Exodus 2:19

KJV

And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew [water] enough for us, and watered the flock.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559}, An Egyptian {H4713}{H376} delivered {H5337} us out of the hand {H3027} of the shepherds {H7462}, and also drew {H1802} water enough {H1802} for us, and watered {H8248} the flock {H6629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They answered, "An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds; more than that, he drew water for us and watered the sheep."

Berean Standard Bible

“An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they replied. “He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”

American Standard Version

And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and moreover he drew water for us, and watered the flock.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 2:19 recounts the report of Reuel's daughters to their father, detailing how an "Egyptian" (Moses) intervened on their behalf at a well, rescuing them from aggressive shepherds and ensuring their flock was fully watered. This pivotal encounter leads to Moses' integration into their household in Midian, marking a crucial step in his preparation for future divine service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Moses' flight from Egypt, having killed an Egyptian taskmaster to defend an enslaved Hebrew ([Exodus 2:11-15](/exodus/2-11-15 "Moses Kills an Egyptian and Flees")). He has arrived in the land of Midian, a desert region east of the Gulf of Aqaba. The narrative flow positions Moses, a fugitive, at a communal well, a vital gathering place in the ancient Near East. Here, he encounters the seven daughters of Reuel (also known as Jethro), a priest of Midian, who are facing harassment from male shepherds. The daughters' report in [Exodus 2:19](/exodus/2-19 "Moses' Intervention at the Well") serves as the immediate catalyst for Reuel's invitation to Moses, leading to his integration into their family and household, a period of forty years that profoundly shapes his character and prepares him for his divine calling in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Burning Bush").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Wells in the ancient Near East were not merely sources of water; they were crucial social hubs, economic centers, and often sites of conflict over resources. Access to water for livestock was paramount for nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples like the Midianites. The aggressive behavior of the shepherds towards women at the well reflects a common patriarchal societal dynamic where the vulnerable could be exploited. Moses' intervention, therefore, was not just an act of kindness but a challenge to established power dynamics, demonstrating a strong sense of justice. His appearance, likely in Egyptian attire and mannerisms due to his upbringing in Pharaoh's court, would have immediately marked him as a foreigner, hence the daughters' identification of him as an "Egyptian."
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 2:19](/exodus/2-19 "Themes of Divine Providence and Justice") contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights **Divine Providence**, showing how God orchestrates seemingly random events—Moses' flight, his arrival at a specific well, his encounter with Reuel's daughters—to fulfill His larger redemptive plan. The verse also underscores the theme of **Justice and Compassion**, as Moses, even in exile, demonstrates an innate desire to defend the oppressed, foreshadowing his future role as a deliverer. Furthermore, it touches upon **Preparation for Leadership**, illustrating how God uses the circumstances of an individual's life, including periods of obscurity and cultural immersion, to shape them for a specific divine calling, much like Joseph's preparation in [Genesis 39-41](/genesis/39-41 "Joseph's Trials and Rise to Power").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The daughters' concise report to their father, "An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew [water] enough for us, and watered the flock," encapsulates Moses' decisive and compassionate intervention, revealing significant insights into his character and God's unfolding plan.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Egyptian (Hebrew, _Mitsrîy'_):** (H4713) This term, derived from "Mitsrayim" (Egypt), refers to an inhabitant of Egypt. The daughters' identification of Moses as an "Egyptian" is crucial. Despite his Hebrew ethnicity, Moses' upbringing in Pharaoh's palace meant he would have dressed, spoken, and carried himself in a manner consistent with Egyptian nobility, making him appear as such to the Midianite women. This highlights his unique dual identity, which would later be instrumental in his role as a mediator between Pharaoh and the Israelites.
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** (H5337) A primitive root meaning "to snatch away," whether in a good or bad sense, encompassing actions like rescuing, preserving, or saving. Here, it emphasizes Moses' active and forceful intervention to free the daughters from the oppressive control ("out of the hand") of the aggressive shepherds. This verb choice underscores the protective, liberating nature of Moses' act, foreshadowing his greater role as the deliverer of Israel from Egyptian bondage.
* **drew (water) enough (Hebrew, _dâlâh'_):** (H1802) This primitive root means "to dangle" or "to let down a bucket for drawing out water." The phrase "enough" (also derived from H1802 in this context) implies not just the act of drawing water, but drawing it sufficiently and completely for the entire flock. This detail emphasizes Moses' thoroughness and generosity, going beyond a mere token gesture to ensure the needs of the flock were fully met, reflecting a comprehensive and caring provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said,"**: This simple introductory phrase sets the scene for the daughters' explanation to their father, Reuel, immediately upon their unusually early return home. It signals the beginning of their account of the remarkable event at the well.
* **"An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds,"**: This is the core of their report, identifying Moses by his apparent nationality and describing his heroic action. The phrase "out of the hand of the shepherds" signifies rescue from their oppressive power or control, implying that the shepherds were actively preventing the daughters from accessing the well or harassing them. Moses' intervention was a direct challenge to this injustice.
* **"and also drew [water] enough for us,"**: This clause highlights Moses' practical assistance. After defending them, he actively participated in the arduous task of drawing water, ensuring they had ample supply. The inclusion of "enough" underscores that he completed the task thoroughly, providing fully for their needs.
* **"and watered the flock."**: This final clause confirms the successful outcome of Moses' efforts. Not only were the daughters protected and water drawn, but their livestock, the very purpose of their visit to the well, were properly cared for, demonstrating Moses' comprehensive and compassionate provision.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [Exodus 2:19](/exodus/2-19 "Moses at the Well - Literary Devices") employs several literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Moses' spontaneous act of justice and deliverance for the vulnerable at the well directly anticipates his future, divinely appointed role as the deliverer of the entire Israelite nation from Egyptian oppression. His willingness to intercede for the marginalized is a consistent character trait. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the daughters identifying Moses as an "Egyptian," given his true Hebrew identity and his ultimate mission to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt; the one who appears to be an oppressor's kin becomes the liberator. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the well as a place of both conflict and crucial encounter is significant. Wells often serve as settings for pivotal meetings and the establishment of new relationships in biblical narratives, and here it becomes the site where Moses' new life in Midian begins, leading to his marriage and forty years of preparation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 2:19 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand in orchestrating seemingly mundane events to fulfill His grand redemptive purposes. Moses' spontaneous act of justice at the well is not a mere coincidence but a divinely guided step in his preparation for the monumental task of leading Israel out of bondage. This passage underscores that God often uses the inherent character and compassionate actions of His chosen servants, even in their obscurity or exile, to advance His kingdom. It also highlights the divine value placed on defending the vulnerable and ensuring justice, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history.

