Exodus 18

CHAPTER 18

Jethro Visits Moses (18:1–27)

1–6 As the Israelites drew near the mountain of God (verse 5), probably Mount Sinai (see Exodus 3:1), Moses’ father-in-law Jethro came from Midian to visit him, bringing along Moses’ wife and two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. Gershom has already been mentioned in Exodus 2:22. The name Eliezer means “my God is helper,” a name chosen by Moses to acknowledge God’s help in delivering him from the sword of Pharaoh (verse 4) at the time Moses fled to Midian (Exodus 2:15).

7–12 When Jethro heard about all that God had done for the Israelites, he praised the LORD (verse 10)—that is, he praised “Yahweh,” the God of Israel. Even though Jethro and the Midianites were Gentiles and not included among the covenant people, still he acknowledged the God of Israel as being greater than all other gods (verse 11). Contrast Jethro’s attitude to God with that of the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8). All through Israel’s history, some Gentile nations would oppose God while others would respond to Him in faith. Those nations that opposed Israel also opposed Israel’s God.

13–27 Jethro noticed that Moses was overburdened with the duties of leadership. So he made a practical suggestion: delegate some of the duties to others. This would allow Moses to concentrate on those matters only he could handle, and at the same time it would develop and encourage other leaders within the community of Israel. Too often leaders think they are indispensable, that only they are competent to carry out the duties of leadership; but such an attitude is plainly arrogant. For Moses, Jethro’s advice was wise; it’s wise for us as well. A New Testament example of the wisdom of delegation is found in Acts 6:1–6.

But notice that Jethro’s advice needed confirmation from the Lord (verse 23). A particular course of action may seem wise to a man, but not to God; we need to seek God’s approval for every new course of action we take⁵³ (Proverbs 3:5–7).

The people Moses chose to help him needed to be qualified for leadership. They needed to be capable, they needed to fear God,⁵⁴ they had to be trustworthy, and they had to be men who hated dishonest gain (verse 21). This is a useful list of qualifications for leadership in any Christian organization. Similar qualifications are listed in 1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:6–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4.