Exodus 2:18 – “When the girls returned to Reuel their father, he asked them, ‘Why have you returned so early today?'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 2:18 introduces Reuel, the father of the seven daughters whom Moses had just helped at the well. After Moses intervened and defended the girls from the shepherds, they were able to water their flock more quickly than usual and returned home earlier than expected. Reuel, noticing their early return, questions them about the unusual timing. This simple inquiry sets the stage for the daughters to explain what happened at the well, leading to Moses being invited into their home. This verse underscores the significance of Moses’ actions and how they were noticed by others, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with this family.
Historical Context
Reuel, also known as Jethro in later passages, was a priest of Midian, a title that suggests he held both religious and social authority in his community. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through his wife Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2), living in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula. In this patriarchal society, the daughters’ responsibility to tend the flock indicates that they were accustomed to hard work and that such tasks were vital for their family’s survival. Wells were essential in desert regions, and disputes over access to water were common. The fact that Reuel immediately noticed the early return of his daughters highlights the regular difficulties they faced and the relief that Moses’ intervention provided.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 2:18 emphasizes the importance of community and hospitality in God’s plan. Reuel’s question reflects a caring father’s concern for his daughters and his role as the head of the household. It also opens the door for the daughters to recount their experience, leading to Moses being welcomed into the family. This verse illustrates how God orchestrates encounters that build relationships and fulfill His purposes. Moses’ simple act of kindness not only protected the daughters but also paved the way for him to find refuge and a new life in Midian. It shows how God can use everyday situations to bring about significant changes in a person’s life.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 2:18 serves as a narrative link that shifts the focus from the well to Reuel’s household. The verse is a turning point where the story moves from Moses’ act of heroism to the consequences of that action—being noticed and invited into a family. The dialogue between Reuel and his daughters adds a personal and relational dimension to the story, highlighting the importance of family and the roles individuals play within it. The question Reuel asks is simple, but it leads to a deeper narrative development, drawing Moses into the life of the Midianites and eventually leading to his marriage to Zipporah.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 24:28-29: In this passage, Rebekah runs home to tell her family about her encounter with Abraham’s servant at the well, which, like Moses’ story, leads to a significant relationship. This parallel highlights how wells in the Bible often serve as places of divine encounter and the beginning of important relationships.
- Exodus 18:1-12: Later in Exodus, Jethro (Reuel) visits Moses after hearing of the great things God has done for Israel. This visit emphasizes the ongoing relationship between Moses and Reuel’s family, which began with the encounter at the well.
- Hebrews 13:2: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Reuel’s hospitality toward Moses reflects this biblical principle, showing the importance of welcoming others.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 2:18 is a reminder of the importance of being attentive to the needs and experiences of those around us. Reuel’s simple question led to the revelation of Moses’ kind deed, which in turn brought Moses into the family. This verse encourages believers to be open to the opportunities God provides through everyday interactions. It also highlights the value of hospitality and community, showing how welcoming others can lead to unexpected blessings and the fulfillment of God’s plans. Christians are called to be observant and responsive, recognizing that even small actions can have significant impacts.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in the way He cares for and provides for Moses, even in his time of exile. Through Reuel’s inquiry and the daughters’ report, God opens a door for Moses to find safety and belonging in a foreign land. God’s love is evident in the way He orchestrates relationships and uses the kindness of others to provide for His people. This verse also shows that God’s love is expressed through community and hospitality, where care for one another reflects God’s own care for us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The hospitality shown to Moses by Reuel and his daughters parallels the welcoming nature of Jesus Christ, who invites all to come to Him and find rest. Just as Reuel’s household became a place of refuge for Moses, Jesus offers refuge and belonging to those who come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus’ ministry was marked by His inclusion of the marginalized and His call to His followers to love and care for others. The connection between Moses and Reuel’s family foreshadows the way Jesus would later build His community—the Church—by bringing people together from different walks of life to fulfill God’s purposes.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Reuel’s simple question challenge us to be more observant and responsive to the needs of others?
- In what ways can we practice hospitality and create a welcoming environment in our own lives?
- How have you seen God use everyday interactions to bring about significant changes in your life or the lives of others?
- How does the hospitality shown to Moses in this verse reflect the welcoming nature of Jesus Christ?