Exodus 2:16
ESV
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father 's flock.
NIV
Now a priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock.
NASB
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters; and they came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
CSB
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came to draw water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
NLT
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters who came as usual to draw water and fill the water troughs for their father’s flocks.
KJV
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.
NKJV
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. And they came and drew water, and they filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
What does Exodus 2:16 mean?
The text transitions from Moses fleeing Egypt for Midian (Exodus 2:11–15) to the priest of Midian and his seven daughters. These daughters came to get water for their livestock at the same well where Moses sat. The account presents this as part of God's providence in the story of Moses and his leadership in saving the Jews from Egyptian slavery. Moses could have fled to any point outside of Egypt. However, he ends up at one particular well where he will be introduced to the daughters of an influential family.This important connection would offer Moses a new family and profession for the next forty years (Acts 7:23, 30; Exodus 7:7). The account will end by recording Moses' son's name and its meaning, like the name given to Moses and its significance (Exodus 2:10). Moses' life was specially orchestrated by God. These experiences prepared him for his unique role in leading the Jewish people out of Egypt.
