Exodus 2:14

And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

Exodus 2:14 (KJV)

Context

The book of Exodus recounts the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this verse, Moses has just intervened in a fight between two Hebrews, and one of them challenges Moses’ authority and accuses him of murder.

Moses had been raised as an Egyptian prince in Pharaoh’s palace, yet he identified with his Hebrew people. In verse 11, he saw an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave and, in anger, killed the Egyptian to defend his fellow Hebrew. This verse refers back to that event.

Meaning

The Hebrew man’s question, “Who made thee a prince and a judge over us?” reflects the skepticism and doubt Moses faced from his own people. They were not aware of Moses’ calling and his future role as the deliverer of Israel. They questioned his authority and leadership.

The accusation, “intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian?” directly references the event of verse 12. Moses’ response, “Surely this thing is known,” expresses his fear that the matter would be reported to Pharaoh, endangering his life. This fear preceded his flight to Midian.

Biblical connections

This verse foreshadows the divine plan that God had for Moses. While Moses might have doubted himself and his position, God had chosen him to be the one through whom He would deliver the Israelites from bondage. God would later reveal Himself to Moses at the burning bush, commissioning him to lead His people out of Egypt.

The man’s challenge also echoes later in Exodus 5:21, when Israelite foremen similarly blame Moses for their worsened situation, showing a pattern of Israel questioning Moses’ leadership.

Application

Sometimes, God prepares us for a significant purpose without our knowledge. Even when we doubt ourselves, we need to trust in His perfect timing and plan for our lives.

Moses’ fear and doubt were natural human responses, but he learned to trust in God’s guidance and power. Similarly, when faced with uncertainties or doubts, we should turn to God, seek His guidance, and trust in His faithfulness.

Moses, an unlikely candidate due to his background and self-doubt, was chosen by God for a great task. This reminds us that God can use ordinary people with flaws and weaknesses to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom.

Reflection

This verse illustrates the consequences of acting on human impulse rather than divine commission, and the fear that follows when sin is exposed. Yet it also points to God’s grace, who works through our failures to accomplish His purposes.