Last week’s Torah portion recounts the splitting of the sea, the Jewish people’s initial settling in the desert, and their apparent progress toward receiving the Torah. In this week’s parsha, Yitro, that journey culminates with the giving of the Ten Commandments. Yet, between these two climactic moments, the Torah inserts an entire chapter describing the arrival of Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro, and the advice he offers Moshe, advice that Moshe ultimately accepts.
Yitro advises Moshe on structuring a judicial system and how to approach leadership. The fact that the Torah portion containing the giving of the Torah, arguably the most monumental moment in Jewish history, is named after Yitro immediately signals that his message is essential. It suggests that Yitro’s insight is not incidental, but deeply connected to what it means to receive the Torah.
The Rabbinic commentaries teach that the Torah is not always written in chronological order, and many commentaries point to this episode as a prime example. According to these commentators, Yitro’s advice may not have occurred before the giving of the Torah. After all, how could Yitro instruct Moshe on guiding the people in God’s laws before those laws were given? Precisely because of this, the story’s placement becomes even more meaningful. By placing this story adjacent to the giving of the Torah, the Torah emphasizes the conceptual importance of Yitro’s message, regardless of when it occurred.
Yitro tells Moshe that his role is not only to teach the Jewish people God’s laws (chukim), but also His Torah. Moshe cannot do this alone. Yitro instructs him to appoint additional leaders who are both capable and God-fearing, judges who can help guide the people. Moshe accepts this advice without hesitation.
At first glance, this appears as a practical lesson in delegation. But as Rav Jonathan Bailey explains, Yitro is teaching something far deeper. The Torah is not merely a book of laws (chukim). It is the foundation of a covenant and a relationship between God and the Jewish people. Moshe’s responsibility is not only to enforce rules, but to convey their meaning and purpose to the people. The laws are meant to shape a personal connection with God.
Yitro continues by warning Moshe that if he teaches only the technical details of the law, and not their spiritual meaning, he will fail as a leader. That is why the judges must be strong enough to uphold the law, be capable and also God-fearing enough to inspire the people and help them understand that the Torah is about relationships, not just regulation.
By placing this story immediately before the giving of the Torah, God is teaching us how the Torah is meant to be received. He is also teaching us that truth and meaningful guidance can come from unexpected sources. Wisdom can emerge not only from within the Jewish people but from a non-Jew like Yitro and from the world around us.
While the Torah remains the central path through which we connect to God, this parsha reminds us to be open-minded and attentive. If we are willing to listen, we can find truth, insight and growth everywhere.
