"And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon today?"
Context:In this verse, Moses has fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster who was mistreating an Israelite. He arrives in the land of Midian and comes to the well where the daughters of Reuel (also known as Jethro) are watering their father’s flock. Moses helps the women by driving away some shepherds who were harassing them. The verse occurs when the daughters return home and tell their father about Moses’ act of kindness.
Reuel’s Question:Reuel, the father of the women, asks his daughters how they have returned home so quickly that day. This question suggests that their arrival seemed unusually early compared to their regular schedule. Reuel’s inquiry sets the stage for the introduction of Moses to their household.
Significance of the Question:Reuel’s question might imply that the daughters had encountered difficulties with the shepherds before, causing them to return later than usual. However, Moses’ intervention led to a swift resolution of the conflict, allowing the daughters to come back early. The question serves to highlight Moses’ role in their early return and sparks curiosity about the stranger who helped them.
Introduction to Moses:The question posed by Reuel provides an opportunity for the daughters to share their encounter with Moses and explain how he defended them. This leads to Moses being invited to Reuel’s house and eventually becoming a part of their family. Thus, Reuel’s question acts as a catalyst for Moses’ integration into the Midianite community.
Lessons to Learn:
- Divine Providence:This verse demonstrates how God’s providence works in mysterious ways. Moses’ journey led him to the well where he encountered the daughters of Reuel, and his act of kindness set in motion a chain of events that would eventually lead to his role as the deliverer of the Israelites.
- God’s Timing:The question asked by Reuel 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.
- Faithfulness in Small Acts:Moses’ simple act of defending the daughters from the shepherds may have seemed insignificant, but it opened doors for significant opportunities in his life. This reminds us that even small acts of kindness and obedience can have far-reaching consequences in God’s plan.
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 2:18, we can be encouraged to trust in God’s providence and timing in our own lives. We should 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 and open doors of opportunity.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult other study resources to gain a deeper understanding of the passage.
