Exodus 18 explained: A Father-in-Law's Visit and Advice

Jethro brings the family (vv. 1-6)

Jethro, a priest from Midian, a desert people east of Egypt, brings back Moses' wife Zipporah and their two sons, whom Moses had sent to him at a time the text does not explain. The sons' names tell Moses' story: Gershom sounds like "a stranger there," and Eliezer means "my God is help."

A warm reunion (vv. 7-8)

Bowing and kissing were the normal respectful greetings between family then, and Moses, now leader of a nation, still honors his father-in-law this way. In the tent he tells Jethro the whole story of the rescue and the hard road since.

An outsider praises the LORD (vv. 9-12)

Jethro, not an Israelite, rejoices and declares the LORD greater than all gods, because the proud Egyptians who oppressed Israel were brought low. He offers sacrifices, and Israel's leaders eat a meal with him before God, a shared meal that joined friendship and worship.

Moses judges alone (vv. 13-16)

The next day crowds wait from morning to evening for Moses to settle their disputes and explain God's rulings. Leaders in that world often heard cases in public like this, but one man could not keep up with a whole nation.

Jethro's advice (vv. 17-23)

Jethro warns that this will wear everyone out, and suggests honest, God-fearing men who refuse bribes to lead groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens, sending only hard cases to Moses. He makes clear that his plan is only advice and should go ahead only if God approves it.

Moses listens (vv. 24-27)

Moses sets up the system, and Jethro goes home. Because Deuteronomy 1 places this arrangement around the time the law was given, some readers think this chapter may be arranged by topic rather than strict time order.

Key verse: Exodus 18:11

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether Jethro's praise in verse 11 shows him coming to faith in Israel's God for the first time or confirming a faith he already held as a priest.

Something to think about

When has someone from outside your own circle seen a problem in your life more clearly than you could, and what made it possible to hear them?