Exodus 2:15

Exodus 2:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now when Pharaoh had news of this, he would have put Moses to death. But Moses went in flight from Pharaoh into the land of Midian: and he took his seat by a water-spring.

Free Bible Version FBV

When Pharaoh found out, he tried to have Moses killed, but Moses ran away from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian. One day as he was sitting by a well,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Now Pharaoh heard this matter, and sought to slay Moses: therefore Moses fled from Pharaoh, and dwelt in the lande of Midian, and hee sate downe by a well.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Pharaoh heareth of this thing, and seeketh to slay Moses, and Moses fleeth from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelleth in the land of Midian, and dwelleth by the well.

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Pharao heard of this word and sought to kill Moses: but he fled from his sight, and abode in the land of Madian, and he sat down by a well.

Translation for Translators T4T

And that was correct. The king heard about what he/I had done to that Egyptian. So he ordered his soldiers to execute/kill Moses/me. But he/I fled from the king and left Egypt. He/I traveled east to the Midian region and started to live there.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 2:15

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶת הַ/דָּבָ֣ר הַ/זֶּ֔ה וַ/יְבַקֵּ֖שׁ לַ/הֲרֹ֣ג אֶת מֹשֶׁ֑ה וַ/יִּבְרַ֤ח מֹשֶׁה֙ מִ/פְּנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב בְּ/אֶֽרֶץ מִדְיָ֖ן וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב עַֽל הַ/בְּאֵֽר

וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

פַּרְעֹה֙ Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/דָּבָ֣ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

וַ/יְבַקֵּ֖שׁ bâqash H1245 to seek Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

לַ/הֲרֹ֣ג hârag H2026 to kill Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מֹשֶׁ֑ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

וַ/יִּבְרַ֤ח bârach H1272 to flee Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

מֹשֶׁה֙ Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

מִ/פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

פַרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בְּ/אֶֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs

מִדְיָ֖ן Midyân H4080 Midian N-proper

וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

עַֽל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/בְּאֵֽר bᵉʼêr H875 well Art | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 2:15

וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֤ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

פַּרְעֹה֙ Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" N-proper

In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.

Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/דָּבָ֣ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

וַ/יְבַקֵּ֖שׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.

Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought

Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.

לַ/הֲרֹ֣ג hârag H2026 "to kill" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain

Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מֹשֶׁ֑ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

וַ/יִּבְרַ֤ח bârach H1272 "to flee" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.

Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.

מֹשֶׁה֙ Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

מִ/פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

פַרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.

וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

בְּ/אֶֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

מִדְיָ֖ן Midyân H4080 "Midian" N-proper

Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.

Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.

וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

עַֽל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/בְּאֵֽר bᵉʼêr H875 "well" Art | N-fs

A well or pit, like a water source, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a spring, and is often translated as a well or pit in the Bible.

Definition: well, pit, spring

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: pit, well. See also: Genesis 14:10; Genesis 29:3; Psalms 55:24.

Study Notes — Exodus 2:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 2:15 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:15
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:15
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:15
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:15
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:15
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:15
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:15
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:15
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:15
Sermons on Exodus 2:15

Context — The Rejection and Flight of Moses

13The next day Moses went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you attacking your companion?” 14But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? ” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.”

15When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.

16Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 7:29	At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons.
2	Hebrews 11:27	By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.
3	Genesis 24:11	As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at the time when the women went out to draw water.
4	Genesis 29:2	He looked and saw a well in the field, and near it lay three flocks of sheep, because the sheep were watered from this well. And a large stone covered the mouth of the well.
5	Matthew 10:23	When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
6	1 Kings 19:13–14	When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”
7	1 Kings 19:1–3	Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!” And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,
8	Proverbs 22:3	The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
9	John 4:6	Since Jacob’s well was there, Jesus, weary from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
10	Exodus 4:19	Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.”

Exodus 2:15 Summary

This verse tells us that when Pharaoh found out what Moses had done, he wanted to kill him, so Moses had to run away to a place called Midian. Moses sat down by a well, not knowing what would happen next, but trusting that God would take care of him, just like God took care of the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 17:2-6. This shows us that even when things seem scary or uncertain, God is always with us and will provide for us, as promised in Matthew 28:20. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence, just like Moses did, as seen in Exodus 2:15 and Psalm 23:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Pharaoh want to kill Moses?

Pharaoh wanted to kill Moses because he had heard about Moses killing the Egyptian, as mentioned in Exodus 2:12, and Pharaoh saw Moses as a threat to his authority, much like the threat posed to King Herod in Matthew 2:13.

Where did Moses flee to after Pharaoh sought to kill him?

Moses fled to the land of Midian, as stated in Exodus 2:15, where he would eventually meet his future wife and father-in-law, similar to how the prophet Elijah fled to the wilderness in 1 Kings 19:3-4.

