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And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/4.htm">New King James Version</a> So Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” <a href="/nasb_/exodus/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Moses departed and returned to his father-in-law Jethro, and said to him, “Please, let me go, that I may return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” <a href="/nasb/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Moses departed and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, &#8220Please, let me go, that I may return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.&#8221 And Jethro said to Moses, &#8220Go in peace.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Moses departed and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please, let me go, that I may return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” <a href="/lsb/exodus/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please, let me go, that I may return to my brothers who are in Egypt and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” <a href="/amp/exodus/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Moses went away and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please, let me go back so that I may return to my relatives in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” <a href="/csb/exodus/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Moses went back to his father-in-law, Jethro, and said to him, “Please let me return to my relatives in Egypt and see if they are still living.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” <a href="/hcsb/exodus/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, &#8220Please let me return to my relatives in Egypt and see if they are still living.&#8221 Jethro said to Moses, &#8220Go in peace.&#8221 <a href="/asv/exodus/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren that are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. <a href="/cev/exodus/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Moses went to his father-in-law Jethro and asked, "Please let me return to Egypt to see if any of my people are still alive." "All right," Jethro replied. "I hope all goes well." <a href="/erv/exodus/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. <a href="/gwt/exodus/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro. Moses said to him, "Please let me go back to my own people in Egypt. I would like to see if they're still alive." Jethro said to Moses, "You may go." <a href="/gnt/exodus/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Moses went back to Jethro, his father-in-law, and said to him, "Please let me go back to my relatives in Egypt to see if they are still alive." Jethro agreed and told him good-bye. <a href="/isv/exodus/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Moses left and returned to his father-in-law Jethro. Moses told him, "Please let me go and return to my own people in Egypt so I can see whether they're still alive." Jethro told Moses, "Go in peace." <a href="/msb/exodus/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, ?Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.? ?Go in peace,? Jethro replied. <a href="/net/exodus/4.htm">NET Bible</a> So Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, "Let me go, so that I may return to my relatives in Egypt and see if they are still alive." Jethro said to Moses, "Go in peace." <a href="/nheb/exodus/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, "Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive." Jethro said to Moses, "Go in peace." <a href="/wbt/exodus/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see whether they are yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. <a href="/web/exodus/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Moses goes and turns back to his father-in-law Jethro, and says to him, “Please let me go, and I return to my brothers who [are] in Egypt, and I see whether they are yet alive.” And Jethro says to Moses, “Go in peace.” <a href="/ylt/exodus/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Moses goeth and turneth back unto Jethro his father-in-law, and saith to him, 'Let me go, I pray thee, and I turn back unto my brethren who are in Egypt, and I see whether they are yet alive.' And Jethro saith to Moses, 'Go in peace.' <a href="/slt/exodus/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Moses will go and turn back to Jethro his father-in-law, and will say to him, I will go now and turn back to my brethren which are in Egypt, and I will see whether they are yet living. And Jethro will say to Moses, Go in peace.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Moses went his way, and returned to Jethro his father in law and said to him: I will go and return to my brethren into Egypt, that I may see if they be yet alive. And Jethro said to him: Go in peace. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Moses went forth, and he returned to Jethro, his father in law, and he said to him, “I shall go and return to my brothers in Egypt, so that I may see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to him, “Go in peace.” <a href="/nabre/exodus/4.htm">New American Bible</a> After this Moses returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Let me return to my kindred in Egypt, to see whether they are still living.” Jethro replied to Moses, “Go in peace.” <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me go back to my kindred in Egypt and see whether they are still living.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Moses returned, and went to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, Let me go and return to my brethren who are in Egypt and see whether they are still alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Moshe returned and he went on to Yatherwan his Father in Law and said to him, “I shall return, I shall go to my brothers who are in Egypt, and I shall see if they are yet alive”, and Yatherwan said to Moshe, “Go in peace.