Exodus 2:16

KJV

¶ Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew [water], and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the priest {H3548} of Midian {H4080} had seven {H7651} daughters {H1323}: and they came {H935} and drew {H1802} water, and filled {H4390} the troughs {H7298} to water {H8248} their father's {H1} flock {H6629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the seven daughters of the priest of Midyan came to draw water. They had filled the troughs to water their father's sheep,

Berean Standard Bible

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock.

American Standard Version

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Marks a pivotal moment in Moses's life, detailing his arrival in Midian and his providential encounter with the seven daughters of the local priest at a well. This seemingly ordinary event, following his flight from Egypt, is divinely orchestrated to provide Moses with refuge, a new family, and essential preparation for his future calling as the deliverer of Israel, demonstrating God's sovereign hand even in unexpected circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Moses's flight from Egypt after he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew ([Exodus 2:11-15](/exodus/2-11-15 "Moses kills an Egyptian and flees")). Having been discovered and fearing Pharaoh's wrath, Moses flees into the wilderness, finding himself in the land of Midian. [Exodus 2:16](/exodus/2-16 "The daughters of the priest of Midian") thus introduces the next major phase of Moses's life, transitioning him from a prince in Pharaoh's court to a fugitive seeking refuge, setting the stage for his forty years of pastoral life before his divine commission. The narrative shifts from the dangers of Egypt to the quiet, domestic scene at a well, a common biblical motif for significant encounters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The land of Midian, generally located to the east of the Gulf of Aqaba in the Arabian Peninsula, was inhabited by nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples, descendants of Abraham through Keturah ([Genesis 25:1-2](/genesis/25-1-2 "Abraham's descendants through Keturah")). In ancient Near Eastern societies, wells were vital centers of community life, serving as primary sources of water for both people and livestock. Drawing water was a daily, often laborious, task, typically performed by women. Such places were natural meeting points, and many significant biblical encounters, especially those leading to marriage or covenant, occurred at wells, highlighting their importance as divinely appointed locations for human interaction and divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 2:16](/exodus/2-16 "The daughters of the priest of Midian") introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. **Divine Providence** is paramount, as God orchestrates Moses's escape and leads him to safety, providing for his needs in a foreign land. The theme of **Refuge and Hospitality** is also established, as Moses, a fugitive, finds shelter and acceptance. Furthermore, this encounter initiates Moses's **Preparation for Leadership**, as his time in Midian, tending flocks, will shape him into the shepherd leader necessary for guiding Israel. The **Dignity of Mundane Tasks** is subtly highlighted, as a simple act of drawing water becomes the catalyst for a life-altering encounter, underscoring God's ability to work through ordinary circumstances to achieve His extraordinary purposes, a theme seen consistently throughout the Pentateuch, from [the call of Abraham](/genesis/12 "The Call of Abraham") to [the wilderness wanderings](/exodus/16 "Manna and Quail").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** From H3548, meaning "one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)." This term identifies the father of the seven daughters as a prominent religious or civic leader in the Midianite community. While his specific religious practices are not detailed, his title suggests a position of authority and influence, making his family a significant household for Moses to encounter.
* **drew (Hebrew, _dâlâh'_):** From H1802, meaning "to dangle, i.e. to let down a bucket (for drawing out water); figuratively, to deliver." This verb describes the physical act of lowering a bucket into the well to retrieve water. The literal meaning of drawing water is central to the scene, but the figurative sense of "to deliver" subtly foreshadows Moses's future role as Israel's deliverer, an ironic echo given his present need for deliverance.
* **flock (Hebrew, _tsôʼn'_):** From H6629, a collective name for "a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)." This word specifies the animals the daughters were tending, highlighting the pastoral nature of the Midianite society. Moses's subsequent integration into this family involves him becoming a shepherd of these flocks, a role that will profoundly shape his character and prepare him for shepherding God's people, Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters":** This clause introduces the central figures of the encounter, the family of the "priest of Midian" (later identified as Reuel/Jethro). The mention of "seven daughters" is a specific detail indicating the size of the family and the collective effort required for their daily tasks, setting the stage for Moses's interaction with them as a group.
* **"and they came and drew [water]":** This describes the routine daily activity of the daughters. They arrive at the well, a common gathering place, to perform the essential task of drawing water. The act of drawing water is a recurring motif in biblical narratives, often preceding significant life events and divine encounters.
* **"and filled the troughs":** This specifies the purpose of their drawing water – to fill the troughs, which were basins or channels used to hold water for livestock. This detail emphasizes the practical, laborious nature of their work and their responsibility for their father's animals.
* **"to water their father's flock":** This final phrase clarifies the ultimate goal of their labor, linking their actions directly to the care of their family's livelihood. It establishes the pastoral context and highlights the daughters' diligence in tending to their father's valuable assets, the flock.

