What is the meaning of Exodus 2:20? So where is he? • Reuel’s immediate question shows eagerness to locate Moses, the deliverer God has just used to defend his daughters at the well (Exodus 2:17). • Scripture presents Moses not as a random passerby but as a man providentially placed—just as God later positions him before Pharaoh (Exodus 3:1-10). • Reuel’s sense of urgency mirrors God’s own heart that the righteous not be abandoned (Psalm 37:25; John 10:11). • The enquiry underscores accountability: when someone blesses us, we are responsible to respond (Luke 17:17-18). Why did you leave the man behind? • The father gently rebukes the daughters for failing to honor Moses’ kindness, echoing the biblical call to gratitude (Colossians 3:15). • His question highlights hospitality as a covenant value already evident in Abraham’s life (Genesis 18:2-5) and later commanded to Israel (Leviticus 19:34). • It also anticipates the future shepherding role Moses will assume; leaving him behind would ignore divine appointment (Acts 7:35-36). • The incident teaches discernment: notice God-sent helpers and refuse to neglect them (Hebrews 13:2). Invite him to have something to eat. • Reuel moves from inquiry to action, modeling the biblical pattern that love is demonstrated, not merely spoken (1 John 3:18). • A meal signifies covenant fellowship; by feeding Moses, Reuel is welcoming him into his household, prefiguring Moses’ marriage to Zipporah (Exodus 2:21). • Sharing bread often precedes God’s larger redemptive steps—see Joseph’s table with his brothers (Genesis 43:31-34) and Jesus feeding the multitude before teaching (Mark 6:41-42). • The invitation embodies Kingdom hospitality that Jesus will later command: “for I was hungry and you gave Me food” (Matthew 25:35). summary Exodus 2:20 records Reuel’s threefold response that blends urgency, correction, and hospitality. He recognizes God’s intervention through Moses, insists on honoring that grace, and acts tangibly by inviting Moses to a meal. The verse calls believers to discern God-provided helpers, express grateful obedience, and extend covenant hospitality, trusting that such faithfulness aligns with God’s unfolding plan of redemption. |
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