Misinterpretations of Exodus 2:18 often portray Reuel's inquiry as stern rebuke or suspicion of his daughters' tardiness or incompetence, ignoring the context of their accelerated return thanks to Moses' help, or mistakenly view it as evidence of patriarchal control diminishing women's labor, whereas it actually reflects positive astonishment at their efficiency; another error detaches it from the surrounding narrative, overlooking its role in illustrating divine orchestration of Moses' settlement in Midian as preparation for his calling.
Exodus 2:18
King James Version (1769)
18 And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?
Exodus 2:18 captures Reuel's surprise at his daughters' early return from the well, highlighting the beneficial effect of Moses' timely assistance in defending and helping them water their flocks against interfering shepherds, which allowed them to complete their task more quickly than usual and opened the door for Moses' welcome into the Midianite household, demonstrating God's providential care in providing refuge and family for Moses during his exile from Egypt.