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said unto him: 'Let me go, I pray thee, and unto my brethren that are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive.' And Jethro said to Moses: 'Go in peace.' <a href="/sep/exodus/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Moses went and returned to Jothor his father-in-law, and says, I will go and return to my brethren in Egypt, and will see if they are yet living. And Jothor said to Moses, Go in health. And in those days after some time, the king of Egypt died. <a href="/parallel/exodus/4-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=813" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm">Moses Leaves for Egypt</a> 18<a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Then Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">went</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·yā·šāḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">back</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/2859.htm" title="2859: ḥō·ṯə·nōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Make oneself a daughter's husband. A primitive root; to give away in marriage; hence to contract affinity by marriage.">his father-in-law</a> <a href="/hebrew/3500.htm" title="3500: ye·ṯer (N-proper-ms) -- The same as yether; Jether, the name of five or six Israelites and of one Midianite.">Jethro</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">“Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·’ā·šū·ḇāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">let me return</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: ’ê·lə·ḵāh (V-Qal-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’a·ḥay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">my brothers</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: bə·miṣ·ra·yim (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">in Egypt</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wə·’er·’eh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.h-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">to see</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ha·‘ō·w·ḏām (Adv:: 3mp) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">if they are still</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yîm (Adj-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">alive.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lêḵ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">“Go</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: lə·šā·lō·wm (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">in peace,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Jethro replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3503.htm" title="3503: yiṯ·rōw (N-proper-ms) -- Moses' father-in-law. From yether with pron. Suffix; his excellence; Jethro, Moses' father-in-law."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: lə·mō·šeh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver."></a> 19Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/7-29.htm">Acts 7:29-30</a> At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons. / After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. <a href="/hebrews/11-27.htm">Hebrews 11:27</a> By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible. <a href="/numbers/10-29.htm">Numbers 10:29-32</a> Then Moses said to Hobab, the son of Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said: ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.” / “I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.” / “Please do not leave us,” Moses said, “since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes. ... <a href="/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3</a> Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” <a href="/matthew/2-19.htm">Matthew 2:19-20</a> After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. / “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those seeking the Child’s life are now dead.” <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19-21</a> So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah. <a href="/genesis/24-54.htm">Genesis 24:54-56</a> Then he and the men with him ate and drank and spent the night there. When they got up the next morning, he said, “Send me on my way to my master.” / But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go.” / But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master.” <a href="/luke/9-61.htm">Luke 9:61-62</a> Still another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first let me bid farewell to my family.” / Then Jesus declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” <a href="/genesis/31-55.htm">Genesis 31:55</a> Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home. <a href="/acts/7-23.htm">Acts 7:23-25</a> When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. / And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. / He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not. <a href="/genesis/28-15.htm">Genesis 28:15</a> Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” <a href="/1_samuel/15-6.htm">1 Samuel 15:6</a> And he warned the Kenites, “Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt, go on and get away from the Amalekites. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them.” So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites. <a href="/genesis/45-9.htm">Genesis 45:9</a> Now return quickly to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay. <a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Matthew 10:23</a> When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. <a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Genesis 46:29-30</a> Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely. / Then Israel said to Joseph, “Finally I can die, now that I have seen your face and know that you are still alive!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said to him, Let me go, I pray you, and return to my brothers which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.Jethro.