Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of strife among the Hebrews is illustrated in several instances, one of which is the altercation between two Hebrew men during the time of Moses. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus and serves as a significant moment in Moses' early life and his eventual role as the leader of the Israelites.Biblical Account The incident of strife between two Hebrews is found in Exodus 2:13-14. After Moses had grown up in Pharaoh's palace, he went out to observe the burdens of his people, the Hebrews. On one occasion, he witnessed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and intervened by killing the Egyptian and hiding him in the sand. The following day, Moses encountered two Hebrews fighting: "The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting, and he asked the one in the wrong, 'Why are you striking your fellow Hebrew?' But the man replied, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?' Then Moses was afraid and thought, 'What I did must have become known.'" (Exodus 2:13-14) Analysis This passage highlights several key themes relevant to the understanding of strife among the Hebrews: 1. Internal Conflict: The strife between the two Hebrews underscores the internal conflicts that can arise within a community, even among those who share a common identity and oppression. Despite their shared suffering under Egyptian bondage, discord still existed among the Hebrews. 2. Moses' Role: Moses' intervention in the dispute reveals his emerging sense of justice and leadership. His question, "Why are you striking your fellow Hebrew?" indicates his concern for unity and peace among his people. However, the response he receives reflects skepticism and resistance to his authority, foreshadowing the challenges he would face as a leader. 3. Fear and Revelation: The reaction of the Hebrew man reveals that Moses' previous act of killing the Egyptian was known, instilling fear in Moses. This fear prompts Moses to flee to Midian, setting the stage for his divine encounter at the burning bush and his eventual return to Egypt as God's chosen deliverer. 4. Moral and Ethical Implications: The incident raises questions about justice, authority, and the appropriate response to wrongdoing. Moses' attempt to mediate the conflict reflects a desire for righteousness, yet it also exposes the complexities of leadership and the potential for misunderstanding and rejection. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the strife between the two Hebrews can be seen as a microcosm of the broader human condition marked by sin and discord. It illustrates the need for divine intervention and guidance, which is ultimately fulfilled through God's covenant with Israel and the leadership of Moses. The narrative also points to the importance of unity and reconciliation within the community of God's people, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical text. In summary, the strife between the two Hebrews in Exodus 2 serves as a pivotal moment in the life of Moses and offers insights into the nature of conflict, leadership, and divine purpose within the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 2:13And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Why smite you your fellow? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Hebrews vi. 13-16 Of the Two Kinds of Trials, which Come Upon us in a Three-Fold Way ... Two views of Life Hebrews i. 3 The Heresy of the Ebionites. Hebrews v. 3-Jan Concerning Peaceableness How Moses Discharged the Part of a Military Leader. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus From Egypt to Sinai. Resources What does it mean that the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the works of the flesh? | GotQuestions.org What is the biblical significance of Beer Lahai Roi? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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