Moses let his father-in-law depart— See Numbers 10:29; Numbers 10:36 from whence it appears, that Moses had the highest opinion of Jethro, and an earnest desire to have retained him, observing, in very strong terms, that he might be to them instead of eyes; and, indeed, from this specimen, one cannot fail to entertain a very great idea of Jethro's worth and wisdom. It is observed that the Rechabites, whose piety and virtue Jeremiah (ch. 35:) so much commends, came from the country of Jethro, (see 1 Chronicles 2:55.) who being, as we have remarked, a true believer before, was, no doubt, more zealous to support and propagate the right faith from the knowledge which he now acquired of God's miraculous interposition for Israel. What became of Zipporah and her children we have no further account. The disinterestedness of Moses is manifest throughout his history: intent upon the interests of the people of Israel, he never appears to have the aggrandizing of his own family in view.
REFLECTIONS.—Moses was their lawgiver and judge, as well as their deliverer; and faithful was he in the trust committed to him.
1. Observe how he is employed to decide in all matters of controversy, and to inform them in all doubtful cases concerning the will of God; easy of access, diligent and laborious in his office, and never diverted from the calls of business by any avocations. The greater a man is, the more useful he should labour to be. The servant of the public must not seek his own pleasure, but the good of the people.
2. Jethro's observation hereupon. It was inconvenient for the people, and too much for himself. The excess of business was attended with delay, and the greatness of the fatigue would shortly kill him. Note; (1.) A zealous minister is apt sometimes to forget that his bones are not brass, or his sinews iron, and even in well-doing may detroy himself; but this is neither for God's glory, nor the people's good. The continuance of his life and ministry is more desirable; and God is too great a master to need, and too good a master to require us to labour above our strength.
3. Jethro's advice, and Moses's approbation of it. Judges are accordingly appointed in several divisions, and in subordination one to another. Note; As we have reason to be thankful for the administration of justice, it is a farther privilege that we have a right of appeal to higher courts, where wrong determinations may be reversed, and equity soften the rigour of the letter of the law.
4. Jethro's return. It is pleasing to be with our friends: but we have calls at home which demand our presence, and we may then part with comfort, when, like Moses and Jethro, we have profited by each other's conversation.