“And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.”
Context: Exodus 2:12 is part of the narrative of Moses’ life before he became the deliverer of the Israelites. At this point in the story, Moses had grown up in Pharaoh’s palace, but he identified with his Hebrew heritage. One day, Moses witnessed an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave, and in his anger, he struck and killed the Egyptian.
Observation: This verse highlights Moses’ act of defending his fellow Hebrew by killing the Egyptian oppressor. It also mentions that Moses made sure no one was watching before he took this action, indicating his awareness of the potential consequences.
Historical and Cultural Context: The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt during this time. Moses, who was raised as an Egyptian prince, was later called by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery and into the Promised Land.
Significance and Lessons:
- Protection of the oppressed: Moses’ act reveals his concern for his fellow Hebrews and his willingness to stand up against injustice. It demonstrates the importance of defending those who are mistreated or oppressed, even at personal risk.
- God’s providence: Although Moses took matters into his own hands, it is interesting to note that God used this incident to set the stage for Moses’ future role as the deliverer of the Israelites. God can work through unexpected circumstances and our actions to fulfill His purposes.
- Consequences of impulsive actions: While Moses’ intention may have been noble, his impulsive act had consequences. Later, he had to flee Egypt when Pharaoh discovered what he had done. It serves as a reminder to carefully consider our actions and seek God’s guidance before taking matters into our own hands.
- God’s shaping of Moses: This event marked an important moment in Moses’ life, leading him on a journey of transformation and preparation for his role as the leader of God’s people. God often uses our experiences, both positive and negative, to shape us and prepare us for the tasks He has for us.
Application:
- Advocacy for justice: As believers, we are called to stand up against injustice and protect the vulnerable, just as Moses did. This may involve speaking out against oppression, supporting causes that promote justice, or advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
- Seeking God’s guidance: It is essential to seek God’s guidance and wisdom before taking action, especially in situations where injustice is prevalent. We should rely on Him to guide our steps and provide discernment.
- Trusting God’s providence: Even when our actions seem unplanned or even flawed, we can trust that God can work through them to accomplish His purposes. We should remain faithful, knowing that He is in control, even when we cannot see the full picture.
By studying Exodus 2:12 and reflecting on its context and lessons, we can gain insights into Moses’ character, God’s providence, and our own responsibilities in promoting justice and seeking God’s guidance in our lives.