Exodus 18 Study Notes
General
What do the names of Moses' two sons express (Exodus 18:3-4)?
Answer: Gershom recalls Moses' life as a foreigner; Eliezer praises God as his helper who rescued him from Pharaoh
Moses named his first son Gershom because, as he said, he had been a stranger living in a land not his own (18:3). He named the second son Eliezer because the God of his father had helped him and rescued him when Pharaoh wanted to kill him (18:4). The first name looks back on Moses' life as an outsider in Midian; the second celebrates God's rescue. Scripture calls God the helper of His people, and Eliezer's name says the same thing.
- Exodus 18:2-4 (BSB)“After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her, along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.” The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, “The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.””The narrator recalls that Jethro had taken in Zipporah and her two sons, and explains the sons' names.
- Exodus 2:22 (BSB)“And she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.””Records Gershom's birth and the reason for his name, Moses' life as a foreigner.
- Exodus 2:15 (BSB)“When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.”Records Pharaoh's attempt to kill Moses, the danger from which Eliezer's name celebrates deliverance.
- Hebrews 13:6 (BSB)“So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?””Confesses the Lord as the believer's helper, the same truth Eliezer's name declares.
Theological
How do the names Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 18:3-4) summarize Moses' experience?
Answer: They mark his exile as a sojourner and God's help in delivering him from Pharaoh's sword
Gershom's name recalls Moses' status as a sojourner in an alien land (18:3; compare 2:22), and Eliezer's name confesses that the God of his father was his help and delivered him from Pharaoh's sword (18:4), the threat recorded in 2:15. Together they trace Moses' path from exile to deliverance, a small picture of what God has now done for all Israel. The confession of God as helper is echoed in Hebrews 13:6.
- Exodus 18:2-4 (BSB)“After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her, along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.” The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, “The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.””The narrator recalls that Jethro had taken in Zipporah and her two sons, and explains the sons' names.
- Exodus 2:22 (BSB)“And she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.””Records Gershom's birth and the reason for his name, Moses' life as a foreigner.
- Exodus 2:15 (BSB)“When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.”Records Pharaoh's attempt to kill Moses, the danger from which Eliezer's name celebrates deliverance.
- Hebrews 13:6 (BSB)“So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?””Confesses the Lord as the believer's helper, the same truth Eliezer's name declares.
General
Who is Jethro, and what has he heard at the start of Exodus 18?
Answer: The Midianite priest whose daughter Moses married, who has heard about everything God did for Israel
Jethro is Midian's priest, whose daughter Moses married, the man whose flocks Moses tended before God called him at the burning bush. He hears about everything God has accomplished for Moses and for Israel, including the LORD's rescue of the nation from Egypt (18:1). The news of the exodus was spreading, just as the Song at the Sea had said the nations would hear, and as Rahab later confirms when she tells the spies that Canaan had heard of it.
- Exodus 18:1 (BSB)“Now Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.”Jethro, Moses' father-in-law and priest of Midian, hears what God has done for Israel.
- Exodus 3:1 (BSB)“Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.”Identifies Jethro as Moses' father-in-law and the priest of Midian, whose flock Moses had tended.
- Exodus 15:14-15 (BSB)“The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia. Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,”The Song at the Sea foretold that the nations would hear of the LORD's deeds, as Jethro now does.
- Joshua 2:9-11 (BSB)“and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.”Rahab likewise reports that news of the exodus had reached the peoples of Canaan.
Theological
What prompts Jethro's visit in Exodus 18:1?
Answer: A report of everything God had accomplished for Moses and Israel in bringing them out of Egypt
Jethro, Midian's priest and father of Moses' wife (3:1), hears of everything God has accomplished for Moses and for Israel, above all the LORD's deliverance of the nation from Egypt (18:1). The report of the LORD's mighty acts is spreading among the nations, as the Song at the Sea anticipated (15:14-15) and as Rahab later confirms concerning Canaan (Joshua 2:9-11). The chapter thus opens with a Gentile responding to the news of the LORD's saving work.
