CRITICAL NOTES.—
Exodus 2:18. Reuel] It is common to say that R. is = “God’s friend” (Ges. Dav.); but the theory of Fürst that the giving of these “E1-” names (and others) was a sort of worshipful recognition of Divine Providence. leads him to modify the rendering of the combined roots to “El is friendship.” We have paid some little attention to this theory in its results on the meaning of Bible names, and deem it well worthy of further consideration.
Exodus 2:21. Zipporah] Here we come upon a pleasant touch of human nature. This name sigs “little bird” (cf. Scottish “birdie.”) Pronounced with the sharp hissing sound of the Heb. initial letter (= tz, ts, ss), we may hear the “chirping” of the “little bird” in the name. The Bible is full of human as well as divine beauties. For a suggested relief of M.’s married life from the gloom allowed to gather round it, see C. N. ch. Exodus 4:24-26. Between the “well” and the “mountain” we have years of domestic history spanned over with two or three hints. At least, let us make the best of these.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 2:16-22
THE REWARD OF A KINDLY ACTION
Moses had defended the daughters of the Priest of Midian from the attack of hostile shepherds. In these verses we see the reward of a kindly action.
I. The hospitality of a kind family. (Exodus 2:20.)
1. This hospitality was much needed by Moses. He was an outcast. He had excited the anger of a tyrant king. Therefore, the provision and protection of a quiet home, the sympathy of tender hearts, would be most welcome to him. Nor was this generosity unmerited on his part. He had protected a family in a time of peril—he had therefore shown himself worthy of help—that he was of good character—of sympathetic and heroic nature—by defending the weak. Such men have a right to the best hospitality of society—they should be welcomed to our homes. See what a refuge of peace—what resources of joy—one little act of kindness may open up to a man.
2. This hospitality was prompted by Parental inquiry. (Exodus 2:20.) Parents should always teach their children hospitality, especially in return for any kindness shown them. We should never leave any man who has benefitted us, in the enterprises of life, sitting by a well. This is often the way of the world—it is ungrateful—unthoughtful—reprehensible. A good and considerate father often turns his home into a sanctuary for the servants of God. By welcoming a heroic stranger to it, he may bring himself into harmony with great histories, and sublime providences.
II. Employment for every day life. It would seem that Moses entered into the occupation of the family whose hospitality he had been called to receive (Exodus 3:1). When a young man is thus welcomed by a kind family he must expect to share their work, as also their food—their perils, as also their repose—their anxieties, as also their hopes. The study of Moses in Egypt had not raised him above hard work.
III. A wife. (Exodus 2:21.) A man who will defend a woman is worthy of a wife. The greatest and most important events of our lives depend upon little deeds of kindness.
IV. Another advance in the intention of Divine Providence. Moses has finished his education in the Palace. He now commences that of the desert. Providence has changed his academy. And men, by shewing a kindness to their fellows, advance themselves in the great destiny of their lives.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Exodus 2:16. A large family—
1. Of sacred station.
2. Of womanly influence.
3. Of industrious activity. It is often the joy of priests to receive those whom tyrant kings reject and seek to slay.
Providence employs varied agencies.
1. Princess.
2. Priest.
Providence orders the coming of help to the place where the good are waiting for it—
1. The king’s daughter to the river.
2. The priest’s daughter to the well.
Domestic toil.—
1. The employment of true womanhood.
2. The test of true womanhood.
3. The glory of true womanhood.
What a contrast between the young ladies of to-day, and the industrious daughters of this primitive family.
Exodus 2:17. Wherever the providence of God casts us, we should endeavour to be useful.… Even honest and industrious labourers sometimes meet with opposition.
There is a great tendency in society for the strong to oppress the weak.
Two classes of men are typified by the conduct of these shepherds, and Moses. The former—
1. Oppose the honest.
2. Persecute the industrious.
3. Hinder the diligent. The latter—
1. Cooperate with the weak.
2. Sympathise with the persecuted.
3. Defend the imperilled.
4. Win the Victory.
5. Receive hospitality.
Exodus 2:18. Fathers’ houses are just habitations for children doing their commands.
Honest, labouring creatures, are carried out, and returned home safely, under Providence.
God’s providence may make speedier returns in mercy to his children than they expect.
Unexpected returns of common mercies may justly raise wonder in the hearts of men.
The providence of God orders means to speed mercies unto creatures at His will.
The hand of strangers is made sometimes a deliverer from the hands of oppressing neighbours.… God takes the weak sometimes out of the hand of the strong.
Exodus 2:20. Men of kindly soul, and heroic deed are sure to be inquired after.
Good men would not have the man who has done them a kindness forgotten.
“Why is it that ye have left the man.” This question may be asked in reference to the world’s philanthropists, preachers, who are striving to defend the weak.
1. Is it because you do not understand him?
2. Is it because you do not believe in him?
3. Is it because you are selfish.
4. Is it because you have not been taught better.
5. Fetch him to your home as soon as possible.
Exodus 2:21. A contented resident.—
1. A wondrous sight—accustomed to a palace.
2. A happy sight—pastoral toil.
3. A scarce sight—men are restless.
He was content—
1. With his daily companionships.
2. With his daily occupation.
3. With the scene of his residence,
4. With his matrimonial alliance.
A good man can be content anywhere the providence of God may place him.
Honest work is perfectly consistent with the dignity of those who are to be pioneers of the Church.
Providence may change a servant to a son, and a master to a father.
It is the father’s right to bestow his children in marriage.
Exodus 2:22. Sons born in the time of affliction, are often memorials of help and mercy.
It is the father’s right to name his child.
The best and grandest men reckon themselves but strangers in this world.
A pilgrim life the best for preachers.
1. Good for their health.
2. Good for their moral training.
3. Good for their moral usefulness.
4. Good for the enlargement of their social friendships.