Meaning of Exodus 2:18

This verse, Exodus 2:18, marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Moses' early life, occurring after he has fled from Egypt and found refuge in the land of Midian. The daughters of Jethro (also referred to as Reuel in some traditions, as is the case here), who are tending their father's flock, are confronted by local shepherds and driven away from the well. Moses, a stranger in this land, intervenes and defends the women, allowing them to water their sheep. Upon their return home significantly earlier than usual, their father, Reuel, inquires about the reason for their prompt arrival. This seemingly simple question is the catalyst for Moses' introduction to Jethro's household and the subsequent events that will shape his destiny and the future of Israel.

Context and Background

Following his act of killing an Egyptian taskmaster who was brutalizing a Hebrew slave, Moses, fearing Pharaoh's wrath, fled Egypt. He traveled eastward and eventually arrived in Midian, a region east of the Sinai Peninsula. There, he encountered a priest named Jethro (or Reuel) and his seven daughters. While the daughters were drawing water for their father's sheep at a well, a common practice for shepherds, they were accosted and driven away by other shepherds. Moses, observing this injustice, stepped in, defended the women, and helped them water their flock. This act of courage and compassion led to Moses being welcomed into Jethro's home, where he would eventually marry Jethro's daughter, Zipporah, and become a shepherd himself.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Providence: The incident highlights God's guiding hand in Moses' life. Even in his exile and apparent isolation, God was orchestrating events to provide for Moses and set him on a path that would lead to his leadership of Israel.
• Justice and Compassion: Moses' intervention on behalf of the Midianite women demonstrates his inherent sense of justice and compassion, qualities that would later define his leadership.
• Hospitality and Welcome: Reuel's welcoming nature and his inquiry reveal a culture of hospitality extended to a stranger who had shown kindness. This hospitality becomes the foundation for Moses' integration into Midianite society.
• The Unexpected Path to Leadership: Moses, the man who would confront Pharaoh and lead millions out of bondage, begins his journey not in a palace, but as a fugitive finding refuge and a new life tending sheep in a foreign land.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse underscores the principle that God often works through ordinary circumstances and unexpected encounters to fulfill His purposes. For believers today, it serves as a reminder that even when we feel lost, exiled, or uncertain about our path, God is still at work, providentially arranging circumstances. It encourages us to act with justice and compassion when we witness wrongdoing, recognizing that such actions can open doors to further opportunities and relationships. The story also emphasizes the importance of welcoming strangers, as hospitality can be a powerful conduit for God's grace.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This episode is crucial as it bridges Moses' personal journey with his future national calling. His time in Midian, his marriage to Zipporah, and his experience as a shepherd (for forty years, according to tradition) were formative experiences that prepared him for the immense task of leading Israel. It is in Midian, years later, that he will encounter God at the burning bush, receiving his divine commission. Therefore, this seemingly minor domestic inquiry is a vital link in the chain of God's redemptive plan for Israel.

Analogies

• A Seed in Dormant Ground: Moses' time in Midian can be likened to a seed planted in seemingly barren ground. While there was no immediate outward growth or prominent fruit, the seed was being nurtured and prepared for a season of significant blossoming.
• A Foundation Being Laid: This period is akin to laying a foundational stone for a grand structure. The work might be unseen and uncelebrated, but it is essential for the stability and eventual height of the edifice.
• A River Finding a New Course: Moses' flight from Egypt and subsequent life in Midian represent a river whose course has been unexpectedly diverted. This new course, however, leads to fertile valleys and ultimately to its intended sea.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 3:1: "Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God." This verse directly follows the narrative initiated in Exodus 2, showing Moses in the role he adopted after being welcomed by Jethro.
• Acts 7:29: Stephen's sermon recounts Moses' life, mentioning his flight to Midian and his marriage. This demonstrates the historical and theological significance attributed to this period by later biblical figures.
• Proverbs 18:24: "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." While not directly about this verse, the theme of finding unexpected support and friendship in a foreign land resonates with the welcoming nature of Jethro and his family.