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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 2:17 And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/2-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/02_Exo_02_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 2:17 - Moses Flees to Midian" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/2-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/2-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.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/2-16.htm" title="Exodus 2:16">◄</a> Exodus 2:17 <a href="/exodus/2-18.htm" title="Exodus 2:18">►</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 />Some shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But some other shepherds came and chased them away. So Moses jumped up and rescued the girls from the shepherds. Then he drew water for their flocks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses rose up and saved them and gave <i>water</i> to their flock to drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then some shepherds arrived and drove them away, but Moses came to their rescue and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then some shepherds arrived and drove them away, but Moses came to their rescue and watered their flock. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Some shepherds tried to chase them away, but Moses came to their rescue and watered their animals. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But some shepherds came and chased them away. So Moses got up, came to their defense, and then watered their sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But some shepherds drove Jethro's daughters away. Then Moses went to their rescue and watered their animals for them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Some shepherds came to drive them away, but Moses got up, came to their rescue, and watered their sheep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When some shepherds came and drove them away, Moses came up and defended them and then watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and drew water for them, and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the shepherds come and drive them away, and Moses arises, and saves them, and waters their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the shepherds come and drive them away, and Moses ariseth, and saveth them, and watereth their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the shepherds will come, and will expel them: and Moses will rise up and help them, and will water their sheep.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the shepherds came and drove them away: and Moses arose, and defending the maids, watered their sheep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The shepherds overcame them and drove them away. And Moses rose up, and defending the girls, he watered their sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But shepherds came and drove them away. So Moses rose up in their defense and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But some shepherds came and drove them away. Moses got up and came to their defense and watered their flock.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses rose up and rescued them, and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shepherds were coming and chasing them away, and Moshe arose and he saved them and he gave drink to their flocks.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the shepherds came, and were driving them away; and Moses rose up and rescued them, and drew water for them, and watered their sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/2-17.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=316" 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">16</span>Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: hā·rō·‘îm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">And when some shepherds</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came along</a> <a href="/hebrew/1644.htm" title="1644: way·ḡā·rə·šūm (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp:: 3mp) -- To drive out, cast out. A primitive root; to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce.">and drove them away,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">rose up</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: way·yō·wō·ši·‘ān (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3fp) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">to help them</a> <a href="/hebrew/8248.htm" title="8248: way·yašq (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Cause to drink water, give to drink. A primitive root; to quaff, i.e. to irrigate or furnish a potion to.">and watered</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣō·nām (N-fsc:: 3mp) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">their flock.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>When the daughters returned to their father Reuel, he asked them, “Why have you returned so early today?”…<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/24-11.htm">Genesis 24:11-20</a></span><br />As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at the time when the women went out to draw water. / “O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. / Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-10.htm">Genesis 29:10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/20-17.htm">Numbers 20:17-19</a></span><br />Please let us pass through your land. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.” / But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.” / “We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a></span><br />He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-2.htm">Isaiah 32:2</a></span><br />Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a></span><br />Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3-4</a></span><br />Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8-9</a></span><br />Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.<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/10-30.htm">Luke 10:30-37</a></span><br />Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. / Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. / So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-7.htm">John 4:7-10</a></span><br />When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” / (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) / “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-24.htm">Acts 7:24</a></span><br />And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></span><br />Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.</p><p class="hdg">shepherds.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/21-25.htm">Genesis 21:25</a></b></br> And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-15.htm">Genesis 26:15-22</a></b></br> For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth… </p><p class="hdg">watered.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/2-12.htm">Exodus 2:12</a></b></br> And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that <i>there was</i> no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/29-10.htm">Genesis 29:10</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/32-26.htm">Ariseth</a> <a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Drive</a> <a href="/genesis/49-7.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/genesis/33-8.htm">Drove</a> <a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/exodus/1-16.htm">Help</a> <a href="/revelation/12-16.htm">Helped</a> <a href="/genesis/47-3.htm">Keepers</a> <a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Rescue</a> <a href="/genesis/46-5.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-17.htm">Saveth</a> <a href="/genesis/47-17.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/genesis/47-3.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/exodus/2-4.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/genesis/29-10.htm">Watered</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-8.htm">Watereth</a> <a href="/genesis/30-38.htm">Watering</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/13-1.htm">Ariseth</a> <a href="/exodus/6-1.htm">Drive</a> <a href="/exodus/5-13.htm">Driving</a> <a href="/exodus/10-19.htm">Drove</a> <a href="/exodus/2-19.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/exodus/2-19.htm">Help</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-12.htm">Helped</a> <a href="/exodus/2-19.htm">Keepers</a> <a href="/exodus/2-21.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-27.htm">Rescue</a> <a href="/exodus/2-23.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/exodus/14-30.htm">Saveth</a> <a href="/exodus/2-19.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/exodus/2-19.htm">Shepherds</a> <a href="/exodus/5-19.