Exodus 4:18 – “Then Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, ‘Let me return to my own people in Egypt to see if any of them are still alive.’ Jethro said, ‘Go, and I wish you well.'”
Extended Explanation
In Exodus 4:18, after receiving his commission from God at the burning bush, Moses returns to his father-in-law Jethro to seek permission to go back to Egypt. Moses does not disclose the full details of his mission to Jethro, instead framing it as a desire to see if his people in Egypt are still alive. Jethro, who has always shown kindness and support to Moses, grants his permission and blesses Moses as he prepares to leave.
This verse shows a moment of transition for Moses. He is moving from his life as a shepherd in Midian, where he has lived in relative obscurity for forty years, back to the land of his birth, where he will confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery. By seeking Jethro’s blessing, Moses demonstrates respect for his father-in-law and acknowledges the significance of the journey he is about to undertake.
Historical Context
At this point in the story, Moses has lived in Midian for forty years after fleeing Egypt, where he had killed an Egyptian who was mistreating an Israelite slave. In Midian, Moses married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, and became a shepherd. His life in Midian was quiet and removed from the turmoil of Egypt, and he likely thought he would spend the rest of his days there.
However, God interrupts this peaceful existence by calling Moses to return to Egypt and lead His people out of slavery. This call is a dramatic shift in Moses’ life, requiring him to leave behind the security of Midian and face the dangers of Egypt. Moses’ return to Jethro to seek his blessing before leaving is a culturally significant act, reflecting the importance of familial and community relationships in that time.
Theological Implications
Exodus 4:18 highlights the importance of obedience and humility in responding to God’s call. Moses does not rush off to Egypt immediately; instead, he takes the time to inform Jethro and seek his blessing. This demonstrates a respect for authority and a recognition of the relational aspects of following God’s call. Obedience to God’s call does not mean abandoning our responsibilities or relationships, but rather integrating them into the journey of faith.
Theologically, this verse also emphasizes the idea that following God often requires us to leave behind our comfort zones. Moses had settled into a new life in Midian, but God calls him to step out in faith and return to a place of great personal risk. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God’s call often involves sacrifice and a willingness to leave behind the familiar in order to fulfill His purposes.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 4:18 marks the beginning of Moses’ journey back to Egypt, setting the stage for the dramatic events that will follow. The verse is straightforward, with Moses’ request to Jethro and Jethro’s blessing serving as a narrative transition from the relatively peaceful life in Midian to the conflict and challenges Moses will face in Egypt.
The simplicity of Moses’ words to Jethro, “to see if any of them are still alive,” contrasts with the magnitude of the mission God has given him. This understated approach reflects Moses’ humility and perhaps his own uncertainty about the path ahead. The blessing from Jethro provides a sense of closure to Moses’ time in Midian, allowing him to leave with a clear conscience and the support of his family.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other passages in the Bible echo themes of obedience, transition, and seeking blessings before embarking on a mission:
- Genesis 12:1 – God calls Abram to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household to go to a land that God will show him. Like Moses, Abram’s obedience required leaving behind the familiar to follow God’s call.
- Luke 9:57-62 – Jesus speaks about the cost of following Him, highlighting the need to leave behind other commitments and fully embrace the mission God has for us. This reflects the challenge Moses faces in leaving Midian to return to Egypt.
- Ruth 1:16-18 – Ruth expresses her commitment to Naomi, leaving her homeland to stay with Naomi and follow her God. This story of leaving and commitment parallels Moses’ decision to leave Midian and return to Egypt in obedience to God’s call.
These passages emphasize the themes of obedience, sacrifice, and the willingness to leave behind the familiar in order to follow God’s leading.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 4:18 is a reminder that following God’s call often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace new challenges. Like Moses, we may be called to leave behind familiar surroundings, relationships, or routines in order to fulfill God’s purposes in our lives. This verse encourages us to be obedient and to trust that God will guide and support us in these transitions.
This verse also highlights the importance of seeking the blessing and support of others as we follow God’s call. Just as Moses sought Jethro’s blessing before leaving Midian, we too should value the relationships and communities that support us in our journey of faith. It’s a reminder that while following God’s call may lead us into new and challenging situations, we are not meant to go it alone.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 4:18 reflects God’s love in the way He prepares and guides Moses for the task ahead. God does not send Moses into Egypt without first allowing him to tie up loose ends and seek the blessing of his family. This shows God’s understanding of the importance of relationships and His respect for the social and cultural customs of the time.
God’s love is also evident in the way He equips Moses for the mission. Although Moses is leaving behind a life of relative peace, he goes with God’s assurance and the blessing of his father-in-law. This reflects God’s care for the whole person, not just the mission at hand, and His desire to support and guide us as we step out in faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in the theme of leaving behind the familiar to fulfill God’s mission. Just as Moses left Midian to return to Egypt, Jesus left the glory of heaven to come to earth and fulfill His mission of salvation. Both Moses and Jesus demonstrate obedience to God’s call, even when it requires significant personal sacrifice.
Moreover, Jesus often emphasized the importance of counting the cost of following Him, just as Moses had to consider the cost of returning to Egypt. Jesus’ own journey to the cross reflects the ultimate act of leaving behind everything to fulfill God’s will, providing a model for us to follow in our own lives.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What comfort zones might God be calling you to leave behind in order to fulfill His purposes in your life?
- How does Moses’ example of seeking Jethro’s blessing challenge you to value and seek support from those around you as you follow God’s call?
- What sacrifices have you made, or might you need to make, in order to be obedient to God’s leading?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust God’s guidance and provision as you step out in faith?
- In what ways does this story deepen your understanding of the balance between obedience to God and honoring relationships in your life?
Exodus 4:18 encourages us to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide and support us as we follow His call. It reminds us of the importance of obedience, the value of seeking blessings and support from others, and the necessity of being willing to leave behind the familiar to embrace the mission God has for us.