This verse from Exodus 2:21 is a simple statement with significant implications. Let's break it down:
"Moses was content to dwell with the man": This refers to Moses settling down with Jethro (also known as Reuel), a priest of Midian. Moses had fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-15). He found refuge in Midian. Moses was content, suggesting he found peace and stability after a period of fear and uncertainty. He accepted Jethro's hospitality and adopted a life of shepherding.
"He gave Moses Zipporah, his daughter.": Jethro gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. This signifies acceptance and integration into Jethro's family and community. Marriage was a crucial social bond. It provided Moses with familial ties, protection, and a place within Midianite society. This marriage also implies that Moses was a man of integrity and worthiness, as Jethro saw him as a suitable husband for his daughter.
In essence, the verse means:
Moses, having escaped Egypt, found refuge with Jethro in Midian. He was happy with his life there. Jethro, recognizing Moses's character and perhaps seeing him as a good fit for his family, gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses as his wife.
Significance:
Moses's Transition: The verse marks a significant transition in Moses's life, from being a fugitive prince of Egypt to a shepherd in Midian, integrated into a new family and community.
Divine Providence: Some interpret this event as part of God's plan for Moses. God guided Moses to Midian, where he would find shelter, family, and preparation for his future role as leader of the Israelites.
Zipporah's Role: Zipporah's role is often overlooked, but she becomes an important figure in Moses's life. She demonstrates faith and courage later in the Exodus narrative (see Exodus 4:24-26).
Jethro's Wisdom: Jethro's influence on Moses is also notable. He later provides Moses with wise counsel on how to govern the Israelites (Exodus 18).
The verse is a key part of the narrative, establishing Moses's life in Midian and setting the stage for his encounter with God at the burning bush and his eventual return to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of slavery.
This verse from Exodus 2:21 is a simple statement with significant implications. Let's break it down:
"Moses was content to dwell with the man": This refers to Moses settling down with Jethro (also known as Reuel), a priest of Midian. Moses had fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-15). He found refuge in Midian. Moses was content, suggesting he found peace and stability after a period of fear and uncertainty. He accepted Jethro's hospitality and adopted a life of shepherding.
"He gave Moses Zipporah, his daughter.": Jethro gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. This signifies acceptance and integration into Jethro's family and community. Marriage was a crucial social bond. It provided Moses with familial ties, protection, and a place within Midianite society. This marriage also implies that Moses was a man of integrity and worthiness, as Jethro saw him as a suitable husband for his daughter.
In essence, the verse means:
Moses, having escaped Egypt, found refuge with Jethro in Midian. He was happy with his life there. Jethro, recognizing Moses's character and perhaps seeing him as a good fit for his family, gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses as his wife.
Significance:
Moses's Transition: The verse marks a significant transition in Moses's life, from being a fugitive prince of Egypt to a shepherd in Midian, integrated into a new family and community.
Divine Providence: Some interpret this event as part of God's plan for Moses. God guided Moses to Midian, where he would find shelter, family, and preparation for his future role as leader of the Israelites.
Zipporah's Role: Zipporah's role is often overlooked, but she becomes an important figure in Moses's life. She demonstrates faith and courage later in the Exodus narrative (see Exodus 4:24-26).
Jethro's Wisdom: Jethro's influence on Moses is also notable. He later provides Moses with wise counsel on how to govern the Israelites (Exodus 18).
The verse is a key part of the narrative, establishing Moses's life in Midian and setting the stage for his encounter with God at the burning bush and his eventual return to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of slavery.