So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent. So Moses went out to meet his father-in-lawMoses personally received Jethro, who had come to the wilderness with Zipporah and Moses’ two sons (Exodus 18:5–6). Though Moses bore the weighty responsibility of leading Israel, he did not allow his public calling to diminish his duty of honor toward family. His welcome recognized Jethro’s place in the household and prepared the way for counsel that would strengthen Israel’s leadership. Gen 29:13 When Laban heard the news about his sister’s son Jacob,… and bowed down and kissed him. Moses showed humility, affection, and respect through customary gestures of greeting. The leader through whom God had delivered Israel remained a servant before God and considerate toward others. The reunion recalls the peaceful embrace of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 33:4), displaying reconciliation and fellowship rather than distance or self-importance. Gen 33:3-4 But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground… They greeted each other Their mutual inquiry conveyed genuine concern for one another’s well-being after a long separation. Jethro had sheltered Moses during his years in Midian, given him Zipporah as his wife, and witnessed God’s provision for him before the Exodus. Their warm reception formed the setting for Moses to recount the Lord’s mighty deliverance of Israel and for Jethro to respond in worship (Exodus 18:8–12). Rom 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches… and went into the tent. The tent offered privacy and hospitality for the important conversation that followed. There Moses testified to all the Lord had done against Pharaoh and Egypt, directing attention away from himself to God’s faithfulness. Jethro’s later counsel concerning capable judges would help Moses share the burden of governing the people, showing that godly wisdom may come through faithful counsel received with humility. Gen 24:67 And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in the Book of Exodus, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In this passage, he demonstrates humility and respect. 2. Jethro Moses' father-in-law, also known as Reuel, a priest of Midian. He visits Moses in the wilderness, bringing Moses' wife and sons. 3. The Tent Represents a place of meeting and hospitality. It is where Moses and Jethro engage in conversation and share wisdom. 4. Midian The region where Jethro is from, and where Moses spent years in exile before returning to Egypt to lead the Israelites. 5. Greeting Rituals The act of bowing and kissing was a customary greeting, showing respect and familial affection in ancient Near Eastern culture. Teaching Points Respect and HumilityMoses, despite his leadership role, shows humility and respect to Jethro. We are called to honor and respect those in our lives, regardless of our status. Value of Family The reunion of Moses and Jethro underscores the importance of maintaining strong family ties and relationships. Hospitality and Fellowship The act of going into the tent signifies the importance of hospitality and fellowship in building and maintaining relationships. Wisdom from Elders Jethro, as an elder and priest, brings wisdom to Moses. We should seek and value the counsel of those who have walked before us in faith. Reconciliation and Peace The greeting between Moses and Jethro is a model of reconciliation and peace, encouraging us to pursue harmony in our relationships. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' greeting of Jethro reflect the biblical principle of honoring one's elders, and how can we apply this in our daily interactions?2. In what ways does the reunion of Moses and Jethro illustrate the importance of family relationships, and how can we prioritize these in our own lives? 3. How does the concept of hospitality in this passage relate to the New Testament teachings on welcoming others, and what practical steps can we take to be more hospitable? 4. What can we learn from Moses' willingness to listen to Jethro's advice, and how can we cultivate a spirit of teachability in our own spiritual journey? 5. How does the theme of reconciliation in this passage connect with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and peace, and how can we actively pursue reconciliation in our relationships today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 33:4The reunion of Jacob and Esau, where they embrace and weep, parallels the warm greeting between Moses and Jethro, emphasizing reconciliation and familial bonds. 1 Samuel 20:41 The farewell between David and Jonathan, where they kiss and weep, highlights the deep respect and love in relationships, similar to Moses and Jethro. Luke 15:20 The prodigal son's return, where the father runs to embrace and kiss him, reflects the theme of reconciliation and acceptance seen in Moses' greeting of Jethro.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Midian, RephidimTopics Bowed, Boweth, Face, Father-in-law, Greeted, Kiss, Kissed, Kisseth, Law, Meet, Obeisance, Tent, WelfareDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 18:7 5138 bowing 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 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 18:7 NIVExodus 18:7 NLT Exodus 18:7 ESV Exodus 18:7 NASB Exodus 18:7 KJV Exodus 18:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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