Topical Encyclopedia Pharaoh's daughter, an unnamed figure in the biblical narrative, plays a pivotal role in the early life of Moses, demonstrating an act of profound kindness that would have lasting implications for the history of Israel. Her actions are recorded in the Book of Exodus, where she is depicted as a compassionate and decisive woman who defies her father's edict for the sake of an innocent child.Biblical Account The account unfolds in Exodus 2:1-10. During a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, Pharaoh issued a decree that all newborn Hebrew boys were to be thrown into the Nile River to curb the population of the Israelites (Exodus 1:22). In this context of oppression and fear, a Levite woman gave birth to a son and, seeing that he was a fine child, hid him for three months. When she could no longer conceal him, she placed him in a papyrus basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile (Exodus 2:2-3). Pharaoh's daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, accompanied by her maidens. As she walked along the riverbank, she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maidservant to retrieve it. Upon opening the basket, she found the baby crying and was moved with compassion. Recognizing him as one of the Hebrew children, she chose to spare his life (Exodus 2:5-6). Act of Kindness Pharaoh's daughter's decision to save Moses is a remarkable act of kindness, especially considering the political and cultural pressures of her time. Her compassion transcended the ethnic and social barriers that divided Egyptians and Hebrews. By choosing to adopt Moses, she not only defied her father's cruel decree but also provided Moses with a unique upbringing that would prepare him for his future role as the leader of the Israelites. The narrative continues with the intervention of Moses' sister, who had been watching from a distance. She approached Pharaoh's daughter and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Pharaoh's daughter agreed, and the child's own mother was brought to nurse him. When the child grew older, he was brought to Pharaoh's daughter, and she adopted him as her son, naming him Moses, saying, "Because I drew him out of the water" (Exodus 2:7-10). Theological Implications Pharaoh's daughter's kindness is seen as an instrument of divine providence. Her actions ensured the survival of Moses, who would later become the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This act of compassion is a testament to how God can use individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs, to fulfill His purposes. Her kindness is a reflection of the biblical principle that God's plans often unfold through unexpected and seemingly ordinary acts of mercy and love. Legacy The kindness of Pharaoh's daughter is remembered as a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. Her willingness to act with compassion and courage in the face of potential danger highlights the power of individual choices in the broader tapestry of God's redemptive history. Her account serves as an enduring example of how acts of kindness can have far-reaching consequences, shaping the course of history and advancing God's purposes in the world. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 2:6-10And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children. Nave's Topical Index Library The Sovereignty of God in Operation Acts vii. 6, 7 Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Chapter xlvii At the Well Olney Hymns How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ... The Heir Intervenes Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; Christian Behavior Resources Who was Barzillai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is servant evangelism? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view wealth? | GotQuestions.org Kindness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Kindness: Centurion to his Servant Kindness: David to Mephibosheth Kindness: Elisha to the Woman Whose Son he Restored to Life Kindness: Evil-Merodach to Jehoiachin Kindness: General Scriptures Concerning Kindness: Jehoshabeath to Joash Kindness: Nebuchadrezzar to Jeremiah Kindness: Pharaoh's Daughter to Moses Kindness: The Jews to Mary and Martha Kindness: The Jews to the People Related Terms Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) Longsuffering (17 Occurrences) |
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