Exodus 18

Jethro, called the father-in-law of Moses, hearing of the deliverance which God had granted to Israel, Exodus 18:1 , took Zipporah and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, and brought them to Moses, when the Israelites were encamped near Horeb, Exodus 18:2-5 . He sends to Moses, announcing his arrival, Exodus 18:6 . Moses goes out to meet him, Exodus 18:7 , and gives him a history of God's dealings with the Israelites, Exodus 18:8 . Jethro greatly rejoices, and makes striking observations on the power and goodness of God, Exodus 18:9-11 . He offers burnt-offerings and sacrifices to Jehovah, and Aaron and all the elders of Israel feast with him, Exodus 18:12 . The next day Jethro, observing how much Moses was fatigued by being obliged to sit as judge and hear causes from morning to evening, Exodus 18:13 , inquires why he did so, Exodus 18:14 . Moses answers, and shows that he is obliged to determine causes between man and man, and to teach them the statutes and laws of God, Exodus 18:15 , Exodus 18:16 . Jethro finds fault, and counsels him to appoint men who fear God, love truth, and hate covetousness, to be judges over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to judge and determine in all smaller matters, and refer only the greater and most important to himself, Exodus 18:17-22 ; and shows that this plan will be advantageous both to himself and to the people, Exodus 18:23 . Moses hearkens to the counsel of Jethro, and appoints proper officers over the people, who enter upon their functions, determine all minor causes, and refer only the most difficult to Moses, Exodus 18:24-26 . Moses dismisses Jethro, who returns to his own country, Exodus 18:27 .