Ex. 18 Jethro cometh to Moses with his wife and his children; their names, Ex. 18:1–5. Moses going to meet his father, does obeisance, Ex. 18:7; and relates to him God’s providence, Ex. 18:8. Jethro’s joy and thanksgiving, Ex. 18:9–10; confesseth God’s power therein, Ex. 18:11.

From the way to Egypt, upon the occasion mentioned Ex. 4:24–25, and because he found by experience that she was likely to hinder him from, or discourage him in, the discharge of his great and dangerous office, and to give an ill example to the Israelites.

Jethro came, not at this time, but after the delivery of the law at Mount Sinai; as it may appear, 1. Because he finds them encamped, as it here follows, at the mount of God, i.e. Sinai, whither they came not till Ex. 19:2. 2.

He spoke, not by word of mouth, as the next verse showeth, but either by a letter, or by a messenger, as that word is used, Matt. 8:6, Matt. 8:8, compared with Luke 7:3, Luke 7:6.

Of their welfare, Heb. of their peace, i.e. prosperity and all happiness, which also they wished one to the other, as this phrase implies. See 1 Sam. 10:4, Ps. 122:6.

For Israel’s sake, or, concerning Israel’s business.

Now I know, viz. more clearly and by certain experience; as that phrase signifies, Gen. 22:12, 1 Kings 17:18, 1 Kings 17:24. For otherwise it is more than probable that Jethro had the knowledge of the true God before this time, not only because he was the great-grandchild of Abraham, but also…

Took a burnt-offering, i.e. gave, or offered; as that verb is used Ps. 68:18, compared with Eph. 4:8, Ex. 25:2. Which he did, that he might publicly testify both his embracing of the true religion, and his thankfulness to God for the great deliverance given to his people, wherein also himself and…

Moses sat as a civil magistrate, by hearing and determining causes and controversies arising among the people.

i.e. Of the mind and will of God, both as to his worship and service and as to their mutual duties to one another. 1 Sam. 9:9.

i.e. Do interpret and apply them to their several cases and circumstances.

Not convenient either for thyself or for the people.

Thou wilt surely waste and destroy thy health and strength by excessive labour of mind and body; and this people, by tedious attendance and expectation ere their turn comes for the decision of their matters.

God shall be with thee, i.e. I doubt not God will assist and bless thee, as well in the course which I propose to thee, as in that which thou now dost use, because God is a God of order, and loves order; and he is a God of mercy, and would not have thee destroy thyself in his work.

Thou alone shalt deliver and explain God’s law to them, which they may apply to their particular causes and occasions, and so end their differences among themselves without giving thee any trouble.

Able men, Heb. men of might, not for strength of body, but for greatness, resolution, courage, and constancy of mind, which is the best preservative against partiality and corruption in judgment, to which men of little minds, or narrow souls, are easily swayed by fears, or hopes, or gifts.

If God approve of the course which I suggest, to whose wisdom I submit my opinion. For Jethro might well think that Moses neither would nor might make so great an alteration in the government without consulting God about it, and expecting his answer.

This is one evidence of that meekness for which Moses is justly magnified, that he disdained not to receive advice from one so much his inferior in wisdom, and learning, and knowledge of the things of God.

Moses chose them not solely, but together with the people, as appears from Deut. 1:13.

i.e. Moses dismissed him honourably. See Num. 10:29.