At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons. At this remark,This phrase refers to the reaction of Moses after realizing that his killing of the Egyptian was known. The remark in question is from a fellow Hebrew who questioned Moses' authority and intentions, highlighting Moses' fear of exposure and the consequences of his actions. This moment is pivotal as it marks a turning point in Moses' life, leading to his flight from Egypt. Exo 2:12-14 After looking this way and that and seeing no one,… Moses fled to the land of Midian, Midian is located in the northwestern region of the Arabian Peninsula, near the Gulf of Aqaba. This area was inhabited by the Midianites, descendants of Abraham through Keturah, as mentioned in Genesis 25:1-2. Moses' flight to Midian signifies a period of exile and preparation, paralleling other biblical figures who experienced transformation in the wilderness. This escape also fulfills a divine purpose, as Moses' time in Midian prepares him for his future role as the leader of the Israelites. Exo 2:15 When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill… where he lived as a foreigner Moses' status as a foreigner in Midian reflects his displacement and identity crisis. Having been raised in Pharaoh's palace, he was neither fully Egyptian nor fully Hebrew. This experience of living as an outsider foreshadows the Israelites' own journey and identity struggles. It also prefigures Christ, who was often rejected and lived without a permanent home during His earthly ministry. Exo 2:21-22 Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter… and had two sons. Moses' two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, are mentioned in Exodus 18:3-4. Gershom's name, meaning "a stranger there," underscores Moses' sense of alienation and his life as a sojourner. Eliezer's name, meaning "God is my help," reflects Moses' reliance on divine assistance. These names encapsulate Moses' journey from exile to divine mission, mirroring the broader narrative of redemption and God's faithfulness. Exo 18:3-4 along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. At this point in Acts, Stephen is recounting Moses' life, highlighting his flight to Midian after killing an Egyptian. 2. Midian A region east of the Red Sea, where Moses fled after his life in Egypt became endangered. It was here that Moses would spend 40 years, marrying Zipporah and having two sons. 3. Stephen The speaker in Acts 7, Stephen is giving a defense of his faith before the Sanhedrin. He recounts the history of Israel, emphasizing their repeated rejection of God's messengers. 4. Egypt The land where the Israelites were enslaved and where Moses was initially raised in Pharaoh's household. Moses' actions in Egypt led to his flight to Midian. 5. Two Sons Referring to Gershom and Eliezer, the sons of Moses and Zipporah, born during Moses' time in Midian. Teaching Points God's Preparation in the WildernessMoses' time in Midian was a period of preparation. God often uses wilderness experiences to shape and prepare us for future purposes. Faith in Action Moses' decision to flee Egypt was an act of faith. Sometimes faith requires us to leave behind what is familiar and comfortable. God's Sovereignty in Our Journeys Even when circumstances seem dire, God is sovereign and uses every part of our journey for His purposes. The Importance of Family and Legacy Moses' family in Midian, including his sons, played a crucial role in his life. Our families can be a source of strength and legacy in our faith journey. Responding to God's Call Moses' life in Midian was a response to God's call, even when it meant living as a foreigner. We are called to respond to God, even when it leads us into unknown territories. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' time in Midian reflect God's preparation in our own lives during times of waiting or transition?2. In what ways can we demonstrate faith like Moses when faced with difficult decisions or the need to leave our comfort zones? 3. How does the account of Moses' flight to Midian encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when our circumstances seem uncertain? 4. What role does family play in our spiritual journey, and how can we ensure that our legacy reflects our faith in God? 5. How can we discern and respond to God's call in our lives, especially when it requires us to step into unfamiliar or challenging situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 2:11-22This passage provides the background account of Moses' flight to Midian, detailing his actions in Egypt and his subsequent life in Midian. Hebrews 11:24-27 This passage highlights Moses' faith, emphasizing his choice to leave Egypt and align with God's people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. Exodus 18:3-4 This passage names Moses' sons and provides insight into the significance of their names, reflecting Moses' experiences and faith. People Aaron, David, Egyptians, Emmor, Hamor, Haran, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Molech, Pharaoh, Saul, Solomon, Stephen, SychemPlaces Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Haran, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Midian, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, ShechemTopics Alarmed, Alien, Begat, Exile, Fled, Flight, Foreigner, Madiam, Madian, Midian, Mid'ian, Question, Remark, Retort, Saying, Settled, Sojourner, Sons, StrangerDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 7:20-29Library Stephen's vision'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God'--ACTS vii. 56. I. The vision of the Son of Man, or the abiding manhood of Jesus. Stephen's Greek name, and his belonging to the Hellenistic part of the Church, make it probable that he had never seen Jesus during His earthly life. If so, how beautiful that he should thus see and recognise Him! How significant, in any case, is it he should instinctively have taken on his lips that name, 'the Son of Man,' to designate … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ] The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant The Prayer of Stephen. Our Lord Appears after his Ascension. Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we to do with Routiniers?... St. Stephen's Day and Stephen, Full of Faith and Power, did Great Wonders and Miracles among the People. . . . Then they Stirred up the People. . . . And Caught Him, and Set up False Witnesses against Him. The Death of Stephen. Acts 7:54-60 Whether in Christ There was the Gift of Prophecy? Whether those who are not Practiced in Keeping the Commandments Should Enter Religion? Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels? Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the Angels and the Star? Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Sit at the Right Hand of God the Father? Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped? In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after the Flood... And Jacob, when He Went into Mesopotamia, Saw Him in a Dream... The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent. Wisdom and Revelation. As God in his Word Enjoins Common Prayer, So Public Temples are the Places Destined... A Glorious vision. It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ... The Secret of Its Greatness From Egypt to Sinai. The Son of Man Links Acts 7:29 NIVActs 7:29 NLT Acts 7:29 ESV Acts 7:29 NASB Acts 7:29 KJV Acts 7:29 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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