Exodus 2:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 2:16
16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.
Chapter Context
Exodus 2 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, worship, wisdom. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 2:16
16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.
Analysis
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock (וּלְכֹהֵן מִדְיָן שֶׁבַע בָּנוֹת, ulkhohen Midyan sheva banot)—The priest of Midian is Reuel/Jethro (v. 18, 3:1), keeper of Midianite religious traditions possibly preserving Abrahamic monotheism (Genesis 25:2). Seven daughters (שֶׁבַע, sheva, number of completion) draw water for their father's flock. The scene depicts pastoral life Moses will live for 40 years, learning wilderness survival, shepherd skills, and patience—all essential for leading Israel. The daughters' vulnerability (v. 17) sets up Moses' intervention, showing his character despite his failures.
Historical Context
Shepherding was common in semi-nomadic Midianite culture. That a priest's daughters shepherd flocks indicates either economic necessity or cultural norms (like Rachel in Genesis 29:9). Wells were communal resources often contested (Genesis 21:25, 26:20-21). Jethro's later advice to Moses (18:13-27) shows his wisdom influenced Israel's governance structure.
Reflection
- How does Moses' 40 years of obscurity as a shepherd prepare him for leading God's flock through the wilderness?
- What does Jethro's role teach about God's truth preserved even among non-Israelites descended from Abraham?
Word Studies
- Priest: כֹּהֵן (Kohen) H3548 - Priest
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 3:1, Genesis 24:11, 41:45, 1 Samuel 9:11