- Exodus 18:1 (BSB)“Now Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.”Jethro, Moses' father-in-law and priest of Midian, hears what God has done for Israel.
- Exodus 3:1 (BSB)“Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.”Identifies Jethro as Moses' father-in-law and the priest of Midian, whose flock Moses had tended.
- Exodus 15:14-15 (BSB)“The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia. Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,”The Song at the Sea foretold that the nations would hear of the LORD's deeds, as Jethro now does.
- Joshua 2:9-11 (BSB)“and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.”Rahab likewise reports that news of the exodus had reached the peoples of Canaan.
General
How does Jethro respond to Moses' account (Exodus 18:9-10)?
Answer: He rejoices over the LORD's goodness to Israel and blesses the LORD for rescuing them
Jethro is glad about all the good the LORD has done for Israel in rescuing them from the Egyptians (18:9). He praises the LORD, blessing Him for rescuing Moses and the people from Egypt and from Pharaoh (18:10). To bless the LORD means to praise and honor Him. This is the same kind of praise found elsewhere in Scripture, such as when Zechariah blessed God for redeeming His people.
- Exodus 18:9-10 (BSB)“And Jethro rejoiced over all the good things the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had rescued from the hand of the Egyptians. Jethro declared, “Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from the hand of the Egyptians.”Jethro rejoices over the LORD's goodness to Israel and blesses the LORD for the deliverance.
- Luke 1:68 (BSB)““Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people.”Zechariah likewise blesses the Lord for visiting and redeeming His people, the same form of praise.
- Genesis 14:20 (BSB)“and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.”Melchizedek, a priest outside Abraham's family, blesses God Most High for delivering Abram's enemies into his hand.
- 1 Kings 8:15 (BSB)“and said: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has fulfilled with His own hand what He spoke with His mouth to my father David, saying,”Solomon uses the same pattern of blessing the LORD for fulfilling His word with His own hand.
Theological
What form does Jethro's response take in Exodus 18:9-10?
Answer: Joy over the LORD's goodness and a blessing of the LORD for delivering Israel from Egypt and Pharaoh
Jethro rejoices over the LORD's goodness to Israel in delivering them from the Egyptians (18:9), and he blesses the LORD by name for rescuing Moses and the people from Egypt and Pharaoh (18:10). The form is the classic doxology of Scripture, used also by Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20), Solomon (1 Kings 8:15), and Zechariah (Luke 1:68). A non-Israelite priest joins in praising the LORD for His redemption of Israel.
- Exodus 18:9-10 (BSB)“And Jethro rejoiced over all the good things the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had rescued from the hand of the Egyptians. Jethro declared, “Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from the hand of the Egyptians.”Jethro rejoices over the LORD's goodness to Israel and blesses the LORD for the deliverance.
- Luke 1:68 (BSB)““Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people.”Zechariah likewise blesses the Lord for visiting and redeeming His people, the same form of praise.
- Genesis 14:20 (BSB)“and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.”Melchizedek, a priest outside Abraham's family, blesses God Most High for delivering Abram's enemies into his hand.
- 1 Kings 8:15 (BSB)“and said: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has fulfilled with His own hand what He spoke with His mouth to my father David, saying,”Solomon uses the same pattern of blessing the LORD for fulfilling His word with His own hand.
General
How does Jethro say the work of judging should be divided (Exodus 18:22-23)?
Answer: The judges handle the minor cases and bring the major ones to Moses, if God directs Moses to do this
The appointed men will be available to judge every day. The major cases will go to Moses, while the judges decide the small ones themselves, so that Moses' load is lighter because they share it (18:22). Jethro adds a condition: Moses should do this if God so directs him. Then Moses will hold up under the load, and the people will go home satisfied (18:23). Jethro offers wise advice, but he places it under God's authority. Deuteronomy later describes this same arrangement of leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, with the hard cases brought to Moses.
