Exodus 2:11

¶ 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.

And it came to pass in those days {H3117}, when Moses {H4872} was grown {H1431}, that he went out {H3318} unto his brethren {H251}, and looked {H7200} on their burdens {H5450}: and he spied {H7200} an Egyptian {H4713}{H376} smiting {H5221} an Hebrew {H5680}, one of his brethren {H251}.

One day, when Moshe was a grown man, he went out to visit his kinsmen; and he watched them struggling at forced labor. He saw an Egyptian strike a Hebrew, one of his kinsmen.

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.

And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown up, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he saw an Egyptian smiting a Hebrew, one of his brethren.

Commentary

Exodus 2:11 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Moses, revealing his burgeoning identity and sense of justice. After being miraculously preserved and raised in the Egyptian royal court, this verse describes his first recorded personal encounter with the plight of his enslaved people.

Context

By this point in the Book of Exodus, the Israelites are suffering under severe Egyptian bondage, forced into harsh labor and subjected to infanticide by Pharaoh's decree (Exodus 1:11). Moses, adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, has grown up in privilege, shielded from the direct experience of his people's oppression. This verse signifies his transition from childhood to adulthood and a deliberate choice to connect with his true heritage, rather than remain aloof in the palace.

Key Themes

  • Identity and Kinship: Moses "went out unto his brethren," demonstrating a profound recognition of his Hebrew identity despite his Egyptian upbringing. This was a crucial step in his preparation to lead them.
  • Empathy and Compassion: He "looked on their burdens," indicating a deep concern and empathy for the suffering of his people. This was not a casual glance but an intentional observation of their hardship.
  • Justice and Outrage: The sight of "an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew" ignited a sense of righteous indignation in Moses. This act of violence against one of his "brethren" served as a catalyst for his immediate, though rash, intervention. This foreshadows his later role as a deliverer of justice.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "when Moses was grown" emphasizes his maturity and the conscious decision he made. The Hebrew word for "smiting" (nakah) is a strong term, often implying a forceful blow or striking, highlighting the brutality of the Egyptian's actions. The repeated use of "his brethren" underscores Moses's deep connection to his Israelite lineage, a bond stronger than his adopted status.

Practical Application

Exodus 2:11 calls believers today to consider their own identity in Christ and their responsibility towards those who suffer. Like Moses, we are called to:

  • Recognize our spiritual heritage: Understand our identity as children of God, part of a greater spiritual family, and not solely defined by worldly status or upbringing.
  • Cultivate empathy: Actively "look on the burdens" of others, especially the oppressed, marginalized, and those suffering injustice. This echoes the call to "seek justice, correct oppression" as seen in Isaiah 1:17.
  • Act for justice: While Moses's immediate action was flawed, his desire for justice was divinely inspired. We are similarly called to speak up and act against injustice, trusting God for the right timing and method (see Micah 6:8 for God's requirements).

This verse lays the groundwork for Moses's ultimate role as God's chosen deliverer, a role he would fully embrace after encountering God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:10).

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:24 (9 votes)

    By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

  • Hebrews 11:26 (9 votes)

    Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

  • Exodus 1:11 (6 votes)

    Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

  • Acts 7:22 (5 votes)

    And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

  • Acts 7:24 (5 votes)

    And seeing one [of them] suffer wrong, he defended [him], and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

  • Luke 4:18 (4 votes)

    The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

  • Matthew 11:28 (4 votes)

    Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.