John Calvin Commentary Exodus 2:13

"And he went out the second day, and, behold, two men of the Hebrews were striving together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?" — Exodus 2:13 (ASV)

Behold, two men of the Hebrews. This perseverance shows that Moses was firm and determined in his design of returning to his brothers and abandoning the Court; and that he had deliberately renounced its splendor, its wealth, and comforts, although he was by no means ignorant of the miseries to which he exposed himself, and how painful and disagreeable, indeed, how ignominious a condition awaited him. Therefore, we need not wonder if the Apostle says that he chose

“rather to endure the reproach of Christ,” “and to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” (Hebrews 11:25–26).

Besides, the sad sight of the tyrant’s violence and of the burdens by which his brothers were oppressed was anything but an obstacle to his proceeding, because, being prepared by the hope of future recompense to bear the cross, he was superior to present fear.

But he does not assume, as before, the character of a judge. Instead, he performs a duty that the law of charity demands of everyone: addressing the men who were quarreling as a peacemaker and exhorting them both to be reconciled, though he especially blames the wrongdoer.

This was not peculiar to Moses but was the common duty of all believers: when the innocent are harshly treated, to take their part and, as far as possible, to intervene, lest the stronger should prevail.

This can scarcely be done without exasperating those who are disposed to evil; yet nothing ought to allow us to be silent while justice is violated by their aggressiveness.

For in this case, silence is a kind of consent. Yet Moses reproves moderately, and in kind terms, the man who had assaulted his brother, because he does not so much wish to reproach him with the greatness of his fault as to find the means of calming his ferocity.