Exodus 18:21-23

21 "Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people 1able men 2who fear God, men of truth, those who 3hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.
22 "Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be 4that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and 5they will bear the burden with you.
23 "If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace."

Exodus 18:21-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 18

This chapter gives an account of Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, with Zipporah his daughter, the wife of Moses, and her two sons, meeting him in the wilderness, who was kindly received by him, Ex 18:1-7 and on Moses' relating the great things God had done for Israel, Jethro expressed his joy on that account, gave praise to God, offered sacrifice, and kept a feast with the elders of Israel, Ex 18:8-12, and observing the constant and fatiguing business Moses had on his hands from morning to evening in judging the people, Ex 18:13-18, he gave him advice to appoint persons under him to receive laws and ordinances from him, he should have from God, and, according to them, judge and govern the people under them, some being rulers of thousands, others of hundreds, others of fifties, and some of tens, Ex 18:19-23, which counsel was acceptable to Moses, and he took it, Ex 18:24-26 and the chapter is concluded with their friendly parting, Ex 18:27.

Cross References 5

  • 1. Exodus 18:25; Deuteronomy 1:13, 15; 2 Chronicles 19:5-10; Psalms 15:1-5; Acts 6:3
  • 2. Genesis 42:18; 2 Samuel 23:3
  • 3. Deuteronomy 16:19
  • 4. Deuteronomy 1:17, 18
  • 5. Numbers 11:17

Footnotes 9

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.