Exodus 2:10 - The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, and said, “Because I drew him out of the water.”

Generated Verse: Exodus 2:10

What does "Exodus 2:10" mean?


This verse from Exodus 2:10 is a pivotal moment in the story of Moses and lays the foundation for his future role as the leader of the Israelites. Let's break down its meaning:

"The child grew...": This signifies that Moses thrived under the care of his biological mother, who was secretly nursing him. This initial stage of his life ensured he had a strong foundation and instilled a subconscious connection to his heritage.

"...and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son.": After weaning, Moses's biological mother, as arranged with Pharaoh's daughter, returns him to the princess. This fulfills the plan to protect Moses from the decree to kill Hebrew baby boys. By officially adopting Moses, Pharaoh's daughter places him within the Egyptian royal family, giving him privilege, education, and protection that he would not have had otherwise. This also fulfills the condition to be raised as her son which she had instructed Moses's mother to do.

"She named him Moses...": Names in ancient times often carried significance.

"...and said, “Because I drew him out of the water.”": This is the key to the name's meaning and purpose. "Moses" is derived from the Hebrew verb "mashah," which means "to draw out." Pharaoh's daughter chooses this name because she literally drew him out of the Nile River, saving his life. This act of rescue defines his identity from the beginning, foreshadowing his future role in drawing the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. In Hebrew, the name is also very similar to Egyptian royal names (like Thutmose and Ramose), which likely served to further his integration and standing within the Egyptian court.

In Summary:

The verse encapsulates the following key elements:

Divine Providence: God's hand is evident in orchestrating events to protect Moses and place him in a position to later deliver the Israelites.
Identity: Moses's name is directly linked to his rescue from the water, foreshadowing his future role as a savior.
Position: He is raised in the Egyptian royal court, giving him access to knowledge, power, and resources that will be crucial for his future mission.
Irony: A Hebrew child, saved from death by an Egyptian princess, grows up in the heart of the empire that oppresses his people. This sets the stage for the dramatic conflict and transformation to come.

The name "Moses" is a constant reminder of his origin, of the hand that saved him, and foreshadows his ultimate destiny. It's a powerful symbol that resonates throughout the rest of the Exodus narrative.

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