Exodus 2:14

Exodus 2:14 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Moses, revealing the premature nature of his early attempts at leadership and setting the stage for his decades-long exile from Egypt. This verse captures the direct confrontation Moses faces after intervening in a dispute between two Hebrews, an act that exposes his earlier, more violent intervention on behalf of a fellow Israelite.

Context

Prior to this verse, Moses, raised in the Pharaoh's household (Exodus 2:10), had witnessed the oppression of his Hebrew brethren. In a moment of righteous indignation, he had killed an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating a Hebrew and buried the body, believing his act was secret. The very next day, he encounters two Hebrews fighting and attempts to mediate, asking, "Why smitest thou thy fellow?" It is then that one of the Hebrews challenges Moses directly with the words of this verse, indicating that Moses's secret act of killing the Egyptian was, in fact, known among his people.

Key Themes

• Premature Human Initiative: Moses, driven by a desire to help his people, acted on his own timing and strength, rather than waiting for God's divine appointment. His zeal was genuine, but his method and timing were not yet aligned with God's perfect plan for Israel's deliverance.
• Exposure of Hidden Deeds: The verse powerfully illustrates that secrets, especially those involving grave actions, often come to light. The Hebrew's blunt question, "intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian?" shatters Moses's illusion of secrecy and highlights the consequences of his actions. Numbers 32:23 reminds us that "your sin will find you out."
• Fear and Flight: The revelation that his act was known instilled fear in Moses, leading him to flee Egypt. This fear was not unfounded, as Pharaoh would indeed seek to kill him (Exodus 2:15). This period of flight and exile in Midian was crucial for Moses's spiritual formation, preparing him for his true calling.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew's challenging question, "Who made thee a prince and a judge over us?", uses terms that signify authority and leadership. The word for "prince" (שַׂר, sar) denotes a ruler or chief, while "judge" (שֹׁפֵט, shofet) refers to one who settles disputes and administers justice. By asking this, the Hebrew challenges Moses's self-appointed authority to intervene in their affairs, highlighting that Moses had no legitimate standing among them at that time, either by human decree or divine appointment.

Practical Application

Exodus 2:14 offers valuable lessons for us today:

• God's Timing is Best: Like Moses, we may have good intentions and a desire to serve or solve problems, but acting outside of God's timing and anointing can lead to unintended consequences. It teaches us patience and reliance on divine leading, rather than human strength or cleverness.
• Accountability for Actions: Our actions, even those done in secret, have consequences and can be revealed. This verse underscores the importance of integrity and the reality that we are accountable, not only to others but ultimately to God.
• Preparation Through Adversity: Moses's fear and subsequent flight led him to 40 years in the desert, a period of humbling and training that was essential before he could fulfill God's grand purpose for his life. Sometimes, setbacks and periods of obscurity are God's way of preparing us for greater responsibilities.