18:1
We now encounter Jethro again. We have had the big supernatural events, the plagues, parting of the Red Sea, water from the rock, etc. Now we get more mundane events. God is interested in both, and both are necessary for success in life. Jethro is Moses’ father-in-law, and the priest of Midian. He is presented as a trustworthy and wise man. He clearly has respect for the Lord, but was he a “believer”? Arguments can be made both ways. It is perhaps best just to go with what the Bible clearly tells us, which is that he honoured the Lord, was wise, and Moses respected him. This then leads to the question of taking advice from non-believers. Some seem to want us to take all our “wisdom” from the world. This is clearly not a good idea, especially in matters of morality, but also taking on board all the world’s practices is not wise either. However, to totally discount all wisdom from good people does not seem to be justified by the Bible (including Jesus), nor a wise approach. I think we have to take a sensible middle course.
18:2-4
Jethro had heard how God had released the Israelites. Earlier Moses had sent Zipporah and his children back to Jethro, and now Jethro returns with them. Moses had given them the names of Gershom (I have been a sojourner in a foreign land), and Eliezer (The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh).
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