The whole matter was quickly made known to the Egyptians, and, greatly exaggerated, soon reached the ears of Pharaoh. It was represented to the king that this act meant much; that Moses designed to lead his people against the Egyptians, to overthrow the government, and to seat himself upon the throne; and that there could be no security for the kingdom while he lived. It was at once determined by the monarch that he should die; but, becoming aware of his danger, he made his escape and fled toward Arabia.

Inden længe vidste ægypterne det hele, og sagen kom snart, stærkt overdrevet, Farao for øre. Der blev sagt til kongen, at denne handling havde stor betydning, at det var Moses' plan at rejse sit folk imod ægypterne, styrte regeringen og selv overtage tronen, samt at kongedømmet var i fare, så længe han levede. Kongen besluttede straks, at Moses skulle dø; men da Moses fik nys herom, flygtede han i retning af Arabien.