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Exodus 18:7 - Honoring father-in-law's wisdom

Exodus 18:7 - שמות 18:7

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּצֵא מֹשֶׁה לִקְרַאת חֹתְנוֹ וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ וַיִּשַּׁק־לוֹ וַיִּשְׁאֲלוּ אִישׁ־לְרֵעֵהוּ לְשָׁלוֹם וַיָּבֹאוּ הָאֹהֱלָה׃

English Translation

And Moshe went out to meet his father in law, and bowed, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

Transliteration

Va'yeitze Moshe likrat khotno va'yishtakhu va'yishak-lo va'yish'alu ish-lerei'ehu l'shalom va'yavo'u ha'ohela.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּצֵ֨א מֹשֶׁ֜ה לִקְרַ֣את חֹֽתְנ֗וֹ וַיִּשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙ וַיִּשַּׁק־ל֔וֹ וַיִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ אִישׁ־לְרֵעֵ֖הוּ לְשָׁל֑וֹם וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃
וַיֵּצֵ֨א מֹשֶׁ֜ה לִקְרַ֣את חֹֽתְנ֗וֹ וַיִּשְׁתַּ֙חוּ֙ וַיִּשַּׁק־ל֔וֹ וַיִּשְׁאֲל֥וּ אִישׁ־לְרֵעֵ֖הוּ לְשָׁל֑וֹם וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Moshe's Respect for Yitro

The verse (Shemot 18:7) describes Moshe's actions upon meeting his father-in-law, Yitro. Rashi explains that Moshe "went out" to greet Yitro, demonstrating great honor by personally meeting him outside the camp. This act reflects the principle of kibud av va'em (honoring parents and elders), as Yitro was both Moshe's father-in-law and a respected elder. The Midrash Tanchuma (Yitro 3) further emphasizes that Moshe's bowing and kissing Yitro were expressions of deep reverence, setting an example of proper conduct toward one's elders.

The Significance of Asking About Welfare

The phrase "vayish'alu ish l're'ehu l'shalom" ("they asked each other of their welfare") highlights the importance of shalom (peace) and interpersonal relationships. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:3) teaches that inquiring about another's well-being is a fundamental aspect of derech eretz (proper conduct). The Talmud (Berachot 64a) states that shalom is so vital that even Hashem altered the truth for the sake of peace (as seen with Sarah and Avraham). Here, Moshe and Yitro model this ideal by exchanging greetings before discussing weightier matters.

Entering the Tent: A Symbol of Unity

The conclusion of the verse—"vayavo'u ha'ohela" ("they came into the tent")—is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as symbolic of entering into meaningful dialogue. The tent represents a private space for Torah discussion, foreshadowing Yitro's subsequent advice to Moshe about establishing a judicial system (Shemot 18:13-26). The Sforno adds that this moment underscores the value of welcoming wise counsel, as Yitro's later suggestions were accepted by Moshe with humility.

  • Honor for Elders: Moshe's actions teach the importance of respecting those who are wiser or older (Rashi, Kiddushin 32b).
  • Peaceful Greetings: Exchanging shalom reflects the Torah's emphasis on harmonious relationships (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot).
  • Openness to Advice: Entering the tent signifies readiness to engage in constructive dialogue (Kli Yakar, Sforno).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 58b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper way to greet a father-in-law, illustrating the respectful behavior of Moses towards Yitro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe bow and kiss his father-in-law Yitro?
A: Moshe showed great respect to his father-in-law Yitro by bowing and kissing him, as taught in Jewish tradition (Rashi on Exodus 18:7). This demonstrates the importance of honoring one's elders and family, especially those who are wise and righteous like Yitro.
Q: What does 'they asked each other of their welfare' mean in Exodus 18:7?
A: The phrase means they greeted each other with 'shalom' (peace) and inquired about each other's wellbeing, as was the custom. The Talmud (Berachot 64a) teaches that greeting others with peace is a fundamental act of kindness and connection between people.
Q: Why is this meeting between Moshe and Yitro important in the Torah?
A: This meeting is significant because Yitro, a former priest of Midian who recognized Hashem, came to join the Israelites. According to the Midrash (Mechilta), this teaches us about the value of welcoming sincere converts and the importance of showing respect to all people, especially those who seek truth.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe going out to greet Yitro?
A: We learn the importance of hakarat hatov (recognizing good) and showing gratitude. Moshe went out personally to greet Yitro, who had previously hosted him in Midian (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 6:3). This teaches us to honor those who have helped us in the past.
Q: How does the Torah's description of this greeting apply to us today?
A: The Torah sets an example for proper conduct between people. Just as Moshe and Yitro greeted each other with respect and warmth, we should always greet others with sincerity and kindness (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 156:1). This builds peaceful relationships in our communities.