Exodus-Chapter-18
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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which
I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM
IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem,
which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
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With
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
Exodus Chapter 18 offers a profound shift from the physical warfare of the
previous chapter to the essential work of nation-building and administrative
wisdom. The arrival of Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses’ father-in-law, brings a restorative
family reunion and a critical outside perspective on the fledgling nation’s
governance. This chapter highlights the transition from a single charismatic
leader bearing the entire burden of the people to a structured judicial system.
It demonstrates that even a Divinely led community
requires practical organization and the delegation of authority to maintain
peace and endurance.
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Let us now read Exodus
Chapter 18:1-27:
(JPS-1917 version of the Torah).
1. “Now Jethro, the
priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all
that אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God)
had done for Moses, and for
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Let us now look at all verses covered with Explanations:
Explanation Verses 1-5: Jethro hears of “all that אֱלֹהִים - Elohim had done for
Moses, and for
Explanation Verses 6-9: The reunion
is marked by deep mutual respect; Moses goes out to meet his father-in-law,
bows, and kisses him. Inside the tent, Moses recounts the “travail” they met by
the way and how יְהוָה - the LORD delivered them. Jethro
“rejoiced for all the goodness” shown to
Explanation Verses 10-12: Jethro offers a declaration of faith: “Now I know that יְהוָה - the LORD is greater than all gods”. He provides
a burnt-offering and sacrifices for אֱלֹהִים - Elohim. Aaron and all
the elders of
Explanation Verses 13-16: The
following day, Jethro observes Moses sitting alone
from “morning unto evening” to judge the people. When questioned, Moses
explains that the people come to him to “inquire of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim” and to have
their disputes settled according to “the statutes of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, and His laws”.
Explanation Verses 17-18: Jethro offers a blunt critique: “The thing that thou doest
is not good”. He warns Moses that he will surely “wear away” both himself and
the people, because the task is so very heavy to perform all alone.
Explanation Verses 19-23: Jethro provides a strategic plan: Moses should remain the
intermediary for “אֱלֹהִים - Elohim -ward”, thus
matters and the teacher of the laws, but he must select “able men, such as fear
אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, men of truth,
hating unjust gain”. These men are to be appointed as rulers of thousands,
hundreds, fifties, and tens to judge the “small matters”, whilst only the “great
matters” comes to Moses.
Explanation Verses 24-26: Moses
hearkens to the voice of his father-in-law and implements the plan exactly. The
“able men” are chosen out of all
Explanation Verse 27: The chapter
concludes with a quiet departure as Moses lets his father-in-law depart to “his
own land”, leaving
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My Closing Message:
Exodus 18 teaches that the pursuit of justice is a shared responsibility. While
the Law is Divine, its administration requires human wisdom and sustainable
structure. By accepting Jethro’s counsel, Moses
demonstrates that true leadership involves humility and the recognition of one’s
own limitations. The establishment of the “rulers of thousands and hundreds”
ensures that the congregation is not merely a crowd following a miracle-worker,
but an organized society governed by truth and integrity. This chapter serves
as the necessary bridge to the Revelation at Sinai, proving that a people must
first be able to live in order with one another before they can fully receive
the Covenant.
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