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.

Exodus 2:20 (KJV)

Context

Moses had fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was mistreating an Israelite. He settled in Midian, where he met the seven daughters of Reuel, the priest of Midian, at a well. When other shepherds drove the women away, Moses helped them water their flock. The daughters returned home earlier than usual, and their father asked why. They explained that an Egyptian had rescued them. In this verse, Reuel expresses surprise that his daughters left Moses behind, and he tells them to call him so that he may eat bread.

Meaning

The phrase “eat bread” is a Hebrew idiom for sharing a meal. It was a sign of hospitality and welcome. Reuel did not simply thank Moses from a distance; he invited him into his home. This gesture showed gratitude for Moses’ help and opened the way for Moses to stay with the family. Reuel’s response models a welcoming spirit toward a stranger who had shown kindness. His question, “And where is he?” reveals his concern that Moses should not be left without honor or provision.

Biblical connections

This verse is part of the larger story of God preparing Moses for leadership. The meeting at the well echoes the experiences of other servants of God, such as Isaac and Jacob, who also found wives at wells. More directly, this moment leads to Moses’ extended stay in Midian, where he would marry Zipporah and spend forty years in obscurity. That long season of waiting prepared him to lead Israel out of Egypt. The pattern of a deliverer being prepared in hidden places before being revealed is seen again in the life of Jesus, who spent years in Nazareth before His public ministry.

Application

God often works through ordinary acts of kindness. Moses helped the daughters water their sheep, and that simple deed opened the door to shelter, food, and a new life. Believers can trust that God sees their small acts of service and can use them for His purposes. This verse also encourages hospitality. Reuel did not wait to be asked; he took the initiative to invite a stranger to eat. Christians are called to show similar generosity, especially to those who are far from home or in need. The season of waiting in Midian reminds us that times of transition are often times of preparation. When life seems quiet or uncertain, God may be shaping character for future service.

Reflection

Reuel’s question, “And where is he?” challenges readers to consider how they treat those who help them. Do we quickly forget the kindness of others, or do we seek to honor them? The verse also points to God’s providence. Moses had lost the comforts of Egypt, yet God provided for him through the hospitality of a Midianite priest. Even when circumstances seem random, God is guiding events behind the scenes. This verse invites readers to trust that God is at work in their own lives, using both their acts of service and the kindness of others to accomplish His will.