Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 4:18. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about God’s care for Moses. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: God had sent Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. After a difficult journey, Moses found himself trapped in Pharaoh's power, and his people were enslaved there. He was facing a big problem – he needed to find out if his brother Aaron (who was the High Priest at the time) and all his brothers were still alive. What happened next: Jethro’s Offer: God sent Moses to Jethro, a priest who was visiting Pharaoh. He asked Jethro to let Moses go and return to Egypt with his family. Moses' Plea: Moses pleaded with Jethro to let him go. He explained the urgent need to see if his brothers were still alive. Jethro’s Response: Jethro agreed to let Moses go, offering him a blessing and a promise of peace. What it means – simplified: This verse is about God's concern for his people. It shows that God wants to protect and care for those he has chosen. It highlights a moment where God prioritized the well-being of his family (his brothers) over his own desires. Key takeaway: The verse emphasizes that God’s love isn’t just about him – it's about caring for those he has placed in his care, even when things are difficult. It speaks to a powerful sense of responsibility and divine protection. --- Do you want me to explain any specific part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the Egyptian captivity? Discuss the role of Jethro? Or perhaps delve into a particular theme within the verse (like divine protection)?