Exodus 18:5

Authorized King James Version

And Jethro, Moses' father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֹ֞א
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
יִתְר֨וֹ
And Jethro
jethro, moses' father-in-law
#3
חֹתֵ֥ן
father in law
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
#4
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#5
וּבָנָ֥יו
with his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
וְאִשְׁתּ֖וֹ
and his wife
a woman
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
הַמִּדְבָּ֗ר
into the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#11
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
ה֛וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#13
חֹנֶ֥ה
where he encamped
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
#14
שָׁ֖ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#15
הַ֥ר
at the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#16
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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