Thinking Torah Blog

Jethro, priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard all that God had done for Moses and for Israel, God's people, how the Eternal had brought Israel out from Egypt. - Exodus 18:1

TORAH, Exodus 18:1–20:23

SUMMARY
• Yitro brings his daughter Zipporah and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to his son-in-law Moses. (18:1-12)
• Moses follows Yitro's advice and appoints judges to help him lead the people. (18:13-27)
• The Children of Israel camp in front of Mount Sinai. Upon hearing the covenant, the Israelites respond, "All that God has spoken we will do." (19:1-8)
• After three days of preparation, the Israelites encounter God at Mount Sinai. (19:9-25)
• God gives the Ten Commandments aloud directly to the people. (20:1-14)
• Frightened, the Children of Israel ask Moses to serve as an intermediary between God and them. Moses tells the people not to be afraid. (20:15-18)