Time & Place
- Time: 1491 BC (Exod 18:1; 19:1)
- Location: Wilderness near Mount Sinai / Horeb (Exod 18:5; 3:1)
Where Are We in the Text?
- Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, comes to Moses in the wilderness after hearing of the LORD’s deliverance of Israel (Exod 18:1–6).
- Moses recounts the LORD’s acts in delivering Israel from Egypt; Jethro rejoices and offers sacrifice to God (Exod 18:8–12).
- Moses judges the people alone from morning until evening (Exod 18:13).
- Jethro advises the delegation of judicial responsibility; qualified men are appointed as rulers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens (Exod 18:14–26).
- Jethro departs and returns to his own land (Exod 18:27).
Key Persons
- Moses — Leader of Israel and sole judge prior to delegation (Exod 18:13–16).
- Jethro — Priest of Midian, father-in-law of Moses, advisor in administrative organization (Exod 18:1, 5–6, 9–24).
- Zipporah — Wife of Moses, brought to him by Jethro (Exod 18:2).
- Gershom and Eliezer — Sons of Moses (Exod 18:3–4).
Where Are We in Time?
- The chapter occurs after the defeat of Amalek and prior to Israel’s arrival at Mount Sinai (Exod 17:8–16; 19:1–2).
- Israel has been delivered from Egypt but has not yet received the Mosaic Law (Exod 12–14; 20).
- The events take place during the early wilderness journey.
Where Are We on the Map?
- Wilderness near Horeb: Region associated with Moses’ earlier calling and Israel’s encampment before Sinai (Exod 3:1; 18:5).
- Approach to Sinai: Transitional location immediately preceding Israel’s formal encampment at the mountain (Exod 19:1–2).
Where Are We in God’s Program? (Dispensational)
- Israel is a redeemed nation being administratively organized prior to covenant legislation (Exod 12:51; 18:21–26).
- Leadership structure is established before the giving of the Mosaic Law (Exod 19–20).
- Civil and judicial order precede formal covenant statutes.
Why This Matters
- The chapter records the establishment of delegated leadership and judicial administration within Israel (Exod 18:17–26).
- It prepares the nation for covenant reception by organizing responsibility and authority.
How This Chapter Relates to What Follows
- Israel arrives and encamps at Mount Sinai (Exod 19:1–2).
- The LORD will then give the Mosaic Covenant and Law (Exod 19–24).
Summary Orientation
- Jethro visits Moses in the wilderness (Exod 18:1–6).
- Judicial responsibility is delegated among qualified men (Exod 18:17–26).
- Israel is administratively prepared for covenant reception at Sinai (Exod 19:1–2).