Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights the daughters performing labor typically reserved for men, drawing water and filling troughs, emphasizing their diligence and responsibility in managing their father's flock. This detail showcases not just their daily routine but also a glimpse into the societal norms where women could be deeply involved in pastoral care and farm management.
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses, now an exile after fleeing Egypt, finds himself by a well in Midian. There, he witnesses the daughters of a local priest struggling to water their flock, being harassed by other shepherds. This encounter marks a pivotal moment where Moses, despite his own precarious situation, intervenes to protect the women.
Moses is on the run, a fugitive from Pharaoh's wrath. How does he end up in Midian, and is it just a lucky break?
A Sovereign Hand at Work
Moses' journey to Midian wasn't accidental. While it might seem like a mere detour for a fugitive, Scripture paints a picture of God's active involvement.
Who was this 'priest of Midian'? Was he a pagan idolater, or something more?
More Than Meets the Eye
The identity of Jethro (for that is who this priest is) is a point of significant discussion among scholars, and it impacts our understanding of Moses' assimilation into this society.
Ask a follow-up
What does Moses' action at the well reveal about him, especially after his life as an Egyptian prince?
Courage and Compassion in Crisis
Even in his fugitive state, Moses demonstrates qualities that would define his leadership. His intervention isn't just a random act; it's a window into his soul.
Understand the original words
kōhēn · Hebrew Noun
An individual who serves as a mediator between God and the people, often performing sacrifices, interceding, and teaching the law in ancient Near Eastern and biblical contexts.
šāqâ · Hebrew Verb
To provide for the survival of living creatures by providing hydration, often used metaphorically for spiritual sustenance or God’s provision.
ṣō’n · Hebrew Noun
A group of animals under the care of a shepherd; in the Bible, it is frequently used as a metaphor for God’s people under His divine care and leadership.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Moses flees Egypt
After striking and killing an Egyptian overseer who was brutalizing an Israelite, Moses flees Egypt to escape Pharaoh's wrath. He arrives in Midian, a territory east of the Sinai Peninsula.
c. 1446 BC
Moses encounters Jethro's daughters
While resting by a well in Midian, Moses witnesses seven daughters of Jethro (also called Reuel), a local priest and chieftain, being harassed by other shepherds. He intervenes, helping them water their flock.
c. 1446 BC
Moses marries Zipporah
Grateful for Moses's help and hospitality, Jethro invites him to stay. Moses eventually marries Jethro's daughter, Zipporah, and becomes a shepherd in Midian.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Moses's 40 years in Midian
Moses spends approximately forty years as a shepherd in Midian, living in relative obscurity and far from his Egyptian past.
This passage mirrors the scene with Jacob at the well encountering Rachel, who is also drawing water for her father's flock, highlighting a recurring theme of divine providence bringing a future leader into contact with his future family through a pastoral setting.
Judges 11:29-33This story shows Jephthah, another Israelite leader who found himself in exile and exile's aftermath, similarly connecting with the people of the land and taking a wife, though his vow has a tragic contrast to Moses's more hopeful situation.
Matthew 19:13-14Jesus's gentle reception of children, despite his disciples' attempts to turn them away, echoes the pastoral setting and the care for the vulnerable, paralleling Moses's protective act towards the young women.
Hebrews 11:24-27This New Testament passage explicitly connects Moses's decision to leave Egypt and embrace the mistreatment of God's people with faith, providing theological context for his actions even before this Midianite encounter.
clarkeExodus 2:16: "Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock."
The priest of Midian - Or prince, or both; for the original כהן cohen has both meanings. See it explained at large at Genesis 15:18 (note). The transaction here very nearly resembles that mentioned Genesis 29 (note) concerning Jacob and Rachel.
calvinExodus 2:16-22: "Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock."
- Now the priest of Midian. The profane would attribute this meeting to good fortune, whereas God affords us in it a striking picture of his providence, in thus with an outstretched hand directing the steps of his servant. Those damsels were in the habit of coming daily to the well; and Moses sat down to ask for hospitality at the waterside, whith…
The verse highlights the daughters performing labor typically reserved for men, drawing water and filling troughs, emphasizing their diligence and responsibility in managing their father's flock. This detail showcases not just their daily routine but also a glimpse into the societal norms where women could be deeply involved in pastoral care and farm management.
Moses, now an exile after fleeing Egypt, finds himself by a well in Midian. There, he witnesses the daughters of a local priest struggling to water their flock, being harassed by other shepherds. This encounter marks a pivotal moment where Moses, despite his own precarious situation, intervenes to protect the women.
Moses, now an exile after fleeing Egypt, finds himself by a well in Midian. There, he witnesses the daughters of a local priest struggling to water their flock, being harassed by other shepherds. This encounter marks a pivotal moment where Moses, despite his own precarious situation, intervenes to protect the women.
"Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock." — The verse highlights the daughters performing labor typically reserved for men, drawing water and filling troughs, emphasizing their diligence and responsibility in managing their father's flock. Thi…
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Last reviewed October 2026