Commentary on Exodus 2:3

Verse Text: "But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, and daubed it with asphalt and pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the reeds by the river's brink."

Introduction

The narrative of Exodus 2:3 presents a pivotal moment in the life of Moses and, subsequently, in the history of Israel. The action of Jochebed, Moses’ mother, reflects both desperation and hope, intertwining faith and ingenuity. This commentary seeks to unravel the depths of this verse using insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke to illuminate its significance for pastors, students, theologians, and scholars.

Context and Setting

The events leading up to Exodus 2 involve a crisis for the Hebrew people in Egypt, where Pharaoh has decreed the death of all newborn Hebrew boys. In the face of this edict, Jochebed's actions underscore both the peril and the resolute faith of a mother willing to defy tyranny for the sake of her child.

Historical Context

• Oppression of the Israelites: The Israelites had become numerous in Egypt, leading to fear among the Egyptians. Pharaoh's orders encapsulated a brutal attempt to control and diminish the Hebrew population.
• Faith of Jochebed: Jochebed’s decision to hide her child reflects a profound faith that the child was special and destined for a greater purpose (Hebrews 11:23).

Technical Analysis of the Text

Henry, Barnes, and Clarke provide valuable insights into the language and implications of the actions described in Exodus 2:3.

Choice of Materials

• “Ark of Bulrushes”: The term 'ark' in this context is significant, symbolizing safety and preservation, akin to Noah's Ark. Henry emphasizes the divine providence in the materials chosen—bulrushes, which were abundant and suitable for the construction of a water craft.
• “Daubed with Asphalt and Pitch”: The use of these materials implies meticulous care. Clarke notes that this sealing was not merely practical but symbolic of the protection Jochebed sought to provide, mirroring her desperate hope for her son’s survival.

Theological Implications

The theological implications of this singular act are profound and multifaceted.

Divine Providence

As Jochebed places Moses in the river, this act is steeped in faith that God would preserve him. Barnes highlights that God often uses seemingly desperate situations to fulfill His purposes. By entrusting her son to the river, Jochebed parallels the biblical themes of surrender and faith.

Prefiguration of Deliverance

Moses’ deliverance from the Nile foreshadows the broader deliverance of Israel from bondage, an essential theme in biblical theology. Henry notes that this deliverance is an act of God’s sovereign intervention in history, which lays the foundation for the Exodus narrative and the eventual liberation of the Hebrew people.

Lessons for Modern Readers

For pastors and theologians today, the implications of Jochebed's actions resonate deeply. It encourages a response of faith in the face of uncertainty and embodies perseverance against overwhelming odds.

Trust in God's Plan

This verse exemplifies the call for individuals to trust in God's providential care. Like Jochebed, believers today are urged to act with faith, knowing that God can bring hope and deliverance from desperate circumstances.

Valuing Life and Divine Purpose

Jochebed’s determination to save her son is a powerful statement on the sanctity and value of life, a topic of continued relevance in theological discussions. This narrative encourages a commitment to protecting life as a sacred calling aligned with divine purpose.

Conclusion

Exodus 2:3 serves as a profound reminder of the intersection between human agency and divine providence. Jochebed’s faith-driven choices encapsulate essential truths about the nature of God, His plans for humanity, and the importance of trusting Him amid adversity. The insights from historical and theological perspectives provided by Henry, Barnes, and Clarke invite deeper contemplation and application for those seeking to understand the complexities of faith, hope, and divine intervention in the narratives of Scripture.