But Moses' father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing is not good. But Moses’ father-in-lawThis phrase introduces Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, who plays a significant role in this chapter. Jethro, also known as Reuel, was a Midianite priest, which indicates a position of respect and wisdom. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, suggesting a shared heritage with the Israelites. Jethro's relationship with Moses is significant as it shows the importance of family and the value of external counsel. In the Hebrew context, the term for "father-in-law" (חֹתֵן, choten) emphasizes the familial bond and respect inherent in this relationship. said to him
This phrase highlights the act of speaking, which in biblical times was a primary means of communication and instruction. The Hebrew verb "אמר" (amar) is used here, which often introduces important declarations or advice. The act of speaking by Jethro signifies the transmission of wisdom and guidance, a theme prevalent throughout the Scriptures where God often uses individuals to convey His will and wisdom. What you are doing
This phrase refers to Moses' actions in leading and judging the people of Israel. The context here is Moses' overwhelming task of serving as the sole judge for the Israelites, which was unsustainable. The Hebrew word for "doing" (עֹשֶׂה, oseh) implies ongoing action, indicating that Moses was continuously engaged in this task. This highlights the burden and responsibility of leadership, a recurring theme in the Bible where leaders are often called to serve with wisdom and discernment. is not good
Jethro's assessment of Moses' actions is direct and clear. The Hebrew word for "good" (טוֹב, tov) is often used in the Bible to describe what is beneficial, pleasing, or in accordance with God's will. By stating "is not good," Jethro is pointing out that Moses' current method is neither beneficial for him nor for the people. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that even well-intentioned actions can be misguided if they lead to burnout or inefficiency. It also reflects the importance of wise counsel and the need for leaders to be open to constructive criticism. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in the Book of Exodus, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. At this point, he is overwhelmed by the burden of judging the people alone. 2. JethroMoses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and offers wise counsel. His advice is pivotal in restructuring the leadership among the Israelites. 3. IsraelitesThe people of God, recently delivered from Egyptian bondage, now in the wilderness, seeking guidance and leadership from Moses. 4. MidianThe region where Jethro is from, representing a place of wisdom and external counsel for Moses. 5. Judging the PeopleThe event where Moses is seen handling all disputes among the Israelites, leading to Jethro's intervention. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselJethro's intervention shows the value of seeking and heeding wise advice, especially from those who may have a different perspective. Delegation as a Leadership PrincipleMoses learns the necessity of delegating responsibilities to avoid burnout and ensure effective leadership. Humility in LeadershipMoses demonstrates humility by accepting Jethro's advice, a crucial trait for any leader. Community and Shared ResponsibilityThe restructuring of leadership among the Israelites emphasizes the importance of community and shared responsibility in achieving common goals. Sustainability in MinistryThe passage teaches the need for sustainable practices in ministry and leadership to prevent exhaustion and ensure long-term effectiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jethro's advice to Moses reflect the biblical principle of seeking wise counsel, and how can we apply this in our own decision-making processes? 2. In what ways can the delegation of responsibilities, as seen in this passage, be applied to modern church or organizational leadership? 3. How does Moses' response to Jethro's advice demonstrate humility, and why is this important for leaders today? 4. What parallels can you draw between the restructuring of leadership in Exodus 18 and the appointment of deacons in Acts 6? 5. Reflect on a time when you have been overwhelmed by responsibilities. How might the principles from this passage guide you in managing your workload more effectively? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 1:9-18This passage recounts Moses' acknowledgment of the burden of leadership and the appointment of leaders to assist him, echoing Jethro's advice. Acts 6:1-7The early church faces a similar situation where the apostles appoint deacons to handle practical matters, allowing them to focus on prayer and ministry of the word. Proverbs 11:14Highlights the importance of wise counsel, reinforcing the value of Jethro's advice to Moses. People Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Midian, RephidimTopics Doest, Father-in-law, Law, Moses's, RepliedDictionary of Bible Themes 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 Exodus 18:17-18 5634 work, and the fall
5901 loneliness Exodus 18:17-23 5582 tiredness Exodus 18:17-24 5779 advice
5780 advisers 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 18:17 NIVExodus 18:17 NLTExodus 18:17 ESVExodus 18:17 NASBExodus 18:17 KJV
Exodus 18:17 Commentaries
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