- Exodus 18:22-23 (BSB)“Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.””Appointed judges will handle minor cases and bring major ones to Moses, if God so directs.
- Deuteronomy 1:15-17 (BSB)“So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes. At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident. Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.””Moses later recalls appointing commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and reserving hard cases for himself.
- Proverbs 11:14 (BSB)“For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.”Teaches that many counselors bring deliverance where a lack of guidance brings a fall.
Theological
What condition does Jethro attach to his counsel in Exodus 18:23?
Answer: That Moses adopt it only if God so directs him
Under the plan the appointed judges handle ordinary cases at all times and bring the great matters to Moses, sharing his burden (18:22). Jethro submits his counsel to God's approval: if Moses does this and God so commands him, he will endure and the people will return home content (18:23). The advice is wise, yet explicitly placed under divine direction. Deuteronomy 1:15-17 records the arrangement as implemented, with hard cases reserved for Moses, and Proverbs 11:14 commends the safety of many counselors.
- Exodus 18:22-23 (BSB)“Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.””Appointed judges will handle minor cases and bring major ones to Moses, if God so directs.
- Deuteronomy 1:15-17 (BSB)“So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes. At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident. Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.””Moses later recalls appointing commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and reserving hard cases for himself.
- Proverbs 11:14 (BSB)“For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.”Teaches that many counselors bring deliverance where a lack of guidance brings a fall.
General
What does Jethro say Moses' own main responsibilities should be (Exodus 18:19-20)?
Answer: Representing the people before God, bringing their cases to Him, and teaching them God's laws and way of life
Jethro asks Moses to listen to his advice and prays that God will be with him (18:19). Moses should stand for the people before God, bringing their cases to Him. He should also instruct them in God's laws, how they are to live, and what duties they are to carry out (18:19-20). In other words, Moses should focus on the tasks only he can do. Centuries later, the apostles did something similar, handing practical work to others so they could focus on prayer and teaching God's word.
- Exodus 18:19-20 (BSB)“Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him. Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.”Jethro advises Moses to represent the people before God and to teach them God's statutes and way of life.
- Deuteronomy 5:27 (BSB)“Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then you can tell us everything the LORD our God tells you; we will listen and obey.””The people ask Moses to go near to God and bring back His words, the mediating role Jethro describes.
- Deuteronomy 4:5 (BSB)“See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess.”Moses taught Israel God's statutes and ordinances, the teaching role Jethro assigns him.
- Acts 6:2-4 (BSB)“So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.””The apostles delegate practical service so they can devote themselves to prayer and the word, a similar ordering of priorities.
Theological
How does Jethro define Moses' distinctive role in Exodus 18:19-20?
Answer: As the one who stands before God on the people's behalf, presents their cases to God, and teaches them God's statutes and way of life
Jethro's counsel, offered with the wish that God be with Moses (18:19), assigns Moses two distinctive tasks: to stand before God on the people's behalf, presenting their cases to God, and to instruct them in God's decrees and laws, showing them how to live and what duties to perform (18:19-20). The mediatorial role reappears when the people ask Moses to hear God for them (Deuteronomy 5:27), and the teaching role is affirmed in Deuteronomy 4:5. The apostles later make a comparable ordering of priorities, delegating service in order to give themselves to prayer and the word (Acts 6:2-4).
- Exodus 18:19-20 (BSB)“Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him. Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.”Jethro advises Moses to represent the people before God and to teach them God's statutes and way of life.
- Deuteronomy 5:27 (BSB)“Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then you can tell us everything the LORD our God tells you; we will listen and obey.””The people ask Moses to go near to God and bring back His words, the mediating role Jethro describes.
- Deuteronomy 4:5 (BSB)“See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess.”Moses taught Israel God's statutes and ordinances, the teaching role Jethro assigns him.
- Acts 6:2-4 (BSB)“So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.””The apostles delegate practical service so they can devote themselves to prayer and the word, a similar ordering of priorities.
