Exodus 2:20
And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֹתָ֖יו
unto his daughters
H1323
בְּנֹתָ֖יו
unto his daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
3 of 13
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
לָ֤מָּה
H4100
לָ֤מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עֲזַבְתֶּ֣ן
And where is he why is it that ye have left
H5800
עֲזַבְתֶּ֣ן
And where is he why is it that ye have left
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
7 of 13
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאִ֔ישׁ
the man
H376
הָאִ֔ישׁ
the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 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)
קִרְאֶ֥ן
call
H7121
קִרְאֶ֥ן
call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
10 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Genesis 31:54Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.Genesis 43:25And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.Hebrews 13:2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.Job 31:32The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.Job 42:11Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.1 Timothy 5:10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.Genesis 18:5And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs required sheltering strangers, especially those who rendered service. Eating together established relationship and mutual protection. Reuel's invitation suggests recognition of Moses' nobility or character despite refugee status. This hospitality tradition would later be codified in Torah (Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:18-19).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Reuel's hospitality demonstrate the biblical value of welcoming strangers and showing gratitude?
- In what ways might God be calling you to extend hospitality that could provide refuge and purpose for someone in transition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread (וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־בְּנֹתָיו וְאַיּוֹ לָמָּה זֶּה עֲזַבְתֶּן אֶת־הָאִישׁ קִרְאֶן לוֹ וְיֹאכַל לָחֶם, vayomer el-benotav ve'ayo lamah zeh azavten et-ha'ish kir'en lo veyokhal lachem)—Reuel's rebuke—why is it that ye have left the man?—shows proper hospitality (Genesis 18:1-8, Hebrews 13:2). Call him, that he may eat bread (קִרְאֶן לוֹ וְיֹאכַל לָחֶם) extends covenant hospitality: breaking bread creates social bond and obligation. This invitation becomes Moses' entry into Midianite life and Jethro's family. God uses hospitality as a means of providential provision and relationship formation. Moses, the fugitive with no prospects, finds refuge, family, and 40 years of preparation.