What is the meaning of Exodus 18:27? Then Moses – The storyline turns back to Moses, the God-appointed leader who has just benefited from Jethro’s counsel (Exodus 18:24). – In his humility Moses accepts advice, but he also resumes decisive leadership, a pattern consistent with earlier moments (Exodus 3:10; 17:9). – God’s friend is once again acting as shepherd of Israel, paralleling Numbers 12:7 where the LORD calls Moses “faithful in all My house.” sent his father-in-law on his way – This is an act of honorable dismissal, not a brusque farewell. Moses personally sees to Jethro’s departure, reflecting the teaching to “honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12) and extending it to in-laws. – Hospitality in Scripture often ends with a respectful send-off (Genesis 18:16; 2 Samuel 15:20). Moses models that same courtesy. – The wording implies blessing and peaceful release, much like Jesus “blessed them and departed” in Luke 24:50. and Jethro – Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses’ father-in-law (Exodus 3:1), has just testified, “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods” (Exodus 18:11). – His new-found confession strengthens the narrative’s witness that Yahweh is drawing the nations (cf. Psalm 22:27). – Though an outsider ethnically, Jethro is treated as family, illustrating the promise that “all peoples on earth will be blessed” through God’s covenant line (Genesis 12:3). returned to his own land – Jethro does not remain with Israel; he heads back to Midian, likely to resume priestly duties while carrying news of Yahweh’s greatness (compare Mark 5:19, “Go home to your own people and tell them what the Lord has done for you”). – His return underscores distinct callings: Israel continues toward Sinai and Canaan; Jethro serves as a witness in his sphere (cf. Numbers 10:30, where Hobab—another Midianite relative—decides whether to accompany Israel). – The journey home fulfills the principle that God scatters testimonies of His work among the nations (Psalm 96:3). summary Exodus 18:27 shows Moses exercising respectful leadership by personally sending Jethro off in peace. Jethro, now a worshiper of the one true God, heads back to Midian as a freshly equipped witness. The verse ties a bow on their meeting: counsel received, fellowship enjoyed, and each man released to the mission God has assigned him. |
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