Exodus 18:24

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

Study Bible

Moses listened
The Hebrew root for "listened" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear intelligently, often with the implication of attention and obedience. In the ancient Near Eastern context, listening was not merely about auditory reception but involved a readiness to act upon what was heard. Moses, as a leader chosen by God, demonstrates humility and wisdom by being open to counsel. This act of listening is a model for leaders who must remain teachable and receptive to wise advice, even from those outside their immediate circle of influence.

to his father-in-law
The phrase "father-in-law" refers to Jethro, a Midianite priest. The Hebrew term is "חֹתֵן" (choten), indicating a familial relationship that carries respect and honor. Jethro's role as a priest suggests he was a man of wisdom and experience. In the cultural context, family ties were significant, and advice from a father-in-law would be considered valuable. This highlights the importance of respecting and valuing the insights of elders and those with different perspectives, even if they come from outside one's immediate faith community.

and did everything he said
The phrase underscores Moses' complete obedience to Jethro's advice. The Hebrew word for "did" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), meaning to accomplish or perform. This indicates that Moses not only heard the advice but implemented it fully. The historical context here is crucial; Moses was leading a large group of people through the wilderness, and Jethro's advice was practical and necessary for effective governance. This obedience reflects a biblical principle of acting upon wise counsel, which is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Proverbs 11:14, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. He is known for his humility and obedience to God.

2. Jethro
Moses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and offers wise counsel on leadership and delegation.

3. Israelites
The people of God, whom Moses is leading through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.

4. Midian
The region where Jethro comes from, representing a place of wisdom and counsel outside of the immediate Israelite community.

5. Delegation of Leadership
The event where Jethro advises Moses to appoint capable men to help judge the people, thus easing Moses' burden.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Wise Counsel
Seeking and heeding wise counsel is crucial for effective leadership. Moses' willingness to listen to Jethro demonstrates humility and wisdom.

Delegation as a Leadership Principle
Effective leaders delegate responsibilities to capable individuals, ensuring that tasks are managed efficiently and leaders are not overwhelmed.

Humility in Leadership
Moses' example shows that even great leaders need guidance and should be open to advice from others, regardless of their status or background.

Community and Shared Responsibility
The body of Christ functions best when responsibilities are shared among its members, allowing each person to use their gifts for the common good.

Obedience to Godly Advice
Acting on godly advice leads to better outcomes and aligns with God's will, as seen in Moses' implementation of Jethro's counsel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' response to Jethro's advice demonstrate humility, and why is this important for leaders today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of delegation in our personal and professional lives?

3. How does the concept of seeking wise counsel appear in other parts of the Bible, and what can we learn from these examples?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are open to receiving and acting on godly advice?

5. How can the church today implement the principle of shared responsibility to enhance its mission and ministry?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 11:16-17
This passage describes God instructing Moses to gather seventy elders to help bear the burden of leadership, reinforcing the principle of shared leadership.

Proverbs 11:14
Highlights the importance of having many advisers for success, which aligns with Jethro's advice to Moses.

Acts 6:1-7
The early church appoints deacons to manage daily tasks, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word, similar to Moses delegating responsibilities.