Exodus 18:2
Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,
Original Language Analysis
חֹתֵ֣ן
father in law
H2859
חֹתֵ֣ן
father in law
Strong's:
H2859
Word #:
3 of 10
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Moses likely sent Zipporah back to Midian after the circumcision crisis at the inn (Exodus 4:24-26). Jethro brings her after hearing of exodus victories, reuniting the family.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Moses' family separation teach about the cost of leadership and calling?
- How does Jethro's timing in bringing family back show God's grace in restoring what calling costs?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back—The phrase 'after he had sent her back' (אַחַר שִׁלּוּחֶיהָ, achar shilucheha) indicates Moses had sent Zipporah and sons to Midian, probably after the dangerous circumcision incident (Ex 4:24-26). This separation shows the cost of Moses' calling—family sacrificed for leadership. Jethro's timing in bringing them now, after Israel's victory over Amalek and before Sinai, suggests divine providence in family reunification. Zipporah's return before the law-giving shows grace—Moses receives family back before receiving increased leadership burden. This prefigures Christ who creates family (church) even while bearing leadership's lonely weight.