About Exodus

Exodus tells the story of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian slavery, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and the establishment of the tabernacle as the center of worship.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1445-1405 BCReading time: ~3 minVerses: 25
DeliveranceRedemptionCovenantLawWorshipGod's Presence

King James Version

Exodus 2

25 verses with commentary

The Birth of Moses

And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi</strong> (וַיֵּלֶךְ אִישׁ מִבֵּית לֵוִי, <em>vayyelekh ish mibbeit Levi</em>)—Moses' birth begins with deliberate understatement: "a man of Levi" and "a daughter of Levi," unnamed until later (6:20: Amram and Jochebed). This anonymity focuses attention on God's providential action rather than human greatness. <s...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

II. THE BIRTH, EDUCATION, AND EARLY LIFE OF MOSES. (1) **There went.**—Comp. Genesis 35:22; Hosea 1:3. The expression is idiomatic, and has no special force. **A man of the house of Levi.**—Note the extreme simplicity of this announcement; and compare it with the elaborate legends wherewith Oriental religions commonly surrounded the birth of those who were considered their founders, as Thoth, Zoro...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Moses is born, and exposed on the river.(1-4) He is found, and brought up by Pharaoh's daughter.(5-10) Moses slays an Egyptian, and flees to Midian.(11-15) Moses marries the daughter of Jethro.(16-22) God hears the Israelites.(23-25) **Verses 1-4** Observe the order of Providence: just at the time when Pharaoh's cruelty rose to its height by ...
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And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months</strong> (וַתֵּרֶא אֹתוֹ כִּי־טוֹב הוּא, <em>vatere oto ki-tov hu</em>, "she saw him that he was good")—The phrase echoes Genesis 1's creation refrain "God saw that it was good" (טוֹב, <em>tov</em>). <strong>Goodly</strong> means more than physical beauty—it suggests divine fa...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **When she saw him that he was a goodly child.**—St. Stephen says, that Moses was” comely before God”— ἀστεῖος τῷ θεῷ (Acts 7:20). Trogus Pompeius spoke of him as recommended by the beauty of his personal appearance (*ap. *Justin, *Hist. Philipp. *xxvi. 2). His infantine “goodliness” intensified the desire of his mother to save his life, but must not be re garded as the main cause of her anxie...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Moses is born, and exposed on the river.(1-4) He is found, and brought up by Pharaoh's daughter.(5-10) Moses slays an Egyptian, and flees to Midian.(11-15) Moses marries the daughter of Jethro.(16-22) God hears the Israelites.(23-25) **Verses 1-4** Observe the order of Providence: just at the time when Pharaoh's cruelty rose to its height by ...
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And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink</strong> (וַתִּקַּח־לוֹ תֵּבַת גֹּמֶא, <em>vatiqach-lo tevat gome</em>)—<strong>Ark</strong> (תֵּבָה, <em>tevah</em>) is the same word used only for Noah's ark (Genesis 6-9), deliberately evoking ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **An ark of bulrushes.**—Literally, *a chest of the papyrus plant. *The words used are both of Egyptian origin. *Teb, teba, *or *tebat, *is a “box” or chest in Egyptian, and is well Hebraised by *tebah, *or, as it is here vocalised, *têybah. *The papyrus plant was in Egyptian *kam, *as in modern Coptic, whence probably the Hebrew *gôme. *It was a material frequently used by the Egyptians for b...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Moses is born, and exposed on the river.(1-4) He is found, and brought up by Pharaoh's daughter.(5-10) Moses slays an Egyptian, and flees to Midian.(11-15) Moses marries the daughter of Jethro.(16-22) God hears the Israelites.(23-25) **Verses 1-4** Observe the order of Providence: just at the time when Pharaoh's cruelty rose to its height by ...
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And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him</strong> (וַתֵּתַצַּב אֲחֹתוֹ מֵרָחֹק, <em>vattetatsav achoto merachok</em>)—<strong>His sister</strong> (later identified as Miriam, 15:20) positions herself to observe and act. <strong>Stood</strong> (יָצַב, <em>yatsav</em>) suggests watchful readiness, not passive waiting. <strong>Afar off</strong> (מֵרָחֹק, <em>merachok</e...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **His sister.**—Presumably Miriam, the only sister of Moses mentioned elsewhere (Exodus 15:20-21; Numbers 26:59). To have taken the part which is assigned her in this chapter, she must have been a girl of some fourteen or fifteen years of age, and possessed of much quickness and intelligence.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**33. when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons--**It is probable that he was supernaturally strengthened for this last momentous office of the patriarch, and that when the divine afflatus ceased, his exhausted powers giving way, he yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 2 Chapter Outline Moses is born, and exposed on the river.(1-4) He is found, and brought up by Pharaoh's daughter.(5-10) Moses slays an Egyptian, and flees to Midian.(11-15) Moses marries the daughter of Jethro.(16-22) God hears the Israelites.(23-25) **Verses 1-4** Observe the order of Providence: just at the time when Pharaoh's cruelty rose to its height by ...
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And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it</strong> (וַתֵּרֶד בַּת־פַּרְעֹה לִרְחֹץ עַל־הַיְאֹר, <em>vatred bat-Par'oh lirchots al-haye'or</em>)—God's providence orchestrates perfect timing: Pharaoh's daughter discovers the ark. Rabbinic traditi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **The daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself.**—This would be quite in accordance with Egyptian ideas. “Women were allowed great liberty in Egypt, and moved about much as they pleased. Cleanliness was especially regarded; and the Nile water was considered healthy and fructifying (Strab. 15 p. 695). The princess would, of course, seek a part of the river which was reserved for females. P...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-10** Come, see the place where that great man, Moses, lay, when he was a little child; it was in a bulrush basket by the river's side. Had he been left there long, he must have perished. But Providence brings Pharaoh's daughter to the place where this poor forlorn infant lay, and inclines her heart to pity it, which she dares do, when none else durst. God's care of us in our infancy...
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And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children</strong> (וַתַּחְמֹל עָלָיו, <em>vatachmol alav</em>, "she had compassion")—The baby's crying provokes <strong>compassion</strong> (חָמַל, <em>chamal</em>, "pity/mercy"). God uses natural human tenderness to save His chosen deliverer. <str...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **When she had opened it.**—The princess opened the ark herself, perhaps suspecting what was inside, perhaps out of mere curiosity. **The babe (rather, *the boy**)* **wept. **Through hunger, or cold, or perhaps general discomfort. An ark of bulrushes could not have been a very pleasant cradle. **She had compassion on him.**—The babe’s tears moved her to pity; and her pity prompted her to save ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 50 Ge 50:1-26. Mourning for Jacob. **1. Joseph fell upon his father's face, &amp;c.--**On him, as the principal member of the family, devolved the duty of closing the eyes of his venerable parent (compare Ge 46:4) and imprinting the farewell kiss.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-10** Come, see the place where that great man, Moses, lay, when he was a little child; it was in a bulrush basket by the river's side. Had he been left there long, he must have perished. But Providence brings Pharaoh's daughter to the place where this poor forlorn infant lay, and inclines her heart to pity it, which she dares do, when none else durst. God's care of us in our infancy...
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Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?</strong> (הַאֵלֵךְ וְקָרָאתִי לָךְ אִשָּׁה מֵינֶקֶת, <em>ha'elekh vekarati lakh ishah meineqet</em>)—Miriam's boldness and presence of mind are remarkable. She seizes the moment, offering a practical solution that will reunite Moses with his mother. <s...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Then said his sister.**—Miriam had bided her time. She had still kept in the background, but had approached within hearing distance; and when the princess observed that the babe must be “one of the Hebrews’ children,” was prompt with the rejoinder, “Shall I not fetch thee then a Hebrew mother to nurse him?” If the child was to be nursed at all—if he was to be brought up—a Hebrew nurse would ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father, &amp;c.--**In ancient Egypt the embalmers were a class by themselves. The process of embalmment consisted in infusing a great quantity of resinous substances into the cavities of the body, after the intestines had been removed, and then a regulated degree of heat was applied to dry up the humors, as well as decompose the tarry...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-10** Come, see the place where that great man, Moses, lay, when he was a little child; it was in a bulrush basket by the river's side. Had he been left there long, he must have perished. But Providence brings Pharaoh's daughter to the place where this poor forlorn infant lay, and inclines her heart to pity it, which she dares do, when none else durst. God's care of us in our infancy...
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And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother</strong> (וַתֵּלֶךְ הָעַלְמָה וַתִּקְרָא אֶת־אֵם הַיָּלֶד, <em>vatelekh ha'almah vatiqra et-em hayaled</em>)—The simple command <strong>Go</strong> (לֵכִי, <em>lekhi</em>) sets in motion the restoration. <strong>The maid</strong> (הָעַלְמָה, <em>ha'almah</em>, "the young woman/girl") is Miriam. The text...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **The maid went and called the child’s mother.**—Jochebed must have been waiting near, eagerly expecting—perhaps, while concealed from sight, watching the result, and ready to appear the moment that she was summoned. Miriam knew where to find her, and brought her quickly to the princess.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

