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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 2:16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father's flock.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/2-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/02_Exo_02_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 2:16 - Moses Flees to Midian" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father's 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'; 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And they came and drew water, and they filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father&#8217s flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came to draw water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to give <i>water</i> to their father’s flock to drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came and drew water [from the well where Moses was resting] and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father&#8217s flock. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />the seven daughters of Jethro, the priest of Midian, came up to water their father's sheep and goats. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />seven daughters of the priest of Midian came. They drew water and filled the troughs to water their father's sheep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the seven daughters of a certain Midianite priest would come to draw water in order to fill water troughs for their father's sheep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now a priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and began to draw water and fill the troughs in order to water their father's flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s 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 to a priest of Midian [are] seven daughters, and they come and draw, and fill the troughs to water the flock of their father,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And to a priest of Midian are seven daughters, and they come and draw, and fill the troughs, to water the flock of their father,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And to the priest of Midian, seven daughters: and they will come and will draw and fill the watering troughs to water the sheep of their father.<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 priest of Madian had seven daughters, who came to draw water: and when the troughs were filled, desired to water their father's flocks. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now there was a priest of Midian with seven daughters, who came to draw water. And having filled the troughs, they desired to water their father’s flocks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came to draw water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Priest of Midian had seven daughters and they were coming and drawing out water and filled the water trough to water the flocks of their father.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the priest of Madiam had seven daughters, feeding the flock of their father Jothor; and they came and drew water until they filled their pitchers, to water the flock of their father Jothor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/2-16.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=308" 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">15</span>When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: ū·lə·ḵō·hên (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">Now the priest</a> <a href="/hebrew/4080.htm" title="4080: miḏ·yān (N-proper-ms) -- The same as midyan; Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and his descendants.">of Midian</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: še·ḇa‘ (Number-fs) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">had seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: bā·nō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">daughters,</a> <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.">and they came</a> <a href="/hebrew/1802.htm" title="1802: wat·tiḏ·le·nāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp) -- A primitive root; properly, to dangle, i.e. To let down a bucket; figuratively, to deliver.">to draw water</a> <a href="/hebrew/4390.htm" title="4390: wat·tə·mal·le·nāh (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fp) -- To be full, to fill. Or malae; a primitive root, to fill or be full of, in a wide application.">and fill</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/7298.htm" title="7298: hā·rə·hā·ṭîm (Art:: N-mp) -- From an unused root apparently meaning to hollow out; a channel or watering-box; by resemblance a ringlet of hair.">the troughs</a> <a href="/hebrew/8248.htm" title="8248: lə·haš·qō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- Cause to drink water, give to drink. A primitive root; to quaff, i.e. to irrigate or furnish a potion to.">to water</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’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣōn (N-csc) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">flock.</a> </span><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.…<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/29-2.htm">Genesis 29:2-10</a></span><br />He looked and saw a well in the field, and near it lay three flocks of sheep, because the sheep were watered from this well. And a large stone covered the mouth of the well. / When all the flocks had been gathered there, the shepherds would roll away the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well. / “My brothers,” Jacob asked the shepherds, “where are you from?” “We are from Haran,” they answered. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/10-29.htm">Numbers 10:29-32</a></span><br />Then Moses said to Hobab, the son of Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said: ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.” / “I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.” / “Please do not leave us,” Moses said, “since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Judges 1:16</a></span><br />Now the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, the Kenite, went up with the men of Judah from the City of Palms to the Wilderness of Judah in the Negev near Arad. They went to live among the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/4-11.htm">Judges 4:11</a></span><br />Now Heber the Kenite had moved away from the Kenites, the descendants of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, and had pitched his tent by the great tree of Zaanannim, which was near Kedesh.