Exodus 18 Summary: A Concise Overview in 5 Minutes

Exodus 18 Summary - A Quick Overview

WHEN:

• God delivered the Israelites from slavery in approximately 1491 B.C.

• The events in Exodus 16 occurred 1 month after the Exodus (16:1). The events of Exodus 18 took place within the 2nd or 3rd month after the Hebrews left Egypt (19:1).

CHARACTERS:

• Israelites (Hebrews) – They were the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and they grew into a great nation of people during their time in Egypt.   

• Moses – A Hebrew who grew up in the house of Pharaoh. He fled Egypt in Exodus 2 and went to live in Midian. God called him back to Egypt to deliver the Israelites from slavery.

• Jethro – The priest of Midian and Moses’ father-in-law.

WHERE:

• In chapter 17, the Israelites left the wilderness of Sin and camped in Rephidim (17:1).

• They remained in Rephidim until they went to Mount Sinai (19:1).

OUTLINE:

• JETHRO VISITS MOSES (18:1-12):

  • Moses’ father-in-law came to visit Moses in the wilderness and brought Moses’ wife, Zipporah, and his two sons, Gershom and Eliezer.

  • Moses went out to meet Jethro, bowed down before him, and kissed him.

  • Moses recounted all that God had done in Egypt and how He delivered His people from Pharaoh.

  • Jethro praised God and brought “a burnt offering and sacrifices” to worship.

  • He said, “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods.”

• JETHRO’S ADVICE TO MOSES (18:13-27):

  • The next day, Moses returned to his usual daily routine of advising and judging the people.

  • From morning till evening, the people came to Moses to ask for direction from God or to settle disputes.

  • Jethro told Moses it wasn’t wise for him to busy himself 24/7 with all the small problems in the camp of Israel.

  • Jethro said the job was too much for one man to handle and if Moses continued he would certainly burn himself out.

  • Jethro advised Moses to delegate the work.

  • Moses would represent the people to the Lord, handle all the big problems, and teach the laws of God to the Israelites.

  • Trustworthy men would be selected to handle smaller problems. These men would oversee groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.  

  • Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and selected quality men to judge the people.

  • Afterwards, Jethro departed and returned to his country.

APPLICATION:

• Great men don’t dismiss wise counsel.  

• There is no doubt Moses was a great man.

• “Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants and in the sight of the people” (11:3).

• That said, he wasn’t too proud to hear advise and to implement good advice when he received it.

• If you ever find yourself in a position of authority, mimic Moses’ humility.