Explanation: Exodus 18 describes the interaction of Jethro and Moses. Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard about the LORD's deliverance of Israel, so he came to visit Moses and brought Moses' wife Zipporah and his two sons Gershom and Eliezer, all of whom had been living with Jethro while Moses was in Egypt confronting Pharaoh. Moses told him about the bondage of Israel, the hardships along the way, and the deliverance which the Lord gave to them. Jethro rejoiced with them, professed his faith in the greatness of God, and offered sacrifices to the LORD; after which, Moses, the elders, and Jethro had a meal together in the presence of the LORD. This seems to be the point at which Jethro was converted (1-12).
     The next day, as Moses was judging the various complaints which the people were bringing to him, Jethro saw that this was very taxing on Moses, and he proposed (if God so directed) that the burden be shared among able men who could judge most of the cases, leaving the hardest ones for Moses (13-23). Moses accepted the suggestion (presumably with God's approval) and appointed chiefs over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Afterward, Jethro returned home. The method of government devised by Jethro continued as a key governmental structure among the People of Israel throughout its history (24-27).
     [ Sermons: Dominic Smart. James Philip. Eric Alexander.Various. ]
     [ Illustration: Today's paintings focus on the theme of today's chapter, the visit of Jethro to his son in law, Moses. The First Painting takes place in a realistic Near-Eastern setting. It represents the inception of the talks between Moses and Jethro.
     The Second Painting requires some explanation and interpretation. I am using the second painting to represent Jethro and Moses in conference. The figures in the right foreground, however, are commonly referred to as Moses and Aaron. Nevertheless, it seems to me that the figures can be better understood as Jethro and Moses, whatever the artist's intention may have been. My reasons for this interpretation are twofold. First, I can find no account of a conference between Moses and Aaron, such as the one depicted (although they probably conferred at various times in various ways). But, here in Exodus 18, we have an account of what appears to be an animated and extended dialogue or conference between Jethro and Moses. Second, the figure conferring with Moses is gesturing toward the people, and the artist has Moses gesturing in the same direction, making what appears to be a counterpoint. This artistic device comports well with the fact that Jethro, in his conference with Moses, focused on Moses' relationship to the people -- directing Moses' attention to the strain he was under by dealing with all of the problems of all of the people all of the time by himself -- a problem for which Jethro offered a good solution.
     The Third Painting depicts the conclusion of the talk between Jethro and Moses. They reach an agreement and part with good-will. ]

     ²⁴ So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said. ²⁵ And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. ²⁶ And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they bought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. ²⁷ And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.

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