Exodus 18:6

KJV

And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, I thy father in law {H2859} Jethro {H3503} am come {H935} unto thee, and thy wife {H802}, and her two {H8147} sons {H1121} with her.

Complete Jewish Bible

He sent word to Moshe, "I, your father-in-law Yitro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons."

Berean Standard Bible

He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.”

American Standard Version

and he said unto Moses, I, thy father-in-law Jethro, am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 18:6 chronicles the significant arrival of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, accompanied by Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, at the Israelite encampment in the wilderness. This pivotal reunion not only restores Moses' immediate family unit but also sets the stage for Jethro's divinely-inspired and profoundly impactful counsel regarding the administrative structure and judicial system of the nascent nation of Israel. The verse underscores the importance of family, the value of external wisdom, and God's providential care in providing support for His chosen leaders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of [Exodus 18](/exodus/18 "Exodus 18 - Jethro's Visit and Counsel"), which serves as a crucial interlude between the Israelites' miraculous deliverance from Egypt and their reception of the Law at Mount Sinai. The preceding verses [Exodus 18:1-5](/exodus/18-1-5 "Exodus 18:1-5 - Jethro Hears and Brings Moses' Family") establish Jethro's awareness of Yahweh's mighty acts on behalf of Israel, particularly the dramatic exodus from Egypt and the victory over Amalek. Jethro, having heard these reports, takes Zipporah (whom Moses had apparently sent back to him) and their two sons to reunite them with Moses at the "mountain of God." Verse 6 is the direct announcement of their physical presence, immediately followed by the warm greetings, shared meal, and worship recounted in [Exodus 18:7-12](/exodus/18-7-12 "Exodus 18:7-12 - Moses and Jethro's Joyful Reunion"). This familial reunion is not merely a personal moment but a narrative prerequisite for Jethro's comprehensive administrative advice to Moses, detailed in [Exodus 18:13-26](/exodus/18-13-26 "Exodus 18:13-26 - Jethro's Practical Counsel for Governance"), which would fundamentally transform Israel's leadership structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, the Israelites were encamped at Mount Horeb (Sinai), having recently experienced the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and the provision of manna and water in the wilderness. The journey was arduous, and it is widely inferred that Moses had sent his wife and sons back to Jethro's care, perhaps after the life-threatening incident at the lodging place where Zipporah circumcised their son to save Moses [Exodus 4:24-26](/exodus/4-24-26 "Exodus 4:24-26 - Zipporah's Timely Act"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the father-in-law held a position of significant respect, authority, and often acted as a wise counselor. Jethro's identity as a priest of Midian, a people related to Israel through Abraham (via Keturah, as seen in [Genesis 25:1-2](/genesis/25-1-2 "Genesis 25:1-2 - Abraham's Descendants with Keturah")), suggests a shared, albeit distinct, religious heritage. His deliberate journey to Moses was a profound act of familial solidarity and an acknowledgment of Yahweh's power, demonstrating a desire to support his son-in-law in his monumental leadership task.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 18:6 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates events and uses various individuals, even those outside the immediate Israelite community, to provide support and wisdom for His chosen leaders. The verse also introduces the theme of **Wise Counsel**, setting the stage for Jethro's practical and divinely-inspired advice that proves indispensable for the nascent nation's governance. Furthermore, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Leadership and Delegation**, as Moses, despite his unique divine calling, is shown to be in need of practical assistance and a sustainable administrative structure. Finally, the reunion underscores the **Importance of Family** and personal well-being, even for a leader burdened with immense national responsibility, reminding us that God cares for the whole person. These themes are echoed throughout the Pentateuch, emphasizing the importance of community and wise governance for God's people, as seen in later passages like [Deuteronomy 1:9-18](/deuteronomy/1-9-18 "Deuteronomy 1:9-18 - Moses Appoints Leaders").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude. In this context, it signifies a direct and intentional communication from Jethro to Moses. It's not a casual utterance but a formal announcement, carrying the weight of Jethro's identity and the purpose of his visit. This verb sets the stage for the personal interaction and the significant counsel that will follow, emphasizing that Jethro's words are deliberate and purposeful.
* **father in law (Hebrew, _châthan'_):** From H2859, a primitive root meaning "to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage." This term specifically denotes the relationship of a father-in-law. Its use here is crucial as it immediately establishes the familial bond and the inherent respect and authority associated with such a relationship in ancient Near Eastern society. Jethro's counsel, which is forthcoming, derives much of its legitimacy and persuasive power from this established familial connection, making his advice not merely an outsider's opinion but the loving, experienced guidance of a respected elder within Moses' extended family.
