Analysis of Exodus Chapter 2
The second chapter of the book of Exodus is a pivotal segment that sets the stage for the rise of Moses as a central figure in the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian oppression. This chapter can be broken down into several key sections, each of which contributes significantly to the narrative and theological themes of this scripture. We will analyze the birth and early life of Moses, his flight to Midian, and his defining experiences there.
The Birth and Early Life of Moses (Exodus 2:1-10)
The chapter begins with a brief genealogy, stating that Moses’ parents were from the tribe of Levi. This detail is crucial as the Levites later play a significant role in the spiritual leadership of the Israelites. Moses’ early life is marked by divine intervention and remarkable acts of courage from his family:
“Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months.” (Exodus 2:1-2)
To protect Moses from Pharaoh’s edict to kill all Hebrew male infants, his mother places him in a basket and sets him adrift on the Nile. The choice of the Nile is symbolic; it is a source of life and sustenance but also a tool of Pharaoh’s genocidal decree. The basket symbolizes both vulnerability and protection, as Moses’ mother trusts in God’s providence:
“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 put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.” (Exodus 2:3)
In an unexpected twist, Pharaoh’s daughter finds the basket and decides to adopt the child. This event highlights the irony and divine justice in the narrative, as the future liberator of the Israelites is raised within the very household that sought to destroy his people. Additionally, Moses’ sister plays a vital role in this part of the story:
“His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank.” (Exodus 2:4-5)
Boldly, Moses’ sister offers to find a Hebrew nurse for the child, which leads to Moses being nursed by his own mother. This arrangement not only ensures his survival but also allows him to retain a connection to his Hebrew identity despite his upbringing in the Egyptian royal family.
Moses’ Flight to Midian (Exodus 2:11-15)
The next phase of Moses’ life described in this chapter is a period of transition and self-discovery. As a young adult, Moses becomes acutely aware of the suffering of his people. One day, he intervenes when he sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew:
“One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” (Exodus 2:11-12)
This act of violence is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates Moses’ strong sense of justice and his identification with the Hebrews. However, it also marks him as a fugitive, necessitating his flight from Egypt. Pharaoh’s response to Moses’ actions reaffirms the perilous conditions for any dissent against Egyptian authority:
“When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well.” (Exodus 2:15)
Moses’ intervention in an internal dispute between two Hebrews on the following day further underscores his emerging role as a leader and arbiter, albeit one still grappling with his own identity and purpose.
Moses in Midian (Exodus 2:16-22)
The third section of this chapter details Moses’ life in Midian, a critical period of personal growth and preparation for his future mission. Upon arriving in Midian, Moses encounters the daughters of Reuel (also known as Jethro), the priest of Midian. He helps them draw water and defend them from shepherds:
“Now a priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. Some shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock.” (Exodus 2:16-17)
This encounter leads to Moses being welcomed into Reuel’s household and marrying his daughter, Zipporah. This period of Moses’ life is characterized by humility and service, as he takes on the role of a shepherd:
“Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. Zipporah gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, ‘I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.'” (Exodus 2:21-22)
The naming of his son, Gershom, meaning “a foreigner there,” reflects Moses’ sense of dislocation and foreshadows the broader theme of exile and return that will dominate his life story.
God’s Covenant Remembered (Exodus 2:23-25)
The chapter concludes with a significant theological shift, transitioning the focus back to the plight of the Israelites in Egypt and God’s response to their suffering:
“During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.” (Exodus 2:23-25)
This passage is pivotal as it sets the stage for God’s intervention in history. The use of the word “remembered” is not to imply that God had ever forgotten His covenant but rather signals a transition to active fulfillment of His promises. The language used – “heard,” “remembered,” “looked on,” and “concerned” – highlights God’s compassionate and attentive nature, affirming His commitment to His people.
Themes and Theological Significance
Several key themes emerge from Exodus 2, each contributing to the theological depth of the text:
- Divine Providence: Throughout the chapter, events unfold in a way that underscores God’s guiding hand. From Moses’ protection as an infant to his preparation in Midian, each stage of his life is orchestrated to prepare him for his eventual role as a deliverer.
- Identity and Solidarity: Moses’ journey of self-discovery is central to the narrative. His identification with the Hebrews and his subsequent actions reveal his inherent sense of justice and solidarity with the oppressed.
- Exile and Return: Moses’ time in Midian serves as a period of exile that prepares him for his return to Egypt and his mission to lead his people out of slavery. This theme of exile and return is a recurring motif in the biblical narrative.
- God’s Faithfulness: The chapter concludes with a reaffirmation of God’s faithfulness to His covenant. Despite the Israelites’ suffering, God’s concern and active involvement in their plight reaffirm His unwavering commitment to their redemption.
- The Role of Women: The chapter highlights the crucial roles played by women in Moses’ early life, including his mother, sister, and Pharaoh’s daughter. Their courage and actions are integral to Moses’ survival and destiny.
Conclusion
Exodus Chapter 2 offers a rich tapestry of narrative and theological insights, laying the groundwork for the dramatic unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for the Israelites. Through Moses’ early life, flight to Midian, and God’s compassionate response to His people’s suffering, this chapter encapsulates themes of divine providence, identity, exile and return, and God’s unwavering faithfulness. As readers, we are invited to reflect on these themes in our own lives, recognizing the ways in which God continues to guide, protect, and fulfill His promises to His people.