Jethro’s Advice
Exodus 18:1-27
Exo.18.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- יתרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כהן: NOUN,m,sg,const
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- למשה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולישראל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- הוציא: VERB,hiphil,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exod.3:1 (verbal): Names Jethro as 'priest of Midian' and identifies him as Moses' father‑in‑law—the same figure who 'heard' about God's acts in 18:1 (shared characters and titles).
- Exod.2:21 (structural): Records Moses' marriage to Zipporah, establishing the relationship with his father‑in‑law (background context for Jethro's appearance in 18:1).
- Num.10:29 (verbal): Refers to Moses' father‑in‑law (called Hobab/Reuel in some traditions) and his potential joining of Israel—another text that links Moses with a Midianite father‑in‑law figure and the exodus wanderings.
- Josh.2:9–11 (thematic): Rahab recounts reports that the LORD 'dried up the waters' and 'all the people trembled'—a parallel instance of people hearing about God's mighty acts in bringing Israel into the land (analogous to news of the exodus reaching Jethro).
- Ps.136:10–11 (thematic): Psalteric praise recounting God 'who divided the sea' and 'brought Israel out of Egypt'—the same divine deed that 18:1 says Jethro heard about (the exodus as the central act of deliverance).
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people—how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.
- And Jethro, priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.
Exo.18.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יתרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- צפרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשת: NOUN,f,sg,cns
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחר: PREP
- שלוחיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,f
Parallels
- Exodus 2:21 (allusion): Early account of Moses marrying Zipporah, daughter of Reuel (Jethro); establishes identity and prior marriage to Zipporah mentioned in 18:2.
- Exodus 3:1 (allusion): Introduces Reuel/Jethro as priest of Midian and Moses’ father‑in‑law, providing background for the figure who returns Zipporah in 18:2.
- Exodus 4:20 (verbal): Narrates Moses taking his wife and sons and returning to Egypt—parallel motif of Moses’ family being moved and accompanying him.
- Exodus 18:5 (structural): Immediate parallel/continuation within the same episode: Jethro arrives and brings Moses’ wife and sons to him, repeating and expanding the information of v.2.
- Judges 1:16 (thematic): Refers to the Kenite who was 'father‑in‑law' of Moses (tradition linking Moses’ in‑laws to Kenite/ Midianite groups), echoing the social/familial role of Jethro in Exodus 18:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after she had been sent away,
- And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after she had been sent away,
Exo.18.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- בניה: NOUN,m,pl,poss3ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שם: ADV
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- גרשם: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- כי: CONJ
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הייתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- נכריה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.2:22 (verbal): Same naming of Moses’ son Gershom with the identical rationale—'for I have been a stranger in a strange land'—repeated earlier in the Exodus narrative.
- Gen.23:4 (verbal): Abraham uses the formula 'I am a stranger and a sojourner' when negotiating for a burial site; shares the same language and social status motif of being a foreigner in the land.
- Ps.39:12 (Heb. 39:13) (thematic): The psalmist appeals to God as one who is a 'stranger and sojourner,' echoing the experience of transience and alienation expressed in the naming of Gershom.
- Lev.25:23 (thematic): Legal/theological background: the land’s owner is Yahweh and the people are 'strangers and sojourners'—the institutionalized status reflected in Exodus’ description of being a foreigner.
Alternative generated candidates
- and her two sons, the name of the one was Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land,”
- and her two sons—of whom the name of the one was Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land,”
Exo.18.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- אליעזר: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בעזרי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
- ויצלני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,1cs
- מחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Psalm 121:2 (verbal): Both verse and Psalm use the verb 'help' (or equivalent) to ascribe one's help to the LORD — 'My help comes from the LORD' echoes 'the God of my father was my help.'
- 1 Samuel 7:12 (verbal): Use of a commemorative name/stone to mark divine help: 'Ebenezer... Thus far the LORD has helped us' parallels naming Eliezer to record that God was help/deliverer.
