Exodus 2:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 2:15
15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.
Chapter Context
Exodus 2 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, redemption, judgment. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 2:15
15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.
Analysis
Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well (וַיִּשְׁמַע פַּרְעֹה אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה וַיְבַקֵּשׁ לַהֲרֹג אֶת־מֹשֶׁה וַיִּבְרַח מֹשֶׁה מִפְּנֵי פַרְעֹה, vayishma Par'oh et-hadavar hazeh vayevakesh laharog et-Mosheh vayivrach Mosheh mipnei Far'oh)—Pharaoh's death sentence forces Moses' exodus from Egypt. Moses fled (וַיִּבְרַח, vayivrach)—the prince becomes fugitive. Midian (מִדְיָן), descended from Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:2), occupied northwest Arabia east of the Gulf of Aqaba. He sat down by a well—wells in Scripture are meeting places where God providentially arranges encounters (Genesis 24:11, 29:2, John 4:6). This scene sets up Moses meeting his wife and father-in-law, who will shape his next 40 years.
Historical Context
Midian's location beyond Egyptian jurisdiction provided asylum. The journey from Egypt to Midian (likely 200+ miles) was arduous through Sinai wilderness. Moses' sitting by a well echoes Abraham's servant finding Rebekah (Genesis 24) and Jacob meeting Rachel (Genesis 29)—betrothal type-scenes where God orchestrates covenant marriages.
Reflection
- How does Moses' flight from Egypt paradoxically position him for God's call at the burning bush?
- In what ways has God used forced transitions or exiles in your life to prepare you for future calling?
Cross-References
- References Moses: Exodus 4:19, Acts 7:29
- Parallel theme: Genesis 24:11, 25:4, 29:2, Proverbs 22:3, Matthew 10:23, John 4:6