Exodus 2:11
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Exodus 2:11
11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.
Chapter Context
Exodus 2 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, righteousness, worship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 2:11
11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.
Analysis
And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren (וַיִּגְדַּל מֹשֶׁה וַיֵּצֵא אֶל־אֶחָיו וַיַּרְא בְּסִבְלֹתָם, vayigdal Mosheh vayetse el-echav vayar besivlotam)—Grown (גָּדַל, gadal, likely 40 years old per Acts 7:23) marks Moses' transition from prince to deliverer. Went out unto his brethren—Moses identifies with the oppressed, not oppressors (Hebrews 11:24-26). Looked on their burdens (וַיַּרְא בְּסִבְלֹתָם) echoes God's later "I have surely seen" (3:7). Spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew—the verb "smiting" (נָכָה, nakah) describes violent beating. Moses' intervention (v. 12) shows zeal for justice but premature, self-dependent action.
Historical Context
Stephen's sermon (Acts 7:23-25) explains Moses' intention: "he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not." Moses' royal status made this inspection possible but also isolated him from his people's trust. His 40 years in Egypt prepared him culturally; his next 40 years in Midian would prepare him spiritually.
Reflection
- How does Moses' choice to identify with his oppressed brethren challenge you to align with the suffering rather than the powerful?
- What does Moses' premature action teach about the difference between godly zeal and self-directed impatience?
Cross-References
- References Egypt: Exodus 3:7
- Parallel theme: Exodus 1:11, Isaiah 58:6, Matthew 11:28, Luke 4:18