Exodus 2:17

KJV

And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the shepherds {H7462} came {H935} and drove them away {H1644}: but Moses {H4872} stood up {H6965} and helped {H3467} them, and watered {H8248} their flock {H6629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

when the shepherds came and tried to drive them away. But Moshe got up and defended them; then he watered their sheep.

Berean Standard Bible

And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock.

American Standard Version

And the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Recounts a pivotal moment in Moses' early life in Midian, where he courageously intervened to protect the daughters of Reuel (also known as Jethro) from aggressive shepherds at a well. This spontaneous act of justice not only showcased Moses' innate character as a defender of the vulnerable but also providentially led to his integration into Reuel's household, setting the stage for his subsequent marriage and divine calling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of Moses' flight from Egypt after he killed an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating a Hebrew slave ([Exodus 2:11-15](/exodus/2-11-15 "Moses Kills an Egyptian and Flees")). Having sought refuge in the land of Midian, Moses finds himself at a well, a common gathering place and a vital resource in the arid ancient Near East. The preceding verses establish Moses as a fugitive, isolated from his people, yet still possessing a deep-seated sense of justice. His encounter with Reuel's daughters is the catalyst for his integration into Midianite society, moving him from an isolated wanderer to a member of a household, a crucial step in God's providential preparation for his future leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, wells were not merely sources of water but central hubs for community life, commerce, and social interaction. Access to water was paramount, and disputes over wells were common, often escalating into violence. The scene vividly portrays a prevalent cultural injustice: the exploitation of the weak by the strong, particularly men asserting dominance over women to monopolize essential resources. Shepherds, often rough and competitive, would frequently vie for prime watering times. Women, typically responsible for drawing water, were vulnerable to such aggression. Moses' intervention, therefore, was not merely a polite gesture but a bold act against established social norms of male dominance and resource control, highlighting a deep sense of righteous indignation.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 2:17](/exodus/2-17 "Moses Defends Reuel's Daughters") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Guidance**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand guiding Moses' steps even in his exile and seemingly random encounters, orchestrating circumstances for His grander redemptive plan, much like the detailed divine guidance seen in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Burning Bush and Moses' Call"). Secondly, it highlights Moses' innate character of **Justice and Compassion**, revealing his willingness to defend the oppressed, a quality essential for his future role as Israel's deliverer. This foreshadows his later confrontations with Pharaoh and his advocacy for the enslaved Israelites, echoing themes of God's concern for justice found throughout the law and prophets (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "God Defends the Orphan and Widow")). Finally, the event serves as a crucial point of **Preparation and Formation** for Moses, providing him with a family, a home, and a period of quiet reflection and shepherding in Midian, which would equip him for the immense responsibilities of leading a nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **drove them away (Hebrew, _gârash'_ - H1644):** This primitive root signifies to "drive out from a possession," often implying forceful expulsion, expatriation, or even divorce. In this context, it describes the shepherds' aggressive act of forcibly removing Reuel's daughters from their rightful access to the well, illustrating a clear act of oppression and injustice, depriving them of a vital resource.
* **stood up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_ - H6965):** A primitive root meaning "to rise" or "to stand," often implying a deliberate, active, and decisive response. Moses did not passively observe the injustice; he actively "rose up" to confront it. This verb suggests a posture of readiness for action, a firm resolve, and a willingness to engage in conflict on behalf of the vulnerable, demonstrating a nascent leadership quality.
* **helped (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_ - H3467):** A primitive root meaning "to be open, wide, or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free" or "to succor" (provide aid). This word is profoundly significant, as it is the root from which "salvation" and "savior" are derived in Hebrew. Moses' act of "helping" or "saving" these women subtly foreshadows his ultimate destiny as the divinely appointed deliverer (_yashaʻ_) of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage ([Exodus 3:10](/exodus/3-10 "God Commissions Moses")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the shepherds came and drove them away:"** This initial clause sets the scene of conflict and injustice. The "shepherds" (H7462, _râʻâh'_) represent a common source of oppression in a resource-scarce environment, asserting their dominance, likely by force or intimidation, to prevent the women from accessing the well. The act of "driving them away" (H1644, _gârash'_) was not merely an inconvenience but a grave threat to their livelihood and dignity, as their flocks depended on this water.
* **"but Moses stood up and helped them,"** This phrase marks the turning point and Moses' pivotal intervention. The adversative "but" highlights Moses' counter-action against the injustice. His act of "standing up" (H6965, _qûwm'_) implies a deliberate, courageous, and active response, moving from observer to intervener. The word "helped" (H3467, _yâshaʻ'_) carries the profound theological weight of "saving" or "delivering," underscoring Moses' innate character as a rescuer and foreshadowing his future role as Israel's deliverer.
* **"and watered their flock."** This final clause demonstrates the practical and successful outcome of Moses' intervention. He not only repelled the aggressors but also ensured the women could complete their vital task of watering their animals (H6629, _tsôʼn'_). This act of service, compassion, and effectiveness directly led to his introduction to Reuel and his subsequent integration into the Midianite community, demonstrating the immediate benefits of righteous action.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is evident between the aggressive, unjust actions of the shepherds and Moses' righteous, compassionate intervention. This highlights Moses' character and sets him apart as a figure of justice. **Foreshadowing** is powerfully present, particularly through the use of the Hebrew word _yashaʻ_ for "helped." This linguistic choice subtly but profoundly prefigures Moses' ultimate destiny as the divinely appointed deliverer of Israel from Egyptian slavery, establishing a pattern of divine intervention through human agents. Furthermore, the entire scene functions as a form of **Type**, where Moses' defense of the vulnerable at the well serves as an early prototype of his greater role as a protector and provider for God's people. The well itself can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing life, sustenance, and a place of significant encounters in biblical narratives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Moses' intervention at the well in Midian is far more than a simple act of chivalry; it is a foundational moment that reveals God's providential hand shaping His chosen instrument and establishing key theological themes. It underscores that God often prepares His leaders in unexpected ways and places, instilling in them a deep sense of justice and compassion for the oppressed, mirroring His own character. This event highlights that even in exile and apparent anonymity, God is at work, orchestrating circumstances to fulfill His redemptive purposes. Moses' willingness to act righteously, even when vulnerable himself, is a testament to the divine spark within him, foreshadowing his future confrontations with Pharaoh and his unwavering advocacy for the enslaved Israelites.

