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And did obeisance - וישתחו vaiyishtachu, he bowed himself down, (See Clarke's note on Genesis 17:3, and See Clarke's note on Exodus 4:31;); 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 neighbor, 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 Clarke's note on Exodus 18:5. Moses might have thought proper to take his relative first to the house of God, before he brought him to his own tent.

Asked each other of their welfare - Addressed each other with the customary salutation, “Peace be unto you.”

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 and praise, as those that meet in Christ. This was a temperate feast; they did eat bread, manna. Jethro must see and taste that bread from heaven, and though a gentile, is welcome: the gentiles are welcomed to Christ the Bread of life.