3. the Egyptians mourned, &amp;c. It was made a period of public mourning, as on the death of a royal personage.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-10** Come, see the place where that great man, Moses, lay, when he was a little child; it was in a bulrush basket by the river's side. Had he been left there long, he must have perished. But Providence brings Pharaoh's daughter to the place where this poor forlorn infant lay, and inclines her heart to pity it, which she dares do, when none else durst. God's care of us in our infancy...
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And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it</strong> (הֵילִיכִי אֶת־הַיֶּלֶד הַזֶּה וְהֵינִקִהוּ לִי, <em>heilikhi et-hayeled hazeh vehinikhu li</em>)—<strong>Take this child away</strong> grants permission and protection. <strong>Nurse it for me</strong> makes Moses legally the...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Nurse it for me.**—The princess adopts Miriam’s suggestion; the child is to be nursed *for her*—is to be hers. She will place it out to nurse, and pay the customary wages.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4-5. Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, &amp;c.--**Care was taken to let it be known that the family sepulchre was provided before leaving Canaan and that an oath bound his family to convey the remains thither. Besides, Joseph deemed it right to apply for a special leave of absence; and being unfit, as a mourner, to appear in the royal presence, he made the request through the medium of oth...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-10** Come, see the place where that great man, Moses, lay, when he was a little child; it was in a bulrush basket by the river's side. Had he been left there long, he must have perished. But Providence brings Pharaoh's daughter to the place where this poor forlorn infant lay, and inclines her heart to pity it, which she dares do, when none else durst. God's care of us in our infancy...
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And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water. Moses: that is, Drawn out

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water</strong> (וַתִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ מֹשֶׁה וַתֹּאמֶר כִּי מִן־הַמַּיִם מְשִׁיתִהוּ, <em>vatiqra shemo Mosheh vatomer ki min-hamayim meshitihu</em>)—<strong>Moses</strong> (מֹשֶׁה, <em>Mosheh</em>) derives from Hebrew <strong>drew o...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **The child grew.**—Josephus regards these words as implying a growth that was strange and abnormal (*Ant. Jud. *ii. 9, § 6). But nothing more seems to be intended than nature’s ordinary course. The child grew and reached the time when it was usual in Egypt that children should be weaned. We have no means of determining what this time was. It may have been the completion of the first year; bu...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4-5. Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, &amp;c.--**Care was taken to let it be known that the family sepulchre was provided before leaving Canaan and that an oath bound his family to convey the remains thither. Besides, Joseph deemed it right to apply for a special leave of absence; and being unfit, as a mourner, to appear in the royal presence, he made the request through the medium of oth...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-10** Come, see the place where that great man, Moses, lay, when he was a little child; it was in a bulrush basket by the river's side. Had he been left there long, he must have perished. But Providence brings Pharaoh's daughter to the place where this poor forlorn infant lay, and inclines her heart to pity it, which she dares do, when none else durst. God's care of us in our infancy...
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Moses Flees to Midian

