What does Exodus 2:20 mean?

Reuel asks his daughters two questions regarding Moses (Exodus 2:16–17). First, Reuel sought to honor or reward Moses for his action, and so he wants to meet him face to face. Second, he asks, why Moses has not been brought back to be properly thanked (Exodus 2:18–19). In Reuel's mind, this man should have been brought home for a meeting and to receive hospitality from his family. Reuel then commands his daughters to call Moses and offer him a meal. This kind response again foreshadows God's provision to the Jewish people in the wilderness. God would work through Moses to provide bread in the form of manna for forty years in the desert for His people.

In addition, the desire to show hospitality to Moses would result in much more than a meal. Moses would become part of Reuel's family, both through marriage and mission (Exodus 2:21). Moses would become a shepherd in the family, leading a flock on their behalf. This period of training would both foreshadow his future activity as shepherd of the Jewish people and prepare him for the positive and negative aspects of leading a "flock" of people through the desert for forty years (Exodus 12:41; Numbers 14:33).