Exodus 2:20

KJV

And he said unto his daughters, And where [is] he? why [is] it [that] ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto his daughters {H1323}, And where is he? why is it that ye have left {H5800} the man {H376}? call {H7121} him, that he may eat {H398} bread {H3899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He asked his daughters, "Where is he? Why did you leave the man there? Invite him to have something to eat."

Berean Standard Bible

“So where is he?” their father asked. “Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 2:20 captures the pivotal moment when Reuel (also known as Jethro), the priest of Midian, questions his daughters about their swift return from the well and the absence of the man who aided them. His subsequent command to invite Moses for a meal underscores the profound cultural value of hospitality in the ancient Near East and marks the divine provision of a safe haven for Moses, initiating a crucial forty-year period of preparation for his future leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Moses' dramatic flight from Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster who was oppressing a Hebrew slave, a deed that became known to Pharaoh ([Exodus 2:15](/exodus/2-15 "Moses Flees Pharaoh")). Having fled to the land of Midian, Moses encounters Reuel's seven daughters at a well, where he heroically defends them against hostile shepherds and helps them water their flock ([Exodus 2:17](/exodus/2-17 "Moses Helps Reuel's Daughters")). Their unusually quick return home prompts Reuel's inquiry in verse 20, setting the stage for Moses to be welcomed into their household and begin a new chapter of his life in exile. This brief encounter is crucial, as it transitions Moses from a fugitive to a member of a new family, providing him with stability and a period of quiet preparation before his divine calling in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Burning Bush and Moses' Call").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East placed immense value on hospitality, particularly towards strangers and travelers. In arid regions like Midian, water was a precious commodity, and wells were vital communal gathering points. Offering food and shelter to a stranger was not merely an act of kindness but a sacred obligation, often establishing a temporary bond of protection and kinship. Reuel's immediate concern for the man who had helped his daughters, and his insistence on inviting him for "bread," reflects this deeply ingrained cultural norm. Such acts of hospitality were seen as reflective of one's character and piety, ensuring the well-being of the community and demonstrating respect for divine order.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 2:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates seemingly ordinary human interactions to protect and guide Moses, preparing him for his monumental task of leading Israel out of bondage. Moses' flight from Egypt and subsequent refuge in Midian, facilitated by Reuel's hospitality, is not accidental but part of God's sovereign plan. Secondly, the passage emphasizes the **Importance of Hospitality and Kindness**, portraying Reuel as a righteous figure who embodies a core biblical value. This act of welcoming a stranger foreshadows the broader theme of God's welcoming nature towards His people and the call for His people to extend similar grace. Lastly, it underscores the theme of **Preparation for Leadership**, as Moses' forty years in Midian, beginning with this invitation, are a crucial period of spiritual formation and practical experience that molds him into the shepherd-leader God intends him to be, as seen later when he encounters God at [Horeb](/exodus/3-1 "Moses and the Burning Bush").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559. A primitive root meaning "to say" or "to speak," used with great latitude. In this context, Reuel's "saying" is not merely an utterance but an authoritative inquiry and command, reflecting his patriarchal role and the expectation of accountability from his daughters. It conveys his immediate concern and decisive action.
* **left (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** H5800. A primitive root meaning "to loosen," "relinquish," or "forsake." Reuel's question, "why is it that ye have left the man?" implies a mild rebuke. It suggests that the daughters' departure without inviting Moses was a breach of customary hospitality, a "leaving behind" of someone who deserved recognition and welcome.
* **call (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** H7121. A primitive root meaning "to call out to," "address by name," or "invite." Reuel's command, "call him," is an imperative that demands immediate action. It signifies a formal invitation, an act of summoning someone into one's presence, particularly for the purpose of extending hospitality and fellowship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto his daughters,"**: This phrase establishes Reuel's patriarchal authority and his role as the head of the household. His daughters' quick return prompts his immediate attention and inquiry, indicating his active engagement in their lives and his awareness of proper social conduct.
* **"And where [is] he? why [is] it [that] ye have left the man?"**: Reuel's questions are rhetorical, expressing surprise and a gentle reproof. He is not merely asking for information but implicitly conveying that their actions were incomplete or improper. The phrase "left the man" highlights the omission of a crucial act of gratitude and hospitality towards the one who had helped them.
* **"call him, that he may eat bread."**: This is Reuel's decisive command, correcting his daughters' oversight. "Call him" is an immediate summons. The phrase "that he may eat bread" is an idiom for sharing a meal, signifying a profound act of hospitality, an invitation to fellowship, and an offer of sustenance and protection. It transforms Moses from an anonymous helper into a welcomed guest, laying the groundwork for his integration into Reuel's family.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Dialogue** to advance the narrative, revealing Reuel's character and cultural values through his direct interaction with his daughters. His questions function as a form of **Rhetorical Questioning**, implicitly conveying a gentle rebuke and guiding his daughters toward the proper course of action. The phrase "eat bread" is a powerful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "bread" stands for an entire meal, and by extension, for the act of hospitality, fellowship, and the provision of sustenance and refuge. This simple phrase carries profound cultural and theological weight, signifying a bond of welcome and protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 2:20 is a profound illustration of God's meticulous providence, working through ordinary human kindness to fulfill His extraordinary purposes. Reuel's spontaneous act of hospitality towards Moses is not merely a cultural custom but a divinely orchestrated event that provides Moses with a safe haven, a family, and a crucial period of preparation for his future role as Israel's deliverer. This seemingly small act of welcome sets the stage for Moses' forty years in Midian, a time of quiet development and spiritual maturation essential for his encounter with God at the burning bush and his subsequent call to lead. It underscores that God often uses the generosity and moral responses of individuals to advance His redemptive plan, reminding us that our acts of compassion can have far-reaching, divinely appointed consequences.

* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Lending to the Lord")
* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Practicing Hospitality")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Entertaining Angels")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 2:20 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring biblical call to hospitality and the profound impact of simple acts of kindness. In a world often marked by suspicion and isolation, Reuel's immediate and unreserved welcome of a stranger stands as a compelling model for Christian living. It challenges us to look beyond initial appearances and extend grace, recognizing that every person we encounter is made in God's image and may be in need of compassion, provision, or simply a welcoming presence. Furthermore, this passage beautifully illustrates how God often works through human agency and ordinary circumstances to accomplish His divine will. Moses' journey to becoming a deliverer was not a straightforward path but involved periods of refuge and preparation, often facilitated by the benevolence of others. This encourages us to trust in God's timing and to be open to how He might use our own acts of generosity to further His purposes in the lives of others, even when the ultimate outcome is not immediately apparent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Reuel's immediate concern for the stranger challenge my own readiness to extend hospitality to those I encounter?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly ordinary interactions in my life to prepare me or others for a greater purpose?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a more welcoming and generous spirit, reflecting the heart of God to those around me?**

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

Answer: Reuel was the priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law. The Bible uses both names for him. "Reuel" (meaning "friend of God") is used here in [Exodus 2:18](/exodus/2-18 "Reuel, the Priest of Midian") and in this verse. "Jethro" (meaning "his excellence" or "abundance") is more commonly used later in Exodus, particularly from [Exodus 3:1](/exodus/3-1 "Jethro, Moses' Father-in-Law") onwards. It is common in the Bible for individuals to have multiple names or titles, or for one to be a proper name and the other a title, with both referring to the same person.

**Why was offering "bread" such a significant act of hospitality in ancient times?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, particularly in desert environments like Midian, food and water were precious commodities, and travel was often perilous. Offering "bread" (which often signified a full meal, not just bread alone) to a stranger was a profound act of generosity, trust, and welcome. It meant sharing one's limited resources, providing nourishment, rest, and often implied an invitation to fellowship and protection under one's roof. This act established a temporary bond of kinship and security, demonstrating a deep cultural value placed on caring for the vulnerable and honoring those who perform good deeds.

**Does this passage suggest that God's providence relies on human actions?**

Answer: Yes, this passage beautifully illustrates the interplay between divine providence and human actions. While God's plan for Moses was sovereignly ordained, He chose to work through the hospitality of Reuel and the kindness of his daughters. God often uses the ordinary decisions and moral responses of individuals to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, demonstrating that our acts of obedience and compassion can be integral to His unfolding will. This does not diminish God's sovereignty but highlights His method of working through willing human agents.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 2:20, while a narrative of human hospitality, powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate provision and welcome. Just as Moses, a deliverer in exile, found refuge and sustenance through the kindness of Reuel, so too does humanity, exiled by sin, find ultimate refuge and spiritual nourishment in Christ. Jesus Himself declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering true and eternal sustenance to all who come to Him in faith. Furthermore, Christ embodies the ultimate act of divine hospitality, not merely inviting us to a meal but welcoming sinners into God's family through His atoning sacrifice. He prepares a place for us, inviting us into eternal fellowship with God ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus Prepares a Place")). The church, as the body of Christ, is called to extend this same radical, Christ-like hospitality, reflecting the welcoming heart of God to a world in desperate need of spiritual refuge and provision.

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 31:54

Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.

Genesis 43:25

And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.

Genesis 19:2

And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

Genesis 19:3

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

Job 42:11

Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.

1 Timothy 5:10

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Genesis 18:5

And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.