Bible Commentary

Exodus 2:16-22

Matthew Henry on Exodus 2:16-22

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Moses found shelter in Midian. He was ready to help Reuel's daughters to water their flocks, although bred in learning and at court. Moses loved to be doing justice, and to act in defence of such as he saw injured, which every man ought to do, as far as it is in his power.

He loved to be doing good; wherever the providence of God casts us, we should desire and try to be useful; and when we cannot do the good we would, we must be ready to do the good we can. Moses commended himself to the prince of Midian; who married one of his daughters to Moses, by whom he had a son, called Gershom, “a stranger there,” that he might keep in remembrance the land in which he had been a stranger.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 2:15-23The long exile.Moses took with him into Midian all the best elements of his character; he left some of the faulty ones behind. He may be assumed to have left much of his self-confidence, and to have been cured in part o…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Marriage of Moses. (b. c. 1533.)THE MARRIAGE OF MOSES. (B. C. 1533.) Moses here gains a settlement in Midian, just as his father Jacob had gained one in Syria, Genesis 29:2, &c. And both these instances should encourage us to trust Providence, and to…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 2:16-22EXPOSITION.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 2:16-22LIFE OF MOSES IN MIDIAN Fugitives from Egypt generally took the northern route from Pelusium or Migdol to Gaza, and so to Syria, or the regions beyond. But in this quarter they were liable to be arrested and sent back t…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 2:17The shepherds came and drove them away. There is not much "natural politeness" among primitive peoples. The right of the stronger prevails, and women go to the wall. Even the daughters of their priest were not respected…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 2:18Reuel their father. Reuel is called "Raguel" in Numbers 10:29, but the Hebrew spelling is the same in both places. The word means "friend of God," and implies monotheisim. Compare Exodus 18:9-12.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 2:19An Egyptian. Reuel's daughters judged by the outward appearance. Moses wore the garb and probably spoke the language of Egypt. He had had no occasion to reveal to them his real nationality. Drew water enough for us. The…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 2:20Where is he? Reuel reproaches his daughters with a want of politeness — even of gratitude. Why have they "left the man"? Why have they not invited him in? They must themselves remedy the omission — they must go and "cal…Joseph S. Exell and contributors