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Some time before Moses and the
Israelites went out of Egypt, Moses had sent home his wife Zipporah, and
his two sons to Jethro, in Midian. They had not seen all the
wonderful things God had done for His people in Egypt, and at the Red Sea,
and in the wilderness. But when Jethro heard of all these wonders,
he called Zipporah and her two sons, and they all went together to meet
the Israelites in the wilderness. Moses was glad to see his family
again; and he kissed them, and brought them into the tent, and talked with
them. Moses had much to say; he told them of all God had done to the
wicked Egyptians; of the ten plagues He had sent; of His mercy to the
Israelites, when He destroyed the first-born; of the lamb's blood
sprinkled upon the doors, which saved those who believed. Then Moses
told them about the Red Sea, and how the Israelites passed through on dry
ground; and about the destruction of the Egyptians, and the safety of
God's people in the wilderness. He showed them the pillar which
guided, and the manna which fed the Israelites every day. Jethro was
glad to hear all this; and he blessed and praised God, who had done these
great and wonderful things. In
the morning, Jethro went with Moses to the place where he judged the
people. Moses was not idle: he had much to do. All the
people came to him, to tell him their wants and their sorrows, and to ask
his advice. And Moses heard them all patiently, and talked kindly to
them, and told them what they ought to do, and what they ought not to
do. All day, Moses sat to judge the people; he was tired and weary,
but not impatient; no, he was glad to be useful to God's people, and did
not think about his own comfort. Moses was not selfish. But
when Jethro saw him so tired, and weary, he said to him, "It is not
right for thee to judge the people alone; choose some men to help
thee. Thou shalt teach the people the holy law of God, and His word
and commands; but let the other men help thee, to judge in little
things." So Moses did as Jethro said, and chose some good and
wise men to help him in his work. Then Jethro took leave of Moses,
and Zipporah, and her sons, and went home to Midian.
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