יתרו

Moses camped in the wilderness near the mountain of God when his father-in-law, Jethro, a priest of Midian, arrived. He had heard how God rescued Israel from Egypt. Jethro brought Moses’ wife, Zipporah, and their two sons. One was Gershom, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land.” The other was Eliezer, “The God of my father was my help,” saving Moses from Pharaoh.

Moses went out to meet Jethro, bowed, kissed him, and they asked about each other’s welfare. Inside the tent, Moses told the whole story, hardships on the way and how God delivered them. Jethro rejoiced and blessed God. He brought a burnt offering and sacrifices, and Aaron and the elders shared a meal before God.

The next day, people stood around Moses from morning to evening to settle disputes. Jethro warned, “You will wear yourself out.” He advised Moses to teach God’s laws, but also choose capable, God-fearing, trustworthy leaders to judge smaller cases. Moses listened and appointed chiefs over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Then he sent Jethro home.

On the third new moon after leaving Egypt, Israel reached the wilderness of Sinai and camped in front of the mountain. Moses went up, and God called to him: “You saw what I did to the Egyptians, how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Me. If you obey Me and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession… a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Moses told the elders, and the people answered together, “All that God has spoken we will do.”

God said He would come in a thick cloud so the people would hear and trust. Moses warned everyone to prepare for three days: stay pure and wash their clothes. Boundaries were set around the mountain; no one was to touch it.

On the third morning, thunder and lightning flashed, a dense cloud covered the peak, and a loud blast sounded from a shofar (a ram’s horn). Smoke rose as if from a furnace, and the mountain shook. The sound grew louder and louder as Moses spoke and God answered in thunder. Moses was called upward, but he was sent back to warn the people and the priests not to break through the boundary.

Then God spoke these words to all Israel: “I am your God who brought you out of Egypt, the house of bondage.” The commandments began with loyalty to God alone and a warning not to make or worship idols. God also commanded the people not to swear falsely by His name.

They were told to remember the Sabbath: work six days, but rest on the seventh, children, servants, animals, and even strangers in their towns, because God made heaven and earth in six days and rested on the seventh. They were commanded to honor father and mother, and not to murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness, or covet what belongs to a neighbor.

The people saw the lightning, heard the thunder and the horn, and watched the mountain smoke. Afraid, they stood back and begged Moses, “You speak to us… but let not God speak to us, lest we die.” Moses told them not to be afraid, and he approached the thick cloud.

God told Moses not to make gods of silver or gold. Instead, Israel was to build a simple altar of earth, or uncut stones, without steps. God promised to come and bless them where He caused His name to be mentioned.