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Exodus 2:18 - Why early return, daughters?

Exodus 2:18 - שמות 2:18

Hebrew Text

וַתָּבֹאנָה אֶל־רְעוּאֵל אֲבִיהֶן וַיֹּאמֶר מַדּוּעַ מִהַרְתֶּן בֹּא הַיּוֹם׃

English Translation

And when they came to Re῾u᾽el their father, he said, How is it that you are come so soon today?

Transliteration

Vatavona el-Reuel avihen vayomer madu'a miḥarten bo hayom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתָּבֹ֕אנָה אֶל־רְעוּאֵ֖ל אֲבִיהֶ֑ן וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מַדּ֛וּעַ מִהַרְתֶּ֥ן בֹּ֖א הַיּֽוֹם׃
וַתָּבֹ֕אנָה אֶל־רְעוּאֵ֖ל אֲבִיהֶ֑ן וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מַדּ֛וּעַ מִהַרְתֶּ֥ן בֹּ֖א הַיּֽוֹם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Shemot (Exodus 2:18)

The verse appears in the narrative where Moshe Rabbeinu rescues the daughters of Yitro (also called Reuel) from shepherds who were harassing them at the well. After Moshe assists them, they return to their father earlier than usual, prompting his question: "מַדּוּעַ מִהַרְתֶּן בֹּא הַיּוֹם" ("Why have you come so quickly today?").

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 2:18) notes that Yitro was astonished by their early return because drawing water for flocks was typically a time-consuming task. Their haste indicated an unusual event. Rashi further explains that Yitro questioned them because he suspected they might have been neglecting their duties or acting improperly. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on diligence and integrity in labor.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Shemot Rabbah (1:32) elaborates that Yitro was not merely questioning their speed but probing for a deeper reason. The daughters' response—that an "Egyptian man" (Moshe) saved them—highlights Divine Providence guiding Moshe toward his future role.
  • The Midrash also contrasts Yitro's initial skepticism with his later recognition of Moshe's righteousness, foreshadowing Yitro's eventual conversion to monotheism.

Rambam's Perspective on Haste

Rambam (Hilchos De'os 5:7) discusses the importance of balanced behavior, neither overly hasty nor sluggish. Yitro's question implies that their haste deviated from the norm, suggesting that even positive outcomes (like Moshe's intervention) should be examined to ensure they align with proper conduct.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Bava Metzia 107b) derives from this episode that one should inquire about unusual behavior, as it may reveal hidden miracles or ethical concerns. Yitro's questioning mirrors the Jewish value of seeking truth in all circumstances.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Re'uel mentioned in Exodus 2:18?
A: Re'uel (also called Yitro or Jethro in later verses) was the father of Tzipporah, who later became Moshe's (Moses') wife. He was a priest of Midian and is identified as Moshe's father-in-law. The name Re'uel means 'friend of God,' indicating his righteous character (Rashi on Exodus 2:18).
Q: Why was Re'uel surprised that his daughters returned early in Exodus 2:18?
A: Re'uel was surprised because his daughters usually took longer to water their flocks due to harassment from other shepherds. Their quick return indicated that someone had helped them—which was Moshe, who defended them (Rashi on Exodus 2:17-18). This event led to Moshe meeting Tzipporah and eventually living with Yitro's family.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Re'uel's reaction in Exodus 2:18?
A: Re'uel's immediate questioning shows a father's concern for his daughters' well-being. The Torah teaches the importance of paying attention to unusual events in our lives, as they may be signs of divine providence (hashgacha pratis). This moment led to Moshe's introduction to his future family and his time in Midian before returning to Egypt.
Q: Why does the Torah mention this seemingly minor detail about Re'uel's daughters returning early?
A: The Torah includes this detail to highlight divine orchestration—Moshe's arrival in Midian and his act of kindness led to his meeting Yitro's family, which was crucial for his development. The Midrash teaches that great events often begin with small, seemingly insignificant moments (Shemot Rabbah 1:32).