Exodus 18

When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;

When Jethro, Moses' father-in-law and Midian's priest, learned about God's miraculous deeds for Moses and his people, Israel, and how the Lord had freed them from Egypt, he was filled with awe and gratitude.

Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,

Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, warmly welcomed Zipporah, Moses' wife, back into his home after Moses had let her go.

And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:

She had two sons. The first was named Gershom, for he felt like a stranger in a foreign land.

And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:

The other was named Eliezer, expressing gratitude to the God of his father. He believed God was his savior, rescuing him from Pharaoh's deadly intentions.

And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:

Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, journeyed with his family to the desolate wilderness, where Moses was camped at God's mountain.

And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came to him and said, "Moses, it's me, your father-in-law Jethro. I've brought your wife and your two sons to see you."

And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

Moses eagerly went to greet his father-in-law, showing him deep respect and affection with a kiss. They exchanged heartfelt inquiries about each other's well-being before entering the tent together.

And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them.

With a heavy heart, Moses shared with his father-in-law the trials and tribulations the Israelites had faced. He spoke of the Lord's actions against Pharaoh and the Egyptians, all for the sake of Israel. He recounted their journey's hardships and the divine intervention that had ultimately led to their deliverance.

And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.

Jethro was filled with joy, celebrating the kindness God had shown Israel, freeing them from Egyptian control.

And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.

Jethro joyfully praised, "Glory to the Lord who has freed you from the cruel grip of the Egyptians and Pharaoh, liberating the people from their oppressive rule."

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

Now I truly understand, the LORD surpasses all other gods. Even in their arrogance, He remained superior.

And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father in law before God.

Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, lovingly prepared a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Aaron and all the respected elders of Israel joined him, sharing a meal in God's presence with a sense of unity and reverence.

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.

The next day, Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from dawn till dusk, seeking his guidance.

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?

Seeing Moses' actions, his father-in-law was deeply concerned. He asked, "Moses, why are you doing this? Why are you sitting as judge all by yourself, while everyone stands around you from dawn till dusk?"

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

Moses confided in his father-in-law, explaining that people sought him out for guidance from God.

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.

When people have disputes, they come to me. I help them understand and resolve their issues, guiding them with God's rules and principles.

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

Moses' father-in-law expressed his concern, "Moses, what you're doing isn't right."

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.

You're definitely going to exhaust yourself, and the people with you too. This task is just too big for you; you can't handle it all by yourself.

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:

Listen closely to my words, I'll give you advice, and God will be by your side. Be a bridge between the people and God, helping them bring their concerns to Him.

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

Guide them with rules and principles, show them the path they should follow, and the tasks they need to accomplish.

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:

Choose from among the people, capable individuals who respect God, are honest, and despise greed. Appoint them as leaders of various groups, large and small.

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.

Allow them to guide the people always. They should bring significant issues to you, but handle minor ones themselves. This will lighten your load, as they share the responsibility with you.

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.

If you follow this advice, and God directs you to do so, you'll find the strength to persevere. Everyone else will also find their way home, peacefully.

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

Moses, deeply respecting his father-in-law's wisdom, listened intently and followed his advice wholeheartedly.

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.

Moses, with wisdom, selected capable men from all over Israel. He entrusted them with leadership, making them responsible for guiding groups of varying sizes, from thousands to just tens.

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

They served as judges for the people at all times. Difficult cases were taken to Moses, but minor issues they resolved themselves.

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

With a heavy heart, Moses bid farewell to his father-in-law, who then journeyed back to his homeland.