Exodus 2:19
And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הִצִּילָ֖נוּ
delivered
H5337
הִצִּילָ֖נוּ
delivered
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
4 of 13
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
מִיַּ֣ד
us out of the hand
H3027
מִיַּ֣ד
us out of the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 13
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הָֽרֹעִ֑ים
of the shepherds
H7462
הָֽרֹעִ֑ים
of the shepherds
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
6 of 13
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
דָלָה֙
and also drew
H1802
דָלָה֙
and also drew
Strong's:
H1802
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, to dangle, i.e., to let down a bucket (for drawing out water); figuratively, to deliver
דָלָה֙
and also drew
H1802
דָלָה֙
and also drew
Strong's:
H1802
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, to dangle, i.e., to let down a bucket (for drawing out water); figuratively, to deliver
וַיַּ֖שְׁקְ
for us and watered
H8248
וַיַּ֖שְׁקְ
for us and watered
Strong's:
H8248
Word #:
11 of 13
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
Cross References
Genesis 29:10And 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.Genesis 50:11And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, This is a grievous mourning to the Egyptians: wherefore the name of it was called Abel-mizraim, which is beyond Jordan.
Historical Context
Moses' Egyptian appearance resulted from 40 years of palace life—clothing, grooming, accent, bearing. This misidentification shows cultural assimilation's depth and perhaps Moses' own identity confusion. His Hebrew heritage remained, but outward markers were Egyptian. The 40-year Midian sojourn would further transform his identity before God's commission at age 80.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' misidentification as Egyptian reflect the complexity of cultural identity and God's shaping of our character through multiple contexts?
- What does Moses' servant-hearted drawing of water teach about leadership combining courage with practical service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock (וַתֹּאמַרְנָה אִישׁ מִצְרִי הִצִּילָנוּ מִיַּד הָרֹעִים, vatomarnah ish Mitsri hitsilanu miyad haro'im)—The daughters call Moses an Egyptian (אִישׁ מִצְרִי) based on appearance, dress, or speech. Moses appears to be what he fled from—identity in transition. Delivered us (הִצִּילָנוּ, hitsilanu, from נָצַל, natsal, "rescue/snatch away") again uses salvation language. Drew water enough (וְגַם־דָּלֹה דָלָה לָנוּ) shows Moses didn't just fight off shepherds but completed the work, serving practically. This act of service and deliverance foreshadows Moses' calling—misidentified rescuer who draws water (salvation imagery) for God's flock.