- Exodus 14:30 (thematic): Both passages celebrate deliverance from the Egyptians/Pharaoh — 'the LORD saved Israel... from the hand of the Egyptians' corresponds to being 'delivered... from the sword of Pharaoh.'
- Psalm 18:2 (thematic): Language of God as deliverer/helper: 'The LORD is my rock... my deliverer' thematically parallels the declaration that God provided help and rescue.
- Exodus 2:15 (structural): Narrative background of threat from Pharaoh: Exodus 2:15 describes Moses fleeing because Pharaoh sought his life — a structurally related episode that explains contexts in which God 'delivered... from the sword of Pharaoh.'
Alternative generated candidates
- and the name of the other, Eliezer, for “the God of my father was my help and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”
- and the name of the one was Eliezer, for “the God of my father was my help, and he delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”
Exo.18.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יתרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובניו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואשתו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:3ms
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- חנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.2:21-22 (verbal): Reports Moses' marriage to Zipporah and the birth/name of his son (Gershom), providing background for the wife and sons who later come to Moses in the wilderness.
- Exod.4:18 (verbal): Describes Moses' return to his father‑in‑law in Midian and staying with him—connects the ongoing relationship and movements between Moses and Jethro/Reuel.
- Exod.3:1 (verbal): Places Moses with Jethro's flock at Horeb, explicitly calling that location the 'mountain of God,' matching the geographical designation in Exod.18:5.
- Num.10:29-32 (thematic): Mentions Moses' father‑in‑law (Hobab/son of Reuel) and the proposal that he accompany Israel into the wilderness—echoes the theme of family ties and movement/joining at Israel's encampments.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses, to the wilderness where he was encamped, at the mountain of God.
- And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with Moses’ sons and his wife to Moses, to the wilderness where he was encamped, at the mountain of God.
Exo.18.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- חתנך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- יתרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ואשתך: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+2ms
- ושני: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- בניה: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- עמה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Exod 18:2 (verbal): Same episode: identifies Jethro (Moses' father‑in‑law) and the arrival of Moses' wife and sons — closely parallel wording and characters.
- Exod 4:18 (verbal): Earlier report that Moses 'returned to Jethro his father‑in‑law' — echoes the father‑in‑law relationship and movement between Moses and Jethro.
- Exod 2:21 (thematic): Background event: Moses marries Zipporah, daughter of Reuel (identified with Jethro), establishing the familial relationship referenced in Exodus 18:6.
- Exod 18:7 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same scene: Moses greets Jethro and recounts what the LORD had done — shows the purpose and outcome of Jethro's arrival mentioned in v.6.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you, and your wife and her two sons with her.”
- And he said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, have come to you, and your wife and her two sons with her.”
Exo.18.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לקראת: PREP
- חתנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- וישק: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- וישאלו: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לרעהו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,prs:3,m
- לשלום: PREP
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- האהלה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 33:4 (verbal): Esau 'ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him' — closely parallels the language and gesture of meeting and kissing in Exod 18:7.
- Genesis 29:10 (verbal): Jacob 'kissed Rachel' upon meeting her — another instance of greeting by kiss at a personal encounter.
- 1 Samuel 20:41 (verbal): David and Jonathan 'kissed one another, and wept' — similar reciprocal greeting by kiss and emotional inquiry/parting.
- Luke 15:20 (thematic): The father 'ran and embraced him, and kissed him' — thematically parallels the warm, affectionate welcome expressed by meeting and kissing.
- Genesis 24:67 (structural): Isaac 'brought her into his mother’s tent' — parallels the movement 'and they came into the tent' in Exod 18:7 and the household/hospitality setting that follows the greeting.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent.
- And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed and kissed him, and they inquired of one another’s welfare, and they came into the tent.
Exo.18.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויספר: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחתנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cons+3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לפרעה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולמצרים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- אודת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- התלאה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מצאתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויצלם: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg+obj3,m,pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.14:31 (verbal): Both verses describe Israel (or Moses) witnessing the great work the LORD did to Pharaoh/the Egyptians—similar wording and the same Red Sea deliverance event.
