Exodus 2:20 – “‘And where is he?’ Reuel asked his daughters. ‘Why did you leave him? Invite him to have something to eat.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 2:20 records the response of Reuel (also known as Jethro) after his daughters tell him about the Egyptian (Moses) who rescued them from the shepherds. Reuel immediately questions why they didn’t bring Moses back with them and instructs them to invite him to share a meal. This verse highlights Reuel’s hospitality and his recognition of the importance of thanking and honoring someone who has shown kindness. Reuel’s invitation is not just a gesture of gratitude but also a significant step in integrating Moses into their community. It’s a moment that leads to Moses finding a new home and eventually marrying one of Reuel’s daughters, Zipporah.
Historical Context
In the ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a deeply valued practice, especially in desert regions where survival often depended on the kindness of strangers. Sharing a meal was not merely a social activity but a way to build relationships and establish trust. Reuel, as the priest of Midian and a man of authority, understood the importance of showing hospitality, particularly to someone who had helped his daughters in a vulnerable situation. This verse reflects the cultural norm of extending kindness and protection to travelers and those in need, which was seen as a moral duty.
Moses, having fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian, found himself in a foreign land, alone and without resources. Reuel’s invitation to a meal was a lifeline for Moses, providing him with both physical sustenance and the beginnings of a new community where he could belong. This act of hospitality would have a profound impact on Moses’ life, setting the stage for his long stay in Midian.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 2:20 emphasizes the importance of hospitality as a reflection of God’s character. Reuel’s invitation to Moses can be seen as an example of how God welcomes and provides for those who are in need, offering refuge and sustenance. This verse also illustrates how God often works through the kindness of others to fulfill His purposes. Moses, who would later lead the Israelites out of Egypt, first found refuge in the home of a foreign priest because of a simple act of hospitality. It’s a reminder that God’s plans often unfold in the ordinary actions of people who show love and kindness.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 2:20 serves as a key turning point in the story of Moses. Up until this point, Moses had been wandering, fleeing from his past in Egypt. Reuel’s question, “And where is he?” shifts the narrative focus to the importance of community and belonging. The invitation to share a meal is more than just an offer of food; it symbolizes the beginning of Moses’ integration into a new society. The verse also highlights the importance of gratitude and reciprocity, values that are woven throughout the narrative of Exodus. By inviting Moses to eat, Reuel acknowledges the importance of honoring those who show kindness and sets the stage for the deepening of relationships that would be central to Moses’ life in Midian.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 24:31: Laban’s invitation to Abraham’s servant to stay and share a meal after helping Rebekah at the well mirrors Reuel’s invitation to Moses, showing the cultural importance of hospitality and gratitude.
- 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.” This verse underscores the value of hospitality, as exemplified by Reuel’s actions toward Moses.
- Luke 14:12-14: Jesus teaches about the importance of inviting those who cannot repay you, which reflects Reuel’s generous spirit in inviting a stranger to share a meal.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 2:20 is a powerful reminder of the importance of hospitality and kindness. Reuel’s immediate reaction to invite Moses to share a meal challenges us to be proactive in extending welcome and care to others, especially those who are strangers or in need. This verse encourages believers to see hospitality not just as a cultural nicety but as a reflection of God’s love and provision. In a world where many feel isolated or marginalized, the simple act of inviting someone to share a meal can be a profound expression of God’s grace and a way to build meaningful relationships.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving nature in the way He provides for Moses through the hospitality of Reuel. God’s love is often expressed through the kindness and generosity of others, and this story shows how God cares for those who are lost or in need by providing them with community and support. Reuel’s invitation is a small but significant example of how God’s love works through ordinary human actions to offer refuge and belonging to those who need it.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Reuel’s invitation to Moses can be seen as a foreshadowing of the hospitality that Jesus offers to all who come to Him. Just as Moses was invited to share a meal and find a place in Reuel’s household, Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest and belonging in the kingdom of God (Matthew 11:28-30). The act of sharing a meal is central to the ministry of Jesus, who often used meals as a way to teach, heal, and build community (Luke 22:19-20). Jesus’ invitation to the Last Supper, where He instituted the practice of Communion, is the ultimate expression of hospitality, offering believers a place at God’s table and a share in His life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Reuel’s invitation to Moses challenge us to practice hospitality in our own lives?
- What can we learn from this verse about the importance of gratitude and welcoming others into our homes and communities?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s love through the kindness and hospitality of others?
- How does Jesus’ invitation to share in His life through Communion connect to the act of hospitality shown in this verse?