Topical Encyclopedia Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned not only as a prophet and leader of the Israelites but also as a fugitive during a significant period of his life. His flight from Egypt marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, illustrating themes of divine providence, justice, and redemption.Background and Context Moses was born during a time of great oppression for the Israelites in Egypt. The Pharaoh, fearing the growing population of the Hebrews, decreed that all newborn Hebrew boys be killed. Moses' mother, Jochebed, hid him for three months and then placed him in a basket on the Nile River. He was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, growing up in the Egyptian royal household (Exodus 2:1-10). The Flight from Egypt Moses' status as a fugitive began when he was about forty years old. Despite his Egyptian upbringing, Moses identified with his Hebrew brethren. One day, witnessing an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave, Moses intervened and killed the Egyptian. Realizing that his act was known and fearing for his life, Moses fled from Pharaoh's wrath to the land of Midian (Exodus 2:11-15). The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event: "When Pharaoh heard about this, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well" (Exodus 2:15). Life in Midian In Midian, Moses found refuge and a new life. He married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (also called Reuel), a priest of Midian, and became a shepherd. This period of exile lasted forty years, during which Moses lived a humble life, far removed from the grandeur of Egypt (Exodus 2:16-22). Divine Encounter and Return to Egypt Moses' time as a fugitive ended with a divine encounter at Mount Horeb, where God appeared to him in a burning bush. God called Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of bondage. Despite his initial reluctance and feelings of inadequacy, Moses obeyed God's command, marking the beginning of his role as a deliverer (Exodus 3:1-10). The Berean Standard Bible captures this moment: "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:10). Significance Moses' experience as a fugitive is significant in several ways. It highlights God's sovereignty and preparation of His chosen leaders, even through trials and exile. Moses' flight to Midian was not merely an escape but a divinely orchestrated period of preparation for his future mission. His time in the wilderness equipped him with the skills and humility necessary to lead the Israelites through their own wilderness journey. Furthermore, Moses' account as a fugitive underscores the biblical theme of justice. His initial act of defending a Hebrew slave, though resulting in his flight, foreshadows his later role as a liberator of his people. Moses' life exemplifies the transformative power of God's call, turning a fugitive into one of the greatest leaders in biblical history. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 2:15Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelled in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. Nave's Topical Index Library How the Hebrews Fought with the Midianites, and Overcame Them. A Path in the Sea From Sinai to Kadesh. Author's Preface. The Early Training of a Race. The Training of a Statesman. The Nations of the South-East The Ideal Statesman [Footnote: Preached on Occasion of Mr. ... Matt. xix. 1 Acts IX Resources What was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God judge Edom so harshly in the book of Obadiah? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |