Historical Context

Egypt, during the time of Moses, was a powerful and influential civilization located in the northeastern corner of Africa. It was known for its advanced culture, monumental architecture, and complex society. The Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, found themselves in Egypt due to a severe famine in Canaan. Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, had risen to a position of power in Egypt, and his family was invited to settle in the land of Goshen (Genesis 47:6). Over time, the Israelites multiplied and became a significant population within Egypt.

Oppression of the Israelites

As the years passed, a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph and viewed the growing Israelite population as a threat. To suppress them, the Egyptians subjected the Israelites to harsh slavery, forcing them to build cities and work in the fields under brutal conditions (Exodus 1:8-14). Despite the oppression, the Israelites continued to multiply, prompting Pharaoh to order the killing of all newborn Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:15-22).

Moses' Early Life

Moses was born during this period of intense persecution. His mother, Jochebed, hid him for three months before placing him in a basket along the Nile River. Pharaoh's daughter discovered the basket and adopted Moses, raising him as her own in the Egyptian royal household (Exodus 2:1-10). Despite his Egyptian upbringing, Moses was aware of his Hebrew heritage.

Moses Slays an Egyptian

The pivotal event of Moses slaying an Egyptian is recorded in Exodus 2:11-12. "One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own people and observed their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. After looking this way and that and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand" .

This act of violence was a turning point in Moses' life. It demonstrated his deep sense of justice and his identification with the suffering of his people. However, it also forced him to flee Egypt, as Pharaoh sought to kill him for the murder (Exodus 2:15).

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, Moses' slaying of the Egyptian can be seen as an early indication of his role as a deliverer for the Israelites. Although his method was flawed, it foreshadowed his future leadership in liberating the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This event also highlights the tension between divine justice and human action, as Moses took matters into his own hands rather than waiting for God's timing.

Moses' Flight to Midian

Following the incident, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he would spend the next forty years. During this time, he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, and became a shepherd (Exodus 2:16-22). This period of exile was crucial for Moses' development, as it prepared him for his eventual encounter with God at the burning bush and his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Conclusion

The account of Moses slaying the Egyptian is a complex narrative that intertwines themes of identity, justice, and divine purpose. It marks the beginning of Moses' journey from a prince of Egypt to the leader and prophet of Israel, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the Exodus.Exodus 2:11,12
And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brothers, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Index of Subjects.
... Exodus, the, of Israel from Egypt, a type ... Moses, the rod of, a type, [620]192; censured
by Faustus for using the word "cursed," and defended, [621]207, [622 ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm

Book v. Our Reply, in the Previous Books, to the Mad and ...
... For when he left Egypt through fear of the discovery of his deed, and was living
as a ... Finally it is the God that is Who sends Moses to Israel, that we may ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book v our reply in.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... 363; the elevation of, to be ruler of Egypt, [937]363 ... Kings, of Israel, the times
of the, [991]336; after ... by miraculous signs, [1015]191, etc.; of Moses must be ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... No wonder Alford gives it up. Moses Stuart gives it up. Hengstenberg and others
give it up. ... When Israel would trust in the horses of Egypt they were warned ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... in reality no signs at all, for the rod of Moses swallowed up ... We are also aware that
Egypt was stricken with the ten plagues, and that Israel was saved. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... Egypt, glory of Church in, [985]526 ... of this, [1408]471; the Church Jacob here, Israel
hereafter, [1409 ... Gospel one with, proved by the fasts of Moses, Elias, and ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

part i
... At times, I hear the song of Moses; the song of Zacharias"the father of the Forerunner;
that of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel; that of the three ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

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