Exodus 2:16 – “Now a priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 2:16 introduces us to a new phase in Moses’ life, as he arrives in Midian after fleeing Egypt. The verse mentions a priest of Midian who had seven daughters. These daughters came to a well to draw water and fill troughs to water their father’s flock. This seemingly simple scene sets the stage for an important encounter that would lead to Moses’ integration into Midianite society and ultimately to his marriage to one of these daughters, Zipporah. The verse also highlights the ordinary, everyday responsibilities of these women, which would soon intersect with Moses’ extraordinary journey.
Historical Context
The historical context of Exodus 2:16 takes us to the region of Midian, where Moses fled after escaping Pharaoh’s wrath. Midian was a land located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, inhabited by descendants of Abraham through his son Midian (Genesis 25:1-2). The Midianites were semi-nomadic people, living in a desert region where wells were crucial for survival. The priest mentioned in this verse would have been a respected leader in the community, responsible not only for spiritual matters but also for the well-being of his family and flock. The mention of the priest’s seven daughters suggests a large family, with the daughters playing a significant role in tending to the household’s needs, such as drawing water for the flock.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights God’s providence in orchestrating encounters that have far-reaching consequences. Moses arrives at the well at the exact time the daughters of the Midianite priest are drawing water, leading to a relationship that will anchor him in this foreign land. This meeting is not just a coincidence but a part of God’s plan to provide Moses with a place of refuge and a new community. It also shows God’s care for those who are displaced or in exile, providing them with relationships and resources to sustain them. This moment marks the beginning of Moses’ time in Midian, where he would spend years being shaped and prepared for his future mission.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 2:16 serves as a transitional verse that shifts the narrative from Moses’ flight to his new life in Midian. The setting of the well is significant, as wells in the Bible often serve as places of important meetings and divine encounters. The verse introduces the priest of Midian and his daughters, setting up the events that will lead to Moses becoming part of their family. The specific mention of “seven daughters” adds to the narrative by emphasizing the scale of the household and the communal nature of their daily tasks. This verse is a prelude to the hospitality Moses will receive and the new relationships that will shape his time in Midian.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 24:11-19: This passage describes another important encounter at a well, where Abraham’s servant meets Rebekah, who would become Isaac’s wife. Like Moses, the servant’s arrival at the well leads to a significant new relationship.
- John 4:7-26: In the New Testament, Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at a well, an encounter that leads to a profound discussion about living water and true worship. Wells are recurring symbols of provision and divine encounter in the Bible.
- Exodus 3:1: This verse later describes Moses’ life as a shepherd in Midian, working for his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, connecting back to the initial encounter at the well.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 2:16 is a reminder of how God is present in the ordinary moments of life, often using them as the setting for His divine plans. The verse encourages believers to see the potential significance in everyday encounters and to trust that God is at work even in the seemingly mundane aspects of life. It also speaks to the importance of community and relationships, showing how God often provides for our needs through the people He brings into our lives. This verse is a call to be attentive to God’s hand in the details of our daily routines.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His provision and care for Moses at a time when he was vulnerable and in need of refuge. God’s love is evident in the way He orchestrates Moses’ meeting with the daughters of the Midianite priest, ensuring that Moses finds a place where he can belong and be cared for. This care is not only physical but also relational, as God provides Moses with a new family through his marriage to Zipporah. God’s love is shown in His attentiveness to the needs of His people, even when they are in exile or on the run.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The scene at the well in Exodus 2:16 can be seen as a foreshadowing of the encounters Jesus would have with individuals at wells, such as the Samaritan woman in John 4. Just as Moses’ encounter at the well led to significant life changes and relationships, Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman led to a profound spiritual awakening and transformation. Both encounters emphasize the themes of provision, relationship, and divine intervention. Jesus, the Living Water, offers not just physical sustenance but eternal life, fulfilling the deeper needs that wells in the Old Testament symbolized.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does God use ordinary situations in your life to bring about His plans and purposes?
- In what ways can you be more attentive to the potential significance of daily encounters?
- How does Moses’ encounter at the well encourage you to trust in God’s provision and timing?
- What connections do you see between the encounters at wells in the Old Testament and Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman in the New Testament?