Exodus 2

Chapter Summary

Exodus chapter 2 begins with the birth of Moses, who was born to Amram and Jochebed, Hebrew parents living in Egypt. To save Moses from the edict of Pharaoh, who had ordered the death of all Hebrew male babies, Jochebed placed him in a basket and set him afloat on the Nile River. Moses was found by Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him and raised him as her own. As Moses grew up, he became aware of his Hebrew heritage and identified with the sufferings of his people. When Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, he fled to Midian, where he met Reuel, a priest, and married his daughter Zipporah. Meanwhile, the Israelites continued to suffer under Egyptian oppression, and God heard their cries, remembering his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The chapter ends with Moses tending Reuel's flocks, unaware of the significant role he would soon play in God's plan to deliver the Israelites.

Context for the Chapter

Exodus chapter 2 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The chapter follows the events of Exodus chapter 1, which describes the Israelites' oppression in Egypt and the birth of Moses. Exodus chapter 2 sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the following chapters, as God raises up Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with his people and his plan to redeem the world through Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Exodus chapter 2, we are reminded that God is always in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unpredictable. We are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and to identify with the sufferings of others, just as Moses identified with the sufferings of the Israelites. We are also reminded that God is a God of deliverance, who hears the cries of his people and remembers his covenant with them.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Exodus chapter 2 tells the story of Moses' early life, from his birth to his flight into Midian. We learn that God is always in control, even when things seem chaotic, and that He is a God of deliverance who hears the cries of his people. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and to identify with the sufferings of others, just as Moses did (Exodus 2:11).

Voices from the Church

“The life of Moses is a striking illustration of the truth that God's ways are not our ways, and that He often accomplishes His purposes by means which seem to us strange and unlikely.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The history of Moses is a remarkable example of the providence of God, who guides the course of human events and overrules them for the accomplishment of His own purposes.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Birth and Adoption of Moses (Exodus 2:1-10) — Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed, Hebrew parents living in Egypt. To save Moses from the edict of Pharaoh, Jochebed placed him in a basket and set him afloat on the Nile River, where he was found by Pharaoh's daughter and adopted as her own.
2. Moses' Identification with the Israelites (Exodus 2:11-15) — As Moses grew up, he became aware of his Hebrew heritage and identified with the sufferings of his people. When Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, he fled to Midian, where he met Reuel, a priest, and married his daughter Zipporah.
3. The Israelites' Continued Suffering (Exodus 2:16-22) — Meanwhile, the Israelites continued to suffer under Egyptian oppression, and God heard their cries, remembering his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
4. Moses' Flight into Midian (Exodus 2:15) — Moses fled to Midian, where he met Reuel, a priest, and married his daughter Zipporah.
5. God's Awareness of the Israelites' Suffering (Exodus 2:23-25) — God saw the Israelites and took notice of them, remembering his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Core Doctrines

Providence

Exodus chapter 2 teaches us about God's providence, which is His sovereign care and guidance over the events of human history. We see God's providence in the life of Moses, from his birth to his flight into Midian.

Sovereignty

The chapter also teaches us about God's sovereignty, which is His absolute control over all things. We see God's sovereignty in the way He guides the course of human events and overrules them for the accomplishment of His own purposes.

Covenant

Exodus chapter 2 reminds us of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which is a promise to be their God and to give them the land of Canaan as an inheritance.

Deliverance

The chapter teaches us about God's deliverance, which is His power to rescue His people from bondage and oppression. We see God's deliverance in the way He hears the cries of the Israelites and remembers His covenant with them.

