Exodus 18:8

KJV

And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, [and] all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and [how] the LORD delivered them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} told {H5608} his father in law {H2859} all that the LORD {H3068} had done {H6213} unto Pharaoh {H6547} and to the Egyptians {H4714} for Israel's {H3478} sake {H182}, and all the travail {H8513} that had come {H4672} upon them by the way {H1870}, and how the LORD {H3068} delivered {H5337} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe told his father-in-law all that ADONAI had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Isra'el's sake, all the hardships they had suffered while traveling and how ADONAI had rescued them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships they had encountered along the way, and how the LORD had delivered them.

American Standard Version

And Moses told his father-in-law all that Jehovah had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how Jehovah delivered them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 18:8 presents a tender yet profound moment where Moses meticulously recounts to his father-in-law, Jethro, the comprehensive narrative of God's miraculous interventions and steadfast faithfulness on behalf of Israel. This pivotal verse encapsulates the spectacular acts of divine judgment against Egypt that secured Israel's liberation, the arduous trials and "travail" endured during their wilderness journey, and the consistent, powerful demonstration of the LORD's delivering hand through every challenge, culminating in a powerful testimony to God's unwavering presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a significant narrative interlude in the book of Exodus, following the dramatic events of the Red Sea crossing, the miraculous provision of manna and water, and the victory over Amalek, detailed in earlier chapters such as [Exodus 14-17](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14-17 - Deliverance and Wilderness Provision"). Moses is reunited with his wife Zipporah and his two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, who have been brought to him by his father-in-law, Jethro, a priest of Midian. The preceding verses ([Exodus 18:1-7](/exodus/18-1 "Exodus 18:1-7 - Jethro's Arrival and Reunion")) describe Jethro's journey to meet Moses and the initial greetings. Verse 8 marks the commencement of Moses' detailed explanation of the momentous events that have transpired since he last saw his family, setting the stage for Jethro's profound response of worship and his subsequent wise counsel regarding the organization of Israel's judicial system ([Exodus 18:13-26](/exodus/18-13 "Exodus 18:13-26 - Jethro's Counsel for Judicial Organization")). This personal recounting is crucial, as it provides Jethro with the essential theological foundation for understanding God's unique and active relationship with Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites had recently been liberated from over four centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt, an event marked by a series of devastating plagues and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, acts of divine power unparalleled in ancient history. Their subsequent journey through the wilderness was fraught with challenges, including scarcity of water and food, and hostile encounters like the attack by the Amalekites ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle with Amalek")). Moses' recounting to Jethro, a priest from a neighboring culture, served not merely as a family update but as a powerful theological declaration. In a polytheistic world, where various gods were worshipped and regional deities were common, Moses' testimony would have presented a compelling case for the supremacy and unique character of YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. Jethro's subsequent response of acknowledging YHWH's greatness ([Exodus 18:9-12](/exodus/18-9 "Exodus 18:9-12 - Jethro's Worship and Sacrifice")) demonstrates the evangelistic power of witnessing to God's mighty acts, even across significant cultural and religious divides.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 18:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the **sovereignty and faithfulness of God** (YHWH), who actively intervenes in human history to fulfill His covenant promises. The recounting highlights God's **redemptive power**, demonstrated in the liberation from Egypt and the sustained provision through wilderness "travail." It also emphasizes the **importance of testimony and remembrance**, as Moses' sharing of God's deeds serves to glorify God and instruct others. The inclusion of "travail" introduces the theme of **God's presence in suffering and hardship**, showing that divine deliverance is not always the absence of difficulty, but God's sustaining power through it. This verse also subtly introduces the theme of **intercultural witness**, as a Midianite priest comes to acknowledge the God of Israel, foreshadowing the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, a theme that echoes throughout the biblical narrative, from the call of Abraham in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Blessing All Families of the Earth") to the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The capitalized "LORD" in the KJV translates the Tetragrammaton, YHWH (H3068), the personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "Exodus 3:14-15 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses")). This name signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithful, active presence with His people. The repeated use of "the LORD" in this verse emphasizes that all the mighty deeds against Pharaoh and the deliverances in the wilderness were not by human strength or chance, but by the sovereign will and power of the covenant-keeping God, underscoring His unique identity as the true and living God.
