Another interpretation: “Moses went” – it was necessary to say only: “Moses returned.” Rather, our Rabbis said: Initially, he went to Pharaoh on the mission of the Holy One blessed be He, and then: “He returned to Yeter his father-in-law.” This is what the Holy One blessed be He said to him: ‘If Yitro will say anything to you about the oath, say to him: The Master of the oath6God, in whose name the oath was taken (Etz Yosef). absolved me of my vow.’
Therefore, “Moses went,” and then: “He returned to Yeter his father-in-law.” The son of Rabbi Ḥiyya the Great said: He did not go to Pharaoh until Yitro annulled his vow. If you say, why is it stated: “Moses went”? Where did he go?
He went to take his wife and sons. Yitro said to him: ‘Where are you leading them?’ He said to him: ‘To Egypt.’ He said to him: ‘Those who are in Egypt are seeking to leave, and you are leading them there?’
He said to him: ‘Tomorrow they are destined to leave and to stand at Mount Sinai and hear from the mouth of the Holy One blessed be He: “I am the Lord, Your God” (Exodus 20:2). Will my sons not hear it like them?’ Immediately, “Yitro said to Moses: Go in peace.” He said to him: ‘Go in peace, enter in peace, and come in peace.’