What is the meaning of Exodus 18:7? So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law • Moses does not wait for Jethro to come to him; he initiates the meeting. This models active hospitality and humility, much like Abraham who “went out to meet” the three visitors (Genesis 18:2). • As Israel’s leader, Moses’ action reminds us that true greatness serves others (Mark 10:43-45). • The phrase also fulfills the spirit of “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12), expanding that honor to one’s in-laws. • Similar welcome scenes—Abram meeting Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17-20) and the prodigal’s father running to his son (Luke 15:20)—underscore that going out to meet someone is a gesture of grace. and bowed down and kissed him. • Bowing shows deep respect; kissing is the warm, covenantal greeting of Near-Eastern culture. Jacob “bowed to the ground seven times” before Esau and then they “embraced and kissed” (Genesis 33:3-4). • Moses’ posture mirrors the humility God requires: “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5). • The kiss also anticipates the New Testament call to “Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss” (1 Thessalonians 5:26), demonstrating affectionate unity among God’s people. They greeted each other • The Hebrew expression implies words of peace—“Shalom.” Boaz greets reapers, “The LORD be with you,” and they reply, “The LORD bless you” (Ruth 2:4). Such mutual blessing centers conversation on God. • Mutual greeting indicates equality before God: elder priest and younger prophet exchange honor, fulfilling “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). • Warm verbal exchange cements relationships, guarding against suspicion or rivalry that could have arisen between Midianite priest and Israelite leader. and went into the tent. • Moving from public welcome to private fellowship allows for testimony-sharing; verse 8 records Moses recounting “all that the LORD had done.” This echoes Peter entering Cornelius’ house to explain the gospel privately (Acts 10:24-27). • The tent signifies a place of counsel and covenant: later, the “tent of meeting” becomes the setting where Moses speaks “face to face” with God (Exodus 33:7-11). • Inviting Jethro inside demonstrates inclusion of Gentiles who honor the true God, foreshadowing “the nations will hope in His name” (Matthew 12:21). • Hospitality culminates in shared meals (v.12), paralleling Jesus’ promise, “I will come in and dine with him” (Revelation 3:20). summary Exodus 18:7 portrays Moses stepping outside his own camp to honor his father-in-law with humble action, affectionate greeting, mutual blessing, and welcoming fellowship. The verse teaches servant-hearted leadership, filial respect, sincere unity, and open-door hospitality—qualities that reflect God’s character and prepare hearts to hear of His mighty works. |
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