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Hebrew Text
וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־מֹשֶׁה אֲנִי חֹתֶנְךָ יִתְרוֹ בָּא אֵלֶיךָ וְאִשְׁתְּךָ וּשְׁנֵי בָנֶיהָ עִמָּהּ׃
English Translation
and he said to Moshe, I thy father in law Yitro am come to thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.
Transliteration
Va'yomer el-Moshe ani chotencha Yitro ba elecha ve'ishtecha ushnei vaneha imah.
Hebrew Leining Text
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֲנִ֛י חֹתֶנְךָ֥ יִתְר֖וֹ בָּ֣א אֵלֶ֑יךָ וְאִ֨שְׁתְּךָ֔ וּשְׁנֵ֥י בָנֶ֖יהָ עִמָּֽהּ׃
Introduction to the Verse
The verse (Shemot 18:6) describes Yitro (Jethro), Moshe's father-in-law, announcing his arrival to Moshe along with Moshe's wife, Tzipporah, and their two sons. This event occurs after the Exodus from Egypt and before the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai. The verse is significant in setting the stage for Yitro's subsequent advice to Moshe regarding the judicial system (Shemot 18:13-26).
Yitro's Title: "Chotencha" (Your Father-in-Law)
Rashi notes that Yitro introduces himself as "חֹתֶנְךָ" (your father-in-law) rather than by his name, Yitro. This emphasizes the familial relationship, suggesting that Yitro came not just as a visitor but as a concerned relative. The Midrash (Mechilta) adds that Yitro wanted to strengthen his bond with Moshe and the Jewish people, demonstrating his commitment to their cause.
The Arrival of Tzipporah and Her Sons
The verse mentions that Tzipporah and her two sons accompanied Yitro. Ramban explains that Moshe had sent his family back to Midian during the turmoil of the Exodus and the subsequent battles (e.g., against Amalek). Now that the situation had stabilized, Yitro brought them to rejoin Moshe. The Talmud (Zevachim 102a) discusses why Tzipporah is referred to as "אִשְׁתְּךָ" (your wife) rather than by name, highlighting the respect due to Moshe's household.
The Significance of "Her Two Sons"
The phrasing "וּשְׁנֵי בָנֶיהָ" (and her two sons) rather than "your sons" is addressed by Rashi, who explains that the Torah emphasizes Tzipporah's role in raising them during Moshe's absence. The Midrash Tanchuma adds that this wording hints at the unique upbringing of Gershom and Eliezer, who were raised primarily by their mother in Midian while Moshe was leading Bnei Yisrael.
Yitro's Timing and Purpose
Ibn Ezra suggests that Yitro's arrival was divinely timed to precede Matan Torah, allowing him to witness the greatness of Hashem and the Jewish people. The Sforno adds that Yitro's presence also served as a moral support for Moshe before the monumental event of receiving the Torah.