Exodus 2:9

Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will pay your wages." So the woman took the boy and nursed him.

Study Bible

Take this child
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Moses' early life. The Hebrew word for "take" is "laqach," which often implies receiving or accepting something with purpose. Here, Pharaoh's daughter is not merely taking the child into her care; she is accepting a divine role in the preservation of Israel's future leader. Historically, this act of taking a Hebrew child into an Egyptian household is significant, as it symbolizes God's providence and the unexpected ways He orchestrates His plans.

and nurse him for me
The word "nurse" in Hebrew is "yanaq," which means to suckle or to nourish. This request from Pharaoh's daughter to Moses' biological mother is laden with irony and divine orchestration. The very mother who had to give up her child to save him is now being asked to nurture him under the protection of the Egyptian royal family. This highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to turn dire situations into blessings. It also underscores the theme of maternal care and the importance of nurturing the next generation in faith and identity.

and I will pay you
The promise of payment is intriguing in this context. The Hebrew word for "pay" is "natan," which means to give or bestow. This transaction is not just a financial arrangement; it is a divine provision. God ensures that Moses' mother is compensated for her care, which is a testament to His justice and provision. This also reflects the biblical principle that God rewards those who are faithful and obedient to His calling, even in unexpected ways.

So the woman took the child and nursed him
This concluding phrase of the verse encapsulates the fulfillment of God's plan through human obedience. The Hebrew word for "took" is again "laqach," reinforcing the idea of accepting a divine mission. The act of nursing, "yanaq," signifies more than physical nourishment; it represents the impartation of faith, culture, and identity. Moses' early years with his mother would have been foundational in shaping his understanding of his Hebrew heritage, which would later influence his leadership and mission. This verse, therefore, is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in His plans, even when they unfold in unexpected ways.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh's Daughter
The Egyptian princess who discovers Moses in the Nile and decides to adopt him, showing compassion and defying her father's decree.

2. Moses' Mother (Jochebed)
The Hebrew woman who is Moses' biological mother. She is given the opportunity to nurse her own son under the guise of being a wet nurse for Pharaoh's daughter.

3. Moses
The infant who is saved from death by being placed in a basket in the Nile. He is later raised in Pharaoh's household, setting the stage for his future role as the deliverer of Israel.

4. The Nile River
The river where Moses was placed in a basket to save him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where Moses is raised in Pharaoh's household.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Providence
God's hand is evident in the preservation of Moses' life, orchestrating events so that his own mother could care for him. This demonstrates God's control over circumstances and His ability to work through unexpected means.

Faith and Courage
The actions of Moses' mother and Pharaoh's daughter required courage and faith. Jochebed trusted God with her son's life, and Pharaoh's daughter defied her father's orders, showing that faith often requires bold actions.

Divine Provision
God not only preserved Moses' life but also provided for his needs through Pharaoh's daughter. This reminds us that God can provide for us in ways we might not anticipate.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
The account highlights the significant roles women played in God's plan for Moses. Both Jochebed and Pharaoh's daughter were instrumental in his survival and upbringing, showing that God values and uses women in His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Moses' early life demonstrate God's sovereignty and providence? Can you think of a time in your life when God orchestrated events for your good?

2. What can we learn from the faith and courage of Moses' mother and Pharaoh's daughter? How can we apply this to situations where we need to stand up for what is right?

3. In what ways does God provide for Moses and his family in this passage? How have you experienced God's provision in unexpected ways?

4. How does the involvement of women in this account challenge or affirm your understanding of their roles in God's plan? Can you identify other biblical examples where women played crucial roles?

5. How does the preservation of Moses' life foreshadow his future role as a deliverer? What does this teach us about God's preparation and timing in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 1:22
This verse provides context for Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants, which sets the stage for Moses' mother to hide him and eventually place him in the Nile.

Hebrews 11:23
This verse highlights the faith of Moses' parents in hiding him for three months, recognizing that he was no ordinary child and not fearing the king's edict.

Acts 7:21
Stephen's speech in Acts recounts how Moses was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter and raised as her own son, emphasizing God's providence in Moses' early life.