Exodus 2:18 Explained in Context

Read It With

• Exodus 2:16–22

Read Exodus 2:18 with 2:16–22. The 2:18 wording “And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?” carries one distinct piece of the unit's speech, case, ritual, action, or response. 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 2:18, the wording “And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?” makes this verse's contribution precise. The 2:18 wording “And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?” carries one distinct piece of the unit's speech, case, ritual, action, or response.