Exodus 18:27 kjv

And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.

Exodus 18:27 nkjv

Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way to his own land.

Exodus 18:27 niv

Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own country.

Exodus 18:27 esv

Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went away to his own country.

Exodus 18:27 nlt

Soon after this, Moses said good-bye to his father-in-law, who returned to his own land.

Exodus 18 verses

Exodus 18 27 Meaning

Exodus 18:27 describes the conclusion of Jethro's significant visit with Moses and the Israelites. After offering valuable counsel regarding the delegation of judicial responsibilities, which Moses readily implemented, Jethro, having fulfilled his purpose, departs from the Israelite encampment. This verse signifies a respectful and peaceful separation, with Jethro returning to his ancestral land of Midian, leaving Moses to lead Israel forward.

Exodus 18 27 Context

Exodus chapter 18 begins with Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, visiting Moses and the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai. Jethro had heard of God's mighty deliverance of Israel from Egypt. He brings Moses' wife Zipporah and his two sons who had been sent away earlier. Moses warmly receives him and recounts all that God had done for Israel. Jethro praises the Lord, acknowledging God's superiority over all gods. The next day, Jethro observes Moses sitting as a judge for the people from morning till evening, overwhelmed by the task. Seeing this unsustainable burden, Jethro wisely advises Moses to appoint capable and God-fearing men to share the burden, handling smaller disputes while Moses reserved the major cases for himself and continued to teach God's statutes. Moses heeds this advice and implements it immediately. Exodus 18:27 serves as the conclusion to this pivotal interaction, signifying Jethro's mission accomplished and his respectful return to his home country, while Moses is left equipped with a more efficient administrative structure to lead the vast nation. Historically, it reflects the practice of respecting and listening to elders or wise individuals, even for those in divine leadership roles. There is an implicit contrast (not a direct polemic) between the efficient, God-honoring system advised by Jethro and implemented by Moses, versus chaotic, unsustainable leadership structures that might exist in other cultures.

Exodus 18 27 Word analysis

• Then (וַיְשַׁלַּח, vay'shallach): This conjunction indicates the sequence of events. The Hebrew `וַי` (vav conversive) preceding the verb creates a sequential perfect action, meaning "and he did..." or "then he did...". It connects Moses' action directly to the preceding events of Jethro's counsel and its implementation.
• Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Mosheh): The central human figure of the Exodus, divinely appointed leader and law-giver. His action here highlights his humility and wisdom in receiving and acting upon counsel, despite his unique direct relationship with God. It shows that even great leaders need wise advisors.
• let his father-in-law depart (אֶת-חֹתְנוֹ וַיְשַׁלַּח מֹשֶׁה, vay'shallach Mosheh et-chot'no): `וַיְשַׁלַּח` (vay'shallach) from the root `שָׁלַח` (shalach), meaning "to send away," "to dismiss," "to let go." It implies a formal and intentional act of sending someone off. It’s not a mere separation but an active, respectful dismissal after Jethro's purpose was fulfilled. `חֹתְנוֹ` (chot'no) means "his father-in-law," signifying their family relationship and the respect due to an elder and wise mentor.
• and he went his way (וַיֵּלֶךְ-לוֹ, vayyelekh-lo): `וַיֵּלֶךְ` (vayyelekh) from the root `הָלַךְ` (halakh), "to walk," "to go." The attached particle `לוֹ` (lo), meaning "to himself" or "for himself," emphasizes the personal and direct nature of Jethro's departure. He returned of his own accord, on his own path, rather than being driven out or coerced. It underscores a complete and self-initiated return journey.
• to his own country (אֶל-אַרְצוֹ, el-artzo): `אֶל` (el) is a preposition meaning "to" or "towards." `אַרְצוֹ` (artzo) refers to "his land" or "his country." Jethro, a priest of Midian, was returning to his home in the land of Midian, typically understood to be east of the Gulf of Aqaba. This emphasizes the conclusion of his involvement in Israel's affairs and the return to his specific sphere of influence and origin.

• "Moses let his father-in-law depart": This phrase highlights Moses' active role in facilitating Jethro's departure. It implies not just permission, but a formal dismissal, a gracious "sending off" that acknowledges Jethro's contribution and the completion of his advisory role. It is a sign of healthy leadership – knowing when to receive help and when to release the helper to their own calling.
• "he went his way to his own country": This signifies Jethro's journey home, emphasizing his distinct identity and destiny. While allied in purpose for a time, Jethro's divine assignment differed from Israel's journey to the Promised Land. This graceful separation maintains clear boundaries between Israel's unique covenant walk and its relationship with its kin.

Exodus 18 27 Bonus section

This verse subtly reinforces the distinction of Israel's journey. While Moses' family, including his Midianite in-laws, were connected to him, Jethro's return signifies that only Israel was called to the unique covenant journey to the promised land. Jethro's wisdom, while inspired and useful, was applied within the context of Israel's specific divine mission, and once fulfilled, he returned to his own people and their path. This avoids any syncretistic implications, maintaining Israel's singular focus on their covenant with Yahweh alone. The brevity of the verse on his departure contrasts with the detailed account of his arrival and counsel, highlighting that his mission was defined by his counsel, not a permanent integration into Israel's nationhood.

Exodus 18 27 Commentary

Exodus 18:27 is a brief but significant verse that neatly concludes the episode of Jethro's visit, embodying several crucial theological and practical insights. It underscores the humility of Moses, who, despite his unique relationship with God, was open to receiving and implementing wise, practical counsel from his father-in-law. This acceptance of wisdom from a non-Israelite shows the universal nature of good counsel and the importance of delegated leadership for effective governance, lessons vital for any large organization or nation, including the nascent nation of Israel. Jethro's departure is presented as a respectful, self-willed return, affirming that good advisors, once their counsel is delivered and applied, know when to step back, allowing the designated leader to take full ownership and responsibilities. This interaction, therefore, portrays a model of wise leadership that embraces advice, the implementation of that wisdom for collective well-being, and a harmonious conclusion to the helper's temporary role. It implicitly confirms God's sovereignty working through human means, preparing Israel administratively for the coming revelation at Sinai.For example, in spiritual leadership, pastors might delegate responsibilities to deacons or elders (as seen in Acts 6), or a mentor might guide a young believer and then release them to their own sphere of ministry when ready.