Topical Encyclopedia Pharaoh's daughter is a notable figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of compassion and sympathy. Her actions are recorded in the Book of Exodus, where she plays a pivotal role in the early life of Moses, the future leader and prophet of Israel.Biblical Account The account of Pharaoh's daughter is found 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 population of the Israelites (Exodus 1:22). In this context of oppression and fear, a Levite woman gave birth to a son and 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 2:3). Pharaoh's daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, accompanied by her attendants. As she walked along the riverbank, she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to retrieve it. Upon opening the basket, she found the baby crying, and the Scripture notes her reaction: "She took pity on him and said, 'This is one of the Hebrew children'" (Exodus 2:6). Her compassion led her to defy her father's edict and save the child. Acts of Compassion Pharaoh's daughter's decision to save Moses is a profound act of compassion and sympathy. Despite being a member of the Egyptian royal family, she recognized the humanity and vulnerability of the Hebrew child. Her willingness to act against the decree of her own father highlights her moral courage and empathy. She not only spared Moses' life but also ensured his well-being by allowing his biological mother to nurse him. 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, unknowingly reuniting Moses with his mother (Exodus 2:7-9). Adoption and Naming After the child grew older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him as her own son. She named him Moses, saying, "Because I drew him out of the water" (Exodus 2:10). This act of adoption further demonstrates her compassion, as she took responsibility for a child who was not her own, raising him in the Egyptian court with all the privileges and education that entailed. Theological Implications Pharaoh's daughter's actions can be seen as part of God's providential plan for the deliverance of Israel. Her compassion and sympathy were instrumental in preserving the life of Moses, who would later lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt. Her account serves as a reminder of how acts of kindness and empathy can have far-reaching consequences in the unfolding of God's purposes. In the broader biblical narrative, Pharaoh's daughter exemplifies the virtue of compassion, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Her willingness to act with mercy and kindness, even in a context where such actions were countercultural, aligns with the biblical call to love and care for others, regardless of their background or circumstances. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 2:6And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Ark among the Flags Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews. The Reaction against Egypt Resources How should Christians respond to global poverty and hunger? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about caregiving? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.org Compassion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Compassion and Sympathy: Christ Set an Example of Compassion and Sympathy: David Compassion and Sympathy: Elijah Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Enemies Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: Saints Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Afflicted Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Chastened Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Poor Compassion and Sympathy: Exercise Towards: The Weak Compassion and Sympathy: Exhortation To Compassion and Sympathy: Illustrated Compassion and Sympathy: Inseparable from Love to God Compassion and Sympathy: Job's Friends Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Compassion of God Compassion and Sympathy: Motives to The Sense of Our Infirmities Compassion and Sympathy: Nehemiah Compassion and Sympathy: Pharaoh's Daughter Compassion and Sympathy: Promise to Those Who Show Compassion and Sympathy: Shobi Compassion and Sympathy: The Wicked Made to Feel, for Saints The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: An Encouragement to Prayer The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Afflicted The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Diseased The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Perishing Sinners The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Poor The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Tempted The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weak in Faith The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Manifested for The: Weary and Heavy-Laden The Compassion and Sympathy of Christ: Necessary to his Priestly office Related Terms Compassionate (22 Occurrences) Fellow-bondman (6 Occurrences) |