Exodus 18:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 18:7
7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.
Chapter Context
Exodus 18 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, holiness, grace. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 18:7
7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.
Analysis
And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him—Moses' going out to meet Jethro demonstrates honor toward father-in-law despite Moses' superior position as Israel's leader. The verb 'did obeisance' (וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ, vayishtachu, 'bowed down, worshipped') shows deep respect—Moses, who speaks with God face-to-face, bows to his father-in-law. This humility models that spiritual authority doesn't eliminate family or social respect. The kiss (וַיִּשַּׁק, vayishaq) indicates affection, not merely protocol. The mutual inquiry 'they asked each other of their welfare' (וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ אִישׁ־לְרֵעֵהוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, vayish'alu ish-l're'ehu l'shalom) shows genuine relationship. Christ models similar honor, submitting to parents despite being their Creator (Luke 2:51).
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture emphasized honor toward elders and in-laws. Moses' demonstration of respect affirmed cultural propriety while modeling that leadership doesn't breed arrogance.
Reflection
- How does Moses bowing to Jethro teach that spiritual authority doesn't eliminate respect for others?
- What does mutual inquiry about welfare reveal about genuine versus merely formal relationships?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Genesis 14:17, 18:2, 19:1, 29:13, 2 Samuel 11:7, 1 Kings 2:19