General
What does Jethro see Moses doing the day after his arrival (Exodus 18:13-16)?
Answer: Sitting alone as judge for the people from dawn to dusk
On the following day Moses sits as judge, and the people stand around him all day long, from dawn to dusk (18:13). Jethro asks why Moses is doing this all by himself (18:14). Moses explains that the Israelites seek him out to find out God's will; when there is a dispute, he decides between them and teaches them God's laws and instructions (18:15-16). Moses is serving faithfully, but he is carrying the whole load alone.
- Exodus 18:13-16 (BSB)“The next day Moses took his seat to judge the people, and they stood around him from morning until evening. When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?” “Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied. “Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.””Moses judges the people alone from morning to evening, and he explains to Jethro why the people come to him.
- Deuteronomy 1:12 (BSB)“But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself?”Moses later recalls the weight of the people's burdens and disputes that he could not bear alone.
- Deuteronomy 4:5 (BSB)“See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess.”Moses states that he taught Israel the statutes and ordinances as the LORD commanded, part of the role described here.
Theological
According to Moses' explanation in Exodus 18:15-16, why does the crowd gather around him?
Answer: To seek God's will, to have disputes decided, and to learn God's statutes and laws
Moses sits from dawn to dusk as sole judge, with the people standing about him (18:13), and Jethro questions why he does it alone (18:14). Moses explains that they seek God's will through him; he decides their disputes and makes known God's statutes and laws (18:15-16). His role combines mediation, adjudication, and instruction in God's word (compare Deuteronomy 4:5). The arrangement is faithful in intent but unsustainable, as Moses himself later acknowledges (Deuteronomy 1:12).
- Exodus 18:13-16 (BSB)“The next day Moses took his seat to judge the people, and they stood around him from morning until evening. When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?” “Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied. “Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.””Moses judges the people alone from morning to evening, and he explains to Jethro why the people come to him.
- Deuteronomy 1:12 (BSB)“But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself?”Moses later recalls the weight of the people's burdens and disputes that he could not bear alone.
- Deuteronomy 4:5 (BSB)“See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess.”Moses states that he taught Israel the statutes and ordinances as the LORD commanded, part of the role described here.
General
What does Moses do with Jethro's advice, and what happens to Jethro (Exodus 18:24-27)?
Answer: Moses follows the advice and appoints capable men as leaders and judges; then Jethro goes back to his own country
Moses takes the advice and does everything Jethro suggested (18:24). He chooses capable men from every part of Israel and makes them leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens (18:25). They serve as judges continually, bringing the hard cases to Moses and deciding the small matters themselves (18:26). Then Moses says farewell, and Jethro goes home (18:27). Even a great leader like Moses was humble enough to take good advice, which Proverbs calls a mark of wisdom.
- Exodus 18:24-27 (BSB)“Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult cases to Moses, but any minor issue they would judge themselves. Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own land.”Moses follows the advice, appoints judges over the people, and sends Jethro home.
- Proverbs 12:15 (BSB)“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.”Contrasts the fool who trusts his own way with the wise man who listens to advice, as Moses does.
- Proverbs 19:20 (BSB)“Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.”Urges listening to counsel in order to become wise.
- Deuteronomy 1:15 (BSB)“So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.”Records Moses appointing leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.
Theological
What does Moses' response in Exodus 18:24-26 demonstrate?
Answer: Humility in receiving wise counsel from a non-Israelite and implementing it fully
Moses heeds Jethro and does all he advised (18:24), choosing capable men from every part of Israel and setting them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens (18:25; compare Deuteronomy 1:15). The system works: they judge at all times, bringing hard cases to Moses and settling small ones themselves (18:26). Jethro then returns home (18:27). Israel's God-appointed leader receives counsel humbly, the mark of the wise man in Proverbs 12:15 and 19:20.
- Exodus 18:24-27 (BSB)“Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult cases to Moses, but any minor issue they would judge themselves. Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own land.”Moses follows the advice, appoints judges over the people, and sends Jethro home.
