Exodus 2:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To prevent later astonishment among some as they witness how Christ performed countless remarkable miracles in Judea—raising the dead, restoring sight to the blind, cleansing lepers, expelling demons, and delivering His profound and salvific teachings—while at the same time the Gentiles, who had neither witnessed nor heard such wonders, received honor, God has revealed to us the ingratitude of the Jews contrasted with the goodwill of the Gentiles through historical examples of His servants long ago. For instance, Moses was rejected by the very Jews he had helped but was welcomed by Jethro, a man from outside their community, who embraced him warmly. Therefore, when you observe Christ being persecuted by the Jews and embraced by the Gentiles, remember these ancient precedents and be neither surprised nor troubled by this reality.

When Christ extended His aid to the Gentile nations, those saved through Him, though unaware of His plans, recognized His power to provide protection and to swiftly remove threats posed by those who committed wrongs. Ultimately, the world also welcomes Him wholeheartedly, much like Raguel embraced the holy Moses.

having formed a bond with a foreign individual who envisioned greater realities and exercised discernment regarding human behavior and existence, observed one significant event—the encounter with the shepherds—through which he discerned the moral integrity of the young man. This young man defended the truth, not for personal gain, but by acknowledging the inherent worth of truth itself, leading him to confront the injustice perpetrated by the shepherds, who had previously done no wrong in his eyes.

The father sends to summon him so that he might join him for a meal, and in doing so, he is honored within his home for the kindness he extended to his daughters at the granary.

Motivated by the warmth characteristic of Eastern hospitality and to show his appreciation for the kindness of the young women, Raguel instructs them to invite Moses into their home so that they can share bread together and partake in a meal.