Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard of all that God had done for Moses and the people of Israel when He led them out of Egypt. Then Jethro brought Zipporah, Moses’ wife, and her two sons whose names were Gershom and Eliezer into the desert where Moses was camped at the holy mountain. Moses told him all that the Lord had done to the king and the people of Egypt for rescuing the Israelites. Jethro was happy and said, “Praise the Lord, who saved you from the king and the people of Egypt! Praise the Lord, who saved His people from slavery! I know that the Lord is far greater than all the gods.” Jethro took a burned offering and made it whole for sacrifices to be offered to God, and Aaron and all the leaders of Israel went with him to eat the sacred meal as an act of worship.
Moses was busy handling disputes so that the people may learn about God’s will, commands and laws. Jethro said to Moses, “You are not doing this right. This is too much work to do alone. I will give you some advice and God will be with you. You should choose some capable men and appoint them as leaders of the people who fear God and can be trusted. Let them serve as judges on a permanent basis. It will be easier for you as they share your burden. If you do this as God commands, you won’t wear yourself out and the people will go home with their disputes settled.” Moses did what Jethro had said. He chose capable men and appointed them. The men served as judges for the people and Jethro went back home.