출애굽기 Chapter 18

Translation: ESV

1

Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.

Key Message

God's saving acts become known to the foreign world beyond Israel's boundaries, and that news draws forth the faith confessions of foreigners.

▸Jethro heard news of the Exodus while remaining in Midian.

Jethro heard news of the Exodus while remaining in Midian. This shows that God's saving acts became known to the foreign world beyond the boundaries of Israel. Jethro later praises the God of Israel (v. 11), becoming a model of a foreigner acknowledging Israel's God.

Related Verses

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction.
11

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.

Key Message

Even foreigners can come to faith through hearing of God's saving acts, showing that the gospel has a universal character that transcends particular ethnic groups.

▸Jethro, as a foreigner, confesses the greatness of Yahweh.

17

Moses' father-in-law said to him, 'What you are doing is not good.'

Key Message

A great leader humbly receives wise counsel from any source, including foreigners, and delegation and teamwork are the foundations of sustainable leadership.

▸Jethro frankly criticizes Moses' method of handling all judicial matters alone.

21

Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Key Message

The core qualities of a leader are not only competence but also fear of God, trustworthiness, and freedom from greed, and these moral standards are the foundation of effective leadership.

▸The four qualities of leadership Jethro proposes—ability, fear of God, trustworthiness, and hatred of unjust gain—are completely valid as leadership criteria even today.