Exodus 18:5 kjv

And Jethro, Moses' father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:

Exodus 18:5 nkjv

and Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness, where he was encamped at the mountain of God.

Exodus 18:5 niv

Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, together with Moses' sons and wife, came to him in the wilderness, where he was camped near the mountain of God.

Exodus 18:5 esv

Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was encamped at the mountain of God.

Exodus 18:5 nlt

Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, now came to visit Moses in the wilderness. He brought Moses' wife and two sons with him, and they arrived while Moses and the people were camped near the mountain of God.

Exodus 18 verses

Exodus 18 5 Meaning

Exodus 18:5 describes the physical arrival of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, along with Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to Moses. This reunion takes place in the wilderness, specifically where Moses and the Israelites were encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai, referred to as the "mount of God." This verse sets the stage for Jethro's observation of Moses' leadership, his celebration of God's deliverance, and his pivotal advice concerning the organization of justice among the people of Israel. It marks a moment of significant family reunification and external affirmation amidst a crucial period of divine revelation.

Exodus 18 5 Context

Exodus chapter 18 details the reunion of Moses with his father-in-law, Jethro, after the dramatic exodus from Egypt and Israel's subsequent journey through the wilderness. This verse specifically marks the culmination of Jethro's journey to meet Moses. Historically, Israel had just experienced God's powerful deliverance from Egyptian bondage (Exod 14-15), endured trials in the wilderness including thirst and hunger, miraculously provided for by God (Exod 16-17), and defeated the Amalekites (Exod 17). They were now situated at the most significant location in their early national history: Mount Sinai (also called Horeb), the very "mount of God" where Moses initially received his divine commission. The events of Exodus 18 occur prior to the solemn covenant ceremony and the giving of the Ten Commandments detailed in Exodus 19-20. This chapter provides a personal, domestic interlude before the grand, nation-shaping events at Sinai.

Exodus 18 5 Word analysis

• So: (וַיָּבֹא – vayyāḇōʾ, and he came, implicitly thus or so as a result of what was stated previously, i.e., Jethro hearing about God's deeds). Connects this event to the preceding verse, highlighting Jethro's immediate response to the news of God's mighty acts for Israel.

• Jethro: (יִתְרוֹ – Yitrō). Moses' father-in-law, a priest of Midian. His name likely means "excellence" or "abundance." He serves as a representative of Gentile wisdom and acknowledgement of YHWH's greatness, demonstrating that God's power was evident even to those outside the Israelite covenant.

• Moses’ father-in-law: Establishes the strong family relationship that provides the context for this visit. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, this kinship offered status and provided an appropriate reason for Jethro's counsel.

• came: (וַיָּבֹא – vayyāḇōʾ, and he came). Denotes a deliberate journey to a specific destination.

• with his sons and his wife: Refers to Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their sons, Gershom and Eliezer (named in Exod 18:3-4). This confirms the reunion of Moses with his full immediate family, whom he had sent back earlier, possibly due to the dangerous circumstances in Egypt or during their travel (Exod 4:24-26).

• to Moses: The designated recipient and leader. Emphasizes that the visit was primarily for the purpose of seeing and ministering to Moses.

• in the wilderness: (בַּמִּדְבָּר – bammidbār, in the wilderness/desert). This refers to the vast, uncultivated region that served as a backdrop for Israel's wanderings. It was a place of testing, discipline, and profound divine revelation. The Israelites had journeyed a considerable distance from Egypt to this location.

• where he was encamped: (חֹנֶה – ḥōnêh, encamping/camped). Indicates a fixed, prolonged stay, not merely a temporary stop. This denotes the encampment at the base of Mount Sinai, a pivotal location for Israel's foundational experiences as a nation.

• at the mount of God: (אֵצֶל הַר הָאֱלֹהִים – ʾēṣel har hāʾĕlōhîm, beside the mountain of God). This refers specifically to Mount Sinai, also known as Horeb (Exod 3:1). It is designated as "the mount of God" due to God's manifested presence there through the burning bush, His covenant with Israel, and the giving of the Law (Exod 19-20). It marks the divine locus of revelation and the center of Israel's national and religious formation.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law": Clearly identifies the visitor and his relationship to Moses, emphasizing the familial and patriarchal authority in his subsequent advice.
  • "with his sons and his wife to Moses": Signifies a full family reunion and the support network available to Moses. The reunion highlights the personal sacrifices of Moses for his calling.
  • "in the wilderness, where he was encamped at the mount of God": Pinpoints the location precisely and imbues it with sacred significance. The wilderness setting provides a contrast between human vulnerability and divine power, while the "mount of God" signifies the sacred, set-apart place chosen for revelation and the establishment of God's covenant with Israel.

Exodus 18 5 Bonus section

• The naming of Moses' two sons (Gershom: "for I have been a sojourner in a foreign land" and Eliezer: "for the God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh") in Exod 18:3-4 immediately before this verse foreshadows Jethro's acknowledgment of God's deliverance (Exod 18:9-10). The sons embody the narrative of their father and the nation.
• Jethro's concern and journey (from Midian, likely some distance) demonstrate strong family ties and the respect he had for Moses, anticipating his role as an insightful and constructive advisor in the verses that follow.
• The placement of this episode, a seemingly personal interlude, right before the solemn events of the Law's giving (Exod 19-20), indicates its structural importance in the divine narrative. It shows the orderly progression of God's dealings, from miraculous deliverance to foundational Law, accompanied by divine provision for leadership.
• The "mount of God" or Horeb/Sinai, functions as a holy nexus where divine revelation descends to human history. Its constant re-mention emphasizes the divine origin of Israel's upcoming laws and identity.

Exodus 18 5 Commentary

Exodus 18:5 describes a profound and divinely timed familial reunion at a pivotal moment in salvation history. Jethro, as Moses' father-in-law and a priest of Midian, brings Moses' estranged family – his wife, Zipporah, and their two sons – to him at Mount Sinai. This isn't merely a personal family affair but an event rich with theological implications. Their arrival signifies not only the restoration of Moses' domestic life, a necessary foundation for a leader bearing immense responsibility, but also highlights God's providence in bringing external affirmation and wisdom to His chosen leader. Jethro, a Gentile, hears of YHWH's powerful acts (Exod 18:1), demonstrating that God's redemptive work was universally evident and recognized even beyond the bounds of Israel. The specific location, "the mount of God," is paramount. This sacred space, where God previously called Moses and where He would soon establish His covenant with Israel, underscores that even personal family matters are unfolding within God's grand plan for His people. This encounter precedes the monumental events of the Law-giving, subtly preparing Moses and perhaps even the nation for further divine order through wise counsel. It teaches us that God cares for the physical and relational well-being of His servants, ensuring they are adequately supported to fulfill their calling.