The narrative jumps to the result of Reuel’s hospitality without mentioning at least two events that are clearly implied: Moses was invited to eat with them, and he accepted. Moses was content to dwell with the man means that Moses took up residence with Reuel (Jethro) and his household. To dwell with the man may also be rendered as “to live [or, reside] with Jethro and his family.” It is not so clear just how much he had to be persuaded to dwell there. The Hebrew for was content may mean either that he “decided to live there” (Good News Translation) or that he “agreed to live there” (Good News Translation , British edition). It must be remembered that Moses was a fugitive and needed a place to stay, but the custom would have required more of an invitation than for one meal. The implication is that he was happy with the arrangement. Thus “agreed” is the more likely interpretation.

He gave Moses his daughter clearly implies marriage, and some ancient manuscripts even add the words “for a wife.” This may be made clear by adding the words “in marriage.” However, in many languages “gave … for a wife” is more natural style. Zipporah is the only daughter whose name is given. It can only be assumed that she was the oldest of the seven, for it was the custom to give the oldest daughter in marriage first.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .