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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/2-17.htm" title="Exodus 2:17">◄</a> Exodus 2:18 <a href="/exodus/2-19.htm" title="Exodus 2:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When the girls returned to Reuel their father, he asked them, &#8220Why have you returned so early today?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the girls returned to Reuel, their father, he asked, “Why are you back so soon today?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When they came home to their father Reuel, he said, “How is it that you have come home so soon today?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the daughters returned to their father Reuel, he asked them, “Why have you returned so early today?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How <i>is it that</i> ye are come so soon to day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When they came to Reuel their father, he said, “How <i>is it that</i> you have come so soon today?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When they came to their father Reuel, he said, “Why have you come <i>back</i> so soon today?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When they came to Reuel their father, he said, &#8220Why have you come back so soon today?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When they came to Reuel their father, he said, “Why have you come <i>back</i> so soon today?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then they came to Reuel their father, and he said, “Why have you come <i>back</i> so soon today?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When they came to Reuel (Jethro) their father, he said, “How is it that you have come back so soon today?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When they returned to their father Reuel, he asked, “Why have you come back so quickly today? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When they returned to their father Reuel he asked, &#8220Why have you come back so quickly today?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to-day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When Jethro's daughters returned home, their father asked, "Why have you come back so early today?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon today?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When they came back to their father Reuel, he asked them, "Why have you come home so early today?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When they returned to their father, he asked, "Why have you come back so early today?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When they returned to their father Reuel, he asked, "Why have you returned so quickly today?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the daughters returned to their father Reuel, he asked them, ?Why have you returned so early today??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So when they came home to their father Reuel, he asked, "Why have you come home so early today?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When they came to Reuel, their father, he said, "How is it that you have returned so early today?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that you are come so soon to day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When they came to Reuel, their father, he said, “How is it that you have returned so early today?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they come to their father Reuel, and he says, “Why have you hurried to come in today?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And they come in to Reuel their father, and he saith, 'Wherefore have ye hastened to come in to-day?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will come to Reuel their father, and he will say, Wherefore hastened ye to come this day?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when they returned to Raguel their father, he said to them: Why are ye come sooner than usual? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when they had returned to their father, Reuel, he said to them, “Why have you arrived sooner than usual?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When they returned to their father Reuel, he said to them, “How is it you have returned so soon today?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When they returned to their father Reuel, he said, “How is it that you have come back so soon today?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when they came to Reuel their father, he said to them, How is it that you have watered the flock so soon today?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they came to Ruil their father, and he asked and said to them, “How did you water so quickly today?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when they came to Reuel their father, he said: 'How is it that ye are come so soon to-day?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they came to Raguel their father; and he said to them, Why have ye come so quickly to-day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=323" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/2.htm">Moses Flees to Midian</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: wat·tā·ḇō·nāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">When the daughters returned</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇî·hen (N-msc:: 3fp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">their father</a> <a href="/hebrew/7467.htm" title="7467: rə·‘ū·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From the same as r'uw and 'el; friend of God; Reuel, the name of Moses' father-in-law, also of an Edomite and an Israelite.">Reuel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he asked them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4069.htm" title="4069: mad·dū·a‘ (Interrog) -- Why? for what reason?. Or madduaa; from mah and the passive participle of yada'; what known?; i.e. why?.">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bō (V-Qal-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">have you returned</a> <a href="/hebrew/4116.htm" title="4116: mi·har·ten (V-Piel-Perf-2fp) -- To hasten. A primitive root; properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e. to hurry; often used adverbially, promptly.">so early</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">today?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>“An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they replied. “He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-29.htm">Genesis 24:29-31</a></span><br />Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he rushed out to the man at the spring. / As soon as he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and heard Rebekah’s words, “The man said this to me,” he went and found the man standing by the camels near the spring. / “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-9.htm">Genesis 29:9-12</a></span><br />While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. / As soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his mother’s brother Laban, with Laban’s sheep, he went up and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. / Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/18-19.htm">Judges 18:19-20</a></span><br />“Be quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?” / So the priest was glad and took the ephod, the household idols, and the graven image, and went with the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/2-19.htm">Ruth 2:19-20</a></span><br />Then her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today, and where did you work? Blessed be the man who noticed you.” So she told her mother-in-law where she had worked. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said. / Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-11.htm">1 Samuel 9:11-13</a></span><br />And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?” / “Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place. / As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-5.htm">1 Samuel 25:5-8</a></span><br />So David sent ten young men and instructed them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel. Greet him in my name / and say to him, ‘Long life to you, and peace to you and to your house and to all that belongs to you. / Now I hear that it is time for shearing. When your shepherds were with us, we did not harass them, and nothing of theirs was missing the whole time they were in Carmel. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-27.htm">2 Samuel 17:27-29</a></span><br />When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. / They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, / honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/17-10.htm">1 Kings 17:10-11</a></span><br />So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8-10</a></span><br />One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/29-11.htm">Job 29:11-16</a></span><br />For those who heard me called me blessed, and those who saw me commended me, / because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. / The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10-31</a></span><br />A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-8.htm">Isaiah 32:8</a></span><br />But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">Matthew 10:40-42</a></span><br />He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. / Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. / And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-38.htm">Luke 10:38-42</a></span><br />As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. / She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. / But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that you are come so soon to day?