Keraia
Exodus 2

Exodus 2:11

The Rejection and Flight of Moses · Exodus 2:11–22
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Translations

Modern
One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own people and observed their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people.
Traditional
And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.
Literal
And it came to pass in those days, and Moses had grown, and he went out to his brothers and he saw in their burdens, and he saw a man, an Egyptian, striking a man, a Hebrew, from his brothers.
Latin
In diebus illis postquam creverat Moyses, egressus est ad fratres suos: viditque afflictionem eorum, et virum ægyptium percutientem quemdam de Hebræis fratribus suis.

Original

Hebrew
English
One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own people and observed their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people.

Notes

Exodus 2:11–12

Moses grew up with many advantages. He lived in comfort, unlike his own people, the Hebrews, who suffered hard labor and pain.

Even so, Moses chose to identify with them. He decided to stand with his people. He was willing to risk his position and comfort in order to help them.

Exodus 2:11–15

This section describes the first failed attempt of Moses to rescue Israel. He acted in his own strength instead of waiting for God’s direction.

This event shows the courage and quick action of Moses. However, it also shows that he sometimes took responsibility on himself instead of trusting God’s plan. Later in his life, this same pattern led to serious consequences (Numbers 20:1–13).

Moses cared deeply about his people’s well-being. His desire to help was good. But the time and the way he acted did not match God’s plan.

Exodus 2:1–25

Chapter 1 explained why Israel needed rescue. Chapter 2 shows how God prepared Moses, the rescuer. God used the threat to Hebrew baby boys to ensure that Moses was ready for his mission (see study note on 2:10).

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Moses

Events

Parallels

Acts 7:23–29

People

Hebrews: An ethnic group descended from Abraham Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Messiah Prophet, Prophetess

Topics

Egypt: Israel in Moses Slays an Egyptian Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Rashness: Moses, in Killing the Egyptian The Jews: National Character of Fondness for Their Brethren