The Birth of Moses

PHARAOH, THE KING OF Egypt, was concerned about the large population of Hebrews in his borders, and instructed the midwives to kill any male child they delivered. The midwives ignored his orders, however, claiming that Jewish women were vigorous and give birth before they arrived.—Exod. 1:15-19

Nevertheless, this did not deter the king from attempting to carry out his nefarious plan. We read: “Another king arose, which knew not Joseph. The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live. In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months: And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.”—Acts 7:18-21

The foregoing narrative evidences the Heavenly Father’s foreknowledge in the matter. It was God’s intention to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage many years later, using Moses as the instrument for its accomplishment, according to divine wisdom and overruling.—Exod. 2:2-9

Our Key Verse reveals how the child, Moses, became a member of the royal household in Egypt. As such, he had all the advantages that would accrue to him in preparation for the plans God had in mind relative to his chosen people, Israel.

“And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.” (Exod. 2:11) By this time, Moses had reached the age of maturity and observed the mistreatment of the Israelites. In faith, he deliberately decided to identify with his people rather than continue his prestige and opportunity associated with the royal court. Because of sympathy towards his brethren, he could not stand by while a fellow Israelite was being beaten, so he killed the Egyptian oppressor, burying his body in the sand.—vs. 12

The following day, Moses went out and tried to intercede between two Hebrews who were having a dispute. They rebuked him by inquiring what right he had to judge their actions and inquired whether it was his intention to kill them as he had done to the Egyptian. Realizing that this was now known, Moses became fearful and fled for his life to Midian, lest Pharoah should have him slain.—vss. 13-15

Two lessons from the foregoing for consideration are that just as Moses was saved from the water, as consecrated believers, we were called out from the sinful world and adopted into the family of God. Additionally, as Moses renounced his favored standing while a member of Pharoah’s household, we give up our worldly pursuits. If fully devoted to the end of our course, we will help extricate mankind from sin and death during God’s kingdom just as Moses helped deliver the Jews from Egyptian bondage. May we be faithful to our privilege of sharing in the work of the greater Deliverer in the next age!