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/exodus/2-19.htm">Watered</a> <a href="/exodus/2-19.htm">Watereth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-10.htm">Watering</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>And when some shepherds came along and drove them away</b><br>In the ancient Near East, shepherding was a common occupation, and wells were vital for watering flocks. Conflicts over water rights were frequent, as seen in <a href="/genesis/26-20.htm">Genesis 26:20-22</a> with Isaac's wells. The shepherds' actions reflect a disregard for social justice, as they exploit their strength to oppress the daughters of Reuel, a Midianite priest. This incident highlights the vulnerability of women in ancient societies and sets the stage for Moses' intervention, which aligns with God's concern for justice and protection of the oppressed, as seen throughout Scripture (e.g., <a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3-4</a>).<p><b>Moses rose up to help them</b><br>Moses' actions here foreshadow his future role as a deliverer of Israel. His willingness to stand against injustice and protect the vulnerable is a precursor to his leadership in liberating the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This act of courage and justice aligns with the character of God, who often raises leaders to defend the oppressed (<a href="/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16</a>). Moses' intervention is also a type of Christ, who stands as the ultimate deliverer and protector of His people (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>).<p><b>and watered their flock</b><br>By watering the flock, Moses not only provides immediate relief but also demonstrates servant leadership, a quality that will define his future role. This act of service is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching on leadership, where the greatest must be a servant (<a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a>). The imagery of water is significant throughout the Bible, symbolizing life, cleansing, and the Holy Spirit (<a href="/john/4-14.htm">John 4:14</a>, <a href="/john/7-38.htm">John 7:38-39</a>). Moses' actions here can be seen as a reflection of God's provision and care for His people, a theme that will be evident in the wilderness wanderings when God provides water from the rock (<a href="/exodus/17-6.htm">Exodus 17:6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>A Hebrew by birth, raised in Pharaoh's palace, who later becomes a central figure in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. In this verse, he acts as a protector and helper.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/shepherds.htm">Shepherds</a></b><br>These are local men who attempt to drive away the daughters of Reuel, showing a lack of respect and justice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/daughters_of_reuel.htm">Daughters of Reuel</a></b><br>They are the daughters of the priest of Midian, who come to water their father's flock. Their encounter with Moses leads to his integration into their family.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/midian.htm">Midian</a></b><br>A region where Moses flees after leaving Egypt. It is here that he encounters Reuel's daughters and begins a new chapter in his life.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/reuel.htm">Reuel (Jethro)</a></b><br>The priest of Midian and father of the daughters. He later becomes Moses' father-in-law.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_injustice.htm">Courage in the Face of Injustice</a></b><br>Moses' actions demonstrate the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it involves personal risk.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/servant_leadership.htm">Servant Leadership</a></b><br>Moses exemplifies servant leadership by taking action to help those in need, a model for Christian leadership today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_preparation.htm">God's Preparation</a></b><br>This event is part of God's preparation of Moses for his future role. God often uses everyday situations to prepare us for His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_and_community.htm">Hospitality and Community</a></b><br>The daughters' acceptance of Moses into their family highlights the importance of hospitality and community in God's plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_appointments.htm">Divine Appointments</a></b><br>Moses' encounter with the daughters of Reuel was not by chance but a divine appointment that led to significant developments in his life.<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/what_defines_critical_race_theory.htm">What is Mount Horeb's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_house_dedication.htm">What is the biblical significance of shepherds?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_moses'_wife,_zipporah.htm">Who was Zipporah, Moses' wife, in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_pastoral_counseling.htm">What is pastoral counseling?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">The shepherds came.</span>--Those of the neighbourhood. The rule of the desert is that those who come to a well take their turns in the use of the water in the order of their arrival. But these rude shepherds declined to wait for their turn. It appears later on, by the question of Reuel, "How is it that ye are come so soon to-day?" that this rude and unfair conduct of the shepherds was habitual.<p><span class= "bld">Moses stood up and helped them.</span>--Moses is again the champion of the oppressed, but has learnt wisdom by the past, and uses no unnecessary violence. His air and manner intimidated the wrong-doers, and they allowed the maidens sheep to be watered first.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The shepherds came and drove them away</span>. There is not much "natural politeness" among primitive peoples. The right of the stronger prevails, and women go to the wall. Even the daughters of their priest were not respected by these rude sons of the desert, who would not wait their turn, but used the water which Reners daughters had drawn. The context shows that this was not an accidental or occasional circumstance, but the regular practice of the shepherds, who thus day after day saved themselves the trouble of drawing. (See the next verse.) <span class="cmt_word">Moses stood up and helped them</span>. Ever ready to assist the weak against the strong (supra, vers. 12, 13), Moses "stood up" - sprang to his feet - and, though only one man against a dozen or a score, by his determined air intimidated the crowd of wrong-doers, and forced them to let the maidens' sheep drink at the troughs. His dress was probably that of an Egyptian of rank; and they might reasonably conclude from his boldness that he had attendants within call. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/2-17.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">And when some shepherds</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֹעִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rō·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came along</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine 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">and drove them away,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְגָרְשׁ֑וּם</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḡā·rə·šūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1644.htm">Strong's 1644: </a> </span><span class="str2">To drive out from a, possession, to expatriate, divorce</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁה֙</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stood up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֤קָם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·qām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and came to their rescue</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיּ֣וֹשִׁעָ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·wō·ši·‘ān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and watered</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֖שְׁקְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yašq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8248.htm">Strong's 8248: </a> </span><span class="str2">To quaff, to irrigate, furnish a, potion to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their flock.</span><br /><span class="heb">צֹאנָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣō·nām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/2-17.htm">Exodus 2:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/2-17.htm">Exodus 2:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/2-17.htm">Exodus 2:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/2-17.htm">Exodus 2:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/2-17.htm">Exodus 2:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/2-17.htm">Exodus 2:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/2-17.htm">Exodus 2:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/2-17.htm">Exodus 2:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/2-17.htm">Exodus 2:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/2-17.htm">Exodus 2:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/2-17.htm">OT Law: Exodus 2:17 The shepherds came and drove them away (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/2-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 2:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 2:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/2-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 2:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 2:18" /></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>