Jethro's Counsel

Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law to Moses, traveled to the wilderness camp near the mount of God. He brought with him Zipporah, whom Moses had sent away, and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 18:2-5). Upon meeting, Moses recounted all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for the sake of Israel, including the hardships they encountered on their journey. Jethro rejoiced, acknowledged the greatness of the Lord above all gods, and offered a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, after which Aaron and the elders of Israel joined him for a meal (Exodus 18:8-12).

The following day, Jethro observed Moses sitting to judge the people from morning until evening. He questioned why Moses sat alone while all the people stood around him. Moses explained that the people came to him to inquire of God and to have their disputes settled according to God's statutes. Jethro stated that the practice was not good and would cause both Moses and the people to wear away because the burden was too heavy to be borne alone (Exodus 18:14-18).

Jethro advised Moses to remain the people’s representative before God but to teach them the ordinances and laws. He instructed Moses to select able men who feared God, men of truth who hated covetousness, to serve as rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. These men were to judge the people at all times, bringing only great matters to Moses while deciding small matters themselves (Exodus 18:19-22). Moses hearkened to his father-in-law’s voice and implemented the system as described. Afterward, Jethro departed and went his way into his own land (Exodus 18:24-27).