John Calvin on Exodus 18:12

12. And Jethro. Although I do not think that Jethro had previously sacrificed to idols, yet, because he worshipped an unknown God, with but a confused and clouded faith, it appears that this was his first sincere and legitimate sacrifice since the God of Israel had been more clearly known to him. We may gather from hence that it was duly offered, because Moses, and Aaron, and the elders openly professed them. selves his companions, and partook with him; for it is not merely said that they came to eat bread with him, but “before God;” which expression describes a sacred and solemn feast, a part and adjunct of the offering and divine worship. But they never would have willingly polluted themselves with the defilement’s of the Gentiles for the sake of gratifying an unholy man. It follows, then, that this was a token of his piety, since they did not hesitate to become partakers with him. We ought, indeed, to have God before our eyes, as often as we partake of his bounty; but we shall hereafter see, that this expression is peculiarly applied to sacrifices, wherein the faithful put themselves in the presence of God. Yet. do I not admit that Jethro slew the victims in right of the priesthood which he exercised in the land of Midian; but because there was more liberty, as will be explained in its place, before the Law was prescribed by God. It is my decided opinion that by the word “bread,” the manna is incontestably meant.

Exodus 18:13-27

13. And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.

13. Accidit autem postridie ut sederet Moses ad judicandum populum: stabatque populus juxta Mosen a mane usque ad vesperum.

14. And when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?

14. Et videns socer Mosis omnia quae faciebat ipse erga populum, dixit, Quid est quod tu facis populo? quare tu sedes solus, et universus populus stat juxta te a mane usque ad vesperum.

15. And Moses said unto his father-in-law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God.

15. Et respondit Moses socero suo, Quia venit populus ad me ad quaerendum Deum.

16. When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

16. Quum est illis negotium, veniunt ad me, et ego judico inter quemque et proximum ejus, et ostendo statuta Dei et leges ejus.

17. And Moses’ father-in-law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

17. Tunc dixit socer Mosis ad eum, Non est bonum quod tu facis.

18. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou and this people that is with thee; for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

18. Deficiendo deficies tam tu quam populus iste qui tecum est: Nam haec res gravis est supra tuas vires: non poteris ergo praestare solus.

19. Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God;

19. Nunc audi vocem meam: consilium tibi dabo, et erit Deus tecum. Esto tu pro populo coram Deo, ut referas causas ad Deum.

20. And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

20. Docebisque eos statuta et leges, et ostendes eis viam in qua ambulent, et opus quod faciant.

21. Moreover, thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness, and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

21. Tu autem deliges ex toto populo viros fortes, timentes Deum, viros veraces, qui oderint avaritiam: praeficiesque eis tribunos, centuriones, quinquagenarios, et decanos.

22. And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

22. Qui judicent populum omni tempore: si autem acciderit negotium magnum, ad te referent, omnem vero leviorem causam judicabunt ipsi: et tibi levius erit onus, quia sufferent ipsi tecum.

23. If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.

23. Si hoc feceris, et praeceperit tibi Deus, poteris stare: atque etiam populus hic ad locum suum veniet in pace.

24. So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said.

24. Obedivit Moses voci soceri sui: et fecit omnia quae ille dixerat.

25. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

25. Et elegit Moses viros fortes ex toto Israel, et constituit eos capita super populum, principes super mille centuriones, quinquagenarios, ac decanos.

26. And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

26. Qui judicabant populum omni tempore, ardua referebant ad Mosen: omnem vero rem parvam judicabant ipsi.

27. And Moses let his father-in-law depart; and he went his way into his own land.

27. Dimisit autem Moses socerum suum, et abiit ad terram suam.