How does Exodus 2:18 connect to God's plan for Moses' future leadership? Setting the scene • Exodus 2:11-17 shows Moses fleeing Egypt, sitting by a Midianite well, and rescuing Reuel’s seven daughters from hostile shepherds. • Verse 18: “When they returned to their father Reuel, he asked, ‘Why have you returned so early today?’” • This single question links Moses’ quiet arrival in Midian with God’s larger plan to shape him into Israel’s future deliverer. What Reuel’s question reveals • Recognition of unusual speed – the daughters’ early return points to Moses’ decisive intervention. • Introduction of Reuel – later called Jethro (Exodus 3:1), a priest who will mentor Moses (Exodus 18:17-24). • Public acknowledgment – Reuel’s inquiry draws the family’s attention to Moses’ action, opening the door for relationship. Forming the leader’s character • Defender of the weak – Moses stood up for strangers (v. 17); he will soon defend an entire nation (Exodus 3:10). • Servant-hearted, not self-promoting – he helps, then sits back, letting Reuel’s daughters report the story (v. 19); humility will mark his leadership (Numbers 12:3). • Cross-cultural sensitivity – identified as “an Egyptian” (v. 19), Moses learns to live outside his birth culture, useful later when mediating between God and Israel. Foreshadowing shepherd leadership • Moses draws water for flocks (v. 17); forty years of literal shepherding follow (Exodus 3:1). • Scripture repeatedly links shepherding with national leadership (Psalm 78:70-72; 1 Peter 5:2-3). • The well scene previews Moses drawing spiritual “water” from the Rock (Exodus 17:6; 1 Corinthians 10:4). Strategic family ties • Reuel invites Moses home (Exodus 2:20) → marriage to Zipporah (v. 21) → connection to Midian. • Jethro later brings Zipporah and Moses’ sons to Sinai and offers crucial governance advice (Exodus 18). • Through this family, Moses gains: – A safe haven during exile – Knowledge of desert routes he will guide Israel through – Counsel from a God-fearing priest outside Israel’s tribes God’s subtle preparation • Acts 7:29-30 notes Moses spent forty years in Midian before the burning bush. • Every detail of Exodus 2:18 sits within that training period—unremarkable to onlookers, essential to God. • The quick rescue, the early return, the curious father—all small threads weaving Moses into his future assignment. Takeaways for today • God uses ordinary questions (“Why so early?”) to open extraordinary doors. • Hidden seasons of service and obscurity refine leaders before public calling. • Faithful defense of the vulnerable aligns us with God’s heart and prepares us for greater responsibility. |
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