<a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1</a> Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.let me go.<a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1</a> Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.and see.<a href="/genesis/45-3.htm">Genesis 45:3</a> And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.<a href="/acts/16-36.htm">Acts 16:36</a> And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/genesis/45-24.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/exodus/3-20.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Jethro</a> <a href="/genesis/31-54.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/genesis/47-26.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/4-14.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/genesis/44-17.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/exodus/4-13.htm">Please</a> <a href="/genesis/43-6.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/exodus/12-41.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Jethro</a> <a href="/judges/5-14.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/exodus/12-43.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/8-15.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/exodus/5-3.htm">Please</a> <a href="/exodus/11-7.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 4</div>1. <a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Moses's rod is turned into a serpent.</a> 6. <a href="/exodus/4-6.htm">His hand is leprous.</a> 10. <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">He loathes his calling.</a> 13. <a href="/exodus/4-13.htm">Aaron is appointed to assist him.</a> 18. <a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Moses departs from Jethro.</a> 21. <a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">God's message to Pharaoh.</a> 24. <a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Zipporah circumcises her son.</a> 27. <a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Aaron is sent to meet Moses.</a> 29. <a href="/exodus/4-29.htm">The people believe them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro Moses had been living in Midian for about 40 years after fleeing Egypt. Jethro, also known as Reuel, was a priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law. This return signifies Moses' obedience to God's command to go back to Egypt. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, indicating a shared ancestry with the Israelites.and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt Moses refers to the Israelites as his "brothers," highlighting his identification with them despite his upbringing in Pharaoh's palace. This request shows respect for Jethro's authority and acknowledges the family ties and responsibilities Moses had in Midian. It also reflects Moses' humility and the importance of seeking permission before leaving.to see if they are still alive.” Moses' concern for the Israelites' well-being is evident here. This phrase may also reflect the uncertainty of the Israelites' condition under Egyptian oppression. It underscores the harshness of their slavery and Moses' compassion for his people, aligning with God's concern for their suffering.“Go in peace,” Jethro replied. Jethro's response is a blessing and a release, indicating his support for Moses' mission. The phrase "Go in peace" is a common biblical expression of goodwill and safety, suggesting Jethro's trust in God's plan for Moses. This blessing can be seen as a foreshadowing of the peace that God will ultimately bring to the Israelites through Moses' leadership.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The central figure in this passage, Moses is a Hebrew who was raised in Pharaoh's household and later fled to Midian. He is called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jethro.htm">Jethro</a> Moses' father-in-law, also known as Reuel, a priest of Midian. He provides Moses with counsel and support. 3. <a href="/topical/m/midian.htm">Midian</a> The region where Moses fled after killing an Egyptian. It is here that he marries Zipporah, Jethro's daughter, and tends to Jethro's flocks. 4. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land where the Israelites are enslaved. Moses is called by God to return to Egypt to lead His people to freedom. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> Moses refers to them as "my brothers," indicating his connection and concern for their well-being.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a> Moses shows respect for Jethro by seeking his permission to leave. This demonstrates the importance of honoring those in authority over us, even when we have a divine calling. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_call.htm">Obedience to God's Call</a> Despite his initial reluctance, Moses prepares to obey God's command to return to Egypt. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God's will, even when it requires personal sacrifice. <a href="/topical/p/peaceful_departures.htm">Peaceful Departures</a> Jethro's blessing, "Go in peace," underscores the value of leaving situations or relationships on good terms, fostering peace and goodwill. <a href="/topical/c/concern_for_others.htm">Concern for Others</a> Moses' desire to see if his brothers are still alive reflects a deep concern for the welfare of others, reminding us to care for and check on those we love. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> Moses' journey back to Egypt is an act of faith, trusting in God's promise and provision. This encourages us to step out in faith when God calls us to action.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 4</a> <a href="/q/who_was_jethro_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Jethro in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'god_is_truth'_mean.htm">Who was Moses' father-in-law?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_moses'_father-in-law.htm">Who was Moses' father-in-law?</a> <a href="/q/is_jethro_also_reuel,_or_a_contradiction.htm">Exodus 18:1 calls Moses' father-in-law 'Jethro,' yet Exodus 2:18 refers to him as 'Reuel.' Are these two names for the same person, or is this a contradiction?