Summary:
In Exodus 18, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law and a priest of Midian, hears of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt and visits Moses in the wilderness with his wife Zipporah and sons.
Jethro rejoices in God’s deeds, confesses Yahweh as greater than all gods, and offers sacrifices, sharing a meal with Moses, Aaron, and the elders.
Observing Moses overburdened with judging disputes, Jethro advises him to delegate authority to capable, God-fearing men to handle minor cases, reserving major ones for himself.
Moses heeds the counsel, appointing rulers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.
Pointing to Jesus:
Jethro’s confession and worship as a Gentile outsider point to God’s redemptive plan to extend salvation beyond Israel to the nations, fulfilled in Christ who draws all peoples to Himself through the gospel. Kevin DeYoung, highlights this in his sermon on Exodus 18: “The God who makes himself known will be made known among the nations by saving his people and by his saved people.”
Reflection:
Exodus 18 encourages Christians to embrace wise counsel and delegate responsibilities within the church community, reflecting humility and reliance on God’s structure for leadership as seen in New Testament elders.
It also reminds believers of their role in witnessing God’s redemptive work, inviting outsiders to faith like Jethro, fostering a life of gratitude, shared burdens, and mission to proclaim Christ’s salvation to all nations.
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