Exodus 2:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 2:14
14 And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.
Chapter Context
Exodus 2 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, discipleship, truth. 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 2:14
14 And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.
Analysis
And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known (וַיֹּאמֶר מִי שָׂמְךָ לְאִישׁ־שַׂר וְשֹׁפֵט עָלֵינוּ, vayomer mi samkha le'ish-sar veshofet aleinu)—The Hebrew's challenge cuts deep: Who made thee a prince and a judge? Moses has no delegated authority, only self-appointed intervention. Stephen later cites this rejection (Acts 7:27-28, 35), showing Israel's pattern of rejecting God's deliverers until He validates them. Intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian?—the secret is out. Moses feared (וַיִּירָא, vayira)—now Moses fears man rather than acting courageously. Surely this thing is known—discovery brings consequences (v. 15).
Historical Context
The question "Who made thee a prince and judge?" anticipates Moses' later divine commission (3:10-12). What Moses attempted through human zeal, God would accomplish through supernatural calling. The 40-year gap between this rejection and Moses' return (Acts 7:30) represents God's patient preparation of His chosen deliverer.
Reflection
- How does the Hebrew's challenge expose the difference between self-appointed mission and divine calling?
- When has your premature attempt to serve God resulted in rejection, and how did God use that to prepare you for later effectiveness?
Cross-References
- Judgment: Genesis 19:9, Proverbs 19:12, Luke 12:14, Acts 7:35
- References Moses: Numbers 16:3
- Parallel theme: Genesis 13:8, Numbers 16:13, Matthew 21:23, Luke 19:14