Exodus 18:27
ESV
Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went away to his own country.
NIV
Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own country.
NASB
Then Moses said goodbye to his father-in-law, and Jethro went his way to his own land.
CSB
Moses let his father-in-law go, and he journeyed to his own land.
NLT
Soon after this, Moses said good-bye to his father-in-law, who returned to his own land.
KJV
And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
NKJV
Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way to his own land.
What does Exodus 18:27 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 18; verse-level content coming soon!Exodus 18:13–27 contains Jethro's helpful advice to Moses. Jethro advises his son-in-law not to take on the burden of resolving every dispute or question among the Israelites. Instead, he advises Moses to appoint a series of leaders. Each can pass a difficult judgment up to the next level. Only those which cannot be resolved by the lower levels should be brought to Moses. This frees Moses from trivial questions and lets him focus on larger concerns.
Moses' father-in-law Jethro (Exodus 4:18) has heard everything which happened to free the Hebrews from slavery (Exodus 12:40–41). He visits Israel, bringing Moses' family along. The two men share a happy reunion. After hearing more about the Lord's work, Jethro offers sacrifices. The next day, he notices that Moses is overwhelmed by making decisions for the people. Jethro suggests Moses appoint levels of leaders who can make lesser verdicts. Moses can then focus on teaching the people God's primary commands and resolving disputes which others cannot judge. This frees Moses to only arbitrate difficult situations.
