The Torah portion Yitro contains the momentous story of the giving of the Ten Commandments. It's been described as "The birthday of the Jewish people". However, before this transformative event, there was another pivotal turn, sometimes overlooked, in the saga of the wandering desert Hebrews.
Moses Meets Jethro
When Moses was fleeing Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster, he came across a well in the land of Midian. There, he stood up for the seven daughters of the priest of Midian, Jethro, who were being harassed while trying to water their flock. Moses then followed the women back to Jethro's camp and ended up marrying his daughter, Zipporah. Years later after the dramatic Exodus from Egypt, we pick up on Moses leading the Israelites through the wilderness.
Moses Reaches Burnout
The pressure and fatigue of administering this fledgling nation by himself was starting to wear on him. The constant bickering, need for rulings and guidance, and overall complaining to their leader Moses was bringing him down. Indeed, he was close to burnout.
Jethro's Wise Intervention
Enter Jethro who, upon hearing about all God and Moses had accomplished in liberating the Israelites, went to meet them with Zipporah and Moses' two sons to reunify the family. The very next day "Jethro observed all that Moses was doing for the people... 'What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?'" (Exodus 18:14).
Moses Implements Jethro's Advice
Moses responded that the people come to him whenever they have a disagreement, seeking God's will and laws to resolve things. "And why do you sit alone, while all the people stand about you from morning until evening?" Jethro immediately recognized that Moses needed administrative help and could not carry this heavy burden alone.
Jethro then advised Moses to set up a hierarchy of assistants, what we now call judges - people who love truth and shun profit - to help bear this enormous load. Moses saw this was good wisdom and followed his father-in-law's insightful plan, sharing his control for the benefit of the Israelites. This allowed him to endure and properly prepare to ascend Mt. Sinai soon thereafter to receive God's teachings and guidance.
Lessons Learned
There is much to glean from this transitional time in the wilderness and Jethro's brief appearance. First is the supreme value of humility. Moses, directly chosen by God to lead His people, still accepted that, in Jethro, there was a man with noteworthy wisdom to share, even though Moses was leading a divine mission. He realized that listening to an outsider's perspective of where the people were spiritually and organizationally could prove invaluable. As it says, a newly arrogant person claims they know it all. A newly humble person realizes there is so much more to learn.
Additionally, being open to input from fathers-in-law is a gift, and Jethro's sense of communal obligation deserves praise. Even though his son-in-law Moses was now, arguably, the most powerful Hebrew leader of the time, Jethro remained concerned about burnout and traveled to impart an outsider's useful advice. Choosing to give constructive feedback to family members, especially when not asked, takes insight and courage.
Finally, right before receiving the Ten Commandments, we see that even Moses needed help to manage one of the most critical projects in human history. How much more so do the rest of us routinely need wise counsel? Whether at work, home, or in relationships, seeking out mentors to offer guidance should be a lifelong practice. One sharp observation from a caring advisor at just the right juncture can alter the entire trajectory of our lives.
Wishing you a wonderful and blessed day! Looking forward to connecting with you in the next post.
Tohar Liani