Topical Bible: Egypt: Israel in Moses Flies to Midian

◄ Egypt: Israel in Moses Flies to Midian ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Historical Context:

Egypt, during the time of Moses, was a powerful and influential civilization in the ancient Near East. It was characterized by its advanced culture, monumental architecture, and complex religious system. The Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, had settled in Egypt during a time of famine, as recounted in the account of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). Over time, they became enslaved by the Egyptians, who feared their growing numbers and potential power (Exodus 1:8-14).

Moses' Early Life:

Moses, a central figure in the narrative of the Exodus, was born during a period of intense oppression for the Israelites. Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed to curb the population growth of the Israelites (Exodus 1:22). Moses' mother, Jochebed, hid him for three months and then placed him in a basket on the Nile River, where he was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:1-10).

Raised in the Egyptian royal household, Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22). Despite his privileged upbringing, Moses retained a connection to his Hebrew heritage. This connection would later drive him to act on behalf of his people.

Moses' Flight to Midian:

The turning point in Moses' life came when he witnessed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. In a moment of anger and identification with his people, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand (Exodus 2:11-12). The next day, when he attempted to mediate a dispute between two Hebrews, his actions were exposed, and he realized that his life was in danger (Exodus 2:13-14).

Pharaoh, upon learning of the incident, sought to kill Moses. In response, Moses fled Egypt and journeyed to the land of Midian (Exodus 2:15). Midian, located east of the Sinai Peninsula, was inhabited by the Midianites, descendants of Abraham through his wife Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2).

Life in Midian:

In Midian, Moses encountered the family of Jethro (also known as Reuel), a priest of Midian. Moses married Jethro's daughter, Zipporah, and became a shepherd, tending to Jethro's flocks (Exodus 2:16-21). This period of Moses' life, lasting forty years, was marked by a time of preparation and transformation. It was in the wilderness of Midian that Moses encountered the burning bush and received his divine commission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10).

Theological Significance:

Moses' flight to Midian and subsequent life there highlight several key theological themes. First, it underscores God's providence and preparation. Despite Moses' initial failure and exile, God was at work, preparing him for his future role as the deliverer of Israel. Second, it illustrates the theme of identity and calling. Moses' actions in Egypt and his time in Midian reflect his growing awareness of his identity as a Hebrew and his calling to serve God's purposes.

The narrative also emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the oppressive circumstances in Egypt, God had not forgotten His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses' journey to Midian was a crucial step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 2:15
Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelled in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... for of the beasts of the children of Israel there was ... The sixth plague was that Moses
took ashes out of the ... And anon all the people of Egypt, as well men as ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

Demonstration vi. --Of Monks.
... great high-priest of the house of Israel, and through ... was sent to deliver the people
from Egypt, and took ... acts, [879] and the Lord met with Moses, and desired ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration vi of monks.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... him so long, saying, "As for this Moses,"we wot ... Christ greater riches than the treasures
in Egypt" (Hebrews 11 ... son of Jesse; to your tents, O Israel: now see ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... We see the night still flies before the day, and ... As Moses saith, "It shall be our
righteousness, if we ... said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel" (Amos 7 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of such caravans was considerable, for although Egypt had ceased ... itself the most
bellicose of the tribes of Israel. ... The presence of a descendant of Moses as a ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, have not obtained it (v 30). ...
unto thee; for thou art to prefer it "before the treasures in Egypt" (Heb.11 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm