The story of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, is one such transformation. It’s so profound, in fact, that it's reflected in his very names.
The Midrash tells us that Jethro wasn’t just called Jethro. He had seven names, each hinting at a stage in his spiritual journey. Each name seems to capture a facet of his evolving character. He was called Jether, because the Torah contains an “additional” section about him – a testament to his importance and contribution. Then there’s Jethro, meaning he "overflowed" with good deeds, a sign of his dedication to a righteous life.
But the story doesn't stop there. He was also known as Hobab, "the beloved son of God," suggesting a deep connection with the divine. Reuel, "the friend of God," shows his intimate relationship with the Almighty. Then there's Heber, "the associate of God," which speaks to his close partnership with the divine will. Putiel, meaning "he that hath renounced idolatry," marks a pivotal turning point – his rejection of his past beliefs. And finally, Keni, signifying that he was "zealous" for God and "acquired" the Torah. What a journey! It's all right there in the names.
Now, let's talk about wells. What is it about wells in the Torah that makes them meeting places?
According to the ancient texts, Jethro's daughters faced constant harassment. Because of Jethro's...complicated relationship with the townsfolk (being a former priest of idols probably didn't help!), his daughters had to arrive at the watering troughs before everyone else to avoid trouble. But even then, the shepherds would often drive them away and water their own flocks using the water the maidens had painstakingly drawn.
Enter Moses.
When Moses arrived in Midian, he, like Isaac and Jacob before him, found himself at a well. It's almost a trope, isn't it? These crucial encounters at wells. As we read in Genesis, Rebekah was chosen by Eliezer as the wife of Isaac while she was busy drawing water (Genesis 24). Jacob first saw Rachel while she was watering her sheep, as recounted in Genesis 29. And it was at this well in Midian that Moses met his future wife, Zipporah.
What is it about these wells? Are they just convenient gathering places? Or do they symbolize something deeper? Perhaps they represent sources of life, both physical and spiritual. Maybe they are places of encounter, where destinies are intertwined and lives are forever changed. Whatever the reason, the well in Midian certainly marked a turning point, not only for Moses, but also for Jethro and his family, setting the stage for the giving of the Torah and the birth of a nation.