Keraia
Exodus 2

Exodus 2:15

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

Translations

Modern
When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.
Traditional
Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.
Literal
And Pharaoh heard of this matter, and he sought to kill Moses. And Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and he dwelt in the land of Midian, and he sat down by the well.
Latin
Audivitque Pharao sermonem hunc, et quærebat occidere Moysen: qui fugiens de conspectu ejus, moratus est in terra Madian, et sedit juxta puteum.

Original

Hebrew
English
When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.

Notes

Exodus 2:15

  • Moses fled: Moses tried to rescue Israel by himself instead of relying on God. This made him a fugitive in Egypt, delaying God's plans for him. His actions dramatically changed his life (compare Numbers 20:9–13; Deuteronomy 3:23–29).

  • Midian was on both sides of the Gulf of Aqaba, in the southern Sinai peninsula and the western edge of the Arabian peninsula. A major trade route from southern Arabia went through this dry and barren area. The people there were probably nomadic shepherds and traders (see Genesis 37:28). It was a good place for a fugitive to hide.

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 Pharaoh: Egyptian Pharaoh during Moses' birth and early life

Places

Midian: A nation descended from Abraham; oppressed Israel in the time of the judges

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Messiah Midian, Midianite

Topics

Egypt: Israel in Moses Flies to Midian Fugitives: Moses Jethro: Moses Spent Forty Years of Exile With, and Married his Daughter Midianites: A Small Part of Dwelt Near Horeb Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Persecution of Moses