The story of Moses killing a man is one of the significant moments in the life of Moses as depicted in the Bible. This event is found in Exodus, where Moses, born as a Hebrew, grows up in the royal palace of Egypt and later becomes a pivotal figure in freeing the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
But before his divine calling, there is an incident that sets his future path into motion—a moment where Moses commits an act of violence that changes the course of his life forever.
Why Did Moses Kill the Unnamed Egyptian?
The Bible reveals that Moses kills an Egyptian who is oppressing a Hebrew slave. At this point in his life, Moses is aware of his Hebrew roots despite being raised as an Egyptian prince.
This awareness stirs in him a deep sense of justice and loyalty to his people, the Hebrews, who are being mercilessly oppressed by the Egyptians. Seeing the violence firsthand triggers a strong reaction in Moses, and he responds in a way that reflects his deep-seated need to protect his people.
Moses Sees an Egyptian Beating a Hebrew
The incident starts when Moses witnesses an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave. The Bible states that Moses is out in the fields, observing the forced labor and harsh treatment of his people.
The cruelty of the Egyptian slave master stirs Moses’ sense of justice. The Hebrew man, a member of Moses’ people, is being beaten with no apparent reason other than his position as a slave.
Moses feels an emotional connection with the Hebrew people, and this moment ignites a passionate response within him. The Hebrew people are enslaved and oppressed, living under the harsh rule of the Egyptian empire. Moses cannot stand by and watch as one of his people is beaten.
Moses Kills the Egyptian Slave Master
In a fit of rage and protective instinct, Moses confronts the Egyptian taskmaster. The Bible tells us that Moses, upon seeing the Egyptian beating the Hebrew, looks around to ensure that no one is watching.
He wants to make sure that his actions will remain unseen and that there are no witnesses to what he is about to do.
Once Moses is certain he is alone, he takes action. He strikes the Egyptian hard enough to kill him. This act of violence is not premeditated; rather, it is a spontaneous reaction to the injustice Moses witnesses.
His loyalty to his people compels him to act, and the Egyptian slave master pays the ultimate price for his cruelty.
Moses’ Futile Attempts to Conceal His Actions
After killing the Egyptian, Moses quickly realizes the gravity of what he has done. Although his actions may have been motivated by a desire for justice, the fact remains that he has taken a life. The weight of this act forces Moses to take immediate steps to cover his tracks.
Moses Thought He Killed the Egyptian in Secret
Moses, thinking he has committed the act in secret, assumes that no one has seen him kill the Egyptian. He believes that he has successfully hidden his actions from the eyes of others. In his mind, the matter is resolved; the Egyptian is dead, and no one will know who was responsible for the killing.
At this point, Moses feels a sense of relief, thinking that his secret will remain safe. He has saved the Hebrew from further suffering, and the Egyptian oppressor is gone. The Bible doesn’t suggest that Moses feels regret for the killing at this moment; instead, he is focused on ensuring that his actions remain undiscovered.
Moses Hit the Egyptian Hard Enough to Kill Him
The blow that Moses delivers to the Egyptian is fatal. Moses, likely acting out of pure emotion and adrenaline, hits the Egyptian hard enough to end his life. There is no ambiguity about the outcome; the Egyptian slave master dies from the blow, and Moses stands over his lifeless body.
The strength behind Moses’ blow is significant. This was not a mere scuffle or fight; Moses intended to put an end to the Egyptian’s cruelty, and he did so decisively. The Bible doesn’t provide details on the exact method Moses used, but it is clear that the force he used was enough to kill the man.
Moses Hid the Man’s Body in the Sand
Once the Egyptian is dead, Moses knows he must dispose of the body to avoid being caught. He quickly buries the Egyptian in the sand, hoping that the desert landscape will conceal the evidence of his crime. By burying the body, Moses attempts to erase any trace of the incident and move forward as if nothing has happened.
The burial in the sand is a symbolic act. Moses is trying to cover up not just the physical body, but also the consequences of his actions. He wants to leave no trace of the Egyptian slave master and the violent act he committed. By burying the man in the sand, Moses hopes to keep his secret hidden.
Moses Identifies as a Hebrew
One of the key elements of this story is the internal conflict Moses experiences regarding his identity. Moses is born a Hebrew, but he is raised as an Egyptian in the palace of Pharaoh. This dual identity creates a tension within Moses that ultimately leads to the killing of the Egyptian.
Moses cannot fully identify with the Egyptians, despite being raised as one. He knows in his heart that he is a Hebrew, and this connection to his people is unshakeable. The oppression and suffering of the Hebrews affects Moses deeply, and this empathy for his people compels him to act when he sees the Egyptian beating a fellow Hebrew.
Moses’ Loyalty to His People
Moses’ decision to kill the Egyptian is a direct result of his loyalty to the Hebrew people. Despite his royal upbringing, Moses feels a strong connection to the Hebrews and cannot stand by while they are mistreated. His loyalty to his people outweighs any allegiance he might have to the Egyptians, and this loyalty drives him to take action.
This moment is a turning point in Moses’ life. By killing the Egyptian, Moses symbolically aligns himself with the Hebrews and distances himself from the Egyptian elite. This act marks the beginning of Moses’ journey toward becoming the leader who will ultimately lead the Hebrews out of Egypt.
Moses’ Struggle with His Identity
Moses’ internal struggle with his identity plays a significant role in the events that unfold. Raised as an Egyptian, Moses enjoys the privileges and comforts of palace life. But deep down, he knows that he is not truly one of them. He is a Hebrew, and the plight of his people weighs heavily on his heart.
This internal conflict comes to a head when Moses witnesses the Egyptian beating the Hebrew. In that moment, Moses’ loyalty to his Hebrew heritage overrides his Egyptian upbringing, and he takes decisive action. The killing of the Egyptian is not just an act of violence; it is a declaration of Moses’ true identity.
Moses’ Life Changes Forever
The killing of the Egyptian is a pivotal moment in Moses’ life. This single act sets in motion a series of events that will change the course of his life and the lives of the Hebrew people. After the killing, Moses knows that he cannot stay in Egypt. His life as a member of Pharaoh’s household is over, and he must flee to avoid punishment for his actions.
Moses Becomes a Fugitive
After killing the Egyptian, Moses’ life takes a dramatic turn. He goes from being a prince of Egypt to a fugitive on the run. When Pharaoh learns of the incident, he seeks to kill Moses. Realizing that his life is in danger, Moses flees to the land of Midian, where he begins a new chapter of his life.
Moses’ flight from Egypt is a direct consequence of his actions. He can no longer live in the palace or enjoy the privileges of his royal upbringing. By killing the Egyptian, Moses has severed his ties to Egypt and set himself on a new path—one that will ultimately lead to his divine mission.
Moses’ Journey Toward His Destiny
The killing of the Egyptian is a turning point in Moses’ journey. Although he does not realize it at the time, this act of violence is the beginning of his transformation into the leader who will free the Hebrew people from slavery. Moses’ journey to Midian is not just a physical escape; it is the first step on the path toward his greater purpose.