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Exodus 18:1-27 open_in_new
The Visit of Jethro
1. On the name Jethro, see Exodus 2:16, and on Midian, Exodus 2:15.
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Exodus 18:2 open_in_new
Sent her back] see on Exodus 4:26.
3, 4. See on Exodus 2:22.
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Exodus 18:5 open_in_new
The mount of God] Horeb or Sinai: see on Exodus 3:1.
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Exodus 18:11 open_in_new
See on Exodus 15:11. The second half of the v. is obscure. RV reads, 'yea, in the thing wherein they (the Egyptians) dealt proudly against them (the Israelites).'
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Exodus 18:12 open_in_new
The burnt offering was wholly consumed upon the altar, and signified the complete devotion of the offerer to God: see Leviticus 1. The sacrifices were peace offerings, and were consumed by the offerers in token of fellowship with God and each other: see Leviticus 3 and on Numbers 22:40. Before God] at the place consecrated by the offering of the sacrifices: see on Exodus 16:9 and Exodus 19:22.
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Exodus 18:15 open_in_new
To enquire of God] This phrase is explained by the words that follow at the end of the next v., I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws: cp. 1 Samuel 9:9. Already we see that the decisions given by Moses are regarded by the people as possessing divine sanction.
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Exodus 18:19 open_in_new
And God shall be with thee] RV 'and God be with thee,' i.e. may God grant thee the needed wisdom.
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Exodus 18:21 open_in_new
Hating covetousness] A judge must be above bribery. Bribery was, and still is, a common Oriental vice, and is frequently referred to in Scripture: cp. Exodus 23:8; 1 Samuel 8:3; 1 Samuel 12:3; Psalms 15:5; Isaiah 1:23; Amos 5:12; Micah 3:9-11.
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Exodus 18:23 open_in_new
If. God command thee so] Jethro does not presume to dictate to Moses. The matter must be referred to God for sanction: cp. Deuteronomy 1:9-18. To their place] Each one to his tent, satisfied with the expeditious settlement of his case, instead of waiting all day, as hitherto: see Exodus 18:13.
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Exodus 18:25 open_in_new
According to Deuteronomy 1:13 it appears that Moses left the selection of the 'able men' to the people. Cp. Acts 6:3.