MPV Commentary

11. During this time, Moses had grown in power and reputation as a military leader (Acts 7:22). However, there is a gap in the biblical account that Paul fills with his inspired commentary on Moses' life (Hebrews 11:24-29). According to Paul, Moses was raised by an Egyptian princess who may have intended for him to become co-regent and successor to the throne. But Moses chose instead to identify himself with God's suffering people.

Moses went out to inspect the condition of his Hebrew brethren in various parts of Egypt (Acts 7:23). He did this because he was forming a deep faith in God, which would eventually lead him to deliver Israel from slavery.

While on one of these inspections, Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave without justification. The man's treatment was so brutal that it likely resulted in the slave's death (Acts 7:24). This sight stirred up indignation in Moses, who was otherwise known for his meekness (Numbers 12:3).

12. In response to what he saw, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. Some might view this act as rash or unjustifiable, but we must consider the cultural context of ancient Egypt. In those times, it was customary for individuals to avenge their family members who had been wronged (Exodus 21:18-20). However, since the Egyptian was an officer, Moses knew he would face consequences and tried to conceal his actions.

13-14. Later, two Hebrew men got into a fight, and Moses intervened to mediate the situation. Unfortunately, his efforts were met with resistance, and the aggressor mocked him for his previous actions (Hebrews 11:27). This led Moses to flee Egypt in fear of his life. These incidents demonstrate that neither Moses nor the Israelites were yet ready to leave Egypt, and God's plan for their deliverance would not be accomplished through violence or aggression.

15. Moses fled from Pharaoh's presence during the second year of Thothmes I's reign. He eventually settled in Midian, a region on the eastern shore of the Red Sea that was inhabited by the descendants of Midian, son of Cush (Genesis 37:28). The people of Midian were known for their trading and pastoral pursuits.

Moses arrived at Jethro's headquarters, which is believed to have been located in Dahab-Madian. He may have traveled with a caravan of merchants or traders. After settling in the area, Moses sat down by a well (Genesis 29:3).

16-22. The priest of Midian, also known as the prince of Midian, was a ruler who oversaw both his own people and the Cushites or Ethiopians. He still maintained the worship of the true God, which was common among many pastoral leaders in that era.

Moses met the priest's seven daughters while they were tending to their flocks at a well. He protected them from some rough shepherds who had been harassing them. As a result, Moses formed a close bond with this family and eventually married one of the daughters, Zipporah, who was an Ethiopian (Numbers 12:1). They had two sons together, whose names reflected significant events in their family history.

23. During this time, the king of Egypt died, but the Israelites continued to suffer under their bondage. The language suggests that they may have experienced some temporary relief, possibly due to Moses' royal patroness, but the persecution resumed with increased severity when her father's successor took power.