5786/2026
There is a Machloket between Bnei Rabi Chiya and Rabi Yehoshua Ben Levi (recorded in Zevachim 116) regarding whether Yitro came to greet Moshe before Matan Torah or after Matan Torah. The principle of Ein Mukdam U’M’Uchar Batorah is only relied upon (according to most Rishonim) when there is no way to explain the Pesukim otherwise. So it is easy to understand the opinion of the Amora who says that Yitro came to Moshe before Matan Torah, but according to the opinion that Yitro came after Matan Torah, why is the story of Yitro written here?
Rav Nevenzahl answers in the name of his father that the Torah is demonstrating why Moshe Rabbeinu was the one Zocheh to receive the Torah and be the one who started the chain of the Mesorah. Yitro, a former idol worshiper from Midyan, advises Moshe on a new judicial system (Moshe shouldn’t judge alone, rather he should appoint more Dayanim to judge with him). Moshe Rabbeinu could have responded, “Who do you think you are? I’m the one who took Bnei Yisrael out of Mitzrayim, split the sea, defeated Amalek, and you're telling me how I should lead?!”
Rather, Moshe Rabbeinu understood that there is no “me”. He just wants to do what is best for Klal Yisrael and Ratzon Hashem. Because of this Anavah, he was Zocheh to receive the Torah. Pirkei Avot begins “Moshe Kibel Torah MiSinai.” It can be explained B’Derech Derush that Moshe learned from Har Sinai. Just like Har Sinai was the lowest of all the mountains and Hashem chose to give the Torah on it, so too Moshe made himself “small” and not haughty.