Exodus 2:17 Explained in Context

Read It With

• Exodus 2:16–22

Read Exodus 2:17 with 2:16–22. Exodus 2:17 marks the unit's continuing step with “And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock,” which must be read through 2:16–22. The whole unit shows: At a Midianite well Moses rescues Reuel's daughters, is welcomed into the household, marries Zipporah, and names Gershom from his experience as a resident outsider.

Why This Verse Appears Here

Exodus 2:11–15 establishes the preceding movement: Moses sees Hebrew burdens and kills an Egyptian oppressor, but the next day's dispute exposes both his act and his lack of accepted authority, forcing flight to Midian. This unit continues that movement: At a Midianite well Moses rescues Reuel's daughters, is welcomed into the household, marries Zipporah, and names Gershom from his experience as a resident outsider. At 2:17, the wording “And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock” makes this verse's contribution precise. Exodus 2:17 marks the unit's continuing step with “And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock,” which must be read through 2:16–22.