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1</a></b></br> Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, <i>even</i> to Horeb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18</a></b></br> And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which <i>are</i> in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1-12</a></b></br> When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, <i>and</i> that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt; … </p><p class="hdg">Jethro.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/19-20.htm">Numbers 19:20</a></b></br> But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he <i>is</i> unclean.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/31-55.htm">Early</a> <a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Girls</a> <a href="/genesis/44-11.htm">Hastened</a> <a href="/genesis/45-13.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/genesis/36-17.htm">Reuel</a> <a href="/genesis/36-17.htm">Reu'el</a> <a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Today</a> <a href="/genesis/47-23.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/exodus/2-13.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/8-20.htm">Early</a> <a href="/numbers/31-18.htm">Girls</a> <a href="/exodus/5-13.htm">Hastened</a> <a href="/exodus/9-20.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/numbers/1-14.htm">Reuel</a> <a href="/numbers/2-14.htm">Reu'el</a> <a href="/exodus/9-29.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/exodus/5-14.htm">Today</a> <a href="/exodus/13-4.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/exodus/3-3.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-1.htm">Moses is born, and placed in a basket in the reeds of Nile.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-5.htm">He is found, and brought up by Pharaoh's daughter;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-7.htm">who employs his mother to nurse him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-11.htm">He kills an Egyptian.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-13.htm">He reproves a Hebrew.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">He flees into Midian, and marries Zipporah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-22.htm">Gershom is born.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/2-23.htm">God respects the Israelites' cry.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When the daughters returned to their father Reuel</b><br>Reuel, also known as Jethro, is a priest of Midian. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, his wife after Sarah's death. This connection to Abraham places Reuel within the broader narrative of God's covenant people. The daughters' return to Reuel signifies a familial and cultural structure where daughters were under the authority and protection of their father. This reflects the patriarchal society of the time, where family lineage and leadership were significant.<p><b>he asked them,</b><br>Reuel's inquiry indicates a level of concern and involvement in his daughters' daily activities. It suggests a familial relationship where communication and accountability are valued. This interaction also sets the stage for Moses' introduction to Reuel's family, which will have significant implications for Moses' future.<p><b>“Why have you returned so early today?”</b><br>The question implies that the daughters' early return was unusual, suggesting that their daily tasks, likely related to shepherding, typically took longer. This early return is due to Moses' intervention, where he helped them water their flock. This moment foreshadows Moses' role as a deliverer, as he begins to act in a protective and redemptive capacity, prefiguring his future leadership of the Israelites out of Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/reuel.htm">Reuel</a></b><br>Also known as Jethro, he is the priest of Midian and the father of the seven daughters. Reuel is a significant figure as he later becomes Moses' father-in-law and offers him wise counsel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_daughters_of_reuel.htm">The Daughters of Reuel</a></b><br>They are shepherdesses who tend to their father's flock. Their encounter with Moses at the well is pivotal as it leads to Moses' integration into the Midianite community.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>Though not directly mentioned in this verse, Moses is the central figure in the surrounding account. He has fled Egypt and finds refuge in Midian, where he assists Reuel's daughters.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/midian.htm">Midian</a></b><br>A region where Moses finds refuge after fleeing from Egypt. It is a place of transition and preparation for Moses' future leadership role.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_well.htm">The Well</a></b><br>A common meeting place in ancient times, the well is where Moses defends Reuel's daughters from shepherds, showcasing his protective and just nature.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_providence_in_unexpected_places.htm">Divine Providence in Unexpected Places</a></b><br>God often works in unexpected ways and places. Moses' encounter with Reuel's daughters at the well is a divine appointment that sets the stage for his future role as a leader.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_and_kindness.htm">Hospitality and Kindness</a></b><br>The hospitality shown by Reuel and his family to Moses is a model of kindness and acceptance. As Christians, we are called to extend hospitality to strangers, reflecting God's love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_god's_calling.htm">Preparation for God's Calling</a></b><br>Moses' time in Midian is a period of preparation. God uses seasons of waiting and obscurity to prepare us for His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_and_community_support.htm">Family and Community Support</a></b><br>Reuel's acceptance of Moses into his family highlights the importance of community and family support in fulfilling God's plans.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_seek_advice_from_jethro_after_god.htm">Why would Moses need leadership advice from a non-Israelite (Exodus 18:13–26) after direct guidance from God elsewhere in Exodus? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_jethro_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Jethro in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_angel_raguel.htm">Who is Angel Raguel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_the_purpose_of_dowries.htm">What was the purpose of dowries in biblical marriages?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Reuel their father</span>. Reuel is called "Raguel" in <a href="/numbers/10-29.htm">Numbers 10:29</a>, but the Hebrew spelling is the same in both places. The word means "friend of God," and implies monotheisim. Compare <a href="/exodus/18-9.htm">Exodus 18:9-12</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When [the daughters] returned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתָּבֹ֕אנָה</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tā·ḇō·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their father</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִיהֶ֑ן</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·hen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Reuel,</span><br /><span class="heb">רְעוּאֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(rə·‘ū·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7467.htm">Strong's 7467: </a> </span><span class="str2">Reuel -- 'friend of God', Moses' father-in-law, also an Edomite, a Gadite, and a Benjamite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he asked them,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֕אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">מַדּ֛וּעַ</span> <span class="translit">(mad·dū·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4069.htm">Strong's 4069: </a> </span><span class="str2">Why? for what reason?</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have you returned</span><br /><span class="heb">בֹּ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(bō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so early</span><br /><span class="heb">מִהַרְתֶּ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(mi·har·ten)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4116.htm">Strong's 4116: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">today?”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיּֽוֹם׃</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/2-18.htm">Exodus 2:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/2-18.htm">Exodus 2:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/2-18.htm">Exodus 2:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/2-18.htm">Exodus 2:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/2-18.htm">Exodus 2:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/2-18.htm">Exodus 2:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/2-18.htm">Exodus 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/2-18.htm">Exodus 2:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/2-18.htm">Exodus 2:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/2-18.htm">Exodus 2:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/2-18.htm">OT Law: Exodus 2:18 When they came to Reuel their father (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 2:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>