Acts 7:29

“Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.”

Context:Acts 7:29 is part of a speech delivered by Stephen, one of the seven chosen to serve as deacons in the early church. Stephen was falsely accused of speaking blasphemous words against the temple and the Law of Moses. In his defence, Stephen recounts the history of the Israelites, highlighting their disobedience and rejection of God’s messengers, including Moses. This verse refers to the time when Moses fled Egypt and became a stranger in the land of Midian.

Moses’ Flight:In the preceding verses, Stephen recounts how Moses, as a young man, came to the defence of his fellow Israelite and ended up killing an Egyptian who was mistreating him. When Pharaoh learned about this, he sought to kill Moses, causing him to flee from Egypt. The phrase “fled Moses at this saying” refers to Moses’ departure from Egypt in fear for his life.

Stranger in the Land of Midian:Moses found refuge in the land of Midian, which was located east of Egypt, on the Arabian Peninsula. There, he lived as a stranger, outside his homeland. This event took place after Moses fled from Egypt and before his encounter with God at the burning bush, where he was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Begat Two Sons:During his time in Midian, Moses married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a Midianite priest. Together, they had two sons: Gershom and Eliezer. This detail highlights an important aspect of Moses’ life during his time in Midian, as he started a family and continued his life away from Egypt.

Lessons and Applications:

• Trusting God’s Guidance:Moses’ flight to Midian demonstrates the providence and guidance of God in his life. Although Moses had to flee from Egypt, God had a plan for him, and He led him to a place where he would be safe and prepare for his future role as the deliverer of Israel.
• God’s Timing and Preparation:Moses’ time in Midian served as a period of preparation. He was given the opportunity to learn and grow in wisdom before returning to Egypt. Sometimes, God takes us through seasons of waiting and preparation before He uses us for His purposes.
• God’s Use of Unlikely People:Moses, a fugitive and a stranger in a foreign land, might have seemed like an unlikely candidate to become the leader of a nation. Yet, God chose him and worked through his weaknesses to accomplish His plans. This reminds us that God often uses ordinary, imperfect individuals to fulfil His purposes.
• Faithfulness in the Ordinary:Moses’ time in Midian may have seemed uneventful compared to his later years of leading the Israelites through the wilderness. However, it was during this period that he faithfully tended sheep, started a family, and learned important lessons. This teaches us the value of faithfulness and obedience in our everyday lives, even when we may feel insignificant.
• God’s Sovereign Plan:Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 emphasises that God was working throughout Israel’s history, despite their rebellion and rejection of His messengers. Moses’ flight and time in Midian were part of God’s sovereign plan to deliver His people. It reminds us that God is in control, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, and He works all things together for His purposes.

As you study Acts 7:29 in its context, it reveals important lessons about God’s guidance, preparation, and faithfulness. It also highlights the significance of Moses’ time in Midian as part of God’s plan.