The Great Cover-Up Uncovered

Exodus 2:11–22 KJV 1900

11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. 12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. 13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? 14 And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known. 15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. 16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17 And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. 18 And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? 19 And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. 20 And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. 21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. 22 And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

Introduction:

Moses, a type of Christ

Their births and infancy were under Gentile domain. 

Edicts were issued at their births for the destruction of all male babies by the rulers of the land. 

Both of them had peculiar beds. One had a basket in the bulrushes and the other had a feeding trough or manger in a stable. 

Both Moses and Jesus were miraculously saved from death when they were children. 

Moses and Jesus were raised in homes of men who were not their real fathers. They were both adopted. Both of them left high and exalted positions to suffer with and for Israel. One left the throne of Egypt and the other the throne of Heaven. Both Jesus and Moses refused a kingdom. Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter and Jesus refused the kingdom that the Devil offered Him. 

Jesus and Moses were rejected by their brethren at their first advent. 

Moses and Jesus were both Hebrews who spent time in Egypt while they were children. For Moses, Egypt was a place of rearing and for Jesus, it was a place of refuge. 

Both of these men took Gentile brides. Jesus' bride is the church composed of Jews and Gentiles. [Rod Mattoon, Treasures from Exodus, Vol. 1]

I. Moses Now Grown: Well-Meaning but Wrong; Moses Commits a Crime (Ex. 2:11-15)

When Moses was grown, he went out unto his people. The word "grown" comes from the Hebrew word gadal (gaw-dal') which not only means grown up, it also means "promoted, powerful, important, or praised." He was a popular man and well educated by the Egyptians who were no dummies at all. Moses was educated in the great Temple of the Sun which was the outstanding university of the day. We underrate what the Egyptians knew and accomplished. Their knowledge of astronomy was phenomenal. They knew the exact distance to the sun. They worked on the theory that the earth was round and not flat. They knew a great deal about chemistry which is evidenced by the way they were able to embalm the dead. We have no process to equal it today. Their workmanship and ability with colors were fantastic. Their colors are brighter than any we have today. I am confident that our paint companies would give anything if they knew the formulas used for color by the Egyptians. They are bright, beautiful, and startling after four thousand years. In addition to all of their other accomplishments, the Egyptians also had a tremendous library. Moses, we are told, was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. The training of Moses was the best education in the world at that time. He would have learned three languages: Egyptian, Akkadian, and Hebrew. Moses was at the top of his game, yet concerned about his own people. He looked on their burdens. This word "look" is not a casual glance. It comes from the Hebrew word ra'ah (raw-aw') which means "to inspect, to look intently, to gaze on with emotional involvement." The word "spied" comes from this same word. Moses was studying what was happening. He was obviously concerned about what was going on. [Rod Mattoon’s Treasures from Exodus, Vol. 1]

A. When Plans Go Awry: The Burden of Moses for His Brethren in Bondage (Ex. 2:11-12)

1. What Moses Saw that Moved Him to Murder (Ex. 2:11)

Exodus 2:11 KJV 1900

11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.

Individual discouragement and personal enlargement

Moses went unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens. Exodus 2:11.

Moses saw the oppression of his people and felt certain that he was the one to deliver them, and in the righteous indignation of his own spirit he started to right their wrongs. After the first strike for God and for the right, God allowed Moses to be driven into blank discouragement, He sent him into the desert to feed sheep for forty years. At the end of that time, God appeared and told Moses to go and bring forth His people, and Moses said—‘Who am I, that I should go?’ In the beginning Moses realized that he was the man to deliver the people, but he had to be trained and disciplined by God first. He was right in the individual aspect, but he was not the man for the work until he had learned communion with God.

We may have the vision of God and a very clear understanding of what God wants, and we start to do the thing; then comes something equivalent to the forty years in the wilderness, as if God had ignored the whole thing, and when we are thoroughly discouraged God comes back and revives the call, and we get the quaver in and say—‘Oh, who am I!’ We have to learn the first great stride of God—“I AM THAT I AM hath sent thee.” We have to learn that our individual effort for God is an impertinence; our individuality is to be rendered incandescent by a personal relationship to God (see Matthew 3:11). We fix on the individual aspect of things; we have the vision—‘This is what God wants me to do’; but we have not got into God’s stride. If you are going through a time of discouragement, there is a big personal enlargement ahead. [Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest: Selections for the Year (Grand Rapids, MI: Oswald Chambers Publications; Marshall Pickering, 1986).]

2. What Moses Didn’t See that Led to the Great Cover-Up (Ex. 2:12)

Exodus 2:12 KJV 1900

12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.

