Bible Commentaries
Exodus 18

Verse 1

When. This chapter is a parenthesis ( App-6 ). Introduced here because Jethro, though he lived among the Amalekites, yet was not under their

curse (Exodus 17:14 Exodus 17:6 ). The event occurred between Exodus 18:10 and Exodus 18:11 of Numbers 10:0 . Jethro's counsel was given, and taken, when Israel was ready to depart from Sinai (Deuteronomy 1:7-14 ).

Jethro . Compare Exodus 3:1 . Probably a descendant of Abraham by Keturah, and not, therefore, an idolater. Compare Exodus 18:12 and context.

God . Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Egypt . A reading (Sevir) reads "land of Egypt". See App-34 .

Verse 2

sent her back . Probably at Exodus 4:26 .

Verse 3

Gershom = a stranger.

Verse 4

Eliezer = God [is] my helper.

Verse 6

I. The Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, and Syriac read "Lo", or "Behold ": in which case we must read instead of "he", Exodus 18:6 , "and one said unto Moses, ' Behold, thy father-in-law cometh'", &c.

Verse 10

Blessed . Figure of speech Benedictio. App-6 .

hand . Thrice put for "power" by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause). App-6 .

Verse 11

greater . Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 . Magnitude attributed to God.

Verse 13

unto . Some codices, with one early printed edition, Samaritan Pentateuch, and Syriac, read "even until".

Verse 16

statutes of God . Those before Sinai. See App-15 .

Verse 18

wilt surely wear away . Figure of speech Polyptoton ( App-6 ), "a wearing thou wilt wear". See note on Genesis 26:28 .

Verse 20

ordinances and laws . Hebrew "the Ordinances and (or, even) the Laws".

Verse 21

men . Hebrew, plural of 'ish, or ' 'enosh. App-14 . to be. Supply "as" for Ellipsis ( App-6 ).

rulers. Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, and Syriac, read "and rulers".