Shamuth (Exodus) — 18

Yathru’s Visit to Musha 

1 Musha father-in-law Yathru, the Cuhan of Midian, heard about everything  𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH had done for Musha and his people, the Yasharalym. He heard especially about how 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH had rescued them from Mitzraym.

2 Earlier, Musha had sent his wife, Zippurah, and his two sons back to Yathru, who had taken them in. 

3 (Musha first son was named Garshum, for Musha had said when the boy was born, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.” 

4 His second son was named Aliazar, for Musha had said, “The 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH of my ancestors was my helper; he rescued me from the sword of Pharuh.”) 

5 Yathru, Musha's father-in-law, now came to visit Musha in the wilderness. He brought Musha's wife and two sons with him and they arrived while Musha and the people were camped near the mountain of 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH. 

6 Yathru had sent a message to Musha, saying, “I, Yathru your father-in-law, am coming to see you with your wife and your two sons.”

7 So Musha went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Musha’s tent. 

8 Musha told his father-in-law everything  𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH had done to Pharuh and Mitzraym on behalf of Yashar'AL. Musha also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way and how  𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH had rescued his people from all their troubles. 

9 Yathru was delighted when he heard about all the good things  𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH had done for Yashar'AL as 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH rescued them from the hand of the Mitzraym.

10 “Yadah (Praise) 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH,” Yathru said, “for he has rescued you from the Mitzraym and from Pharuh. Yes, 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH has rescued Yashar'AL from the powerful hand of Mitzraym! 

11 I know now that 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH is greater than all, because He rescued his people from the oppression of the proud Mitzraym.”

12 Then Yathru, Musha’s father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH. Aarun and all the elders of Yashar'AL came out and joined him in a sacrificial meal in 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH’s presence.

Yathru’s Wise Advice to Musha 

13 The next day, Musha took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening.

14 When Musha’s father-in-law saw all that Musha was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”

15 Musha replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH. 

16 When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH’s decrees and give them the instructions of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH.”

17 “This is not good!” Musha’s father-in-law exclaimed. 

18 “You are going to wear yourself out and the people too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. 

19 Now listen to me and let me give you a word of advice and may 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH, bringing their disputes to him. 

20 Teach them 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH’s decrees and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. 

21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH  and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 

22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 

23 If you follow this advice and if  𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures and all these people will go home in Shalum.”

24 Musha listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions. 

25 He chose capable men from all over Yashar'AL and appointed them as leaders over the people. He put them in charge of groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 

26 These men were always available to solve the people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases to Musha, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves.

27 Soon after this, Musha said good-bye to his father-in-law, who returned to his own land.