Exodus 2:18

KJV

And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How [is it that] ye are come so soon to day?

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they came {H935} to Reuel {H7467} their father {H1}, he said {H559}, How {H4069} is it that ye are come {H935} so soon {H4116} to day {H3117}?

Complete Jewish Bible

When they came to Re'u'el their father, he said, "How come you're back so soon today?"

Berean Standard Bible

When the daughters returned to their father Reuel, he asked them, “Why have you returned so early today?”

American Standard Version

And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to-day?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Exodus 2:18](/exodus/2-18 "The daughters of Reuel return early") records the surprised inquiry of Reuel, a Midianite priest, to his daughters upon their unusually swift return from watering their flocks, setting the stage for Moses to be welcomed into their home. This seemingly simple question highlights Moses's recent act of justice and intervention, demonstrating God's providential hand guiding Moses's path even in exile.

### CONTEXT
After [fleeing Pharaoh's wrath](/exodus/2-15 "Moses flees Pharaoh after killing an Egyptian") for killing an Egyptian, Moses found refuge in the land of Midian. There, at a well, he encountered the seven daughters of Reuel (also known as [Jethro](/exodus/3-1 "Jethro identified as Moses's father-in-law")), who were struggling to water their flocks due to other shepherds driving them away. In a display of his innate sense of justice and compassion, Moses intervened, [defending the women and watering their sheep himself](/exodus/2-17 "Moses helps Reuel's daughters at the well"). [Exodus 2:18](/exodus/2-18 "Reuel's daughters return to their father") captures the immediate aftermath of this event: the daughters' uncharacteristically swift return home and their father's surprised inquiry, "How [is it that] ye are come so soon to day?"

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Upon their arrival, Reuel's question, "How [is it that] ye are come so soon to day?", immediately conveys his surprise and implies an understanding of the usual difficulties his daughters faced at the well. Watering flocks was a time-consuming and often contentious task, especially with other shepherds competing for access. Their early return signals that something unusual and beneficial had occurred.

The name **Reuel** (Hebrew: רְעוּאֵל, *R'u'el*) is significant, meaning "friend of God" or "shepherd of God." This is fitting given his role as a priest in Midian and his subsequent relationship with Moses, whom he would eventually welcome into his family. His perceptive question prompts his daughters to recount Moses's heroic intervention, which in turn leads to Moses being invited into their home and ultimately becoming part of their family.

This verse, though brief, is rich in implications:
* **Moses's Consistent Character:** Even in exile and under no obligation, Moses consistently demonstrates a pattern of defending the oppressed. He previously intervened for a Hebrew slave in Egypt and now for these Midianite women, foreshadowing his future role as the deliverer of Israel. His actions are not limited by tribal or national affiliation but are driven by a deep-seated sense of justice.
* **Divine Providence in Action:** Moses's flight from Egypt, seemingly a desperate act, leads him directly to this encounter. This seemingly random event is orchestrated by God to bring Moses into the very household where he would find a wife (Zipporah) and spend the next forty years, preparing him for his eventual call at the burning bush. It underscores God's meticulous guidance even in seemingly ordinary or difficult circumstances.
* **The Power of Hospitality and Acknowledgment:** Reuel's simple question and subsequent invitation to Moses demonstrate the importance of hospitality and acknowledging the good deeds of others. This act of welcoming a stranger into their home proves pivotal for Moses's life and future ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Sovereignty and Providence:** This narrative highlights how God orchestrates events, even through human decisions and seemingly chance encounters, to fulfill His divine plan. Moses's escape and subsequent arrival in Midian were not accidental but part of a larger divine design.
* **Justice and Compassion as Divine Attributes:** Moses's actions reflect divine attributes of justice and compassion, demonstrating that God's people are called to stand up for the vulnerable and oppressed, regardless of their background.
* **Preparation for Leadership:** Moses's time in Midian, beginning with this encounter, serves as a period of divine preparation, honing his character and deepening his understanding of shepherding—a metaphor for leading God's people.
* **The Significance of Hospitality:** Reuel's welcoming of Moses illustrates the biblical principle of hospitality, which often serves as a conduit for God's blessings and the advancement of His purposes.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 2:18](/exodus/2-18 "The daughters of Reuel return early") encourages us to recognize God's hand at work in the unexpected turns of life. Just as Moses's detour led to a crucial encounter, our own detours or difficulties may be divinely orchestrated steps toward our next season or calling. It also challenges us to embody Moses's proactive compassion, to be attentive to the needs of those around us, and to offer help without being asked. Furthermore, Reuel's response reminds us of the power of hospitality and the importance of acknowledging the good deeds of others, as simple acts of kindness and welcome can have far-reaching, transformative impacts, even on a global scale.

### FAQ
**Who was Reuel, and why is he also called Jethro?**

Answer: Reuel is identified as the father of Moses's wife, Zipporah, and a priest of Midian. He is also referred to as Jethro in later chapters of Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 3:1](/exodus/3-1 "Jethro, Moses's father-in-law")). It is commonly understood that Jethro was his personal name, while Reuel was either his clan name, a title, or perhaps an ancestral name. The text uses both interchangeably.

**Why was it unusual for Reuel's daughters to return so soon?**

Answer: The commentary in [Exodus 2:17](/exodus/2-17 "Moses helps Reuel's daughters at the well") indicates that other shepherds would typically drive Reuel's daughters away from the well, making the task of watering their flocks arduous and time-consuming. Their early return signaled that the usual obstacles had been overcome, implying that someone had helped them.

**What does this verse reveal about Moses's character?**

Answer: This verse, in conjunction with the preceding one, highlights Moses's innate sense of justice and his willingness to intervene on behalf of the oppressed. He had previously defended a Hebrew slave in Egypt and now, without hesitation, defends Midianite women, demonstrating a consistent pattern of righteous action and compassion that foreshadows his future role as Israel's deliverer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Exodus 2:18](/exodus/2-18 "The daughters of Reuel return early") primarily details a moment in Moses's life, it subtly points to Christ in its themes of divine providence and the unexpected arrival of a deliverer. Moses, as a type of Christ, intervenes to bring justice and provide for the vulnerable, much as Christ would ultimately intervene to deliver humanity from sin and provide living water. The welcoming of Moses into Reuel's home foreshadows Christ's invitation into our lives, where He provides refuge and belonging. Just as Moses was a shepherd to Reuel's flock and later to Israel, Christ is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, ensuring their provision and protection (John 10:11).

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.