Keraia
Exodus 2

Exodus 2:14

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

Modern
But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.”
Traditional
And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.
Literal
And he said, “Who appointed you as a man—a ruler and a judge—over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” And Moses feared and said, “Surely the matter is known.”
Latin
Qui respondit: Quis te constituit principem et judicem super nos? num occidere me tu vis, sicut heri occidisti Ægyptium? Timuit Moyses, et ait: Quomodo palam factum est verbum istud?

Original

Hebrew
English
But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.”

Notes

Exodus 2:14

“Who made you ruler and judge over us?”: The Hebrew man's arrogant question hints at how others would later treat Moses. They would not appreciate his efforts. For Moses to succeed, he would need to rely only on his belief in God's calling.

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 Pharaoh

Events

Parallels

Acts 7:23–29

People

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 Moses

Topics

Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster