Read on Twitter
Exodus 17 (war with Amalek) and Exodus 18 (Jethro's advice) are meant to be read together.
Notice the similarities. In both chapters, Moses has to sit down from sunrise to sunset, holding a burden which is too "heavy" for him to carry, until he asks for help, and prevails. (1/4)
Notice the similarities. In both chapters, Moses has to sit down from sunrise to sunset, holding a burden which is too "heavy" for him to carry, until he asks for help, and prevails. (1/4)
But the differences are also very important.
1. Amalek and Jethro/Midian reflect the two extremes of foreign nations in Israel's story: committed, violent opposition (ch17) and devoted, humble service (ch18). Both types of nation will continue throughout Scripture.
1. Amalek and Jethro/Midian reflect the two extremes of foreign nations in Israel's story: committed, violent opposition (ch17) and devoted, humble service (ch18). Both types of nation will continue throughout Scripture.
2. The Amalek story begins and ends with war (17:8, 16). The Jethro story begins and ends with peace (18:7, 23).
3. Moses' response is also totally different. In ch17, he does almost nothing, as the Lord fights for Israel. In ch18, he does lots, reorganising an entire nation.
3. Moses' response is also totally different. In ch17, he does almost nothing, as the Lord fights for Israel. In ch18, he does lots, reorganising an entire nation.
4. Perhaps the most significant point for leaders today is this: whether in peace or at war, whether praying or administrating, whether quietly trusting or busily working, Moses cannot carry the responsibility on his own. He desperately needs to share it with others.
So do we.
So do we.