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>Moses . . . returned to Jethro.--Heb., to Jether. When Moses married Zipporah, he was probably adopted into the tribe, of which Reuel, and after him Jethro, was the head. The tribal tie was close, and would make the asking of permission for even a temporary absence the proper, if not even the necessary, course Apart from this, Moses would have had to "return," in order to restore the flock, which he was tending, to its owner. (See <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm" title="Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.">Exodus 3:1</a>.)My brethren.--Not "my nation," for Moses could not doubt that some survived; nor "my actual brothers," for he had but one brother; but, "my relations," or "my family," my kith and kin. Let me go and see whether my relatives survive, or whether they have succumbed to the tyranny of the Pharaoh. It is certain that this was not Moses' sole motive, not even his main motive for wishing to return to Egypt; but, as it was among his motives, he was within his right in putting it forward, and omitting to mention others.Jethro said, Go in peace.--Jethro's character is altogether one of which kindness and peacefulness are the main elements. If he be identified with Reuel, the pleasing picture drawn in <a href="/context/exodus/2-18.htm" title="And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that you are come so soon to day?">Exodus 2:18-21</a> will furnish traits towards his portraiture. Even without this, the present passage and the notice in Exodus 18 sufficiently delineate him. He is a sort of second Melchizedek, both priest and king, a worshipper of the true God, and one in whose presence both Moses and Aaron are content to play a secondary part (<a href="/exodus/18-9.htm" title="And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.">Exodus 18:9</a>; <a href="/exodus/18-12.htm" title="And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.">Exodus 18:12</a>). But he never asserts himself; he is always kind, gentle, acquiescent, helpful. He might easily have made a difficulty at the present point of the narrative, have demurred to the weakening of the tribe by the withdrawal of an important member from it, have positively refused to allow of the departure of 'Zipporah and her children. But his words are simply "Go in peace." He consents, and does not mar the grace of his act by any show of reluctance. He lets Moses take his wife and children. He afterwards receives them back, and protects them (<a href="/exodus/18-2.htm" title="Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back,">Exodus 18:2</a>); and, finally, when his protection is no more needed, he restores them to their natural guardian, by a spontaneous act, as it would seem. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 18-25. - If Moses had, as we have supposed, been accepted into the Midianitish nation, he would need permission to withdraw himself from the tribal head. This head was now Jether, or Jethro, Moses' connexion by marriage, perhaps his brother-in-law, perhaps a less near connexion. Nations and tribes were at this time anxious to keep up their numbers, and jealous of the desertion even of a single member. Jethro, however, made no opposition to the return of Moses to Egypt, even though he designed to be accompanied by his wife and sons (ver. 20). Scripture gives no indications of the motives which actuated him. Perhaps the Midianites were at this time straitened for want of room. Perhaps the peculiar circumstances of Moses were held to justify his application for leave. Verse 18. - My brethren probably means here "my relations" (compare <a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Genesis 13:8</a>; <a href="/genesis/29-12.htm">Genesis 29:12</a>). Moses could scarcely doubt but that some of his countrymen were still living. It would not have been for the interest of the Egyptians to exterminate them. Go in peace means, "you have my leave - I do not oppose your going." <a href="/commentaries/exodus/4-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Moses מֹשֶׁ֜ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver went וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk back וַיָּ֣שָׁב ׀ (way·yā·šāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to his father-in-law חֹֽתְנ֗וֹ (ḥō·ṯə·nōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2859.htm">Strong's 2859: </a> To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriage Jethro יֶ֣תֶר (ye·ṯer) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3503.htm">Strong's 3503: </a> Jethro -- Moses' father-in-law and said to him, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Please נָּ֗א (nā) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> I pray', 'now', 'then' let me return וְאָשׁ֙וּבָה֙ (wə·’ā·šū·ḇāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to my brothers אַחַ֣י (’a·ḥay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) in Egypt בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם (bə·miṣ·ra·yim) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa and see וְאֶרְאֶ֖ה (wə·’er·’eh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see if they are still הַעוֹדָ֣ם (ha·‘ō·w·ḏām) Adverb | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more alive.” חַיִּ֑ים (ḥay·yîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life “Go לֵ֥ךְ (lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk in peace,” לְשָׁלֽוֹם׃ (lə·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace [Jethro] replied. וַיֹּ֧אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">OT Law: Exodus 4:18 Moses went and returned to Jethro his (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/4-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 4:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/4-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 4:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 4:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>