When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt;
Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,
And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:
And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:
And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:
And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.
And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.
And Moses told his father in law all that the Lord had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the Lord delivered them.
And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the Lord had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.
And Jethro said, Blessed be the Lord, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father in law before God.
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.
And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.
Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.
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 causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
Exodus 18 offers a refreshing interlude in the narrative, shifting from the dramatic exodus and miraculous provision to a practical lesson in leadership and delegation. It's a chapter filled with wisdom, humility, and a model for effective ministry that resonates even today. This chapter highlights the importance of heeding wise counsel, recognizing our limitations, and empowering others to serve alongside us. It's a reminder that even the most gifted leaders need support and that God often speaks through unexpected sources.
Jethro's Arrival and Recognition of God's Power (Exodus 18:1-12)
The chapter opens with Jethro, Moses' father-in-law and a priest of Midian, hearing about all that God had done for Israel in their deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 18:1). Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, had been staying with Jethro, likely for their safety during Moses' confrontations with Pharaoh (Exodus 18:2-3). They journey to meet Moses in the wilderness (Exodus 18:5-7). Moses recounts the incredible events of the Exodus to Jethro (Exodus 18:8), leading Jethro to declare, "Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians" (Exodus 18:10).
This is a pivotal moment. Jethro, a Midianite priest, acknowledges the supremacy and power of the God of Israel. He brings a burnt offering and sacrifices to God (Exodus 18:12), demonstrating his newfound faith and worship. It's important to note that Jethro was a Kenite (Judges 1:16), connected to Canaanite tribes (Genesis 15:19), and through Ham, of African descent. God's grace and wisdom extended beyond the Israelite nation, showing that He can use anyone, from any background, to accomplish His purposes.
The Burden of Leadership (Exodus 18:13-18)
Jethro observes Moses' demanding schedule and the overwhelming workload he has taken upon himself (Exodus 18:13). From morning till evening, the people stand in line, waiting for Moses to judge their disputes and teach them God's statutes (Exodus 18:13-16). Considering that the Israelite population consisted of six hundred thousand men, not including women and children, it is clear that this was an impossible task for one person.
Jethro, with keen insight, points out the unsustainable nature of Moses' approach: "What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone" (Exodus 18:17-18). Moses' heart was in the right place, desiring to help the people and seek God on their behalf (Exodus 18:15), but his method was flawed. He was becoming physically and emotionally exhausted, and the people were experiencing undue delays in receiving justice.
This scenario serves as a powerful reminder for leaders in any context. Even with the best intentions, we cannot do everything ourselves. Trying to bear the burdens alone leads to burnout and inefficiency. It's crucial to recognize our limitations and seek ways to share the load. Just as a large church with multiple staff members can still struggle to provide timely counseling, Moses faced an even greater challenge. Patience and understanding are needed for those who diligently serve and shepherd the people.
Jethro's Wise Counsel: Delegation and a Hierarchical System (Exodus 18:19-23)
Jethro offers Moses practical and God-centered advice (Exodus 18:19). He encourages Moses to continue serving as a mediator, representing the people before God and teaching them His laws (Exodus 18:19-20). However, he advises Moses to delegate the responsibility of judging minor disputes to capable individuals.
Jethro outlines specific qualities to look for in these leaders: they should be "able men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate dishonest gain" (Exodus 18:21). This emphasizes the importance of character and integrity in leadership. While skills and knowledge are valuable, a godly character is paramount. The qualities listed by Jethro foreshadow the qualifications Paul later outlines for church leaders in 1 Timothy 3:1-12 and Titus 1:6-9. Leaders should love God, know His Word, and live in accordance with it.
By establishing a hierarchical system of judges, with Moses handling only the most difficult cases (Exodus 18:22), the workload would be distributed, allowing Moses to endure and the people to receive timely justice (Exodus 18:23). This division of labor would also enable more people to be trained in applying God's Word to their lives.
This model highlights the importance of shared leadership in the church. Pastors and leaders are not meant to carry the burdens of the congregation alone. Wise, Word-centered lay leaders must share the load. This approach allows for more Christians to be trained to think biblically and to help their brothers and sisters do the same. It's a reminder that the body of Christ is built up through the contributions of many, not the efforts of a single individual.
Moses' Obedience and Jethro's Departure (Exodus 18:24-27)
Moses wisely listens to his father-in-law's advice and implements the suggested system (Exodus 18:24-26). He chooses capable leaders to serve as judges, and the people are able to receive justice more efficiently. Jethro then returns to his own land (Exodus 18:27).
This chapter concludes with a powerful illustration of God using a Gentile man to provide wise counsel for the effective administration of the entire Jewish nation. It demonstrates that wisdom can come from unexpected sources and that humility is essential for effective leadership. Moses' willingness to listen to Jethro's advice, despite his own position of authority, is a testament to his character and his commitment to serving God's people.
Exodus 18 offers valuable lessons for leaders and followers alike. It reminds us to seek wise counsel, recognize our limitations, empower others to serve, and prioritize character in leadership. By embracing these principles, we can build stronger communities and more effectively fulfill God's purposes.
