Exodus 1-2: The Extraordinary Story of the Birth of Moses
The book of Exodus opens in a hard time for the Hebrew people. A new Pharaoh has come to power, and he doesn’t remember Joseph or the good that Joseph did for Egypt. The Hebrews grow in number, and that worries the king. He puts them under heavy labor and even orders that the baby boys be killed.
Right in the middle of all that, Moses is born.
His mother hides him as long as she can. When that becomes impossible, she places him in a basket and sets it among the reeds of the Nile. It’s a desperate act, but it’s also an act of faith. Pharaoh’s daughter finds the child, and in a remarkable turn, Moses’ own mother is brought in to nurse him. Later, he is raised in the royal household.
Exodus doesn’t tell us much about his younger years. It jumps ahead to Moses as a grown man. One day he sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, and he steps in. The situation turns deadly, and Moses flees Egypt. He ends up in Midian, where he meets the family of Reuel, marries Zipporah, and settles into a new life as a shepherd.
While Moses is in Midian, the king of Egypt dies, and the cries of the Hebrew people rise up to God. Something is shifting, though Moses doesn’t know it yet.
Devotionals and Expressions of Faith
It took real courage for Moses’ parents to do what they did. They didn’t have many choices, but they trusted God with the little they had — a basket, a river, and hope. The fact that Pharaoh’s daughter finds the baby, and that Moses’ own mother becomes his nurse, doesn’t feel like coincidence. It feels like God setting something in motion long before anyone could see the full picture.
These chapters remind us that God often works in quiet beginnings. Sometimes faith looks like small steps taken in the middle of fear.
Modern Relevance
Moses becomes the leader who brings the Hebrew people out of slavery. He speaks with God at the burning bush. He receives the Ten Commandments. These stories shape both Judaism and Christianity, and they still influence how people think about freedom, justice, and God’s guidance.
Because the modern state of Israel is often in the news, the early chapters of Exodus still matter. They help explain the roots of a people and a faith that continue to shape world events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the topic of these chapters? Exodus 1–2 tells the story of Moses’ birth, his rescue by Pharaoh’s daughter, and his escape to Midian.
Where do these chapters come from? They are found at the beginning of Exodus, the second book of the Bible.
Why does this lesson matter today? Moses remains one of the most important figures in Scripture. His story still influences how people understand God’s leadership and the idea of deliverance.
Parting Thoughts
Moses’ early life is full of danger, courage, and God’s quiet work behind the scenes. These chapters set the stage for everything that comes later — the plagues, the Red Sea, the commandments, and the long journey toward the promised land. It all begins with a child in a basket and a family trying to trust God in a difficult moment.
Disclaimer: This article contains a summary of Exodus 1-2 as well as interpretive insights from the author. Interpretations of biblical texts can differ, and this piece represents one approach to understanding the passage.
