But the man who was abusing his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us? But the man who was abusing his neighborThis phrase refers to an incident from Exodus 2:13-14, where Moses encounters two Hebrew men fighting. The context is the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, where they were subjected to harsh slavery. The man abusing his neighbor represents internal strife among the Israelites, highlighting the challenges Moses faced not only from external oppression but also from within his own people. This internal conflict is a recurring theme in the history of Israel, as seen in other instances such as the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16). Exo 2:13 The next day Moses went out and saw two Hebrews fighting.… pushed Moses aside Moses, though destined to be the deliverer of Israel, is initially rejected by his own people. This act of pushing Moses aside symbolizes the rejection of God's chosen leader, a theme that recurs throughout biblical history. It foreshadows the rejection of Jesus Christ by the Jewish leaders, as noted in John 1:11, where it states, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." This rejection is a significant aspect of the narrative of salvation history. Act 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly… and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? This question challenges Moses' authority and foreshadows the resistance he will face as a leader. It reflects a common human tendency to resist divinely appointed authority, as seen in the Israelites' later complaints against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness (Numbers 14:2-4). The question also echoes the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in appointing leaders, as seen in Romans 13:1, which states that all authority is established by God. This phrase also typologically points to Christ, who was questioned and rejected by the religious leaders of His time, as seen in Matthew 21:23, where they question His authority. Exo 2:14 But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us?”… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In this passage, he is seen trying to mediate a conflict between two Hebrews. 2. The Abusive Man This individual represents those who resist authority and reject God's appointed leaders. His question to Moses reflects a challenge to Moses' authority. 3. The Hebrew Neighbor The victim in the conflict, representing those who suffer under oppression and injustice. 4. Egypt The land where the Israelites were enslaved, symbolizing a place of bondage and oppression. 5. Stephen's Speech This event is part of Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts Israel's history to illustrate their pattern of rejecting God's messengers. Teaching Points Rejection of God’s Appointed LeadersThroughout history, God's chosen leaders have often faced rejection. This pattern is evident in Moses' experience and later in Jesus' ministry. Believers should be cautious not to reject those whom God has appointed to lead and guide. Understanding Authority The question, "Who made you ruler and judge?" reflects a misunderstanding of divine authority. Christians are called to recognize and respect the authority God establishes, whether in the church, family, or society. Responding to Conflict Moses' attempt to mediate teaches us the importance of seeking peace and justice. Believers should strive to be peacemakers, addressing conflicts with wisdom and humility. Recognizing God’s Timing Moses' initial rejection did not thwart God's plan. Sometimes, God's timing differs from our expectations. Trusting in His timing is crucial for fulfilling His purposes. Patterns of Resistance Stephen's recounting of Israel's history serves as a warning against resisting God's work. Believers should examine their hearts for any resistance to God's will and be open to His leading. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the rejection Moses faced from his fellow Hebrews parallel the rejection Jesus experienced? Reflect on how this might apply to modern-day leaders in the church.2. In what ways can we ensure that we are recognizing and respecting the authority God has placed in our lives? 3. How can we apply Moses' example of peacemaking in our own conflicts today? What practical steps can we take to be peacemakers? 4. Reflect on a time when God's timing differed from your expectations. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? 5. What are some ways we might unknowingly resist God's work in our lives or communities? How can we become more open to His leading? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 2:13-14This passage provides the original account of Moses intervening in the dispute between the two Hebrews, highlighting the rejection Moses faced even from his own people. Acts 7:35 Later in Stephen's speech, he emphasizes that God sent Moses as a ruler and deliverer, despite the initial rejection by his people. John 1:11 This verse speaks of Jesus coming to His own, who did not receive Him, paralleling the rejection Moses faced. People Aaron, David, Egyptians, Emmor, Hamor, Haran, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Molech, Pharaoh, Saul, Solomon, Stephen, SychemPlaces Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Haran, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Midian, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, ShechemTopics Appointed, Aside, Established, Injuring, Injustice, Interference, Judge, Magistrate, Neighbor, Neighbour, Pushed, Pushing, Resented, Ruler, Saying, Thrust, Wrong, WrongingDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 7:27Library Stephen's vision'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God'--ACTS vii. 56. I. The vision of the Son of Man, or the abiding manhood of Jesus. Stephen's Greek name, and his belonging to the Hellenistic part of the Church, make it probable that he had never seen Jesus during His earthly life. If so, how beautiful that he should thus see and recognise Him! How significant, in any case, is it he should instinctively have taken on his lips that name, 'the Son of Man,' to designate … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ] The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant The Prayer of Stephen. Our Lord Appears after his Ascension. Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we to do with Routiniers?... St. Stephen's Day and Stephen, Full of Faith and Power, did Great Wonders and Miracles among the People. . . . Then they Stirred up the People. . . . And Caught Him, and Set up False Witnesses against Him. The Death of Stephen. Acts 7:54-60 Whether in Christ There was the Gift of Prophecy? Whether those who are not Practiced in Keeping the Commandments Should Enter Religion? Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels? Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the Angels and the Star? Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Sit at the Right Hand of God the Father? Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped? In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after the Flood... And Jacob, when He Went into Mesopotamia, Saw Him in a Dream... The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent. Wisdom and Revelation. As God in his Word Enjoins Common Prayer, So Public Temples are the Places Destined... A Glorious vision. It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ... The Secret of Its Greatness From Egypt to Sinai. The Son of Man Links Acts 7:27 NIVActs 7:27 NLT Acts 7:27 ESV Acts 7:27 NASB Acts 7:27 KJV Acts 7:27 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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