Exodus 2 17

Exodus 2:17 kjv

And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

Exodus 2:17 nkjv

Then the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

Exodus 2:17 niv

Some shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock.

Exodus 2:17 esv

The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock.

Exodus 2:17 nlt

But some other shepherds came and chased them away. So Moses jumped up and rescued the girls from the shepherds. Then he drew water for their flocks.

Exodus 2 verses

Exodus 2 17 Meaning

Exodus 2:17 depicts Moses' initial act of righteous intervention, showcasing his character as a protector and deliverer. Upon arriving in Midian, he encountered the daughters of Reuel (Jethro) being unjustly driven away from a well by male shepherds. Moses promptly "stood up" and "helped" the women, ensuring their flock received water. This singular event serves as a pivotal revelation of Moses' inherent sense of justice and compassion for the vulnerable, foreshadowing his divinely appointed role as the deliverer of Israel from Egyptian oppression. It illustrates a pre-calling readiness and sensitivity to injustice.

Exodus 2 17 Context

Exodus 2:17 occurs immediately after Moses, having fled Egypt due to killing an Egyptian, arrives in the land of Midian. This chapter details Moses' infancy, rescue from the Nile, upbringing in Pharaoh's household, and his growing awareness of his Israelite identity. His initial attempt to intervene for an Israelite laborer in Exod 2:11-14 ends with him being rejected and forced to flee. Verse 17 thus marks his first intervention outside Egypt, among foreigners, specifically the daughters of the priest of Midian. The scene at the well highlights a universal human struggle over essential resources and foreshadows Moses' larger role as a rescuer, establishing his compassionate character long before his divine call at the burning bush. Historically, wells were critical communal centers in arid regions, making access to water a frequent source of contention. Shepherds often competed fiercely for the best watering spots, and it was considered unusual for women, even if priestesses' daughters, to water large flocks without male assistance.

Exodus 2 17 Word analysis

• Then the shepherds: These are the customary male shepherds (ro'im), implying their established, sometimes aggressive, control over watering rights. Their presence highlights the conflictual nature of accessing vital resources.

• came: A simple verb, but implies deliberate approach.

• and drove them away: The Hebrew verb וַיְגָרְשׁוּם (vayga'rshum) means to violently expel or cast out. It portrays an act of injustice and dominance by the male shepherds against the vulnerable daughters.

• but Moses: His sudden appearance and decisive action stands in stark contrast to the oppressive shepherds, underscoring his innate righteous character.

• stood up: וַיָּקָם (vayya'qam) signifies active engagement, a readiness to confront injustice rather than being a passive observer. It shows immediate resolve.

• and helped them: The Hebrew וַיּוֹשִׁיעָן (vayyoshia'n) is from the root yasha, meaning "to save," "deliver," or "rescue." This is a significant term often used for divine salvation. Moses' action is a mini-salvation, prefiguring his role in saving Israel. It implies an act of physical intervention and providing assistance.

• and watered their flock: וַיַּשְׁקְ (vayyashke) means "to give drink to." This simple act is profound; it demonstrates service, humility, and effectively completing the task that the women were being prevented from doing. It contrasts with his princely upbringing, showing a heart of service.

• Their flock: The sheep belong to Reuel/Jethro, emphasizing Moses' aid to the family he would soon join, providentially bringing him into a family connection.

• "drove them away; but Moses stood up": This juxtaposition highlights a dramatic shift from injustice to righteous intervention. It sets Moses apart from the prevalent behavior around him.

• "helped them and watered their flock": This phrase emphasizes not just defensive aid but also proactive assistance, demonstrating comprehensive support for the disadvantaged women. It shows Moses not merely stopping the aggression but also performing the task for them, displaying humility and initiative.

Exodus 2 17 Bonus section

• The incident at the well in ancient Near Eastern narratives is often a place of significant encounters and pivotal moments for key biblical figures, frequently leading to betrothal or divine calling (e.g., Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel). This encounter similarly sets the stage for Moses meeting his future wife Zipporah and his father-in-law Jethro.
• Moses' actions display a princely boldness and sense of inherent justice, yet also a humble readiness to engage in physical labor, traits crucial for the leader of the Israelites in the wilderness. His willingness to dirty his hands, figuratively and literally, by drawing water, contrasts sharply with any potential expectations of royalty.
• The verb "helped" (yasha) links Moses' immediate act to the broader theme of salvation that runs throughout Scripture. This small act of "saving" is a powerful microcosm of the mighty salvation he will enact later for an entire nation, emphasizing the divine pattern of deliverance.

Exodus 2 17 Commentary

Exodus 2:17 is a succinct yet profoundly revealing verse. It serves as Moses' public debut as an agent of justice and a protector of the oppressed, directly foreshadowing his eventual, larger role in delivering Israel from bondage. Despite his privileged upbringing as an Egyptian prince, Moses demonstrates a natural inclination towards righteousness and compassion, challenging the prevailing injustice around the well. His decisive action—standing up and helping the women against aggressive shepherds—reveals a character willing to intervene physically and altruistically on behalf of the vulnerable. This event is not random but divinely orchestrated, placing Moses in the very home where he would reside until God's specific call to him at Mount Horeb. It underscores that God prepares His chosen instruments through diverse experiences, often using seemingly minor incidents to display profound character traits that align with His divine purposes. Moses’ action here is an early indicator of his unique position, bridging two worlds (Egyptian royalty and humble shepherds' daughters), always moving towards the will of God, however dimly perceived initially.