Verse: Exodus 4:18
Theme: Faithful Stewardship and the Courage to Transition from Old Responsibilities to New Divine Assignments
“Then Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, ‘Let me go back, please, to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.’ And Jethro said to Moses, ‘Go in peace.'”
— Exodus 4:18, English Standard Version (ESV)
“So Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, ‘Please let me go and return to my kinsmen in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.’ Then Jethro said to Moses, ‘Go in peace.'”
— Exodus 4:18, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“Moses returned to Jethro, his father-in-law, and asked his permission to go back to Egypt to visit his relatives. ‘I don’t even know if they’re still alive,’ he said. ‘Go with my blessing,’ Jethro replied.”
— Exodus 4:18, New Living Translation (NLT)
“Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro. Moses said to him, ‘Let me go back to my people in Egypt. I want to see if any of them are still alive.’ Jethro said to Moses, ‘You may go. I hope all goes well with you.'”
— Exodus 4:18, International Children’s Bible (ICB)
Meaning of Exodus 4:18
Sometimes the most profound moments in Scripture happen in the quietest conversations, and Moses’ exchange with Jethro represents one of those deceptively simple interactions that actually reveals layers of wisdom about integrity, relationships, and transitioning between life seasons. This brief dialogue captures something we all face: how do you honorably leave one chapter of your life to embrace the next?
What fascinates me about this moment is Moses’ diplomatic approach. He doesn’t dump the full weight of his divine encounter on Jethro. Instead, he frames his departure in terms that his father-in-law can understand and respect. There’s genuine wisdom in knowing when to share the complete story and when to focus on the practical necessities that others need to hear.
Moses had spent forty years building a life with Jethro’s family. He married Jethro’s daughter, Zipporah, shepherded his flocks, and became part of the household structure. You don’t just walk away from that kind of investment without proper conversation and mutual respect. This scene shows us what biblical integrity looks like when major life transitions intersect with existing relationships and responsibilities.
The phrase “to see whether they are still alive” carries more weight than it initially appears. Moses had been gone for decades. For all he knew, his Hebrew kinsmen had died out under Egyptian oppression, or perhaps the situation had somehow improved. His request sounds reasonable, almost casual, but it masks the enormous undertaking he’s actually contemplating.
Jethro’s response, “Go in peace,” becomes more than a polite farewell. It’s a blessing, a release from obligation, and an expression of trust all wrapped into three simple words. Sometimes the most powerful support comes not from elaborate speeches but from gracious permission to follow where God is leading.
Popular Words of Wisdom from Exodus 4:18
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
— Martin Luther King Jr., Baptist Minister and Civil Rights Leader
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
— Julius Caesar, Roman General and Statesman
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but mastery over it.”
— Mark Twain, American Author and Humorist
“God never made a promise that was too good to be true.”
— Dwight L. Moody, American Evangelist and Publisher
“In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.”
— Sun Tzu, Ancient Chinese Military Strategist
“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.”
— Corrie ten Boom, Dutch Christian Holocaust Survivor
Explaining the Context of Exodus 4:18
This conversation occurs immediately after God’s detailed instructions about Moses’ mission and the establishment of Aaron as his spokesman. Moses has received his divine commission, understands his assignment, and now faces the practical matter of transitioning from his current life to his calling.
The timing reveals something important about Moses’ character. He doesn’t impulsively abandon his responsibilities or leave Jethro wondering what happened to his son-in-law. Instead, he approaches the transition with the same thoughtfulness he’ll later demonstrate in leading Israel through complex situations.
Jethro represents more than just family obligation here. He’s been Moses’ mentor, employer, and father figure during the wilderness years. The respect Moses shows in seeking permission reflects the depth of their relationship and the Midianite culture’s emphasis on family loyalty and proper protocol.
This scene also bridges two very different worlds. Moses is about to leave the quiet, contemplative life of a shepherd to become the leader of a massive liberation movement. The conversation with Jethro represents his last moment of normal family interaction before embarking on one of history’s most dramatic adventures.
The geographical context matters too. Moses is preparing to leave the safety of Midian for the danger of Egypt, where he’s still technically a fugitive. His request to “see whether they are still alive” could apply equally to his Hebrew relatives and his own survival prospects once he returns.
Explaining the Key Parts of Exodus 4:18
“Then Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law”
This phrase indicates intentional action and respect for proper relationships. Moses doesn’t send a message or make excuses; he personally approaches the man who has been his family patriarch for four decades.
The title “father-in-law” emphasizes the formal family relationship that gives Jethro legitimate authority in Moses’ life decisions, especially regarding travel that would affect the entire household structure.
“Let me go back, please, to my brothers in Egypt”
Moses’ request is both humble and strategic. The word “please” shows deference, while “my brothers” emphasizes his ethnic connection to the Hebrews without revealing the full scope of his divine mission.
This phrasing allows Jethro to understand the request in terms of family loyalty and natural concern, which any father-in-law would respect and appreciate.
