◄ Exodus 18:23 ►
If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace."
Study Bible
If you do this
This phrase introduces a conditional statement, suggesting a course of action that is contingent upon the listener's choice. In the context of Exodus 18, Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, is advising Moses on how to manage the burden of leadership. The Hebrew root for "do" is עָשָׂה (asah), which means to make or accomplish. This implies an active, intentional effort on Moses' part. The historical context here is significant, as Moses is leading a large group of Israelites through the wilderness, and the task is overwhelming. Jethro's advice is practical and wise, emphasizing the importance of delegation and shared responsibility.

and God so directs you
This phrase underscores the necessity of divine guidance in decision-making. The Hebrew word for "directs" is צָוָה (tsavah), meaning to command or appoint. Jethro acknowledges that while human wisdom is valuable, it must be aligned with God's will. This reflects a conservative Christian perspective that prioritizes seeking God's direction in all aspects of life. The historical context is that Moses is not just a leader but a prophet, and his actions must be in accordance with God's commands.

you will be able to endure
The promise of endurance is contingent upon following the advice and God's direction. The Hebrew word for "endure" is עָמַד (amad), which means to stand or remain. This suggests stability and perseverance, qualities essential for leadership. In the wilderness journey, Moses faced numerous challenges, and the promise of endurance would have been reassuring. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this highlights the belief that reliance on God's guidance provides the strength needed to face life's challenges.

and all these people
This phrase refers to the Israelites, the community Moses is leading. The Hebrew word for "people" is עַם (am), which denotes a group bound by common identity and purpose. The historical context is the formation of a nation, transitioning from slavery in Egypt to becoming God's chosen people. This emphasizes the communal aspect of faith and leadership, where the well-being of the entire community is considered.

will go home
The phrase "go home" implies a return to a place of rest and security. The Hebrew root for "home" is בַּיִת (bayit), meaning house or dwelling. In the wilderness context, this is metaphorical, as the Israelites are journeying toward the Promised Land, their future home. From a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate rest and security found in God's promises.

in peace
The word "peace" is translated from the Hebrew שָׁלוֹם (shalom), which encompasses completeness, welfare, and tranquility. It is a holistic peace that includes physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In the biblical narrative, peace is often associated with God's presence and blessing. For the Israelites, peace would mean not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of God's favor as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this peace is a reflection of the peace believers find in Christ, who reconciles and restores.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, tasked with guiding them through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.

2. Jethro
Moses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and offers him wise counsel on how to manage the burden of leadership.

3. Israelites
The people of God, who have been delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now journeying through the wilderness under Moses' leadership.

4. Midian
The region where Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, comes from. It is significant as a place of refuge for Moses before he returned to Egypt to lead the Israelites out.

5. Wilderness
The setting of the Israelites' journey, representing both physical and spiritual challenges as they learn to trust and obey God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Wise Counsel
Seeking advice from godly and experienced individuals can provide clarity and direction in leadership and personal decisions.

Delegation as a Leadership Principle
Effective leadership involves recognizing one's limitations and empowering others to share responsibilities, ensuring sustainability and peace.

God's Guidance in Decision-Making
While human advice is valuable, it is crucial to seek God's direction to ensure that decisions align with His will and purpose.

Endurance Through Shared Burdens
Sharing responsibilities not only lightens the load for leaders but also fosters community and peace among the people.

Peace as a Result of Orderly Leadership
When leadership is structured and responsibilities are clearly defined, it leads to peace and satisfaction within the community.
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 lives?

2. In what ways can we practice delegation in our personal, professional, or church responsibilities to prevent burnout and promote peace?

3. How does the concept of shared leadership in Exodus 18:23 connect with the early church's approach in Acts 6:1-7, and what lessons can we learn from this?

4. What role does prayer and seeking God's direction play in making decisions, especially when receiving advice from others?

5. How can we ensure that our leadership or participation in community activities leads to peace and order, as seen in the outcome of Jethro's advice to Moses?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 1:9-18
This passage recounts Moses' implementation of Jethro's advice, showing the practical application of shared leadership among the Israelites.

Acts 6:1-7
The early church faced a similar challenge of managing growing responsibilities, leading to the appointment of deacons to assist the apostles, reflecting the wisdom of shared leadership.

Proverbs 11:14
This verse highlights the importance of wise counsel, reinforcing the principle that seeking advice leads to success and stability.
Sermons
Jethro's AdviceD. Young Exodus 18:13-26
Good Counsel Well TakenJ. Urquhart Exodus 18:13-27
The Appointment of JudgesJ. Orr Exodus 18:13-27
The Economy of ForceH.T. Robjohns Exodus 18:17-27
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, Zipporah
Places
Egypt, Midian, Rephidim
Topics
Able, Approval, Command, Commanded, Commands, Endure, Gives, Hast, Home, Peace, Satisfied, Stand, Strain, Tents, Weariness, Wilt
Dictionary 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 18:17-23

     5582   tiredness

Exodus 18:17-24

     5779   advice

Exodus 18:20-23

     5489   rank

Exodus 18:21-26

     7719   elders, as leaders

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 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

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