Exodus 18:1-5 - Homilies By H. T. Robjohns

The claims of home.

"And Jethro, Moses' kinsnian (not father-in-law) came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God" ( Exodus 18:5 ).

I. CIRCUMSTANCES MAY JUSTIFY THE TEMPORARY REMISSION OF HOME RESPONSIBILITIES UPON OTHERS ( Exodus 18:2 ). For example—and the history of Moses will illustrate each point—we may be justified by—

1 . The nature of external duty . We may be providentially called away from home; or the discharge of public responsibilities nay for the time be incompatible with our usual attention to the interests of the domestic circle, e.g; Moses going to Egypt ( Exodus 4:1-31 . compare with Exodus 18:2 ).

2 . The probability of danger .

3 . Defective sympathy . It is clear that Zipporah was not in sympathy with the religious object of Moses, nor yet with his specific mission, indeed, however, to be on our guard against making this a reason for withdrawal permanently from home responsibility. Want of perfect compatibility in domestic life makes marriage to be an occasion for self-discipline, and is thus converted into a means of grace. ( Ephesians 5:25-27 .)

II. CIRCUMSTANCES SCARCELY EVER JUSTIFY THE PERMANENT REMISSION . There are a few cases, perhaps, in which this responsibility may be devolved: e.g; the case of the missionary who must, fur various reasons, send home from his station his children to be educated; and not seldom the wife with them. Other cases there are, no doubt. But generally the father may not devolve this obligation. It is one—

1 . Of necessity . No one else can meet the responsibility as the natural head of the family—this is true in all cases—even in that of the missionary named above—for the children suffer.

2 . Of duty :—

III. IF TEMPTED TO THIS REMISSION GOD WILL BRING HOME TO US OUR DUTY . Probably by some providence, may be painful or otherwise. At such a time , on such an occasion (Moses face to face with Sinai and the giving of the law) in such a place , Jethro re-introduced to Moses wife and children. Even such duties as his could not exempt him from domestic responsibility.— R .