Exodus 4:18 - Moshe seeks Yitro's blessing

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Hebrew Text

וַיֵּלֶךְ מֹשֶׁה וַיָּשָׁב אֶל־יֶתֶר חֹתְנוֹ וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ אֵלְכָה נָּא וְאָשׁוּבָה אֶל־אַחַי אֲשֶׁר־בְּמִצְרַיִם וְאֶרְאֶה הַעוֹדָם חַיִּים וַיֹּאמֶר יִתְרוֹ לְמֹשֶׁה לֵךְ לְשָׁלוֹם׃

English Translation

And Moshe went and returned to Yeter his father in law, and said to him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return to my brethren who are in Miżrayim, and see whether they are still alive. And Yitro said to Moshe, Go in peace.

Transliteration

Vayelekh Moshe vayashav el-Yeter khotno vayomer lo elkha na vashuva el-akhai asher-beMitzrayim ve'er'e ha'odam khayim vayomer Yitro leMoshe lekh leshalom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ מֹשֶׁ֜ה וַיָּ֣שׇׁב&thinsp

Parasha Commentary

Moses' Return to Yitro

The verse states, "וַיֵּלֶךְ מֹשֶׁה וַיָּשָׁב אֶל־יֶתֶר חֹתְנוֹ" ("And Moshe went and returned to Yeter his father-in-law"). Rashi explains that Moses had previously sent his wife Tzipporah and their sons back to Midian while he was fulfilling his mission in Egypt (Shemot 4:20). Now, before returning to Egypt to lead Bnei Yisrael, Moses seeks permission from his father-in-law, demonstrating proper derech eretz (respectful conduct).

Moses' Request to Yitro

Moses says, "אֵלְכָה נָּא וְאָשׁוּבָה אֶל־אַחַי אֲשֶׁר־בְּמִצְרַיִם" ("Let me go, I pray thee, and return to my brethren who are in Egypt"). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 4:3) highlights Moses' humility and compassion—he refers to the Israelites as "my brethren," showing his deep connection to them despite his royal upbringing in Pharaoh's palace. The phrase "וְאֶרְאֶה הַעוֹדָם חַיִּים" ("and see whether they are still alive") reflects his concern for their suffering under Egyptian oppression.

Yitro's Response: "Go in Peace"

Yitro replies, "לֵךְ לְשָׁלוֹם" ("Go in peace"). The Talmud (Berachot 64a) teaches that when someone departs with words of peace, they are granted divine protection. Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that Yitro’s blessing was not merely a farewell but a prophetic approval of Moses' mission, recognizing that his return to Egypt was divinely ordained.

Key Lessons from the Verse

Derech Eretz: Moses models proper respect by seeking Yitro’s permission before leaving.
Compassion for Klal Yisrael: Moses’ concern for his brethren demonstrates the trait of nosei b’ol im chaveiro (sharing another’s burden).
Divine Providence: Yitro’s blessing underscores that Moses' mission was guided by Hashem’s will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe ask Yitro for permission to leave Midian?
A: Moshe showed respect for his father-in-law Yitro by asking for permission before leaving Midian to return to Egypt. This teaches the importance of honoring family relationships and proper conduct, even when one has a divine mission (Rashi on Exodus 4:18).

Q: What does 'Go in peace' mean in this verse?
A: When Yitro tells Moshe 'Go in peace,' it is both a blessing and an acknowledgment that Moshe's mission to Egypt was righteous. In Jewish tradition, this phrase indicates approval and support for a journey undertaken for a sacred purpose (Ibn Ezra on Exodus 4:18).

Q: Why does Moshe say 'my brethren' instead of 'the Israelites'?
A: Moshe refers to the Israelites as 'my brethren' to emphasize his deep connection and responsibility toward them. This shows his compassion and sense of kinship, qualities essential for a Jewish leader (Sforno on Exodus 4:18).

Q: What can we learn from Moshe's concern for his people in this verse?
A: Moshe's concern for the Israelites ('see whether they are still alive') teaches us the importance of caring for our fellow Jews, especially in times of hardship. This reflects the Torah value of communal responsibility (Midrash Tanchuma, Shemot 10).

Q: Why does the Torah mention Moshe's return to Yitro before going to Egypt?
A: The Torah highlights Moshe's return to Yitro to show that he properly concluded his affairs in Midian before embarking on his mission. This teaches the importance of finishing obligations and maintaining good relationships before starting new endeavors (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 5:7).