*When Jethro, the priest of Midian, arrives with his family, we see a beautiful picture of humility and gratitude. He hears how God has guided Moses, and his heart is moved to offer wise counsel. Jethro's advice reminds us that God's work is carried out best when we share the load and trust one another. May this chapter teach us to build community, support each other's burdens, and walk together in God's grace.*
Exodus — Chapter 18 — KJV
1
When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;
Simply PutJethro heard what the LORD (Adonai, H1391) had done for Moses and Israel. The Hebrew word for "Lord" here reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations, and He cares deeply for His people. If you're feeling abandoned, remember that the same God who delivered Israel from Egypt also sees and hears your cries today.
2
Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,
Simply PutJethro, Moses' father-in-law (choteir, H2126), brought Zipporah back after she had been sent away. This shows the restoration of broken relationships—God brings us back to wholeness even when we feel cast out. In your pain, trust that God can reunite you with those you've lost.
3
And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:
Simply PutThe name Gershom means "a stranger there" (ger, H2164), reflecting Moses' feeling of alienation. When you feel like a foreigner in life's wilderness, remember that God knows your loneliness and uses it to shape your identity. Even strangers have a purpose in God's story.
4
And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:
Simply PutThe name Eliezer means "My God is help" (ezer, H2095), a reminder that God's assistance comes in the midst of danger. If you fear the "sword" of life's trials, trust that God's help is ever-present and stronger than any threat you face.
5
And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:
Simply PutJethro arrived at the "mount of God" (har, H1660) in the wilderness where Israel camped. The mountain symbolizes a place of encounter with God, even amid desolation. When you wander through dry seasons, know that God meets you in the most barren places.
6
And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.
Simply PutJethro introduced himself, his wife and sons to Moses. Family ties become a conduit for sharing the Good News—your relationships can be vessels for God's truth. Let your loved ones hear how God has worked in your life.
7
And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.
Simply PutMoses greeted Jethro with a kiss and obeisance, asking about each other's welfare (shalom, H7965). A simple act of love and peace can bridge deep gaps. In times of doubt, let kindness be the language you speak with God and others.
8
And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them.
Simply PutMoses told Jethro everything the LORD had done for Pharaoh, the Egyptians, and Israel. The Hebrew word "found them" (matsa, H424) indicates God's relentless pursuit of His people. When you feel lost, remember God is actively seeking and rescuing you.
9
And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.
Simply PutJethro rejoiced at the LORD's goodness in delivering Israel. The Hebrew word "goodness" (tov, H2894) encompasses moral perfection and blessing. In moments of hardship, celebrate the small miracles—God's goodness is ever-present.
10
And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
Simply PutJethro blessed (barak, H1325) the LORD for rescuing Israel from Egypt and Pharaoh's hand. Blessing is a heartfelt acknowledgment of God's power over all false idols. When you doubt, proclaim your gratitude for the miracles He has wrought.
11
Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
Simply PutJethro realized that the LORD is greater than all gods (gadol, H1263). The Hebrew emphasizes God's supreme greatness. If you feel surrounded by competing voices, trust that the One true God stands above them all.
12
And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father in law before God.
13
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.
Simply PutMoses sat from morning till evening to judge the people (shaphat, H7610). The weight of leadership can feel overwhelming. If you are carrying burdens for others, remember that God designed structures to share the load.
14
And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
Simply PutJethro asked why Moses sat alone, with everyone standing by him from morning to evening. The Hebrew word "alone" (levi) highlights isolation in service. In your loneliness, seek companions who can share the responsibility.
15
And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
Simply PutMoses explained that people came to him to inquire of God (sha'al, H7718). The quest for divine guidance is a universal need. If you are searching for answers, know that God invites you to ask Him directly.
16
When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
Simply PutMoses taught the statutes and laws of God (torah, H7965), guiding the people. The law is not a cage but a compass for life. In confusion, let God's truth direct your steps.
17
And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.
Simply PutJethro declared that Moses' method was not good. The Hebrew "good" (tov, H2894) points to efficiency and wisdom. When you see inefficiency in your life or ministry, be open to counsel.
18
Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
Simply PutJethro warned that the task was too heavy for Moses alone (mass, H4198), and he would fade. Heavy burdens cause fatigue. If you're exhausted, recognize the need for delegation and rest.
19
Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
Simply PutJethro offered counsel (etzah, H2106) and promised God's presence. He urged Moses to direct the people toward God, not bear every case himself. In your weariness, remember that God's guidance is the ultimate support.
20
And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Simply PutMoses was instructed to teach ordinances, laws, and show them the way they must walk. Teaching is a partnership with God. If you're unsure of your role, let God's wisdom shape your teaching.
21
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
Simply PutJethro advised choosing capable men who fear God (yirah, H3445), love truth (emet, H790), and despise covetousness (paritzut, H6475). Leadership requires integrity. In your community, seek those who embody these virtues.
22
And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
Simply PutThe appointed leaders would judge the people at all seasons, bearing the burden (mass, H4198). Shared responsibility lightens the load. If you're overwhelmed, delegate to trustworthy helpers.
23
If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
Simply PutJethro promised that if Moses followed his advice, they would endure and find peace (shalom, H7965). Endurance comes from wise structures. In hardship, trust that order brings stability.
24
So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.
Simply PutMoses heeded his father-in-law's counsel and implemented the changes. He listened (shama, H8081) to wise advice. In your doubts, be open to divine direction through mentors.
25
And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
Simply PutMoses chose capable men and appointed them as leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. The Hebrew word for "choose" (bachar, H1010) emphasizes intentional selection. When building a team, pick those who are faithful and capable.
26
And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
Simply PutThe leaders judged the people at all seasons, handling the difficult cases themselves. This system relieved Moses' burden. In your ministry, establish structures that empower others.
27
And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
Simply PutAfter establishing the system, Moses let Jethro depart back to his own land (eretz, H776). The farewell shows gratitude and respect for the gift received. In your life, honor those who bring wisdom to you.
Genesis 34:18This verse identifies Jethro as a priest of Midian, confirming his role mentioned in Exodus 18:1.
Numbers 10:29It reiterates Jethro's priestly status, providing a later confirmation of the title given in Exodus 18:1.
Deuteronomy 1:16-17These verses restate the principle of appointing capable judges, directly reflecting Jethro's advice to Moses in Exodus 18:13-27.
Genesis 46:12This passage records Jethro and his family's migration to Egypt, providing background for their reunion with Moses in Exodus 18:5-7.
Reflect
When you feel responsible for guiding a group or project alone, how might inviting trusted helpers to share the load change your experience and effectiveness?
