Topical Bible: Ark: of Bullrushes

◄ Ark: of Bullrushes ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The "Ark of Bullrushes" refers to the small vessel crafted by Jochebed, the mother of Moses, to save her infant son from Pharaoh's decree to drown all Hebrew male infants in the Nile River. This account is found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 2:1-10.

Biblical Account

In Exodus 2:3 , it is written: "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 set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile." The term "ark" here is derived from the Hebrew word "tebah," which is the same word used for Noah's Ark, signifying a vessel of salvation and divine protection.

Construction and Materials

The ark was made of "bulrushes," or papyrus reeds, which were abundant along the Nile River. These materials were lightweight and buoyant, making them suitable for constructing a small, watertight vessel. The basket was coated with tar and pitch to ensure it was waterproof, a detail that echoes the construction of Noah's Ark, which was also sealed with pitch (Genesis 6:14).

Symbolism and Typology

The Ark of Bullrushes is rich in symbolism and typology. It represents God's providential care and deliverance. Just as Noah's Ark preserved humanity and animal life from the flood, the Ark of Bullrushes preserved Moses, who would later lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. This typology underscores the theme of salvation and deliverance that runs throughout the Scriptures.

Divine Providence

The placement of the ark among the reeds by the riverbank was an act of faith by Jochebed, trusting in God's protection over her son. The narrative continues with Pharaoh's daughter discovering the ark while bathing in the Nile. Moved with compassion, she adopts Moses, thus ensuring his survival and eventual rise to leadership. This sequence of events highlights the divine orchestration of circumstances to fulfill God's purposes.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Egyptian context, the Nile River was a source of life and sustenance, yet it also became a place of death due to Pharaoh's edict. The use of the river as both a means of destruction and salvation in the account of Moses is a powerful juxtaposition. The Ark of Bullrushes serves as a testament to God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to bring life from death.

Theological Implications

The account of the Ark of Bullrushes emphasizes themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. Jochebed's actions reflect a deep trust in God's promises and His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The preservation of Moses in the ark foreshadows the greater deliverance that God would accomplish through him, ultimately pointing to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ.

Legacy and Influence

The account of the Ark of Bullrushes has inspired countless works of art, literature, and theology. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in His plans, even in dire circumstances. The account continues to be a source of encouragement for believers, illustrating that God is always at work, even when His ways are not immediately visible.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 2:3
And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.
Nave's Topical Index