This verse from Exodus 2:14 is a pivotal moment in Moses' story and reveals several key things:
Moses' Attempt to Intervene: Moses had previously killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-12). Verse 14 reveals that he attempted to intervene again, this time to stop a fight between two Hebrews. This shows that Moses, despite being raised in Pharaoh's court, felt a connection to his people and a desire to help them.
Rejection of Moses' Authority: The Hebrew man's response, "Who made you a prince and a judge over us?", indicates a rejection of Moses' authority. He questions Moses' right to interfere in their affairs. This is ironic, as Moses is destined to lead the Israelites out of slavery. The man does not know or care if Moses is actually a Hebrew - he simply objects to Moses acting as a self-appointed authority.
Fear of Exposure: The man's question, "Do you plan to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian?", exposes that Moses' previous act of violence was not a secret. This is significant because killing an Egyptian would have been a crime against the Pharaoh and the Egyptian state.
Moses' Fear: Moses' fear is palpable when he realizes that his actions are known. He understands the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of his actions being discovered by the Pharaoh. This fear motivates him to flee Egypt.
Divine Intervention: From a broader perspective, the incident also underscores God's divine plan. While Moses' act of killing the Egyptian might seem rash or impulsive, it sets in motion a series of events that ultimately lead to the liberation of the Israelites. The fact that his actions are revealed forces Moses into exile in Midian, where he encounters God at the burning bush and receives his divine commission.
In summary, Exodus 2:14 reveals Moses' compassion for his people, his lack of formal authority, the danger he is in due to his past actions, and the unfolding of God's plan through unexpected events.
This verse from Exodus 2:14 is a pivotal moment in Moses' story and reveals several key things:
Moses' Attempt to Intervene: Moses had previously killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-12). Verse 14 reveals that he attempted to intervene again, this time to stop a fight between two Hebrews. This shows that Moses, despite being raised in Pharaoh's court, felt a connection to his people and a desire to help them.
Rejection of Moses' Authority: The Hebrew man's response, "Who made you a prince and a judge over us?", indicates a rejection of Moses' authority. He questions Moses' right to interfere in their affairs. This is ironic, as Moses is destined to lead the Israelites out of slavery. The man does not know or care if Moses is actually a Hebrew - he simply objects to Moses acting as a self-appointed authority.
Fear of Exposure: The man's question, "Do you plan to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian?", exposes that Moses' previous act of violence was not a secret. This is significant because killing an Egyptian would have been a crime against the Pharaoh and the Egyptian state.
Moses' Fear: Moses' fear is palpable when he realizes that his actions are known. He understands the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of his actions being discovered by the Pharaoh. This fear motivates him to flee Egypt.
Divine Intervention: From a broader perspective, the incident also underscores God's divine plan. While Moses' act of killing the Egyptian might seem rash or impulsive, it sets in motion a series of events that ultimately lead to the liberation of the Israelites. The fact that his actions are revealed forces Moses into exile in Midian, where he encounters God at the burning bush and receives his divine commission.
In summary, Exodus 2:14 reveals Moses' compassion for his people, his lack of formal authority, the danger he is in due to his past actions, and the unfolding of God's plan through unexpected events.