- Proverbs 12:15 (BSB)“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.”Contrasts the fool who trusts his own way with the wise man who listens to advice, as Moses does.
- Proverbs 19:20 (BSB)“Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.”Urges listening to counsel in order to become wise.
- Deuteronomy 1:15 (BSB)“So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.”Records Moses appointing leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.
General
What does Moses tell Jethro about after they greet each other (Exodus 18:8)?
Answer: Everything the LORD did to Egypt and its king for Israel, the hardships of the journey, and the LORD's rescue
Moses tells Jethro about everything the LORD did to Egypt and its king on Israel's behalf, the troubles they faced on the journey, and the LORD's rescue (18:8). Moses does not boast about himself; he gives God the credit. The psalms call God's people to tell others about His wonderful works, even people from other nations, and that is exactly what Moses does here.
- Exodus 18:8 (BSB)“Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships they had encountered along the way, and how the LORD had delivered them.”Moses tells Jethro everything the LORD did to Egypt and how He delivered Israel through every hardship.
- Psalm 66:16 (BSB)“Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for me.”Invites those who fear God to hear what He has done, the kind of testimony Moses gives.
- Psalm 105:1-2 (BSB)“Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders.”Calls God's people to make His deeds known among the nations, as Moses does for a Midianite.
- Psalm 96:3 (BSB)“Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.”Commands that God's glory and wonders be declared among all peoples.
Theological
What is the focus of Moses' report to Jethro in Exodus 18:8?
Answer: The LORD's acts against Egypt on Israel's behalf and His deliverance through every hardship
Moses recounts to Jethro the LORD's acts against Egypt and its king on Israel's behalf, the hardships of the journey, and the LORD's deliverance (18:8). The report is God-centered testimony, not self-promotion. It fulfills the call to make His deeds known among the nations (Psalm 105:1-2; 96:3) and to tell those who fear God about His works (Psalm 66:16), here directed to a Midianite who will respond with praise.
- Exodus 18:8 (BSB)“Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships they had encountered along the way, and how the LORD had delivered them.”Moses tells Jethro everything the LORD did to Egypt and how He delivered Israel through every hardship.
- Psalm 66:16 (BSB)“Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for me.”Invites those who fear God to hear what He has done, the kind of testimony Moses gives.
- Psalm 105:1-2 (BSB)“Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders.”Calls God's people to make His deeds known among the nations, as Moses does for a Midianite.
- Psalm 96:3 (BSB)“Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.”Commands that God's glory and wonders be declared among all peoples.
General
What does Jethro say he now knows (Exodus 18:11)?
Answer: That the LORD surpasses every other god, as shown by what He did to the proud Egyptians
Jethro declares that he now knows the LORD surpasses every other god, because of what the LORD did when the Egyptians acted proudly against Israel (18:11). He has heard the evidence and draws a clear conclusion. Israel had sung the same truth at the sea: no god compares with the LORD. Scripture also records other foreigners who confessed the LORD after seeing His works, such as Naaman. The text records Jethro's confession without telling us more about the state of his heart, but his words themselves are true and honor God.
- Exodus 18:11 (BSB)“Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for He did this when they treated Israel with arrogance.””Jethro declares that he now knows the LORD is greater than all gods.
- Exodus 15:11 (BSB)“Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?”Israel's song at the sea asks who among the gods is like the LORD, the same truth Jethro confesses.
- Psalm 135:5 (BSB)“For I know that the LORD is great; our Lord is above all gods.”Affirms that the LORD is great and above all gods.
- Nehemiah 9:10 (BSB)“You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day.”Recalls that God acted against Egypt because they had behaved arrogantly toward Israel, the reason Jethro gives.
- 2 Kings 5:15 (BSB)“Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.””Naaman, another foreigner, makes a similar confession of knowledge after seeing God's power.
Theological
What is the content of Jethro's confession in Exodus 18:11?
