"Because the people come to me to inquire of God," Moses replied. “Because the people come to me to inquire of God,”This phrase highlights Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. In the ancient Near Eastern context, leaders often served as intermediaries between the divine and the people. Moses, chosen by God, fulfills this role by providing guidance and judgment based on divine revelation. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where God is the ultimate authority, and Moses acts as His representative. The people's approach to Moses signifies their recognition of his unique relationship with God and their dependence on divine wisdom for their communal and personal issues. Exo 33:7 Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it… Moses replied. Moses' response to Jethro, his father-in-law, indicates his awareness of his responsibilities and the burden they entail. Historically, Moses' leadership was characterized by direct communication with God, as seen in his encounters on Mount Sinai. This direct line to God set Moses apart from other leaders and prophets, establishing a pattern of prophetic leadership that would continue throughout Israel's history. Moses' role as a type of Christ is evident here, as both serve as mediators between God and humanity, providing guidance, teaching, and intercession. Moses' willingness to serve the people reflects the servant leadership that Jesus exemplifies in the New Testament. Num 9:8 “Wait here until I find out what the LORD commands…”… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. He serves as a judge and mediator between God and the people. 2. Jethro Moses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and observes his leadership over the Israelites. His observations lead to a significant conversation about leadership and delegation. 3. The Israelites The people of God who have been delivered from Egypt and are now in the wilderness. They come to Moses to seek God's guidance and judgments. 4. The Wilderness The setting of this event, where the Israelites are journeying towards the Promised Land. It is a place of testing, learning, and revelation. 5. Inquiring of God The act of seeking divine guidance and wisdom, which Moses facilitates for the people. This reflects the Israelites' dependence on God for direction. Teaching Points The Burden of LeadershipLeadership can be overwhelming when one person tries to handle everything alone. Moses' experience teaches the importance of recognizing one's limits and seeking help. The Role of a Mediator Moses acts as a mediator between God and the people, pointing to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf. The Importance of Seeking God The Israelites' desire to inquire of God highlights the necessity of seeking divine wisdom in our decisions and challenges. Delegation and Shared Responsibility Effective leadership involves empowering others to share in responsibilities, as seen in Moses' eventual delegation of duties. Community and Accountability The community of believers is called to support one another, holding each other accountable and sharing burdens, reflecting the body of Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' role as a mediator between God and the people foreshadow the role of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of delegation in our personal and professional lives to avoid burnout? 3. How does the act of "inquiring of God" in this passage encourage us to seek God's guidance in our daily decisions? 4. What lessons can we learn from Jethro's advice to Moses about leadership and the importance of listening to wise counsel? 5. How can the church today implement the principles of shared leadership and responsibility seen in Exodus 18 and Acts 6? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 11This passage also deals with Moses' leadership burden and God's provision of helpers, showing a consistent theme of shared leadership. Deuteronomy 1 Moses recounts the appointment of leaders to help him judge the people, emphasizing the importance of delegation and shared responsibility. Acts 6 The early church appoints deacons to assist the apostles, paralleling the need for shared leadership and delegation seen in Moses' account.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Midian, RephidimTopics Directions, Enquire, Father-in-law, God's, Inquire, Law, SeekDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 18:13-16 5054 responsibility, examples 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 Scripture Gershom and Eliezer The Origin and Growth of Law. The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws 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 Opposition to Messiah Ruinous Easter Tuesday After the Scripture. Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes Exodus Links Exodus 18:15 NIVExodus 18:15 NLT Exodus 18:15 ESV Exodus 18:15 NASB Exodus 18:15 KJV Exodus 18:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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