Keraia
Exodus 2

Exodus 2:16

The Rejection and Flight of Moses · Exodus 2:11–22
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Translations

Modern
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock.
Traditional
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
Literal
And the priest of Midian had seven daughters. And they came and drew water and they filled the troughs to water the flock of their father.
Latin
Erant autem sacerdoti Madian septem filiæ, quæ venerunt ad hauriendam aquam: et impletis canalibus adaquare cupiebant greges patris sui.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock.

Notes

Exodus 2:16

the priest of Midian: His name was Reuel (2:18), but Scripture later calls him Jethro (18:1). It was common for a person to have both an official and a personal name. But it is unclear which one is in view here.

Perhaps, like Melchizedek, he was part of a local religious group that did not follow a pagan religion (Genesis 14:18). Reuel’s actions in bringing an offering and sacrifices to God support this idea (Exodus 18:12).

Exodus 2:16–25

This passage shows the concern Moses felt for the oppressed. It describes his move to a new land (2:18–22). He married, had a child, and lived there for 40 years (Acts 7:30).

From a human perspective, rescuing the Israelites through Moses seemed impossible. But what God's perspective is what matters. The end of this section tells us that God had not forgotten his people (Exodus 2:23–25). He was only waiting for the right time to act (2:25).

Exodus 2:1–25

Chapter 1 explained why Israel needed rescue. Chapter 2 shows how God prepared Moses, the rescuer. God used the threat to Hebrew baby boys to ensure that Moses was ready for his mission (see study note on 2:10).

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Jethro (Reuel) Moses

Parallels

Acts 7:23–29

Places

Midian: A nation descended from Abraham; oppressed Israel in the time of the judges

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Family Life and Relations Jethro Keturah Messiah Midian, Midianite

Topics

Children: Female: Usefully Employed Jethro: Moses Spent Forty Years of Exile With, and Married his Daughter Midianites: A Small Part of Retained the Knowledge and Worship of Jehovah Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Priest: Before Moses: Jethro Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Shepherd: The Daughters of Jethro Wells were a Frequent Cause of Strife Wells: had Troughs Placed Near for Watering Cattle Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Women: Tended Flocks and Herds Zipporah: Wife of Moses