# Exodus Chapter 18
---
## Summarrium
Moses father in law Jethro hears what God has done for Moses and Israel and having taken Zipporah and her two sons in after Moses sent them home he comes to Moses to hear testimony of the Lords actions. Moses recounts all that the Lord has done and Jethro rejoices with Moses and they offer a burnt offering and sacrifice to God.

The day after Jethro discovers that Moses is standing as Judge for all of the issues that concern the People. Jethro advises that this is not an ideal position to be in and is largely unsustainable for Moses. Jethro recommends Moses delegates the responsibility to local 'chiefs' which he adopts and the chapter ends with Jethro's departure.

## Meditatio
This chapter is a real contrast to the action and fighting of chapter 17. Here we have a period of rest and thanks giving whereby family visit Moses and share in his celebration of the goodness of God before offering some friendly advice. We see the power of testimony and how in the sharing of testimony there is an opportunity to build each other up and a communal dimension to thanks giving. 

We also see how sometimes when individuals are in the midst of a situation how easy it is to loose perspective and the need for friendly advice. Moses here is receptive and open to what Jethro has to say; his current trajectory is not a long term viable option. If he does not change tact he will become ineffective. This friendly advice is taken on board and serves as the basis  for a leadership structure that is scalable.

Moses here shows humility that despite all the God has done for him he is not so far removed from the situation as to be unable to take advice from a family member. Indeed listening to Godly counsel here will shape the way in which justice is administered amongst the people. Indeed had Moses continued he would have been a significant bottleneck. 

We also pick out some of the key leadership qualities that Moses is told to look for. Merit is clearly one of these; individuals have to be capable of doing what is required of them. They must be God-fearing and trustworthy. They must have a sufficient love of justice to hate dishonest gain. Here we see the qualities necessary to shoulder the burden of leadership.
