“Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back.”
Context: 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 Moses had sent Zipporah back to her father, Jethro.
Who is Jethro? 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. Jethro later plays a significant role in the life of Moses, providing guidance and wisdom.: 3. Why did Moses send Zipporah back? The Bible does not explicitly mention the reason why Moses sent Zipporah back to her father, but we can speculate based on the broader context. 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. It’s possible that Moses sent Zipporah back to her father for her safety or to ensure that their son was cared for.
The significance of the verse: While this verse may appear to be a small detail, it 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 Jethro and Moses, where Jethro offers counsel to improve the administration of justice among the Israelites (Exodus 18:13-26).
Lessons from the verse:
- Responsibility and sacrifice: Moses had to make difficult choices and sacrifices for the greater good of leading the Israelites out of slavery. Sometimes, fulfilling a greater purpose requires personal sacrifices.
- God’s providence: Although the verse does not explicitly mention God’s involvement, we can see His providential hand in the circumstances. God had a plan for Moses and the Israelites, and even in personal matters, He works behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes.
- Seek wise counsel: Later in the chapter, Jethro provides valuable advice to Moses about delegating responsibilities. This highlights 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.
