◄ Exodus 18:6 ►
He sent word to Moses, "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons."
Study Bible
He sent word to Moses
This phrase indicates a formal communication, emphasizing the importance of the message. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sending word was a common practice for conveying significant news or requests. The Hebrew root for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) often implies a deliberate and purposeful action. This highlights Jethro's respect and recognition of Moses' leadership and the need for proper protocol in approaching him.

I, your father-in-law Jethro
The identification of Jethro as Moses' father-in-law is significant. It underscores the familial bond and the respect inherent in their relationship. Jethro, a priest of Midian, is a figure of wisdom and authority. His name, יִתְרוֹ (Yitro), can mean "his abundance" or "excellence," reflecting his esteemed status. This introduction sets the stage for the wise counsel Jethro will later provide to Moses.

am coming to you
This phrase conveys Jethro's intention and action to reunite with Moses. The Hebrew verb בּוֹא (bo) for "coming" suggests movement towards a destination with purpose. Jethro's journey signifies a proactive step to reconnect with Moses, bringing familial and spiritual support. It also foreshadows the pivotal advice he will offer, which will impact the governance of the Israelites.

with your wife
The mention of Moses' wife, Zipporah, highlights the restoration of family unity. Zipporah had previously returned to her father's house, as implied in earlier chapters. Her return signifies reconciliation and the importance of family in God's plan. This reunion is a reminder of the personal sacrifices Moses made in his divine mission and the restoration of his household.

and her two sons
The inclusion of Moses' sons, Gershom and Eliezer, emphasizes the continuation of Moses' lineage and the fulfillment of God's promises. Their presence is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving Moses' family amidst the challenges of leading Israel. The names of the sons, Gershom meaning "a stranger there" and Eliezer meaning "my God is help," reflect Moses' journey and reliance on God. This phrase underscores the importance of family legacy and divine providence in the narrative of Exodus.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The 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 Support
Moses' 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 2:18-21
This 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.
Sermons
Ashamed of ParentsJ. Carstairs.Exodus 18:1-6
Character not Deteriorated by HonourW. M. Taylor, D. D.Exodus 18:1-6
Family GatheringsJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 18:1-6
Jethro's Visit - Moses in His Domestic RelationsD. Young Exodus 18:1-12
The Consolations of Those Who Suffer Loss for the Kingdom of GodJ. Urquhart Exodus 18:1-12
The Visit of JethroJ. Orr Exodus 18:1-13
Friendship in its Loftiest FormH.T. Robjohns Exodus 18:6-12
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, Zipporah
Places
Egypt, Midian, Rephidim
Topics
Father-in-law, Jethro, Law, Sons, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 18:3-4

     5044   names, giving of

Library
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 name of the one [of Moses' sons] was Gershom ... and the name of the other was Eliezer....'--EXODUS xviii. 3, 4. In old times parents often used to give expression to their hopes or their emotions in the names of their children. Very clearly that was the case in Moses' naming of his two sons, who seem to have been the whole of his family. The significance of each name is appended to it in the text. The explanation of the first is, 'For he said, I have been an alien in a strange land'; and that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Origin and Growth of Law.
MOSES' WORK AS JUDGE AND PROPHET.--Ex. 18; 1-27; 33:5-11. Parallel References. Hist. Bible I, 198-203. Prin. of Politics, Ch. VI. Maine, Ancient Law. Jehovah spake to Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend--Ex. 33: 11. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard cases they brought unto Moses, but every small …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation

The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

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
The ruler should not relax his care for the things that are within in his occupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to provide for the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that are within; lest either, given up to the things that are without, he fall away from his inmost concerns, or, occupied only with the things that are within bestow not on his neighbours outside himself what he owes them. For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Easter Tuesday
Second Sermon. Same Text. Acts 13, 26-39. THE WORD AND THE RESURRECTION.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon appeared first in the Church Postil, the Explanation of the Epistle and Gospel Texts from Easter to Advent. Printed by Hans Lufft, Wittenberg, 1559.] 1. This sermon was preached by Paul in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, where were gathered with the Jews some Greek converts. Wherever in a city Jews were to be found, there also were their synagogues in which they taught and preached; and many …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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