Topical Bible: God: Preserver: To Moses, in his Infancy

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In the narrative of Moses' infancy, God is revealed as the divine Preserver, orchestrating events to safeguard the future leader of Israel. This account is found in the book of Exodus, where the providential care of God is evident amidst the perilous circumstances surrounding Moses' birth.

Context and Background

The account unfolds during a time of great oppression for the Israelites in Egypt. A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, rose to power and, fearing the growing population of the Israelites, enslaved them and subjected them to harsh labor (Exodus 1:8-14). In a further attempt to curb their numbers, Pharaoh decreed that every Hebrew male child be cast into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22).

Divine Preservation

Amidst this decree, Moses was born to a Levite family. His mother, Jochebed, saw that he was a fine child and hid him for three months (Exodus 2:2). When she could no longer conceal him, she crafted an ark of bulrushes, coated it with tar and pitch, and placed the child in it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile (Exodus 2:3).

Here, God's preserving hand is evident. The very river meant to be a place of death became a vessel of life for Moses. His sister, Miriam, stood at a distance to see what would happen to him (Exodus 2:4). It was then that Pharaoh's daughter came to bathe in the river and discovered the ark. Moved with compassion, she decided to adopt the child, despite recognizing him as one of the Hebrew children (Exodus 2:5-6).

Providential Care

In a remarkable turn of events, Miriam approached Pharaoh's daughter and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Pharaoh's daughter agreed, and Miriam brought Jochebed, Moses' own mother, to nurse him (Exodus 2:7-9). Thus, Moses was raised under the protection of Pharaoh's household while being nurtured by his biological mother, who instilled in him the faith and heritage of the Israelites.

Significance

The preservation of Moses in his infancy is a testament to God's sovereign control and faithfulness to His covenant people. Despite the oppressive edicts of Pharaoh, God's purposes could not be thwarted. Moses would grow to become the deliverer of Israel, leading them out of bondage and into the Promised Land.

This account underscores the theme of divine preservation throughout Scripture, where God protects and sustains His chosen ones, often through unexpected means. It serves as a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His ability to work all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 2:1-10
And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Fall of Man
... The days of man, for above three thousand years, (from the time of Moses at least ...
We might have loved God the Creator, God the Preserver, God the Governor ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 57 on the fall.htm

Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna
... the Holy One of Israel, the Instructor of Moses; Him, I ... a firm coherence; as the
connecting Band and Preserver of that ... [3037] Wherefore, O Lord my God, I will ...
/.../the writings of methodius fragments/oration concerning simeon and anna.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... no Christians?"A. He is their maker and preserver; but they ... that he counted that
act of his worshipping God. ... So did Moses in leaving the crown and kingdom ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

Introduction.
... best, perishable and temporary, like the ceremonial law of Moses. ... of Eastern mythology,
the Destroyer God is greater than the Creator or the Preserver, and no ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/introduction.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... is called the soul-keeper, the soul-preserver, (Proverbs 24 ... the first time into the
mount to God, the people ... him so long, saying, "As for this Moses,"we wot ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

part i
... At times, I hear the song of Moses; the song of Zacharias"the father of the Forerunner;
that of Hannah, the mother of the ... That of God and of His saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm