Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryExodus 18

Jethro's Visit to MosesThis passage describes when Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, visited him in the wilderness before the law was given at Mount Sinai. The events, including sacrifices and Jethro’s advice about judges, fit well here in the story, even though some other Bible passages mention them later. Jethro waited to advise Moses about leadership until after God gave more instructions. This visit was important for both Moses’ family and the nation of Israel.v. 1: Jethro heard about all the great things God had done for Israel and for Moses, especially how the Lord

v. 2–4: Jethro brought Moses’ wife Zipporah and his two sons back to him. Earlier, Moses had sent them home, probably because he thought it would be safer while he faced danger in Egypt (Exodus 4:25 ). Now that Israel was free, Jethro returned them to Moses. The names of Moses’ sons are important. The first son, Gershom, means “a stranger,” reminding Moses and his family that they were foreigners on earth (Exodus 18:3; Genesis 46:11 ). The second son, Eliezer, means “My God is a help.” This name thanks God for saving Moses from Pharaoh (Exodus 18:4 ). These names show that Moses trusted God in hard times and remembered his help.

v. 5–6: Jethro, together with Moses’ wife and sons, came to the place where Moses was camped in the wilderness. Jethro sent a message to Moses saying he had arrived with his family (Exodus 18:5–6 ). This was important because Moses needed his family with him, especially now that he had so much responsibility. Good leaders must also care for their own families (1 Timothy 3:5 ).

Jethro’s Visit to MosesThis passage describes the warm reunion between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro. Even though Moses was now a great leader and prophet, he still showed deep respect and good manners to Jethro. Their meeting was not just a family event, but also a time to share what God had done for Israel. Jethro’s reaction shows how people outside Israel could also appreciate God’s works. Their gratitude and joy were expressed through worship and fellowship together.v. 7: When Jethro arrived, Moses went out to meet him, bowed respectfully, and kissed him as a greeting . They asked each other about their well-being. This shows that even important leaders should act humbly and respectfully in their families. Being close to God does not mean we stop honoring others, especially our relatives.

v. 8: Moses told Jethro all the things that the Lord

v. 9: Jethro was very happy when he heard how good the Lord

v. 10: Jethro blessed the Lord

v. 11: Jethro declared, Now I know that the Lord

v. 12: Jethro, as a priest of Midian, offered burnt offerings and sacrifices to God. Moses and the elders of Israel joined him in a meal before God . Even though Jethro was not an Israelite, he was welcomed to worship and share in the blessings. Sharing meals and worship with others brings people closer to each other and to God. They ate together in God’s presence, thankfully and with respect, as we should also do (1 Corinthians 10:31 ).

Jethro's Advice to MosesThis section describes how Moses worked very hard as a judge for Israel, helping people understand God’s laws and settling their arguments. Jethro, his father-in-law, saw that Moses was doing too much by himself and gave him wise advice. Jethro suggested that Moses should choose other capable men to help him judge the people. This would make things easier for everyone and keep Moses from becoming worn out. The passage shows the importance of good leadership, sharing responsibility, and listening to advice, especially when it comes from wise and caring people.v. 13: The next day, Moses sat to judge the people. From morning until evening, people came to him with their problems . He worked hard to help them, showing great dedication. Even though he was now a powerful leader, Moses was willing to serve everyone, even the least important person.

v. 14–16: When Jethro saw how busy Moses was, he asked, Why do you alone sit as judge while everyone stands before you from morning till evening? (Exodus 18:14 ). Moses explained that people came to him to ask about God’s will and to settle disputes. Moses made known God’s laws and decided what was right (Exodus 18:15–16 ). This was a big responsibility, and Moses took it seriously.

v. 17–18: Jethro told Moses, The thing you are doing is not good. You will surely wear yourself out, and the people will get tired too (Exodus 18:17–18 ). Jethro saw that Moses was taking on too much by himself. Even when we work for God, we need to be wise and not try to do everything alone.

v. 19–20: Jethro advised Moses to keep his special role as the one who prays to God for the people and teaches them God’s laws (Exodus 18:19–20 ). But he also needed to share the work with others. Jethro said Moses should teach the people clearly and help them know how to live and what God expects.

v. 21–22: Jethro told Moses to choose able men from all the people—men who fear God, love the truth, and hate dishonest gain (Exodus 18:21 ). These men would be placed over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. They would judge smaller matters, and only the most difficult cases would be brought to Moses (Exodus 18:22 ). This plan would make things easier for Moses and for all the people.

v. 23: Jethro said Moses should do this only if God agreed: If you do this and God so commands you, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied . Jethro knew that God’s guidance was most important, even when advice seems wise.

v. 24–26: Moses listened to Jethro’s advice and put it into practice (Exodus 18:24 ). He chose capable men as judges for the people. They handled the smaller cases, and the most difficult matters were brought to Moses (Exodus 18:25–26 ). This new system helped Moses and benefited all the people.

v. 27: After this, Jethro returned to his own land (Exodus 18:27 ). He probably shared what he had learned about the Lord