* **Jethro (Hebrew, _Yithrôw'_):** From H3503, meaning "his excellence." The name Jethro itself carries a profound significance, derived from a root suggesting "abundance," "excellency," or "superiority." This etymology is remarkably fitting for Jethro's role in Exodus 18. He arrives not empty-handed, but with an "abundance" of practical wisdom and organizational insight that proves "excellent" and "superior" to Moses' current, unsustainable method of leadership. His name thus subtly foreshadows the invaluable contribution he is about to make to the nascent nation of Israel, embodying the very qualities he brings to the situation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto Moses,"**: This opening clause immediately identifies the speaker as Jethro, who has just arrived, and the recipient as Moses. The direct address "unto Moses" indicates a personal, intentional, and perhaps formal communication, establishing the tone for the significant interaction that is about to unfold. It highlights the directness of Jethro's approach and his desire to engage Moses personally.
* **"I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee,"**: Jethro explicitly identifies himself, first by his relational title ("thy father in law") and then by his personal name ("Jethro"). This dual identification, while seemingly redundant, serves to emphasize the profound nature of the visit: it is both a familial reunion and an arrival of a respected figure. The phrase "am come unto thee" signifies a deliberate journey undertaken specifically to reunite with Moses, underscoring the purposefulness and importance of his presence.
* **"and thy wife, and her two sons with her."**: This final clause completes the picture of the family reunion, confirming the presence of Zipporah, Moses' wife, and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer (whose names are explicitly given in [Exodus 18:3-4](/exodus/18-3-4 "Exodus 18:3-4 - Names of Moses' Sons")). This detail humanizes Moses, reminding the reader that even the greatest leaders have personal lives and family needs. The re-establishment of Moses' immediate family unit provides a foundation of personal stability amidst the immense public demands of his divine mission.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 18:6 employs several effective literary devices. **Identification** is paramount, as Jethro explicitly names himself and clarifies his familial relationship to Moses. This immediate clarification of the speaker and the nature of the encounter sets the personal and familial context for the subsequent narrative, emphasizing that the counsel to come is not from a stranger but a trusted relative. The verse also subtly uses **Foreshadowing**. The mere arrival of Jethro, identified as "thy father in law," along with Moses' complete family, hints at a moment of stability, support, and preparation before the immense task of receiving the Law and establishing a nation. His presence suggests that something significant, beyond a simple reunion, is about to transpire. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis** achieved through the specific re-introduction of Jethro and the detailed mention of the family members. This highlights the importance of this reunion, not just as a personal event for Moses, but as a providential moment for the entire Israelite community. The personal address ("unto thee," "thy wife," "her two sons with her") further humanizes Moses, reminding the reader of the personal sacrifices and joys intertwined with his demanding public role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 18:6 profoundly illustrates God's comprehensive providential care, extending beyond miraculous deliverance to encompass the provision of human support and wisdom for His servants. The reunion of Moses with his family, orchestrated by Jethro, demonstrates that God uses diverse means—including familial relationships, external counsel, and wise mentorship—to strengthen, sustain, and equip His chosen leaders for their immense tasks. It underscores the divine wisdom in providing community, accountability, and practical resources, ensuring that even those entrusted with the greatest responsibilities are not isolated but are supported in fulfilling their divine calling. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God often works through human relationships to accomplish His purposes, valuing both the personal well-being of His servants and the effective administration of His people.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.")
* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.")
* [Romans 12:10](/romans/12-10 "Romans 12:10 - Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The reunion described in Exodus 18:6 offers a profound and practical lesson for every believer: no one, regardless of their calling or position, is meant to operate in isolation. Even Moses, the preeminent leader chosen by God, needed the support of his family and the wise counsel of his father-in-law. This passage encourages us to actively cultivate and cherish healthy relationships—with family, friends, mentors, and fellow believers—recognizing that God frequently uses these connections as channels of wisdom, encouragement, and practical assistance. It also serves as a humble challenge, particularly for those in leadership roles, to remain open to receiving counsel from diverse sources, even those seemingly outside our immediate sphere of influence. Our willingness to embrace humility and integrate wise advice can be as vital to our effectiveness and spiritual well-being as our own gifts and talents. True strength often lies in recognizing our need for others and embracing the community God has provided.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or leadership might you be operating in isolation, and how could seeking wise counsel or strengthening your support system bring greater effectiveness or peace?**
* **Who are the "Jethros" in your life—individuals who, perhaps from an unexpected perspective, offer practical wisdom, encouragement, or accountability? How do you intentionally seek and receive their input?**
* **How does the re-establishment of Moses' family unit in this passage speak to the importance of balancing our divine calling and public responsibilities with our personal and familial well-being?**

