Moses, one of the most significant figures in religious history, is primarily remembered for his role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and parting the Red Sea. However, before these monumental events, Moses’ life took an unexpected turn that would lead him into the wilderness of Midian. The story of Moses fleeing Egypt and his time in Midian is not only fascinating but also full of surprises. This chapter of his life is crucial to understanding how Moses became the leader he is remembered as today.
Why Did Moses Flee Egypt?
To truly grasp the importance of Moses’ time in Midian, we must first ask, why did Moses flee Egypt? This is where the story begins, and it all starts with a powerful act of injustice. Moses was born into a Hebrew slave family in Egypt, at a time when Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed to curb the population of the Israelites. To save him, Moses’ mother placed him in a basket and set him afloat on the Nile River, where he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter. Raised as an Egyptian prince, Moses grew up with the finest education and privileges, yet his heart remained with his people—the enslaved Hebrews.
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As Moses matured, he couldn’t ignore the suffering of the Israelites. One day, while out among the Hebrew workers, he witnessed an Egyptian taskmaster brutally beating a Hebrew slave. Consumed with a desire for justice, Moses intervened. In a moment of rage, he killed the Egyptian and buried his body in the sand, hoping no one would find out. But the next day, when Moses tried to break up a quarrel between two Hebrews, one of them turned on him, saying, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?”
This question startled Moses, as it meant his crime was no longer a secret. Pharaoh soon learned of Moses’ actions and, fearing a revolt, sought to have him executed. Faced with certain death, Moses fled Egypt in order to save his life. But his escape wasn’t just about survival—it was the beginning of a new chapter in Moses’ life, one that would transform him into the leader he was destined to become.
Where Did Moses Flee to After Killing the Egyptian?
When Moses fled Egypt, he didn’t know exactly where he was going. He was driven by fear and uncertainty, running from the consequences of his actions. Moses fled to Midian, a land located to the east of Egypt, beyond Pharaoh’s reach. The journey from Egypt to Midian was long and arduous, but it was also a journey of self-discovery. In Midian, Moses would find refuge, but he would also find something far more valuable: the space and time to reflect on his life and the deep sense of purpose that had been building within him.
Moses Flees to Midian Summary
Moses arrived in Midian, a place that would be both a sanctuary and a crucible for him. The Bible tells us that after Moses settled near a well, he came across a group of shepherds who were harassing the daughters of Jethro, the priest of Midian. Moses, seeing the injustice, stepped in and defended the women, driving the shepherds away. This act of kindness caught the attention of Jethro’s daughters, who went back to their father and shared what had happened.
Jethro, impressed by Moses’ courage, invited him to their home. Moses accepted the invitation, and it wasn’t long before he became a part of Jethro’s family. Moses married Zipporah, one of Jethro’s daughters, and together they had two sons: Gershom and Eliezer. Moses settled into a life as a shepherd, far removed from the grandeur of Egypt and the responsibilities of royalty. For the next 40 years, Moses lived in Midian, working as a humble shepherd and raising his family.
This seemingly uneventful period in Moses’ life was, in fact, a time of deep personal growth. It was in Midian that Moses learned patience, humility, and the importance of serving others. As a shepherd, he spent countless hours tending to his flocks, often alone in the wilderness. These years of solitude and reflection prepared Moses for the challenges that lay ahead. The wilderness of Midian, though barren and harsh, would become the setting for Moses’ transformation. He was no longer the impulsive, angry young man who had struck down an Egyptian. Instead, he was becoming a man of wisdom, understanding, and deep faith.
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Why Does Moses Flee Egypt?
The question of why Moses fled Egypt is not just about escaping Pharaoh’s wrath; it’s about the internal transformation that took place. Moses had to leave behind his former identity as an Egyptian prince in order to discover his true calling. His time in Midian allowed him to experience life from a completely different perspective—one that was humble and grounded in the realities of ordinary life. As a shepherd, Moses learned how to lead with patience, understanding, and care—qualities that would later define his leadership when he was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
Moses’ flight was not just a physical journey but a spiritual one. It was in Midian that Moses began to hear God’s voice and to understand his deeper purpose. In Egypt, Moses had been a man of action, trying to fix things on his own. In Midian, he would learn that true leadership comes from listening to God’s voice and relying on divine guidance. The years spent in Midian were a time of preparation for the monumental task that would come later: liberating the Israelites from slavery.
Moses’ Shocking Experience in Midian
While Moses was in Midian, he might have thought that his days of adventure were behind him. However, one particular event changed his life forever. While tending to his sheep in the wilderness, Moses encountered something extraordinary—a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire. As he approached the bush, he heard the voice of God calling him by name: “Moses! Moses!”
God revealed to Moses that he had been chosen to lead the Israelites out of their oppression in Egypt. God’s instructions were clear: Moses was to return to Egypt and confront Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Hebrew people. This moment, known as the Burning Bush encounter, marked the turning point in Moses’ life. It was the beginning of his divine mission and the catalyst for the events that would unfold over the next several decades.
What’s shocking about this experience is how completely Moses’ life had changed. The man who had once been an Egyptian prince, living a life of luxury, was now a humble shepherd, living in the wilderness. And yet, it was in this very wilderness that Moses received his calling. God was not looking for a man of privilege and power to lead the Israelites; He was looking for someone who had been humbled, someone who understood the struggles of the common people. Moses’ time in Midian was not just a break from his past; it was the preparation for a future he could not have imagined.
Moses Flees to Midian: The Bigger Picture
So, why did Moses flee from Egypt to Midian? His escape from Egypt was driven by fear and survival. But his time in Midian became the crucible in which his character was shaped. It was in Midian that Moses learned humility, patience, and dependence on God. His time as a shepherd taught him the skills of leadership and compassion that would later help him guide an entire nation.
Moses’ journey to Midian is a powerful reminder that sometimes we must go through periods of hardship and even exile before we can step into our true purpose. His time in the wilderness wasn’t a detour—it was essential preparation for the mission that lay ahead. And when Moses returned to Egypt to confront Pharaoh, he did so not as an impulsive man seeking revenge, but as a wise and obedient servant of God, ready to lead the Israelites to freedom.
Conclusion
Moses’ life is a testament to the power of transformation and the importance of listening to God’s call. His time in Midian, though seemingly quiet and uneventful, was the foundation for everything that came later. It was in the wilderness of Midian that Moses became the leader who would change the world. What Moses did in Midian may surprise you, but it’s also a reminder that the greatest leaders often emerge from the most unexpected places.
