Exodus 2:3
And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.
Exodus 2:3 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Exodus, we read about a mother's desperate attempt to save her son from certain death. Pharaoh had ordered that all Hebrew baby boys be thrown into the Nile River, but this mother was determined to protect her child. Knowing that she could no longer hide him, she made an ark of bulrushes, coated it with slime and pitch to make it waterproof, and placed her precious baby inside. Then, she laid the ark among the reeds by the river's edge, hoping that her son would be found and cared for. This act of bravery and love demonstrates the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, even in the face of great danger. It also sets in motion the events that will lead to the eventual liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This verse is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that parents are willing to make for the sake of their children, and the faith that can lead to miraculous outcomes.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Exodus highlights the faith and courage of Moses' mother, who at great personal risk, sought to preserve the life of her son. The use of the word "ark" to describe the makeshift vessel in which Moses was placed draws parallels to the story of Noah's ark, symbolizing God's protection and deliverance. The act of covering the vessel with slime and pitch can be seen as a form of protection against water, indicating foresight and care on the part of Moses' mother. The choice of words used in this verse, such as "hide" and "brink," convey a sense of urgency and desperation, underscoring the dangerous times in which this event took place. Through word studies, we can discern the meticulous care and concern Moses' mother took in ensuring her son's safety, ultimately fulfilling God's plan for his life.
Exodus 2:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch; and she put the child therein, and laid it in the flags by the river's brink.
World English Bible
When she could no longer hide him, she took a papyrus basket for him, and coated it with tar and with pitch. She put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank.
Douay-Rheims
And when she could hide him no longer, she took a basket made of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and pitch: and put the little babe therein, and laid him in the sedges by the river's brink,
Geneva Bible (1599)
But when she could no longer hide him, she tooke for him an arke made of reede, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and laide the childe therein, and put it among the bulrushes by the riuers brinke.