Exodus 2:18
And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?
Original Language Analysis
בֹּ֖א
And when they came
H935
בֹּ֖א
And when they came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 9
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
רְעוּאֵ֖ל
to Reuel
H7467
רְעוּאֵ֖ל
to Reuel
Strong's:
H7467
Word #:
3 of 9
reuel, the name of moses' father-in-law, also of an edomite and an israelite
אֲבִיהֶ֑ן
their father
H1
אֲבִיהֶ֑ן
their father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 9
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
מַדּ֛וּעַ
How
H4069
מַדּ֛וּעַ
How
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
6 of 9
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
מִֽהַרְתֶּ֥ן
so soon
H4116
מִֽהַרְתֶּ֥ן
so soon
Strong's:
H4116
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
Cross References
Exodus 3:1Now 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, even to Horeb.Exodus 4:18And 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 are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.Numbers 10:29And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.
Historical Context
Multiple names for Jethro/Reuel reflect ancient Near Eastern practices where individuals had personal names, titles, and patronyms. As "priest of Midian" he may have maintained Abrahamic faith traditions. His later counsel to Moses (Exodus 18) shows wisdom and reverence for YHWH, suggesting theological continuity from Abraham through Midian.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Reuel's question reveal God's providence in seemingly random events and encounters?
- What does Moses' integration into Jethro's family teach about God preparing deliverers through unexpected relationships and experiences?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? (וַתָּבֹאנָה אֶל־רְעוּאֵל אֲבִיהֶן וַיֹּאמֶר מַדּוּעַ מִהַרְתֶּן בֹּא הַיּוֹם, vatavo'nah el-Re'u'el avihen vayomer madu'a miharten bo hayom)—Reuel (רְעוּאֵל, "friend of God") is also called Jethro (3:1, 18:1) and Hobab (Numbers 10:29), possibly showing title/name combinations or clan leadership. The father's question—How is it that ye are come so soon to day?—reveals the daughters typically faced delays due to harassment (v. 17). The unusual speed prompts inquiry, leading to Moses' introduction to the family. God's providence: what seems a chance encounter is orchestrated divine appointment.