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Exodus 18:5 - Family reunites at Sinai

Exodus 18:5 - שמות 18:5

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא יִתְרוֹ חֹתֵן מֹשֶׁה וּבָנָיו וְאִשְׁתּוֹ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה אֶל־הַמִּדְבָּר אֲשֶׁר־הוּא חֹנֶה שָׁם הַר הָאֱלֹהִים׃

English Translation

and Yitro, Moshe’s father in law, came, with his sons and his wife to Moshe into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:

Transliteration

Vayavo Yitro choten Moshe uvanav ve'ishto el-Moshe el-hamidbar asher-hu choneh sham har ha'Elohim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֞א יִתְר֨וֹ חֹתֵ֥ן מֹשֶׁ֛ה וּבָנָ֥יו וְאִשְׁתּ֖וֹ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה אֶל־הַמִּדְבָּ֗ר אֲשֶׁר־ה֛וּא חֹנֶ֥ה שָׁ֖ם הַ֥ר הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃
וַיָּבֹ֞א יִתְר֨וֹ חֹתֵ֥ן מֹשֶׁ֛ה וּבָנָ֥יו וְאִשְׁתּ֖וֹ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֑ה אֶל־הַמִּדְבָּ֗ר אֲשֶׁר־ה֛וּא חֹנֶ֥ה שָׁ֖ם הַ֥ר הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yitro's Arrival at Har HaElokim

The verse describes Yitro, Moshe's father-in-law, coming to the wilderness where Moshe was encamped near Har HaElokim (the Mountain of God). Rashi (Shemot 18:5) explains that this mountain is Har Sinai, though it is not yet named as such in the Torah at this point. The term "Har HaElokim" hints at its future sanctity as the place of Matan Torah.

The Significance of Yitro's Journey

Ramban (Shemot 18:1) notes that Yitro's arrival was a significant event, as it demonstrated his recognition of Hashem's greatness after hearing about the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim and Krias Yam Suf. The Midrash (Mechilta Yitro 1) states that Yitro was one of three advisors to Pharaoh (alongside Iyov and Bilam), and his decision to join Bnei Yisrael showed his complete rejection of idolatry.

The Mention of Moshe's Family

The verse mentions that Yitro came with Moshe's wife (Tziporah) and sons. Ibn Ezra (Shemot 18:2) explains that Moshe had sent his family back to Midyan during the turmoil in Egypt, and they now rejoined him. The Talmud (Zevachim 116a) discusses how Yitro's arrival with Moshe's family demonstrated his concern for their welfare and his desire to reunite them.

The Location: "Where He Encamped"

The phrase "where he encamped" (asher hu choneh sham) is interpreted by Sforno as emphasizing that this was Moshe's personal encampment, separate from the main Israelite camp. This may indicate that Moshe maintained a degree of separation to preserve his prophetic state, as suggested by the Netziv in Ha'amek Davar.

  • Rashi: Highlights the identification of Har HaElokim with Har Sinai.
  • Ramban: Focuses on Yitro's spiritual transformation and recognition of Hashem.
  • Midrash: Provides historical context about Yitro's role in Pharaoh's court.
  • Ibn Ezra: Explains the reunion of Moshe's family.
  • Sforno & Netziv: Analyze the significance of Moshe's separate encampment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 116a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the location where Moses received the Torah and the significance of Mount Sinai.
📖 Sanhedrin 94a
Mentioned in the context of discussions about Jethro's conversion and his arrival to meet Moses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Yitro (Jethro) and why did he come to Moshe?
A: Yitro was Moshe's father-in-law and a former priest of Midian. According to Rashi and the Midrash, he came to join the Jewish people after hearing about the miracles of the Exodus and the splitting of the Red Sea. His arrival demonstrated his recognition of Hashem's greatness.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Yitro came to Moshe in the wilderness?
A: The wilderness (midbar) symbolizes humility and openness to receiving Torah. The Talmud teaches that Torah can only be acquired by those who make themselves like a wilderness—humble and free from arrogance. Yitro's journey to the wilderness reflects his readiness to embrace Torah values.
Q: What is the significance of 'Har HaElokim' (the mountain of God) mentioned in this verse?
A: Har HaElokim refers to Mount Sinai, where the Torah would later be given. Ramban explains that this name highlights the mountain's holiness even before Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah), as it was a place of divine revelation. This sets the stage for the upcoming revelation at Sinai.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yitro brought Moshe's wife and sons with him?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe had sent his family back to Midian during the hardships in Egypt. Now that the Jews were free, Yitro reunited Moshe with his family, showing the importance of family unity even during national spiritual journeys.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitro's journey to join the Jewish people?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yitro's sincere conversion teaches us that anyone can draw close to Hashem, regardless of their background. His arrival also sets an example of recognizing truth and acting upon it, as he left his former life to join the Jewish nation in their divine mission.