Exodus 2:18

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

وَحِينَ أتَينَ إلَى رَعُوئِيلَ أبِيهِنَّ، سَألَهُنَّ رَعُوئِيلُ: «لِمَاذَا رَجِعتُنَّ سَرِيعًا اليَوْمَ؟»

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Reuel asks his daughters why they have returned home so early. The verse highlights the concern of a father for his daughters and the unexpectedness of their early return.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your dad asked you why you got home from school so early. That's what Reuel did here. He was surprised to see his daughters come back sooner than expected, just like you might be surprised if your friends came to play earlier than planned.

Historical Background

Exodus was written by Moses around 1440 B.C. This verse is part of a narrative that sets the stage for Moses' early life and his role in leading the Israelites. The cultural context involves the customs of Midian, where Moses found refuge.

Living It Out Today

This verse can remind us to ask questions when things are not as we expect them to be. For example, if your child comes home from school early, it might be a good time to check if everything is okay.

Topics

• family
• concern
• surprise
• early return
• questioning
• customs

Related Verses

• Genesis 29:10
• Judges 19:15
• Mark 1:32
• Luke 18:35
• John 19:28

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Reuel in Exodus 2:18?

Reuel is the father of Moses' future wife Zipporah and the priest of Midian. He plays a significant role in Moses' life.

What does this verse teach about family dynamics?

This verse shows the care and concern within a family, where a father takes interest in the wellbeing of his daughters by asking them questions.

How does this relate to the larger story of Moses?

This verse is part of the narrative that introduces Moses' time in Midian, where he was living before he returned to Egypt and led the Israelites out of slavery.

What can we learn about customs in Midian from this verse?

We can see that there were expectations about the time people returned home, and that it was common for men to ask questions about their family's well-being.