* [Psalm 82:3-4](/psalm/82-3-4 "Defend the Weak and Fatherless") - Calls for the defense of the weak, fatherless, and oppressed, mirroring Moses' actions.
* [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8-9 "Speak Up for the Voiceless") - Exhorts believers to speak up for the voiceless and defend the rights of the poor and needy.
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Serving the Least of These") - Jesus identifies acts of compassion towards the hungry, thirsty, and imprisoned as service rendered to Him, reflecting the spirit of Moses' intervention.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 2:19 serves as a profound reminder that God's plans often unfold through our seemingly ordinary acts of compassion and intervention. Moses, a fugitive, could have easily ignored the plight of Reuel's daughters, yet his innate sense of justice compelled him to act. This spontaneous defense of the vulnerable, without expectation of reward or recognition, exemplifies a timeless call to righteous living and service. We are encouraged to cultivate a character of attentiveness to the needs of others, recognizing that God often uses our willingness to act righteously, even in unexpected circumstances, to prepare us for broader purposes and to advance His kingdom work in the world. Just as Moses was being prepared for the monumental task of leading the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "The Crossing of the Red Sea"), so too can our daily choices and acts of kindness contribute to God's unfolding work, shaping us for His unique calling on our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like Moses, encounter opportunities to defend the vulnerable or stand up for justice in my daily life?**
* **How might seemingly small acts of compassion be part of God's larger, unfolding plan for my life or for others?**
* **What does Moses' willingness to intervene, even as a fugitive, teach me about acting righteously regardless of my circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jethro's daughters call Moses an "Egyptian"?**

Answer: Although Moses was ethnically Hebrew, his upbringing in Pharaoh's palace meant he would have dressed, spoken, and carried himself like an Egyptian, including his mannerisms and possibly his dialect. The Midianite women, unfamiliar with his true heritage, would have identified him by his outward appearance and cultural markers, leading them to perceive him as an Egyptian. This highlights his unique dual identity, which would later be crucial for his role as a mediator between Pharaoh and the Israelites in the [Exodus narrative](/exodus/1-1 "The Book of Exodus").

**What is the significance of the well in this narrative?**

Answer: Wells were vital centers of life in the ancient Near East, serving as primary sources of water for people and livestock in arid regions. They were also crucial social gathering points, often sites of interaction, negotiation, and sometimes conflict over resources. In biblical narratives, wells frequently serve as settings for significant encounters, betrothals, and the establishment of new relationships (e.g., Jacob meeting Rachel at a well in [Genesis 29](/genesis/29 "Jacob Meets Rachel")). Moses' meeting with Jethro's daughters at the well is therefore a classic biblical motif, marking a pivotal turning point in his life and leading to his new family and home in Midian.

**Who were the shepherds mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: These were likely local male shepherds who, due to their greater strength or social standing, were attempting to monopolize the well's access, preventing Jethro's daughters from watering their flock. This was a common practice in patriarchal societies where women were often vulnerable to exploitation. Moses' immediate intervention demonstrates his commitment to justice and protection for the oppressed, even before his divine calling to deliver Israel from a far greater oppression in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Burning Bush").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Exodus 2:19](/exodus/2-19 "Christ in Moses' Compassion") details Moses' compassionate act, it subtly points to the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Moses' spontaneous intervention to protect the vulnerable and provide water foreshadows Christ's divine compassion and His role as the Good Shepherd who not only protects His flock from spiritual adversaries but also provides the living water of salvation ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "Jesus Offers Living Water") and [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "Rivers of Living Water")). Just as Moses was prepared for his mission to lead Israel out of bondage, Christ, the greater Moses (as seen in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "A Prophet Like Moses")), came to deliver humanity from the ultimate bondage of sin and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). He demonstrates perfect justice, unwavering care for the marginalized and oppressed ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Come to Me, All Who Labor")), and provides eternal spiritual nourishment, fulfilling the temporary physical provision Moses offered at the well.

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 50:11

And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, This [is] a grievous mourning to the Egyptians: wherefore the name of it was called Abelmizraim, which [is] beyond Jordan.