The Pulpit Commentary — Exodus — Volume 2 — Section 86

Vers. 6-12.-Jilriendship in if.s loft,iest form. "They asked each other of their welfare." Ex. xviii 7. The visit of Jethro comes between the agony of Rephidim and the solemnities of "Sinai," like the insertion of a sweet pastoral poem between two tragedies. Something may be learnt from it as to what should characterise friendship in its highest form, that is, between two devout souls, as consecrated and elevated by religion. L CoNBTANCY. Moses and Jethro met as in the earlier years; no assumption with Moses, no sycophancy with Jethro. 11. CouRTESY. Ver. 7. The nearer our relations to each other, the more indispen- sable this grace. III. MUTUAL SOLICITUDE. Ver. 7. IV. INTERCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE. Vers. 8--11. Happy time, when the deeper experiences (religioUB) can be exchanged to mutual advantage. V. COMMUNION IN WORSHIP. Ver. 12. It is clear that Jethro and Moses were one as to Monotheism, in their common possession of the great Divine traditions of the rare. Jethro spiritually was in the descent of Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Melchisedek. For him but one God, the God of heaven and earth, and therefore the God of Israel. Contrast with Amalek ! Hence the sacrifice and the sacrificial feast. VI. FIDELITY IN GIVING COUNCIL. Vere. 14, 17-23. Great courage required. VIL HUMILITY IN RECEIVING IT. This the moral attitude of Moses. VIII. AN ULTIMATE REFERENCE IN ALL INTEBCOURBE TO THE DIVINE FRIEND. Ver. 23. "And God commanded thee so." IX. SYMPATHY AS TO GB.EAT OBJECT. Jethro knew the destiny of Israel, and was concerned for the reali.sation. X. PEACEFUL PARTING AT LIFE'S DIVERGING PATHS. Ver. 27. Apply this to moral and intellectual cross-roads; &nd to that which is so difficult--a.greeing to differ- aud that with mutual respect and affection. All in view and hope of the perfect e.nd immortal amity that is beyond the eky.-R. Vers. 1-12.-Jethro's visit-Moses in his domestic relatwns. In this visit of Jethro three persons are brought prominently before us-Moses, Jethro, his father-in- aw, and Zipporah, his wife. Let us consider the details of the visit in their bearing on e.11 these three persoI),6. I. UN MosY.s. Moses is usually seen either in the vresence of God or in the presenC-'3 CH. XVIII. 1-12.] THE BOOK OF EXODUS. 89