Not far distant from where the Israelites were now encamped was the home of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses. Jethro had heard of the deliverance of the Hebrews, and he now set out to visit them, and restore to Moses his wife and two sons. The great leader was informed by messengers of their approach, and he went out with joy to meet them, and, the first greetings over, conducted them to his tent. He had sent back his family when on his way to the perils of leading Israel from Egypt, but now he could again enjoy the relief and comfort of their society. To Jethro he recounted the wonderful dealings of God with Israel, and the patriarch rejoiced and blessed the Lord, and with Moses and the elders he united in offering sacrifice and holding a solemn feast in commemoration of God's mercy.

Ikke langt fra det sted, hvor israelitterne nu havde slået lejr, boede Moses' svigerfader Jetro. Han havde hørt om hebræernes befrielse og begav sig nu af sted for at besøge dem og bringe Moses' hustru og to sønner tilbage til ham. Da den store leder fik bud om, at de nærmede sig, drog han med glæde ud for at møde dem, og efter de første hilsener førte han dem til sit telt. Han havde sendt sin familie hjem igen, da han begav sig ud på sin farefulde rejse til Ægypten for at føre Israel ud, men nu kunne han igen nyde samværet med dem. Han fortalte Jetro om Guds vidunderlige handlemåde med Israel, og patriarken glædede sig og priste Herren og forenede sig med Moses og de ældste i at ofre og holde en højtidelig fest til minde om Guds barmhjertighed.