Answer: That the LORD's supremacy over all gods is proven by His judgment on Egypt's arrogance toward Israel
Jethro confesses that he now knows the LORD is supreme over every god, grounding this in God's dealing with the Egyptians when they acted arrogantly against Israel (18:11). The confession matches Israel's own song (15:11) and the psalmist's praise (Psalm 135:5), and Nehemiah 9:10 likewise traces God's judgments to Egypt's arrogance. Like Naaman (2 Kings 5:15), Jethro speaks as an outsider who has come to acknowledge the LORD through His works. The narrative records his words and actions without further comment on his inner spiritual condition; what it does make clear is that his confession is a true witness to the LORD's supremacy.
- Exodus 18:11 (BSB)“Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for He did this when they treated Israel with arrogance.””Jethro declares that he now knows the LORD is greater than all gods.
- Exodus 15:11 (BSB)“Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?”Israel's song at the sea asks who among the gods is like the LORD, the same truth Jethro confesses.
- Psalm 135:5 (BSB)“For I know that the LORD is great; our Lord is above all gods.”Affirms that the LORD is great and above all gods.
- Nehemiah 9:10 (BSB)“You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day.”Recalls that God acted against Egypt because they had behaved arrogantly toward Israel, the reason Jethro gives.
- 2 Kings 5:15 (BSB)“Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.””Naaman, another foreigner, makes a similar confession of knowledge after seeing God's power.
General
What qualities does Jethro say the new judges must have (Exodus 18:21)?
Answer: Ability, fear of God, trustworthiness, and hatred of dishonest gain
Jethro tells Moses to choose able men who fear God, who can be trusted, and who hate dishonest gain, and to put them in charge of groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens (18:21). Character comes first: to fear God means to honor Him and take Him seriously, and a judge who hates bribes will not twist justice for money. The law later forbids taking bribes, and the New Testament requires church leaders not to be greedy for money.
- Exodus 18:21 (BSB)“Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.”Jethro describes the character required of the men who will judge.
- 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 (BSB)“Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.””Jehoshaphat charges judges to fear the LORD and remember that He permits no injustice or bribery.
- Exodus 23:8 (BSB)“Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.”The law forbids taking a bribe, the corruption the judges were to hate.
- Titus 1:7 (BSB)“As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.”Requires church overseers not to be greedy for money, a parallel character requirement for leaders.
Theological
What criteria does Jethro set for the appointed judges in Exodus 18:21?
Answer: Capability, the fear of God, trustworthiness, and hatred of dishonest gain
The men are to be capable, God-fearing, trustworthy, and averse to unjust gain, set over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens (18:21). The criteria join competence with godly character, with the fear of God as the root of integrity. The same concerns appear in Jehoshaphat's charge to judges (2 Chronicles 19:6-7), in the law's prohibition of bribes (Exodus 23:8), and in the requirement that overseers not be greedy for money (Titus 1:7).
- Exodus 18:21 (BSB)“Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.”Jethro describes the character required of the men who will judge.
- 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 (BSB)“Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.””Jehoshaphat charges judges to fear the LORD and remember that He permits no injustice or bribery.
- Exodus 23:8 (BSB)“Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.”The law forbids taking a bribe, the corruption the judges were to hate.
- Titus 1:7 (BSB)“As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.”Requires church overseers not to be greedy for money, a parallel character requirement for leaders.
General
Where is Israel camped when Jethro arrives, and how does Moses greet him (Exodus 18:5-7)?
Answer: At God's mountain; Moses goes out, bows down, and kisses him
Jethro brings Zipporah and the boys out into the desert, where Israel is camped at God's mountain (18:5). He sends word ahead, and Moses goes out to meet him, bows down, and kisses him; they ask about each other's well-being and go into the tent (18:6-7). Moses honors Jethro warmly. The place matters too: this is the mountain where God first appeared to Moses and promised that Israel would worship Him there after leaving Egypt.