#### Literary Devices
[Exodus 2:16](/exodus/2-16 "The daughters of the priest of Midian") employs several literary devices to enrich its narrative. The most prominent is **Motif**, specifically the "well encounter" motif. This recurring pattern in biblical narratives (e.g., Abraham's servant meeting Rebekah at the well in [Genesis 24:11](/genesis/24-11 "Rebekah at the well"), Jacob meeting Rachel at the well in [Genesis 29:2-10](/genesis/29-2-10 "Jacob meets Rachel")) signals to the discerning reader that a significant, divinely orchestrated event, often involving marriage or a crucial relationship, is about to unfold. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Moses's act of helping the daughters and his subsequent integration into their family subtly prefigure his future role as a protector and leader, and his eventual marriage to Zipporah. There is also a subtle **Irony** in Moses, who fled from the power of Pharaoh, finding refuge and a new identity among the humble, pastoral people of Midian, a stark contrast to his princely past. This scene, though seemingly mundane, is imbued with **Divine Providence**, as God's unseen hand guides Moses to this specific well at this precise moment, transforming a simple daily chore into a pivotal turning point in salvation history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Exodus 2:16](/exodus/2-16 "The daughters of the priest of Midian") profoundly illustrates God's sovereign providence, demonstrating His meticulous care and guidance over Moses's life even in moments of fear, uncertainty, and exile. Moses, a fugitive from the most powerful empire of his day, is not abandoned but divinely led to a place of safety and provision. This encounter at the well is not accidental but a deliberate act of God, initiating a crucial period of preparation for Moses's ultimate calling. It underscores that God's plans are often unfolded through seemingly ordinary interactions and circumstances, revealing His presence and purpose in the mundane details of life. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's guiding hand, knowing that He orchestrates events for His glory and for the good of His people, even when the path is unclear.

* [Psalm 37:23](/psalm/37-23 "The Lord directs the steps of the godly") – The Lord directs the steps of the godly; He delights in every detail of their lives.
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps") – The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes His steps.
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good") – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 2:16](/exodus/2-16 "The daughters of the priest of Midian") offers profound lessons for our own lives, particularly in seasons of transition, uncertainty, or perceived failure. Moses, a prince who became a fugitive, found himself at a literal and metaphorical crossroads. Yet, it was at this seemingly ordinary well, engaged in a simple act of daily life, that God's providential hand opened a new chapter for him. This passage reminds us that God is actively at work even when we feel lost or our plans have been derailed. He uses mundane circumstances and unexpected encounters to position us for His greater purposes. We are called to trust in His sovereignty, to be open to the new relationships and opportunities He brings our way, and to recognize the dignity and divine potential within everyday tasks. Just as Moses's simple act of helping the daughters led to his integration into a new family and a period of crucial preparation, our faithfulness in small things can lead to significant divine appointments, shaping our character and preparing us for the unique callings God has for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like you are in a "wilderness" or a season of transition? How can you trust God's providence in those moments?**
* **Can you identify a seemingly ordinary encounter or circumstance in your past that, in retrospect, proved to be a pivotal moment orchestrated by God?**
* **How does the idea of God working through "mundane" tasks or interactions encourage you in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "priest of Midian" significant?**

