“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.”
Context: The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this particular verse, Moses has just intervened in a fight between two Hebrews, and one of them questions Moses’ authority and accuses him of murder.
Moses’ Identity: Prior to this incident, Moses had been raised as an Egyptian prince in Pharaoh’s palace. However, he had a deep connection to his Hebrew roots and identified with the Israelites. In verse 11, Moses had witnessed an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave, and out of anger, he killed the Egyptian to defend his fellow Hebrew. This verse refers back to that event.
Questioning Authority: 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.
Fear and Doubt: Upon hearing this accusation, Moses became fearful and concerned that news of the incident had spread. He was afraid that his actions might be discovered by the Egyptians, which could put his life in danger. This fear and doubt are expressed in his response, “Surely this thing is known.”
Foreshadowing God’s Plan: 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 in the burning bush (Exodus 3), commissioning him to lead His people out of Egypt.
Lessons for Today:
- God’s Timing: 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.
- Overcoming Fear and Doubt: 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.
- God Uses Unlikely Individuals: 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.
Remember, this study provides a brief analysis of Exodus 2:14, but it’s always beneficial to read the surrounding verses and explore further to gain a deeper understanding of the passage.
