Exodus 18:27
“Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way into his own land.”
What does Exodus 18:27 mean?
After Jethro had spent time with Moses and the Israelites, offering wise counsel about sharing leadership responsibilities, he decided it was time to return home to Midian. Moses respected his father-in-law's wisdom and didn't try to keep him, but sent him off with presumably warm farewell and gratitude for the guidance he'd offered during such a crucial season. This simple farewell reminds us that sometimes the most loving thing we can do for people is let them go when it's time. Jethro came, helped when help was needed, and then moved on—and that was exactly what the situation called for. It's a quiet model of healthy relationships and healthy endings.