Exodus 4:18 Meaning: Respect, Providence, and a Father-in-Law's Blessing
Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”
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.
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 that are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.
And Moses goeth and turneth back unto Jethro his father-in-law, and saith to him, `Let me go, I pray thee, and I turn back unto my brethren who are in Egypt, and I see whether they are yet alive.' And Jethro saith to Moses, `Go in peace.'
And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return to my brethren who are in Egypt, that I may see whether they are yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.
Meaning in one sentence
Why Moses didn't tell Jethro about his divine commission, and what 'Go in peace' teaches us about God's providence.
Context
After the burning bush, Moses had received a clear commission: return to Egypt and lead God’s people out. God had given him signs, a spokesman in Aaron, and a promise of presence. But before Moses could set out, he first had to speak to Jethro, the man who gave him shelter and a family when he was a fugitive. This verse shows a quiet domestic scene, Moses asking permission, Jethro granting it, tucked between the weight of divine revelation and the drama of the exodus. It reminds us that God’s call often comes in the middle of ordinary relationships and responsibilities.
Key Words
Moses speaks politely, the Hebrew particle na (please) softens his request. He is not demanding; he is asking as a son-in-law respects a father-in-law. The word shuv (return) appears twice: Moses will go back to Jethro, then go back to Egypt. It is a word of turning, of completing a circle. Then Jethro replies with shalom, peace. That word carries far more than a friendly goodbye. It means wholeness, welfare, safety, even covenantal well-being. Jethro is sending Moses out with a blessing that covers the journey ahead. In a single word, he affirms the relationship and entrusts Moses to God’s care.
How Christians Read This Verse
Calvin, writing from a Reformed perspective, wondered whether Moses stayed silent about his vision out of modesty or from fear of being disbelieved. Matthew Henry, representing a Puritan tradition, praised Moses for not letting his divine calling excuse him from common courtesy toward his father-in-law. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, saw simple prudence, if Jethro knew, the news might reach Egypt and cause trouble. Across these perspectives, Christians have read this verse as showing that God’s call does not cancel human responsibility, and that Jethro’s blessing carried God’s own approval of Moses’ return.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think Moses was being dishonest by not telling Jethro why he was really going to Egypt. In fact, the commentators see his silence as wise and respectful. Moses was not hiding God’s call; he was honoring his relationship with Jethro, who had cared for him for forty years. The request was genuine, he did long to see his brothers, even if the larger purpose remained unspoken.
Living This Out
Perhaps this week you carry a calling that others do not fully understand. A new direction at work, a decision about where to live, a step of faith that looks odd from the outside. Moses’ example suggests you do not have to explain everything. What you do owe is honour, a respectful word to those who have a stake in your life. Ask the blessing of the people God has placed over you, and trust that even their simple ‘go in peace’ may be part of the providence that carries you forward.
Main takeaway: When God calls you to a new task, He expects you to honor the commitments and relationships that belong to the season before it.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Moses had lived with Jethro for a long time. When God said it was time to go, Moses asked Jethro nicely if he could leave. Jethro said yes and told him to go in peace, which is like saying, “I’m glad for you, and God be with you.”
For ages 9, 12
Moses could have just left without telling Jethro. But he didn’t. Even though God had given him a huge mission, he still respected the man who had taken care of him. Jethro’s blessing, “Go in peace,” was more than a goodbye, it was like saying, “I trust you and I pray for God’s protection over you.” When God gives you a new thing to do, He still wants you to treat people well on the way.
Questions People Ask
Why didn't Moses tell Jethro the whole story about the burning bush?
Commentators offer several reasons. Calvin thought Moses may have feared being disbelieved, since the vision was so incredible. Matthew Henry emphasized Moses' humility and respect for his father-in-law. Adam Clarke pointed to practical prudence, if the news reached Egypt, the Egyptians might have been alerted and armed against Moses before he even arrived. The text does not condemn Moses for his silence.
What does 'Go in peace' mean in the original Hebrew?
The Hebrew word is shalom, which means far more than the absence of conflict. It carries the sense of completeness, wholeness, welfare, safety, and even covenantal friendship. When Jethro said 'Go in peace,' he was blessing Moses with a deep wish for his complete well-being and for God’s protection on his journey.
Is it okay to keep part of God's calling secret from others?
Moses’ example suggests it can be wise. He did not lie to Jethro; he simply shared his desire to see his brothers. Sometimes God’s plans are not fully understood by others, and revealing too much could cause confusion or resistance. As long as we are not being deceitful, discretion can be a form of faithfulness.
How old was Moses at this time?
From Exodus 7:7 we know Moses was eighty years old when he spoke to Pharaoh. Since this event happens just before he leaves for Egypt, Moses is likely about eighty years old here. He had spent forty years in Midian as a shepherd, and before that forty years in Egypt as a prince.
Why didn't God make Moses tell Jethro everything?
God gave Moses freedom in how he handled his departure. The account does not show God commanding Moses to tell Jethro the full story. Moses’ respectful request and Jethro’s blessing may have been exactly God’s way of providing a peaceful, orderly transition for Moses’ family before the great work began.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study