“And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?”
Context:This verse is part of the narrative of Moses’ early life. At this point, Moses had grown up in the Egyptian palace as Pharaoh’s adopted grandson. However, he became aware of his Hebrew heritage and witnessed the harsh treatment of his people. In his attempt to protect a fellow Hebrew, he ended up killing an Egyptian taskmaster.
Explanation and Interpretation:
- The confrontation:Moses went out on the second day, and he witnessed a conflict between two Hebrew men. It is unclear what the dispute was about, but it likely involved a physical altercation.
- Moses’ intervention:Seeing one Hebrew man mistreating another, Moses stepped in to mediate the situation. He addressed the aggressor, questioning why he was striking his fellow Hebrew. This action reveals Moses’ concern for justice and his identification with the Hebrew people.
- Identifying with his people:Moses had been raised as an Egyptian prince but was also aware of his Hebrew ancestry. His question, “Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?”, indicates his recognition of the shared identity and brotherhood among the Hebrews. It suggests that Moses considered the Hebrew people as his own, and he could not bear to witness injustice or mistreatment among them.
- Foreshadowing Moses’ future role:This incident foreshadows Moses’ calling and role as the deliverer of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. God would use Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage and into the Promised Land. In this verse, we see the seeds of Moses’ passion for justice and his willingness to stand up against oppression.
Lessons and Applications:
- The importance of justice:Moses’ response to the conflict highlights the significance of justice and standing up against wrongdoing. As believers, we should be sensitive to injustices around us and seek to promote fairness and equality.
- Identification with others:Moses’ identification with the Hebrew people teaches us the value of empathy and solidarity. We are called to love and care for our fellow human beings, recognizing our shared humanity and working to alleviate the suffering of others.
- Prepared for God’s calling:This incident was a stepping stone in Moses’ journey towards fulfilling God’s purpose for his life. It reminds us that God often prepares us for our calling through various experiences and circumstances. We should be attentive to the ways in which God might be shaping us for His service.
- The sovereignty of God:Even in this seemingly random conflict, God was at work. He used this incident to ignite Moses’ passion for justice and to position him for the role of a deliverer. It reminds us that God can work through ordinary events to accomplish His extraordinary plans.
In summary, Exodus 2:13 portrays Moses intervening in a dispute between two Hebrew men, highlighting his concern for justice and his identification with the Hebrew people. This verse foreshadows Moses’ future calling as the deliverer of the Israelites from slavery and provides valuable lessons about justice, empathy, and God’s sovereignty.
