The account of the two Hebrew men is found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 2:11-15. This narrative is part of the early life of Moses, a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, who would later lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage.

Biblical Context

The account unfolds during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. Moses, although born a Hebrew, was raised in Pharaoh's palace after being adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. As he grew older, Moses became aware of his Hebrew heritage and the suffering of his people.

The Incident

Exodus 2:11-13 describes the incident: "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. After looking this way and that and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand. 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?'"

This passage highlights Moses' initial attempt to intervene in the injustices faced by the Hebrews. His actions against the Egyptian taskmaster demonstrate his emerging sense of justice and identification with his people. However, the subsequent encounter with the two Hebrew men reveals the complexities of leadership and the challenges Moses would face.

The Reaction of the Hebrews

The response of the Hebrew man to Moses' intervention is telling. In Exodus 2:14 , the man retorts, "Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?" This reaction indicates a lack of recognition of Moses' authority and foreshadows the resistance he would encounter as a leader. It also reveals the fear and suspicion among the Hebrews, who were wary of any potential repercussions from the Egyptian authorities.

Moses' Flight to Midian

The incident with the two Hebrew men becomes a turning point for Moses. Realizing that his actions were known, and fearing for his life, Moses flees to Midian. Exodus 2:15 states, "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."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, this episode in Moses' life is significant for several reasons. It marks the beginning of Moses' journey from a prince of Egypt to the leader of the Israelites. His initial failure to gain the trust of his people underscores the importance of divine calling and preparation for leadership. Moses' flight to Midian is a period of transformation, where he would encounter God in the burning bush and receive his commission to deliver the Israelites.

Moses as a Type of Christ

In Christian theology, Moses is often seen as a type of Christ, a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverer. Just as Moses intervened on behalf of his people, so too does Christ intervene for humanity. The rejection Moses faced from his own people parallels the rejection Christ experienced, as noted in John 1:11 : "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him."

Conclusion

The account of the two Hebrew men is a pivotal moment in the life of Moses, illustrating the challenges of leadership and the necessity of divine guidance. It sets the stage for Moses' eventual role as the deliverer of Israel and highlights the themes of justice, identity, and redemption that are woven throughout the biblical narrative.