“And he said, “An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and he also drew enough water for us and watered the flock.” – Exodus 2:20
Exodus 2:20 Meaning
In this verse, we see an encounter between Moses and the daughters of the priest of Midian. Moses had recently fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew. At this moment, Moses intervenes on behalf of these women who were being harassed by shepherds at a well. His actions reveal his character as someone who stands up for justice and helps those in need. This act of kindness does not only reflect on Moses but foreshadows the role he later assumes as a leader of the Hebrew people during the Exodus.
The phrase, “An Egyptian delivered us,” indicates that the daughters perceived Moses as an Egyptian, which highlights the confusion surrounding his identity at that time. Although he was born a Hebrew, he had been raised in Pharaoh’s palace and likely looked different from the Hebrews who were enslaved in Egypt. This emphasizes the duality of Moses’ identity and sets the stage for his journey of self-discovery and mission fulfillment later on.
Exodus 2:20 Commentary and Explanation
This verse provides us with a glimpse into Moses’s character traits. He exhibits bravery by stepping in to help when he sees injustice occur. Standing up to the shepherds who were causing trouble demonstrates his willingness to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. This characteristic is crucial as we see it exemplified throughout the remainder of Moses’s life.
It is also interesting to note that Moses’s act of drawing water for the daughters takes place at a well, a setting that holds significant meaning throughout the Bible. Wells are often places of meeting, provision, and sustenance, both physically and spiritually. In the context of Exodus 2:20, it signifies that Moses was meeting real human needs, displaying both servant leadership and compassion.
By helping the daughters, Moses not only provides physical assistance but demonstrates the values that God seeks in his future leaders. His moderation and selflessness become profoundly important as he later leads the Israelites out of slavery. In this moment, we see Moses stepping into a role of protector, which becomes a vital part of his identity as a leader of the Hebrew nation.
God often uses ordinary acts of kindness to prepare us for a greater purpose. Moses did not realize that this moment of standing up at the well would lead him to a much larger calling. Helping others is sometimes God’s way of preparing us for future work. When we help others in need, we may be acting in alignment with God’s plan without even knowing it.
Historical and Literary Context of Exodus 2:20
The historical context of Exodus 2:20 is significant as it takes place during a time of great tension between the Egyptians and the Hebrews. The Hebrews were enslaved and oppressed under the Egyptian Pharaoh’s regime. Moses was born into this oppression but grew up with privilege in Pharaoh’s palace.
This verse shows a transitional moment in Moses’s life. He has just fled Egypt after killing a man and is now in a foreign land. Midian is located to the east of Egypt, and the Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, making Moses’s encounter with them a part of a larger narrative of God’s unfolding plan for His people. These encounters set the course for Moses to become a pivotal figure in God’s plan for the Hebrews.
This moment is significant both in its immediate occurrence and in its larger narrative arc. It is at this well where Moses begins his transformation from a fugitive to a leader. The well itself represents a place of sustenance, preparation, and new beginnings, akin to how we prepare our hearts during a time of prayer or when we reach out to others in need.
Literarily, this encounter also sets the tone for Moses’s character development. As readers, we witness the early signs of his qualities, such as courage, compassion, and urging for justice. These traits carry him through the trials and revelations that he will face throughout the Exodus story.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 2:20
1. “An Egyptian delivered us”
When the daughters of Jethro refer to Moses as “an Egyptian,” it signifies their limited understanding of who he truly is. This label speaks volumes about how Moses’s true identity was obscured due to his upbringing. We can draw parallels between this idea and how our identities may sometimes be misconstrued by others based on external appearances.
2. “From the hand of the shepherds”
This part highlights the conflict that was occurring. The shepherds were abusing their power, taking advantage of the women. It showcases a significant aspect of humanity: standing up against oppression and injustice, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible.
3. “And he also drew enough water for us”
This shows the practical help Moses offered. He did not just intervene; he addressed their need directly and took action, demonstrating that helping others often means being willing to get your hands dirty and putting in the work required.
Theological Significance of Exodus 2:20
This verse holds deep theological significance, as it hints at the protagonist of a larger narrative of deliverance. It is a moment that seemingly appears ordinary but is rich with meaning. The deliverance of Moses and his future role aligns with God’s plan to save the Israelites from slavery. This is a powerful theme throughout Scripture, where God uses unlikely circumstances and people to fulfill His purposes.
Moreover, the act of Moses drawing water from the well can symbolize spiritual nourishment. Just like Moses provided for the daughters, God provides for us in ways we often do not recognize until later. God meets us at our points of need and uses those situations to prepare us for the greater purposes He has in store.
Furthermore, the spiritual implications also extend to the relationships that develop between people. When we extend help to others, we build connections that often lead to greater blessings in our lives and theirs. Moses’s act of kindness at the well would ensure him a place in Jethro’s family, which in turn would position him later to lead the Israelites on a path of redemption and freedom.
Exodus 2:20 Cross-References and Related Verses
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
This verse highlights the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans.
Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse emphasizes that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ even when it requires personal sacrifice.
1 Peter 5:2
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.” – 1 Peter 5:2
This verse aligns with the theme of serving others while highlighting the role of leadership. Just as Moses stood up for others, we are called to be shepherds in our communities, tending to those in need.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
This verse reinforces the notion that helping others is a directive from God. Just as Moses aids the daughters, we are invited to assist each other, offering compassion and kindness.
Practical Application of Exodus 2:20
1. Stand Up Against Injustice
Just as Moses did, we, too, must take a stand against any injustice we encounter. Whether it is bullying, discrimination, or any form of oppression, we are called to be advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves.
2. Show Kindness Every Day
Simple acts of kindness, like helping someone in need, feed not only their physical appetite but also nurture relationships. Our actions at the moment might seem small, but they can lead to profound connections.
3. Embrace Your Identity
Just as Moses struggled with who he was as a Hebrew raised in Pharaoh’s palace, we can embrace our own complex identities. We must not allow our past or external labels to define our possibilities. God has a purpose for each of us.
4. Seek Opportunities to Serve
Look for opportunities to serve others in our community. This may look like volunteering, simply offering to help a neighbor, or being there for a friend during difficult times.
5. Remember God’s Provision
When we recognize how God provides for us, we grow in gratitude. Let these moments encourage us to share our provisions with others and give thanks for their presence in our lives.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on Exodus 2:20
Reflecting on Exodus 2:20 brings us closer to understanding how God can use ordinary acts of kindness to shape our paths. Moses did not know that his actions would lead him to freedom and leadership. We, too, may not fully understand the impact of our actions today, but we can remain faithful in serving others.
Let us be encouraged that every little kindness matters. When we step in to help someone, we reflect the love of Christ and sow seeds of hope into the lives of those we serve. Even in the midst of fears or confusion about our identities, we can trust that God knows our hearts and has placed us precisely where we need to be to fulfill His purpose.
May we always remember to encourage one another in our journey, pulling together to lift others up as Moses did by the well.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 2:20 encapsulates a moment of profound significance for Moses and serves to remind us of our potential to make an impact on others through acts of kindness. The narrative sets us on a trajectory of growth, compassion, and a realization that God can and will use our simple efforts for His greater purpose. In each of our lives, there are wells of opportunities waiting for us to extend our hands and hearts. Let us be ready to draw from these wells and serve others as we journey on, guided by love and compassion.
As we continue on this journey, let’s explore more enlightening topics like Psalms 116:1-7 to deepen our faith and understanding. Each step we take brings us closer to our purpose.