- Exod.12:31-36 (structural): Narrative account of Pharaoh releasing Israel and the LORD's dealings with Egypt at the Exodus—this is the episode Moses summarizes to Jethro in 18:8.
- Acts 7:36 (allusion): Stephen’s summary of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt echoes Moses’ report: God ‘brought them out’ and performed signs/wonders on their behalf.
- Ps.106:21-22 (thematic): The psalm recalls God’s mighty acts in Egypt and Israel’s experience of deliverance—echoing the theme of God’s intervention and salvation mentioned in Exod 18:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to Egypt for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had befallen them on the way, and how the LORD delivered them.
- And Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to Egypt on account of Israel, all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and that the LORD delivered them.
Exo.18.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יתרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- הטובה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לישראל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הצילו: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,sg
- מיד: PREP
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 15:1 (thematic): Moses and Israel sing a victory song immediately after the Red Sea deliverance — communal rejoicing that celebrates the same saving act of Yahweh praised by Jethro.
- Exodus 15:21 (thematic): Miriam’s song and dance in response to the deliverance from Egypt — a close thematic parallel of praise and rejoicing over Yahweh’s rescue of Israel.
- Joshua 2:10 (allusion): Rahab reports that the inhabitants had heard how the LORD dried up the sea and routed nations — an example of outsiders reacting (by fear/respect) to news of Yahweh’s deeds, like Jethro’s reaction to hearing about the rescue.
- 1 Samuel 7:12 (verbal): Samuel sets up Ebenezer, saying 'Thus far the LORD has helped us' — a concise statement of thanksgiving for divine deliverance that parallels Jethro’s rejoicing over what the LORD had done.
- Psalm 105:37 (thematic): Psalm 105 recounts the Exodus and Yahweh bringing Israel out of Egypt; it echoes the content and theological emphasis of Jethro’s praise for God’s saving acts.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jethro rejoiced over all the good that the LORD had done to Israel, that he had delivered them from the hand of Egypt.
- And Jethro rejoiced over all the goodness that the LORD had done to Israel, that he had delivered them from the hand of Egypt.
Exo.18.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יתרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הציל: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- מיד: PREP
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומיד: CONJ+PREP
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הציל: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מתחת: PREP
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 15:1-2 (thematic): The Song of Moses is a communal praise celebrating Yahweh's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, echoing Jethro's blessing of God for rescuing the people.
- Exodus 15:11 (verbal): Both verses affirm Yahweh's supremacy over other gods; Jethro's declaration ('the LORD is greater than all gods') parallels the song's rhetorical question 'Who is like you among the gods?'
- Exodus 6:6 (verbal): God's promise to 'bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians' uses the same deliverance motifs and language that Jethro praises as already accomplished.
- Psalm 136:10-12 (thematic): A liturgical recounting of the Exodus that repeatedly gives thanks to God for striking Egypt and bringing Israel out—paralleling Jethro's thanksgiving for deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jethro said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you from the hand of Egypt and from the hand of Pharaoh; who has delivered the people from under the hand of Egypt.
- And Jethro said, “Blessed be the LORD, who delivered you from the hand of Egypt and from the hand of Pharaoh, who delivered the people from under the hand of Egypt.
Exo.18.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עתה: ADV
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- כי: CONJ
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מכל: PREP
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- בדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- זדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exod.15:11-12 (verbal): Both passages celebrate Yahweh’s uniqueness and supremacy over other gods in the context of Israel’s deliverance (Exodus’s victory-song language: “Who is like you among the gods?”).
- Deut.10:17 (thematic): Affirms the LORD’s superiority as ‘God of gods and Lord of lords,’ echoing the theological claim in Exod 18 that Yahweh is greater than all other gods.
- Ps.95:3 (thematic): Declares the LORD as a great God and King above all gods, a parallel confession of Yahweh’s supremacy over other deities.
- 1 Kings 8:23 (allusion): Solomon’s prayer—‘there is no God like you’—echoes the same recognition of Yahweh’s unparalleled status found in Jethro’s statement.