“To see whether they are still alive”
This explanation provides reasonable motivation for the journey without requiring Moses to reveal the supernatural elements of his calling or the dangerous nature of his actual assignment.
The phrase also reveals Moses’ genuine uncertainty about conditions in Egypt after his long absence, showing that faith doesn’t eliminate the need for practical assessment of changing circumstances.
“And Jethro said to Moses, ‘Go in peace'”
Jethro’s response demonstrates wisdom, trust, and blessing. Rather than questioning Moses’ motives or expressing concern about losing his son-in-law’s services, he releases him with his full support.
The phrase “Go in peace” carries a deeper meaning than a simple farewell; it’s a blessing that encompasses safe travel, successful mission, and divine protection for whatever Moses might encounter.
Lessons to Learn from Exodus 4:18
1. Honor Existing Relationships When Transitioning to New Assignments
Moses’s respectful approach to Jethro shows that divine calling doesn’t excuse us from proper communication and consideration of those who have invested in our lives and depend on our presence.
2. Wisdom Sometimes Requires Selective Disclosure of Information
Moses shared what Jethro needed to know without overwhelming him with details that might create unnecessary concern or confusion about the supernatural aspects of his mission.
3. Seek Blessing and Permission from Appropriate Authorities
Rather than simply announcing his departure, Moses requested permission, showing that mature faith operates within proper relational and cultural structures whenever possible.
4. Gradual Revelation Can Be More Effective Than Complete Disclosure
Moses’ measured approach allowed Jethro to process and respond to the immediate request without being overwhelmed by the full magnitude of what God was calling Moses to accomplish.
5. Gracious Release is Often More Valuable Than Detailed Explanation
Jethro’s simple blessing provided exactly what Moses needed for his transition, demonstrating that sometimes the most helpful response is generous permission rather than extensive discussion.
Related Bible Verses
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
— Proverbs 15:22, God’s Word Translation (GW)
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”
— Luke 14:28, New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
— Matthew 10:37, Common English Bible (CEB)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
— Matthew 6:33, Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
— Proverbs 3:5-6, The Message (MSG)
How This Verse Points to Christ
Exodus 4:18 points to Christ through Moses’ example of honoring family relationships while pursuing divine mission, just as Jesus balanced His earthly family connections with His heavenly Father’s will and eternal purposes.
Moses’ request for permission to leave reflects Christ’s submission to proper authority, even as He maintained perfect obedience to the Father’s will above all human relationships and earthly obligations.
The respectful way Moses approaches his transition foreshadows Christ’s careful handling of His family relationships, particularly His gentle but firm establishment of priorities when His divine mission conflicted with family expectations.
Jethro’s blessing “Go in peace” echoes the peace that Christ brings to those who follow God’s calling, providing divine assurance and supernatural rest even in challenging obedience.
Moses’ gradual revelation of his full mission parallels Christ’s progressive disclosure of His identity and purpose, revealing truth at the pace people could receive and understand it.
The bridge between Moses’ quiet shepherd life and his dramatic public ministry points toward Christ’s transition from carpenter to Messiah, showing how God prepares His servants through ordinary seasons for extraordinary assignments.
Closing Reflection
This brief conversation between Moses and Jethro contains profound wisdom about navigating life transitions with integrity, respect, and proper consideration for the relationships that have shaped and supported us along the way.
Moses’s approach demonstrates that divine calling doesn’t give us license to abandon responsibility or disregard the people who have invested in our lives, but rather calls us to handle transitions with even greater care and consideration.
The exchange shows us that sometimes the most effective communication focuses on what others need to understand rather than everything we might want to share, allowing relationships to develop and respond at their own pace.
Jethro’s gracious release reminds us of the power we have to bless others’ transitions, even when their departure might create inconvenience or loss in our own lives and circumstances.
This passage challenges us to examine how we handle our season changes, whether we’re the one leaving or the one being left, and to approach these moments with the same wisdom and grace demonstrated here.
The story ultimately points us toward the reality that God’s purposes often require movement and change, but His methods always honor the relationships and responsibilities that have prepared us for our next assignment.
Say This Prayer
Gracious Lord,
We thank You for the example of Moses and Jethro, showing us how to navigate life transitions with integrity, respect, and proper consideration for existing relationships and responsibilities.
When You call us to new assignments, help us honor those who have invested in our lives and contributed to our growth, approaching necessary changes with wisdom and grace.
Grant us discernment to know what to share and when to share it, communicating in ways that build trust and understanding rather than creating confusion or unnecessary anxiety.
Give us the courage to seek appropriate permissions and blessings as we follow Your leading, recognizing that Your calling operates within relational structures rather than outside them.
Like Jethro, make us generous in releasing others when You call them to new seasons, blessing their transitions even when their departure creates challenges for our plans.
Help us trust that Your purposes are accomplished through ordinary conversations and gradual revelations, knowing that You prepare hearts and relationships for the changes Your calling requires.
In Jesus’ faithful name we pray, Amen.