What is the meaning of Exodus 18:5? Moses’ father-in-law Jethro “Now Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law…” (Exodus 18:5) • Jethro is the priest of Midian (Exodus 2:16; 3:1). His arrival shows that the fame of the Lord’s deliverance has spread beyond Israel (compare Exodus 18:1; Joshua 2:10). • As a Gentile priest who honors the true God (Exodus 18:10-12), Jethro stands as an early picture of the nations being drawn to Israel’s covenant God (Isaiah 2:2-3). • His relationship to Moses as “father-in-law” reminds us that God often uses family ties to advance His purposes (Genesis 45:8; Ruth 4:14-15). Along with Moses’ wife and sons “…took Moses’ wife Zipporah, and her two sons…” (see Exodus 18:2-4) • Zipporah and the boys, Gershom and Eliezer, had evidently returned to Midian earlier (Exodus 4:20; 18:2). Now they are reunited with Moses, highlighting God’s care for the leader’s household (Psalm 68:6). • Gershom’s name—“I have been a foreigner” (Exodus 2:22)—and Eliezer’s—“My God is my helper” (Exodus 18:4)—echo Israel’s own journey from alienation to deliverance. • Their presence underscores that spiritual leadership is never meant to eclipse family responsibilities (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 1 Timothy 3:4-5). Came to him in the desert “…came to him in the wilderness…” (Exodus 18:5) • The wilderness is where God shaped Israel (Deuteronomy 8:2) and where Moses himself first met the LORD at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1). • Jethro’s trek across harsh terrain illustrates both his devotion and God’s faithful guidance through barren places (Psalm 78:52; Hosea 2:14). • Divine appointments often happen in unlikely settings, far from the comforts of home (1 Kings 19:4-8; Matthew 4:1). Where he was encamped at the mountain of God “…while he was camped near the mountain of God.” (Exodus 18:5) • “Mountain of God” points to Horeb/Sinai (Exodus 3:12; 19:1-2), the very site where Israel will soon receive the Law. • The reunion takes place on holy ground, foreshadowing that God’s revelation involves both community and covenant (Exodus 24:12-18). • By timing Jethro’s visit just before the giving of the Law, the text signals that wise counsel (Exodus 18:17-24) and godly order prepare God’s people for deeper revelation (Proverbs 11:14; Acts 6:3-7). summary Exodus 18:5 records more than a family visit; it highlights God’s wider plan. A Gentile priest hears of Yahweh’s mighty works and travels—bringing Moses’ wife and sons—into the wilderness camping spot at Sinai. The verse portrays God reuniting family, drawing the nations, and setting the stage for covenant revelation. It demonstrates that no detail of location, relationship, or timing is accidental; each serves God’s purpose of glorifying Himself and blessing His people. |
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