Exodus 18 Study Notes

18:10-11 The references to rescue from the power of Egypt continue the use of “hand” in Hebrew as a prominent means by which power is displayed. God had become known through his rescue of Israel from Egypt (6:7; 9:14; 14:18; 16:12). The breadth of the word translated know could mean that Jethro was previously unconvinced of the Lord’s superiority, or that he was simply declaring a new awareness from experience. Either way, he was convinced and glad to say so. Jethro’s response contrasts with that of Pharaoh and exemplifies how the Israelites and the readers of Exodus should respond to learning about who the Lord is from his actions.

18:12 Recognition of the Lord and his actions led to worship, a fulfillment of the sign that he gave Moses at the burning bush (3:12). A burnt offering was consumed by fire, and parts of sacrifices were burned, but most was roasted and eaten by people present to worship and celebrate (Lv 1:2-17; 3:1-17; 7:11-18).

18:13-26 This section answers the Israelite who asked Moses, “Who made you a commander and judge over us?” (2:14). In a sense, it also answers Moses’s questions and misgivings about his ability (3:11; 4:10-13; 6:12,30).

18:13-20 Jethro was thinking of conflicts between Israelites when he said that Moses should distribute the tasks of rendering judgments.

18:21-22 The word translated commanders is the plural of the one in 2:14. It is used repeatedly in 18:21,25 (lit “commanders of thousands, commanders of hundreds,” etc.). This tends to strengthen the tie with the question about Moses’s status in 2:14. Jethro’s list of qualifications for leadership requires qualities of character, belief, and behavior rather than age, wealth, or family position (Dt 1:13,16-17; 2Ch 19:6-7,9-10).

18:23-27 The verb rendered endure can also mean “stand.” It repeats the Hebrew verb for “stand/endure” from the descriptions in vv. 13 and 14 of the people standing around Moses waiting for him to hear their cases. If Moses followed Jethro’s advice, the people would not have to “stand around” so much and Moses would be able to “stand” the work.