“And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.”
Context:The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land. Exodus 2:11 occurs early in Moses’ life, providing a significant event that shapes his future role as the leader of the Israelites.
Moses’ Background:Moses was born to Hebrew parents during a time when the Pharaoh of Egypt had ordered the killing of Hebrew male infants. His mother placed him in a basket and set him adrift on the Nile River, where he was found and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, who raised him as her own.
Moses’ Identity:In Exodus 2:11, we see Moses grown up and aware of his Hebrew heritage. Despite being raised as an Egyptian prince, Moses feels a connection with his people and goes out to see their condition.
Observing the Burdens:Moses goes out to his Hebrew brethren and looks upon their burdens. This reveals his compassion and concern for his fellow Israelites who are suffering under the harsh slavery imposed by the Egyptians. Moses takes an active interest in their welfare and becomes an eyewitness to their suffering.
Conflict with an Egyptian:While observing, Moses witnesses an Egyptian taskmaster mistreating a Hebrew slave. The mistreatment involves physical violence, as the Egyptian smites the Hebrew. Moses’ sense of justice is stirred, and he intervenes to protect his fellow Hebrew.
The Hebrew Connection:The verse specifies that the Hebrew being attacked is “one of his brethren,” emphasizing Moses’ kinship with the Israelites. It underscores the shared ancestry and solidarity Moses feels with the Hebrew people, further strengthening his resolve to champion their cause.
Foreshadowing Moses’ Role:This event foreshadows Moses’ future calling as the deliverer and leader of the Israelites. His initial act of defending the Hebrew slave sets the stage for the pivotal role he will play in leading his people out of bondage in Egypt and guiding them towards the Promised Land.
Overall, Exodus 2:11 highlights Moses’ growing awareness of his identity and his compassion for the Hebrews. It sets the foundation for his future role as the liberator and leader of God’s chosen people, revealing the providential shaping of his life for the task ahead.
