Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 7. And did obeisance] wjtyw vaiyishtachu, he bowed himself down, (See the note on "Gen. xvii. 3", and See the note on "chap. iv. 31";) this was the general token of respect. And kissed him; the token of friendship. And they asked each other of their welfare; literally, and they inquired, each man of his neighbour, concerning peace or prosperity; the proof of affectionate intercourse. These three things constitute good breeding and politeness, accompanied with sincerity.
And they came into the tent.] Some think that the tabernacle is meant, which it is likely had been erected before this time; see the note on "ver. 5". Moses might have thought proper to take his relative first to the house of God, before he brought him to his own tent.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-12 - Conversation concerning God's wondrous works is good, and edifies Jethro not only rejoiced in the honour done to his son-in-law, but in all the goodness done to Israel. Standers-by were more affected with the favours God had showed to Israel, than many were who received them Jethro gave the glory to Israel's God. Whatever we have the joy of, God must have the praise. They joined in a sacrifice of thanksgiving Mutual friendship is sanctified by joint worship. It is very good for relations and friends to join in the spiritual sacrifice of prayer an praise, as those that meet in Christ. This was a temperate feast; the did eat bread, manna. Jethro must see and taste that bread from heaven and though a gentile, is welcome: the gentiles are welcomed to Chris the Bread of life.
Original Hebrew ויצא3318 משׁה4872 לקראת7125 חתנו2859 וישׁתחו7812 וישׁק5401 לו וישׁאלו7592 אישׁ376 לרעהו7453 לשׁלום7965 ויבאו935 האהלה׃168
