The God Whom Moses Knew by J. Roger Nelson M.D

Author:J. Roger Nelson M.D. [J. Roger Nelson, M.D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781449702205
Publisher: WestBow Press
Published: 2010-08-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

His Sanctuary in Their Midst

One day, a traveler advised Moses that Jethro was bringing his family to join them.1 So when Moses heard from the northern outpost that a party of four was approaching on donkeys, leading several sheep, he left his tent and broke into an easy trot to meet them on legs well-conditioned by the march.

“It is good that you have come. I have greatly missed you!” Moses exclaimed as he reached up to kiss Zipporah, who was riding the lead donkey. The smell of her unique perfume was not wasted. “My role with God and the people is more assured than a year ago, and I believe they will welcome you.” Zipporah smiled back at him, still gently holding on to his offered hand.

“And you two, how good it is to see you,” he said, turning to his sons, who were walking at her side. Dust puffed from their shirts as Moses embraced each briefly. “You look healthy,” admired Moses. “We will find plenty for you to do to earn your keep. Gershom, you were always good with an axe. You and Eliezer might build a little home for us.” They nodded absently, their eyes bewildered by the mass of people nearby.

Moses turned and bowed down before his father-in-law as he dismounted. Then Moses rose and kissed Jethro on both cheeks. “Tell me,” Moses began, “how you have been during my absence. Have you missed your shepherd?”

“Your sons and my other growing grandsons tended to your tasks,” Jethro said. “Since you have returned to Sinai, I felt it proper to reunite your family. Moses, word fills the land of God’s actions through you and of His deliverance of the Israelite slaves. I want to hear more.”

“Come into my tent and rest and I will tell you.” Moses signaled to a nearby attendant. “Show my wife and sons to a cool bath.”

“It is our God’s work,” Moses began as they sat, and he detailed God’s wonders over the last year.

Jethro listened carefully. “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all the gods,” * he finally said. “Come, bring Aaron and the elders, and I will offer sacrifices of my sheep to Him. We will all share a meal.”

That evening, there was a great feast and celebration. The months of separation brought a crowning reunion of Moses and Zipporah.

Jethro remained ten days with them. He observed that Moses spent most of each day listening to and judging disputes, petty ones and grave ones, employing the recently revealed laws of God. “If you continue, you will surely wear out. I shall give you counsel and God be with you,” Jethro told Moses. “Choose men to judge the people. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. The judges should have three basic characteristics: they should be able men who fear God, men of truth, and those who hate dishonest gain. If you do this thing,” he bowed to divine authority, “and if God so commands you, then you will be able to endure.

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