Answer: The "priest of Midian," later identified as Reuel or Jethro ([Exodus 3:1](/exodus/3-1 "Jethro, Moses's father-in-law")), is highly significant because he becomes Moses's father-in-law and a crucial mentor. His family provides Moses with refuge, a wife (Zipporah), and a new life during his forty years in exile, preparing him for his eventual return to Egypt and leadership of Israel. Jethro also offers wise counsel to Moses regarding judicial administration in the wilderness, demonstrating a spiritual wisdom that benefits Moses's leadership ([Exodus 18:13-26](/exodus/18-13-26 "Jethro's counsel to Moses")).

**Does the mention of "seven daughters" have symbolic meaning?**

Answer: While the number seven often carries symbolic weight in the Bible, signifying completeness or perfection (e.g., the seven days of creation in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")), in [Exodus 2:16](/exodus/2-16 "The daughters of the priest of Midian"), it primarily serves as a descriptive detail indicating the size of the family and the collective effort required for their daily tasks. The specific number emphasizes the communal nature of their work and sets the stage for Moses's interaction with the entire group, ultimately leading to his marriage to one of them, Zipporah. Its primary function is narrative rather than strictly symbolic.

**What is the significance of encounters at wells in the Bible?**

Answer: Encounters at wells in the Bible are highly significant, often serving as divinely appointed meeting places that precede major life events, particularly marriages, covenant formations, or crucial turning points. They symbolize provision, life, and the convergence of divine providence with human activity. These encounters are often marked by hospitality, the formation of new relationships, and the unfolding of God's plan. Notable examples include Abraham's servant meeting Rebekah ([Genesis 24:11-20](/genesis/24-11-20 "Rebekah at the well")), Jacob meeting Rachel ([Genesis 29:2-10](/genesis/29-2-10 "Jacob meets Rachel")), and Jesus's transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman ([John 4:7-30](/john/4-7-30 "Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well")), all of which involve profound spiritual or relational developments initiated at a well.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Exodus 2:16](/exodus/2-16 "The daughters of the priest of Midian") directly details Moses's personal journey, it richly points to Christ in several profound ways. Moses, as a shepherd and deliverer, serves as a powerful type of Christ, the ultimate Good Shepherd who provides for His flock and delivers His people from the bondage of sin. Just as Moses found refuge and provision in the wilderness through a divinely orchestrated encounter at a well, so too does Christ meet us in our spiritual wilderness, offering living water and a new beginning. He is the ultimate "well" of salvation, where all who are thirsty can come and find eternal life and rest, fulfilling the deepest needs of humanity that physical wells could only temporarily satisfy ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13-14 "Jesus offers living water")). Furthermore, Moses's transition from a prince to a humble shepherd, caring for a flock, foreshadows Christ's own condescension, leaving His heavenly glory to become a servant, tending to His sheep with sacrificial love ([Philippians 2:5-8](/phillipians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility")). The hospitality Moses received in Midian also prefigures the welcoming embrace of Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Come to Me, all who are weary")). Ultimately, the divine providence that guided Moses to this well is the same providence that orchestrates all of history, culminating in the saving work of Jesus Christ, who is the source of all life and the fulfillment of all God's promises ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "All things created through and for Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 24:11

And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, [even] the time that women go out to draw [water].

Exodus 3:1

¶ Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, [even] to Horeb.

1 Samuel 9:11

¶ [And] as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?

Genesis 24:14

And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: [let the same be] she [that] thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

Genesis 24:20

And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw [water], and drew for all his camels.

Genesis 29:6

And he said unto them, [Is] he well? And they said, [He is] well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.

Genesis 29:10

And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.