Yitro (Jethro) : Exodus 18–20:23

Yitro is the literal Hebrew behind the name Jethro. The title comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which says, “Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people” (Exodus 18:1). This portion recounts how Jethro, having heard of the miraculous Exodus and God's deliverance of Israel, visits the Israelite camp in the wilderness. He observes Moses struggling to single-handedly judge the people and offers wise counsel, advising him to appoint capable leaders to share the burden of governance. The reading then shifts to the awe-inspiring theophany at Mount Sinai, where God descends in fire and smoke, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and the sound of the shofar. It is here that God proclaims the Ten Commandments, establishing the foundation of Israel’s covenant with Him and calling the people to a set apart life.

Questions this week

1. (A) Why do you think it was so significant that God reminded the children of Israel once again about their exodus from Egypt and all their inheritance promises, before giving them the 10 commandments? (Exodus 19:1-9).

2. (A) What would be the significance of the number 3 which keeps repeating in chapter 19?

3. (B) Is there a correlation between the 10 plagues and the 10 Words?

The 10 plagues are the means God uses to bring Israel out of slavery in Egypt. It has been suggested that 10 Words are the means God uses get the Egypt out of Israel.

I wonder if anyone is interested in exploring whether there is any correlation between the what the two 'tens' are aiming at.