- Ps.86:8 (verbal): Uses near-verbatim language (‘Among the gods there is none like you’) to assert that no other deity compares to Yahweh, mirroring Exod 18:11’s claim.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, for in the very matter in which they acted arrogantly, he was above them.”
- Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods, for in the matter in which they acted arrogantly, he has prevailed over them.”
Exo.18.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יתרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וזבחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- זקני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאכל: INF,qal
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- חתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.24:11 (verbal): Moses, Aaron and the elders ‘ate and drank’ in the presence of God after a significant covenantal/ritual event — closely parallels the formula of leaders sharing a meal ‘before the LORD’.
- Lev.7:11-15 (thematic): Description of peace/fellowship offerings to be eaten by priests and worshipers — parallels the combination of sacrifice and communal eating with sacred significance.
- 2 Sam.6:17-19 (thematic): David offers burnt and peace offerings before the LORD and then distributes food to the people/officials — similar pattern of sacrifice followed by a communal meal involving leaders.
- Gen.31:54 (structural): Laban and Jacob set up a heap, make a covenant and eat together as witnesses — parallels covenantal meal/feast accompanying a formal agreement among leaders.
- Gen.18:6-8 (thematic): Abraham prepares and serves a meal to divine visitors (and sacrifices while hosting) — echoes the combination of hospitality, sacrificial action, and dining in the presence of God or his messengers.
Alternative generated candidates
- 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.
- 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.
Exo.18.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ממחרת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשפט: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- הבקר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- הערב: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.18:17-23 (structural): Immediate continuation: Jethro rebukes Moses for bearing the entire judicial burden and advises appointing able men to judge the people, directly addressing why the people stood with Moses from morning to evening.
- Deut.1:9-18 (verbal): Moses' later retelling of organizing judges in the camp — recounts his inability to bear the people alone and the appointment of capable leaders to decide disputes, paralleling the same judicial arrangement and language.
- Num.11:14-17, 24-26 (thematic): Moses expresses the same burden of leadership and asks for help; God instructs him to gather leaders (elders) so the burden can be shared and some of the Spirit is put on them, echoing the solution to Moses' long hours of judging.
- Acts 6:1-6 (thematic): The apostles delegate practical, time-consuming tasks to others (the seven) so they can focus on ministry — a New Testament example of instituting assistants to relieve leaders overwhelmed by people's continual needs.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass on the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from morning till evening.
- And it happened on the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning until evening.
Exo.18.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעם: PREP
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעם: PREP
- מדוע: ADV
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- יושב: VERB,qal,ptcp,1,m,sg
- לבדך: ADV+PRON,2,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נצב: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- מן: PREP
- בקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- ערב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.18:13 (structural): Immediate context describing the same scene: Jethro observes Moses sitting as sole judge hearing the people’s cases, which prompts his question and advice.
- Exod.18:24–26 (structural): Resolution of the problem described in 18:14 — Moses follows Jethro’s counsel and appoints magistrates to share the judicial burden.
- Deut.1:9–18 (allusion): Moses’ later recounting of establishing chiefs, judges and officers to help him judge the people echoes the institutional solution to the single‑judge burden first addressed in Exodus 18.
- Num.11:14–17 (thematic): Moses complains to God about the burden of leading the people and requests relief; parallels the theme of an overburdened leader unable to carry all responsibilities alone.
- Acts 6:1–7 (thematic): The apostles delegate daily administrative work to appointed deacons so the apostles can focus on prayer and ministry — an early‑church example of organizational delegation similar to Jethro’s advice to Moses.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, and he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?”
- And Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, and he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning until evening?”
Exo.18.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחתנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs:poss=3,m
- כי: CONJ
- יבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לדרש: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exod.18.19-23 (structural): Immediate continuation of Jethro’s advice—Moses is told to teach the people God’s statutes and to appoint judges so he will not alone bear all disputes.
- Deut.1.9-18 (structural): Moses recounts appointing leaders and judges over the people to share the burden of judging—a formalization of the same leadership principle.
