Topical Encyclopedia Moses, one of the most significant figures in the Bible, is introduced in the Book of Exodus during a time of great peril for the Israelites in Egypt. The narrative of Moses being hidden in a small basket is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for his future role as the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.Historical Context The account of Moses begins in a period when the Israelites were living in Egypt and had grown exceedingly numerous. A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, came to power and felt threatened by the burgeoning population of the Israelites. To curb their growth, Pharaoh decreed that every Hebrew male child born should be cast into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). The Birth and Hiding of Moses Amidst this backdrop of oppression, a Levite couple, Amram and Jochebed, gave birth to a son. Recognizing that he was a special child, they defied Pharaoh's edict and hid him for three months. When they could no longer conceal him, Jochebed took a bold step to preserve his life. She crafted a small basket, coated it with tar and pitch to make it watertight, and placed her son inside. She then set the basket among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River (Exodus 2:1-3). Divine Providence and Rescue The narrative continues with the intervention of divine providence. Pharaoh's daughter came down to bathe at the river and discovered the basket among the reeds. Upon opening it, she saw the crying baby and felt compassion for him, recognizing him as one of the Hebrew children. Despite her father's decree, she decided to adopt the child as her own (Exodus 2:5-6). Miriam, Moses' sister, who had been watching from a distance, approached Pharaoh's daughter and offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. Pharaoh's daughter agreed, and Miriam brought Jochebed, Moses' mother, to nurse him. Thus, Moses was raised in his early years by his biological mother, who instilled in him the faith and heritage of the Hebrew people (Exodus 2:7-9). Significance in Biblical Narrative The account of Moses being hidden in a small basket is not merely a account of maternal ingenuity and courage but also a testament to God's sovereign plan and protection. This event foreshadows Moses' future role as the leader who would confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery. It highlights themes of faith, divine intervention, and the preservation of God's chosen people. Moses' early life, marked by this miraculous preservation, sets the foundation for his later encounters with God, including the burning bush and the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. His account is a profound example of how God can use seemingly small and insignificant acts to accomplish His greater purposes. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 2:3And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. Nave's Topical Index Library The Child Moses. The Mustard-Seed. Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary Letter Liii. To Paulinus. The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert A Great victory Introduction to Oration ii. The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ... John Calvin. His Life and Character. Resources Who was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow many times did Moses ascend Mount Sinai? | GotQuestions.org Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org Moses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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