The answer is: Midian

Ex 2:15

Moses' flight to Midian is a pivotal moment in his story, reflecting his early struggles and setting the stage for his eventual rise as a leader. After striking down the Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, Moses realized the gravity of his act and the imminent danger he faced. In seeking refuge in Midian, he journeyed into the wilderness—a symbol of both trial and transformation.

Midian was a region inhabited by nomadic tribes, often associated with the descendants of Abraham through Keturah. This background adds depth to Moses' narrative, suggesting an intertwining of his Hebrew lineage with broader ancestral ties. While in Midian, Moses met Zipporah, a daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. This marriage would not only provide him with familial support during his formative years in exile but also link him to a significant cultural group outside of his own.

Interestingly, Moses would later encounter God in Midian through the iconic burning bush (Exodus 3), emphasizing that this land of refuge became a place of divine revelation. The desert wasn't just a barren wasteland; it transformed into ground where meaningful communion took place, leading to God's mission for Moses to return and free the Israelites.

Moses' time in Midian laid essential foundations for leadership, including insights into shepherding both people and flocks—an analogy he would embody greatly in leading the Israelites through the wilderness to freedom and new beginnings!