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, ensuring the survival of the future deliverer of the Israelites.Biblical Account The account of Pharaoh's Daughter is primarily located 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 control the burgeoning population of the Israelites (Exodus 1:22). It was during this period of oppression that Moses was born to a Levite family. To save him from the Pharaoh's edict, his mother placed him in a papyrus basket and set it adrift among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Pharaoh's Daughter, who is not named in the biblical text, went down to the Nile to bathe and discovered the basket among the reeds. Moved with compassion upon seeing the crying infant, she recognized him as one of the Hebrew children. Despite her father's decree, she decided to adopt the child as her own. In a providential turn, 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 unknowingly, Moses' own mother was brought to nurse him. Once the child grew older, he was brought to Pharaoh's Daughter, and she named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water" (Exodus 2:10). Role and Significance Pharaoh's Daughter plays a crucial role in the preservation of Moses, who would later become the leader of the Exodus, guiding the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. Her actions demonstrate a remarkable defiance of her father's orders, suggesting a sense of justice and compassion that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. Her willingness to adopt a Hebrew child highlights the theme of divine intervention and the unexpected ways in which God can work through individuals, regardless of their background or status. Historical and Cultural Context While the Bible does not provide the name of Pharaoh's Daughter, Jewish tradition and extra-biblical sources have speculated on her identity. Some traditions refer to her as Bithiah, a name found in 1 Chronicles 4:18, though this identification is not universally accepted. The historical context of her actions is set against the backdrop of Egyptian society, where the Pharaoh was considered a god-king, and his decrees were absolute. Her decision to save Moses, therefore, is all the more striking given the potential personal risk involved. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, Pharaoh's Daughter can be seen as an example of God's sovereignty and the mysterious ways in which He accomplishes His purposes. Her compassion and courage serve as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their origin or position, to fulfill His divine plan. Her account also underscores the theme of deliverance and salvation, foreshadowing the greater deliverance that Moses would eventually lead. In summary, Pharaoh's Daughter is a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative, whose actions had far-reaching implications for the history of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Her account is a testament to the power of compassion and the unexpected instruments of God's providence. Smith's Bible Dictionary Pharaohs DaughterThree Egyptian princesses, daughters of Pharaohs, are mentioned in the Bible:--
Library Moses How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ... The Finding of Moses The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Tee Advice of Hotep The Plagues The Land and the People. A New Kind of King Canaan The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources What is the meaning of Zaphenath-Paneah in Genesis 41:45? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Pharaoh: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pharaoh: At the Time of Hezekiah Pharaoh: Father-In-Law of Mered Pharaoh: Father-In-Law of Solomon Pharaoh: King of Egypt at the Time of Abraham Pharaoh: Pharaoh-Hophra: Prophecies Concerning Pharaoh: Pharaoh-Necho: His Invasion of Assyria, Josiah's Death Pharaoh: Ruler of Egypt at the Time of David Related Terms Wonder-workers (16 Occurrences) |
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