Keraia
Exodus 18

Exodus 18:24

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

Translations

Modern
Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.
Traditional
So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.
Literal
And Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law, and he did all that he had said.
Latin
Quibus auditis, Moyses fecit omnia quæ ille suggesserat.

Original

Hebrew
English
Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.

Notes

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

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

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

Topics

Court: Superior, and Inferior Government: Mosaic: Administrative and Judicial System Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Mount Sinai: Judges Appointed Moses: Institutes a System of Government The Kenites: Showed Kindness to Israel in the Desert