Exodus 2:20

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.

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}.

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

โ€œSo where is he?โ€ their father asked. โ€œWhy did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.โ€

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

Exodus 2:20 captures a pivotal moment in Moses' journey, revealing the gracious hospitality of Reuel (also known as Jethro), the priest of Midian. After Moses, a fugitive from Egypt, had helped Reuel's daughters at a well, they returned home, prompting their father's inquiry.

Context

This verse follows Moses' dramatic escape from Egypt after he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew (Exodus 2:15). He fled to the land of Midian, where he encountered seven daughters of a local priest, Reuel, struggling to water their flock at a well. When other shepherds drove them away, Moses intervened and helped them (Exodus 2:17). Upon their surprisingly quick return, Reuel questioned why they were back so soon and where the man who helped them was. His immediate instruction, "call him, that he may eat bread," underscores the deep-seated cultural value of hospitality in the ancient Near East.

Key Themes

  • Hospitality and Welcome: Reuel's response exemplifies the crucial ancient practice of welcoming strangers and offering sustenance. It was a moral imperative and a sign of respect and community. This act of kindness led to Moses dwelling with Reuel's family and eventually marrying his daughter, Zipporah.
  • Divine Providence: This encounter is not coincidental. God's hand is clearly guiding Moses to this safe haven in Midian, where he would spend the next 40 years as a shepherd, being prepared by God for his ultimate mission to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10). This period of quiet solitude and family life was essential for his spiritual and leadership development.
  • Gratitude and Recognition: Reuel's inquiry demonstrates a recognition of the help his daughters received and a desire to properly acknowledge and reward it. He didn't just want to know who helped; he wanted to extend an invitation of fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "that he may eat bread" (Hebrew: ืœึถืึฑื›ึนืœ ืœึถื—ึถื, le'ekhol lechem) is a common idiom in the Bible, meaning "to eat a meal" or "to partake of food." It signifies more than just physical nourishment; it implies an invitation to fellowship, a sharing of resources, and an establishment of relationship. In a desert environment, offering food and drink was a profound act of kindness and hospitality.

Practical Application

Exodus 2:20 reminds us of the timeless importance of hospitality and kindness towards strangers. In a world often marked by suspicion, the biblical call to welcome and care for others remains powerful (Hebrews 13:2). It also highlights how God often uses seemingly ordinary encounters and acts of generosity to fulfill His greater purposes. Moses' journey to leadership was not direct but involved periods of refuge and preparation, often facilitated by the kindness of others, underscoring the role of community and divine timing in our lives.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 31:54 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Genesis 19:2 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.