Day 40

A Prince Becomes a Shepherd

Exodus 2:11–25

Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s palace. There he learned all the wisdom of Egypt. He did powerful deeds. But he loved his own people, Israel. They were still slaves.

Moses wanted to help Israel. But he could do nothing. Besides, Israel did not want his help. Pharaoh was angry with Moses for trying to help. So Moses ran far away from Egypt to Midian in Arabia.

He was resting there by a well. Young women were trying to water their flocks. When rough men stopped them, Moses helped the women. These were the daughters of Jethro, priest of Midian. Moses was invited to stay in Jethro’s house. He married Jethro’s daughter, Zipporah, and herded Jethro’s flocks.

For forty years, Moses had lived in Egypt. There he was a wise and powerful prince. Now he shepherded another man’s sheep. He lived on the far side of the desert. “I’m a stranger living in a strange land,” Moses said.

Meanwhile, Israel cried and groaned in slavery. God heard them. He remembered his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw Israel in Egypt and understood their troubles.

Questions: Why did Moses run away from Egypt? How did Moses’ life change?