Bible Question: Thanks in advance for any help. I was fascinated by the fact that when Moses first left Egypt he went to the Midianites and I believe lived among them for forty years. His wife and her family were all Midianites. Then at the end of Moses life he is instructed to smite all the Midianites. Of course forty years had passed wandering in the wilderness, so I would assume many of his in-laws were dead. Still, Moses must have had nieces and nephews that would have fallen under this edict. Here are my questions, what sort of priest was Jethro? If Moses and Aaron started the Levitical line of priests, what did Jethro preside over? Also all those years of dwelling with the Midianites, was Moses out of God's will? Did he serve God when he was with them? What became of Moses sons? Surely they were not part of the command to smite the Midianites? Thanks again! |
Bible Answer: bramblewood_gal, There is much to ponder on, in regards to your questions I attempted to answer you only in part. Please excuse any overlooked referrences. The Torah depicts Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, as a sort of ancient man for all seasons. Yitro was both a shepherd and a Midianite priest by profession. He was a hospitable man--Yitro offered Moses refuge after his flight from Egypt. Later, Yitro became a trusted counselor to Moses following the exodus from Egypt. And, in one of the great anomalies in the entire Jewish tradition, the Ten Commandments are included in parashat Yitro, named after this Midianite priest. Moses and Jethro enjoyed an unusually close relationship. Yitro cared for Moshe's wife and children while he was "away on business." Yitro taught Moshe how to become a better leader and manager. And perhaps Jethro's practical wisdom was the essential prerequisite for matan Torah, the revelation of Torah at Sinai. The Bible isn’t specific about the form and administration of "Godly" government. For those who believe that "Jethro’s" advice to Moses in Ex. 18:21-24 is the "Godly" form: a pyramid of "rulers of 1000’s, 100’s, 50’s and 10’s; please note in just a few short years it failed miserably! Moses states; "I’m not able to bear it!" (Num 11:11-15) , whereas Jethro said " If you do this... you will be able to bear it" (Ex 18:23). Notice why it failed: "...and God so commands you..." Moses never asked God! He simply "heeded the voice of his father in law." Also note God’s solution: "Gather [not appoint] to me 70 elders [already known to be such] and I will take of the spirit upon you and I will put the same upon them" (Num.11:16-17). This is the all-important factor of God’s Holy Spirit guiding his leaders: it’s what makes "Godly " government work! Read of Moses and his sons in Chronicles 23:13 and on. May God bless your entire day! |