Exodus 4:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 4:18
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 4 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, love, fellowship. 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 21-31: 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 4:18
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.
Analysis
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 (וַיֵּלֶךְ מֹשֶׁה וַיָּשָׁב אֶל־יֶתֶר חֹתְנוֹ וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ אֵלְכָה נָּא וְאָשׁוּבָה אֶל־אַחַי אֲשֶׁר־בְּמִצְרַיִם וְאֶרְאֶה הַעוֹדָם חַיִּים וַיֹּאמֶר יִתְרוֹ לְמֹשֶׁה לֵךְ לְשָׁלוֹם)—Moses returns to Jethro, showing proper honor and requesting release from family obligation. Let me go... and return unto my brethren—Moses frames this as family concern: see whether they be yet alive. He doesn't reveal the burning bush encounter—either from humility, concern Jethro wouldn't understand, or divine instruction to maintain discretion. Go in peace (לֵךְ לְשָׁלוֹם)—Jethro's blessing releases Moses with שָׁלוֹם (shalom, peace/wholeness). This proper departure contrasts with Moses' flight from Egypt (2:15). God's servants leave well, maintaining relationships and honor.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture required adult sons-in-law to request release from family obligations before departing. Moses' courtesy toward Jethro honored his father-in-law and received blessing in return. Jethro will later reunite with Moses (18:1-12), bringing Moses' wife and sons, suggesting their separation was understood as temporary mission, not permanent abandonment.
Reflection
- How does Moses' respectful departure from Jethro model appropriate handling of family and relational obligations when God calls to new mission?
- When has God called you to leave a season or place, and how did you honor those relationships while obeying the call?
Word Studies
- Repent: שׁוּב / נָחַם (Shuv / Nacham) H7725 - To turn back, relent
Cross-References
- Word: Exodus 3:1