Exodus 18:2 kjv

Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,

Exodus 18:2 nkjv

Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,

Exodus 18:2 niv

After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro received her

Exodus 18:2 esv

Now Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her home,

Exodus 18:2 nlt

Earlier, Moses had sent his wife, Zipporah, and his two sons back to Jethro, who had taken them in.

Exodus 18 verses

Exodus 18 2 Meaning

Exodus 18:2 describes Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, taking Zipporah, Moses' wife, to reunite her with Moses. The verse specifies that Jethro did so "after he [Moses] had sent her away," indicating a previous separation, most likely a temporary one for her safety during Moses' perilous mission to Egypt and the subsequent journey in the wilderness. This reunion signifies a significant family gathering in the wilderness.

Exodus 18 2 Context

Exodus chapter 18 details the momentous visit of Jethro, Moses' Midianite father-in-law, to Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness near Mount Sinai (Rephidim, as indicated by earlier narrative in Ex 17). This chapter occurs after the Israelites' miraculous deliverance from Egypt, their crossing of the Red Sea, the provision of manna and quail, and their victory over Amalek. Moses is burdened with the immense task of leading the millions of Israelites and judging their disputes. Jethro comes to bless God for Israel's deliverance and, importantly, brings Moses' wife Zipporah and his two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, who were apparently separated from Moses earlier. This verse specifically introduces the reason Zipporah was with Jethro.

Exodus 18 2 Word analysis

• So Jethro: Jethro (יִתְרוֹ - Yitro), Moses' father-in-law and the priest of Midian. His name signifies "abundance" or "excellence." He is depicted as a wise and righteous Gentile who worships the true God and eventually acknowledges the superiority of the Lord over all other gods (Ex 18:11).

• Moses’ father-in-law: Chathan (חָתָן), meaning "father-in-law" or "groom." This recurring phrase emphasizes Jethro's familial connection and established authority over Moses’ wife and children, underscoring the custom of paternal care in that culture.

• took: The verb used is לָקַח (laqach), which means "to take," "to receive," or "to bring." Here it means Jethro physically brought or fetched Zipporah from her family dwelling. It signifies an intentional act of reuniting the family.

• Zipporah: צִפֹּרָה (Tsipporah), Moses’ wife. Her name means "bird." She is the daughter of Jethro, mentioned first in Exodus 2:21 where Moses married her. Her actions, particularly in Exodus 4:24-26, where she circumcises her son to save Moses’ life, demonstrate her resolve and quick understanding.

• Moses’ wife: Ishah (אִשָּׁה), meaning "woman" or "wife." Reaffirms her status and relationship to Moses, even after the period of separation.

• after he had sent her away: The key phrase. The Hebrew verb is שָׁלַח (shalach), which means "to send," "send away," "stretch out," or "divorce."

  • In this context, it is widely interpreted as a temporary "sending away" or "sending back" for safety, rather than a legal divorce. This interpretation aligns with the flow of the narrative.
  • Following the dramatic and perilous encounter with God on the way to Egypt (Ex 4:24-26), where Zipporah performed the circumcision, and Moses' imminent and dangerous confrontation with Pharaoh, it is plausible Moses sent his wife and young sons back to her father's safe household in Midian. This protected them from the dangers of Egypt, the plagues, and the difficult wilderness journey that was to come.
  • This "sending away" was likely not a legal or emotional repudiation but a pragmatic decision born of love and responsibility to ensure his family's welfare during a period of immense national crisis and divine mission.

• Words-group: So Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife: This group of words emphasizes the relational bond and the patriarchal responsibility of Jethro in facilitating the reunion. It highlights the familial support network available to Moses even amidst his divine calling.

• Words-group: after he had sent her away: This critical phrase signifies a past event that caused separation, necessitating the present reunion. Its ambiguity has led to various scholarly discussions, but the prevailing view supports a temporary separation for practical and safety reasons, underscoring the challenges faced by leaders and their families during God's mighty acts.

Exodus 18 2 Bonus section

• The timing of Jethro's visit is significant: it occurs after the crucial events of the Exodus but before the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (compare Ex 18:5 with Ex 19:1-2). This sequence means Moses could fully focus on the critical theological and organizational tasks ahead, unburdened by concerns for his family's immediate safety.
• Some interpretations of "Cushite wife" in Numbers 12:1 suggest Zipporah might have been darker-skinned (Ethiopian/Cushite) or that Moses had another wife. However, Midianites were a people related to Abraham through Keturah, residing in a region geographically contiguous with Cush (present-day Sudan/Eritrea), making it possible that Zipporah was also referred to as a Cushite woman, or that this was simply another designation for her (e.g., perhaps reflecting a general geographical understanding, or a term of derision from Miriam and Aaron).
• The rejoining of Moses' family can be seen as a picture of the importance of domestic support for those in leadership and ministry, underscoring that spiritual tasks often require the strength and peace derived from a stable home life.

Exodus 18 2 Commentary

Exodus 18:2 presents a concise but deeply significant moment in Moses' life. The reunion of Moses with Zipporah and his sons, orchestrated by Jethro, is not merely a personal anecdote; it symbolizes the Lord's providential care for His servant's holistic well-being. The prior "sending away" (shalach) likely occurred out of practical necessity and love for his family, safeguarding them from the dangers of the plagues in Egypt and the rigorous wilderness journey. This temporary separation highlights the sacrifices required for obedience to God's calling. Jethro, hearing of God's mighty deeds for Israel, thoughtfully brings Moses' family back, thus completing his domestic sphere before the giving of the Law at Sinai. This reunion restores a vital element of support for Moses as he prepares for further responsibilities, reinforcing that God often works through family and community to sustain His servants.