| Exodus 2:12
| And when he had looked about this way and that way, and saw no one there, he slew the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.
| He slew the Egyptian. This he did by a particular inspiration of God; as a prelude to his delivering the people from their oppression and bondage. He thought, says St. Stephen, (Acts 7:25,) that his brethren understood that God by his hand would save them. But such particular and extraordinary examples are not to be imitated. (Challoner) --- He was inspired, on this occasion, to stand up in defence of the innocent. (Menochius) (St. Thomas Aquinas, 2:2, q. 60.) --- The laws of Egypt required every person to protect the oppressed; or, if unable to do it, he was to call in the aid of the magistrate. (Diodorus I.) (Calmet) --- Moses looked round to see if there was any help near. He was 40 years old when he was forced to flee.
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