Exodus 4:18
Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Moses doesn't mention God's direct command or the burning bush to Jethro; instead, he frames his request as a simple desire to check on his family. This shows his profound respect for Jethro and his wisdom in not overwhelming him with unbelievable divine revelation, trusting instead that Jethro would recognize the sincerity of his intentions.
After God's dramatic appearance and commission to Moses, Moses, demonstrating both respect and shrewdness, returns to his father-in-law Jethro to request permission to visit his kin in Egypt. He omits the divine aspect of his mission, framing it as a simple desire to check on his family's well-being, a request Jethro readily grants. This seemingly ordinary departure is immediately followed by God's direct instructions to Moses, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming signs and the foreknowledge that Pharaoh's heart will be hardened.
God calls us to immense tasks, but how do we honor existing relationships while stepping into new callings?
Even when God gives a direct command, we are called to act with wisdom and respect towards others.
Balancing Divine Call and Human Duty
Moses, after his encounter with God at the burning bush, had a clear mission: return to Egypt and lead the Israelites to freedom. Yet, before he even begins that monumental task, he goes back to Jethro, his father-in-law and employer.
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What does it mean to carry God's message, especially when it involves immense power and profound resistance?
God equips His messengers not just with authority, but with the understanding of the spiritual battle they are entering.
God's Preparation for the Unseen War
Moses's journey back to Egypt isn't just a physical one; it's a transition into a spiritual conflict. God reassures Moses and prepares him for the immense resistance he will face.
Understand the original words
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A state of wholeness, completeness, or spiritual well-being resulting from a right relationship with God and others. It denotes prosperity, tranquility, and protection, often used as a formal parting blessing or wish for safety.
Moses' decision to seek Jethro's permission, even after receiving a divine commission, highlights the importance he placed on respecting existing relationships and acting with prudence, rather than rashness.
c. 1446 BC
Moses Departs Egypt
After killing an Egyptian taskmaster, Moses flees Egypt and settles in Midian. He marries Zipporah and becomes a shepherd, living in relative obscurity for forty years.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
The Burning Bush
While tending his flock in the wilderness, Moses encounters God in a burning bush. God commissions him to return to Egypt and deliver the Israelites from slavery.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Seeks Jethro's Permission
Before departing for Egypt, Moses returns to his father-in-law, Jethro, to ask for leave to visit his relatives. He conceals the true divine purpose of his journey, citing only a desire to check on their well-being.
c. 1406 BC
Moses and Aaron Meet
God instructs Moses to meet his brother Aaron in the wilderness. Aaron is sent to lead the people and speak on Moses' behalf, as Moses expresses hesitation about his own speaking ability.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Returns to Egypt
Accompanied by his wife and sons, Moses journeys back to Egypt, carrying the staff that will be used for miraculous signs. He is prepared to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites.
This verse highlights a similar sentiment of longing to 'see' family, as Joseph's brothers marvel at a particular event, underscoring the human desire for connection and observation within family and kin.
Luke 15:18The prodigal son's return includes the desire to 'arise and go to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.’' This echoes Moses's desire to 'go back' to his people, signifying a return driven by obligation and love.
Matthew 2:14-15Joseph is told in a dream to 'take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him; he arose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.' This shows a divine command for a journey to Egypt for protection, mirroring Moses's return.
Acts 7:23-25This passage recounts Moses's earlier attempt to deliver his people, where he 'supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them deliverance by his hand, but they did not understand. And the next day he appeared to them as they were struggling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why then are you wronging each other?’ But the one who was wronging the other pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ When Moses heard this, he fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.'
gillExodus 4:18: "And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace."
And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law,.... With his flock of sheep he kept, Exodus 3:1 , and said unto him: let me go, I pray thee, and return to my brethren which are in Egypt; the Israelites, who were so by nation and religion; as Jethro had…
bensonExodus 4:18: "And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace."
Exodus 4:18 . Moses returned to Jethro — Justice and decency required Moses to acquaint his father-in-law with his intention of going into Egypt; but he thought fit to conceal from him the errand upon which God sent him, lest he should endeavour to hinder or dis…
Moses doesn't mention God's direct command or the burning bush to Jethro; instead, he frames his request as a simple desire to check on his family. This shows his profound respect for Jethro and his wisdom in not overwhelming him with unbelievable divine revelation, trusting instead that Jethro would recognize the sincerity of his intentions.
After God's dramatic appearance and commission to Moses, Moses, demonstrating both respect and shrewdness, returns to his father-in-law Jethro to request permission to visit his kin in Egypt. He omits the divine aspect of his mission, framing it as a simple desire to check on his family's well-being, a request Jethro readily grants. This seemingly ordinary departure is immediately followed by God's direct instructions to Moses, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming signs and the foreknowledge that Pharaoh's heart will be hardened.
After God's dramatic appearance and commission to Moses, Moses, demonstrating both respect and shrewdness, returns to his father-in-law Jethro to request permission to visit his kin in Egypt. He omits the divine aspect of his mission, framing it as a simple desire to check on his family's well-being, a request Jethro readily grants. This seemingly ordinary departure is immediately followed by God's direct instructions to Moses, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming signs and the foreknowledge that Pharaoh's heart will be hardened.
"Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”" — Moses doesn't mention God's direct command or the burning bush to Jethro; instead, he frames his request as a simple desire to check on his family. This shows his profound respect for Jethro and his…
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