“God's way of delivering Israel was not by killing Egyptians one by one. He would make a clean break in His own way. So now He does not save by delivering from one sin after another, but by a complete settlement at once.” ~ Dr. Harry Ironside

B. When Plans Backfire: Moses Rejected by His Brethren (Ex. 2:13-15)

1. A Failed Attempt at Mediation (Ex. 2:13-14a)

Exodus 2:13–14 KJV 1900

13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? 14 And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

“He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.”—26:17.

Interpretation.—The similitude is very plain. A man who takes a strange dog by the ears (above all, one that is quarrelling with another) soon finds out that he has done a rash and foolish thing. For whether he retain his hold or let go, the risk is the same to him. Even so, one who as a passer-by “gets excited over” a dispute which concerns him not, plunges into a hazardous dilemma. For if he favour one of the parties he embroils himself with the other, and if he pronounce both to blame he draws down upon himself the indignation of both. For few men can brook either opposition or aid under such circumstances, so that what is offered is likely to be as repugnant to the one as to the other. The proverb receives additional force from the fact that most cities of the East are to this day infested by a race of half-wild dogs.

Illustrations.—Moses, though acting from high and heroic motives, found a very ungrateful return for his interference on behalf of his brethren (Exod. 2:11, etc.; Acts 7:23–29). Jesus, though pre-eminently the Peacemaker (Matt. 18:1–6; 20:24–28), declined to interfere in a dispute which did not concern Him (Luke 12:13, 14).

Application.—How much wisdom is needed for every step taken in our journey as wayfarers through life! I need time and judgment, above all, prayer, lest, while aiming to do right, I do foolishly. For instance, I would gladly win the blessing promised to “the peacemakers” by my Lord. Yet must I beware lest, by ill-timed or unwarrantable intervention in other men’s matters, I only embitter strife and bring scandal and wrath upon myself. There is a vast difference between suffering as a busybody and as a Christian (1 Pet. 4:15, 16). It is one thing to volunteer my good offices where they ought to be acceptable for the composing of a difference, and quite another thing to rush in excitedly between two exasperated parties and pronounce a judgment, ill-informed and unasked, to the annoyance of one party or of both. Rather let me ask myself, “Who made me a judge or a divider over you?” Against such rash conduct as this, whether it arise from indiscreet zeal, the hope of gain, or, worse still, from love of meddling and of controversy, the wise king counsels in the text. Exceptional cases may, indeed, arise where a prompt interference is called for. But, as a rule, the heat of passion should be allowed to cool before even an attempt to mediate is made. And when made it should be in the spirit of humility, love, and prayer, not counting either as an enemy, but entreating him as a brother. [Chr. Ridley Pearson, Counsels of the Wise King; Or, Proverbs of Solomon Applied to Daily Life, vol. 2 (London: W. Skeffington & Son, 1881), 117.]

2. Fear that Led to Moses’ Flight (Ex. 2:14b-15)

Exodus 2:15 KJV 1900

15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

At this point, it should be noted that this valiant protector found himself in a position of great peril. [Complete Biblical Library Commentary]

“In vv. 11-15 we listen to: The Man Who Tried to Do Right By Doing Wrong… One Who Took Things Into His Own Hands … Found They Were More Than He Could Handle… [and wound up] Losing in a Moment a Life of Gains Leaving a Kingdom to Live in a Desert.” [Dean M. Weaver]

II. Moses Now Gone: Exiled Life in Midian; Moses Does His Time (Ex. 2:16-22)

A. Moses the Egyptian: Rescuing Fair Maidens & Damsels in Distress (Ex. 2:16-20)

1. The Helplessness of the Priest of Midian’s Daughters Remedied: No Longer Prevented from Watering their Father’s Flock (Ex. 2:16-17)

a. Moses Stood Up for Them Against Ungallant Shepherds (Ex. 2:16-17a)

Exodus 2:16–17 KJV 1900

16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17 And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

b. Moses Stayed with Them till their Work of Watering Was Finished (Ex. 2:17b)

Talk about downsizing! Moses had gone from living as Pharaoh’s protégé to working as a desert herdsman. But in reality God was supernaturally working behind the scenes to prepare the deliverer of his people. Sometimes, to accomplish his purposes through you, God has to take you low before he will take you high. What’s true in basketball is also true in life. Unfortunately, life has its missed shots. The crucial question is: will you rebound so that you can shoot again? The key to spiritual victory is spiritual resiliency. [Tony Evans]

2. The Hospitality of a Thankful Father (Ex. 2:18-20)

a. “Back so soon?” (v. 18)

Exodus 2:18 KJV 1900

18 And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?

b. Egyptian Deliverance (v. 19)

Exodus 2:19 KJV 1900

19 And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

c. Dinner Time (v. 20)

Exodus 2:20 KJV 1900

20 And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.

B. Moses the Midianite: Settling Down with a Wife & Family (Ex. 2:21-22)

1. Godliness with Contentment Is Great Gain (v. 21a)

Exodus 2:21 KJV 1900

21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.

