Exodus 2:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 2:9
9 And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it.
Chapter Context
Exodus 2 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, love, 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 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 2:9
9 And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it.
Analysis
And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it (הֵילִיכִי אֶת־הַיֶּלֶד הַזֶּה וְהֵינִקִהוּ לִי, heilikhi et-hayeled hazeh vehinikhu li)—Take this child away grants permission and protection. Nurse it for me makes Moses legally the princess's property while physically in his mother's care. I will give thee thy wages (שָׂכָר, sakhar) means Jochebed is paid to raise her own son—God's abundant provision beyond mere preservation. The repetition "the woman took the child and nursed it" concludes the transaction. Jochebed's faith receives full reward: her son lives, she raises him with payment, and he'll be positioned to deliver Israel. Every detail serves God's purpose.
Historical Context
Wet nursing contracts typically specified duration and compensation. Royal wages would have been generous, elevating Moses' family's standard of living. The 2-3 year nursing period gave Jochebed time to teach Moses his Hebrew identity, prepare him for the transition to palace life, and instill faith in YHWH—formation that endured despite Egyptian education (Hebrews 11:24-26).
Reflection
- How does God's provision of wages for Jochebed's faithful service illustrate that He rewards those who trust Him?
- What does Moses' dual formation (Hebrew mother, Egyptian education) teach about preparing believers to function in hostile cultures?