Exodus 2:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Behold, the infant was undeniably lovely, not unattractive. Who is responsible for this? It is not the hand of nature, but rather the grace of God, which stirred and inspired the Gentile Egyptian woman to embrace the child.

See Exodus 2:5, where the child is discovered weeping. Similarly, we observe Christ lamenting the treachery of the Jews and their actions against Him, as if in sorrow. With deep anguish, He declares, "They pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; they gaze and gloat over me; they divide my garments among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots" (Psalm 21:17-19). In another passage, it is stated, "They gave me gall to eat, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink" (Psalm 68:22). The fact that Christ emerged from among the Jews was acknowledged and accepted by the Gentile Church. It is noted in the scriptures that "the daughter of Pharaoh...: this is of the Hebrew children" (Ex. 2:5-6).

As the daughter of the king approached the meadows by the shore where the ark had been placed, so too was Moses discovered by the princess, crying out like an infant within the ark.

Those who have not yet become entangled in the alluring distractions of worldly matters, with their ever-changing nature that leads one hither and thither, often cast these aside as unnecessary weights, recognizing them as individuals unsettled in their moral integrity. Yet, for those who have emerged from such turmoil, they should follow the example of Moses, shedding abundant tears even when found safe within the ark; for tears serve as a vigilant sentinel for those rescued through righteousness.

Upon noticing the beauty of the child, Pharaoh's daughter considered with her attendants that the Egyptian deities had provided her with a son amidst her barrenness in the waters. She delighted in the thought that this child would bring her liberation from shame and profound solace, while also ensuring that her father would have an heir to his kingdom.

Question 3: How did Pharaoh's daughter recognize that the child was of the Hebrew lineage (Ex. 2: 6)? This was indicated by his circumcision. This suggests that during that period, the Egyptians had not yet practiced circumcision, but later, when in conflict with the Israelites, they adopted this practice. Consequently, the Almighty declared through the prophet Jeremiah, I will bring judgment upon all who have the mark of circumcision: upon Egypt and the descendants of Edom, among others (Jer. 9: 25-26).

The vulnerability of the infant, who wept as if pleading for compassion, moved the heart of Pharaoh’s daughter, prompting her to show mercy and decide to care for him. It is clear that this event demonstrates the unique orchestration of God's Providence, as the daughter of the most brutal oppressor of this people was chosen to be the means of salvation for the future deliverer of the Hebrew nation from Egyptian oppression. The daughter of Pharaoh likely perceived the child's Jewish heritage not only from his physical features and the manner in which he was discovered but also, as noted by the blessed Theodoret, possibly due to the visible signs of circumcision on the child’s body.

According to Canon Cook, the Egyptian funeral texts emphasize mercy and compassion as the foremost responsibilities of individuals. In this context, Moses highlights the compassion stirred within the princess, which, despite the strict decree of her relative Pharaoh, compelled her to spare the child's life—a response that was divinely guided. She understood that her actions were in defiance of the law.