An enigma solved
I am reading Exodus Chapter 18, and one enigma character for me has always been Jethro, Moses' father in law. I never knew what to make of this man's counsel. On the outside appearance it looked sensible, but I always suspsected there was something sinister hidden about that man. I mean, a Midianite shows up out of the blue, gives advice to Moses, claims what Moses is doing is not good (v.17), but asks Moses to listen to him (v.19) and he will give him counsel (v.19), and God will be with him. The son-in-law listens to him, then when the time comes for God's goodness to begin to happen, Jethro opts out and decides not to stay (Numbers 10:30).
Today I can see through the man, i.e. Jethro or Raguel (don't know if the double name means double meaning either). Jethro's advice reminds of what happened in Numbers 16. Will get to that in a minute. Let's look at his advice to Moses once again but a different perspective. "Why sittest thou... and all the people stand...(v.14) (implying that Moses was lording it over the laity). Again, this thing is too heavy for thee (v.18) (implying I care for your welfare).
The sons of Korah had the same argument. Numbers 16:3 "ye take too much upon you" All the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them; wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregration of the Lord?"
Back to Jethro v. 23 "If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so". In v. 19 he had said, I will give thee Counsel, v. 20 Thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws etc. God comes in last. Jethro talked about "it is not good". He never mentioned whether it was "right" or "wrong". Don't we hear that advice far too often.
In v. 24 Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said. Unfortunately we don't read of Moses seeking God's face in this.
The discovery I made today is this. The most smooth, subtle Satanic attack on godly and able men of God could very easily come through family connections. Jethro's advice later caused the rebellion in Numbers 16.
What a warning. Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
I agree that it's intriguing how Jethro comes out of the blue, gives advice to Moses, only to disappear again, whereas the Lord has been with Moses from the begining and instructing him.
Pro 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
However, God did make use of the ministry of judges. The apostles of Christ were called to act in that capacity (Luke 22:30).
God Bless
Matthew
Some text books refer to
Exo 18:21 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:
Exo 18:22 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.
as the beginning of public administration (I don't see why historically). In any case, Scofield has an interesting note
" Jehovah entirely ignored this worldly-wise organization, substituting His own order. (Cf) (Num_11:14-17) "
In numbers 11 he has
" There was no more power than before -- only more machinery. Moses had murmured (Num_5:11) because of the burden that God had laid upon him. God, in distributing the burden, shows that Moses' power had, all along, been in proportion to his burden."
As usual insightful. I don't know what led to what and it needs a deeper study, but I must say also that I was neve comfortable with this pigeon-visit act of Jethro.
Great stuff, keep it coming
As a matter of fact, every time I read about any character in the Bible, I stop and ask myself, what is this man a type of. Is he a good example or a bad example. Take another intriguing character for me which is Solomon. I never know what to make of the man. You realize of course that his name is not mentioned in Faith Hall of Fame, i.e. Hebrews 11. I personally do not think highly of the man despite all the glory and the wisdom he asked for. I find Daniel to be much wiser than Solomon, for example. I find Solomon to be a worldly man whereas Daniel's spirituality impresses me.
I agree with you about Solomon. I take the view that Solomon is the villain of Song of Songs, that he tries to seduce the Shulamite form her shepherd lover.
Look at 2 Chronicles 9:18-19
'And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:
And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other six steps. There was not the like of any made in any kingdom.'
So, 666 is built into Solomon's throne, which makes him a type of Antichrist.
God Bless
Matthew
This is the same symbol that the Israelis today have on their flag. The stage is set for the Jews to be deceived by the coming Antichrist. Plenty of Christians are flying this flag too.
God Bless
Matthew