Exodus 18:2 - Reunited after divine mission?

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח יִתְרוֹ חֹתֵן מֹשֶׁה אֶת־צִפֹּרָה אֵשֶׁת מֹשֶׁה אַחַר שִׁלּוּחֶיהָ׃

English Translation

then Yitro, Moshe’s father in law, took Żippora, Moshe’s wife, after he had sent her back,

Transliteration

Vayikach Yitro choten Moshe et-Tzipora eshet Moshe achar shilucheha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֗ח יִתְרוֹ֙ חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶת־צִפֹּרָ֖ה אֵ֣שֶׁת מֹשֶׁ֑ה אַחַ֖ר שִׁלּוּחֶֽיהָ׃

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse

The verse states: "וַיִּקַּח יִתְרוֹ חֹתֵן מֹשֶׁה אֶת־צִפֹּרָה אֵשֶׁת מֹשֶׁה אַחַר שִׁלּוּחֶיהָ" ("Then Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-law, took Tzipporah, Moshe’s wife, after he had sent her back"). This passage raises several questions regarding Moshe's separation from his wife and Yitro's role in reuniting them.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 18:2) explains that Moshe had sent Tzipporah back to her father, Yitro, before the events of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt). This was either due to:

Concern for her safety—Moshe anticipated the hardships of the Exodus and did not want her to endure them.
Divine command—Some Midrashic sources suggest that Hashem instructed Moshe to separate from his wife to maintain a state of purity in preparation for receiving the Torah.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 4:4) elaborates that Yitro took Tzipporah and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to reunite with Moshe after hearing about the miracles of the Exodus and the splitting of the Red Sea. This act demonstrated Yitro’s recognition of Hashem’s greatness and his desire to join Bnei Yisrael.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 8:2) discusses the principle of a leader’s obligations to his family and nation. Moshe’s temporary separation from Tzipporah may reflect his total dedication to leading Klal Yisrael during critical moments, while Yitro’s later reunification of the family underscores the importance of familial bonds even amidst national leadership.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Yevamos 62a) discusses the balance between marital obligations and Torah study or leadership. Moshe’s actions highlight that while spiritual responsibilities are paramount, family unity remains essential—hence Yitro’s role in restoring Tzipporah to Moshe after the Exodus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe send his wife Tzipporah away?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 18:2), Moshe sent Tzipporah back to her father Yitro when he was in Egypt preparing to lead the Jewish people out. This was either because he anticipated the hardships of redemption or because he wanted to focus entirely on his mission without family distractions. The Ramban suggests it may have been due to the dangers involved in the Exodus.

Q: What is the significance of Yitro bringing Tzipporah to Moshe?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta) teaches that Yitro brought Tzipporah to Moshe at this time (after the Exodus) to demonstrate that now that the Jewish people were settled and safe, it was appropriate for Moshe to reunite with his wife. This teaches the importance of maintaining proper family relationships even when involved in sacred work.

Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yitro was Moshe's father-in-law twice in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that the double mention emphasizes Yitro's status - first as 'Yitro' (his name showing his greatness as a former priest who recognized Hashem) and then as 'Moshe's father-in-law' showing his special relationship to Moshe. This teaches that family connections combined with spiritual growth create important bonds.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitro bringing Tzipporah back to Moshe?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 102a) derives from this that one should not separate from their spouse unnecessarily. Even though Moshe had good reasons to send Tzipporah away temporarily during the Exodus, Yitro recognized when it was proper to reunite them. This teaches the importance of balancing spiritual responsibilities with family obligations.