When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt;
Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,
And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:
And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:
And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:
And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.
And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.
And Moses told his father in law all that the Lord had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the Lord delivered them.
And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the Lord had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.
And Jethro said, Blessed be the Lord, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father in law before God.
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.
And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.
Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.
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 causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
Exodus 18 offers a refreshing interlude in the narrative, shifting from the dramatic exodus and miraculous provision to a practical lesson in leadership and delegation. It's a chapter filled with wisdom, humility, and a model for effective ministry that resonates even today. This chapter highlights the importance of heeding wise counsel, recognizing our limitations, and empowering others to serve alongside us. It's a reminder that even the most gifted leaders need support and that God often speaks through unexpected sources.
Jethro's Arrival and Recognition of God's Power (Exodus 18:1-12)
The chapter opens with Jethro, Moses' father-in-law and a priest of Midian, hearing about all that God had done for Israel in their deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 18:1). Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, had been staying with Jethro, likely for their safety during Moses' confrontations with Pharaoh (Exodus 18:2-3). They journey to meet Moses in the wilderness (Exodus 18:5-7). Moses recounts the incredible events of the Exodus to Jethro (Exodus 18:8), leading Jethro to declare, "Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians" (Exodus 18:10).
This is a pivotal moment. Jethro, a Midianite priest, acknowledges the supremacy and power of the God of Israel. He brings a burnt offering and sacrifices to God (Exodus 18:12), demonstrating his newfound faith and worship. It's important to note that Jethro was a Kenite (Judges 1:16), connected to Canaanite tribes (Genesis 15:19), and through Ham, of African descent. God's grace and wisdom extended beyond the Israelite nation, showing that He can use anyone, from any background, to accomplish His purposes.
The Burden of Leadership (Exodus 18:13-18)
Jethro observes Moses' demanding schedule and the overwhelming workload he has taken upon himself (Exodus 18:13). From morning till evening, the people stand in line, waiting for Moses to judge their disputes and teach them God's statutes (Exodus 18:13-16). Considering that the Israelite population consisted of six hundred thousand men, not including women and children, it is clear that this was an impossible task for one person.
Jethro, with keen insight, points out the unsustainable nature of Moses' approach: "What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone" (Exodus 18:17-18). Moses' heart was in the right place, desiring to help the people and seek God on their behalf (Exodus 18:15), but his method was flawed. He was becoming physically and emotionally exhausted, and the people were experiencing undue delays in receiving justice.
This scenario serves as a powerful reminder for leaders in any context. Even with the best intentions, we cannot do everything ourselves. Trying to bear the burdens alone leads to burnout and inefficiency. It's crucial to recognize our limitations and seek ways to share the load. Just as a large church with multiple staff members can still struggle to provide timely counseling, Moses faced an even greater challenge. Patience and understanding are needed for those who diligently serve and shepherd the people.
Jethro's Wise Counsel: Delegation and a Hierarchical System (Exodus 18:19-23)
Jethro offers Moses practical and God-centered advice (Exodus 18:19). He encourages Moses to continue serving as a mediator, representing the people before God and teaching them His laws (Exodus 18:19-20). However, he advises Moses to delegate the responsibility of judging minor disputes to capable individuals.
Jethro outlines specific qualities to look for in these leaders: they should be "able men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate dishonest gain" (Exodus 18:21). This emphasizes the importance of character and integrity in leadership. While skills and knowledge are valuable, a godly character is paramount. The qualities listed by Jethro foreshadow the qualifications Paul later outlines for church leaders in 1 Timothy 3:1-12 and Titus 1:6-9. Leaders should love God, know His Word, and live in accordance with it.
By establishing a hierarchical system of judges, with Moses handling only the most difficult cases (Exodus 18:22), the workload would be distributed, allowing Moses to endure and the people to receive timely justice (Exodus 18:23). This division of labor would also enable more people to be trained in applying God's Word to their lives.
This model highlights the importance of shared leadership in the church. Pastors and leaders are not meant to carry the burdens of the congregation alone. Wise, Word-centered lay leaders must share the load. This approach allows for more Christians to be trained to think biblically and to help their brothers and sisters do the same. It's a reminder that the body of Christ is built up through the contributions of many, not the efforts of a single individual.
Moses' Obedience and Jethro's Departure (Exodus 18:24-27)
Moses wisely listens to his father-in-law's advice and implements the suggested system (Exodus 18:24-26). He chooses capable leaders to serve as judges, and the people are able to receive justice more efficiently. Jethro then returns to his own land (Exodus 18:27).
This chapter concludes with a powerful illustration of God using a Gentile man to provide wise counsel for the effective administration of the entire Jewish nation. It demonstrates that wisdom can come from unexpected sources and that humility is essential for effective leadership. Moses' willingness to listen to Jethro's advice, despite his own position of authority, is a testament to his character and his commitment to serving God's people.
Exodus 18 offers valuable lessons for leaders and followers alike. It reminds us to seek wise counsel, recognize our limitations, empower others to serve, and prioritize character in leadership. By embracing these principles, we can build stronger communities and more effectively fulfill God's purposes.