Topical Encyclopedia Pharaoh's Daughter is a significant yet somewhat enigmatic figure in the biblical narrative, primarily known for her role in the early life of Moses, the great prophet and leader of Israel. Her account is found in the Book of Exodus, where she is depicted as an instrument of divine providence, despite her Egyptian heritage and royal status.Biblical Account The account of Pharaoh's Daughter is primarily found in Exodus 2:1-10. During a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt and Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed, a Levite woman named Jochebed gave birth to a son. To save him, she placed him in a papyrus basket and set it adrift on the Nile River. The basket was discovered by Pharaoh's Daughter while she was bathing in the river. Exodus 2:5-6 states: "Soon the daughter of Pharaoh went down to bathe at the Nile, while her attendants walked along the riverbank. When she saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maidservant to retrieve it. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the little boy was crying. So she had compassion on him and said, 'This is one of the Hebrew children.'" Moved by compassion, Pharaoh's Daughter decided to adopt the child as her own, defying her father's edict. She unknowingly hired Jochebed, the child's biological mother, to nurse him. When the child grew older, he was brought to Pharaoh's Daughter, and she named him Moses, saying, "Because I drew him out of the water" (Exodus 2:10). Role and Significance Pharaoh's Daughter plays a crucial role in the preservation and upbringing of Moses, who would later become the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Her actions demonstrate a remarkable instance of courage and compassion, as she chose to protect a Hebrew child despite the potential risks involved. Her decision to adopt Moses can be seen as a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's plan for His people. While the Bible does not provide her name, Jewish tradition identifies her as Bithiah, a name meaning "daughter of Yahweh," suggesting a possible conversion or at least a reverence for the God of Israel. This tradition is not explicitly supported by the biblical text but reflects the high regard in which she is held for her role in Moses' life. Cultural and Historical Context In the context of ancient Egypt, Pharaoh's Daughter would have been a person of considerable influence and privilege. Her ability to defy her father's decree and adopt a Hebrew child indicates a level of autonomy and authority. The act of bathing in the Nile, a sacred river in Egyptian culture, underscores the everyday life and religious practices of the Egyptian elite. Her account also highlights the complex interactions between the Egyptians and the Israelites during the period of enslavement. Despite the oppressive environment, her actions serve as a reminder of the potential for compassion and righteousness across cultural and national boundaries. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, Pharaoh's Daughter is seen as an instrument of God's providence. Her compassion and willingness to adopt Moses align with the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to use unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes. Her account is a testament to the divine orchestration of events that would lead to the liberation of the Israelites and the establishment of the covenant community. Pharaoh's Daughter, though a minor character in the biblical narrative, plays a vital role in the history of salvation. Her actions set the stage for the emergence of Moses as a leader and prophet, ultimately contributing to the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Pharaoh's DaughterPHARAOH'S DAUGHTER (bath-par`oh): The princess who rescued Moses (Exodus 2:5-10 Hebrews 11:24). This is probably a title as well as an appellation, indicating not only one of the daughters of a Pharaoh, but also some very distinguished rank, thought to be most probably that of the heir to the throne by birth; though she was debarred from reigning by reason of sex, she still possessed the right to entail the scepter and crown to her oldest son. Positive identification of the "Pharaoh's daughter" mentioned in the Bible is not possible yet. All attempts toward identification are, of course, guided by the particular theory of the oppressor accepted. If the Pharaoh of the Oppression was Rameses II, as is most likely, then Pharaoh's daughter was probably the daughter of Seti I, an older sister of Rameses II. If, as many think, the Pharaoh of the Oppression was Thothmes III, then Pharaoh's daughter was some unknown princess. Some have thought she was Hatshepsut, the "Queen Elizabeth of Egypt." Library Christ's Estimate of his People The Boyhood and Training of Moses The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River Moses The Ark among the Flags The Finding of Moses. The Secret of Its Greatness Adoption The Finding of Moses The Faith of Moses. Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any evidence of the exodus? | GotQuestions.org Who was Moses' mother? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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