Exodus 2:18 - When they came to Reuel, their father, he said, “How is it that you have returned so early today?”
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What does "Exodus 2:18" mean?
This verse from Exodus 2:18 sets the stage for understanding the unusual circumstances of the Midianite shepherdesses' return home. Let's break it down:
"When they came to Reuel, their father...": Reuel is identified as the father of these women. In later chapters (Numbers 10:29), Reuel is also called Jethro and is identified as Moses' father-in-law. It's important to note that there's some scholarly debate about the exact relationship between Reuel, Jethro, and Hobab. Reuel could be a generic term for the leader of the family or tribe, or it's possible different names were used for the same person at different times.
"...he said, 'How is it that you have returned so early today?'": This is the key to the verse's meaning. Reuel is surprised that his daughters have come back from tending the flocks much earlier than usual. This implies that something out of the ordinary has occurred. In ancient pastoral societies, daily routines were typically consistent. Shepherding could be a long and laborious task, so a sudden, early return would raise questions.
In essence, the verse suggests that something unusual happened that day, causing the women to finish their work much faster than expected. It creates intrigue and prepares the reader for the explanation that will follow in the next verse (Exodus 2:19), where they describe how an Egyptian man (Moses) helped them water their flocks, something that would have saved them a significant amount of time and effort.
Therefore, the verse:
Highlights the unusual nature of the day's events.
Indicates that the daughters had a shorter or easier day of work.
Serves as a narrative hook, prompting the reader to learn what happened.
Introduces Reuel (Jethro) and establishes him as a concerned father figure.
Exodus 2:18 - When they came to Reuel, their father, he said, “How is it that you have returned so early today?”
What does "Exodus 2:18" mean?
This verse from Exodus 2:18 sets the stage for understanding the unusual circumstances of the Midianite shepherdesses' return home. Let's break it down:
"When they came to Reuel, their father...": Reuel is identified as the father of these women. In later chapters (Numbers 10:29), Reuel is also called Jethro and is identified as Moses' father-in-law. It's important to note that there's some scholarly debate about the exact relationship between Reuel, Jethro, and Hobab. Reuel could be a generic term for the leader of the family or tribe, or it's possible different names were used for the same person at different times.
"...he said, 'How is it that you have returned so early today?'": This is the key to the verse's meaning. Reuel is surprised that his daughters have come back from tending the flocks much earlier than usual. This implies that something out of the ordinary has occurred. In ancient pastoral societies, daily routines were typically consistent. Shepherding could be a long and laborious task, so a sudden, early return would raise questions.
In essence, the verse suggests that something unusual happened that day, causing the women to finish their work much faster than expected. It creates intrigue and prepares the reader for the explanation that will follow in the next verse (Exodus 2:19), where they describe how an Egyptian man (Moses) helped them water their flocks, something that would have saved them a significant amount of time and effort.
Therefore, the verse:
Highlights the unusual nature of the day's events.
Indicates that the daughters had a shorter or easier day of work.
Serves as a narrative hook, prompting the reader to learn what happened.
Introduces Reuel (Jethro) and establishes him as a concerned father figure.