Topical Encyclopedia Background and Context:Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and receiving the Ten Commandments from God. Before these monumental events, Moses experienced a period of exile in Midian, a region located east of the Sinai Peninsula. This period of his life is pivotal, marking a transition from his Egyptian upbringing to his role as a shepherd and eventual leader of the Israelites. Scriptural Account: The account of Moses at the well in Midian is found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 2:15-22. After fleeing Egypt to escape the wrath of Pharaoh for killing an Egyptian, Moses arrives in Midian. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this episode as follows: "When Pharaoh heard about this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well." (Exodus 2:15) Encounter at the Well: While sitting by the well, Moses encounters the seven daughters of Reuel (also known as Jethro), the priest of Midian. These women come to draw water for their father's flock but are driven away by shepherds. Demonstrating his sense of justice and protective nature, Moses intervenes: "But some shepherds came along and drove them away. So Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock." (Exodus 2:17) This act of kindness and bravery not only aids the daughters but also establishes Moses' character as a defender of the oppressed, a theme that resonates throughout his life. Integration into Midianite Life: Impressed by Moses' actions, Reuel invites him to stay with his family. Moses accepts the invitation, and this marks the beginning of his integration into Midianite life. He eventually marries Zipporah, one of Reuel's daughters, and they have a son named Gershom: "Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. And she bore him a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, 'I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.'" (Exodus 2:21-22) Significance: Moses' time in Midian is significant for several reasons. It serves as a period of preparation and transformation. During these years, Moses transitions from a prince of Egypt to a humble shepherd, learning the skills and gaining the experiences necessary for his future leadership role. His marriage to Zipporah and his relationship with Jethro also provide him with familial support and wisdom, which prove invaluable in his later endeavors. Furthermore, this episode highlights God's providence and preparation. Even in exile, Moses is being shaped for his divine mission. The well in Midian becomes a place of divine appointment, where Moses' journey towards becoming the deliverer of Israel begins. Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms |