Exodus 2:19

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

Translations

Modern
“An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they replied. “He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”
Traditional
And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.
Literal
And they said, “A man, an Egyptian, delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and also he has surely drawn water for us, and he watered the flock.”
Latin
Responderunt: Vir ægyptius liberavit nos de manu pastorum: insuper et hausit aquam nobiscum, potumque dedit ovibus.

Original

Hebrew
English
“An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they replied. “He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”

Notes

The father of seven daughters did not want to miss meeting a generous and brave man, who would make an excellent husband. We see here the famous hospitality of the region's residents, which continues today (see also Genesis 18:1–8).

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).

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

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Messiah Midian, Midianite

Topics

Jethro: Moses Spent Forty Years of Exile With, and Married his Daughter Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Zipporah: Wife of Moses