Exodus 2:15
Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.
Exodus 2:15 · King James Version
Meaning
Upon hearing about Moses' actions, Pharaoh became angry and sought to kill him. In fear for his life, Moses fled from Egypt and found refuge in the land of Midian. The land of Midian was located in the region of present-day Saudi Arabia, where he settled down by a well. This event marked a significant turning point in Moses' life, as he went from being a prince in Egypt to a fugitive in a foreign land. It was during this time in Midian that Moses received his calling from God and began his journey to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse centers on the theme of God's protection and guidance. Despite Pharaoh's desire to kill Moses, God provided a way of escape for him by leading him to the land of Midian where he could find refuge. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over the plans of men and His ability to intervene on behalf of His chosen servants. The fact that Moses ended up sitting by a well in Midian is significant, as wells are often symbolic of life-giving sources of sustenance and blessing. In this context, Moses finding himself by a well could be seen as a foreshadowing of the important role he would play in delivering the Israelites and providing them with spiritual nourishment. Word studies on the phrase "he sought to slay" could shed light on Pharaoh's intense determination to eliminate Moses, revealing the depth of his fear and hatred towards the Israelite leader.
Exodus 2:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.
World English Bible
Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and lived in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well.
Douay-Rheims
And Pharao heard of this word, and sought to kill Moses: but he fled from his sight, and abode in the land of Madian, and he sat down by a well.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Now Pharaoh heard this matter, and sought to slay Moses: therefore Moses fled from Pharaoh, and dwelt in the lande of Midian, and hee sate downe by a well.