* [Psalm 82:3-4](/psalm/82-3-4 "Defend the Poor and Needy")
* [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8-9 "Speak Up for the Voiceless")
* [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Learn to Do Good; Seek Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 2:17](/exodus/2-17 "Moses Defends Reuel's Daughters") serves as a powerful and timeless call for believers to actively confront injustice wherever it is encountered. Moses, despite being a fugitive and in a precarious situation himself, did not hesitate to stand up for the vulnerable and oppressed. His spontaneous act of defending the defenseless provides a compelling example of courage, compassion, and righteous indignation. It reminds us that God often uses unexpected encounters and our willingness to act righteously to unfold His sovereign plan, even when we feel ill-equipped or out of place. This verse encourages us to be attentive to the needs of others, to speak up for the marginalized, and to act with conviction, trusting that [God can use our seemingly small acts of faithfulness](/matthew/25-40 "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me") for His greater purposes and the good of His kingdom. It challenges us to move beyond passive observation to active intervention, embodying the justice and compassion of God in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community do I see injustice, and how might God be calling me to "stand up" and intervene?**
* **What risks might I need to take to defend the vulnerable, and how can I trust God to equip me for such moments?**
* **How does Moses' act of "helping" foreshadow God's greater plan of salvation, and how does this inform my understanding of my own role in God's redemptive work?**

### FAQ
**Why is Moses' act of helping the daughters of Reuel significant?**

Answer: Moses' intervention is profoundly significant because it is his first recorded act of public justice after fleeing Egypt, demonstrating his innate character as a defender of the oppressed and a leader. It also providentially leads to his integration into Reuel's family, which is a crucial step in God's preparation for his future role as the deliverer of Israel, providing him with a family and a period of quiet formation in Midian before his divine calling at the [burning bush](/exodus/3 "Moses and the Burning Bush").

**How does this event foreshadow Moses' future role?**

Answer: This event powerfully foreshadows Moses' future role in several ways: his willingness to "stand up" (Hebrew _qûwm'_) against injustice prefigures his bold confrontation with Pharaoh; the Hebrew word for "helped" (Hebrew _yâshaʻ'_) comes from a root meaning "to save" or "deliver," directly hinting at his destiny to deliver the Israelites from slavery; and his compassionate act of watering the flock reflects the pastoral care he would later show for God's people as their leader through the wilderness, providing them with [water from the rock](/exodus/17-6 "Water from the Rock at Rephidim").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses' courageous act of delivering the daughters of Reuel from oppressive shepherds serves as a compelling type, pointing forward to the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Just as Moses "stood up" to save the vulnerable from physical oppression, Christ "stood up" against the far greater forces of sin, death, and spiritual bondage, offering profound and eternal salvation to all who are oppressed by spiritual slavery. Moses' compassionate intervention for the weak and marginalized at the well prefigures Christ's profound identification with the outcast and His ultimate sacrifice to provide living water for all who thirst. Jesus is the greater Moses, not merely delivering a nation from physical slavery, but delivering humanity from the spiritual slavery of sin and its consequences, leading His flock to the true springs of eternal life found in Him (cf. [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus Offers Living Water") and [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "Rivers of Living Water")). Through His cross and resurrection, Christ has decisively defeated the ultimate oppressors, offering true freedom and abundant life to all who follow Him (cf. [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Jesus' Mission Statement")).

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 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.

Genesis 21:25

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.

Exodus 2:12

And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that [there was] no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.

Genesis 26:15

For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.

Genesis 26:22

And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.