(Verse 20) - In which time  - During this period of oppression. (See Exo. 2:2, etc).

Was exceeding fair - Greek: “was fair to God”; properly rendered, “was very handsome.” The word “God” in the Greek here in accordance with the Hebrew usage, by which anything that is “very handsome, lofty, or grand” is thus designated. Thus, Ps. 36:7, “mountains of God,” mean lofty mountains; Ps. 80:11, “cedars of God,” mean lofty, beautiful cedars. Thus, Nineveh is called “a great city to God” (Jonah 3:3, LXX), meaning a very great city. The expression here simply means that Moses was “very fair,” or handsome. (Compare Heb. 11:23, where he is called “a proper child”; that is, a “handsome child.”) It would seem from this that Moses was preserved by his mother on account of his “beauty”; and this is hinted at in Exo. 2:2. And it would also seem from this that Pharaoh had succeeded by his oppressions in what he had attempted; and that it was not unusual for parents among the Jews to expose their children, or to put them to death.

(Verse 21) - Was cast out - When he was exposed on the banks of the Nile, (Exo. 2:3).

And nourished him - Adopted him, and treated him as her own son, (Exo. 2:10). It is implied in this that he was educated by her. An adopted son in the family of Pharaoh would be favored with all the advantages which the land could furnish for an education.

(Verse 22) - Moses was learned - Or, was “instructed.” It does not mean that he HAD that learning, but that he was carefully “trained” or educated in that wisdom. The passage does not express the fact that Moses was distinguished for “learning,” but that he was carefully “educated,” or that pains were taken to make him learned.

In all the wisdom  - The learning of the Egyptians was confined chiefly to astrology, to the interpretation of dreams, to medicine, to mathematics, and to their sacred science or traditional doctrines about religion, which were concealed chiefly under their hieroglyphics. Their learning is not infrequently spoken of in the Scriptures, (1 Kings 4:30; compare Isa. 19:11-12). Their knowledge is equally celebrated in the pagan world. It is known that science was carried from Egypt to Phoenicia, and thence to Greece; and not a few of the Grecian philosophers traveled to Egypt in pursuit of knowledge. Herodotus himself frankly concedes that the Greeks derived very much of their knowledge from Egypt.

And was mighty - Was powerful, or was distinguished. This means that he was eminent in Egypt before he conducted the children of Israel forth. It refers to his addresses to Pharaoh, and to the miracles which he performed “before” their departure.

In words - From Exo. 4:10, it seems that Moses was “slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” When it is said that he was mighty in words, it means that he was mighty in his communications to Pharaoh, though they were spoken by his brother Aaron. Aaron was in his place, and “Moses” addressed Pharaoh through him, who was appointed to deliver the message, (Exo. 4:11-16).

Deeds - Miracles, (Exo. 7, etc).