“Yitro, priest of Midian, father-in-law of Moses, heard everything that God had performed on behalf of Moses and Israel His people, that the Lord had taken Israel out of Egypt” (Exodus 18:1). “Yitro…heard.” That is what is written: “Do not forsake your friend, and your father’s friend. [Do not enter your brother’s house on the day of your calamity. A close neighbor is better than a distant brother]” (Proverbs 27:10).
“Your friend,” this is the Holy One blessed be He, just as it says: “For the sake of My brothers and friends” (Psalms 122:8).1God calls Israel His “brothers and friends.” “Your father’s friend,” this is Abraham, as it is stated: “The descendants of Abraham My beloved” (Isaiah 41:8).2Thus, God is referred to both as “your friend” and as “your father’s friend.” “Do not forsake,” and if you forsake, make certain that you “do not enter your brother’s house on the day of your calamity,” this is Ishmael and Esau.3Even if Israel suffers calamity, they should not abandon their identity and join with their “brothers,” Ishmael and Esau (see Etz Yosef).
Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: When Nebuchadnezzar exiled Israel to Babylon their [hands] were bound behind them, as it is written in Midrash Eikha42:4. until “for they wandered due to swords” (Isaiah 21:15). Your ancestor, who was cast in the wilderness, I opened a spring of water for him, and you did this?5God says to Ishmael: ‘I saved you in the wilderness (see Genesis 21:19), yet you caused the Israelites to die of thirst? (see Eikha Rabba, 2:4).
That is, “a close neighbor is better than a distant brother.” Another matter, “a close neighbor is better,” this is Yitro, who was unrelated to Israel, [who was better] than Esau, Jacob’s brother. Regarding Yitro, what is written? “Saul said to the Kenite:6The Kenite are the descendants of Yitro, who was Moses’ father-in-law (see Judges 1:16). [Go, depart, descend from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them, for you showed kindness to all the children of Israel when they ascended from Egypt]” (I Samuel 15:6).
Regarding Esau, it is written: “Remember what Amalek did to you…” (Deuteronomy 25:17).7Amalek was descended from Esau. You find many matters written in a derogatory manner regarding Esau that are written in a complimentary manner regarding Yitro. Regarding Esau it is written: “They tormented women in Zion” (Lamentations 5:11). Regarding Yitro it is written: “He gave Tzipora, his daughter, [to him as a wife]” (Exodus 2:21).
Regarding Esau it is written: “They, who devour my people as if eating bread” (Psalms 14:4). Regarding Yitro it is written: “Call him and let him eat bread” (Exodus 2:20). Regarding Esau it is written: “And not God-fearing” (Deuteronomy 25:18). Regarding Yitro it is written: “And God will command you” (Exodus 18:23).8This is regarding Yitro’s advice to Moses to appoint a judicial system.
Yitro advised Moses to heed the command of God. Esau annulled the offerings.9Rome, associated with Esau, destroyed the Temple. Regarding Yitro it is written: “Yitro, Moses’s father-in-law, took a burnt-offering and feast-offerings” (Exodus 18:12). Esau heard of Israel’s departure and waged war with them, as it is stated: “Amalek came [and waged war with Israel in Refidim]” (Exodus 17:8). Yitro heard Israel’s praise and came and joined them, as it is stated: “Yitro…heard.”