And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them.

EXODUS 18:8KJV
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Exodus 18:8 (KJV)

What does Exodus 18:8 mean?

Exodus 18:8 describes how Moses told his father-in-law everything that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for the sake of Israel, all the hardships they faced along the way, and how the LORD delivered them from those troubles. The verse highlights Moses sharing both the difficulties and the acts of rescue that happened during Israel’s journey.

In this scene, Moses is speaking to his father-in-law, Jethro, after the Israelites have escaped Egypt and are traveling through the wilderness. Moses recounts the dramatic events—the plagues, the escape from Egypt, and the challenges faced in the desert—to show how the LORD’s actions were central to Israel’s survival and freedom. This sets the stage for Jethro’s response and helps explain why Moses’s story is so significant in the larger narrative.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 18:8

  • "Told" (סָפַר, sâphar): This word means to recount or declare in detail. Moses is not just giving a summary; he is carefully explaining everything that happened, emphasizing the importance of sharing the full story.
  • "Travail" (תְּלָאָה, telā’āh): This term refers to hardship, trouble, or toil. It highlights that the Israelites’ journey was filled with real struggles, not just dramatic miracles.
  • "Delivered" (נָצַל, natsal): This word means to rescue or snatch away from danger. It underlines that the LORD’s involvement was active and decisive, not just passive help.

Why Exodus 18:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Moses did not hide the difficulties Israel faced; he openly shared both the hardships and the deliverance, showing honesty in leadership and faith.
  • Exodus 18:8 connects the miraculous acts in Egypt with the ongoing challenges in the wilderness, reminding readers that the LORD’s help was needed throughout the journey, not just at the beginning.
  • The verse prepares for Jethro’s reaction in the following verses, which is important for understanding how outsiders viewed the LORD’s actions and how Israel’s story impacted those around them.

Where else these words appear

“travail” Hebrew H8513 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 20:14 And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:
  • Nehemiah 9:32 Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.
  • Lamentations 3:5 He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.

“sake” Hebrew H182 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 21:11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.
  • Numbers 12:1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
  • Judges 6:7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,

“law” Hebrew H2859 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 34:9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.
  • Exodus 18:15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
  • Judges 19:4 And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.