Keraia
Exodus 18

Exodus 18:16

Jethro Advises Moses · Exodus 18:13–27
Read Exodus 18

Translations

Modern
“Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.”
Traditional
When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
Literal
When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a man and between his neighbor, and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.”
Latin
…cumque acciderit eis aliqua disceptatio, veniunt ad me ut judicem inter eos, et ostendam præcepta Dei, et leges ejus.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.”

Notes

Exodus 18:13–16

Moses had begun to take a role similar to Pharaoh’s. He was making himself necessary for every decision the people faced.

Exodus 18:13–27

Jethro’s wise advice shows another example of God’s care and guidance. This time, God did not act through a miracle. Instead, He used practical wisdom.

Jethro taught Moses a new way to lead. He told Moses to share his authority with other capable leaders. This way of leadership is called delegation. It means giving responsibility to others.

Before this, Moses seems to have followed an Egyptian style of leadership. That system was very strict and top-down. All authority came from the pharaoh, who made decisions by his own command. No Egyptian law code from that time has been found.

Jethro suggested a different structure. By appointing leaders over groups of people, the work of Moses would become easier and more orderly.

Theme notes and profiles

Jethro (Reuel) Moses Spirit Empowerment

Events

Parallels

Deuteronomy 1:9–18

Glossary

Book of Exodus Courts and Trials Deuteronomy, Book of Elder Jethro Judge Moses

Topics

Courts of Justice: Superior Court: Held First by Moses Alone in the Wilderness Government: Mosaic: Administrative and Judicial System Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Mount Sinai: Judges Appointed Moses: Institutes a System of Government Rulers: Duties of The Kenites: Showed Kindness to Israel in the Desert The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Know