Exodus 18:17

Translations

Modern

But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good.

Traditional

And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

Literal

And the father-in-law of Moses said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good.

Latin

At ille: Non bonam, inquit, rem facis.

Original

Hebrew

English

But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good.

Notes

Exodus 18:17–18

This kind of approach focuses too much on one leader. That is not good for the leader or for the people (see also 18:23).

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