Exodus 2:16 - Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
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What does "Exodus 2:16" mean?
Exodus 2:16 introduces us to a key family and setting that will play a significant role in the story of Moses. Let's break down what the verse means:
"Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters...": This establishes the main characters we are about to encounter. The man is a "priest of Midian," suggesting he is a religious leader in the region of Midian. Midian was located in what is now northwestern Saudi Arabia/southern Jordan. The fact that he has seven daughters is significant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sons were generally preferred because they carried on the family name and often helped with the family's livelihood. Having seven daughters may imply a challenge in maintaining the family's affairs.
"...They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.": This describes the daughters' activity. Drawing water and watering flocks was typically men's work in that culture. The fact that the daughters are doing this task indicates that they likely did not have male relatives to perform these chores. Thus the daughters had to provide for the flock themselves.
"Drew water" refers to retrieving water from a well or spring.
"Filled the troughs" refers to filling containers for the animals to drink from.
"Water their father's flock" explains the purpose of their work: taking care of their father's sheep or goats.
In summary, this verse is important because it:
Introduces Jethro (later known as Reuel), the priest of Midian, who will become Moses' father-in-law and a mentor.
Sets the scene in Midian, where Moses flees after killing the Egyptian.
Highlights the daughters' role in caring for their father's flock, suggesting a possibly difficult or unusual family dynamic.
Prepares the way for the encounter between Moses and the daughters, which will lead to him being invited to their home and eventually marrying one of them (Zipporah).
Essentially, this verse sets the stage for Moses' life-changing experience in Midian. It shows that he will encounter a man of religious authority and a family of women who, due to circumstances, were performing roles that were typically not female responsibilities. This set up will prove to be an important part of Moses' journey.
Exodus 2:16 - Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
What does "Exodus 2:16" mean?
Exodus 2:16 introduces us to a key family and setting that will play a significant role in the story of Moses. Let's break down what the verse means:
"Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters...": This establishes the main characters we are about to encounter. The man is a "priest of Midian," suggesting he is a religious leader in the region of Midian. Midian was located in what is now northwestern Saudi Arabia/southern Jordan. The fact that he has seven daughters is significant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sons were generally preferred because they carried on the family name and often helped with the family's livelihood. Having seven daughters may imply a challenge in maintaining the family's affairs.
"...They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.": This describes the daughters' activity. Drawing water and watering flocks was typically men's work in that culture. The fact that the daughters are doing this task indicates that they likely did not have male relatives to perform these chores. Thus the daughters had to provide for the flock themselves.
"Drew water" refers to retrieving water from a well or spring.
"Filled the troughs" refers to filling containers for the animals to drink from.
"Water their father's flock" explains the purpose of their work: taking care of their father's sheep or goats.
In summary, this verse is important because it:
Introduces Jethro (later known as Reuel), the priest of Midian, who will become Moses' father-in-law and a mentor.
Sets the scene in Midian, where Moses flees after killing the Egyptian.
Highlights the daughters' role in caring for their father's flock, suggesting a possibly difficult or unusual family dynamic.
Prepares the way for the encounter between Moses and the daughters, which will lead to him being invited to their home and eventually marrying one of them (Zipporah).
Essentially, this verse sets the stage for Moses' life-changing experience in Midian. It shows that he will encounter a man of religious authority and a family of women who, due to circumstances, were performing roles that were typically not female responsibilities. This set up will prove to be an important part of Moses' journey.