What can we learn from Moses' decision to flee from Pharaoh?

Moses' decision to flee from Pharaoh teaches us that sometimes it is necessary to take a step back and trust in God's protection, as seen in Psalm 91:4, rather than trying to fight against those who oppose us.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Moses?

This verse marks a turning point in the story of Moses, as he transitions from being a prince of Egypt to a humble shepherd in Midian, much like the transition of the prophet David from a shepherd to a king in 1 Samuel 16:11-13.

Reflection Questions

What are some times in my life when I have had to flee from a difficult situation, and how did God provide for me during those times?
How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's protection, as seen in Moses' decision to flee from Pharaoh, to my own life and circumstances?
What are some ways that I can, like Moses, use my experiences of hardship and struggle to minister to others and bring glory to God?
In what ways can I, like Moses, be willing to let go of my own plans and ambitions and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 2:15

Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses,.... Both for his killing the Egyptian, which by the laws of Egypt (i) was death, whether bond or free; and for his taking part with the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 2:15

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 2:15

He sought to slay Moses; not out of zeal to punish a murderer, but to secure himself from so dangerous a person, probably supposing that this was the man foretold to be the scourge of Egypt, and the deliverer of Israel.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 2:15

Exodus 2:15 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.Ver. 15. But Moses fled.] God, by forty years’ exile, fitted Moses for further light and advancement. Much he had learned in Egypt, but more in Midian. Mr Ascham was a good schoolmaster to Queen Elizabeth, but affliction was a better. Men commonly beat and bruise their links before they light them, to make them burn the brighter. Moses had neither been so illuminate a doctor, nor so excellent a ruler, if not first humbled, as here.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 2:15

(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 the sympathies of a Pharaoh. Moses fled.—Or, had fled. Moses would fly as soon as he found his act was known. He fled “at the saying” of the Israelite (Acts 7:29). When Pharaoh sought for him, he was gone. Dwelt in the land of Midian—i.e., “Was led to make Midian his home,” under circumstances about to be related. The Midian of this book seems to be the south-eastern portion of the Sinaitic peninsula, not the opposite Arabian coast, where were the main settlements of the nation. Sat down by a well.—Rather, the well. There must have been one principal well in these parts, copious, and so generally resorted to. Moses fixed his temporary-abode in its neighbourhood.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 2:15

Verse 15. Pharaoh - sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh] How can this be reconciled with Hebrews 11:27: By faith he (Moses) forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king? Very easily. The apostle speaks not of this forsaking of Egypt, but of his and the Israelites' final departure from it, and of the bold and courageous manner in which Moses treated Pharaoh and the Egyptians, disregarding his threatenings and the multitudes of them that pursued after the people whom, in the name and strength of God, he led in the face of their enemies out of Egypt. Dwelt in the land of Midian] A country generally supposed to have been in Arabia Petraea, on the eastern coast of the Red Sea, not far from Mount Sinai. This place is still called by the Arabs the land of Midian or the land of Jethro. Abul Farajius calls it the land of the Arabs. It is supposed that the Midianites derived their origin from Midian, the fourth son of Abraham by Keturah, thus: - Abraham, Zimran, Jokshan, Medan and Midian, Raguel, Jethro; see Genesis 25:1. But Calmet contends that if Jethro had been of the family of Abraham, either by Jokshan, or Midian, Aaron and Miriam could not have reproached Moses with marrying a Cushite, Zipporah, the daughter of Reuel. He thinks therefore that the Midianites were of the progeny of Cush, the son of Ham; see Genesis 10:6.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 2:15

15–22. Moses’ flight to Midian; and his marriage there to a daughter of the priest of Midian.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 2:15

No Egyptian king would have left; such an offence unpunished. But the position of Moses, as an adopted son of a princess, made it necessary even for a despotic sovereign to take unusual precautions.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 2:15

15. And he sat down by a well — The (well-known) well (of that place).

Sermons on Exodus 2:15

	Sermon	Description
	Facing Your Failures by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and his journey from failure to success. He encourages listeners not to give up just because they have failed, emphasizing
	(Genesis) Genesis 25:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Genesis chapter 25, which covers the death of Abraham and the generations of Ishmael and Isaac. The chapter also highlights the birth of Jaco
	(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The prea
	Israel's Rapid Multiplication by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith begins a verse-by-verse study through the book of Exodus. He highlights the significance of the word "now" at the beginning of the book, explaini
	Moses, God's Servant: 2nd Forty Years by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and how God called him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. The preacher emphasizes the importance of coming to the end o
	(Hebrews) 2-Moses by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his commitment to serving God. The speaker highlights Moses' dedication by mentioning his 40 days of fasting and his
	Set Your Affections Above - Part 1 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 and highlights the idea that everything in the universe is for the sake of believers. The speaker emphasizes that a