Why Was Moses Hidden for Three Months?
The story of Moses, a central figure in the Judeo-Christian tradition, begins with his miraculous preservation from a decree of infanticide. According to the biblical account in the Book of Exodus , Moses was hidden by his parents for three months to protect him from being killed by the Egyptians. This act of concealment and the subsequent events set the stage for Moses' eventual role as the liberator of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. To fully understand why Moses was hidden for three months, it is essential to explore the historical, cultural, and theological contexts surrounding his birth and early life. Historical and Cultural Context The Egyptian Decree The context of Moses' birth is pivotal in understanding why he was hidden. The Israelites, descendants of Jacob (also known as Israel), had settled in Egypt during a time of famine, as detailed in the latter chapters of Genesis . Initially, they were welcomed guests, particularly due to Joseph’s high position in the E