Exodus 2:11

“And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, etc.] To man’s estate; some of the Jewish writers say he was eighteen, others twenty years of age f78, but Stephen, who is most to be credited, says he was full forty years of age, (<440723>Acts 7:23), that he went out unto his brethren the Hebrews: whom he knew to be his brethren, either by divine revelation, or by conversing with his nurse, who was his mother; who, doubtless, instructed him while he was with her, as far as he was capable of being informed of things, and who might frequently visit her afterwards, by which means he became apprised that he was an Hebrew and not an Egyptian, though he went for the son of Pharaoh’s…”

“HIS SYMPATHY WITH THE HEBREWS. (Exo 2:11-25) in those days, when Moses was grown--not in age and stature only, but in power as well as in renown for accomplishments and military prowess (Act 7:22). There is a gap here in the sacred history which, however, is supplied by the inspired commentary of Paul, who has fully detailed the reasons as well as extent of the change that took place in his worldly condition; and whether, as some say, his royal mother had proposed to make him coregent and successor to the crown, or some other circumstances, led to a declaration of his mind, he determined to renounce the palace and identify himself with the suffering people of God (Heb 11:24-29). The descent…”

“Went out unto his brethren - At the end of 40 years. The Egyptian princess had not concealed from him the fact of his belonging to the oppressed race, nor is it likely that she had debarred him from contact with his foster-mother and her family, whether or not she became aware of the true relationship. An Egyptian - This man was probably one of the overseers of the workmen, natives under the chief superintendent Exodus 1:11. They were armed with long heavy scourges, made of a tough pliant wood imported from Syria. return to 'Top of Page'”

“When Moses was grown he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens - He looked on their burdens as one that not only pitied them, but was resolved to venture with them, and for them. Exodus 2:12”

“2:11-15 This section addresses Moses’ first abortive attempt to rescue Israel in his own strength. This incident shows Moses’ courage and decisiveness, but it also shows his tendency to assume the responsibility himself, which would later have tragic effects in his life (Num 20:1-13). Moses’ concern for his people’s welfare was good; his timing and manner did not accord with God’s plan. 2:11-12 Moses had a privileged upbringing as compared with the toil and hardship of his own people, the Hebrews, but he was willing to identify with them and help them to the point of jeopardizing his own privileges.”

“am 2473, bc 1531 Moses: Act 7:22-24; Heb 11:24-26 burdens: Exo 1:11, Exo 3:7, Exo 5:9, Exo 5:14; Isa 58:6; Mat 11:28; Luk 4:18 Exodus 2:12”

“Flight of Moses from Egypt to Midian. - The education of Moses at the Egyptian court could not extinguish the feeling that he belonged to the people of Israel. Our history does not inform us how this feeling, which was inherited from his parents and nourished in him when an infant by his mother's milk, was fostered still further after he had been handed over to Pharaoh's daughter, and grew into a firm, decided consciousness of will. All that is related is, how this consciousness broke forth at length in the full-grown man, in the slaying of the Egyptian who had injured a Hebrew ( Exo 2:11, Exo 2:12), and in the attempt to reconcile two Hebrew men who were quarrelling ( Exo 2:13, Exo 2:14).…”