Exodus 18
SIBVer. 6, 7. Jethro sent a messenger to inform Moses of his coming; and Moses hereupon went to meet him
Exodus 18:11
Even in the Egyptians’ haughty and insolent detaining of his people Israel, imagining it impossible for their God to deliver them, he shewed himself infinitely their superior in wisdom and might
Exodus 18:12
They feasted before God, near to the symbol of his presence in the cloud, or on the mount, and in holy awe of him, and as in his sight. Ver. 17, 18. What thou dost is not convenient either for thyself or the people. The tedious attendance will destroy thine own health and theirs
Exodus 18:19
I make no doubt but God will bless thee in following the course to which I advise
Exodus 18:20
Thou shalt deliver and explain to them God’s Laws, which they may apply to their particular news and occasions
Exodus 18:21
Men of understanding, courage, piety, candour, faithfulness, and honesty, and who will discourage every wicked thing. • APPLICATIONS FROM CHAP. XVIII.—It is highly becoming that professed should mark every turn of providence that befalls them; and, in a depencurated order of their help, reckon themselves strangers on earth: and that they should inquire after, and rejoice in, one another’s welfare. It is necessary that, if married persons part for a time, they should meet again with the first conveniency, that they may share in one another’s honours and comforts, as well as in their troubles: and that children should be, as much as possible, under the immediate inspection of religious parents. When great honours from God are attended with due humility towards men; and when such as have seen much of the Lord’s goodness readily communicate their experiences to their friends, especially when meeting together, they chiefly converse concerning the things of God, and sanctify their mutual friendship with joint prayer and praise: it is both pleasing and instructive. Those in office should always execute the same with fidelity and condescension, even to such as have deserved their disregard; and prefer public business to private civilities. But how profitable is wisdom to direct in every thing, that we may not overdo even in well-doing! Good counsel is helpful even to the wisest, and proper assistance to the ablest, in office; and it will be readily embraced by such as are wise and prudent. With great care and conscience should persons be chosen to offices of government either in church or state, that none may be admitted but such as are able men, men of truth, fearing God and hating covetousness. And dreadful is their guilt who help or hold in ignorant and profane persons, to the dishonour of God and the hurt of his people