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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</strong> (וַיִּגְדַּל מֹשֶׁה וַיֵּצֵא אֶל־אֶחָיו וַיַּרְא בְּסִבְלֹתָם, <em>vayigdal Mosheh vayetse el-echav vayar besivlotam</em>)—<strong>Grown</strong> (גָּדַל, <em>gadal</em>, likely 40 years old per Ac...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **In those days.**—Notes of time are used with considerable latitude by the sacred writers. (Comp. Genesis 38; 2Kings 20:1.) According to the tradition followed by St. Stephen (Acts 7:23), Moses was “full forty years old “when he took the step here indicated. We might have expected him to have come forward sooner; but there may have been difficulties in his so doing. It is remarkable that he ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-15** Moses boldly owned the cause of God's people. It is plain from He 11. that this was done in faith, with the full purpose of leaving the honours, wealth, and pleasures of his rank among the Egyptians. By the grace of God he was a partaker of faith in Christ, which overcomes the world. He was willing, not only to risk all, but to suffer for his sake; being assured that Israel we...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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</strong> (וַיִּפֶן כֹּה וָכֹה וַיַּרְא כִּי אֵין אִישׁ וַיַּךְ אֶת־הַמִּצְרִי, <em>vayifen koh vakhoh vayar ki ein ish vayakh et-haMitsri</em>)—<strong>Looked this way and that way</strong> shows furtive guilt, contrasting with the confidence he'll have at the burning b...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **He looked this way and that way.**—To see that no one observed him. **He slew the Egyptian.**—Jewish commentators gloss over the act, or even eulogise it as patriotic and heroical. But it was clearly the deed of a hasty and undisciplined spirit. The offence did not deserve death, and if it had, Moses had neither legal office nor Divine call, justifying him in making himself an executioner. ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-9. Joseph went up to bury his father--**a journey of three hundred miles. The funeral cavalcade, composed of the nobility and military, with their equipages, would exhibit an imposing appearance.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-15** Moses boldly owned the cause of God's people. It is plain from He 11. that this was done in faith, with the full purpose of leaving the honours, wealth, and pleasures of his rank among the Egyptians. By the grace of God he was a partaker of faith in Christ, which overcomes the world. He was willing, not only to risk all, but to suffer for his sake; being assured that Israel we...
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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?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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?</strong> (וַיֵּצֵא בַּיּוֹם הַשֵּׁנִי וְהִנֵּה שְׁנֵי־אֲנָשִׁים עִבְרִים נִצִּים, <em>vayetse bayom hasheni vehineh shenei-anashim Ivrim nitsim</em>)—<strong>The second day</strong> marks continued involvement despite yesterday's vio...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **The second day**—i.e., the next day. **Him that did the wrong.**—Heb., *the wicked one. *Our version follows the LXX. **Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?**—Comp. Acts 7:26, where the words of Moses are reported somewhat differently, “Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?” In either case there was no offensive assumption of authority. But the wrong doer took offence, nevert...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-9. Joseph went up to bury his father--**a journey of three hundred miles. The funeral cavalcade, composed of the nobility and military, with their equipages, would exhibit an imposing appearance.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-15** Moses boldly owned the cause of God's people. It is plain from He 11. that this was done in faith, with the full purpose of leaving the honours, wealth, and pleasures of his rank among the Egyptians. By the grace of God he was a partaker of faith in Christ, which overcomes the world. He was willing, not only to risk all, but to suffer for his sake; being assured that Israel we...
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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. a prince: Heb. a man, a prince

