Exodus 18 - Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 18

This chapter gives an account of Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, with Zipporah his daughter, the wife of Moses, and her two sons, meeting him in the wilderness, who was kindly received by him, Exodus 18:1 and on Moses' relating the great things God had done for Israel, Jethro expressed his joy on that account, gave praise to God, offered sacrifice, and kept a feast with the elders of Israel, Exodus 18:8, and observing the constant and fatiguing business Moses had on his hands from morning to evening in judging the people, Exodus 18:13, he gave him advice to appoint persons under him to receive laws and ordinances from him, he should have from God, and, according to them, judge and govern the people under them, some being rulers of thousands, others of hundreds, others of fifties, and some of tens,

Exodus 18:19, which counsel was acceptable to Moses, and he took it, Exodus 18:24 and the chapter is concluded with their friendly parting, Exodus 18:27.