* **Travail (Hebrew, _tᵉlâʼâh'_):** This term (H8513) denotes distress, weariness, hardship, or the arduous nature of a journey. It acknowledges the genuine difficulties and suffering Israel endured in the wilderness—the hunger, thirst, and battles with hostile groups. Moses does not gloss over these challenges but includes them as an integral part of the complete narrative, highlighting that God's deliverance was not only from external enemies but also through internal struggles and environmental hardships, demonstrating His comprehensive care.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This verb (H5337) conveys the idea of being snatched away, rescued, or pulled out from danger. It implies a strong, decisive, and active intervention by God to save His people. It is not merely an escape, but a powerful act of salvation, underscoring God's dynamic involvement in the historical events and His unwavering commitment to preserving Israel through all their trials and tribulations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses told his father in law":** This phrase establishes the intimate and personal nature of the recounting. Moses, the divinely appointed leader of a nascent nation, takes the time to share his profound experiences and God's mighty acts with Jethro, a respected family member and spiritual figure, demonstrating the importance of personal testimony and intergenerational sharing of faith and divine revelation.
* **"all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake":** This refers to the dramatic and devastating series of plagues inflicted upon Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. These acts were not random but specifically orchestrated by God to liberate His chosen people from centuries of bondage, fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and demonstrating His supreme power over all earthly rulers and deities.
* **"and all the travail that had come upon them by the way":** This acknowledges the significant hardships and trials Israel faced during their journey from Egypt through the wilderness. This includes the lack of water and food, the murmuring of the people, and the physical conflict with the Amalekites. Moses' inclusion of these difficulties provides a realistic and comprehensive picture of their journey, showing that God's faithfulness extends even through periods of intense struggle.
* **"and [how] the LORD delivered them":** This concluding clause powerfully reaffirms the central theme of divine sovereignty and salvation. Despite all the formidable opposition from Egypt and the severe "travail" in the wilderness, it was consistently the LORD (YHWH) who brought them through. This emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness, His continuous provision, and His ultimate power to save and sustain His people through every conceivable challenge, highlighting that deliverance is always His work.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 18:8 functions primarily as a powerful **testimony**, a concise yet comprehensive narrative summary of God's mighty acts. Moses' recounting is a deliberate act of witness, designed to inform and impress Jethro with the reality and supreme power of YHWH. The verse employs **repetition** through the recurring emphasis on "the LORD had done" and "the LORD delivered them," which serves to underscore divine agency and sovereignty as the singular force behind all the events. This repetition acts as a **refrain**, reinforcing the theological truth that God alone is the Deliverer and Sustainer. Furthermore, there is a subtle but significant **contrast** presented between the external threat of Pharaoh and Egypt and the internal/environmental "travail" experienced in the wilderness. Yet, in both scenarios, the ultimate outcome is the same: the LORD's unwavering deliverance. The verse's **conciseness** is also noteworthy; it distills years of dramatic and complex history into a potent, memorable statement of God's active and faithful involvement in the lives of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 18:8 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human history, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and the vital role of testimony in recognizing and proclaiming His deeds. It reveals a God who is not distant or passive but intimately engaged in the liberation and preservation of His people, not only from external oppressors but also through internal hardships and environmental challenges. Moses' recounting highlights that salvation is entirely God's work, a powerful demonstration of His sovereignty and redemptive power. The "travail" acknowledged in the verse reminds us that God's deliverance often occurs not by removing all difficulties, but by sustaining His people through them, proving His faithfulness even in the midst of trials. This passage also underscores the importance of sharing our experiences of God's faithfulness, as Moses' testimony leads Jethro to worship and acknowledge YHWH's supremacy, serving as a model for intergenerational and cross-cultural witness.

