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 of his life. This would include both a wife and children. The account will end with the naming of Moses' son and its meaning, similar to the name given to Moses and its significance in Exodus 2:10. The life of Moses included special orchestrating of events in his childhood and adult life to prepare him for his unique role in leading the Jewish people out of Egypt.