Summary

Describes the visit of Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, to the Israelite camp. Jethro observes Moses' heavy workload in judging the people and offers wise counsel on delegating responsibilities to capable men.

Key Points

• Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, hears of all that God has done for Moses and Israel and comes to visit with Moses' wife and sons (Exodus 18:1-5).

• Moses recounts to Jethro all that the Lord has done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel's sake (Exodus 18:8).

• Jethro rejoices and blesses the Lord for delivering Israel from the Egyptians (Exodus 18:9-10).

• Jethro offers a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron and the elders of Israel join him in a meal before God (Exodus 18:12).

• Jethro observes Moses judging the people from morning until evening and questions why he does it alone (Exodus 18:13-14).

• Moses explains that the people come to him to inquire of God and to judge disputes (Exodus 18:15-16).

• Jethro advises Moses to delegate the task by appointing capable men to judge smaller matters, while Moses handles the more difficult cases (Exodus 18:17-22).

• Jethro's advice is to lighten Moses' burden and allow him to endure, ensuring that the people are satisfied (Exodus 18:23).

• Moses listens to Jethro's advice and appoints capable men as leaders over the people to judge smaller matters (Exodus 18:24-26).

• Jethro returns to his own land after giving his counsel to Moses (Exodus 18:27).