What can we learn from the priest of Midian's daughters' actions in Exodus 2:16? Setting the Scene “Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.” (Exodus 2:16) What the Daughters Actually Did • Walked to the well together • Drew water—no small task in a desert climate • Filled multiple troughs, not just buckets • Provided for their father’s flock before tending to themselves Character Traits on Display • Responsibility—They cared for the family’s livelihood without waiting to be told. • Diligence—Drawing and hauling enough water for an entire flock required steady effort. • Initiative—They “came” and acted; Scripture records no prompting. • Teamwork—Seven sisters worked in harmony, finishing a demanding chore efficiently. • Honor—Their labor directly benefited their father, reflecting the fifth commandment’s call to honor parents (Exodus 20:12). Lessons for Today • Faithful service in ordinary tasks pleases God. Colossians 3:23–24: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” • Family duties are spiritual duties. First Timothy 5:8 warns that failing to provide for one’s household denies the faith. • Humble work is kingdom work. Jesus commends servants who are “faithful over a few things” (Matthew 25:21). • Cooperation among believers accomplishes more than isolated effort (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 31:13–17—The virtuous woman “works with willing hands” and “strengthens her arms.” • Ruth 2:17—Ruth gleaned “about an ephah of barley,” demonstrating similar diligence. • Philippians 2:4—“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Putting It into Practice 1. Identify one routine task you typically avoid; tackle it wholeheartedly this week. 2. Serve your family or church in a behind-the-scenes role, expecting no applause. 3. Cultivate teamwork—invite others to join you in a necessary duty, modeling cooperation. Why It Matters The daughters of the priest of Midian remind us that God records and values everyday faithfulness. Their simple act of drawing water prepared the stage for Moses’ arrival and, ultimately, Israel’s deliverance. Ordinary obedience today can position us for God’s extraordinary purposes tomorrow. |
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