Exodus 4:18

ยถ And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which [are] in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

And Moses {H4872} went {H3212} and returned {H7725} to Jethro {H3500} his father in law {H2859}, and said {H559} unto him, Let me go {H3212}, I pray thee, and return {H7725} unto my brethren {H251} which are in Egypt {H4714}, and see {H7200} whether they be yet {H5750} alive {H2416}. And Jethro {H3503} said {H559} to Moses {H4872}, Go {H3212} in peace {H7965}.

Moshe left, returned to Yitro his father-in-law and said to him, "I beg you to let me go and return to my kinsmen in Egypt, to see if they are still alive." Yitro said to Moshe, "Go in peace."

Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, โ€œPlease let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.โ€ โ€œGo in peace,โ€ Jethro replied.

And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren that are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Commentary

Exodus 4:18 marks a pivotal moment in Moses' journey, as he begins to act upon the divine commission received at the burning bush. After his profound encounter with God, Moses returns to his father-in-law, Jethro, seeking permission to leave Midian and return to his Israelite brethren in Egypt.

Context

This verse immediately follows God's detailed instructions and assurances to Moses regarding the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 3:10). Despite his initial hesitations and arguments with God (Exodus 4:1-17), Moses now takes the first practical step towards fulfilling his calling. His request to Jethro, framed as a desire to check on his family, demonstrates his respect for his father-in-law's authority and a prudent approach to a significant life change, even one initiated by God.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Action: Moses' immediate action after God's command signifies his growing obedience and willingness to step into his divinely appointed role. This is the transition from divine instruction to human initiation.
  • Respect for Authority: By seeking Jethro's permission, Moses shows deference to his father-in-law, who was also a priest of Midian. This highlights the importance of respecting established human relationships and authority, even when under direct divine guidance.
  • Divine Providence and Family Ties: Moses' stated reason for returning ("see whether they be yet alive") is a natural and understandable human concern, which also serves as a humble explanation for his departure, aligning with God's broader plan for his people.
  • Peaceful Departure: Jethro's response, "Go in peace," signifies his blessing and acceptance of Moses' departure, ensuring a harmonious transition. This peaceful release is crucial for Moses as he embarks on a challenging mission.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "Go in peace" translates from the Hebrew word shalom (ืฉึธืืœื•ึนื), which is much richer than a simple farewell. Shalom encompasses concepts of wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, harmony, and absence of conflict. Jethro's blessing is not merely permission but a wish for Moses' safety, success, and overall welfare on his journey and mission, reflecting a deep blessing for his future endeavors.

Practical Application

Exodus 4:18 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Prudent Preparation: Even when called by God to a great work, it is wise to handle earthly affairs responsibly and respectfully. Moses did not abruptly abandon his family or responsibilities.
  • Seeking Blessings: There is value in seeking the blessing or respectful permission of those in authority over us, fostering good relationships and a peaceful transition into new phases of life.
  • Trust in God's Timing: Moses' obedience, though seemingly small in this verse, is a critical step in a much larger divine plan for the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. It reminds us that every step of obedience matters.
  • Peace in Purpose: When we are aligned with God's will, even challenging paths can begin with a sense of peace and blessing from those around us, much like Jethro's farewell to Moses.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 3:1

    ยถ Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, [even] to Horeb.

  • 1 Timothy 6:1

    ยถ Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed.

  • Genesis 45:3

    And Joseph said unto his brethren, I [am] Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.

  • Acts 16:36

    And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.

  • 1 Samuel 1:17

    Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant [thee] thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

  • Luke 7:50

    And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

  • Acts 15:36

    ยถ And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, [and see] how they do.
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