- Num.11.14-17 (thematic): Moses complains that the people’s demands are too heavy for him alone and asks God for relief, prompting appointment of leaders—parallels Moses’ being the people’s mediator and the need to delegate.
- Deut.17.8-13 (allusion): Instruction for bringing difficult cases to the central tribunal (priests/Levitical judges) for decision—reflects the institutional solution to communal queries about God’s law.
- 1 Kings 3.16-28 (thematic): People come to the Israelite king to have disputes decided; Solomon’s role as judge illustrates the leader’s function of resolving communal inquiries and disputes.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.
- And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.
Exo.18.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ושפטתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- בין: PREP
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- והודעתי: VERB,hiph,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- חקי: NOUN,m,pl,ctv
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- תורתיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 1:16-17 (verbal): Moses charges judges to 'hear the causes between your brethren' and 'judge righteously between a man and his brother' — closely parallels Moses' role of adjudicating disputes in Exodus 18 and instructing in God's statutes.
- Leviticus 19:15 (thematic): Command against partiality in judgment ('You shall do no injustice in judgment... judge your neighbor fairly') echoes the ethical/legal basis for judging 'between a man and his fellow' and teaching God's laws.
- Deuteronomy 17:8-9 (structural): Provision for bringing difficult cases 'to the place that the LORD will choose' (to priests/judges) parallels the procedure of bringing matters to a central judge (Moses) for authoritative decision.
- 2 Chronicles 19:5-7 (thematic): Jehoshaphat's appointment and instruction to judges to 'act courageously and let the LORD be with the upright' and to judge for God parallels Moses' practice of deciding disputes and declaring God's statutes and law.
Alternative generated candidates
- When they have a matter, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make known the statutes of God and his laws.”
- When they have a matter, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his fellow, and I make known the statutes of God and his laws.”
Exo.18.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deut.1.9-18 (structural): Moses recounts the same problem and solution: he was overwhelmed acting alone and appointed judges to share the burden — the Deuteronomic retelling parallels Jethro's critique and its institutional outcome.
- Num.11.14-17 (thematic): Moses complains that he cannot carry the people alone and asks God for help; God ordains sharing leadership (the seventy elders), echoing the concern about a single leader bearing all responsibilities.
- Gen.2.18 (verbal): The phrase 'not good' (לא־טוב) appears here about solitude — 'it is not good that the man should be alone' — a verbal and conceptual parallel to Jethro's verdict that Moses' solitary practice is 'not good.'
- Acts.6.1-7 (thematic): The apostles face administrative overload and delegate responsibilities by appointing seven deacons so they can focus on primary duties, paralleling Jethro's advice to distribute judicial tasks.
- Prov.11.14 (thematic): 'Where there is no guidance/counsel the people fall; in abundance of counselors there is safety' — a proverb that summarizes the principle behind Jethro's critique and his counsel to appoint additional officials.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good.
- And Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good.
Exo.18.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נבל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- תבל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- כי: CONJ
- כבד: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- תוכל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- עשהו: VERB,qal,inf+PRON,3,m,sg
- לבדך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Num.11.14-17,24-25 (verbal): Moses tells God he cannot bear the people alone and asks for help; God shares his spirit with seventy elders so they can assist — echoes the same claim that the task is too heavy for one person.
- Exod.18.21-22 (structural): Immediate continuation of Jethro's counsel: he instructs Moses to appoint capable men to judge the people, providing the practical solution to the burden described in 18:18.
- Deut.1.9-18 (thematic): Moses' retrospective account of selecting experienced men as judges and delegating authority parallels Jethro's advice and records the implementation of shared leadership.
- Prov.11.14 (thematic): Proverbial principle that many counselors provide safety resonates with the idea that leadership and judgment should be distributed rather than carried by one person alone.
Alternative generated candidates
- You will surely wear yourself out, both you and this people that is with you; for the thing is too heavy for you—you are not able to do it alone.
- You will surely wear yourself out, both you and this people that is with you, for the thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to do it by yourself.
