Moses Flees to Midian

Exodus 2:16–25
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Moses comes to the aid and rescued seven girls that were the daughters of the priest of Midian, and had come to draw water (vv. 16-17). When Reuel, the father hears about this heroism of Moses he invites Moses to eat with them (vv. 18-20). Later Reuel gives one of the girls, Zipporah, to Moses for his wife (v. 21). They have a  son named “Gershom” which meant “ a stranger” and suggests that Moses and his family knew their real place was with the people of Israel back in Egypt (v. 22).

After the death of the king of Egypt, the Israelites complained because they were forced to be slaves and they cried out for help (v. 23). God heard their cries and because He knew what was happening He felt sorry for them, (vv. 24-25) and moved to act for their deliverance long before they knew anything about it. God is at work on our behalf even when He appears silent. At this time Moses is taking care of a few sheep, however, later he will be leading a whole nation. Because of his faithfulness to do the humble work, God will use him to accomplish great tasks. Moses life is divided into three periods of 40 years. First as a prince in Egypt for 40 years, then 40 years as a shepherd in Midian, however, the next 40 years he will be the leader of an entire nation.

Moses had chosen to give up his royal name and possessions to serve God. When he first attempts to help his people he fails. Then God teaches him for forty years, lessons to prepare him to be the leader and guide his people. God’s timing is always perfect. God remembered his covenant with  Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and will give them the promised land of Canaan. 

Application

It is easy to feel like a failure and then find that God doesn’t want me to do a particular task in my own strength but to let the Lord work through me. That is what the Lord did in Moses life. (James 4:10) says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”