He sent word to Moses, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons." He sent word to Moses,Jethro announced his arrival before approaching the camp of Israel. The message honored Moses as Israel’s appointed leader while preserving the respect due within the family. 2Ch 30:1 Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah,… “I, your father-in-law Jethro, Jethro, also called Reuel, was the priest of Midian and the father of Zipporah. His arrival joined family concern with the unfolding work of God among His redeemed people. Exo 4:18 Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro… am coming to you Jethro came deliberately to meet Moses near the mountain of God. His visit would soon bring encouragement, worship of the Lord’s mighty acts, and wise counsel for Moses’ demanding responsibilities. Jhn 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. with your wife and her two sons.” Zipporah and her sons, Gershom and Eliezer, had been sent back to Midian during Moses’ mission to Egypt. Their return restored Moses’ household and showed that the deliverance of Israel did not cancel his responsibilities as husband and father. Exo 4:20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey… 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 in the wilderness. 2. Jethro Moses' father-in-law, also known as Reuel, a priest of Midian. He plays a significant role in advising Moses on leadership and governance. 3. Zipporah Moses' wife, who had been sent back to her father Jethro during the tumultuous events in Egypt. 4. Gershom and Eliezer The two sons of Moses and Zipporah. Their names reflect Moses' experiences and relationship with God. 5. Midian The region where Jethro lived and where Moses had fled after leaving Egypt. It is a place of refuge and transformation for Moses. Teaching Points The Importance of Family SupportMoses' reunion with his family underscores the importance of familial relationships and support in fulfilling God's calling. Family can be a source of strength and encouragement in ministry. Godly Counsel and Wisdom Jethro's visit is not just a family reunion but also a precursor to his wise counsel to Moses. This highlights the value of seeking and heeding godly advice from trusted mentors. Balancing Ministry and Family Moses' life illustrates the challenge of balancing leadership responsibilities with family commitments. This balance is crucial for effective ministry and personal well-being. The Role of In-Laws in God's Plan Jethro's involvement in Moses' life shows that in-laws can play a significant role in God's plan, offering support, wisdom, and guidance. Reconciliation and Restoration The reunion of Moses with his family after a period of separation can symbolize reconciliation and the restoration of relationships, which is a recurring theme in Scripture. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the reunion of Moses with his family in Exodus 18:6 reflect the importance of family in our own spiritual journeys?2. In what ways can we seek and apply godly counsel in our lives, as Moses did with Jethro's advice later in this chapter? 3. How can we balance our responsibilities to our family and our calling or ministry, as seen in Moses' life? 4. What role do extended family members, such as in-laws, play in our spiritual growth and journey, based on the relationship between Moses and Jethro? 5. How can the theme of reconciliation and restoration in Moses' reunion with his family inspire us to mend broken relationships in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 2:18-21This passage provides background on Moses' initial encounter with Jethro and his marriage to Zipporah. Exodus 4:18-20 Describes Moses' return to Egypt with his family, highlighting the importance of family in his mission. Numbers 10:29-32 Jethro's influence extends beyond Exodus, as he is invited to join the Israelites on their journey, showing the ongoing relationship between him and Moses.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Midian, RephidimTopics Father-in-law, Jethro, Law, Sons, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 18:3-4Library 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 18:6 NIVExodus 18:6 NLT Exodus 18:6 ESV Exodus 18:6 NASB Exodus 18:6 KJV Exodus 18:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |