Topical Encyclopedia Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. A significant event in his journey is when he is joined by his family in the wilderness, which underscores the importance of familial support and divine providence in his mission.Background Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed, members of the tribe of Levi, during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. To save him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants, his mother placed him in a basket on the Nile River, where he was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:1-10). Raised in the Egyptian court, Moses later fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. In Midian, he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (also known as Reuel), and had two sons, Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 2:11-22; 18:3-4). Reunion in the Wilderness After the Exodus from Egypt, Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness. During this time, Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought Zipporah and Moses' sons to him. This reunion is recorded in Exodus 18:1-12. The passage states: "Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard about everything that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her, along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, 'I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.' The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, 'My father’s God was my helper; He saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.' Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with Moses’ sons and wife to him in the wilderness, where he was camped at the mountain of God" (Exodus 18:1-5). Significance of the Reunion The reunion of Moses with his family in the wilderness is significant for several reasons: 1. Divine Providence and Support: The arrival of Jethro, Zipporah, and Moses' sons highlights the providential care of God in Moses' life. It serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the support they provide in fulfilling God's calling. 2. Jethro's Wisdom: Jethro's visit is not only a family reunion but also a moment of counsel. Observing Moses' heavy burden of leadership, Jethro advises him to delegate responsibilities to capable men, thus introducing a system of shared leadership (Exodus 18:13-26). This advice is pivotal in establishing an organized structure for the governance of the Israelites. 3. Spiritual Fellowship: The meeting also includes a spiritual dimension, as Jethro acknowledges the greatness of the LORD and offers sacrifices to God. This act of worship signifies the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the unity of faith among Moses' family and the Israelites (Exodus 18:10-12). Conclusion The episode of Moses being joined by his family in the wilderness is a testament to the integral role of family and wise counsel in the life of a leader. It underscores the importance of community, shared responsibility, and spiritual fellowship in the journey of faith. Moses' leadership is strengthened through the support and wisdom of his family, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's provision and guidance for His chosen leaders. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 18:1-12When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt; Nave's Topical Index Library How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ... From the Close of the General Conference in 1796, to the ... Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ... How the Amalekites and the Neighbouring Nations, Made War with the ... The Antiquities of the Jews Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ... Acts XXI The Ancestral Home Abram's Horror of Great Darkness. Resources In what ways was Moses like Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Moses have to wear a veil? | GotQuestions.org How old was Moses when he died? How long did Moses live? | GotQuestions.org Moses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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