Exodus 18:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Now Jethro, Moses ' father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses ' wife, after he had sent her home,

NIV: After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro received her

NASB: And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took in Moses’ wife Zipporah, after he had sent her away,

CSB: Now Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, had taken in Zipporah, Moses’s wife, after he had sent her back,

NLT: Earlier, Moses had sent his wife, Zipporah, and his two sons back to Jethro, who had taken them in.

KJV: Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,

NKJV: Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,

Exodus 18:1–12 records the happy reunion of Moses with his wife, sons, and father-in-law. They share news, sacrifices to God, and food as they celebrate all that the Lord has done.

Moses' father-in-law Jethro (Exodus 4:18) has heard everything which happened to free the Hebrews from slavery (Exodus 12:40–41). He visits Israel, bringing Moses' family along. The two men share a happy reunion. After hearing more about the Lord's work, Jethro offers sacrifices. The next day, he notices that Moses is overwhelmed by making decisions for the people. Jethro suggests Moses appoint levels of leaders who can make lesser verdicts. Moses can then focus on teaching the people God's primary commands and resolving disputes which others cannot judge. This frees Moses to only arbitrate difficult situations.

Through God's power, Israel has just defeated an Amalekite attack (Exodus 17:8–13). Now Moses' father-in-law (Exodus 2:16–22) makes a visit. This man is Jethro, also known as Reuel. He sees Moses' burden as a leader and suggests ways to ease the pressure. Next, Israel will arrive at Mount Sinai. There they will receive God's instructions in the form of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19—20) and other specific components of God's covenant with them.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/1/2025 9:28:06 AM