God's Blessing

What does Exodus 2:16 really mean?

16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.

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Setting the Scene for Exodus 2:16

In Exodus chapter 2, we find Moses fleeing from Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew slave. He arrives in the land of Midian and sits down by a well. This well is a central meeting place for the women of the area who come to draw water for their flocks. As Moses sits there, he observes the daughters of the priest of Midian struggling to water their father’s flock as other shepherds try to drive them away.

The scene is set in the desert, with the scorching sun beating down on the sandy landscape. The well is surrounded by a few sparse trees offering minimal shade. The women are dressed in traditional Midianite clothing, their faces covered to shield them from the harsh elements. Moses, weary from his journey, watches the scene unfold before him, feeling a sense of empathy for the women who are being mistreated.

As the story progresses, Moses intervenes to help the women, eventually meeting their father, Jethro, who offers him hospitality and eventually gives him his daughter Zipporah in marriage. This encounter at the well marks a significant turning point in Moses’ life, leading him towards his eventual calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

What is Exodus 2:16 about?

Moses comes to the aid of the daughters of Jethro, a priest of Midian, who are being harassed by shepherds at a well in this verse. This encounter showcases Moses’ character as a protector and a champion of justice. Moses demonstrates his compassion and sense of righteousness by intervening to help the women and ensuring they are able to water their flocks peacefully. We reflect on this verse and are reminded of the importance of standing up for others in moments of injustice. Moses’ actions serve as a powerful example of using one’s strength and courage to defend those in need. This verse teaches us about the virtues of kindness, bravery, and standing up against wrongdoing, even in the face of adversity.

Picture yourself in Moses’ shoes, witnessing the unjust treatment of the daughters of Jethro. How would you have felt seeing them in distress? What actions would you have taken to help them? Let this verse inspire you to be a force for good in the world, just as Moses was when he stepped in to protect the vulnerable and ensure their well-being.

Understanding what Exodus 2:16 really means

Structure for Commentary:

  1. Introduction
  2. Provide context for the verse.

  3. Mention the significance of the verse in the broader Biblical narrative.

  4. Detailed Analysis

  5. Quote meaningful phrases and elaborate on their meanings.

  6. Cross-reference with other relevant Bible passages.

  7. Relevance to Modern Readers

  8. Explain how the verse applies to contemporary life.

  9. Discuss the lessons that can be drawn from it.

  10. Anecdotal Illustration

  11. Share a real-life story or example that reflects the themes of the verse.

  12. Connect the anecdote to the reader’s potential experiences.

  13. Conclusion

  14. Summarize the key points.
  15. Encourage personal reflection and practical application.

Commentary

Introduction

This passage introduces the daughters of the priest of Midian, who play a pivotal role in the story of Moses. At this point, Moses has fled Egypt and finds himself by a well in Midian. This setting is significant as it marks the beginning of Moses’ new life outside of Egypt and eventually leads to key developments in his journey.

Detailed Analysis

The verse speaks of the “daughters of the priest of Midian” who “came and drew water.” This action might seem mundane, but it’s rich with cultural and spiritual symbolism. Drawing water in a desert landscape signifies sustenance and life. Water is a recurring motif in the Bible, often symbolizing purification and divine provision. Compare this with John 4:14, where Jesus speaks of the “living water” that brings eternal life, showing consistency in how life-giving and purifying acts are viewed across the Scriptures.

Another phrase, “filled the troughs to water their father’s flock,” highlights themes of family duty and responsibility. Shepherding, a recurring occupation among Biblical figures (Abraham, David, etc.), represents guidance and care. Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” echoes this idea, illuminating how God looks after His people. These simple, everyday acts remind modern readers of the value of hard work, family loyalty, and community support. Families today depend on each other for emotional, financial, and spiritual sustenance. This parallel underscores the timeless nature of such duties.

Furthermore, God often reveals His plans through our daily routines and responsibilities. Moses, aiding these women, unknowingly steps into God’s broader plan for him. This is a reminder that our own mundane tasks might have divine purposes unknown to us at the time.

Anecdotal Illustration

I recall a story of a young woman in our community who volunteered at a local shelter. Initially, her work seemed uninspiring—sorting donations and packing meals. However, through her diligence, she formed relationships that opened doors to career opportunities she hadn’t envisioned. Similarly, Moses’ simple act by the well eventually led to significant spiritual and political leadership.

Conclusion

Exodus 2:16 reminds us that even ordinary actions can be imbued with extraordinary significance. It calls us to diligently fulfill our duties, for they might be stepping stones to greater divine purposes. Reflect on your daily routines—how might they be part of a larger plan? Engage in your tasks with faith and envision how God might be working through you. We honor Biblical teachings and enrich our lives with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment by embracing these lessons.

What does it mean to show hospitality to strangers?

Showing hospitality to strangers means being welcoming and generous towards those we do not know or who are not part of our immediate community. It involves offering a warm and kind reception to those who may be in need or unfamiliar to us, without expecting anything in return. This can include providing food, shelter, or other forms of assistance to those who may be passing through or seeking help. Reuel’s daughters exemplify showing hospitality to strangers through their actions towards Moses in Exodus 2:16. They offered him water to drink and also drew water for his flock, displaying kindness and generosity towards a stranger in need. This act of hospitality not only helped Moses in his time of need but also demonstrated the importance of caring for others, even if they are not known to us. We exemplify compassion and the values of kindness and generosity towards all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, by showing hospitality to strangers.

Application

Think of your life as a busy city, always moving, always demanding. Just like Moses, who stood strong, you too can act with integrity and righteousness in every interaction. Treat others at work and home with fairness and compassion, like a steady compass guiding you through a storm. Are you ready to answer the call for justice and righteousness today?