Exodus 18 - Printer Friendly

Israel experienced phenomenal miracles on their way out of Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:40–41). Among these were the spectacular crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–29) and miraculous provisions of water, meat, and bread (Exodus 15—16). Recently, they repelled an Amalekite attack thanks to God's intervention (Exodus 17).

Moses' father-in-law Jethro (Exodus 4:18) has heard of these events and comes to visit. He brings along Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their sons Gershom and Eliezer. They had apparently been kept out of Egypt while Moses went to free the Israelites (Exodus 4:20). This is a happy reunion: the reunited family eats, celebrates, and sacrifices to God (Exodus 18:1–12).

The next day, Jethro watches as Moses attends to the people. For hours and hours, Moses settles disagreements, answers questions, and explains God's laws. He does nothing else all day. Jethro advises Moses that he is misusing his time. Instead, Jethro advises Moses to appoint a system of leaders arranged in layers. The lowest leaders can settle the smallest matters. What they cannot solve is passed to the next higher leader. Eventually, the most difficult issues can be brought to Moses. Moses would then be able to focus on issues which only he can resolve; he can have time to carefully instruct the people (Exodus 18:13–23).

Scripture notes Moses' humility (Numbers 12:3). This is one example. He recognizes his misguided approach and takes Jethro's advice. No longer taking on every minor judgment of Israel, Moses allows his appointed men to settle most of them. Jethro is Moses' father-in-law, and by now, Moses is more than eighty years old (Exodus 7:7). This is probably his last visit with his extended family. After this celebratory reunion, Jethro returns to his own territory (Exodus 18:24–27).

Now Israel is ready to approach Mount Sinai (Exodus 19). There, God will establish His written laws with Israel, beginning with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20).

Exodus 18:13–27 contains Jethro's helpful advice to Moses. Jethro advises his son-in-law not to take on the burden of resolving every dispute or question among the Israelites. Instead, he advises Moses to appoint a series of leaders. Each can pass a difficult judgment up to the next level. Only those which cannot be resolved by the lower levels should be brought to Moses. This frees Moses from trivial questions and lets him focus on larger concerns.

Moses' father-in-law Jethro (Exodus 4:18) has heard everything which happened to free the Hebrews from slavery (Exodus 12:40–41). He visits Israel, bringing Moses' family along. The two men share a happy reunion. After hearing more about the Lord's work, Jethro offers sacrifices. The next day, he notices that Moses is overwhelmed by making decisions for the people. Jethro suggests Moses appoint levels of leaders who can make lesser verdicts. Moses can then focus on teaching the people God's primary commands and resolving disputes which others cannot judge. This frees Moses to only arbitrate difficult situations.

Through God's power, Israel has just defeated an Amalekite attack (Exodus 17:8–13). Now Moses' father-in-law (Exodus 2:16–22) makes a visit. This man is Jethro, also known as Reuel. He sees Moses' burden as a leader and suggests ways to ease the pressure. Next, Israel will arrive at Mount Sinai. There they will receive God's instructions in the form of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19—20) and other specific components of God's covenant with them.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.