Exodus 18:5
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:
Original Language Analysis
חֹתֵ֥ן
father in law
H2859
חֹתֵ֥ן
father in law
Strong's:
H2859
Word #:
3 of 16
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
וּבָנָ֥יו
with his sons
H1121
וּבָנָ֥יו
with his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַמִּדְבָּ֗ר
into the wilderness
H4057
הַמִּדְבָּ֗ר
into the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
10 of 16
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
ה֛וּא
H1931
ה֛וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
12 of 16
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
חֹנֶ֥ה
where he encamped
H2583
חֹנֶ֥ה
where he encamped
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
13 of 16
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
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Cross References
Exodus 3:1Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.Exodus 3:12And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.
Historical Context
Sinai/Horeb was already known as 'the mount of God' from Moses' burning bush encounter (Exodus 3:1). Jethro's arrival there positions him to witness the law-giving and glory manifestation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jethro leaving settled life for wilderness pilgrimage teach about seeking God?
- How does family reunion at Sinai before law-giving show grace preceding commandment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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—Jethro's pilgrimage to 'the mount of God' (הַר הָאֱלֹהִים, har ha'elohim, Sinai/Horeb) demonstrates that he seeks not merely family reunion but divine encounter. The 'mount of God' designation before the law-giving shows this mountain's sacred character predates Sinai covenant—it's where God appeared to Moses in burning bush (Ex 3:1). Jethro's coming 'into the wilderness' requires faith—he leaves settled Midian for desert pilgrimage. This prefigures Gentiles who will come from nations to worship at Zion (Isa 2:2-3). The family reunion at Sinai, where law will be given, shows grace (family) before law (Sinai).