1. A Visit From Jethro - Verses 1-2
These scriptures give us some new information about Moses. He had sent Zipporah his wife back to Midian. This probably occurred after the events of Exodus 4:24-26. Moses no doubt saw that her presence would be a hindrance in Egypt. There is no evidence that she ever aided Moses in God's work. While wives are to help their husbands in God’s work as well as other in other way (Genesis 2:18), an uncooperative wife is no excuse for a man to be unfaithful to God.

2. Moses' Sons - Verses 3-4
Jethro was a wise man. As much as he enjoyed the company of the daughter and grandsons he knew that they belonged with Moses. It is a foolish parent who does not encourage children in their marriages (Titus 2:3-5).

3. The Mount Of God - Verses 5-6
Only Sinai was referred to as the Mount of God. The mountain was in Jethro's neighborhood (Exodus 3:1). Horeb seems to have been the range of mountains in which Sinai was found.

4. A Happy Reunion - Verses 7-12
In typical eastern fashion the wife and children are kept in the background. Moses and Jethro met in an affectionate manner. What a wonderful example we have here of godly fellowship. Their reunion took on the form of a worship service. Moses told of God's great works since they had last met. Jethro praised God for His greatness and worshipped Him with an offering. Aaron and the elders were included in a feast of celebration to honor God. The feast was said to be held "before God" in verse 12.

5. Moses' Heavy Load - Verses 13-16
No group of people can live together without laws and arbitration. The law of Moses came from God and represented His holy character. At this point Moses carried the load of dealing with the legal problems of nearly two million people. Doubtless it was a crushing load.

6. Jethro's Advice - Verses 17-26
Jethro proposed a division of labor. Men were appointed at different levels down to the one who judged over ten families. This somewhat resembles our own judicial system with its various courts of appeal. In all of this Jethro revealed himself to be a wise man. Consider now the following:
a. Jethro recognized that the present system would soon crush Moses and frustrate the people who would tire of waiting. Even in America we speak of the right to a "speedy trial."
b. Jethro recognized the unique position of Moses as the one who received God's law (verse 19) and thus the final authority in legal questions (verse 22).
c. Jethro recognized the need for not only the judges but the people to be taught God's law (verses 19-20). A civilization must have citizens who know the content and reasons behind their laws. As our nation turns from God she is undermining the divine authority of her laws and inviting anarchy.
d. Jethro realized that his plan could only be implemented if God so permitted (verse 23).
e. May we also learn from Jethro the importance of a division of labor in God’s work. Members are to use the gift that God gives them in the work of the church (I Corinthians 12:11-12). Pastors must beware of becoming so busy that they fail to do the more important work. This is why deacons are to be ordained (Acts 6:1-6). The pastor is to train others to do God's work, not do it all himself.

7. Jethro's Departure - Verse 27