Topical Encyclopedia The use of pitch in the construction of the basket that held the infant Moses is a significant detail found in the biblical narrative of Exodus. This event is recorded in Exodus 2:3, where Moses' mother, Jochebed, seeks to protect her son from Pharaoh's decree to drown all Hebrew male infants in the Nile River. The Berean Standard Bible states: "But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile."Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, pitch was a common waterproofing material. It is a sticky, resinous substance derived from natural sources such as bitumen or tar. The use of pitch in the construction of vessels and containers was well-known in ancient times, as it provided a reliable means of sealing and protecting against water. The application of pitch to the basket ensured that it would float and remain watertight, safeguarding the infant Moses as he was placed in the Nile. Symbolic Significance The use of pitch in the account of Moses' basket carries symbolic weight. The Hebrew word for "basket" used in Exodus 2:3 is "tevah," which is the same word used for Noah's ark in Genesis 6:14. In both instances, pitch is used to waterproof the vessel, highlighting a thematic parallel of divine protection and deliverance. Just as Noah's ark preserved life through the flood, the basket preserved Moses, who would later become the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the use of pitch in Moses' basket can be seen as an act of faith and divine providence. Jochebed's careful preparation of the basket reflects her trust in God's protection over her son. The pitch, serving as a sealant, symbolizes God's safeguarding presence, ensuring that Moses would fulfill his destiny as a leader and prophet. This act of preservation foreshadows the greater deliverance that God would accomplish through Moses, ultimately leading the Israelites to freedom. Practical Application The narrative of Moses' basket encourages believers to trust in God's provision and protection, even in dire circumstances. The use of pitch as a practical measure underscores the importance of human responsibility in conjunction with divine intervention. It serves as a reminder that faith often requires action, and that God works through the means available to His people to accomplish His purposes. In summary, the use of pitch in the making of the basket in which Moses was hidden is a detail rich with historical, symbolic, and theological significance. It illustrates the interplay of human initiative and divine providence, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness in the preservation and deliverance of His people. 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 Ancient Chaldaea Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. Another Wonderful Record of 25. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Is God imaginary? | GotQuestions.orgAre the pyramids mentioned in the Bible? Did the enslaved Israelites build the pyramids? | GotQuestions.org What was the tent of meeting? | GotQuestions.org Pitch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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