Exo.18.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עתה: ADV
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בקלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- איעצך: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg+OBJ:2,m,sg
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- לעם: PREP
- מול: PREP
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והבאת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אל: NEG
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 11:16-17 (structural): God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders so leadership and the Spirit can be shared and Moses will not bear the people’s burden alone—echoes Jethro’s counsel to delegate and that God be with Moses.
- Deuteronomy 1:9-18 (verbal): Moses retells his decision to appoint chiefs and judges because he could not bear the people alone, repeating the same principle of delegating judicial authority for the sake of the people.
- Acts 6:1-7 (thematic): The apostles appoint seven to handle practical disputes so the leaders can devote themselves to prayer and ministry—parallel to delegating responsibilities so the chief leader can stand ‘before God’ for the people.
- Proverbs 15:22 (thematic): “Plans fail for lack of counsel…”—affirms the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel, which underlies Jethro’s admonition to Moses to accept advice.
- Judges 2:16 (thematic): The LORD raises up judges to deliver and lead Israel; thematically parallels the institutionalizing of leadership and God’s role in establishing representatives who stand for the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now listen to my voice; I will counsel you, and God be with you. You be for the people before God, and you bring the matters to God.
- Now listen to my voice; I will counsel you, and God be with you! You be for the people before God, and you bring the matters to God.
Exo.18.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והזהרתה: VERB,hif,impf,2,m,sg
- אתהם: PRON,3,m,pl,acc
- את: PRT,acc
- החקים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- התורת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והודעת: VERB,hif,impf,2,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הדרך: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ילכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- המעשה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יעשון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 4:1 (verbal): Calls Israel to 'hear' and 'observe' the statutes and judgments—language and purpose (teaching the law and what to do) closely parallel Jethro's instruction to teach statutes and the way to walk.
- Deuteronomy 6:7 (thematic): Commands continual instruction of God's commands to the next generation—shares the theme of deliberately teaching the people how to live by the law.
- Isaiah 30:21 (verbal): Uses the explicit guiding formula 'This is the way; walk ye in it,' directly echoing the Exodus charge to show the people the way they should go.
- Psalm 119:105 (thematic): Portrays God's word as guidance for the path of life ('a lamp to my feet, a light to my path'), thematically echoing the injunction to show the way and the conduct required.
- Nehemiah 8:8 (structural): Describes public reading and explanation of the law—'they read from the book... gave the sense and helped them understand'—paralleling Moses' role to teach statutes and explain how to live them.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall warn them of the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they should walk and the work that they should do.
- And you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they must walk and the work that they must do.
Exo.18.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תחזה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- מכל: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יראי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שנאי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- בצע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמת: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- עלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- ושרי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עשרת: NUM,card,ten,cons
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 1:13 (verbal): Moses is told to ‘choose wise, understanding, and known’ men as heads — language and function parallel Jethro’s call to select capable, God‑fearing, trustworthy leaders.
- Deuteronomy 16:18 (structural): Command to ‘appoint judges and officials’ throughout the tribes parallels Jethro’s recommendation to set up delegated judges over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.
- Numbers 11:16–17 (structural): God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders to share his burden — a similar solution of delegating leadership and judgment to appointed men.
- Acts 6:3 (thematic): The Jerusalem church selects ‘men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom’ to handle practical matters — echoes the criteria and delegation principle in Exod 18:21.
- 1 Timothy 3:1–7 (thematic): Qualifications for overseers (above reproach, able to teach, not greedy for gain) reflect the moral and leadership qualities (fear of God, hate of dishonest gain, able men) demanded in Exod 18:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall select out of all the people men of valor, fearers of God, men of truth, haters of unjust gain, and set over them chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties, and chiefs of tens.
- And you, look out from all the people capable men, fearing God, men of truth, hating unjust gain, and set them over the people as chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties, and chiefs of tens.
Exo.18.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושפטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדל: ADJ,m,sg,def
- יביאו: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,pl
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הקטן: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ישפטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- והקל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מעליך: PREP,2,m
- ונשאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.18:21 (verbal): Immediate context: Jethro's instruction to select capable men to serve as judges — 18:22 continues and specifies that minor cases be handled by these appointees while major cases are brought to Moses.
