Exodus 4:18 - Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”
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What does "Exodus 4:18" mean?
This verse from Exodus 4:18 signifies a crucial turning point in Moses' life and the beginning of his mission to liberate the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law..." After his encounter with God at the burning bush, Moses felt compelled to act. However, he was living as a shepherd in Midian, under the care and protection of his father-in-law, Jethro. This implies Moses is respecting familial obligations. He felt obligated to get permission from his guardian before leaving.
"...and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.”" This is Moses' request to leave Midian and return to Egypt. The language is carefully chosen. He frames his purpose as a compassionate mission to check on the well-being of his "brothers" (the Israelites). This might be a partial truth. He certainly cares for them, but he also knows that God has commanded him to lead them out of slavery. He doesn't explicitly mention God's command or the plan for liberation, possibly out of humility, fear of Jethro's reaction, or because he himself is still processing the enormity of the task. He implies he is only going on a fact finding mission.
"Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”" Jethro grants Moses permission to leave. "Go in peace" is a blessing, essentially saying "May your journey be safe and successful." It suggests that Jethro trusts Moses' judgment and perhaps senses a greater purpose behind his desire to return to Egypt. It also indicates that Jethro is not possessive or controlling. He is willing to let Moses follow his own path, even if it means leaving the security of Midian. This is remarkable, as Jethro had taken Moses in when he was a fugitive.
In summary, this verse shows:
Moses' obedience (to God) is tempered by his responsibility to his family and mentor, Jethro.
The beginning of Moses' journey back to Egypt to fulfill God's command.
Jethro's supportive and understanding nature. He is not an obstacle but rather a facilitator in Moses' divine mission.
Moses' strategic communication. He carefully frames his request to Jethro, perhaps downplaying the full extent of his mission.
The verse serves as a bridge between Moses' life as a shepherd in Midian and his role as the leader of the Israelites. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
It's a small verse, but it's packed with meaning and sets the stage for the dramatic events that will unfold in the following chapters of Exodus.
Exodus 4:18 - Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”
What does "Exodus 4:18" mean?
This verse from Exodus 4:18 signifies a crucial turning point in Moses' life and the beginning of his mission to liberate the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law..." After his encounter with God at the burning bush, Moses felt compelled to act. However, he was living as a shepherd in Midian, under the care and protection of his father-in-law, Jethro. This implies Moses is respecting familial obligations. He felt obligated to get permission from his guardian before leaving.
"...and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.”" This is Moses' request to leave Midian and return to Egypt. The language is carefully chosen. He frames his purpose as a compassionate mission to check on the well-being of his "brothers" (the Israelites). This might be a partial truth. He certainly cares for them, but he also knows that God has commanded him to lead them out of slavery. He doesn't explicitly mention God's command or the plan for liberation, possibly out of humility, fear of Jethro's reaction, or because he himself is still processing the enormity of the task. He implies he is only going on a fact finding mission.
"Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”" Jethro grants Moses permission to leave. "Go in peace" is a blessing, essentially saying "May your journey be safe and successful." It suggests that Jethro trusts Moses' judgment and perhaps senses a greater purpose behind his desire to return to Egypt. It also indicates that Jethro is not possessive or controlling. He is willing to let Moses follow his own path, even if it means leaving the security of Midian. This is remarkable, as Jethro had taken Moses in when he was a fugitive.
In summary, this verse shows:
Moses' obedience (to God) is tempered by his responsibility to his family and mentor, Jethro.
The beginning of Moses' journey back to Egypt to fulfill God's command.
Jethro's supportive and understanding nature. He is not an obstacle but rather a facilitator in Moses' divine mission.
Moses' strategic communication. He carefully frames his request to Jethro, perhaps downplaying the full extent of his mission.
The verse serves as a bridge between Moses' life as a shepherd in Midian and his role as the leader of the Israelites. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
It's a small verse, but it's packed with meaning and sets the stage for the dramatic events that will unfold in the following chapters of Exodus.