Exodus 2:19

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Context of Exodus 2:19

Exodus 2:19 is situated within the narrative of Moses' early life, specifically after his flight from Pharaoh's court following his killing of an Egyptian taskmaster (Exodus 2:12). Having settled in the land of Midian, Moses encounters the seven daughters of Reuel (also known as Jethro), a priest of Midian, at a well. Wells were critical gathering points in ancient Near Eastern societies, often sites of social interaction and sometimes conflict over vital resources like water for livestock. This verse records the daughters explaining to their father how an "Egyptian" (referring to Moses) came to their rescue.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence: This seemingly chance encounter at the well is a pivotal moment in God's unfolding plan for Moses. It leads directly to Moses being welcomed into Jethro's family, marrying his daughter Zipporah, and eventually being called by God at the burning bush. It illustrates how God orchestrates circumstances to prepare individuals for their divine purpose.
  • Moses' Character and Justice: Even in exile and anonymity, Moses demonstrates a consistent character of justice and compassion. His intervention on behalf of the vulnerable daughters, protecting them from aggressive shepherds and helping them water their flock, foreshadows his future role as the deliverer of an oppressed nation. It reveals his innate willingness to stand up for the marginalized.
  • Hospitality and Intercultural Connection: The act of kindness at the well results in Moses receiving hospitality and being integrated into a new family and culture in Midian. This period of his life, away from Egypt, was crucial for his development before returning to confront Pharaoh.

Linguistic Insights

The description of Moses as an "Egyptian" (Hebrew: Mitsri) by Jethro's daughters is noteworthy. Although Moses was ethnically Hebrew, his upbringing in Pharaoh's palace meant he would have dressed, spoken, and carried himself like an Egyptian prince. This highlights his unique position as a bridge figure—a Hebrew by birth, but an Egyptian by upbringing—a duality that would prove significant in his future mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Practical Application and Reflection

Exodus 2:19 offers several timeless lessons. It reminds us that acts of kindness and intervention, even those that seem small or spontaneous, can be part of a larger divine plan. Moses' willingness to help those in need, without seeking personal gain, reflects a call to compassion and justice that transcends time. We are encouraged to be attentive to opportunities to serve others, recognizing that God can use our character and our actions, even in unexpected circumstances, to prepare us for greater purposes. Just as Moses was being prepared for the monumental task of leading the Exodus from Egypt, so too can our daily choices contribute to God's unfolding work in the world.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 29:10 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.