Book of Acts - Chapter 7 - Verse 20
Meaning
When we look at the verse 'In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:', we are reminded of the miraculous circumstances surrounding the birth of Moses. Moses, one of the most important figures in the Bible, was born during a time when the Israelites were facing persecution and oppression in Egypt. Despite the danger, Moses' parents showed immense faith by hiding him and caring for him for three months before eventually placing him in a basket in the Nile River. This act of faith ultimately led to Moses being discovered by Pharaoh's daughter and raised in the palace. This verse sets the stage for the incredible journey that Moses would later embark on, as he ultimately becomes a great leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. It highlights the faith and courage of Moses' parents and foreshadows the significant role that Moses would play in the history of the Israelites.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the significance of God's sovereign hand in preserving the life of Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament. The fact that Moses was born during a time when Pharaoh had ordered the killing of all Hebrew male babies underscores the miraculous nature of his survival. The phrase "exceeding fair" has been interpreted to mean that Moses was not only physically attractive but also possessed a special grace or favor from God. Additionally, the mention of Moses being nourished in his father's house for three months can be seen as a symbol of divine protection and care. Some scholars also suggest that this verse foreshadows Moses' future role as a leader and deliverer of the Israelites, emphasizing God's providential plan at work even from the moment of his birth.