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Exodus 18:27 - Moshe honors father-in-law's departure

Exodus 18:27 - שמות 18:27

Hebrew Text

וַיְשַׁלַּח מֹשֶׁה אֶת־חֹתְנוֹ וַיֵּלֶךְ לוֹ אֶל־אַרְצוֹ׃

English Translation

And Moshe let his father in law depart; and he went his way to his own land.

Transliteration

Vayishlach Moshe et-chotno vayelech lo el-artzo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְשַׁלַּ֥ח מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶת־חֹתְנ֑וֹ וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ ל֖וֹ אֶל־אַרְצֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיְשַׁלַּ֥ח מֹשֶׁ֖ה אֶת־חֹתְנ֑וֹ וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ ל֖וֹ אֶל־אַרְצֽוֹ׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Commentary on Shemot (Exodus) 18:27

The verse states: "וַיְשַׁלַּח מֹשֶׁה אֶת־חֹתְנוֹ וַיֵּלֶךְ לוֹ אֶל־אַרְצוֹ" ("And Moshe let his father-in-law depart; and he went his way to his own land"). This follows Yitro's advice to Moshe about establishing a judicial system (Shemot 18:13-26).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Shemot 18:27) notes that Yitro's departure was לכבדו ("to honor him"). He explains that Yitro did not want to leave while the Jewish people were in distress (during their travels in the wilderness), but once they were settled and at peace, he departed so as not to burden them with his presence. This reflects Yitro's humility and consideration for Bnei Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta (Yitro, Masechta De'Amalek 3) suggests that Yitro returned to his land to convert his family and bring them under the wings of the Shechinah. This aligns with his earlier proclamation of faith in Hashem (Shemot 18:11).
  • The Sforno adds that Yitro returned to fulfill his responsibilities to his native land, demonstrating that one must not neglect worldly duties even after spiritual enlightenment.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:1) derives from this episode the importance of הליכת שלום ("departing in peace"). Just as Moshe honored Yitro by allowing him to leave with dignity, we must ensure that parting from others—whether guests, friends, or family—is done with respect and goodwill.

Symbolic Interpretation

The Kli Yakar observes that Yitro's return to his land signifies that true converts (גרי צדק) like Yitro maintain a connection to their roots while embracing Torah. His departure was not a rejection of Bnei Yisrael but an affirmation of his role in spreading monotheism beyond the Jewish people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 106a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the departure of Yitro (Jethro), Moses' father-in-law, and his return to his own land, illustrating the narrative context of their separation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe let his father-in-law Yitro leave?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 18:27), Yitro wanted to return to his homeland to convert his family and share the miracles of the Exodus with them. Moshe respected his decision, showing the importance of spreading knowledge of Hashem's wonders.
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's relationship with Yitro?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 94a) teaches that Moshe showed great respect to his father-in-law, demonstrating the mitzvah of honoring one's elders and in-laws. This sets an example for proper family relationships in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why is Yitro's departure mentioned in the Torah?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta on Exodus 18:27) explains that this teaches us even great converts like Yitro had obligations to their former communities. His departure highlights the balance between spiritual growth and family responsibilities.
Q: What was Yitro's 'own land' that he returned to?
A: Traditional commentators like Ibn Ezra explain that Yitro returned to Midian, where he had been a priest before converting. This shows that true converts to Judaism maintain connections to their past while embracing Torah truth.
Q: How does this verse relate to leadership in Judaism?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:3) derives from this that even great leaders like Moshe must show respect to others' decisions. Yitro's departure after helping establish the judicial system (Exodus 18) shows that good advice should be accepted regardless of the advisor's continued presence.