📘 Parsha Insights – Rashi Commentary Q&A on Rishon
Verses 1–4: Yisro Hears and Comes
Q1: What did Yisro hear that prompted him to come? (18:1)
A: Rashi says he heard:
- The splitting of the Sea of Reeds
- The war with Amalek
These events inspired him to join Israel.
Q2: Why did Yisro have so many names? (18:1)
A: He had seven names, each reflecting something about him:
- Reu’el
- Jether (יִתֶר) – he added a section to the Torah (“You must discern…”)
- Yisro (יִתְרוֹ) – when he converted, a vav was added
- Chovav – because he loved the Torah
- Chever, Keini, Puti’el
Rashi brings two opinions about whether Reu’el was Yisro or his father.
Q3: What does “Moshe’ father‑in‑law” imply? (18:1)
A: Yisro took pride in Moshe, saying:
“I am the father‑in‑law of the king.”
Q4: What does the phrase “for Moshe and for Israel” teach? (18:1)
A: Moshe is considered equal to the entire nation.
Q5: Why had Zipporah been sent away? (18:2)
A: When Moshe returned to Egypt from Midian, Aaron advised not to bring his wife and sons into Egypt’s suffering.
So Moshe sent them back to Yisro.
Q6: Why was Moshe’ eldest son named Gershom? (18:3)
A: Because Moshe said:
“I was a stranger (גֵּר) in a foreign land.”
Q7: What miracle happened when Moshe fled Pharaoh? (18:4)
A: When Pharaoh sought to execute Moshe, his neck became hard like marble, and the sword could not injure him.
Verses 5–7: Yisro Arrives
Q8: Why mention “into the desert” if we already know they were in the desert? (18:5)
A: To praise Yisro:
He left a life of honor and comfort to come to the desolate desert to hear words of Torah.
Q9: Why does Yisro introduce himself with multiple reasons for Moshe to greet him? (18:6)
A: Yisro sent a message saying:
“If not for me, then for your wife; if not for her, then for your two sons.”
He provided several reasons to ensure Moshe would come.
Q10: Who bowed to whom when Moshe and Yisro met? (18:7)
A: Moshe bowed to Yisro.
We know because Moshe is often called “the man” (אִישׁ), and the verse hints through “a man to his fellow.”
Verses 8–12: Yisro Rejoices and Offers Sacrifices
Q11: Why did Moshe tell Yisro “all” that God had done? (18:8)
A: To draw Yisro’s heart closer to Torah.
Q12: What is “the travail” (הַתְּלָאָה) that Moshe described? (18:8)
A: The hardships at:
- The Sea of Reeds
- The attack of Amalek
Rashi notes that the root letters of the word are ל–א, with the ת being part of the noun form.
Q13: What does “וַיִּחַדְּ יִתְרוֹ” mean—Yisro rejoiced? (18:9)
A:
- Peshat: He rejoiced.
- Midrash: His flesh became gooseflesh, because he was distressed over Egypt’s downfall.
Rashi adds: one should not shame a non‑Jew before a convert—even ten generations later.
Q14: Why does Yisro say “now I know that God is greater than all gods”? (18:11)
A: Because he had personally experienced every form of idolatry.
His statement carries great weight.
Q15: What does “the very thing they plotted came upon them” mean? (18:11)
A:
- Egypt planned to destroy Israel with water,
- therefore God destroyed them with water.
Midrash: like cooking someone in the same pot they prepared for others.
Q16: Why is Moshe missing when the elders and Aaron join Yisro’s feast? (18:12)
A: Moshe was serving them—acting as their attendant.
Q17: What does “before God” teach? (18:12)
A: A meal with Torah scholars is considered as if one is enjoying the Divine Presence.
