Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Pharaoh want to kill Moses?
A: Pharaoh wanted to kill Moses because he heard that Moses had killed an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-12). According to Rashi, Pharaoh's advisors warned him that Moses could become a threat to his kingdom, as he was showing loyalty to the Hebrews rather than the Egyptians.
Q: Why did Moses flee to Midian?
A: Moses fled to Midian because it was outside of Pharaoh's jurisdiction, making it a safe place to escape Pharaoh's death sentence. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:32) explains that Midian was also significant because it was the homeland of Moses' future wife, Tzipporah, and where he would later encounter the burning bush.
Q: What is the significance of Moses sitting by the well in Midian?
A: Sitting by the well in Midian is significant because it mirrors the meeting place of future biblical leaders, such as Jacob (Genesis 29:2) and Eliezer (Genesis 24:11). Rashi notes that wells symbolize divine providence—just as Moses met his future wife Tzipporah there, so too would he later draw water (spiritual and physical) for the Israelites.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moses fleeing from Pharaoh?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 10a) teaches that Moses' flight demonstrates the importance of self-preservation when facing danger. The Rambam (Hilchot Rotzeach 7:1) also derives from this episode that one must avoid unnecessary risk, as preserving life is a key Torah value.
Q: How does Moses' time in Midian prepare him for leadership?
A: According to the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:32), Moses' time in Midian humbled him and taught him shepherding skills, which later helped him lead the Israelites—referred to as 'the flock of Hashem' (Psalm 100:3). The Sages also say that his exile purified him, making him worthy to receive the Torah.
Pharaoh's Reaction and Moshe's Flight
The verse states that Pharaoh sought to kill Moshe after hearing "this thing" (הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה). Rashi explains that "this thing" refers to Moshe killing the Egyptian taskmaster who was beating a Hebrew slave (Shemot 2:11-12). When the matter became known, Pharaoh sought retribution. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:31) adds that Moshe was reported to Pharaoh by Datan and Aviram, who later became notorious antagonists during the Exodus.
Moshe's Escape to Midyan
Moshe fled to Midyan, which the Ramban notes was a providential occurrence, as it led to his encounter with Yisro's daughters and his eventual role as shepherd of Yisro's flock—a preparation for leading the Jewish people. The Sforno emphasizes that Moshe's flight demonstrated his humility, as he did not rely on his royal upbringing to protect him from Pharaoh's wrath.
Symbolism of the Well
The verse concludes with Moshe sitting by a well (עַל־הַבְּאֵר), which the Baal HaTurim connects to future events: just as he met his future wife Tzipporah at a well, so too would Yaakov and Eliezer meet their destined matches at wells (Bereishit 24:11, 29:2). The Talmud (Sotah 43b) also associates wells with Torah, suggesting this moment foreshadowed Moshe's future role in receiving the Torah at Har Sinai.