And Yisro heard (18:1)
Rashi explains: What did he hear to cause him to come? Krias Yam Suf, and Milchemes Amalek (the war of Amalek).
Meaning to say that he heard that even after the great relevance of the greatness of Hashem, which was at the Yam Suf (Red Sea), that even a maid servant saw the greatness of Hashem more than great Prophets. And after that Amalek came and instilled a coldness in Emunah (Faith) in Hashem. This all came about during a great time in the history of Klall Yisroel. As it says (Sukkah 52:1) He who is greater than his friend his Yetzer Hora is greater. From this we see that there is no option but to be Mekabel (accept) the holy Torah. The Torah will give strength to stand against the evil inclination.
Sefer Divrei Shmuel, Slonim
Many Tzaddikim ZY"A expound on two of the many aspects that can be learned from the first Possuk in this week’s Parsha.
Firstly, Va'yishma Yisro, and Yisro "Hut derhert – he comprehended" he didn’t just hear it as a piece of news rather he internalized it. This links to the second aspect, as Rashi says “Mah shmu'oh shoma uboh” – what did he hear and he came, what attracted him? Kriyas Yam Suf and Milchemes Amoleik. He heard that even after the great Nissim – wonders, of Kriyas Yam Suf – splitting of the Red Sea, the nation of Amoleik had the Chutzpah to fight with Klall Yisroel, thus cooling the fear the other nations possessed.
Thus, Yisro came to the realization that he must cling to Klall Yisroel, in order to constantly have fear and love for Hashem. To this we can associate the Vort from Rav Aharon Hagodol of Karlin ZY"A, which I heard from Reb Zalmon Brizel ZT"L. As it says in the Gemoroh Sukkah 52:1 and elsewhere, “Kol Hagodol Meichaveiro Yitzro Godol heimenu – he who is greater than his fellow, has a greater evil inclination.” Expounded Rav Ahron Hagodol, "He who is great in Avodas Hashem, it is possessed from his good friend, Yitzro Godol, one who suffers from the Yetzer hora, it is heimenu – as he sits alone, without friends who can strengthen him in Avodas Hashem.”
The Mishnoh in Avos (1:6) says "Asei lechoh Rav – Make for yourself a Rebbe, Ukenei lechoh Chover – buy for yourself a friend. A person must accept the direction of a mentor and make for himself a friend – even if it will cost him money. All of these are very important, as we may mention this story.
A fellow Chossid was once traveling and had the trivial to sin, Chas Vesholom. He calculated the following. Hashem knows he is only flesh and blood. His Rebbe knows that he has a strong Yetzer Hora (evil inclination), but how will he sit with his friends, the fellow Chasidim? That saved him from sinning.
The Kotzker on Yisro's Hearing
The Kotzker said on this verse And Yisro heard, Yisro “hut derhert”. He understood and put his listening into action, not just simply hearing.
Sefer Siach Sarfei Kodesh
Advice from Yisro
I shall advise you, and may Hashem be with you (18:19)
As to say, my advice is that in all your endeavors, you shall see to it to come close with it to Hashem. You shall beg for His help, rely, depend on Him and His abundant kindness.
Rav Michel of Lechovich – Sefer Toras Avos
