Exodus 2 19

Exodus 2:19 kjv

And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

Exodus 2:19 nkjv

And they said, "An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and he also drew enough water for us and watered the flock."

Exodus 2:19 niv

They answered, "An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds. He even drew water for us and watered the flock."

Exodus 2:19 esv

They said, "An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and even drew water for us and watered the flock."

Exodus 2:19 nlt

"An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds," they answered. "And then he drew water for us and watered our flocks."

Exodus 2 verses

Exodus 2 19 Meaning

Exodus 2:19 reports the account of Reuel's daughters to their father, confirming that an unnamed man, whom they perceived to be an Egyptian, had rescued them from abusive shepherds at the well. Furthermore, this same man demonstrated exceptional initiative by diligently drawing enough water and watering their entire flock, a task typically hindered or denied by male shepherds. This verse highlights Moses's protective nature and compassionate service, laying the groundwork for his acceptance into Reuel's household.

Exodus 2 19 Context

Exodus chapter 2 narrates Moses's miraculous survival from Pharaoh's decree to kill Hebrew male infants, his adoption into Pharaoh's household, and his fateful decision to intervene when witnessing an Egyptian abusing a Hebrew. After killing the Egyptian and being discovered, Moses flees to Midian. Verse 19 occurs shortly after his arrival, establishing his character and circumstances in Midian. He encounters Reuel’s seven daughters at a well, facing intimidation from local shepherds. This incident serves as a pivotal moment, leading to Moses's integration into Midianite life, his marriage to Zipporah, and his training as a shepherd—preparation for his future role as God's deliverer. Historically, wells were critical social and economic hubs in nomadic societies, often sites of conflict over resources, especially for women. Moses’s actions immediately portray him as a man of justice, protector of the vulnerable, and a natural leader.

Exodus 2 19 Word analysis

• "And they said" (וַתָּבֹאנָה וַתֹּאמַרְנָה vatta'vonnah vat'tōmarnah): Indicates a unanimous, collective witness from all the daughters, adding credibility to their report.
• "An Egyptian" (אִישׁ מִצְרִי ish mitzri): Reveals the daughters’ mistaken identification of Moses. Despite being Hebrew, Moses had been raised in the Egyptian palace, likely dressed and spoke like an Egyptian, making his heritage indistinguishable to the Midianites. This misidentification is a poignant irony, as Moses would later become the instrument of deliverance from Egypt. It subtly underscores Moses’s separation from his true people before his divine call.
• "rescued" (הִצִּיל hitzil, from root נָצַל natsal): A strong verb denoting active deliverance and pulling out from danger. It's more than simply "helped" or "assisted"; it implies active intervention and protection from imminent threat, reflecting Moses's prior intervention in Exodus 2:17. This word is frequently used to describe God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
• "us from the hand of the shepherds" (מִיַּד הָרֹעִים miyyad haro'im): "From the hand" signifies forceful control or dominance exerted by the shepherds. It confirms the aggressive nature of the conflict and Moses's direct confrontation with them.
• "and he indeed drew water for us" (וְגַם-דָּלֹה דָלָה לָנוּ vegām dālōh dālâ lānu): The repetition of the verb dalal (דָּלֹה דָלָה, an infinitive absolute preceding the finite verb) creates an intensive or emphatic sense, meaning "he diligently drew" or "he certainly drew." This highlights Moses's significant effort and thoroughness in providing for them, going beyond minimal help. It showcases his service and generosity, performing a task that required considerable labor.
• "and watered the flock" (וַיַּשְׁקְ אֶת-הַצֹּאן vayashqe et-hatz'on): Completes the description of his service, emphasizing that he fully attended to their need—not just for the daughters but also for their livelihood. This pastoral act foreshadows Moses’s later leadership, caring for God's "flock" (Israel) in the wilderness.

Exodus 2 19 Bonus section

• Proverbial Context of Wells: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, wells were crucial communal gathering points, often sites of both social interaction and conflict. Stories of pivotal encounters at wells, leading to marriages or significant life changes, are a recurring motif in the Old Testament, for example, Abraham's servant meeting Rebekah (Gen 24) and Jacob meeting Rachel (Gen 29). This pattern solidifies the importance of the encounter.
• Preparation for Leadership: Moses's acts of defense and diligence in this verse exemplify traits essential for his future leadership role: protecting the weak, standing against injustice, and diligent service. His shepherding experience in Midian, directly stemming from this encounter, becomes practical training for guiding the multitude of Israel.
• Contrast with Pharaoh: Moses, raised in Pharaoh's house, acts in stark contrast to the oppressive regime of Egypt, providing life and liberation rather than bondage and death. He also contrasts sharply with the aggressive Midianite shepherds, embodying righteousness against lawlessness.

Exodus 2 19 Commentary

Exodus 2:19 is more than a simple report; it is a vital scene that reveals the character of Moses immediately following his flight from Egypt. His proactive defense of vulnerable women, perceived as a stranger by the Midianites, showcases his innate sense of justice, compassion, and leadership. He doesn't merely intervene but fully dedicates himself to the task, drawing abundant water for the entire flock—a selfless act distinguishing him from the oppressive shepherds. This hospitality he extends to Reuel's daughters results in his welcome into their household and prepares him for his future role as a shepherd, both literally and metaphorically, leading God's people. This scene also emphasizes divine providence, as God orchestrates circumstances to place Moses in an environment where he can be further trained and protected before his calling at the burning bush. It sets up the critical motif of Moses, the "Egyptian" who delivers Israel from the Egyptians.