<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_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/2-19.htm">2 Kings 2:19-22</a></span><br />Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please note, our lord, that the city’s location is good, as you can see. But the water is bad and the land is unfruitful.” / “Bring me a new bowl,” he replied, “and put some salt in it.” So they brought it to him, / and Elisha went out to the spring, cast the salt into it, and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/12-3.htm">Isaiah 12:3</a></span><br />With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-20.htm">Isaiah 32:20</a></span><br />Blessed are those who sow beside abundant waters, who let the ox and donkey range freely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-7.htm">John 4:7-14</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="/john/7-37.htm">John 7:37-38</a></span><br />On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. / Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-29.htm">Acts 7:29</a></span><br />At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons.<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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-4.htm">1 Corinthians 10:4</a></span><br />and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.</p><p class="hdg">the priest.</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="/genesis/14-18.htm">Genesis 14:18</a></b></br> And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he <i>was</i> the priest of the most high God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/41-45.htm">Genesis 41:45</a></b></br> And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over <i>all</i> the land of Egypt.</p><p class="hdg">they came.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-11.htm">Genesis 24:11,14-20</a></b></br> And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, <i>even</i> the time that women go out to draw <i>water</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/29-6.htm">Genesis 29:6-10</a></b></br> And he said unto them, <i>Is</i> he well? And they said, <i>He is</i> well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/9-11.htm">1 Samuel 9:11</a></b></br> <i>And</i> as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/49-22.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/genesis/33-6.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/exodus/2-10.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/genesis/50-22.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/44-1.htm">Fill</a> <a href="/exodus/1-7.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/genesis/50-8.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/genesis/46-20.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/genesis/50-10.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/genesis/30-41.htm">Troughs</a> <a href="/exodus/2-10.htm">Water</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/2-20.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/exodus/3-5.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/exodus/2-19.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/exodus/6-14.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/exodus/10-6.htm">Fill</a> <a href="/exodus/8-21.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/exodus/2-17.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/exodus/6-16.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/exodus/8-3.htm">Troughs</a> <a href="/exodus/2-19.htm">Water</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>Now the priest of Midian</b><br>The term "priest" indicates a religious leader, suggesting that Midian had its own religious practices. Midian was a region located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through his wife Keturah (<a href="/genesis/25.htm">Genesis 25:1-2</a>), indicating a shared ancestry with the Israelites. This connection may have influenced Moses' later acceptance in Midian. The priest's role could imply a position of respect and authority within the community.<p><b>had seven daughters</b><br>The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. The mention of seven daughters highlights the priest's family structure and may suggest a sense of divine providence or blessing. In a patriarchal society, daughters were often involved in domestic and agricultural duties, as seen here.<p><b>and they came to draw water</b><br>Drawing water was a common task for women in ancient times, reflecting the daily life and responsibilities of women in pastoral societies. Wells were central to community life, serving as places of social interaction and essential resources for survival. This scene sets the stage for Moses' encounter with the daughters, which leads to his integration into Midianite society.<p><b>and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock</b><br>This phrase indicates the daughters' role in tending to the family's livestock, a vital economic activity. The act of watering the flock demonstrates their industriousness and responsibility. It also foreshadows Moses' future role as a shepherd, both literally in Midian and metaphorically as the leader of Israel. The imagery of shepherding is a recurring biblical theme, often associated with leadership and care, and is later used to describe Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/priest_of_midian.htm">Priest of Midian</a></b><br>This refers to Jethro (also known as Reuel), who is a significant figure in Moses' life. He is a priest, indicating a position of spiritual and social leadership in Midian.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/seven_daughters.htm">Seven Daughters</a></b><br>These daughters are responsible for tending to their father's flock, showcasing the role of women in pastoral societies. One of these daughters, Zipporah, later becomes Moses' wife.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/midian.htm">Midian</a></b><br>A region located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is significant as a place of refuge for Moses after fleeing Egypt.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/drawing_water.htm">Drawing Water</a></b><br>This event highlights the daily life and responsibilities of women in ancient times, as well as the importance of water as a resource.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/flock.htm">Flock</a></b><br>The flock represents wealth and sustenance, crucial for survival in a pastoral society.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_women_in_scripture.htm">Role of Women in Scripture</a></b><br>The daughters of the priest of Midian are active participants in their community, highlighting the value and contribution of women in biblical accounts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_providence.htm">Divine Providence</a></b><br>Moses' arrival in Midian and his subsequent meeting with Jethro's daughters is a demonstration of God's providence and preparation for his future leadership role.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_and_service.htm">Hospitality and Service</a></b><br>The act of drawing water and caring for the flock reflects the biblical virtues of hospitality and service, which are central to Christian living.