Old Testament
Exodus 18:2
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Earlier, Moses had sent his wife Zipporah back to her father, and Jethro had taken her in,
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Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,
What Exodus 18:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, we see a significant decision made by Moses. He had previously sent his wife, Zipporah, back to her father, Jethro. This action reflects the challenges Moses faced while leading the Israelites. Jethro, Zipporah's father, took her in, showing his protective nature. This also highlights the importance of family support during difficult times. Moses was focused on his mission, but family ties remained crucial. Jethro's role as a father-in-law emphasizes the value of relationships in our lives. It reminds us that even leaders need a support system. This story illustrates how personal sacrifices can be necessary for greater responsibilities. It encourages us to consider how we balance our commitments to family and our duties to others. Ultimately, it shows that love and support from family can help us navigate our challenges more effectively, reinforcing the idea that we are not alone in our journeys. Family can provide strength and encouragement when we face tough decisions.
How to apply Exodus 18:2 to your life
Consider how you balance your responsibilities with your family commitments. Reflect on the support systems in your life and how they help you navigate challenges. Remember that it's okay to lean on loved ones when facing tough decisions. Family can be a source of strength and encouragement during difficult times. Make time for those relationships that matter most to you, as they can provide invaluable support on your journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Jethro Visits Moses (Exodus 18:1–27)
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Moses
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 18:2 mean?
Exodus 18:2 describes how Moses sent his wife Zipporah back to her father, Jethro, highlighting the personal sacrifices he made while leading the Israelites. It shows the importance of family support during challenging times.
What is the significance of Jethro in Exodus 18:2?
Jethro, as Zipporah's father, plays a protective role by taking her in after Moses sends her back. This emphasizes the value of family relationships and support systems, especially for leaders facing difficult responsibilities.
What does the phrase 'sent his wife Zipporah back' mean in Exodus 18:2?
The phrase indicates that Moses made a difficult choice to prioritize his leadership duties over his family life, reflecting the challenges he faced while guiding the Israelites.
How does Exodus 18:2 relate to family support?
This verse highlights how family can provide essential support during challenging periods, reminding us that even leaders like Moses need the encouragement and strength that family relationships offer.
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