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 17:14Exodus 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 .
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 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".