When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, "What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?" When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the peopleJethro, Moses' father-in-law, was a Midianite priest, indicating a diverse cultural and religious background. His observation of Moses' leadership highlights the importance of external perspectives in governance. This moment occurs after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, during their journey to Mount Sinai. Jethro's visit signifies a familial bond and respect for Moses' role, while also introducing the concept of shared leadership, which is later formalized in the appointment of judges ( Exodus 18:21-22). he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people?
Jethro's question is both inquisitive and evaluative, prompting Moses to reflect on his leadership style. This inquiry underscores the necessity of accountability and the wisdom of seeking counsel. It also foreshadows the establishment of a judicial system among the Israelites, which is a precursor to the more structured legal systems seen in later biblical texts, such as Deuteronomy 1:9-18. Why do you sit alone as judge,
Moses' solitary role as judge reflects the nascent stage of Israelite governance. This situation highlights the burden of leadership and the potential for burnout, a theme echoed in Numbers 11:14-17, where Moses expresses his inability to bear the people's burdens alone. The phrase also points to the need for delegation and the sharing of responsibilities, a principle that is applicable in various leadership contexts. with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?”
The image of people standing around Moses from morning till evening illustrates the overwhelming demand on his time and energy. This scenario emphasizes the logistical challenges of leading a large group and the inefficiency of centralized decision-making. It also reflects the Israelites' dependence on Moses for guidance, a dependence that is later addressed through the appointment of capable leaders to assist him, as seen in Exodus 18:25-26. This delegation not only alleviates Moses' burden but also empowers others within the community, fostering a more sustainable leadership model. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this passage, Moses is leading the Israelites and serving as their judge, handling disputes and teaching God's laws. 2. JethroMoses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and observes his leadership style, offering wise counsel. 3. The IsraelitesThe people of God, who are in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, seeking guidance and judgment from Moses. 4. Wilderness of SinaiThe location where this event takes place, a significant setting for the Israelites' journey and their covenant with God. 5. Judging the PeopleThe event where Moses is seen judging the people from morning till evening, highlighting the burden of leadership he carries. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselJethro's advice to Moses underscores the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel from others, especially those with experience and insight. Delegation and Shared LeadershipMoses' initial approach to leadership was unsustainable. This passage teaches the importance of delegating responsibilities to prevent burnout and ensure effective governance. Humility in LeadershipMoses demonstrates humility by listening to Jethro's advice, reminding us that true leaders are open to learning and adapting. Balancing Work and RestThe passage highlights the need for balance in work and rest, as Moses' continuous judging from morning till evening was not sustainable. Community and SupportThe role of community in supporting leaders is crucial. This passage encourages believers to support their leaders and share in the responsibilities of the community. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Moses' willingness to listen to Jethro's advice, and how can we apply this in our own lives when receiving counsel from others? 2. How does the principle of delegation seen in Exodus 18:14 relate to the structure and function of leadership within the church today? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are not overburdening ourselves with responsibilities, and how can we seek help from others in our community? 4. How does the concept of shared leadership in Exodus 18:14 connect with the New Testament model of church leadership, such as the appointment of deacons in Acts 6? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to balance work and rest. How does this passage encourage you to find a sustainable rhythm in your daily life? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 1:9-18This passage recounts Moses' appointment of leaders to help him judge the people, echoing Jethro's advice. Acts 6:1-7The early church appoints deacons to assist the apostles, reflecting the principle of shared leadership and delegation. Proverbs 11:14Emphasizes the value of wise counsel, aligning with Jethro's role in advising Moses. People Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Midian, RephidimTopics Alone, Doest, Evening, Father-in-law, Judge, Law, Morning, Moses's, Seated, Sit, Sittest, Sitting, Stand, Standing, Thyself, Till, Waiting, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 18:13-14 4954 morning
9230 judgment seat Exodus 18:13-16 5897 judging others Exodus 18:13-24 5636 work, and rest Exodus 18:13-26 5054 responsibility, examples
5358 judges
8438 giving, of time Exodus 18:14-27 5685 fathers, responsibilities Library The Ideal Statesman [Footnote: Preached on Occasion of Mr. Gladstone's Death. ]
'Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them.'--EXODUS xviii. 21. You will have anticipated my purpose in selecting this text. I should be doing violence to your feelings and mine if I made no reference to the event which has united the Empire and the world in one sentiment. The great tree has fallen, and the crash has for the moment silenced all the sounds of the forest. Wars abroad and controversies at home are …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGershom and Eliezer
'The name of the one [of Moses' sons] was Gershom ... and the name of the other was Eliezer....'--EXODUS xviii. 3, 4. In old times parents often used to give expression to their hopes or their emotions in the names of their children. Very clearly that was the case in Moses' naming of his two sons, who seem to have been the whole of his family. The significance of each name is appended to it in the text. The explanation of the first is, 'For he said, I have been an alien in a strange land'; and that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Origin and Growth of Law.
MOSES' WORK AS JUDGE AND PROPHET.--Ex. 18; 1-27; 33:5-11. Parallel References. Hist. Bible I, 198-203. Prin. of Politics, Ch. VI. Maine, Ancient Law. Jehovah spake to Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend--Ex. 33: 11. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard cases they brought unto Moses, but every small …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within in his Occupation among the Things that are Without, nor Neglect to Provide
The ruler should not relax his care for the things that are within in his occupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to provide for the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that are within; lest either, given up to the things that are without, he fall away from his inmost concerns, or, occupied only with the things that are within bestow not on his neighbours outside himself what he owes them. For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Easter Tuesday
Second Sermon. Same Text. Acts 13, 26-39. THE WORD AND THE RESURRECTION.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon appeared first in the Church Postil, the Explanation of the Epistle and Gospel Texts from Easter to Advent. Printed by Hans Lufft, Wittenberg, 1559.] 1. This sermon was preached by Paul in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, where were gathered with the Jews some Greek converts. Wherever in a city Jews were to be found, there also were their synagogues in which they taught and preached; and many …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 18:14 NIVExodus 18:14 NLTExodus 18:14 ESVExodus 18:14 NASBExodus 18:14 KJV
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