Exodus 2:13
And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrewes stroue together: And hee said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? Exodus 2:13 (KJV)
This verse belongs to the narrative of Moses’ early life. At this point Moses had grown up in the Egyptian palace, first as the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter and later as an Egyptian prince, yet he was aware of his Hebrew heritage. On the second day he went out and saw two Hebrews in a dispute, a physical altercation whose exact cause is not recorded. Seeing one Hebrew striking another, Moses stepped in and addressed the aggressor, asking, “Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?” His question reveals a deep concern for justice and an identification with his people, for he could not tolerate mistreatment among the Hebrews.
Moses’ intervention foreshadows his future calling as the deliverer of Israel. In the heat of the confrontation he killed an Egyptian taskmaster who was striking a Hebrew slave, an act that set in motion the events leading to his exile and later mission to lead the Israelites out of bondage. The incident demonstrates how ordinary circumstances can become pivotal moments in God’s sovereign plan.
Lessons and applications flow naturally from this scene. First, the importance of justice is highlighted; believers are urged to be sensitive to wrongdoing and to promote fairness. Second, Moses’ identification with his fellow Hebrews teaches empathy and solidarity, calling Christians to love and care for others as members of a shared humanity. Third, the episode shows how God prepares individuals for His purposes through everyday experiences, urging us to remain attentive to the ways He may be shaping us for service. Finally, the sovereignty of God is evident even in a seemingly random conflict, reminding us that God can work through ordinary events to accomplish extraordinary purposes. In sum, Exodus 2:13 presents Moses’ early stand for justice, his solidarity with his people, and the divine preparation for his future role as Israel’s deliverer, offering timeless principles of justice, empathy, preparation, and divine sovereignty.