- Num.11:16-17 (thematic): God tells Moses to gather seventy elders so that they share the burden of leadership — parallels the concern in Exod 18 to relieve Moses by delegating authority to others.
- Deut.1:9-18 (verbal): Moses' retrospective account of appointing judges for ordinary disputes and reserving difficult cases for himself — a retelling/implementation of the same principle found in Exod 18:22.
- Deut.16:18 (verbal): Legal injunction to 'appoint judges and officers in all your towns' to administer justice — institutional parallel to the establishment of local judges in Exod 18.
- 2 Chron.19:5-7 (thematic): King Jehoshaphat appoints judges and charges them to judge in the fear of the LORD and not pervert justice — echoes the delegation of judicial responsibility and concern for righteous administration.
Alternative generated candidates
- And let them judge the people at all times; and it shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves. So it will be lighter for you, and they will bear it with you.
- And let them judge the people at all times; and it shall be that every great matter they bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves; so it will be lighter for you, and they will bear it with you.
Exo.18.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- וצוך: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויכלת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- עמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וגם: CONJ
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- על: PREP
- מקמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- יבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בשלום: PREP
Parallels
- Exod.18:21-22 (verbal): Immediate context: Jethro’s instructions to appoint capable men as judges and delegate difficult cases — the same speech that leads to v.23’s promise that Moses can endure and the people go home in peace.
- Deut.1:15-18 (quotation): Moses’ later retelling of the same action — appointing leaders/ judges to help decide disputes so he would not bear the burden alone (direct repetition of the Exodus episode).
- Num.11:14-17 (allusion): Moses’ plea to the LORD that he cannot bear the people alone and God’s provision of seventy elders to share the leadership burden — a parallel instance of divinely sanctioned delegation to relieve one leader’s load.
- Prov.11:14 (thematic): “Where there is no guidance a people falls, but in abundance of counselors there is safety” — echoes the principle that shared counsel/leadership brings stability and peace (thematic parallel).
- 1 Kings 12:6-11 (thematic): The elders advise Rehoboam to lighten the people’s burden; when he rejects wise counsel and increases the yoke, national unity collapses — a contrasting example underscoring the link between wise delegation/counsel and communal peace.
Alternative generated candidates
- If you do this thing—and God so commands you—then you will be able to stand, and also all this people will go to its place in peace.”
- If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to stand, and also all this people will go to their place in peace.”
Exo.18.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חתנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.18.23 (structural): Immediate context of the same scene—Jethro's instruction about appointing judges, to which Moses' obedience in v.24 responds.
- Deut.1:9-18 (quotation): Moses' later retelling of how he appointed judges and delegated authority—recounts the same action of heeding counsel and instituting leaders.
- Num.11:16-17 (thematic): God commands Moses to gather leaders to share the burden of leadership—another instance of relieving concentrated judicial/administrative strain by delegation.
- Prov.15:22 (thematic): Proverb endorsing wise counsel and many advisers — a general wisdom parallel to Moses' acceptance of Jethro's advice to establish a system of counselors.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said.
- And Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said.
Exo.18.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבחר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכל: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ראשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- ושרי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- עשרת: NUM,card,ten,cons
Parallels
- Exodus 18:21-22 (verbal): Immediate instruction from Jethro to Moses to choose capable men as leaders/judges — same directive language and purpose as v.25.
- Deuteronomy 1:9-18 (verbal): Moses' retrospective account of appointing wise, experienced men as heads over the people and establishing officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens (same institutional formula and wording).
- Numbers 11:16-17 (thematic): God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders to share the leadership burden — parallels the theme of delegating authority and appointing leaders to assist governance.
- Acts 6:1-6 (thematic): The apostles select seven men to oversee a specific administrative task so the apostles can focus on ministry — a New Testament instance of appointing trusted men to share leadership/administration.
