Exodus 18

Exodus 18:1

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 17:14-1 Exodus 17:6). The event occurred between Exodus 18:10 and Exodus 18:11 of Numbers 10. 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.

Exodus 18:2

sent her back. Probably at Exodus 4:26.

Exodus 18:3

Gershom = a stranger.

Exodus 18:4

Eliezer = God [is] my helper.

Exodus 18:6

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.

Exodus 18:10

Blessed. Figure of speech Benedictio. App-6.

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

Exodus 18:11

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

Exodus 18:13

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

Exodus 18:16

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

Exodus 18:18

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

Exodus 18:20

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

Exodus 18:21

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”.