When God Prepares a Leader
Exodus 2:11–14 (NASB95)
11Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to his brethren and looked on their hard labors; and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. 12So he looked this way and that, and when he saw there was no one around, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13He went out the next day, and behold, two Hebrews were fighting with each other; and he said to the offender, “Why are you striking your companion?” 14But he said, “Who made you a prince or a judge over us? Are you intending to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and said, “Surely the matter has become known.”
Commentary - When God Prepares a Leader
There are moments in the story of God’s people when a leader steps forward not because of title or position but because of character and conviction. Exodus 2:11-14 gives us such a moment with Moses. Scripture presents three reasons why Moses was chosen to lead Israel. First, Moses instinctively fights against evil and injustice. He does not turn away when he sees a Hebrew being beaten by an Egyptian. He acts. Second, Moses commands respect because he was not raised among the Israelites. He grew up in Pharaoh’s palace, yet he chooses to identify with his own people. This choice makes him more worldly and admired, and it shows that he is willing to give up privilege for the sake of justice. Third, Moses does not possess a slave mentality. While his fellow Hebrews are demoralized and cry out under oppression, Moses takes action. He is not content to simply lament the situation. He moves to change it.
Verse 12 presents a difficult scene. Moses takes the life of the Egyptian who was beating the Hebrew. These are hard verses to accept. Taking a life is never a light or common thing to do. Yet the Scriptures present Moses’ actions in a positive light. Moses acts when faced with true, objective evil. He does not look away or excuse himself from involvement. This is the first of three times Moses steps in to confront injustice. God’s people are not called to stand by when real oppression and evil are happening. They are called to act, even when the cost is high.
Verses 13 and 14 show Moses intervening again, this time between two Hebrews who are fighting. Moses’ sense of justice is deeply ingrained. He challenges the one in the wrong, but instead of gratitude, he receives suspicion and accusation. The man asks who made Moses a ruler and judge and points out that Moses’ earlier act is now known. Moses’ hot temper is evident, but so is his passion for justice. These qualities will shape his leadership in the years to come.
For us today, the story of Moses is a call to courageous leadership and faithful action. We live in a world where injustice and oppression still exist. It is easy to look away or hope someone else will step in. Moses reminds us that God’s people are called to act when faced with true evil. This does not mean resorting to violence, but it does mean refusing to remain passive. We are called to stand with the oppressed, to speak out for what is right, to protect the vulnerable, and to trust that God will guide us as we seek godly justice. May we be a people who do not look away but step forward in faith and courage, as Moses did.
In His Service,
Ryan Goodnight