### FAQ

**Why did Moses' wife and sons return to Jethro in the first place?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state the exact moment or reason Moses sent Zipporah and their sons back to Jethro. However, the most commonly accepted and biblically supported theory is that Moses sent them away after the traumatic incident recorded in [Exodus 4:24-26](/exodus/4-24-26 "Exodus 4:24-26 - Zipporah Circumcises Gershom"). In this passage, the Lord sought to kill Moses because his son, Gershom, had not been circumcised, a covenant requirement. Zipporah's quick action saved Moses' life. This harrowing event, coupled with the imminent and perilous mission to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt, likely prompted Moses to send his family to the safety and care of Jethro. The arduous journey through the wilderness and the challenges of leading a vast nation would have been an incredibly difficult environment for a wife and young children, making Jethro's home a logical refuge.

**What is the significance of Jethro's role in the Exodus narrative beyond this reunion?**

Answer: Jethro plays a critical and often underestimated role in the Exodus narrative, extending far beyond this reunion. After observing Moses' unsustainable practice of personally judging all the people's disputes from morning till evening [Exodus 18:13-18](/exodus/18-13-18 "Exodus 18:13-18 - Jethro Observes Moses' Workload"), Jethro offers Moses invaluable administrative and organizational advice. He counsels Moses to delegate authority by appointing capable, trustworthy, and God-fearing men to judge smaller matters, bringing only the most difficult cases to Moses himself [Exodus 18:19-23](/exodus/18-19-23 "Exodus 18:19-23 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses"). Moses wisely heeds this counsel [Exodus 18:24](/exodus/18-24 "Exodus 18:24 - Moses Heeds Jethro's Counsel"), establishing a foundational judicial and administrative structure for Israel. Jethro's wisdom demonstrates the importance of wise counsel, even from outside the immediate Israelite community, and highlights God's strategic use of various individuals to equip and sustain His leaders, ensuring the well-being and effective governance of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The reunion of Moses with his family and the subsequent wise counsel from Jethro in Exodus 18:6 beautifully foreshadows aspects of Christ's perfect leadership and the comprehensive support He provides to His church, the new Israel. While Moses, even as God's chosen leader, needed external wisdom and familial support to sustain his demanding ministry, Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, possesses all wisdom and authority inherently, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom"). He does not *receive* counsel from others to govern His people; rather, He *gives* perfect counsel through His Holy Spirit and His infallible Word [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Counselor") and [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth"). However, just as Moses was reunited with his family, Christ gathers His own spiritual family—the church—to Himself, providing a community of support, mutual edification, and shared mission for the advancement of His kingdom [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints, a Holy Temple in the Lord"). Jethro's wise delegation of authority to Moses points to Christ as the ultimate delegator, empowering His disciples with the Holy Spirit to carry on His mission after His ascension, extending His work to the ends of the earth [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness"). In Christ, we find the ultimate source of perfect wisdom, sustainable leadership, and the loving embrace of a spiritual family that transcends all earthly bonds, fulfilling the needs for guidance and community that even Moses experienced.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.