Exodus 2:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 2:17
17 And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.
Chapter Context
Exodus 2 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, judgment, creation. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 2:17
17 And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.
Analysis
And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock (וַיָּבֹאוּ הָרֹעִים וַיְגָרְשׁוּם וַיָּקָם מֹשֶׁה וַיּוֹשִׁעָן, vayavo'u haro'im vaygareshum vayakom Mosheh vayoshi'an)—Shepherds... drove them away—bullies exploiting the vulnerable, a pattern Moses consistently opposes (cf. v. 12). Moses stood up (וַיָּקָם, vayakom, "arose/stood") implies decisive action. Helped them (וַיּוֹשִׁעָן, vayoshi'an)—significantly, this is from the root ישׁע (yasha, "save/deliver"), the same root as "salvation" and "Jesus/Yeshua." Moses' character shows through: defender of the oppressed, rescuer of the helpless. God is shaping His deliverer through these wilderness experiences.
Historical Context
Water rights disputes were serious in arid regions, often leading to violence (Genesis 21:25). Male shepherds typically had priority over women at wells. Moses' intervention against multiple shepherds shows courage and physical strength developed in Egypt. This episode demonstrates Moses' character to Jethro, leading to marriage and adoption into Midian.
Reflection
- How does Moses' pattern of defending the oppressed (Hebrew, v. 12; Hebrew, v. 13; Midianite women, v. 17) reveal consistent godly character despite his flaws?
- In what situations is God calling you to 'stand up' and deliver the vulnerable from oppression?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 2:12, Genesis 21:25, 29:10