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_preparation.htm">God's Preparation</a></b><br>Just as Moses was prepared in Midian for his future role, God often uses our current circumstances to prepare us for future purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_relationships.htm">Community and Relationships</a></b><br>The interaction at the well underscores the importance of community and relationships in God's plan, as Moses' connection with Jethro's family becomes pivotal 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/who_was_moses'_father-in-law.htm">Who was Moses' father-in-law?</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/who_was_jethro_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Jethro in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_humble_yourself_before_god.htm">What is the summary of the Exodus from Egypt?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">The priest of Midian.</span>--Reuel may have been both "priest" and "prince," like Melchizedek (<a href="/genesis/14-18.htm" title="And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.">Genesis 14:18</a>); but there is no reason to doubt that he is here called "priest." In <a href="/exodus/18-12.htm" title="And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.">Exodus 18:12</a>, Jethro is represented as exercising priestly functions. The Midianites, descendants of Abraham by Keturah, worshipped the true God, and seem to have been at this time a religious people. The name Reuel, or Raguel, means "friend of God." Jethro's sacrifices were "for God," and Aaron and the elders eat bread with him "before God."<p><span class= "bld">They came and drew water.</span>--Comp. <a href="/genesis/29-9.htm" title="And while he yet spoke with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep; for she kept them.">Genesis 29:9</a>. According to Oriental ideas, there is nothing derogatory in the daughters of a chief so acting.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 16-22.</span> - LIFE OF MOSES IN MIDIAN. Fugitives from Egypt generally took the northern route from Pelusium or Migdol to Gaza, and so to Syria, or the regions beyond. But in this quarter they were liable to be arrested and sent back to the Egyptian monarch. Rameses II: put a special clause to this effect into his treaty with the contemporary Hittite king (Brugsch, 'History of Egypt,' vol. 2 p. 73). It was, perhaps, the fear of extradition which made Moses turn his steps southeastward, and proceed along the route, or at any rate in the direction, which he afterwards took with his nation. Though Egypt had possessions in the Sinaitic peninsula, it was not difficult to avoid them; and before Sinai was reached the fugitive would be in complete safety, for the Egyptians seem never to have penetrated to the southern or eastern parts of the great triangle. "The well," by which Moses took up his abode, is placed with some probability in the neighbourhood of Sherm, about ten miles north-east of Ras Mahommed, the southern cape of the peninsula <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The priest of Midian</span>. <span class="accented">Cohen</span> is certainly "priest" here, and not "prince," since the father-in-law of Moses exercises priestly functions in <a href="/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12</a>. His seven daughters drew water for his flock, in accordance with Eastern custom. So Rachel "kept the sheep" of her father Laban, and watered them (<a href="/genesis/29-9.htm">Genesis 29:9</a>). Such a practice agrees well with the simplicity of primitive times and peoples; nor would it even at the present day be regarded as strange in Arabia. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/2-16.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">Now the priest</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְכֹהֵ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·ḵō·hên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Midian</span><br /><span class="heb">מִדְיָ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(miḏ·yān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4080.htm">Strong's 4080: </a> </span><span class="str2">Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled </span><br /><br /><span class="word">had seven</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֣בַע</span> <span class="translit">(še·ḇa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">daughters,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּנ֑וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bā·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> </span><span class="str2">A daughter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and they came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתָּבֹ֣אנָה</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 draw water</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּדְלֶ֗נָה</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tiḏ·le·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_1802.htm">Strong's 1802: </a> </span><span class="str2">To dangle, to let down a, bucket, to deliver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and fill</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתְּמַלֶּ֙אנָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tə·mal·le·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4390.htm">Strong's 4390: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fill, be full of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the troughs</span><br /><span class="heb">הָ֣רְהָטִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rə·hā·ṭîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7298.htm">Strong's 7298: </a> </span><span class="str2">A channel, watering-box, ringlet of hair</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to water</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהַשְׁק֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lə·haš·qō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<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 father’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִיהֶֽן׃</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">flock.</span><br /><span class="heb">צֹ֥אן</span> <span class="translit">(ṣōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<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/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">OT Law: Exodus 2:16 Now the priest of Midian had seven (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/2-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 2:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 2:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/2-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 2:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 2:17" /></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>