It is remarkable that someone unfamiliar with the people and the Israelite religion, like Jethro, serves as the overseer of this crucial step in Moses’ legislative and administrative duties. His father-in-law is a priest of Midian, not of the Lord; the confession of 18:10s does not necessarily mean he was converted to the Yahwistic faith. Nonetheless, his advice is so wise and aligns with divine will that Moses does not consult his God but implements it immediately: he appoints minor judges to assist in legislating and resolving the people’s lawsuits and conflicts. This passage refers to a much later period than the desert years. Some date it during the time of King Jehoshaphat (871-848 B.C., cf. 2 Chr 19:4-11), whose form of government is projected backward onto the wilderness period. This way, past experiences serve as a model for the present.