**The Wisdom of Jethro: A Story of Divine Counsel**

The sun hung low over the horizon, casting golden rays across the rugged wilderness of Sinai. The vast encampment of Israel sprawled across the desert, a sea of tents billowing gently in the warm breeze. Smoke curled from countless fires as families prepared their evening meals, the scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread mingling with the dry desert air. At the center of it all stood the tent of Moses, the man who had led them out of Egypt with a mighty hand and outstretched arm.

For days, the people had come to him—men and women with disputes, grievances, and questions about the laws of God. From dawn until dusk, they lined up before his tent, waiting for their turn to seek his judgment. Moses sat on a simple wooden stool, his face lined with weariness, his shoulders heavy with the burden of leadership. He listened patiently to each case, weighing their words carefully before rendering a decision according to the statutes of the Lord. But the work was unending, and even a man as steadfast as Moses grew exhausted.

### **The Arrival of Jethro**

Word spread quickly through the camp when a small caravan approached from the east. At its head rode Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses’ father-in-law. Beside him walked Zipporah, Moses’ wife, and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. They had been separated for many months, ever since Moses had returned to Egypt to confront Pharaoh. Now, at last, they were reunited.

Moses, hearing of their arrival, rose from his seat and hurried out to meet them. His heart swelled with joy as he embraced his wife and sons, kissing them tenderly. Then he turned to Jethro, bowing low in respect before clasping his hands warmly.

“Father,” Moses said, his voice thick with emotion, “you honor us with your presence. Come, rest and eat with us. There is much to speak of.”

Jethro nodded, his wise eyes taking in the sight of the great camp. “The Lord has done mighty things for you, my son,” he murmured. “I have heard of all He has done—how He delivered you from Pharaoh’s hand, how He parted the sea, and how He has sustained you in this wilderness.”

That evening, Moses hosted a feast in Jethro’s honor. The elders of Israel gathered, and they ate together, sharing stories of God’s faithfulness. Jethro listened intently, his heart stirred with reverence. When the meal was finished, he lifted his hands and offered a sacrifice to the Lord. “Blessed be the Lord,” he declared, “who has rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians! Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods.”

### **A Burden Too Heavy to Bear**

The next morning, Jethro rose early and walked with Moses to the place of judgment. Already, a crowd had gathered, their voices rising in a clamor of disputes and pleas. Moses took his seat and began to hear their cases one by one.

Jethro watched in silence as the hours passed. The sun climbed higher, its heat pressing down upon them, yet still the people came. Some argued over property, others over debts, and still others sought guidance on matters of worship. Moses listened to each one, weighing their words with care before pronouncing God’s judgments.

By midday, Jethro could bear it no longer. He stepped forward and placed a hand on Moses’ shoulder. “What is this thing that you are doing?” he asked gently. “Why do you sit alone, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?”

Moses sighed, rubbing his tired eyes. “The people come to me to seek God’s will. When they have a dispute, they bring it to me, and I decide between the parties. I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.”

Jethro shook his head. “What you are doing is not good. You and these people will only wear yourselves out. The task is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”

### **A Plan for Shared Leadership**

That evening, as the camp settled into quiet, Jethro sat with Moses by the fire. The stars glittered overhead, a vast canopy of light stretching across the desert sky.

“Listen to my counsel,” Jethro said, his voice steady and wise. “You must be the people’s representative before God, bringing their cases to Him. Teach them the statutes and laws, showing them the way to live and the duties they must perform. But as for the daily disputes—select capable men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate dishonest gain. Appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Let them serve as judges for the people at all times. Only the most difficult cases should be brought to you; the simple ones they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, for they will share it with you.”

Moses listened carefully, his brow furrowed in thought. He knew Jethro spoke with wisdom, for the burden had indeed become too great for one man.

“If you do this,” Jethro continued, “and if God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

### **A New Order Established**

Moses recognized the truth in Jethro’s words. The next morning, he gathered the elders and the most respected men of Israel. He explained the new system, instructing them in their duties. From among them, he appointed leaders—men of integrity, wisdom, and reverence for God. They were given authority to judge the smaller matters, while the most complex cases would still be brought before Moses.

The change was immediate. The people no longer had to wait for days to have their disputes resolved. Justice flowed more swiftly, and Moses was no longer overwhelmed. He could focus on teaching the laws of God and interceding for the people, rather than being consumed by endless disputes.

Before Jethro departed to return to his own land, Moses embraced him once more. “Your counsel has been a gift from the Lord,” he said gratefully. “May He go with you and bless your household.”

Jethro smiled, his eyes filled with quiet satisfaction. “The Lord has shown His favor upon you, Moses. Walk in His ways, and He will guide you always.”

With that, Jethro mounted his donkey and rode away, leaving behind a people strengthened by wisdom and order—a people ready to continue their journey toward the land of promise.

And so, under the watchful eyes of God, Israel moved forward, upheld not by the strength of one man alone, but by the shared wisdom of many.