Exodus 2:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 2:6
6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
Chapter Context
Exodus 2 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, sacrifice, grace. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 2:6
6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
Analysis
And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children (וַתַּחְמֹל עָלָיו, vatachmol alav, "she had compassion")—The baby's crying provokes compassion (חָמַל, chamal, "pity/mercy"). God uses natural human tenderness to save His chosen deliverer. This is one of the Hebrews' children—she knows the genocide decree; her recognition creates moral crisis. Will she obey her father's law or act on conscience? The text's simplicity heightens the drama: a moment's decision determines Moses' fate and Israel's future. Her compassion foreshadows God's greater compassion for Israel (2:24-25, 3:7-9).
Historical Context
Egyptian sources occasionally show royal clemency toward conquered peoples' children. That Pharaoh's daughter immediately recognizes a Hebrew child suggests physical or cultural markers (circumcision, swaddling, the ark's style). Her willingness to defy the decree indicates either strong character or confidence in her royal immunity.
Reflection
- How does the princess's compassion despite knowing the child's identity challenge you to act mercifully regardless of tribal or political divisions?
- What does this moment teach about God's use of human emotion (even in pagans) to accomplish His redemptive purposes?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Kings 8:50, Nehemiah 1:11, Psalms 106:46, Proverbs 21:1, Acts 7:21, 1 Peter 3:8