This week we'll study Exodus 18. This chapter is a welcome respite from all the conflict and war we've just come through. It is the account of a joyful, peaceful, reunion and the establishment of civil governmental structure for the nation.

Read the chapter and then look back in Exodus to remember who Jethro was when Moses met him and where he lived.

Why had Zipporah and her sons not made the journey with Moses?

This is a two-fold reunion. Jethro and Moses catch up on business affairs and the working of God and Zipporah and Moses are reunited after more than a year of separation.

Read verse 8. What does Moses talk about with Jethro?

Read verse 11. What is Jethro's response?

What does verse 12 tell you about Jethro?

Immediately after God had supplied all the Israelites' needs and settled their internal grumblings, the nation was attacked by Amalek. Moses allowed God to use him to make another provision for the people--faith leading to victory. Moses' outstretched arms, if horizontal, would have formed a sign of the cross. In any case, the warriors in the valley had only to look up to the power of God (symbolized in the rod) to gain the strength they needed for victory.

Likewise, we often face external battles with sin just after we've gained a great spiritual insight or learned a new spiritual lesson. Amalek represents sin and its author, satan.

The rock Moses sat on represents the throne of God. So when you fight battles, look to Jesus Christ, seated on His royal throne, victorious through the cross, and claim that victory as your own. Let God, Jehovah-nissi, be your Banner, Conqueror for you, and your Refuge.