Topical Encyclopedia Background and Context: Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and receiving the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. His family reunion is a significant event that underscores the importance of familial bonds and divine providence in the narrative of the Exodus. Family Members Involved: Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed, both of the tribe of Levi. He had an older sister, Miriam, and an older brother, Aaron. Each member of Moses' family played a crucial role in his life and the broader account of the Israelites. 1. Jochebed and Amram: Jochebed, Moses' mother, is noted for her faith and courage. She defied Pharaoh's edict to kill Hebrew male infants by placing Moses in a basket on the Nile River, trusting God for his safety (Exodus 2:3). Amram, though less prominently featured, is recognized as a man of faith and part of the Levitical lineage. 2. Miriam: Miriam, Moses' sister, is first introduced as the young girl who watched over Moses as he floated on the Nile. She later becomes a prophetess and leader among the Israelite women. Her role in the family reunion is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, but her presence and influence are significant throughout the Exodus narrative. 3. Aaron: Aaron, Moses' brother, served as his spokesperson and later as the first high priest of Israel. His reunion with Moses is a pivotal moment, as God commands Aaron to meet Moses in the wilderness after Moses' encounter with the burning bush. "Then the LORD said to Aaron, 'Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.' So he went and met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him" (Exodus 4:27). This meeting marks the beginning of their joint mission to liberate the Israelites. The Reunion with Jethro: Another significant family reunion occurs when Moses reunites with his father-in-law, Jethro (also known as Reuel), after the Exodus from Egypt. Jethro, a priest of Midian, had given his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. After the Israelites' escape from Egypt, Jethro brings Zipporah and Moses' two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to meet Moses in the wilderness. In Exodus 18, Jethro rejoices over the deliverance of the Israelites and offers sacrifices to God. He also provides Moses with wise counsel on leadership and governance, advising him to appoint capable men to help judge the people, thus easing Moses' burden. "Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said" (Exodus 18:24). Significance: Moses' family reunion highlights the importance of family support and guidance in fulfilling God's purposes. Each family member, through their faith and actions, contributes to the unfolding of God's plan for Israel. The reunion with Jethro, in particular, emphasizes the value of wise counsel and shared leadership in managing the responsibilities of leading a nation. 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 |