Jethro advising Moses

Moses is standing in the centre and gesturing with his hand to a piece of paper inscribed with laws. At this point of the Bible story, the people of Israel were setting off on their long trek through the desert towards the Promised Land. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, advised Moses to lay down laws and appoint judges. He also advised him to delegate some of his judicial responsibilities to other wise men. In the bottom right-hand corner, Jethro and his wife are starting out on the journey back to their own country, accompanied by Moses’ wife and his two sons.

Additional information:
Just as Moses followed the good advice offered by his father-in-law Jethro and was therefore able to lead the people of Israel to the Promised Land, so the painting reminded the burgomasters of Amsterdam to take the advice of the council, for the good of the city and its people.