“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.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Exodus that recounts the journey of the Israelites out of Egypt and their encounters in the wilderness. In this particular verse, we see a meeting between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro (also known as Reuel).
To understand the significance of this verse, let’s explore its context:
- Background: After the miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, Moses led the Israelites into the wilderness. They camped at a place called Rephidim, where they faced a water crisis. God instructed Moses to strike a rock at Horeb, and water gushed forth to quench the thirst of the people (Exodus 17:1-7).
- Arrival of Jethro: Word of the Israelites’ deliverance reached Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, who was a priest of Midian. He decided to visit Moses, bringing along Moses’ wife, Zipporah, and their two sons (Exodus 18:1-2).
- Moses’ Meeting with Jethro: When Moses learned that Jethro had come to meet him, he went out to greet him. The act of “doing obeisance” refers to showing deep respect and reverence, which Moses displayed towards his father-in-law. Moses kissed Jethro as a gesture of affection and honor.
- Conversation and Fellowship: After these initial greetings, Moses and Jethro engaged in a conversation, inquiring about each other’s welfare. They likely shared their experiences and caught up on family matters. This encounter took place inside a tent, suggesting a private and intimate setting for their discussion.
The significance of this passage lies in the importance of family relationships, respect, and fellowship. Despite Moses’ elevated position as the leader of the Israelites, he humbly showed reverence and honor to his father-in-law. Their conversation allowed them to strengthen their bond and share in each other’s lives.
This passage also highlights the value of interpersonal relationships and the need for community and support, even in times of leadership and responsibility. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining healthy connections with our loved ones and seeking wisdom and guidance from those who are older and experienced.
Overall, Exodus 18:7 encourages us to value and nurture our family relationships, to show respect and honor to our elders, and to seek meaningful fellowship with others as we navigate life’s challenges.