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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</strong> (וַיֹּאמֶר מִי שָׂמְךָ לְאִישׁ־שַׂר וְשֹׁפֵט עָלֵינוּ, <em>vayomer mi samkha le'ish-sar veshofet aleinu</em>)—The Hebrew's challenge cuts deep: <strong>Who made thee a prince and a judge?</strong> Moses has no del...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Who made thee a prince and a judge over us?**—As the reputed son of a princess, Moses would be in some sort a “prince.” But no one had given him jurisdiction over the Hebrews. He had not really interfered as one who claimed authority, but as any man of position and education naturally interferes to stop a quarrel. **Intendest thou to kill me?**—Here is the sting of the rejoinder; here was t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-9. Joseph went up to bury his father--**a journey of three hundred miles. The funeral cavalcade, composed of the nobility and military, with their equipages, would exhibit an imposing appearance.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-15** Moses boldly owned the cause of God's people. It is plain from He 11. that this was done in faith, with the full purpose of leaving the honours, wealth, and pleasures of his rank among the Egyptians. By the grace of God he was a partaker of faith in Christ, which overcomes the world. He was willing, not only to risk all, but to suffer for his sake; being assured that Israel we...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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</strong> (וַיִּשְׁמַע פַּרְעֹה אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה וַיְבַקֵּשׁ לַהֲרֹג אֶת־מֹשֶׁה וַיִּבְרַח מֹשֶׁה מִפְּנֵי פַרְעֹה, <em>vayishma Par'oh et-hadavar hazeh vayevakesh laharog et-Mosheh vayivrach Mosheh mipnei Far'oh</em>)—Pharaoh's d...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **When Pharaoh heard . . . he sought to slay Moses.**—Naturally. The administration of justice was one of the chief duties of the royal office; and the crime committed by Moses was one to be punished by death. There was nothing to reduce it from murder to manslaughter. And the motives which extenuate it in the eyes of moderns—patriotic zeal and hatred of oppression—would not have commanded th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. they came to the threshing-floor of Atad, &amp;c.--**"Atad" may be taken as a common noun, signifying "the plain of the thorn bushes." It was on the border between Egypt and Canaan; and as the last opportunity of indulging grief was always the most violent, the Egyptians made a prolonged halt at this spot, while the family of Jacob probably proceeded by themselves to the place of sepulture.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-15** Moses boldly owned the cause of God's people. It is plain from He 11. that this was done in faith, with the full purpose of leaving the honours, wealth, and pleasures of his rank among the Egyptians. By the grace of God he was a partaker of faith in Christ, which overcomes the world. He was willing, not only to risk all, but to suffer for his sake; being assured that Israel we...
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Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. priest: or, prince

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock</strong> (וּלְכֹהֵן מִדְיָן שֶׁבַע בָּנוֹת, <em>ulkhohen Midyan sheva banot</em>)—<strong>The priest of Midian</strong> is Reuel/Jethro (v. 18, 3:1), keeper of Midianite religious traditions possibly preserving Abrahamic monotheism (Genesis 25:2). <strong>Seven d...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **The priest of Midian.**—Reuel may have been both “priest” and “prince,” like Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18); but there is no reason to doubt that he is here called “priest.” In Exodus 18:12, Jethro is represented as exercising priestly functions. The Midianites, descendants of Abraham by Keturah, worshipped the true God, and seem to have been at this time a religious people. The name Reuel, or...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 16-22** Moses found shelter in Midian. He was ready to help Reuel's daughters to water their flocks, although bred in learning and at court. Moses loved to be doing justice, and to act in defence of such as he saw injured, which every man ought to do, as far as it is in his power. He loved to be doing good; wherever the providence of God casts us, we should desire and try to be useful...
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And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock</strong> (וַיָּבֹאוּ הָרֹעִים וַיְגָרְשׁוּם וַיָּקָם מֹשֶׁה וַיּוֹשִׁעָן, <em>vayavo'u haro'im vaygareshum vayakom Mosheh vayoshi'an</em>)—<strong>Shepherds... drove them away</strong>—bullies exploiting the vulnerable, a pattern Moses consistently opposes (cf. v. 12). <strong>Moses stoo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **The shepherds came.**—Those of the neighbourhood. The rule of the desert is that those who come to a well take their turns in the use of the water in the order of their arrival. But these rude shepherds declined to wait for their turn. It appears later on, by the question of Reuel, “How is it that ye are come so soon to-day?” that this rude and unfair conduct of the shepherds was habitual. ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 16-22** Moses found shelter in Midian. He was ready to help Reuel's daughters to water their flocks, although bred in learning and at court. Moses loved to be doing justice, and to act in defence of such as he saw injured, which every man ought to do, as far as it is in his power. He loved to be doing good; wherever the providence of God casts us, we should desire and try to be useful...
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And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? Reuel: called also Jethro, or, Jether

