◄ Exodus 18:2 ►
After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her,
Study Bible
After Moses had sent back
The phrase "after Moses had sent back" indicates a prior action taken by Moses, suggesting a deliberate decision to return his wife to her family. The Hebrew root for "sent back" is "shillach," which can mean to send away or dismiss. This action may reflect Moses' concern for Zipporah's safety during the tumultuous events in Egypt or a cultural practice of ensuring family safety. Historically, this reflects the patriarchal responsibility Moses felt, balancing his leadership duties with family care.

his wife Zipporah
Zipporah, whose name means "bird" in Hebrew, is a significant figure as Moses' wife. Her presence in the narrative highlights the blending of cultures, as she was a Midianite. This union symbolizes the inclusivity of God's plan, extending beyond the Israelites. Zipporah's role earlier in Exodus, where she circumcises their son, underscores her spiritual insight and courage, qualities that complement Moses' leadership.

his father-in-law Jethro
Jethro, also known as Reuel, is a priest of Midian, indicating his high status and spiritual authority. The name Jethro means "excellence" or "abundance," reflecting his wisdom and the respect he commands. Jethro's relationship with Moses is pivotal, as he later provides crucial advice on leadership and governance. This connection between Moses and Jethro exemplifies the importance of mentorship and counsel in fulfilling God's purposes.

had received her
The phrase "had received her" suggests a welcoming and protective action by Jethro. The Hebrew root "laqach" implies taking or receiving, often with care or responsibility. This act of receiving Zipporah back into her father's household demonstrates the familial support system and the cultural norms of hospitality and protection. It also sets the stage for Jethro's later involvement in advising Moses, showing the interconnectedness of family and leadership in God's plan.

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 through the wilderness.

2. Zipporah
Moses' wife, whom he had sent back to her father, Jethro, at some point during the Exodus journey. Her return to Moses is a significant event in this chapter.

3. Jethro
Moses' father-in-law, also known as Reuel, a priest of Midian. He plays a crucial role in advising Moses on leadership and governance.

4. Midian
The region where Jethro lived and where Moses had fled after leaving Egypt. It is a place of refuge and family for Moses.

5. The Exodus Journey
The broader context of this passage, where Moses is leading the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Family Support
Moses' relationship with Zipporah and Jethro underscores the importance of family support in fulfilling God's calling. Family can provide wisdom, encouragement, and practical help.

God's Provision through Relationships
Jethro's role in Moses' life demonstrates how God often provides guidance and support through relationships. We should value and seek counsel from those God places in our lives.

Balancing Ministry and Family
Moses' decision to send Zipporah back to Jethro may reflect a need to balance his leadership responsibilities with family considerations. This balance is crucial for effective ministry and personal well-being.

The Role of Wise Counsel
Jethro's later advice to Moses about leadership structure (Exodus 18:13-27) highlights the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel, especially from those with experience and insight.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Moses' decision to send Zipporah back to her father, and how might this apply to balancing family and ministry today?

2. How does Jethro's relationship with Moses illustrate the importance of having mentors or advisors in our spiritual journey?

3. In what ways does the account of Moses and Zipporah challenge us to consider the role of family in our own spiritual lives and callings?

4. How can we apply the principle of seeking wise counsel, as seen in Jethro's interaction with Moses, to our own decision-making processes?

5. Reflect on a time when family support or wise counsel significantly impacted your spiritual journey. How did it shape your path, and what lessons did you learn?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 2:21-22
Provides background on Moses' marriage to Zipporah and their life in Midian, establishing the family connection.

Exodus 4:18-26
Describes an earlier journey where Moses, Zipporah, and their sons set out for Egypt, highlighting the family's involvement in Moses' mission.

Numbers 12:1
Discusses a later conflict involving Zipporah, showing her continued presence and influence in Moses' life.

1 Samuel 25:32-33
Offers a parallel in which wise counsel from a family member (Abigail) leads to a positive outcome, similar to Jethro's advice to Moses.
Sermons
The Claims of HomeH.T. Robjohns Exodus 18:1-5
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
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, Zipporah
Places
Egypt, Midian, Rephidim
Topics
Besides, Father-in, Father-in-law, Jethro, Law, Moses's, Parents, Received, Taketh, Wife, Zipporah, Zippo'rah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 18:1

     5433   occupations

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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