Lessons from Exodus 2

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — Exodus chapter 2 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unpredictable. We learn to trust that God is always in control and that He is working all things together for our good.
2. Identify with the Sufferings of Others — The chapter encourages us to identify with the sufferings of others, just as Moses identified with the sufferings of the Israelites. We learn to empathize with those who are hurting and to stand in solidarity with them.
3. Remember God's Covenant — Exodus chapter 2 reminds us of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which is a promise to be their God and to give them the land of Canaan as an inheritance. We learn to remember God's covenant and to trust in His faithfulness.
4. Look to God for Deliverance — The chapter teaches us to look to God for deliverance, which is His power to rescue us from bondage and oppression. We learn to trust in God's deliverance and to cry out to Him in times of need.
5. Trust in God's Providence — Exodus chapter 2 teaches us to trust in God's providence, which is His sovereign care and guidance over the events of human history. We learn to trust that God is always guiding us and that He is working all things together for our good.

Themes from Exodus 2

1. God's Sovereignty — Exodus chapter 2 teaches us about God's sovereignty, which is His absolute control over all things. We see God's sovereignty in the way He guides the course of human events and overrules them for the accomplishment of His own purposes.
2. Moses' Identification with the Israelites — The chapter highlights Moses' identification with the sufferings of the Israelites and his willingness to give up his royal status to be with them. We learn to empathize with those who are hurting and to stand in solidarity with them.
3. The Contrast between Egypt and Midian — Exodus chapter 2 highlights the contrast between Egypt, where the Israelites were living in slavery, and Midian, where Moses found refuge and married a priest's daughter. We learn to trust in God's deliverance and to look to Him for freedom and new life.
4. God's Covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — The chapter reminds us of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which is a promise to be their God and to give them the land of Canaan as an inheritance. We learn to trust in God's faithfulness and to remember His covenant.
5. God's Deliverance — Exodus chapter 2 teaches us about God's deliverance, which is His power to rescue His people from bondage and oppression. We learn to trust in God's deliverance and to cry out to Him in times of need.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does Exodus chapter 2 teach us about God's providence and sovereignty?
2. How does Moses' identification with the sufferings of the Israelites relate to our own experiences of suffering and injustice?
3. What does the chapter teach us about God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and how does it relate to our own lives as Christians?
4. How does the story of Moses' early life encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and to identify with the sufferings of others?
5. What lessons can we learn from the contrast between Egypt and Midian in the chapter?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Exodus 2

	Sermon	Description
	(1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are pilgrims journeying home and our only real enemies are within us. God has changed the external world and protecte
	Brokenness Study #2 - the Purpose by Charles Stanley	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the incredible task that God gave to Moses. He was instructed to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Hebrew people. Moses was initiall
	The Holy of Holies (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the hardships and sufferings that the apostle Paul endured in his ministry. He mentions Paul being lashed, hung on a piece of wood, and expe
	Facing Your Failures by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and his journey from failure to success. He encourages listeners not to give up just because they have failed, emphasizing
	(Hebrews - Part 37): Faith Is a Pertubing Thing by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a moral rebound. He talks about his own past of indulging in drinking and reckless behavior, even on Christmas Eve. Howev
	(Exodus) Exodus 12:5-8 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher shares his experiences as a young preacher in Middle Tennessee. He talks about how he used to hold meetings in country churches during the summer and h
	Country Preacher Who Came to Town by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the days of Jeroboam and the prosperity that came to the land. The people were living in luxury, lying on beds of ivory and eating the finest
	(Titus - Part 26): The Christian and Good Works Ii by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human tendency to choose short-term pleasures over long-term benefits. He uses examples like a person choosing to take a small amount of
	(Exodus) Exodus 1:17-22 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the birth of Moses and how God raised him up to deliver the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The preacher emphasizes that the book o
	(Exodus) Exodus 2:16-25 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. He highlights how the Israelites had turned away from God and

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 2

In Exodus chapter 2, we see the hand of God in the life of Moses, from his birth to his flight into Midian. God's providence is evident in the way He guides the course of human events and overrules them for the accomplishment of His own purposes. We learn that God is a God of deliverance, who hears the cries of His people and remembers His covenant with them. The chapter also highlights the importance of faith and obedience in the face of persecution, as seen in the example of Moses and his parents. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and to look to Him for deliverance in times of need. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?