Exodus 2:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 2:13
13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?
Chapter Context
Exodus 2 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, prayer, covenant. 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 guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 2:13
13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?
Analysis
And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? (וַיֵּצֵא בַּיּוֹם הַשֵּׁנִי וְהִנֵּה שְׁנֵי־אֲנָשִׁים עִבְרִים נִצִּים, vayetse bayom hasheni vehineh shenei-anashim Ivrim nitsim)—The second day marks continued involvement despite yesterday's violence. Two men of the Hebrews strove together (נִצִּים, nitsim, "quarreling/fighting")—now the conflict is internal, Hebrew against Hebrew. Moses attempts to mediate: Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? (לָמָּה תַכֶּה רֵעֶךָ, lamah takkeh re'ekha). The irony: Moses who killed yesterday now preaches peace. The aggressor's response (v. 14) reveals Moses' secret is known, showing the impossibility of hiding sin and Moses' rejection by his own people.
Historical Context
Internal conflict among the oppressed is common under tyranny—suffering doesn't automatically produce solidarity. That Hebrews knew of Moses' killing indicates either witnesses or rapid spread of information. Moses' failed attempt to mediate previews his future successful mediation between God and Israel (32:11-14, 30-32).
Reflection
- How does the Hebrews' internal strife illustrate that oppression doesn't automatically create unity or righteousness?
- What does Moses' rejected mediation teach about preparation needed before God can use someone as deliverer?