- Exodus 18:5-7 (BSB)“Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, along with Moses’ wife and sons, came to him in the desert, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.” So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.”Jethro brings Moses' wife and sons to the camp at the mountain of God, and Moses greets him with honor.
- Exodus 3:12 (BSB)““I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.””God had promised that once Israel was brought out, they would worship Him at this very mountain.
- Exodus 3:1 (BSB)“Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.”Identifies Horeb as the mountain of God where Moses first met Him.
- Exodus 4:27 (BSB)“Meanwhile, the LORD had said to Aaron, “Go and meet Moses in the wilderness.” So he went and met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him.”Aaron had earlier met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him, a similar greeting at the same place.
Theological
What is significant about the setting of the reunion in Exodus 18:5?
Answer: It takes place at God's mountain, where the LORD had promised Israel would worship Him after the exodus
Jethro comes with Zipporah and her sons to the camp at God's mountain (18:5), the Horeb where God first met Moses (3:1). Moses receives him with deep respect, bowing and kissing him, and they exchange greetings before entering the tent (18:6-7); Aaron had once greeted Moses in the same way at the same mountain (4:27). The location recalls the sign promised in 3:12: the people brought out of Egypt would worship God at this mountain. That promise is beginning to be fulfilled.
- Exodus 18:5-7 (BSB)“Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, along with Moses’ wife and sons, came to him in the desert, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. He sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.” So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent.”Jethro brings Moses' wife and sons to the camp at the mountain of God, and Moses greets him with honor.
- Exodus 3:12 (BSB)““I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.””God had promised that once Israel was brought out, they would worship Him at this very mountain.
- Exodus 3:1 (BSB)“Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.”Identifies Horeb as the mountain of God where Moses first met Him.
- Exodus 4:27 (BSB)“Meanwhile, the LORD had said to Aaron, “Go and meet Moses in the wilderness.” So he went and met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him.”Aaron had earlier met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him, a similar greeting at the same place.
General
What happens after Jethro's confession (Exodus 18:12)?
Answer: Jethro presents a whole burnt offering plus other sacrifices, and Aaron and the elders eat a meal with him before God
Jethro offers a burnt offering along with other sacrifices, and Aaron and Israel's elders come to share a meal with him in God's presence (18:12). A burnt offering was a sacrifice completely burned on the altar as an act of worship. Sharing a meal before God was a sign of fellowship. The text describes what Jethro does and how Israel's leaders welcome him, without saying more about his spiritual condition.
- Exodus 18:12 (BSB)“Then Moses’ father-in-law Jethro brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God.”Jethro offers sacrifices, and Aaron and the elders share a meal with him before God.
- Genesis 31:54 (BSB)“Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.”Jacob offers a sacrifice and shares a meal with relatives, a similar pairing of sacrifice and fellowship meal.
- Deuteronomy 12:7 (BSB)“There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.”Describes eating and rejoicing in the presence of the LORD, the setting of this meal.
- Exodus 24:11 (BSB)“But God did not lay His hand on the nobles of Israel; they saw Him, and they ate and drank.”Later the leaders of Israel eat and drink in God's presence at the same mountain.
Theological
What does Exodus 18:12 record about worship and fellowship with Jethro?
Answer: Jethro presents sacrifices, including a burnt offering, then shares a meal with Aaron and the elders before God
Jethro presents a burnt offering along with other sacrifices, and Aaron and all Israel's elders come to eat with him in God's presence (18:12). Sacrifice followed by a shared meal marks fellowship before God, as in Genesis 31:54 and in the later pattern of eating and rejoicing before the LORD (Deuteronomy 12:7); Israel's leaders will again eat in God's presence at this mountain (24:11). The text records the worship and the welcome without pronouncing further on Jethro's standing before God.
- Exodus 18:12 (BSB)“Then Moses’ father-in-law Jethro brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God.”Jethro offers sacrifices, and Aaron and the elders share a meal with him before God.
- Genesis 31:54 (BSB)“Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.”Jacob offers a sacrifice and shares a meal with relatives, a similar pairing of sacrifice and fellowship meal.
