“And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.”– Exodus 2:17 (KJV)
“But some shepherds came and drove them away. So Moses jumped up and rescued them, and watered their flowers.”– Exodus 2:17 (NLT)
“But some shepherds came and chased them away. Moses stood up and came to their rescue, and he watered their flock.”– Exodus 2:17 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 2:17 Mean?
This verse introduces us to a significant moment in the life of Moses, a character whose story is pivotal throughout the Bible. In this interaction, we witness the compassion that Moses shows towards the daughters of the priest of Midian. He intervenes when some shepherds drive them away while they try to water their flocks. In essence, this verse reflects his inherent nature as a protector and defender of the weak. This event sets in motion a chain of occurrences that will lead to a profound transformation not only in Moses’ life but in the lives of many others.
At a surface level, the act of rescuing the daughters from the shepherds demonstrates Moses’ bravery and willingness to step in when he sees injustice happening right before his eyes. He doesn’t hesitate; instead, he acts quickly to ensure that the women are safe. We are reminded that sometimes, standing up for what’s right may require us to take risks, putting ourselves in situations that may not be entirely safe or comfortable.
Exodus 2:17 Explanation and Commentary
In understanding this verse, we need to take a moment to reflect on the life that Moses had led up to this point. Raised in Pharaoh’s household, he seems to have a journey filled with privilege, yet he could not ignore the plight of the oppressed. In this case, it was the daughters of the priest of Midian who were being unjustly treated. This encounter reveals more about Moses’ character than we might realize at first glance.
This moment is crucial as it highlights the compassion that should characterize our lives as well. Moses did not turn a blind eye to the trouble the women faced; instead, he actively intervened. As followers of Christ, we are called to showcase kindness, especially towards those who may be vulnerable or needy. This verse serves as a reminder that we should be vigilant and willing to speak out against injustice, just as Moses did.
Furthermore, Moses’ actions are a strong reflection of his potential as a leader. Even though he had yet to fulfill his calling, he already showcased the traits of a good leader—courage, compassion, and a readiness to help others. God often chooses people who have a heart for others to fulfill His plans. In fact, we can reflect on other biblical leaders, such as David or Esther, who also displayed acts of bravery in the face of adversity. This connection challenges us to think about how we can be leaders in our own communities.
This verse ultimately brings attention to the idea that when we stand up for those in need, we not only mirror the heart of God but also set an example for others to follow. We must remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40, which say, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Context of Exodus 2:17
To deeply appreciate this event, it’s beneficial to examine the context surrounding this moment in Moses’ life. At this stage, Moses is a fugitive, having fled Egypt after he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. There is a collective sigh of relief when we understand how he moved from being raised in luxury to being a wandering man in a foreign land. Moses is likely grappling with feelings of guilt and confusion about his identity.
As he finds himself in Midian, we see him seeking refuge and perhaps yearning for a new beginning. The role he plays in helping the daughters of the priest reflects a turning point where he begins to regain a sense of purpose. He is not just a fugitive; he is a man with values and principles that will eventually lead him to become a powerful prophet and leader.
The daughters, noting his kindness, invite Moses to their home, leading to him being accepted into a family that would become an essential part of his life. This acceptance signifies the starting point of Moses finding a new family and new roots in Midian. The story of Moses is enriched with layers of struggle and triumph, and this episode is a microcosm of the preparations God is making in his life.
Understanding this context invites us to think about our own lives. Just like Moses, we can experience transitions that may feel challenging. Perhaps we face moments of uncertainty or have made mistakes in the past. However, in the midst of challenges, we are always capable of doing good and being a blessing to others. In engaging with our communities, we can bring hope and light, just as Moses did.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 2:17
In this verse, we see critical elements that can help us understand its significance better. The first aspect we notice is the action of the shepherds. Their role in this narrative highlights a daily reality for many women who have faced harassment or injustice. These shepherds represent institutions or systems that can be oppressive, wanting to keep power unequal. The question we must ask ourselves is what we can do when we see such attitudes towards people in our communities.
Next, we observe Moses’ courageous intervention. It sparks a deeper discussion about the importance of standing up against injustice. Moses does not shrink back; he rises and takes a stand. Courage can sometimes be doing the right thing even when it feels uncomfortable. In our own lives, we may witness instances of unfairness, and we are encouraged by this example to step forward, just as Moses did.
One cannot overlook the act of watering the flock. This act symbolizes service. It shows that true leadership is rooted in serving others. By caring for the flock, Moses demonstrates that the heart of a leader is not solely about authority—it’s about love, compassion, and responsibility towards others. Jesus himself modelled leadership through service, reminding us in John 13:14-15 that He washed His disciples’ feet as an example for them to follow. Our lives should reflect this servant-leader mentality.
The invitation that follows from the daughters is also significant. It leads to the eventual marriage of Moses to Zipporah, which allows him to establish new roots. This signifies that our acts of kindness and compassion can lead to incredible opportunities and relationships that can shape our destiny. The relationships we build through acts of service may create lasting impacts beyond what we can see or understand at first.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 2:17
Embedded in this verse are powerful lessons that we can adapt for our lives today. One of the first lessons is the importance of standing up for those in need. We live in a complex world where injustice continues to exist. In those moments when we witness someone being treated unfairly, we should feel compelled to take action. This verse encourages us to look beyond our own lives and recognize the struggles of others. Together, we can become advocates for change, creating environments of love and support.
Another lesson we can draw emphasizes the significance of compassion. Moses shows us that our hearts should be open to those who are suffering, and our actions should reflect our commitment to helping others. Compassion moves us to take risks, often leading us to places that challenge our comfort zones. Just as Jesus exemplified love and compassion towards the marginalized, we must also seek to reach out and uplift those around us.
Additionally, we learn about the value of service. When Moses watered the flock, he was not seeking recognition or reward; he acted out of genuine kindness. This action demonstrates a vital truth: serving others is a powerful form of leadership. We can apply this lesson in our families, friendships, workplaces, and communities. By serving faithfully and sincerely, we can inspire others around us to do the same.
Lastly, this story teaches us that our past does not define our future. Moses may have started his journey in uncertainty and shame, but his act of kindness opened the door to new beginnings. Just like Moses, we can transform our past experiences into opportunities for growth and healing. Each of us has the potential to contribute positively to the world, turning our lives into stories of redemption and hope.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 2:17 provides a glimpse into Moses’ character during a formative time in his life. It reminds us that standing up for others, showing compassion, and serving selflessly are not just moral actions but reflections of a heart aligned with God’s purposes. When we step into the lives of others to help, we are living out our faith in meaningful ways. Moses’ story prompts us to reflect on our own actions and calls us to be a light in a world that often feels dark.
Let us be inspired by this verse to always stand for justice and extend love to those in need. We have the power within us to make a difference, and just like Moses, our willingness to help could lead to incredible transformations—not just for others, but for our own lives as well. When we embrace these lessons, we create opportunities to live out our faith authentically and passionately. As we continue on this journey, let us seek to be faithful servants in every situation we encounter.
If you’re interested in exploring more biblical stories and teachings, we invite you to check out various topics that can deepen your understanding, such as Matthew 11 or learn more about the fascinating connections in Genesis through the many chapters available at Genesis 18.