The Providence and Protection of God in the Birth of Moses

 

The Providence and Protection of God in the Birth of Moses

Text: Exodus 2:1–10

Today we turn our attention to one of the most powerful stories of divine providence in all of Scripture—the birth of Moses. In Exodus 2:1–10, we are introduced to a child born into danger, yet preserved by God for a divine purpose. This passage is more than a history lesson; it is a reminder that even in times of oppression, God's hand is at work behind the scenes, weaving together His redemptive plan.

Historical Background

The story of Moses begins during a dark time in Israel’s history. The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had grown numerous in Egypt—so numerous that the new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, saw them as a threat (Exodus 1:8–10). In an attempt to control them, Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites and, eventually, ordered the death of every Hebrew boy born (Exodus 1:22).

It was in this climate of fear and oppression that Moses was born. He came from the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe, and his parents, Amram and Jochebed, were people of faith (Hebrews 11:23). Though Pharaoh decreed death for baby boys, God had a plan for Moses. His very survival was an act of divine protection.

God’s Providence in Moses’ Birth (Exodus 2:1–10)

The hand of God is evident in every detail of Moses’ early life:

• His parents hid him for three months, risking their own lives. Their faith and courage were instruments of God’s will.

• The basket placed among the reeds of the Nile was no accident—it echoes the Hebrew word tebah, also used for Noah’s ark. Just as Noah was saved through water, so was Moses, pointing us to God's pattern of salvation.

• Pharaoh’s daughter found the child and, moved with compassion, chose to adopt him—even though he was Hebrew. Here we see God using the very house of Pharaoh to protect and raise the one who would later confront that throne with God's authority.

• Moses’ own mother was hired to nurse him, meaning he was nurtured with both Hebrew faith and Egyptian education.

This story reveals that God can use even the plans of the enemy to fulfill His own purposes. The Nile River, a symbol of death for the Hebrew infants, became a path to life for Moses. Pharaoh’s palace, a place of tyranny, became a sanctuary of safety.

The Meaning of the Name Moses

In Exodus 2:10, Pharaoh’s daughter named him Moses, saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.” In Hebrew, Moshe means “drawn out.” But there's more here—Egyptian scholars note that ms or mes in Egyptian names (like Thutmosis or Ramses) also means “born of” or “son.” So Moses’ name may have been divinely multi-layered: both a Hebrew pun meaning “drawn out” and an Egyptian name implying “born.” God’s providence is again evident—even his name bridges the cultures he would one day mediate between.

From the Nile to the Deliverer of Israel

After being raised in Pharaoh’s house, Moses’ story takes a dramatic turn when he kills an Egyptian and flees to Midian. There, he spends 40 years in obscurity, learning humility and shepherding—a fitting preparation for leading God’s flock.

Then, from the burning bush, God calls Moses to deliver Israel. The boy saved from the water would part the waters of the Red Sea. The man raised in Pharaoh’s palace would challenge Pharaoh with the words, “Let my people go.” The child nurtured by both Hebrew and Egyptian worlds would become the bridge between God and His people, the lawgiver, and the prophet.

The story of Moses’ birth is a testimony to the quiet but unstoppable providence of God. He preserved Moses for a purpose, protected him from death, and prepared him for leadership. And if God can do that with Moses, then know this: He can do the same for you.

You may not see the full picture now. Like Moses’ mother placing her baby in the river, you may feel you are letting go into the unknown. But God sees. God protects. God provides. And in His perfect timing, God calls.

Let us trust in His providence, even in times of hardship. Because just like Moses, we too are drawn out—for a purpose.

More: EXODUS Sabbath School Lesson 1 - Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses