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Exodus 2:2 - Hidden savior's divine beginning

Exodus 2:2 - שמות 2:2

Hebrew Text

וַתַּהַר הָאִשָּׁה וַתֵּלֶד בֵּן וַתֵּרֶא אֹתוֹ כִּי־טוֹב הוּא וַתִּצְפְּנֵהוּ שְׁלֹשָׁה יְרָחִים׃

English Translation

And the woman conceived, and bore a son: and when she saw that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.

Transliteration

Va'tahar ha'isha va'teled ben va'tere oto ki-tov hu va'titzpenehu shloshah yerachim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתַּ֥הַר הָאִשָּׁ֖ה וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֑ן וַתֵּ֤רֶא אֹתוֹ֙ כִּי־ט֣וֹב ה֔וּא וַֽתִּצְפְּנֵ֖הוּ שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה יְרָחִֽים׃
וַתַּ֥הַר הָאִשָּׁ֖ה וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֑ן וַתֵּ֤רֶא אֹתוֹ֙ כִּי־ט֣וֹב ה֔וּא וַֽתִּצְפְּנֵ֖הוּ שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה יְרָחִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Verse in Context

The verse (Shemot 2:2) describes the birth of Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses) and his mother Yocheved's decision to hide him for three months to protect him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Israelite males. This act of defiance and faith is foundational to Jewish history.

Rashi's Explanation of "Ki Tov Hu" (כי־טוב הוא)

Rashi explains that "when she saw that he was a goodly child" refers not only to physical beauty but to a spiritual quality. He cites the Talmud (Sotah 12a), which states that the entire house was filled with light when Moshe was born, alluding to his future role as the receiver of the Torah, which is called "light" (Mishlei 6:23). This interpretation connects Moshe's birth to his divine mission.

The Midrashic Perspective

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:20) elaborates that Yocheved and Amram (Moshe's parents) had previously separated due to Pharaoh's decree but remarried after their daughter Miriam prophesied that they would give birth to the future redeemer. The phrase "ki tov hu" thus reflects their recognition of Moshe's destined greatness.

The Significance of Three Months

  • Symbolism of Time: The three months parallel the three stages of pregnancy where a fetus's form becomes recognizable (Niddah 25b), suggesting Yocheved waited until it was halachically clear the child was viable.
  • Divine Protection: The Sforno notes that hiding Moshe for three months demonstrated Yocheved's bitachon (trust in Hashem), as it was humanly impossible to conceal a baby longer without divine intervention.

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:4) derives from this episode that one must risk their life to save another, even if the outcome is uncertain. Yocheved's actions set a precedent for mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice) in preserving Jewish life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 12a
The verse is discussed in the context of the birth of Moses, explaining why his mother saw that he was 'goodly' and hid him for three months.
📖 Megillah 14a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about righteous women and their roles in biblical narratives, particularly focusing on Moses' mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the woman mentioned in Exodus 2:2?
A: The woman mentioned in Exodus 2:2 is Yocheved, the mother of Moshe (Moses). According to Rashi, she was one of the midwives who feared Hashem and saved Jewish babies in Egypt (Shemot 1:15-21).
Q: Why did Yocheved hide her baby for three months?
A: Yocheved hid her baby because Pharaoh had decreed that all newborn Jewish boys be thrown into the Nile (Shemot 1:22). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:20) explains that when Moshe was born, the entire house filled with light, showing he was special, so she risked hiding him.
Q: What does it mean that she saw he was 'goodly' (כי־טוב הוא)?
A: Rashi explains that 'goodly' means Moshe was born circumcised (already spiritually complete). The Talmud (Sotah 12a) also says this refers to the light that filled the house at his birth, indicating his future role as a leader who would bring light to Bnei Yisrael.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish values today?
A: This teaches the Jewish value of risking oneself to save lives (pikuach nefesh). Yocheved's bravery in defying Pharaoh's decree mirrors how Jews must stand up against oppression. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 5:1-2) discusses how saving lives overrides almost all other mitzvos.
Q: Why is this moment in Moshe's life important?
A: This marks the beginning of Moshe's journey to become the greatest Jewish prophet. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:24) connects this to how Hashem protects the righteous even in danger. Moshe's survival allowed him to later lead Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt and receive the Torah.