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?</strong> (וַתָּבֹאנָה אֶל־רְעוּאֵל אֲבִיהֶן וַיֹּאמֶר מַדּוּעַ מִהַרְתֶּן בֹּא הַיּוֹם, <em>vatavo'nah el-Re'u'el avihen vayomer madu'a miharten bo hayom</em>)—<strong>Reuel</strong> (רְעוּאֵל, "friend of God") is also called Jethro (3:1, 18:1) and Hobab (Numbers 10:29), possibly showing title/nam...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 16-22** Moses found shelter in Midian. He was ready to help Reuel's daughters to water their flocks, although bred in learning and at court. Moses loved to be doing justice, and to act in defence of such as he saw injured, which every man ought to do, as far as it is in his power. He loved to be doing good; wherever the providence of God casts us, we should desire and try to be useful...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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</strong> (וַתֹּאמַרְנָה אִישׁ מִצְרִי הִצִּילָנוּ מִיַּד הָרֹעִים, <em>vatomarnah ish Mitsri hitsilanu miyad haro'im</em>)—The daughters call Moses <strong>an Egyptian</strong> (אִישׁ מִצְרִי) based on appearance, dress, or speech. Moses appears to be what he f...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **An Egyptian.**—So they concluded from his dress and appearance, perhaps even from his speech. It would be natural for them to make the mistake, and for Moses to remember it. Any other author would probably have said, “a man,” or “a stranger.” **And also drew water enough.**—The shepherds had consumed some of the maidens’ water before Moses’s interference, so that he had to draw more for the...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 16-22** Moses found shelter in Midian. He was ready to help Reuel's daughters to water their flocks, although bred in learning and at court. Moses loved to be doing justice, and to act in defence of such as he saw injured, which every man ought to do, as far as it is in his power. He loved to be doing good; wherever the providence of God casts us, we should desire and try to be useful...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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</strong> (וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־בְּנֹתָיו וְאַיּוֹ לָמָּה זֶּה עֲזַבְתֶּן אֶת־הָאִישׁ קִרְאֶן לוֹ וְיֹאכַל לָחֶם, <em>vayomer el-benotav ve'ayo lamah zeh azavten et-ha'ish kir'en lo veyokhal lachem</em>)—Reuel's rebuke—<strong>why is it that ye have left the man?</strong>—shows pro...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **That he may eat bread.**—Arab hospitality was offended that the stranger had not been invited into the tent to partake of the evening meal. The feeling of the modern Bedouin would be the same.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-21. When Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, &amp;c.--**Joseph was deeply affected by this communication. He gave them the strongest assurances of his forgiveness and thereby gave both a beautiful trait of his own pious character, as well as appeared an eminent type of the Saviour.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 16-22** Moses found shelter in Midian. He was ready to help Reuel's daughters to water their flocks, although bred in learning and at court. Moses loved to be doing justice, and to act in defence of such as he saw injured, which every man ought to do, as far as it is in his power. He loved to be doing good; wherever the providence of God casts us, we should desire and try to be useful...
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And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter</strong> (וַיּוֹאֶל מֹשֶׁה לָשֶׁבֶת אֶת־הָאִישׁ וַיִּתֵּן אֶת־צִפֹּרָה בִתּוֹ לְמֹשֶׁה, <em>vayo'el Mosheh lashevet et-ha'ish vayiten et-Tsiporah vito leMosheh</em>)—<strong>Was content</strong> (וַיּוֹאֶל, <em>vayo'el</em>, "agreed/was willing") suggests Moses found peace in Midian after Egypt's turmoil. ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **Moses was content to dwell with the man.**—Reuel must have been so pleased with the manner and appearance of Moses that he invited him to take service with him—perhaps to share his tent. Moses consented, and in course of time took to wife Zipporah, one of Reuel’s daughters. Marriage with the Midianites was allowed, even under the Law. It has been conjectured that Reuel might have communicat...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-21. When Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, &amp;c.--**Joseph was deeply affected by this communication. He gave them the strongest assurances of his forgiveness and thereby gave both a beautiful trait of his own pious character, as well as appeared an eminent type of the Saviour.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 16-22** Moses found shelter in Midian. He was ready to help Reuel's daughters to water their flocks, although bred in learning and at court. Moses loved to be doing justice, and to act in defence of such as he saw injured, which every man ought to do, as far as it is in his power. He loved to be doing good; wherever the providence of God casts us, we should desire and try to be useful...
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And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land. Gershom: that is, A stranger here