- Proverbs 11:14 (thematic): Says that where there is no guidance a people falls, but safety is in many advisers — thematically supports the wisdom of appointing multiple leaders/judges for the community.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses chose men of valor out of all Israel and set them as heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties, and chiefs of tens.
- And Moses chose capable men out of all Israel and set them as heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties, and chiefs of tens.
Exo.18.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושפטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- את: PRT,acc
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הקשה: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- יביאון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הקטן: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ישפוטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 1:15-17 (quotation): Moses’ later retelling repeats the same judicial arrangement and language: appointing leaders to judge the people and bringing the hard cases to Moses while smaller matters are judged by others.
- Exodus 18:25 (verbal): Immediate context: Moses chooses capable men as heads over the people to serve as judges — the procedural setup that leads directly to v.26’s division of hard and small cases.
- Deuteronomy 16:18 (structural): Legal injunction to 'appoint judges and officers' for the tribes of Israel, providing the institutional basis for decentralized adjudication described in Exod 18:26.
- 2 Chronicles 19:5-11 (thematic): Jehoshaphat’s appointment and instruction of judges throughout Judah parallels the administrative decentralization of justice and the charge to judge rightly and in the fear of the Lord.
- 1 Kings 3:16-28 (thematic): Solomon’s adjudication of the difficult case between two women exemplifies the role of superior adjudication for hard cases, paralleling the practice of referring difficult matters to a central authority.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they judged the people at all times; the difficult matter they would bring to Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
- And they judged the people at all times; every difficult matter they would bring to Moses, but every small matter they themselves would judge.
Exo.18.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- חתנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- ארצו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 10:32 (verbal): Same figure (Hobab/Jethro's kin) and near-identical action — he declines to accompany Israel and 'went to his own land,' echoing Exodus' report that Moses sent his son‑in‑law away to his country.
- Ruth 1:15-18 (thematic): Naomi urges her daughters‑in‑law to return to their own people and country; one complies and returns while the other remains — a parallel motif of sending/releasing a family member to return to their native land.
- Exod.4:20 (verbal): Moses 'took his wife and sons... and returned to the land of Egypt' — similar language and theme of household movement/return to a homeland.
- Gen.12:4-5 (thematic): Abram departs his father's household with his wife and household for a land of origin/destination — another instance of family migration and relocation framing covenantal journeying and the motif of going to/from a country.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses sent his father-in-law away, and he went to his own land.
- And Moses sent his father-in-law away, and he went to his own land.
Now Jethro, priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people—how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.
Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after she had been sent away,
and her two sons, of whom the name of the one was Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land,”
and the name of the other was Eliezer, for “the God of my father was my help and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.” And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses, into the wilderness where he was encamped, at the mountain of God. And he said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you, with your wife and her two sons.” And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare, and came into the tent. And Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to Egypt for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had found them on the way, and how the LORD delivered them. And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the LORD had done to Israel, that he had delivered them from the hand of Egypt. And Jethro said, “Blessed be the LORD, who delivered you from the hand of Egypt and from the hand of Pharaoh, who delivered the people from under the hand of Egypt. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods, for in the very matter in which they dealt arrogantly against them.” 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. And it happened on the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from morning until evening. And Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, and he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit by yourself, and all the people stand over you from morning until evening?” And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.
When they have a matter, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his fellow, and I make known the statutes of God and his laws.” And Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good.
You will surely wear out, both you and this people that is with you, for the thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to do it alone. Now listen to my voice; I will counsel you, and may God be with you. You be for the people before God, and you bring the matters to God,
and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way they must walk in it, and the work that they must do. And you shall discern out of all the people able men, men who fear God, men of truth, haters of unjust gain, and set them over them as chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties, and chiefs of tens. And let them judge the people at all times; and it shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves; so you will lighten it from upon yourself, and they shall bear it with you.
If you do this thing—and God so command you—then you will be able to stand, and also all this people will go to their place in peace.” So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel and set them as heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties, and chiefs of tens. And they judged the people at all times: the hard matter they would bring to Moses, but every small matter they themselves would judge. And Moses sent his father-in-law away, and he went to his own land.