Yitro, Jethro, יִתְרוֹ
Meeting with G-d!
The seventeenth Torah portion is named Yitro (יִתְרוֹ), commonly translated as Jethro in English. Since the Hebrew language lacks a “J” sound, as a Messianic Jewish organization, we choose to preserve the ancient pronunciation by saying Yitro. The name Yitro means “abundance” or “plenty,” reflecting his reputation for overflowing with good deeds. In this portion, we see that Moshe (Moses) deeply respected his father-in-law, even though Yitro was a Midianite priest and not a Hebrew. Moshe’s discernment, humility, and respect for all people are evident. A key lesson here is that we should judge individuals based on their character rather than their ethnicity or background. Perhaps Moshe valued Yitro’s wisdom because, despite his pagan background, Yitro demonstrated humility and reverence toward G-d. He recognized and honored the primacy of Moshe’s G-d. The Torah tells us: Shemot (Exodus) 18:1 – “Now Yitro, the priest of Midian, Moshe’s father-in-law, heard of all that G-d had done for Moshe and for Israel His people.” Later, Yitro acknowledges G-d’s supremacy: Shemot 18:11 – “Now I know that the L-RD is greater than all gods.”
Yitro and Moshe’s First Meeting
Previously, in Shemot 2:16-21; 3:1, we read that Moshe first encountered Yitro after fleeing Egypt. He arrived at a well in Midian, where he witnessed local shepherds mistreating Yitro’s seven daughters, who were shepherdesses. Moshe defended them and helped water their flocks. This act of chivalry led Yitro to welcome Moshe into his home. In biblical times, intermarriage was sometimes used to solidify alliances. Yitro gave his daughter, Zipporah, to Moshe as a wife and entrusted him with his flocks. Later, in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 7:3, G-d commands the Hebrews not to take foreign wives. Was Moshe setting a poor example by marrying Zipporah? Not necessarily—at the time, this command had not yet been given. Moreover, Yitro acknowledged the supremacy of the G-d of Israel, and it is believed that he may have even converted. If not a formal convert, he was at least a G-d-fearer, one who revered and honored the G-d of Israel.
The Role of Leadership and the Beit Din
The reconciliation process with G-d begins with keeping His commandments. Judaism teaches that the Oral Law was first given to Moshe at Mount Sinai. However, could it have begun earlier, with Moshe inquiring of G-d in the wilderness and then orally instructing the people? Yitro advised Moshe to delegate authority by appointing elders to help judge matters of law and governance. This system established the foundation of the Beit Din (House of Judgment), a court of elders interpreting G-d’s laws.
Shemot 18:19-20 – “Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and G-d be with you! You shall represent the people before G-d and bring their cases to G-d, and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.”
The first Sanhedrin consisted of Moshe and 70 elders, making 71 members. G-d indeed speaks to individuals, but He also established a structured system for interpreting His ways and resolving disputes.
Deuteronomy 16:18 – “You are to appoint judges and officers for all your gates [communities] Adonai your G-d is giving you, tribe by tribe; and they are to judge the people with righteous judgment.”
When Yeshua returns and is seated in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple), the ultimate Beit Din will be restored. Until then, G-d has provided a system to guide His people.
Keeping G-d’s Commandments: Then and Now
Many believe that following Yeshua means we no longer need to keep G-d’s commandments. However, Yeshua Himself refuted this idea:
John 14:15 (CJB) – “If you love me, you will keep my commands.”
Matthew 19:16-17 (CJB) – “A man approached Yeshua and said, ‘Rabbi, what good thing should I do to have eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘Why are you asking me about good? There is One who is good! But if you want to obtain eternal life, observe the mitzvot (commandments).”
Yeshua referenced the Aseret HaDibrot (The Ten Commandments), found in this very portion (Shemot 20:1-17). He affirmed that obedience brings grace (chesed, loving-kindness).
Shemot 20:6 (CJB) – “But displaying grace to the thousandth generation of those who love me and obey my mitzvot.”
The Cloud of G-d’s Presence
G-d manifested His presence in a thick cloud to protect the people from His overwhelming holiness.
Shemot 19:9 – “And the L-RD said to Moshe, ‘Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also believe you forever.’”
The Hebrew word for cloud, anan (עָנָן), is used in multiple scriptures, paralleling the Greek word nephos (νέφος), found in:
• 1 Corinthians 10:1 (CJB) – “All of them were guided by the pillar of cloud (nephos), and they all passed through the sea.”
• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (CJB) – “Then we who are left still alive will be caught up with them in the clouds (nephos) to meet the Lord in the air.”
G-d’s presence in the anan cloud appeared over Mount Sinai, the Tabernacle, and in the wilderness, leading Israel.
The Return of Yeshua in the Cloud
When Yeshua ascended, He was hidden in a cloud.
Acts 1:9-11 (CJB) – “After saying this, He was taken up before their eyes; and a cloud (nephos) hid Him from their sight… ‘This Yeshua, who has been taken away into heaven, will come back in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.’”
The same cloud that covered the Tabernacle and Mount Sinai will descend again when Yeshua returns. At Sinai, the people had to keep their distance from G-d’s presence, but when Yeshua returns, we will enter the cloud and meet Him face to face!
Shemot 19:17 – “Then Moshe brought the people out of the camp to meet G-d, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain.”
Because of Yeshua’s atonement, we will not stand at a distance like Israel at Sinai. Instead, we will enter the cloud and meet with our G-d up close!
B’ezrat Hashem, B’Shem Yeshua! (With G-d’s help, in the name of Yeshua!)