Exodus 18
After a string of very intense events in the lives of the Israelites, Moses receives a welcome visit from his father-in-law, Jethro (the priest of Midian). Chapter 18 is a calm between crises as Jethro’s visit is a welcome help to Moses in that he offers advice and good counsel to help in a time of need.
Jethro is not just a relative wishing to help. He is a foreigner, a Gentile observing from a distance and seeing the power of God. He has recognized that God has done many things for Israel and the spreading of God’s work has reached him and his people in Midian. He is a practical man and gives Moses help with leadership.
This chapter is something of a 🌉 bridge between Egypt and Sinai. Next comes the Law and before that happens a path for Moses to avoid being crushed by all the weight of the people’s needs must be made.
Let’s get started…
Verses 1–4: Jethro Brings Moses’ Family
1 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people—that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back, 3 with her two sons, of whom the name of one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land”) 4 and the name of the other was Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”).
- Jethro – also known as Reuel (Ex. 2:18), was the priest of Midian and the father in law of Moses.
- Midianites – descendants of Abraham through Keturah (Gen. 25:1-2) something of a shared heritage.
- Zipporah & Sons – Moses had sent them back to Midian previously during the tumultuous events in Egypt and Jethro has brought them back to him.
- Gershom: Derived from “ger” (גֵּר) meaning “stranger” and “sham” (שָׁם) meaning “there.” Reflects Moses’ sense of alienation in Midian.
- Eliezer: Combines “Eli” (אֵלִי) meaning “my God” and “ezer” (עֵזֶר) meaning “help,” commemorating God’s deliverance from Pharaoh.
Verses 5–12: Jethro’s Declaration and Worship
5 And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. 6 Now he had said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.” 7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent. 8 And Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and how the Lord had delivered them. 9 Then Jethro rejoiced for all the good which the Lord had done for Israel, whom He had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. 10 And Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them.” 12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.
- Mountain of God – likely refers to Mount Sinai as that is their next stop where Moses will receive the commandments.
- Gentile recognition of God – Jethro declared, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians…” signifying that he acknowledges God as the supreme God over all deities.
Cross References
Psalm 86:9 – “All nations whom You have made Shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name.”
Foretells that all nations will worship God, as does
Isaiah 2:2-3 2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. 3Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Exodus 18:13–27 — Jethro’s Wise Counsel
Verses 13–23: Moses Burden ofObserving and Advising Leadership
13 And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening. 14So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?” 15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 16 When they have a difficulty, they come to me, and I judge between one and another; and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.” 17 So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. 18 Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. 19 Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. 20 And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do. 21 Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
Historical Context:
• Ancient Administrative Systems: Delegation of judicial responsibilities was common in ancient cultures to maintain order and efficiency within large communities.
Theological Insights:
• Godly Leadership Qualities: Jethro emphasizes selecting leaders who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain, reflecting the moral and ethical standards required for governance.
Hebrew Keywords:
• “Able men” (אַנְשֵׁי־חַיִל, anshei-chayil): Refers to men of valor, competence, and strength, indicating both moral and physical capabilities.
• “Fear God” (יִרְאֵי אֱלֹהִים, yirei Elohim): Denotes reverence and respect for God’s authority, essential for just leadership.
Cross-References:
• Acts 6:2–4: The apostles delegate responsibilities to deacons to focus on prayer and ministry of the word, paralleling Moses’ delegation.
• 1 Timothy 3:1–13: Outlines qualifications for church leaders, echoing the virtues Jethro advised.
Verses 24–27: Implementation and Outcome
24 So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. 25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people: rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 26 So they judged the people at all times; the hard cases they brought to Moses, but they judged every small case themselves. 27 Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way to his own land.
Historical Context:
• Establishment of a Judicial System: Moses’ implementation of Jethro’s advice led to a structured system of governance that facilitated justice and order among the Israelites.
Theological Insights:
• Humility in Leadership: Moses’ willingness to accept counsel demonstrates the humility and wisdom essential in godly leadership.
Cross-References:
• Proverbs 11:14: Highlights the value of wise counsel in achieving success.
• James 1:19: Encourages being swift to hear and slow to speak, exemplified by Moses’ receptiveness.
Application Points:
• Embracing Wise Counsel: Leaders should remain open to advice and willing to implement changes that enhance their effectiveness.
• Sustainable Leadership: Delegating tasks ensures that both leaders and followers can thrive, promoting peace and order within the community.
Reflecting on Exodus 18, here are some thought-provoking questions to deepen your understanding and application of this passage:
Thought Provoking Questions:
Provided by Biblehub.com
1. The Role of Wise Counsel:
• Jethro, a Midianite priest and Moses’ father-in-law, observed Moses’ leadership and offered unsolicited advice on delegation. How does this interaction highlight the importance of seeking and heeding wise counsel, even from unexpected sources?
2. Leadership and Delegation:
• Moses initially took sole responsibility for judging the people’s disputes, leading to exhaustion. Jethro advised appointing capable leaders to share this burden. What does this teach us about the balance between personal responsibility and the necessity of delegation in effective leadership?
3. Qualities of Effective Leaders:
• Jethro emphasized selecting leaders who are capable, fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain. How can these criteria guide us in choosing leaders within our communities today, and how do they compare to the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–13?
4. Humility in Leadership:
• Despite his close relationship with God and his pivotal role, Moses listened to and implemented Jethro’s advice. What does this reveal about the importance of humility and openness to feedback in leadership positions?
5. Sustainable Practices in Ministry and Work:
• Jethro warned that Moses’ approach would lead to burnout for both himself and the people. How can we apply the principle of sharing responsibilities in our own lives to promote sustainability and prevent exhaustion in our personal, professional, and spiritual endeavors?
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