From the Red Sea to Sinai
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Not far distant from where the Israelites were now encamped was
the home of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses. Jethro had heard of
the deliverance of the Hebrews, and he now set out to visit them, and
restore to Moses his wife and two sons. The great leader was informed
by messengers of their approach, and he went out with joy to meet
them, and, the first greetings over, conducted them to his tent. He had
sent back his family when on his way to the perils of leading Israel
from Egypt, but now he could again enjoy the relief and comfort of
their society. To Jethro he recounted the wonderful dealings of God
with Israel, and the patriarch rejoiced and blessed the Lord, and with
Moses and the elders he united in offering sacrifice and holding a
solemn feast in commemoration of God’s mercy.
As Jethro remained in the camp, he soon saw how heavy were
the burdens that rested upon Moses. To maintain order and discipline
among that vast, ignorant, and untrained multitude was indeed a stu-
pendous task. Moses was their recognized leader and magistrate, and
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not only the general interests and duties of the people, but the contro-
versies that arose among them, were referred to him. He had permitted
this, for it gave him an opportunity to instruct them; as he said, “I
do make them know the statutes of God, and His laws.” But Jethro
remonstrated against this, saying, “This thing is too heavy for thee;
thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.” “Thou wilt surely wear
away,” and he counseled Moses to appoint proper persons as rulers of
thousands, and others as rulers of hundreds, and others of tens. They
should be “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetous-
ness.” These were to judge in all matters of minor consequence, while
the most difficult and important cases should still be brought before
Moses, who was to be to the people, said Jethro, “to God-ward, that
thou mayest bring the causes unto God: and thou shalt teach them
ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must
walk, and the work that they must do.” This counsel was accepted, and
it not only brought relief to Moses, but resulted in establishing more
perfect order among the people.
The Lord had greatly honored Moses, and had wrought wonders
by his hand; but the fact that he had been chosen to instruct others did
not lead him to conclude that he himself needed no instruction. The
chosen leader of Israel listened gladly to the suggestions of the godly
priest of Midian, and adopted his plan as a wise arrangement.