Misinterpretations often portray Moses' informing of Jethro as procrastination or doubt in God's call, rather than dutiful respect for his authority as family head and employer. Others misread Jethro's 'go in peace' as indifferent or pagan dismissal, overlooking its blessing-like endorsement in ancient Near Eastern culture. Some erroneously cite this to claim no need for family permission in spiritual pursuits, ignoring how Moses balances both spheres without conflict, or dismiss Jethro's approval as irrelevant due to his Midianite background, missing God's use of outsiders in His plans.
Exodus 4:18
King James Version (1769)
18 And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.
Exodus 4:18 depicts Moses responsibly honoring his father-in-law Jethro by sharing God's directive to return to Egypt, receiving Jethro's blessing to 'go in peace,' which highlights the harmony between divine obedience and familial respect. This moment underscores biblical principles of seeking counsel from earthly authorities when possible, demonstrating that God's calling does not negate duties to family or community, and portrays Jethro's supportive role as a model of godly wisdom even from a non-Israelite.