TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 17 YITRO

17 - Torah Portion: Yitro ("Jethro") יִתְרוֹ

Portion Summary:
The portion of Yitro, named after Moses' father-in-law, centers on YHVH's revelation at Mount Sinai and the giving of the Ten Commandments. It starts with Jethro advising Moses on establishing a system of judges to help govern the people. The highlight of this portion is the encounter at Mount Sinai, where YHVH speaks directly to Israel, delivering the foundational commandments that outline His covenant with them.

In this seventeenth reading from the Torah is named Yitro, meaning "Jethro." The title is taken from the opening verse: "Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that YHVH had done for Moses and for Israel His people" (Exodus 18:1).

This portion recounts Jethro's visit to Israel's camp, followed by the theophany at Mount Sinai, where YHVH gives the Ten Commandments and establishes a covenant relationship with Israel.

Torah:
Exodus 18:1–20:23: Jethro's advice, Moses' leadership, and the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.
Exodus 4:18-20: Moses' return to Egypt with Jethro's blessing.
Exodus 15:26: A promise from YHVH that obedience will bring health and blessings.
Deuteronomy 13:18; 19:15-20; 19:18: Warnings against idolatry, requirements for witnesses, and justice.
Genesis 26:5: Abraham's obedience to YHVH's laws.

Targums:
Exodus 18:6-7, 11; 18:20; 18:27; 19:3; 19:5; 19:15; 19:17-19; 20:17: Targum expansions on Moses' interactions with Jethro, Israel's covenant, and the giving of the Ten Commandments.

Nevi'im:Isaiah 2:1-3; 6:1–7:6; 9:5-6; 27:13; 29:6; 63:1-9: Prophecies of YHVH's ultimate reign, Isaiah's calling, and YHVH's compassion for His people.
Jeremiah 7:21-28: Israel's disobedience despite YHVH's repeated calls.
Hosea 6:1-12: A call for Israel to return to YHVH with faithfulness.

Writings:
Psalms 119:1; 47:1-9; 27: Devotion to YHVH's commandments, praising Him as King, and finding refuge in Him.
Proverbs 6:23: Instruction on the path of life and wisdom.

Gospels and Epistles:
Matthew 6:20-24; 23:1-12; 17:23; 19:16-26; 22:14; 24:31: Y'shua's teachings on humility, wealth, obedience, and the final gathering.
John 3:16-32; 10:27-28: Assurance of eternal life through YHVH's love, and Y'shua as the shepherd.
1 John 2:1-7: A call to live in obedience to YHVH's commandments.
Hebrews 12:14: Pursuing peace and holiness.
1 Peter 2:1-9; 5:1-5: Living as a chosen people, holy and set apart.
2 Peter 3:14-18: Staying vigilant in the knowledge of YHVH.
Jude 1:20-23: Building faith and compassion.
James 1:22-27: Emphasis on putting faith into action.
Revelation 4:1-5; 8:5; 11:19; 7:12-14; 15:5-8; 16:18; 22:14: Worship of YHVH, visions of the heavenly throne, and final judgment.

Apocrypha:
Jasher 79:15-18; 82:2-5; 82:6; 83:1-5: Expansions on Moses' leadership and the trials of Israel.Enoch 39: Enoch's vision of righteousness and YHVH's kingdom.
Susanna 1-62: Story of Susanna's faith and justice.
Testament of Simeon 1:7-17: Warnings about anger and righteousness.
Sirach 7:13; 14:9-10: Reflections on wisdom, envy, and evil desires.

Major Themes and Reflections

Leadership and Justice:
Yitro advises Moses to delegate responsibilities, establishing a model of leadership based on wisdom and justice. This promotes a system where justice is accessible to all people.