Acts 7:29
Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.
Acts 7:29 (KJV)
Context
Acts 7:29 is part of Stephen’s defense speech before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council. Stephen, one of the seven chosen to serve the early church, was falsely accused of speaking against the temple and the Law of Moses. In his response, he recounts Israel’s history, showing their repeated rejection of God’s messengers. This verse summarizes the aftermath of Moses’ attempt to deliver his people in his own strength.
In the preceding verses, Stephen describes how Moses, supposing his brethren would understand that God was using him to rescue them, killed an Egyptian who was mistreating an Israelite. The next day, when Moses tried to reconcile two quarreling Hebrews, one of them rejected him, saying, “Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?” (Acts 7:27-28). It was at this saying—this rejection by his own people—that Moses fled. Pharaoh also sought to kill him, so Moses departed from Egypt in fear for his life.
Meaning
The phrase “fled Moses at this saying” marks a turning point. Moses’ premature attempt at deliverance failed because it was not God’s timing or method. The Greek word translated “stranger” is paroikos, meaning a sojourner or resident alien—one with a temporary abode, not a permanent citizen. This reflects Moses’ status in Midian, a desert region in Arabia, east of the Red Sea, extending toward Mount Sinai. There he lived as a stranger, outside his homeland, before his encounter with God at the burning bush.
During his time in Midian, Moses married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a Midianite priest. Together they had two sons: Gershom and Eliezer. The firstborn was named Gershom, meaning “a stranger there,” because Moses said, “I have been a stranger in a strange land” (Exodus 2:22). This naming shows Moses’ awareness of his own displacement and alienation. The second son was Eliezer (Exodus 18:4). This detail highlights that Moses started a family and continued his life away from Egypt.
Biblical connections
The flight fulfills the Old Testament account in Exodus 2:15, where Pharaoh sought to kill Moses after hearing of the murder. Moses’ forty years in Midian as a stranger became the wilderness preparation for his later calling. The rejection Moses faced prefigures the rejection of Christ and the prophets by Israel, a theme Stephen develops throughout his speech. The verse demonstrates that human effort, apart from divine calling, cannot accomplish God’s redemptive purposes.
Application
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.
Reflection
As you consider 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. Even when our own efforts fail, God’s purposes remain sure, and He prepares His servants in seasons of waiting.
