The rejection and flight of Moses is a pivotal event in the early life of Moses, marking a significant transition from his life in Egypt to his eventual role as the leader of the Israelites. This event is primarily recorded in the book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 2:11-15.

Background

Moses was born during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed, but Moses was saved by his mother, who placed him in a basket on the Nile River. He was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, growing up as a prince in the Egyptian royal household (Exodus 2:1-10).

The Incident

As Moses matured, he became aware of his Hebrew heritage and the suffering of his people. Exodus 2:11-12 recounts, "One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his own people and observed their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand."

This act of violence was Moses' attempt to defend his fellow Hebrew, but it was not received as he might have hoped. The following day, Moses encountered two Hebrews fighting and attempted to intervene. Exodus 2:13-14 states, "The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, 'Why are you striking your fellow Hebrew?' But the man replied, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?' Then Moses was afraid and thought, 'What I did must have become known.'"

Rejection and Flight

The response of the Hebrew man highlights Moses' rejection by his own people, who did not recognize him as their deliverer at that time. This rejection is significant as it foreshadows the initial resistance Moses would later face when he returned to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Pharaoh soon learned of the incident and sought to kill Moses. Exodus 2:15 records, "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 by a well."

Significance

Moses' flight to Midian marks a period of preparation and transformation. In Midian, Moses would spend forty years as a shepherd, a time during which God would prepare him for his future role as the leader and prophet of Israel. This period of exile is crucial in Moses' development, as it humbles him and aligns him with God's purposes.

The rejection and flight of Moses serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and timing. Though initially rejected, Moses was chosen by God to deliver His people, illustrating that divine calling often involves periods of waiting and preparation. Moses' experience in Midian would ultimately equip him with the humility, patience, and leadership skills necessary to fulfill his God-given mission.