Bible Commentaries

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.

sent her back. Probably at Exodus 4:26.

Gershom = a stranger.

Eliezer = God [is] my helper.

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.

Blessed. Figure of speech Benedictio. App-6.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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".