Yitro

14 Feb 2009

Exodus 18:1-20:23

Isaiah 6:1-7:6, 9:5-6

Mathew 5:17-32

Yitro, the father-in-law of Moshe, has heard all the great news of G-d’s redemptive work for the people of Israel as they were freed from Egypt. Yitro not only comes and brings back Moshe’s family (his wife and two sons), but he also rejoices over all the good that HaShem has done for Israel. He says, “Blessed is HaShem, Who rescued you from the hand of Egypt and from the hand of Pharaoh, Who has rescued the people from under the hand of Egypt.”

The Torah tells us that Moshe and the children of Israel experienced wonderful miraculous events, even after leaving Egypt. G-d provided victory over the Amalekites. He provided Manna, water and quail. Now, however, miracles are all well and good for them, but it was time for the mundane work of everyday life. Moshe sat to judge the people (18:13) from morning until evening.

Sometimes, in our own lives we experience great miracles. After we settle down and go to work, become busy with family life and with our extended family in our congregation, we forget what the whole experience G-d gave us was in the first place. We were created to have a personal relationship with our G-d and King. Being busy sometimes clouds our thinking. Sometimes we need an outsider to see things more clearly. Yitro saw Moshe judging the people in all matters, and not leaving the smaller matters to others. He was preventing himself from doing what he was supposed to, to receive G-d’s Word so he could bless Israel with G-d’s truth, as he does with the Ten Commandments in chapter 20.

We who have been blessed with miracle after miracle of redemption, provisions and victories need to remember that as a people we have been separated unto Him. We need to let the Ruach HaKodesh be our counselor, Who will always let us know what to do. We must always be with Him and not let “busy work” interfere with the greater things that G-d has for us.

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.

Return to D'var Torah Menu