for travelers, shepherds, and families. At this well Moses’ life in Midian began, leading to his welcome into the household of Jethro and his marriage to Zipporah. Gen 24:11 As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down… Now the priest of Midian Midian lay east of the Sinai Peninsula and was inhabited by descendants of Abraham through Keturah. Its priest held religious and social authority within the community. Exo 3:1 Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock… had seven daughters, His daughters shared in the work of the household, caring for the family’s livestock in a pastoral economy. 1Ch 2:34-35 Sheshan had no sons, but only daughters.… and they came to draw water Wells were essential gathering places in the wilderness, supplying households and flocks with the water needed for daily life. Gen 24:11-20 As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down… and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. Their diligent service reveals the responsibilities they carried and prepares for Moses’ welcome into this Midianite household, where he would later become a shepherd himself. Gen 30:38-39 Then he set the peeled branches in the watering troughs… And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Reuel’s daughters regularly watered their father’s flock, but other shepherds used force to seize access to the well. In a dry land where wells were essential for people and livestock, such conduct threatened the livelihood of a household. Their treatment of the women exposed both the injustice of the men and the daughters’ vulnerability. Jer 23:2 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says:… Moses rose up to help them Moses intervened decisively, refusing to allow the stronger shepherds to mistreat them. Having fled Egypt after defending an oppressed Israelite, he again acted against injustice. His willingness to protect the weak anticipated the leadership God would later entrust to him on behalf of Israel. Act 7:24-25 And when he saw one of them being mistreated,… and watered their flock. Moses completed the work the daughters had begun, providing water for Reuel’s animals. His action combined courage with practical service and introduced him to the household where he would live during his years in Midian. Gen 29:10 As soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter… When the daughters returned to their father Reuel, Reuel, also called Jethro, was the priest of Midian. The Midianites descended from Abraham through Keturah, linking them to Abraham’s family line. His daughters lived under his household authority and protection. Exo 18:1 Now Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian,… he asked them, Reuel took notice of their unexpected return and questioned them about it, showing his involvement in the welfare and work of his household. Gen 43:7 They replied, “The man questioned us in detail…”… “Why have you returned so early today?” Their shepherding duties normally took longer because of the difficulty of watering the flock. They returned early because Moses had defended them from the other shepherds and helped draw water for their animals. His action reveals the same concern for the oppressed that would later mark his leadership of Israel. 2Ki 4:23 “Why would you go to him today?” he replied.… “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” Moses was recognized as an Egyptian because of his upbringing in Pharaoh’s household, his appearance, and his manner. After fleeing Egypt for killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, he defended Reuel’s daughters when shepherds tried to drive them from the well. Reuel, also called Jethro, was a priest of Midian. Ezk 34:11-12 For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself… they replied. The daughters reported the unusual event to their father after returning home earlier than expected. Gen 24:50-51 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD;…… “He even drew water for us Moses went beyond protecting them from the shepherds. He performed the demanding work of drawing water from the well, serving women he had only just met. Gen 24:17-20 So the servant ran to meet her and said… and watered the flock.” By watering their animals, Moses provided for the household’s livelihood and showed the care and courage that would later mark his leadership of Israel. Gen 29:2-10 He looked and saw a well in the field, and near it… “So where is he?” Reuel, the priest of Midian and father of the seven women, wanted to know why the Egyptian who had defended them was not with them. Moses’ action at the well had shown courage and kindness toward strangers. Jhn 7:11 So the Jews were looking for Him at the feast… their father asked. As head of the household, Reuel directed his daughters to respond appropriately to the man who had helped them. Their report opened the way for Moses to find shelter among the Midianites after fleeing Egypt. Luk 15:20-24 So he got up and went to his father… “Why did you leave the man behind? Reuel regarded it as improper to leave a benefactor at the well without offering him hospitality. Moses had protected his daughters and drawn water for their flock when the other shepherds had driven them away. 2Sa 19:25 And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king,… Invite him to have something to eat.” A meal welcomed Moses into Reuel’s household and began his long residence in Midian. There he would marry Zipporah, tend Reuel’s flocks, and spend years removed from Egypt before God called him to lead Israel. Gen 18:5-8 And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh… Moses agreed to stay with the man, Having fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian, Moses found safety in Midian with Reuel, also called Jethro, the priest of Midian. His stay marked the beginning of forty years away from Egypt, during which God prepared him for the work ahead. Though separated from his people, Moses remained under God’s protection and provision. Gen 29:18-20 Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you… and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. Reuel received Moses into his household by giving him Zipporah in marriage, signifying a formal alliance and Moses’ acceptance into the Midianite community. The union established Moses in Midian and brought him into a family descended from Abraham through Keturah. Zipporah would later bear Moses two sons and play an important part in preserving their household’s covenant faithfulness. 1Sa 18:27 David and his men killed two hundred Philistines.… And she gave birth to a son, Zipporah bore Moses his first son during the years he lived in Midian after fleeing Egypt. Though removed from Egypt and the palace where he had been raised, Moses had established a household under Jethro’s care. Gen 21:2 So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age… and Moses named him Gershom, The name Gershom, meaning “sojourner” or “foreigner,” memorialized Moses’ changed circumstances. Once identified with Egypt, he now lived among the Midianites as an exile. Exo 18:3 along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom… saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.” Moses recognized that Midian was not his homeland. His years there prepared him for the work God would later give him: leading Israel out of Egypt as a people who had also lived as strangers in a foreign land. Gen 17:8 And to you and your descendants I will give the land…
God Hears the Cry of the IsraelitesMoses remained in Midian for many years while the Pharaoh who had sought his life died. Israel’s condition did not improve with the change of ruler, and the oppression established under Egypt’s kings continued. Exo 1:8 Then a new king, who did not know Joseph,… The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, Their suffering had become unbearable. Forced labor, harsh treatment, and the loss of freedom drove the people to call for rescue. Exo 1:13-14 They worked the Israelites ruthlessly… and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. God was not distant from their affliction. Their plea marked the beginning of His appointed deliverance through Moses and the fulfillment of His covenant purposes for Israel. Exo 3:7-9 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction… So God heard their groaning, The cries of Israel rose from generations of bitter slavery in Egypt. God was fully aware of their suffering and prepared to act on their behalf. Exo 3:7 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction… and He remembered His covenant God’s remembrance marks the beginning of His decisive intervention. He had not forgotten His promises; He was moving to fulfill them through Israel’s deliverance. Exo 6:5 Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites… with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The coming rescue rested on the covenant God had made with Israel’s patriarchs, promising them descendants, a land, and blessing. The Exodus would reveal His faithfulness to those promises and advance His plan of redemption through the family of Abraham. Exo 6:8 And I will bring you into the land that I swore to give… God saw the Israelites God was fully aware of Israel’s affliction under Egyptian slavery and had not forgotten His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Their oppression had reached the point appointed for His deliverance, setting the stage for Moses’ calling and the Exodus. Israel’s bondage also points to humanity’s need for deliverance from sin, ultimately fulfilled through Christ. Deu 26:7 So we called out to the LORD, the God of our fathers;… and took notice. God’s knowledge—His deep, compassionate acknowledgment and understanding—led to purposeful action. He would confront Pharaoh, rescue His people, and bring them to Sinai, where He established His covenant with Israel. Exo 3:16 Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them,… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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