Michael Leehan Ascent from Darkness Solus Christus Ministries

Moses flees and settles in Midian, a land on the Western Sinai peninsula that's named after its inhabitants, the Midianites.  In Genesis 25:1-2, Abraham, following Sarah's death, marries a second wife and gives birth to his son Midian.  Over the next four centuries, there continues an amicable relationship between the Hebrews and Midianites, thus providing Moses with a safe haven where he takes up the pastoral role of shepherd.

Shepherds, though later disdained by the aristocrats of Israel, hold a special place in the Bible.  Jesus calls Himself the good shepherd.  David in his youth was a shepherd, and God Himself is called by this title in Psalm 23:1.  It was to shepherds that the angels announced Jesus' birth.  It was a role involving one's constant regard and responsibility for his flock, and as such was great preparation for Moses' later role as shepherd to Israel.