"An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds," they replied. "He even drew water for us and watered the flock." “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,”Moses was identified with Egypt because he had been raised in Pharaoh’s household and bore the appearance and manner of an Egyptian. Though fleeing Egypt as a fugitive after striking down the Egyptian taskmaster, he still intervened when shepherds drove away Reuel’s daughters at the well. The man who had defended an oppressed Israelite now defended vulnerable Midianite women, revealing the righteous concern that would mark his calling as Israel’s deliverer. Ezk 34:11-12 For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Behold, I Myself… they replied. Reuel’s daughters reported the unusual event to their father, the priest of Midian. Midian lay east of the Sinai region and was inhabited by descendants of Abraham through Keturah. Their account prepared the way for Moses to find refuge, family, and a long season of preparation far from Egypt. Gen 24:50-51 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD;…… “He even drew water for us Moses did more than drive away the aggressors. He humbly took up the labor of drawing water, a task ordinarily performed by the women themselves. His service displayed a willingness to use strength for the good of others, anticipating the shepherd-leadership God would later entrust to him. Water would repeatedly accompany Moses’ ministry, from the waters of the Nile to the provision from the rock in the wilderness. Gen 24:17-20 So the servant ran to meet her and said… and watered the flock.” Moses provided for the daughters’ animals as well as their immediate safety. In a pastoral society, flocks represented a family’s livelihood and survival. The care shown at the well points ahead to Moses’ later responsibility for a people often described as God’s flock, and ultimately to the Lord’s faithful shepherding of His people. Gen 29:2-10 He looked and saw a well in the field, and near it… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesAt this point in the account, Moses is living in Midian after fleeing Egypt. He is identified as an Egyptian by the daughters of Reuel because of his appearance and possibly his mannerisms. 2. Daughters of Reuel These are the daughters of the priest of Midian, who encounter Moses at the well. They are responsible for tending their father's flock. 3. Shepherds These are the local shepherds who were harassing the daughters of Reuel, preventing them from watering their flock. 4. Midian A region where Moses finds refuge after fleeing from Egypt. It is here that he begins a new chapter in his life. 5. The Well A central location in this event, where Moses intervenes to help the daughters of Reuel, showcasing his character and foreshadowing his future role as a deliverer. Teaching Points God's PreparationMoses' time in Midian was a period of preparation. God often uses seemingly mundane or difficult circumstances to prepare us for future purposes. Courage and Justice Moses' intervention at the well demonstrates courage and a sense of justice. As Christians, we are called to stand up for what is right, even when it is inconvenient or risky. Identity and Perception The daughters of Reuel identify Moses as an Egyptian, highlighting how our outward appearance or past can influence how others perceive us. However, God sees our true identity and potential. Service to Others Moses' act of drawing water for the flock is a reminder of the importance of serving others selflessly, reflecting Christ's example of servanthood. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' action at the well reflect his character and foreshadow his future role as a leader and deliverer?2. In what ways does God use our past experiences and circumstances to prepare us for His purposes, as seen in Moses' life? 3. How can we demonstrate courage and a sense of justice in our daily lives, following Moses' example at the well? 4. What are some ways we can serve others selflessly in our communities, and how does this reflect the teachings of Jesus? 5. How does the perception of others about our identity compare to how God sees us, and how can we align our self-perception with God's view? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush occurs shortly after this event, marking the beginning of his mission to deliver Israel from Egypt. Acts 7:29-30 Stephen recounts Moses' flight to Midian and his subsequent life there, providing a New Testament perspective on Moses' time in Midian. Genesis 24:11-20 The account of Rebekah at the well, where she draws water for Abraham's servant and his camels, parallels the hospitality and service seen in the account of Moses and the daughters of Reuel. People Gershom, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Levi, Moses, Pharaoh, Reuel, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Midian, Nile RiverTopics Abundantly, Delivered, Diligently, Drawn, Drew, Egyptian, Flock, Got, Keepers, Moreover, Rescued, Sheep, Shepherds, Watered, WaterethDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 2:18-20Library The Ark among the Flags'And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 5. And the daughter of Pharaoh came … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Home as a Stewardship. The Upbringing of Jewish Children The Secret of Its Greatness Motives to Holy Mourning The Faith of Moses. Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee. Consolations against Impatience in Sickness. Man's Misery by the Fall Genealogy According to Luke. Adoption Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology. John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. Exodus Links Exodus 2:19 NIVExodus 2:19 NLT Exodus 2:19 ESV Exodus 2:19 NASB Exodus 2:19 KJV Exodus 2:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |