The answer is: Midian

Ex 2:15

After Moses killed the Egyptian for beating a Hebrew slave, he took flight to Midian, a region often associated with the nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula. This flight is not just your average escape; it highlights not only the immediate consequences of taking justice into your own hands, but also how divine providence weaves through human struggles.

Midian is significant for several reasons. It could be viewed as a kind of “hidden refuge” for Moses, where his transformative journey begins. There, he encounters the priest of Midian, Jethro, who becomes a mentor of sorts. Just picture it: Moses, the Egyptian prince, now tending sheep! This shift symbolizes a fundamental theme in Scripture—movement from power to humility, from self-reliance to divine dependence.

Furthermore, Jethro's other name, "Reuel," means "friend of God." This also echoes the broader biblical narrative where divine plans are orchestrated through unexpected characters and circumstances. The book of Exodus demonstrates how God's dealings often transpire among those outside the covenant community, which paves the way for a broader understanding of divine interaction with humanity.

Interestingly, Midian connects to other biblical narratives, most notably Judges 7, where Gideon leads a small army to defeat a massive army of Midianites. This entwining of stories highlights the ongoing relationship between God’s people and those in foreign lands—an assurance of hope and provision, striking a balance that transcends borders and boundaries.