“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.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Moses’ early life. To understand its significance, let’s provide some context. At this point, Moses had fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was mistreating an Israelite. He settled in the land of Midian and had encountered the daughters of Jethro, a priest of Midian, at a well. Moses helped the women water their flocks and subsequently met their father Jethro.
In verse 20, Jethro, who was known as Reuel in some other Bible translations, expressed surprise and concern about his daughters returning so quickly from the well. He asked them why they had left Moses alone and instructed them to call him so that he could have a meal.
Now let’s explore some key points and lessons we can draw from this verse:
- God’s providence: The circumstances that led Moses to Midian and his encounter with Jethro’s daughters were not mere coincidences. It was a part of God’s plan to place Moses in a position where he would eventually be called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. We can see God’s hand guiding events behind the scenes, even when they may seem insignificant at the time.
- Hospitality and gratitude: Jethro’s invitation for Moses to eat bread demonstrates the virtue of hospitality and gratitude. Jethro recognized Moses’ help and extended a kind gesture by offering him a meal. This serves as a reminder of the importance of showing hospitality and expressing gratitude towards those who have helped us.
- God’s provision: Moses had left behind the comforts and privileges of Egypt, yet God continued to provide for him. In this verse, God’s provision is evident through Jethro’s invitation to share a meal. It reminds us that even in times of difficulty or when we find ourselves in unfamiliar places, God can use others to meet our needs.
- Obedience and diligence: The fact that Jethro’s daughters had returned quickly suggests that they were diligent and obedient to their father. They promptly carried out his instructions to invite Moses to eat. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and diligence in fulfilling our responsibilities and carrying out the tasks entrusted to us.
- Foreshadowing of Moses’ future role: This verse is a precursor to Moses’ significant role as a leader and judge over the Israelites. While it may seem like a simple exchange, it foreshadows the relationship between Moses and Jethro, which develops further when Moses marries Jethro’s daughter and later seeks his wise counsel in governing the people.
In summary, Exodus 2:20 highlights God’s providence, the importance of hospitality and gratitude, God’s provision, obedience, and the foreshadowing of Moses’ future role. Through this verse, we can learn valuable lessons about God’s guidance in our lives and the importance of displaying gratitude and obedience in our interactions with others.
