Friendship in its loftiest form.
"They asked each other of their welfare." Exodus 18:7. The visit of Jethro comes between the agony of Rephidim and the solemnities of "Sinai," like the insertion of a sweet pastoral poem between two tragedies. Something may be learnt from it as to what should characterise friendship in its highest form, that is, between two devout souls, as consecrated and elevated by religion.
I. CONSTANCY. Moses and Jethro met as in the earlier years; no assumption with Moses, no sycophancy with Jethro.
II. COURTESY. Exodus 18:7. The nearer our relations to each other, the more indispensable this grace.
III. MUTUAL SOLICITUDE. Exodus 18:7.
IV. INTERCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE. Exodus 18:8-11. Happy time, when the deeper experiences (religious) can be exchanged to mutual advantage.
V. COMMUNION IN WORSHIP. Exodus 18:12. It is clear that Jethro and Moses were one as to Monotheism, in their common possession of the great Divine traditions of the race. Jethro spiritually was in the descent of Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Melchisedek. For him but one God, the God of heaven and earth, and therefore the God of Israel. Contrast with Amalek! Hence the sacrifice and the sacrificial feast.
VI. FIDELITY IN GIVING COUNCIL. Exodus 18:14, Exodus 18:17-23. Great courage required.
VII. HUMILITY IN RECEIVING IT. This the moral attitude of Moses.
VIII. AN ULTIMATE REFERENCE IN ALL INTERCOURSE TO THE DIVINE FRIEND. Exodus 18:23. "And God commanded thee so."
IX. SYMPATHY AS TO GREAT OBJECT. Jethro knew the destiny of Israel, and was concerned for the realisation.
X. PEACEFUL PARTING AT LIFE'S DIVERGING PATHS. Exodus 18:27. Apply this to moral and intellectual cross-roads; and to that which is so difficult—agreeing to differ—and that with mutual respect and affection. All in view and hope of the Perfect and immortal amity that is beyond the sky.—R.