- Deuteronomy 12:7 (BSB)“There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.”Describes eating and rejoicing in the presence of the LORD, the setting of this meal.
- Exodus 24:11 (BSB)“But God did not lay His hand on the nobles of Israel; they saw Him, and they ate and drank.”Later the leaders of Israel eat and drink in God's presence at the same mountain.
General
True or False: In Exodus 18:17-18, Jethro tells Moses that his way of judging is not good, because it will wear out both Moses and the people.
Answer: True
This is true. Jethro says directly that Moses' present practice is not good. Both Moses and the people will be exhausted, because the work is more than one man can carry (18:17-18). Good intentions do not make an arrangement wise. Moses later admits the same thing, saying he could not carry the people's burdens by himself.
- Exodus 18:17-18 (BSB)“But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.”Jethro warns that the arrangement is not good and will exhaust both Moses and the people.
- Numbers 11:14 (BSB)“I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me.”Moses later confesses that he cannot carry the whole people alone because the burden is too heavy.
- Deuteronomy 1:9-12 (BSB)“At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone. The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised. But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself?”Moses recalls telling Israel that he could not bear their burdens and disputes by himself.
Theological
True or False: Jethro's verdict in Exodus 18:17-18 is that the arrangement is not good, since it will exhaust both Moses and the people.
Answer: True
This is true. Jethro judges that the practice is not good: both Moses and the people will wear themselves out, for the burden exceeds what Moses can bear by himself (18:17-18). The problem is not Moses' faithfulness but the structure. Moses himself later confesses the same limitation (Numbers 11:14; Deuteronomy 1:9-12).
- Exodus 18:17-18 (BSB)“But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.”Jethro warns that the arrangement is not good and will exhaust both Moses and the people.
- Numbers 11:14 (BSB)“I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me.”Moses later confesses that he cannot carry the whole people alone because the burden is too heavy.
- Deuteronomy 1:9-12 (BSB)“At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone. The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised. But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself?”Moses recalls telling Israel that he could not bear their burdens and disputes by himself.
General
True or False: According to Exodus 18:2, Moses had earlier sent his wife Zipporah back, and Jethro had taken in her and both of her sons.
Answer: True
This is true. Exodus 18:2 explains that Moses had sent Zipporah back, and that Jethro had taken in both her and the two boys. Earlier, Moses had set out for Egypt taking Zipporah and the boys along (4:20). The Bible does not say exactly when or why he sent them back, but now Jethro brings the family to be reunited with Moses in the desert.
- Exodus 18:2-4 (BSB)“After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her, along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.” The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, “The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.””The narrator recalls that Jethro had taken in Zipporah and her two sons, and explains the sons' names.
- Exodus 2:21 (BSB)“Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.”Records Moses' marriage to Zipporah, Jethro's daughter.
- Exodus 4:20 (BSB)“So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.”Shows that Moses had earlier set out for Egypt with his wife and sons, before they are later found back with Jethro.
Theological
True or False: Exodus 18:2 records that Zipporah and both of her sons had been sent back by Moses and received by Jethro before this reunion.
Answer: True
This is true. The narrator notes that Moses had sent Zipporah back and that Jethro had taken in both her and the two boys (18:2). Moses had set out for Egypt with Zipporah and the boys (4:20), and the text does not specify when or why they returned to Midian; it simply explains why they now arrive with Jethro. The reunion completes the family circle of the man God used to deliver Israel.
- Exodus 18:2-4 (BSB)“After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her, along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.” The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, “The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.””The narrator recalls that Jethro had taken in Zipporah and her two sons, and explains the sons' names.
- Exodus 2:21 (BSB)“Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.”Records Moses' marriage to Zipporah, Jethro's daughter.
- Exodus 4:20 (BSB)“So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.”Shows that Moses had earlier set out for Egypt with his wife and sons, before they are later found back with Jethro.