* [Psalm 107:2](/psalms/107-2 "Psalm 107:2 - Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So")
* [Psalm 77:11-12](/psalms/77-11-12 "Psalm 77:11-12 - Remembering God's Mighty Deeds")
* [Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20-25 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - Teaching Future Generations God's Deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' detailed and heartfelt recounting of God's mighty acts to Jethro serves as a powerful model for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a posture of intentional remembrance, diligently recalling and articulating the myriad ways God has intervened in our lives, both in grand, miraculous deliverances and in sustaining us through periods of "travail." This practice not only deepens and strengthens our own faith but also provides a compelling witness to others, inviting them to acknowledge God's sovereign power and profound goodness. In a world prone to attributing success to human effort, chance, or impersonal forces, Moses' repeated emphasis on "the LORD had done" and "the LORD delivered" compels us to humbly recognize God's active, providential hand in every blessing, every breakthrough, and every moment of endurance. Furthermore, the inclusion of "travail" reminds us that genuine faith does not exempt us from hardship; rather, it assures us of God's unwavering presence and ultimate deliverance *through* hardship, transforming our trials into platforms for His glory and opportunities for deeper reliance on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "travail" or difficult journeys has the LORD delivered you through? How might intentionally recounting these experiences strengthen your faith or the faith of others in your life?**
* **In what practical ways do you intentionally remember and celebrate God's past faithfulness in your personal life, in your family, or in the history of the Church?**
* **Considering Moses' example, how can you more effectively and authentically share your personal testimony of God's deliverance and faithfulness with those around you, particularly those who may not yet know Him?**
* **What specific acts of "the LORD had done" for you, your family, or your community are you most grateful for today, and how can you give Him the glory for them?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Moses to tell Jethro these things?**

Answer: It was crucial for several profound reasons. Firstly, Jethro was Moses' father-in-law and a priest of Midian, representing a spiritual authority outside of Israel's direct covenant. Moses' testimony served as a powerful witness to the supremacy of YHWH, the God of Israel, over all other gods, potentially leading Jethro to a deeper faith in the one true God, which indeed happened as Jethro blessed the LORD and offered sacrifices ([Exodus 18:9-12](/exodus/18-9-12 "Exodus 18:9-12 - Jethro's Praise and Sacrifice")). Secondly, it provided Jethro with the necessary context to understand the immense burden and overwhelming responsibility Moses carried as the leader of a vast, newly liberated nation. This understanding then enabled Jethro to offer wise and practical counsel regarding the delegation of judicial duties, which significantly impacted the organizational structure of Israel ([Exodus 18:13-26](/exodus/18-13-26 "Exodus 18:13-26 - Jethro's Wise Counsel to Moses")). It was a sharing of both divine acts and personal burdens within a trusted family context.

**What does "for Israel's sake" imply about God's actions?**

Answer: The phrase "for Israel's sake" underscores God's unwavering covenantal faithfulness and His overarching redemptive purpose. It means that all the powerful judgments against Pharaoh and the Egyptians were not arbitrary acts of destruction but were specifically designed and executed to liberate Israel, fulfill God's ancient promises to their ancestors ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")), and establish them as His chosen people, a nation set apart for His glory. It highlights that God's actions are purposeful, driven by His steadfast love and His commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating His character as a God who keeps His word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 18:8, with its profound emphasis on the LORD's powerful deliverance and steadfast presence through "travail," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Moses, as the great deliverer of Israel from physical bondage and the one who led them through wilderness trials, serves as a powerful type and foreshadowing of Christ, the ultimate Deliverer from the bondage of sin and death. Just as the LORD "had done" mighty acts against Egypt for Israel's sake, so God, in Christ, "has done" the decisive and comprehensive work of salvation for humanity's sake, culminating in the cross and resurrection. Jesus' journey to accomplish this salvation was marked by profound "travail"—His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")), His suffering and rejection ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")), and His bearing of the world's sin on the cross. Yet, through this ultimate "travail," "the LORD delivered" us, raising Him from the dead and securing eternal life and justification for all who believe ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus' Resurrection for Our Justification")). Believers are now called to bear witness to this greater deliverance, sharing the "good news" of Christ's finished work, just as Moses recounted God's mighty deeds to Jethro, inviting others into the saving knowledge of the true God and His Son ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")).

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 81:7

Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.

Numbers 20:14

¶ And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:

Psalms 106:10

And he saved them from the hand of him that hated [them], and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

Psalms 78:42

They remembered not his hand, [nor] the day when he delivered them from the enemy.

Psalms 78:43

How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan:

Psalms 145:4

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

Psalms 145:12

To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.