and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about teaching rules; it highlights that the instruction must cover both the general path of life ("the way") and the specific actions required ("the work"). This means discipleship involves not just understanding God's principles but also learning how to practically apply them in daily life.
and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is overwhelmed by the constant stream of people seeking judgment and divine guidance, to the point of exhaustion. His father-in-law, Jethro, observes this and advises Moses to establish a system of leaders to handle lesser matters, freeing Moses to focus on significant issues and direct communication with God. This advice leads to the establishment of a structured leadership within Israel, as detailed in the following verses.
Ever feel like following God is just a list of do's and don'ts? This verse breaks that down.
Moses is instructed to teach the Israelites not just abstract 'laws,' but also specific 'ordinances.' Think of 'ordinances' as detailed instructions or decrees – like the ceremonial laws for worship or specific commands for daily life. 'Laws' are the broader principles and moral regulations. Jethro's counsel to Moses highlights that true teaching involves both the granular details and the overarching framework of God's will. It's about understanding the 'what' and the 'why' behind God's commands, covering both religious practice and daily conduct.
Knowing the rules is one thing, but what about actually living them out? This verse connects the two.
Jethro’s advice, as captured in this verse, distinguishes between 'the way they must walk' and 'the work that they must do.' The 'way' refers to the general direction and purpose of their lives – the overall path of obedience and faithfulness to God. It’s the overarching lifestyle. 'The work' refers to the specific actions and responsibilities each person is called to fulfill within that way. It's about practical application. This reminds us that faith isn't just about knowing what's right; it's about actively doing it, day by day, in our specific roles and circumstances.
Moses was doing God's work, but it was burning him out. This story offers a timeless lesson for anyone feeling swamped.
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The context here is crucial: Moses was literally sitting from morning till night judging the people. Jethro, his father-in-law, saw this and recognized it was unsustainable. He advised Moses to delegate the smaller matters to capable, God-fearing leaders, freeing Moses to focus on the weighty matters and direct communication with God. This isn't about avoiding responsibility, but about wise stewardship of energy and resources. It teaches that effective ministry and leadership often involve building and empowering others, ensuring that the essential tasks are covered without the primary leader becoming an unsustainable bottleneck.
Understand the original words
zāhar · Hebrew Verb
To admonish, caution, or instruct clearly, often with a sense of urgency. It involves conveying authoritative knowledge to prevent error or to ensure adherence to God's expectations.
derek · Hebrew Noun
The manner of life, conduct, or moral direction that a person follows. In Scripture, it signifies the path of obedience and faith that aligns with God's commands.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, God miraculously delivers the Israelites from Egypt under Moses' leadership.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
God gives the Ten Commandments and the full Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing the covenant relationship with Israel.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Jethro's Visit to Moses
Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, visits the Israelite camp and observes Moses laboring alone to judge the people's disputes.
c. 1446 BC
Reorganization of Israel's Justice System
Following Jethro's counsel, Moses establishes a system of judges to handle smaller matters, freeing him to focus on the most significant cases and direct divine instruction.
This passage echoes the call to teach God's commands, emphasizing that God's ways should be woven into the fabric of daily life and passed down diligently.
Proverbs 2:1-5It highlights the active pursuit of wisdom and understanding, paralleling the need to 'know the way' and 'what they must do' by seeking God's truth earnestly.
Matthew 28:20Jesus' Great Commission to 'teach them to obey everything I have commanded you' directly reflects the mandate to instruct in God's statutes and the path of obedience.
Colossians 1:9-10This prayer for believers shows a desire for them to be filled with knowledge and understanding, walking in a manner pleasing to God and bearing fruit, much like the instruction given in Exodus.
Hebrews 12:1The imagery of 'running with perseverance the race marked out for us' connects to being shown the 'way wherein they must walk' and the 'work that they must do,' urging a determined path of faith.
clarkeExodus 18:20: "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."
Thou shalt teach them ordinances - חקים chukkim, all such precepts as relate to the ceremonies of religion and political economy. And laws, התורת hattoroth, the instructions relative to the whole system of morality. And shalt show them the way - אה הדרך eth hadderech, That very Way, that only way, which God himself has revealed, and in which they…
calvinExodus 18:13-27: "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?
Et videns socer Mosis omnia quae faciebat ipse erga populum, dixit, Quid est quod tu facis populo? quare tu sedes solus, e…
This verse isn't just about teaching rules; it highlights that the instruction must cover both the general path of life ("the way") and the specific actions required ("the work"). This means discipleship involves not just understanding God's principles but also learning how to practically apply them in daily life.
Moses is overwhelmed by the constant stream of people seeking judgment and divine guidance, to the point of exhaustion. His father-in-law, Jethro, observes this and advises Moses to establish a system of leaders to handle lesser matters, freeing Moses to focus on significant issues and direct communication with God. This advice leads to the establishment of a structured leadership within Israel, as detailed in the following verses.
Moses is overwhelmed by the constant stream of people seeking judgment and divine guidance, to the point of exhaustion. His father-in-law, Jethro, observes this and advises Moses to establish a system of leaders to handle lesser matters, freeing Moses to focus on significant issues and direct communication with God. This advice leads to the establishment of a structured leadership within Israel, as detailed in the following verses.
"and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do." — This verse isn't just about teaching rules; it highlights that the instruction must cover both the general path of life ("the way") and the specific actions required ("the work"). This means disciple…
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Last reviewed October 2026