Exodus 2:8

Translations

Modern

“Go ahead,” Pharaoh’s daughter told her. And the girl went and called the boy’s mother.

Traditional

And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother.

Literal

And the daughter of Pharaoh said to her, “Go.” And the girl went and called the mother of the child.

Latin

Respondit: Vade. Perrexit puella et vocavit matrem suam.

Original

Hebrew

English

“Go ahead,” Pharaoh’s daughter told her. And the girl went and called the boy’s mother.

Notes

Exodus 2:7–9

This event shows God’s grace (his undeserved kindness) and sovereignty (his complete rule and control). Pharaoh had ordered that Hebrew baby boys be killed. Yet Pharaoh’s daughter paid the mother of Moses to nurse him instead.

The story may suggest that the princess understood who the baby’s mother was. She did not ask questions that would have caused trouble. If this is correct, both women may have quietly understood the situation without speaking about it directly.

Moses was saved because God was working behind the events. He was not saved because someone was tricked or deceived.

Exodus 2:1–25

Chapter 1 explained why Israel needed rescue. Chapter 2 shows how God prepared Moses, the rescuer. God used the threat to Hebrew baby boys to ensure that Moses was ready for his mission (see study note on 2:10).

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Moses

Events

Birth of Mosesc. 1571 BC

Related verses

Psalm 27:10
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
Isaiah 46:3–4
“Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth.
Exodus 6:20
And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.
Ezekiel 16:8
Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD.

Parallels

Acts 7:20–22 Hebrews 11:23

People

Pharaoh: Egyptian Pharaoh during Moses' birth and early life

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Messiah Miriam Pharaoh’s Daughter

Topics

Adoption of Moses Children: Fondness and Care of Mothers For Children: Nurses For Egypt: Israel in Moses Adopted and Brought up by Pharaoh's Daughter God: Preserver: To Moses, in his Infancy Jochebed: Nurses Moses when he is Adopted by Pharaoh's Daughter Kindness: Pharaoh's Daughter to Moses Miriam: Watched Over Moses when he Was in the Little Basket Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Woman: Young: Called Maids

Exodus 2:8

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