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land</strong> (וַתֵּלֶד בֵּן וַיִּקְרָא אֶת־שְׁמוֹ גֵּרְשֹׁם כִּי אָמַר גֵּר הָיִיתִי בְּאֶרֶץ נָכְרִיָּה, <em>vateled ben vayikra et-shemo Gereshom ki amar ger hayiti be'erets nokhriyah</em>)—<strong>Gershom</strong> (גֵּרְשֹׁם, from גֵּר, <em>ger</em>, "stranger/sojourner") memorializ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **Gershom.**—Almost certainly from *ger, *“a stranger,” and *shâm, *“there.” So Jerome, who translates it *advena ibi. *(Comp. Josephus and the LXX., who write the name Gersam.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-21. When Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, &amp;c.--**Joseph was deeply affected by this communication. He gave them the strongest assurances of his forgiveness and thereby gave both a beautiful trait of his own pious character, as well as appeared an eminent type of the Saviour.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 16-22** Moses found shelter in Midian. He was ready to help Reuel's daughters to water their flocks, although bred in learning and at court. Moses loved to be doing justice, and to act in defence of such as he saw injured, which every man ought to do, as far as it is in his power. He loved to be doing good; wherever the providence of God casts us, we should desire and try to be useful...
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And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage</strong> (וַיְהִי בַיָּמִים הָרַבִּים הָהֵם וַיָּמָת מֶלֶךְ מִצְרַיִם וַיֵּאָנְחוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִן־הָעֲבֹדָה וַיִּזְעָקוּ, <em>vayehi vayamim harabim hahem vayamat melekh Mitsrayim vaye'...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **in process of time.**—Heb., *in those many days. *As Moses was now eighty years old (Exodus 7:7), and only forty when he quitted Egypt, the Pharaoh from whom he fled must have reigned above forty years. Between the commencement of the eighteenth and the close of the nineteenth dynasty, two kings only seem to have reigned so long as this—Thothmes III. and Rameses II. Our choice of the Pharao...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-21. When Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, &amp;c.--**Joseph was deeply affected by this communication. He gave them the strongest assurances of his forgiveness and thereby gave both a beautiful trait of his own pious character, as well as appeared an eminent type of the Saviour.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 23-25** The Israelites' bondage in Egypt continued, though the murdering of their infants did not continue. Sometimes the Lord suffers the rod of the wicked to lie very long and very heavy on the lot of the righteous. At last they began to think of God under their troubles. It is a sign that the Lord is coming towards us with deliverance, when he inclines and enables us to cry to him ...
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And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob</strong> (וַיִּשְׁמַע אֱלֹהִים אֶת־נַאֲקָתָם וַיִּזְכֹּר אֱלֹהִים אֶת־בְּרִיתוֹ אֶת־אַבְרָהָם אֶת־יִצְחָק וְאֶת־יַעֲקֹב, <em>vayishma Elohim et-na'akatam vayizkhor Elohim et-berito et-Avraham et-Yitschak ve'et-Ya'akov</em>)—Four emphatic verbs with "God" (אֱלֹהִים, <em>Elohim</em>) as sub...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-21. When Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, &amp;c.--**Joseph was deeply affected by this communication. He gave them the strongest assurances of his forgiveness and thereby gave both a beautiful trait of his own pious character, as well as appeared an eminent type of the Saviour.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 23-25** The Israelites' bondage in Egypt continued, though the murdering of their infants did not continue. Sometimes the Lord suffers the rod of the wicked to lie very long and very heavy on the lot of the righteous. At last they began to think of God under their troubles. It is a sign that the Lord is coming towards us with deliverance, when he inclines and enables us to cry to him ...
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And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them. had: Heb. knew

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them</strong> (וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיֵּדַע אֱלֹהִים, <em>vayar Elohim et-benei Yisra'el vayeda Elohim</em>)—<strong>God looked</strong> (רָאָה, <em>ra'ah</em>) with attentive, compassionate regard, not mere observation. <strong>Had respect unto them</strong> (וַיֵּדַע, <em>vayeda</em>, lit. "and God k...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-21. When Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, &amp;c.--**Joseph was deeply affected by this communication. He gave them the strongest assurances of his forgiveness and thereby gave both a beautiful trait of his own pious character, as well as appeared an eminent type of the Saviour.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 23-25** The Israelites' bondage in Egypt continued, though the murdering of their infants did not continue. Sometimes the Lord suffers the rod of the wicked to lie very long and very heavy on the lot of the righteous. At last they began to think of God under their troubles. It is a sign that the Lord is coming towards us with deliverance, when he inclines and enables us to cry to him ...
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