And the next day he showed himself to them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, you are brothers; why do you wrong one to another?
the next.
Exodus 2:13-15 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? …
ye are.
Genesis 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
Genesis 45:24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.
Psalm 133:1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
and he tried to reconcile them
Moses' attempt to reconcile the two men demonstrates his emerging role as a peacemaker and leader. This act foreshadows his future as a judge and lawgiver for Israel. The concept of reconciliation is central to biblical teaching, reflecting God's desire for peace and unity among His people. Moses' intervention is an early indication of his character and his concern for justice and harmony, qualities that would define his leadership.
saying, ‘Men, you are brothers.
By addressing them as "brothers," Moses emphasizes their shared identity and common heritage as descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This appeal to brotherhood is a call to unity and mutual respect, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The notion of brotherhood is significant in the biblical narrative, as it underscores the importance of community and the familial bonds that should transcend personal conflicts.
Why are you mistreating each other?’
Moses' question highlights the senselessness of their conflict, especially in light of their shared suffering under Egyptian oppression. The term "mistreating" suggests a deeper moral and ethical failing, as it implies a violation of the command to love one's neighbor. This question echoes throughout the Bible, challenging believers to examine their relationships and to seek reconciliation and peace. It also prefigures the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and forgiveness among His followers.
Acts 7:26 opens with, “The next day….” This simple time marker links the scene directly to Moses’ rescue of the Israelite being beaten by the Egyptian (Exodus 2:11–12; Acts 7:24–25). It shows continuity in Moses’ heart for his people:
• He did not act on a momentary impulse; he stayed engaged.
• The timing underscores God’s orderly unfolding plan (Psalm 37:23).
• Moses expected his brothers to recognize God’s deliverance through him (Acts 7:25), yet he still approached them patiently “the next day.”
Now the conflict is not with an oppressor but between fellow Hebrews, exposing sin inside the community. Other Scriptures highlight internal strife: Genesis 13:7–8 (Abram and Lot’s herdsmen), Numbers 12:1–2 (Miriam and Aaron against Moses), 1 Corinthians 3:3 (quarreling in the church). God’s people are called to peace, so internal fighting signals a deeper spiritual issue.
Moses “tried to reconcile” (literally “urged them to peace”). Even before Sinai, God raises up a mediator. Moses pictures the coming Mediator, Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 3:5–6). Key truths:
• Reconciliation is active; Moses “tried.”
• Peacemaking is a divine priority (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18).
• Leadership means stepping into messy situations rather than avoiding them.
Moses appeals to covenant identity: “brothers.” Scripture repeatedly grounds ethics in family relationship:
• Leviticus 19:17–18 commands loving one’s neighbor “as yourself.”
• Psalm 133:1 celebrates “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”
• In Christ, believers are “all brothers” (Matthew 23:8; Galatians 3:28).
Recognizing shared identity is the first step toward unity.
The question exposes heart motives. James 4:1 asks similarly, “What causes fights and quarrels among you?” Moses’ rebuke:
• Confronts sin directly, not passively.
• Calls for self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5).
• Reminds that wrongdoing against a brother is ultimately against God (1 Samuel 12:23; Acts 9:4).
Galatians 5:15 warns, “If you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out or you will be consumed by one another.” Moses’ question aims to halt that destructive path.
Acts 7:26 shows Moses stepping in as a peacemaker among his own people. The verse teaches:
• God’s servants persist in concern for His people.
• Internal conflict grieves the Lord and hinders His purposes.
• Peacemaking requires active, compassionate intervention grounded in shared identity.
• Confrontation, when done in love, exposes sin and invites repentance.
Ultimately, Moses foreshadows Jesus, the perfect Mediator who reconciles us to God and calls us to live as true brothers and sisters in peace.
(26) Would have set them at one again.--Literally, brought them to peace. The better MSS. give "was bringing them."Sirs.--Literally, Ye are brethren, without any word of address. The phrase is the same as "we be brethren" in Genesis 13:8.
Verse 26. - The day following for the next day, A.V.; he appeared for be showed himself, A.V.