What does Exodus chapter 2 mean?

Chapter 1 explained how the nation of Israel rapidly grew after their arrival in Egypt. After centuries, the threat of an expanding Hebrew population led the king, who used the title "Pharaoh," to acts of enslavement (Exodus 1:10–14) and genocide (Exodus 1:16, 22).

Chapter 2 provides the birth account of Moses (Exodus 2:1–10), the story of his exile to Midian as an adult (Exodus 2:11–22), and the context of the Jews just prior to the call of Moses to free the people (Exodus 2:23–25).

Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed (Exodus 6:20), from the tribe of Levi (Exodus 2:1). No mention is made of the name given to him at birth; the name "Moses" will be given later. This baby was hidden for three months to escape death under Pharaoh's command to murder infant Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:22). Eventually, the child was too difficult to conceal at home. So, Jochebed makes a floating bed out of reeds and oils. The tall reeds along the river would easily hide a small container such as this. Despite what's portrayed in many movies, she did not send her son to float down the river unattended. Instead, what happens seems to go according to a deliberate plan. At first, the boy is watched over by Miriam (Exodus 15:20; Numbers 26:59), his sister (Exodus 2:1–4).

The basket on the water serves a purpose like that of Noah's ark. It is the means through which God provides protection from death in an evil context. Looking at the entire incident, it seems the baby was placed where he was certain to be found—but by a particular person. Pharaoh's daughter arrives to bathe at this location. Most likely, Jochebed and Miriam knew this when they chose the hiding spot. The royal daughter immediately realizes that this child is there because of her father's command. The baby has, in a sense, been "cast" into the river. She responds with compassion (Exodus 2:5–6).

Seizing the opportunity, Miriam approaches and asks if the Egyptian royal would like to have a Hebrew to nurse the child. When Pharaoh's daughter agrees, Miriam brings the baby's own mother. The Egyptian lady does not seem to know this. She decides to sponsor the baby, paying for him to be raised until he is old enough to come live with her. When he is old enough, Pharaoh's daughter adopts him and gives him the Egyptian name Moses. In both Hebrew and Egyptian, this name sounds like a phrase referring to pulling someone out of the water. Ironically, the Egyptian king's effort to subdue Israel results in his own household raising and educating (Acts 7:21–22) the man who would free the slaves (Exodus 2:7–10).

Contrary to popular myth, especially movies and other portrayals, Moses is never presented as a man unaware of his own heritage. The Bible does not record Moses "discovering" his Jewish ancestry. Nor does it claim that Moses was considered a prince, an heir to the throne, or otherwise treated as a member of the royal family. Scripture strongly suggests that everyone involved knew from the beginning who and what he was.

As an adult living in Pharaoh's household, Moses must "go out" to see his fellow Hebrews. Around age forty (Acts 7:23) he sees an Egyptian slave supervisor beating a Hebrew slave. Either with an immediate attack, or after some kind of argument, Moses kills the abusive supervisor. He then buries the body and likely assumes he has literally gotten away with murder (Exodus 2:11–12).

The next day, Moses tries to break up a fight between two Jews. Resenting Moses for his privileges and for getting involved in their argument, one of the men makes a snide remark about Moses killing the Egyptian taskmaster. Though it has only been one day, the truth of what happened is already out. It is only a matter of time before Pharaoh discovers that Moses has murdered one of his workers. Soon, Pharaoh hears the news and seeks to kill Moses, but Moses escapes to Midian (Exodus 2:13–15).

While banished, Moses drives away shepherds who were preventing the seven daughters of Midian from feeding their sheep. Their father Reuel—also named Jethro—invites Moses to stay with them. This eventually leads to a marriage between Moses and Reuel's daughter Zipporah. The birth of their first son Gershom is noted; the meaning of Gershom's name connects to Moses' condition as a man in exile (Exodus 2:16–22).

While Moses is away, the Pharaoh who ordered genocide dies. Israel may have hoped that this would result in better treatment. This does not happen, so they cry out to the Lord. Fortunately, God had not forgotten His promises to their ancestors. He still had plans for His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He "saw" the people and "knew" (Exodus 2:23–35). This completes the setup for God's miraculous acts to free Israel (Exodus 3—15).