Exodus 2:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 2:10
10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.
Chapter Context
Exodus 2 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, righteousness, truth. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 2:10
10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.
Analysis
And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water (וַתִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ מֹשֶׁה וַתֹּאמֶר כִּי מִן־הַמַּיִם מְשִׁיתִהוּ, vatiqra shemo Mosheh vatomer ki min-hamayim meshitihu)—Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Mosheh) derives from Hebrew drew out (מָשָׁה, mashah). The princess unwittingly prophesies: Moses drawn from water will draw Israel through the sea (14:21-22). The Egyptian etymology (ms, "born of," as in Ra-meses) also fits, but the Hebrew wordplay is intentional. He became her son—Moses received royal education (Acts 7:22) and privilege, positioning him to eventually confront Pharaoh. God redeemed Moses from death waters to become His instrument of national redemption.
Historical Context
Adoption into Egyptian royalty gave Moses access to scribal training, military education, administrative experience, and court politics—skills essential for leading Israel and writing Torah. Acts 7:22 says he "was mighty in words and in deeds." The name "Moses" bridged both worlds—Egyptian in sound, Hebrew in meaning—embodying his dual heritage and future mediatorial role.
Reflection
- How does Moses' name prophesy his future role as deliverer, and what does this teach about God's sovereign planning?
- In what ways has God positioned you in unexpected places to prepare you for future service?
Cross-References
- References Moses: Hebrews 11:24
- Parallel theme: Genesis 4:25, 16:11, 48:5, 1 Samuel 1:20, Matthew 1:21, Galatians 4:5