Will you kill me, as you did the Egyptian yesterday?
as you killed the Egyptian
This refers to the incident where Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. This act of violence was Moses' first recorded attempt to deliver his people, though it was done in his own strength and timing. It underscores Moses' initial misunderstanding of his role as a deliverer, which would later be fulfilled according to God's plan. The act also sets the stage for Moses' flight to Midian, where he would spend 40 years in preparation for his divine mission. This mirrors the concept of divine timing and preparation seen throughout Scripture, such as in the life of Jesus, who waited until the appointed time to begin His ministry.
yesterday?
The mention of "yesterday" emphasizes the immediacy and recentness of Moses' action, indicating that the news of the killing spread quickly among the Hebrews. It also suggests the rapidity with which Moses' attempt to help was misunderstood and rejected. This reflects the broader biblical theme of human impatience and misunderstanding of God's timing and methods. The quick spread of information among the Israelites in Egypt can be compared to the rapid dissemination of news in the early church, as seen in Acts, where the message of the Gospel spread quickly despite opposition.
• The confrontation opens with a pointed challenge, echoing the Israelite’s words in Exodus 2:14: “Who made you ruler and judge over us?” (see also Acts 7:27).
• His “Do” introduces doubt about Moses’ motives, contrasting with God’s later commissioning of Moses as deliverer (Exodus 3:10).
• It surfaces unbelief among the people, foreshadowing repeated resistance to God-sent leadership (Numbers 14:1-4).
• The speaker charges Moses with murderous intent, revealing fear of personal harm (Exodus 2:15).
• His accusation exposes how one sinful act can taint an otherwise righteous reputation (Hebrews 11:24-26 still commends Moses, yet Scripture records his failure with full honesty).
• It reminds believers that hidden sin rarely stays hidden (Proverbs 28:13).
• The words call out Moses’ secret deed (Exodus 2:11-12; Acts 7:24), bringing it into the open.
• They underline God’s truth that “whatever is concealed is meant to be brought to light” (Mark 4:22).
• The mention of the Egyptian also highlights the conflict between Israel’s oppression and God’s coming deliverance (Genesis 15:13-14).
• The timeline shows how swiftly news travels, even without modern media (cf. Joshua 2:2).
• It signals Moses’ sudden loss of anonymity, prompting his flight to Midian (Exodus 2:15; Acts 7:29).
• The speed of exposure illustrates the fleeting cover sin provides and the urgency of repentance (Psalm 32:3-5).
Acts 7:28 captures an Israelite’s fearful rebuke to Moses, exposing the murder that ended Moses’ first attempt at deliverance. Each phrase reveals escalating distrust—first questioning, then personal fear, public exposure, and immediate consequences. The verse underscores the certainty that sin finds us out, the readiness of God to use imperfect people once they repent, and the sovereign unfolding of His plan to rescue His people in spite of human failure.
Verse 28. - Wouldest for wilt, A.V.; killedst for diddest, A.V.