“And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.”
Context: This verse is a part of the narrative of Moses’ early life. At this point, Moses had fled Egypt and settled in Midian. He encountered the daughters of Reuel, a priest of Midian, who were being harassed by shepherds while trying to water their flock. Moses intervened and helped the women, protecting them and providing water for their flock.
Themes and lessons:
- Compassion and Justice: Moses’ act of intervening on behalf of the daughters of Reuel reveals his sense of compassion and justice. He saw an injustice taking place and took action to correct it. This demonstrates the importance of standing up for what is right and helping those in need.
- Courage: Moses showed courage by standing up against the shepherds who were harassing the women. Despite being outnumbered and possibly facing danger, he chose to confront the situation. This teaches us the value of courage and the willingness to take a stand, even in challenging circumstances.
- Leadership: In this verse, we see the qualities of leadership in Moses. He stepped forward to assist the women and demonstrated his ability to take charge and provide for the needs of others. This foreshadows Moses’ future role as a leader of the Israelites, guiding them out of slavery in Egypt.
- Water as a Symbol: The act of watering the flock symbolizes provision and care. Moses not only protected the daughters of Reuel but also tended to their flock, ensuring their well-being. Water is often associated with life and sustenance in the Bible, and here, it highlights Moses’ role as a provider and protector.
Application:
- Help and support those in need: Following Moses’ example, we should be ready to assist and support those who are being mistreated or oppressed. We can stand up against injustice, offer a helping hand, and advocate for those who cannot defend themselves.
- Develop courage: Like Moses, we should cultivate the virtue of courage. It may require us to step out of our comfort zones, confront difficult situations, or take risks to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Trusting in God’s guidance and strength, we can overcome our fears and act boldly.
- Embrace leadership opportunities: Moses’ act of helping the women and their flock showcases his leadership potential. Similarly, we should be willing to take up leadership roles when the need arises. Whether it’s within our families, communities, or workplaces, we can contribute to the well-being of others by offering guidance, support, and care.
- Provide for others’ needs: Moses ensured that the women’s flock was watered, meeting their immediate needs. We can apply this principle by being attentive to the needs of those around us and doing what we can to provide for them, whether it’s through material resources, emotional support, or spiritual encouragement.
Remember, studying the Bible is an ongoing process, and it is beneficial to explore different translations, consult commentaries, and engage in discussions with fellow believers to deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
