After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her, After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah,Moses had returned Zipporah to her father during the demanding events surrounding his return to Egypt. Scripture does not state the precise reason or timing, though the danger of confronting Pharaoh and the hardships of the journey may have made her return to Midian necessary. Their later reunion shows that the separation was not abandonment but a temporary arrangement during a critical stage of Moses’ calling. Exo 4:20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey… his father-in-law Jethro had received her, Jethro welcomed his daughter and Moses’ sons into his household in Midian, providing care and protection while Moses carried out God’s command in Egypt. As a priest of Midian, Jethro would later confess the greatness of the Lord after hearing of Israel’s deliverance (Exodus 18:9–12). His faithful hospitality prepares for the reunion of Moses’ family and for the wise counsel that would strengthen Moses’ leadership. Exo 2:16-22 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters,… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in the Book of Exodus, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. At this point, he is leading the Israelites through the wilderness. 2. Zipporah Moses' wife, whom he had sent back to her father, Jethro, at some point during the Exodus journey. Her return to Moses is a significant event in this chapter. 3. Jethro Moses' father-in-law, also known as Reuel, a priest of Midian. He plays a crucial role in advising Moses on leadership and governance. 4. Midian The region where Jethro lived and where Moses had fled after leaving Egypt. It is a place of refuge and family for Moses. 5. The Exodus Journey The broader context of this passage, where Moses is leading the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. Teaching Points The Importance of Family SupportMoses' relationship with Zipporah and Jethro underscores the importance of family support in fulfilling God's calling. Family can provide wisdom, encouragement, and practical help. God's Provision through Relationships Jethro's role in Moses' life demonstrates how God often provides guidance and support through relationships. We should value and seek counsel from those God places in our lives. Balancing Ministry and Family Moses' decision to send Zipporah back to Jethro may reflect a need to balance his leadership responsibilities with family considerations. This balance is crucial for effective ministry and personal well-being. The Role of Wise Counsel Jethro's later advice to Moses about leadership structure (Exodus 18:13-27) highlights the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel, especially from those with experience and insight. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Moses' decision to send Zipporah back to her father, and how might this apply to balancing family and ministry today?2. How does Jethro's relationship with Moses illustrate the importance of having mentors or advisors in our spiritual journey? 3. In what ways does the account of Moses and Zipporah challenge us to consider the role of family in our own spiritual lives and callings? 4. How can we apply the principle of seeking wise counsel, as seen in Jethro's interaction with Moses, to our own decision-making processes? 5. Reflect on a time when family support or wise counsel significantly impacted your spiritual journey. How did it shape your path, and what lessons did you learn? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 2:21-22Provides background on Moses' marriage to Zipporah and their life in Midian, establishing the family connection. Exodus 4:18-26 Describes an earlier journey where Moses, Zipporah, and their sons set out for Egypt, highlighting the family's involvement in Moses' mission. Numbers 12:1 Discusses a later conflict involving Zipporah, showing her continued presence and influence in Moses' life. 1 Samuel 25:32-33 Offers a parallel in which wise counsel from a family member (Abigail) leads to a positive outcome, similar to Jethro's advice to Moses.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Midian, RephidimTopics Besides, Father-in, Father-in-law, Jethro, Law, Moses's, Parents, Received, Taketh, Wife, Zipporah, Zippo'rahDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 18:1Library The Ideal Statesman [Footnote: Preached on Occasion of Mr. Gladstone's Death. ]'Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them.'--EXODUS xviii. 21. You will have anticipated my purpose in selecting this text. I should be doing violence to your feelings and mine if I made no reference to the event which has united the Empire and the world in one sentiment. The great tree has fallen, and the crash has for the moment silenced all the sounds of the forest. Wars abroad and controversies at home are … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Gershom and Eliezer The Origin and Growth of Law. The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within in his Occupation among the Things that are Without, nor Neglect to Provide Opposition to Messiah Ruinous Easter Tuesday After the Scripture. Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes Exodus Links Exodus 18:2 NIVExodus 18:2 NLT Exodus 18:2 ESV Exodus 18:2 NASB Exodus 18:2 KJV Exodus 18:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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