Exodus 18:2
Then Iethro Moses father in law tooke Zipporah Moses wife, after he had sent her backe, Exodus 18:2 (KJV)
The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. In this verse we encounter Jethro, the father‑in‑law of Moses, and Zipporah, Moses’ wife. The verse briefly mentions that Jethro brought Zipporah to Moses. Jethro, also known as Reuel, was a Midianite priest and the father of Zipporah. He is introduced earlier in Exodus when Moses fled from Egypt and settled in Midian, and later he plays a significant role in the life of Moses, providing guidance and wisdom.
The Bible does not record Moses sending Zipporah back to Jethro; it simply states that Jethro later brought her to Moses. During their journey to Egypt to confront Pharaoh, Moses and his family encountered a life‑threatening incident (Exodus 4:24‑26), which involved the circumcision of their son. Some readers speculate that this event may have influenced family movements, but the Scripture gives no explicit reason for Zipporah’s travel.
The significance of the verse, while appearing as a small detail, provides insight into the personal life of Moses. It highlights the sacrifices and challenges Moses faced as a leader and prophet. The verse also sets the stage for the subsequent encounter between Jetho and Moses, where Jethro offers counsel to improve the administration of justice among the Israelites (Exodus 18:13‑26).
Lessons from the verse include responsibility and sacrifice: Moses had to make difficult choices and sacrifices for the greater good of leading the Israelites out of slavery, and sometimes fulfilling a greater purpose requires personal sacrifices. God’s providence is evident even when the verse does not explicitly mention it; we can see His providential hand in the circumstances, working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes. Finally, seek wise counsel: later in the chapter Jethro provides valuable advice to Moses about delegating responsibilities, highlighting the importance of seeking counsel and wisdom from others, even those outside our immediate community, who can offer fresh perspectives and insights. Remember that studying a verse in isolation may limit our understanding; exploring the surrounding verses and chapters can provide a richer context for interpretation and application.
