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This week’s Torah portion Yitro, meaning Jethro is relatively short, but one of the most theologically complex of the Torah portions. It covers Moses’ reunion with Jethro his father-in-law, Israel’s encounter with Adonai at Mount Sinai, and the giving of the Decalogue – The Ten Commandments).
Chapter eighteen opens with Jethro, priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, learning how Adonai miraculously delivered the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. He arrives at the camp with Moses’wife Zipporah, and their two sons, Gershom, and Eliezer. Because of his spiritual experience, Moses named his sons Gershom, meaning “a stranger there,” and Eliezer, “my God is a help.”
Moses tells Jethro of his difficult journey through the wilderness, and the many ways Adonai had demonstrated His power and faithfulness. Jethro rejoices, recognizing Adonai’s divine hand at work in Israel’s liberation. He acknowledges the Lord’s supremacy over all other gods, by offering sacrifices to Adonai with Aaron and the elders, followed by a communal meal. God transformed the heart of this Gentile.
The next day Jethro observes the people going to Moses all day long for spiritual counseling and to settle disputes. He advises Moses to delegate authority by appointing competent, trustworthy, God-fearing men to serve as judges to handle lesser disputes, using a hierarchy of leadership. This would free up Moses to handle the more complex and significant matters. Jethro’s counsel emphasizes the importance of Moses’ primary role of interceding for the people, seek Adonai’s guidance and direction, instruct them in His Commandments and principles, and to ensure that they have a clear understanding of God’s will.
Sharing the caseload with qualified leaders would prevent burnout, and ensure the efficient administration of justice. This structure would not only reduce Moses’ burden, but also provide a framework for future leadership within the nation of Israel. No doubt, Jethro returned to Midian a changed man. I would imagine he shared the wonderful revelation of the One True God with his people.
In chapter nineteen, roughly two months after leaving Egypt, Israel arrived at the wilderness of Sinai, where they set up camp, after which God gave Moses specific instructions how they were to prepare themselves to meet with Him. Purification and separation highlight the holiness of God, and the need for Israel to be set apart for this unique encounter. He has chosen them out of all the nations of the earth to be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. What a privilege!
On the morning of the third day, the Creator, the King of the universe appears and speaks to His newly-formed nation. What a mighty revelation! Clouds cover the mountain, lightning fills the sky, the sound of thunder resonates across the atmosphere, and the loud extended blast of a heavenly shofar is heard. The mountain is filled with thick smoke, and quakes; and the people are struck with awe, and fear of the One true God! The presence of Adonai was so powerful upon the mountain, that He told Moses to warn the Israelis not to go beyond the barrier, and that the priests who serve Him must first purify themselves before coming into His presence. Anyone who disobeys His words will be put to death.
Chapter twenty begins with Adonai speaking directly to Israel, giving His Ten Commandments. This direct communication emphasizes the divine origin and authority of His commandments. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” This unparalleled act of redemption is the foundation for Israel’s obedience to Him.
Notice that His commandments are all relational, as He brings His beloved Israel into a covenant relationship with Him. The first four commandments involve our relationship with God, and the last six, with each other. This is why Yeshua said that loving God with our whole being, and loving our neighbor as ourselves are the sum of all the commandments.
When God was done speaking, the people were so terrified by His holy and overwhelming presence, that they asked Moses to speak to them instead of hearing directly from God, fearing they would die if God continued speaking directly to them. Moses reassured them that God was testing their willingness to fear Him, which will prevent them from sinning against Him.
The chapter concludes with God’s instructions for worship. Adonai isn’t some impersonal force, but the God who loves, intimately involved in the affairs of mankind, to save us, rescue us, redeem us, and deliver us.
In closing, this Torah portion teaches us that Adonai is in control of Israel’s history. He chose Moses to deliver them from Egyptian slavery, prepared him forty years in the wilderness to become their leader, and connected him with Jethro, who gave him wise council.
Furthermore, God will always keep His Covenant with Israel, His treasured possession, because His love for His people never wavers. As He redeemed them from physical slavery, He also redeems us from the slavery of sin and death. The redeeming grace of God to man is powerful and incomprehensible… and without cost! There’s nothing we’ve done, or could ever do to earn it. It’s His free gift!
God’s commandments were a gift of grace, giving Israel, and us, a better way to live, which shows His love for His people. His commandments teach us how to worship Him, and live together in peace, if we’ll just obey.
Consider this: had there been no Covenant with Israel, then there would be no Israel, and if no Israel, then no Messiah to reconcile us to God. But thanks be to God that Messiah Yeshua perfectly fulfilled the law for us. He became the ultimate sacrifice for sins, making forgiveness and reconciliation to God, and eternal life possible. We’re not justified by the law, but by Yeshua’s perfect life and obedience to God.