“When Moses had completed the term and was travelling with his family, he perceived a fire by the side of Mount Sinai. He said to his family, ‘Stay here. I have perceived a fire; perhaps I may bring you some news from it, or a burning brand from the fire, so that you may warm yourselves.’” (29)

His saying, exalted is He, “When Moses had completed the term” means: when he had fulfilled it and finished it. “And was travelling with his family.” Mujahid said: “After Moses had completed the term, he remained with his father-in-law for another ten years, thus staying with him for twenty years.” (1) Then he asked his permission to return to Egypt, and he permitted him. So Moses departed with his family in the direction of Egypt.

“He perceived” means: he saw. “A fire by the side of Mount Sinai.” He was in the wilderness on a dark, intensely cold night, and his wife went into labor. “He said to his family, ‘Stay here. I have perceived a fire; perhaps I may bring you some news from it…’”