Exodus 2:18

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

Exodus 2:18 (KJV)

Context

Moses has fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster who was mistreating an Israelite. He arrives in the land of Midian and rests by a well, where the seven daughters of Reuel, the priest of Midian, come to water their father’s flock. Some shepherds drive the women away, but Moses intervenes, helps them, and waters their flock. Because of his swift assistance, the daughters finish their work earlier than usual and return home sooner than expected. In this verse, Reuel, their father, asks why they have come back so quickly that day.

Meaning

Reuel’s question, “How is it that ye are come so soon to day?” expresses surprise at the daughters’ early arrival. It suggests that their return was noticeably earlier than their regular schedule, likely because Moses’ help resolved the conflict with the shepherds quickly. The question also reveals Reuel’s attentiveness to his daughters’ welfare and his curiosity about the unusual circumstances. This inquiry sets the stage for the daughters to tell him about Moses, leading to Moses being invited into Reuel’s household.

Biblical connections

Reuel is also called Jethro in later passages such as Exodus 3:1 and 18:1, and the name appears as Raguel in the Septuagint. The event at the well connects to God’s providential care for Moses: through this ordinary encounter, God provides Moses with a home, a wife (Zipporah), and a family in Midian (Exodus 2:21-22). Reuel’s response in verse 20—asking where Moses is and inviting him to eat bread—shows that the question in verse 18 leads directly to Moses being welcomed into the household.

Application

This verse demonstrates how God’s providence often works through seemingly small, everyday events. Moses’ simple act of defending the daughters from the shepherds may have seemed insignificant, but it opened doors for significant opportunities in his life. We can be encouraged to trust in God’s timing and to be faithful in even the small acts of kindness and obedience that come our way, knowing that God can use them to bring about His purposes.

Reflection

Reuel’s question highlights the importance of divine timing. Moses arrived at the well at the right moment, precisely when the daughters needed assistance. God’s perfect timing is often at work in our lives, aligning circumstances for His purposes. As we reflect on this passage, we can be reminded that faithful service, even in helping others with daily tasks, can open doors for God’s larger plans.