◄ Exodus 18:27 ►
Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own land.
Study Bible
Then Moses
The name "Moses" is derived from the Hebrew "Mosheh," which is believed to mean "drawn out," reflecting his rescue from the Nile. Moses is a central figure in the Exodus narrative, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. His leadership is marked by humility and obedience to God, serving as a model for spiritual leadership. The use of "then" indicates a sequence of events, suggesting that Moses' actions are a direct response to the preceding counsel and events.

sent his father-in-law
The act of sending Jethro, his father-in-law, signifies a respectful and formal farewell. In ancient Near Eastern culture, family ties were significant, and the relationship between Moses and Jethro is one of mutual respect and benefit. Jethro, also known as Reuel, is a priest of Midian, and his visit to Moses brought wisdom and organizational advice, which Moses implemented to better govern the people of Israel.

on his way
This phrase indicates a journey or departure. In the context of the narrative, it suggests that Jethro's purpose in visiting Moses has been fulfilled. The phrase also implies a sense of peace and completion, as Jethro leaves with the assurance that Moses is equipped to lead effectively. It reflects the transient nature of human interactions and the importance of fulfilling one's God-given mission before moving on.

and Jethro
Jethro, whose name in Hebrew is "Yitro," means "his abundance" or "excellence." He is a figure of wisdom and spiritual insight, having recognized the power of the God of Israel. His role in the narrative highlights the importance of wise counsel and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty by those outside the immediate covenant community.

returned to his own land
This phrase emphasizes Jethro's return to Midian, his homeland. It underscores the idea of returning to one's roots and responsibilities after fulfilling a divine purpose elsewhere. Historically, Midian was a region east of the Gulf of Aqaba, and Jethro's return signifies the continuation of his priestly duties there. Theologically, it suggests that God's work transcends geographical boundaries and that His influence extends through His servants wherever they are placed.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in the Book of Exodus, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In this chapter, he is seen interacting with his father-in-law, Jethro, and implementing his advice on leadership and governance.

2. Jethro
Moses' father-in-law, a priest of Midian. He visits Moses, observes his leadership, and offers wise counsel on how to manage the people's needs more effectively.

3. Midian
The land where Jethro resides. It is significant as a place of refuge for Moses before he returned to Egypt to lead the Israelites.

4. Israelites
The people Moses is leading out of Egypt. Their journey and governance are central themes in this chapter.

5. The Departure
The event where Jethro returns to his own land after visiting Moses and offering his counsel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Wise Counsel
Jethro's visit highlights the value of seeking and heeding wise advice from trusted individuals, even those outside one's immediate community of faith.

Delegation and Leadership
Moses' implementation of Jethro's advice on delegation is a model for effective leadership, emphasizing the need to share responsibilities to prevent burnout and ensure efficient governance.

Respecting Family Ties
Moses' respectful relationship with Jethro underscores the importance of maintaining strong family connections and honoring the wisdom of elders.

God's Work Beyond Israel
Jethro's acknowledgment of God's work among the Israelites serves as a reminder that God's influence and blessings extend beyond the boundaries of Israel, reaching other nations and peoples.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jethro's advice to Moses in Exodus 18:13-26 prepare the way for his departure in verse 27, and what can we learn about the role of mentorship in our lives?

2. In what ways does the relationship between Moses and Jethro illustrate the importance of family ties and respect for elders in a Christian context?

3. How can the principle of delegation, as seen in Moses' leadership, be applied in our personal, professional, or church life today?

4. Considering Jethro's recognition of God's work among the Israelites, how can we be more aware of God's activity in the lives of those outside our immediate faith community?

5. Reflect on a time when you received wise counsel from someone outside your usual circle. How did it impact your decisions, and how does this relate to the interaction between Moses and Jethro?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 18:13-26
Provides context for Jethro's visit and the advice he gives to Moses about delegating responsibilities, which is a precursor to verse 27.

Numbers 10:29-32
Hobab, another relative of Moses, is invited to join the Israelites, showing the ongoing relationship between Moses' family and the Israelites.

Genesis 12:1-3
God's promise to Abraham about blessing all nations, which can be seen in Jethro's interaction with Moses, as Jethro, a non-Israelite, acknowledges God's work.
Sermons
Jethro's DepartureD. Young Exodus 18:27
Good Counsel Well TakenJ. Urquhart Exodus 18:13-27
The Appointment of JudgesJ. Orr Exodus 18:13-27
The Economy of ForceH.T. Robjohns Exodus 18:17-27
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, Zipporah
Places
Egypt, Midian, Rephidim
Topics
Bade, Depart, Departed, Farewell, Father-in-law, Jethro, Law, Returned
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 18:14-27

     5685   fathers, responsibilities

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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