2. A New Chapter in Moses’ Life (v. 21b-22)

a. First Comes Love, Second Comes Marriage (v. 21b)

b. Then Comes Zipporah with Baby Gershom (v. 22)

Exodus 2:22 KJV 1900

22 And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

God provided Moses with a place of protection. He provides for us a hiding place in our days of distress too. The Lord is our sanctuary and security.

Psalm 61:3—For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

A man whom many believe was the greatest American president is a good example. When he was 7 years of age, his family was forced out of their home, and he went to work. When he was 9, his mother died. He lost his job as a store clerk when he was 20. He wanted to go to law school, but he didn't have the education. At age 23 he went into debt to be a partner in a small store. Three years later the business partner died, and the resulting debt took years to repay. When he was 28, after courting a girl for four years, he asked her to marry him, and she turned him down. On his third try he was elected to Congress, at age 37, but then failed to be re-elected. His son died at 4 years of age. When this man was 45, he ran for the Senate and lost. At age 47 he ran for the vice-presidency and lost. But at age 51 he was elected president of the United States.

The man was Abraham Lincoln, a man who learned to face discouragement and failure, and move beyond it. Did you know that it was Abraham Lincoln who, in the midst of the Civil War, in 1863, established the annual celebration of Thanksgiving? Lincoln had learned how important it is to stop and thank God in the midst of great difficulties. The failures that he faced developed maturity, patience, and perseverance in his life. [Rod Mattoon’s Treasures from Exodus, Vol. 1]

The man who was “mighty in word and deed” is now in the lonely pastures taking care of stubborn sheep, but that was just the kind of preparation he needed for leading a nation of stubborn people. Israel was God’s special flock (Ps. 100:3) and Moses His chosen shepherd. Like Joseph’s thirteen years as a slave in Egypt and Paul’s three years’ hiatus after his conversion (Gal. 1:16–17), Moses’ forty years of waiting and working prepared him for a lifetime of faithful ministry. God doesn’t lay hands suddenly on His servants but takes time to equip them for their work.

God’s delays aren’t evidence of unconcern, for He hears our groans, sees our plight, feels our sorrows, and remembers His covenant. What He has promised, He will perform, for He never breaks His covenant with His people. When the right time comes, God immediately goes to work. [Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Delivered, “Be” Commentary Series (Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub., 1998), 16.]

Conclusion:

What is involved in "the reproach of Christ"? It is to be reviled and treated with contempt. It is to be treated as He was treated. As far as Moses was concerned it was to be identified with the Israelites. So closely, in later years, did Moses become identified with the God whom he served that, when he returned to Egypt after forty years, he was treated with the same contempt with which they treated the God of Israel and which later was displayed against the Lord. This was not only a shame on Egypt, for which they would pay, but it was a credit to Moses. Today believers are exhorted to "go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach" (Heb 13:13).

The writer to the Hebrews states two things on which Moses turned his back: "pleasures" and "treasures" (Heb 11:25-26). These are what men and women seek today, and to which they devote their lives to achieve their aims. Christians should have completely different priorities, and Moses stands as a beacon, displaying a right attitude to the society around him. This cannot have been a light decision for him to make. The pull of Egypt would be very strong and the temptation to go in for a life of pleasure, the possession of wealth, and to have all that he desired would be carefully weighed and all the issues duly considered. But, by faith, the right decision was made, and Moses, in a critical life-changing moment, chose to suffer affliction with the people of God. He was not unaware of the implications of his choice. He knew that it would mean giving up the luxury that was his. He knew that it would lead to affliction and trouble. He knew also that it was God's way.

The example of Moses is one that all believers would do well to follow. A good education and suitable employment are necessary today but the pursuit of these aims should not blind the mind to the greater aim of pleasing the Lord and serving Him wholeheartedly. This requires right decisions to be made, but the Lord is the rewarder of all those who put their trust in Him. Those who gave their lives over to the service of the Lord did not find that this pathway in life simply evolved with little decision on their part. It was not that they had no other options in life and were forced into this service. Neither did they look around them and consider this to be the easiest life to pursue. All believers who have determined to serve the Lord by giving Him of their time, energy, and resources have stood at the crossroads of life, with the options before them. Blessed indeed are those who have decided that they would serve the Lord by putting Him first and giving their lives into His hands. This alone is the pathway of satisfaction and fulfilment. [What the Bible Teaches Commentary, Exodus]