When Pharaoh's daughter saw the fair child, Moses, weeping, she had compassion upon him, and manifested her love in the kindly interest she took in him, and the loving care she exercised on his behalf. The word "compassion" is the same that occurs in Malachi, where it speaks of God sparing those who feared His name: "I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him" (Mal 3:17). The same term is used in speaking of God's gracious action in His forbearance towards Israel, when He is said to have "had compassion on His people" (2Ch 36:5). In Joe 2:18, the word is translated "pity," and is so given again and again. As Pharaoh's daughter pitied Moses, so the Lord has graciously had compassion upon us, for "God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8).
This fact may be further illustrated by the several instances where Christ is said to have had compassion upon people.
1. The Shepherd having compassion upon the scattered sheep, and being willing to save them (Mat 9:36; Mar 6:34).
2. The Divine Physician having compassion upon the sick, and healing them (Mat 14:14).
3. The Miracle-worker having compassion upon the hungry multitude, and supplying their need (Mat 15:32; Mar 8:2).
4. The Restorer having compassion upon the blind men, and giving them their sight (Mat 20:34).
5. The Cleanser having compassion upon the unclean leper, and cleansing him (Mar 1:41).
6. The Comforter having compassion upon the sorrowing mother, and raising her son to life (Luk 7:13).
7. The Good Samaritan having compassion upon the helpless traveller, and taking care of him (Luk 10:33).
8. The Almighty Deliverer having compassion upon the demon-possessed man, and liberating him (Mar 10:19).
9. The Father having compassion upon the prodigal, and giving him a royal welcome (Luk 15:20).
The One who had compassion upon the people when on earth, is the same One with Whom we have to do.